I was on the way to the inn when I thought of something and looked at the twins. They were, first of all, walking barefoot. Next was their clothing. I didn't want them to wear such poor clothes which looked more like a rag than anything else.
Since they were my responsibilities, I wanted to at least redeem myself by offering them a better lifestyle. And that started with getting footwear and clothes.
I took them to a clothing store that had female clothing and undergarments.
When the twins realized my intention, they tried refusing, saying they had their maid clothes and it was only natural to have slaves dressed in shabby clothes. But I didn't listen to them. Call it my own selfishness, but I wanted to see them in better, possibly cute clothing. I told them that it would be such a waste to have them wear shabby rags when they had been endowed with such gorgeous figures. I felt embarrassed in myself, but I wasn't acting like myself since a while back. I even made them embarrassed since they were starting to blush.
I entered the shop with them and asked an attendant to get cute clothing and undergarments for them. That day was when I was made to realize that this world didn't have proper lingerie for women. However, there had some really decent nighty type clothes.
I asked them to buy a few sets of clothing and whatever else they needed. I even bought them a new pair of maid clothes since I really liked how they looked. The ones they had were rather plain and simple. It didn't suit my desire to see them in French maid-like getups. I was already using my right as a Master to do things that pleased me.
"Sir, I recommend these for your lovely slaves. I recon this shall enhance their charms by a lot."
The attendant recommended knee-high stockings to go with the clothing and without thinking too much, I bought them as well. By the end, they each had about 4-5 pairs of different clothing for daily, work, and nighttime use.
"Master, is it really okay for us to have so much luxury?"
The long-haired twin pleaded that this much was excessive. But I didn't regret a single penny spent since I would be the one who would be seeing them in those cute clothes.
"Yes, it's fine. I want you to look nice. So, please go along with my selfishness if possible."
By the way, from this experience, I also learned that the twins had pretty different tastes when it came to clothing. The long-haired twin preferred longer dress-like clothing which emphasized comfort but also looked great with her body features; the bob-cut twin with short hair preferred shorter and higher exposure clothing.
Even as identical twins, you could have different tastes in things, huh. Well, they are different people inside after all.
I thought as I bought them footwear.
With this, our shopping was done. I took all the cloth bags they were carrying, including their bundles, and put them in my Inventory. They resisted by saying they must carry their Master's belongings but I told them that I had an
That's really strange.
I would never be cheered up if I was told I would have to do housework. I could only guess that they had a greater sense of duty than me. I would be fine living in my room, watching anime, and playing games all day.
Ah, I miss those days of lying around all day and scrolling through my phone's screen, binge-watching anime, and playing video games. Damn, I wish I had my phone with me, at least. Sadly it still won't be of much help without the internet.
If only this world at least had the internet. Life would be so much better and convenient. Such was my wish.
But there was no meaning in asking for the impossible, so I headed towards the inn with my longing memories of things from Earth.
"By the way, it is already afternoon? Should we go to the restaurant first? There's a restaurant I really like. I think you guys will love the food there."
"Umm, Master, we had our breakfast today. And there's no need to waste money on us feeding in an expensive restaurant. We'll eat the leftovers." (Long-haired twin)
"Yes." (Short-haired twin)
The other one also nodded in agreement. Was that how it went normally with slaves? Well, I was not going to follow the tradition here though. I would feel bad about it, even if I was being shallow and hypocritical here.
"No, no. That won't do. I can't have you two eat leftovers. I don't even have leftovers. I would appreciate it if you can eat normally with me."
"Then, we'll gratefully eat anything Master offers." (Long-haired twin)
"Indeed. Whatever Master will give, we'll take happily." (Short-haired twin)
Since they agreed, I took them to the restaurant to have our lunch. I had to tell them explicitly to sit on the chair since they were going to sit on the floor beside me. It was going to be difficult to educate them on how to live normally if this was how they would act every time.
Sigh, this is what you get, bro. I hope you suffer more.
Oy, don't curse your own self, you idiot.
Shut up. Don't tell me what to do.
For some reason, I could hear two voices in my head. Was it the so-called angel and devil pair? Had they finally come to drag me to the deepest parts of hell?
The food I ordered was all the waitress's recommendations since I still couldn't make heads and tails of food. They tasted great as usual. I ordered the twins their separate portions from whatever they choose. They tried to be conservative by ordering the simplest and cheapest food but I ordered them to eat without any reservations. In the end, I had to go with the waitress's recommendation for them as well since they couldn't choose.
I didn't order any alcoholic beverages since I didn't know if they would have liked it. And because it was still morning and drinking alcohol at this time didn't seem right. I'm sure they didn't mind either.
I would buy them alcohol later if they ever so desired. It wasn't much of an expense.
"Pardon me, Master. The food was very delicious. I and my sister are truly grateful to have been given such kind treatment even though we are mere slaves." (Long-haired twin)
We reached the Moonbear Inn and I went to the counter to ask the innkeeper for an extra room but the twins quickly denied saying it's unthinkable for slaves to live away from their Masters in separate rooms since they were their Master's belongings.
I was troubled since the single room I was living won't be big enough for the three of us. So, I asked for a room with 3 beds but there was no such room available. They had a double bedroom available so I decided to go with that. If there's not enough space, I could just sleep on the floor. I had already bought my bedsheets and pillows.
Ah! I would have to buy more beds for the house now. Shit, I forgot!
Now with twins living in the house, I would have to buy two more beds for them.
Sigh. Well, I still have time. I'll buy them tomorrow.
I booked a double bedroom and after paying the rent for the next few days, till the house was ready to move in, I entered the room with the twins.
I sat on one of the beds near the window and started wondering.
What now? I have bought a house and even got myself two slaves instead of normal servants. What would be my next move?
I could partly see people walking down the main street. The window faced an alleyway but since I was in a room closer to the end, I could barely see that. They were probably going on about their business. None of them were in a situation similar to mine. In my hundreds of appraisals, I could only find locals.
Since I had no way to find about my world, I had already decided to stay here and do research through books and such.
I was thinking foolishly until I realized the twins were still standing near the closed door.
What? Why are they standing there? Do they even need permission to enter inside?
"Um, girls, please relax on the bed in front. I know it's cramped but after a few days we'll move to my new house and I'll have you two proper separate beds. Just compromise till then."
"Eh? Um, Master, is it really okay to do so much for us?" (Short-haired twins)
"We don't need anything fancy like separate beds. We can sleep on the floor or if Master wishes for nightly services then we could accompany you on your bed at night." (Long-haired twins)
"Whoa! Whoa! Hold your horses! I'm not going to ask you to give me 'nightly service' out of nowhere. And as for the beds, that's something I would appreciate if you get used to. I know slaves have a specific way they are treated here but I'm not from this country and don't understand the common sense associated with slavery. My world— hometown doesn't have the concept of slaves. So, for me, it's more like I'm your employer or something and you girls are my live-in employees or something."
So, it's only natural for me to treat you like other normal people and not as slaves. That's what I told them.
"So yeah, the point is, I want you girls to act like normal people. It troubles me whenever I see you act like something inferior like you don't have any rights as a human being."
They weren't doing anything wrong. It was I who was blurting out unreasonable demands that didn't align with this world's common sense.
However, it was uncomfortable for me. Every time I heard them act like that, it made me feel like trash. I was trash. But even then, I couldn't help but say such things. Maybe I wanted to redeem myself by treating them as normal people.
"…"
"…"
Both of them were silent for a while as they stared at first me and then at each other. Then, the long-haired twin spoke.
"Um, my sincerest apologies Master if we did something that offended you. We'll strive to not make such a mistake again."
"No, no, no! It-It's not your fault. You have done nothing wrong. I was just hoping you would act like normal people and not slaves. I know it doesn't make sense but could you please do it?"
Please let me feel somewhat redeemable.
The two appeared to be bewildered.
Shit, was it too weird after all? Gosh, what else could I do? I just couldn't handle their sub-standardness. They don't deserve that!
The two of them after a while nodded at each other, and the long-haired twin spoke again.
"Master. I think we've understood what kind of relationship you desire from us. And we'll try our best to not cause any inconveniences or act in a way that might make you feel uncomfortable. We may not be perfect but please allow us to give you our all."
"… Well, if you understand then it's all good. I am not asking you to suddenly change yourself. We will be living together from now on so let's understand each other and live a peaceful and happy life together."
""Yes, Master.""
Both of them replied with smiles on their faces. Such lovely girls. With this, they would not be so substandard and slowly but surely we'll reach an understanding and everything will be great.
The two of them sat on the bed opposite to mine and I decided to introduce them to my other companion for a change of pace. I also wanted to see their reactions to Shiro. Even if they knew, according to the contract they couldn't leak any information I didn't want them to. I didn't feel like using such tactics since I liked these girls but I had to, for precaution.
"By the way, there is one more companion who's going to be living with us in that house. It's not human, but don't be surprised; it is very well behaved. So I hope you girls can get along with it."