The sudden dissolution of the Empire’s strongest party. I’ve decided to travel freely through life with my cute companion.
The afternoon’s work was completed while the sun was still bright.
Thanks to the mortar being readily prepared, the tasks progressed quickly.
After finishing the work, we lined up to receive our wages.
Finally, I was free from this apron.
“We were a bit behind schedule, but we managed to catch up. I added a little bonus, so I hope you’ll help us again,” said the site supervisor, handing me and Mastema our wages.
“If the opportunity arises,” I replied.
“Yeah, if it does,” Mastema added.
I received eight silver coins, while Mastema got six.
Judging by what I saw of the other workers, most received around three coins.
Perhaps we were given slightly better treatment.
This should cover a few days’ lodging expenses.
If I can save up about 100 silver coins, I’d like to switch to a proper residency permit.
On the way back, I spotted a public bathhouse. Considering hygiene, it made sense for it to exist, even in this era.
“Shall we take a bath? I’m sweaty and covered in dust.”
“You’re getting a tan, Ahavain,” Mastema remarked.
“And you’re as pale as ever. Well, that’s to be expected.”
Demons don’t tan, I guess. It’s probably treated as damage to them.
Humans, naturally, get sunburned after working so long under the sun.
The bathwater was clean, and the facility well-maintained.
Perhaps because we finished early, the bathhouse wasn’t crowded, allowing me to enjoy it leisurely.
Even though wiping my body with a damp towel could suffice for cleanliness, there’s no substitute for soaking in a hot bath—it’s pure bliss.
My fatigue seemed to dissolve along with my minor worries.
By the time I emerged, having soaked for a while, my energy and vitality were fully restored.
A bath really is essential.
I’m not sure how much Arnella and the others earn, but even if it’s minimal, I’ll cover their bath expenses out of my pocket.
The bath fee was surprisingly cheap.
Given the cost of fuel, I wondered if they were running at a loss.
Perhaps there was some kind of subsidy to keep prices intentionally low.
Considering the large number of laborers in this city, maintaining hygiene might be a necessary expense.
Mastema emerged a bit later. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hair was still damp, with droplets dripping from it.
Usually, Arnella would quickly attend to her, but this time, it was up to me.
Using the towel I purchased at the bathhouse, I thoroughly dried Mastema’s hair.
“Mmm, that feels nice,” she said contentedly.
“Glad to hear it.”
Once her hair was dry, Mastema stretched her body broadly.
“That work was kind of fun, wasn’t it? What are we playing at tomorrow?”
“It’s not play… but I guess it just looks like that to you.”
For demons, productive activities might hold little meaning. Procreation, however, seems to be a different matter.
Judging from her attitude, it would be better not to continue the same work.
If she gets bored, her mood will noticeably sour.
Though, Mastema probably wouldn’t act out immediately.
Once cleaned up, we returned to the inn, where Sepia had already arrived.
She had a stack of books and was reading intently.
Though she often exhibits childlike behavior, in moments like this, her composure and dignity shine through. Leading a magical academy at such a young age is no small feat.
Mastema, on the other hand, had gone straight to bed.
Sepia seemed to have just finished her book and noticed me.
“Welcome back. You’re early.”
“You’re back pretty early yourself, Sepia.”
“Of course! It’s the kind of job that would take several mediocre mages to handle, so I wrapped it up quickly. More importantly, books are ridiculously cheap in this city. They must be using printing presses or something.”
Books are typically luxury items.
Good-quality paper, fine ink, and accurate transcription methods—all of these make them expensive.
In most cases, they’re rented rather than purchased.
This is even truer for magic-related books.
“Even after buying all these, it only cost two silver coins. And just so you know, it’s not just intellectual curiosity—this is a necessary expense. I’ll hand over my other earnings, so it’s fine, right?”
“You’re the brains of our operation. It’s fine by me.”
“That’s why you’re the best, Ahavain! Besides, I remember everything I read, so I can resell the books and get some of the money back.”
Apparently, Sepia possesses a skill that grants her perfect memory.
She can replay anything she’s seen in her mind as if watching a video.
However, with the sheer volume of inherited memories from her lineage, finding specific information takes time. A very Sepia-like flaw.
I received the money she had earned: one gold coin and five silver coins.
The difference between physical labor and a mage’s earnings was stark.
The books she bought were written in a language similar to Imperial script.
While a bit difficult to read, it wasn’t impossible.
This city clearly carries the legacy of the empire. I’d like to learn how it came to fall.
Arnella and Noel returned a little later.
Apparently, they had been begged to stay not just for lunch but also dinner.
According to Arnella, they managed to leave by evening after some compromises.
“You two must be tired. How was it?”
“The place was lively. Despite being branded a high-end restaurant, it had a lot of ordinary families dining there,” Arnella said.
“They asked us to return. The pay was good, so I think it’s worth going back until things settle down,” added Noel.
Together, they earned 70 silver coins.
It was clear that Mastema and I had earned the least.
Arnella and Noel said their base pay was about the same as ours, but the tips they received from customers were substantial.
Even after giving half to the restaurant, this was what they earned.
Well, having Arnella and Noel serve you would surely make for a pleasant dining experience.
“The uniforms were a bit embarrassing, though.”
“The pants were short, which made it a little awkward.”
Their uniforms likely highlighted their leg beauty as part of the appeal.
Tomorrow, I’ll look for a better-paying job.
At this rate, my standing as the head of the household could be at risk.
Still, it’s a little disappointing not to make use of my best skills as an adventurer.
