After a hard day of leveling up, we finally retreated to the library. I felt completely exhausted. I was about ready to collapse on the floor. I only just managed to refresh myself and then go about the standard duties. The girls complained a lot less. I had to look strong for them.
"Master? What is going on with your friend?" Lydia asked as I cooked the food.
"Ah… they went on without me. I think they grew angry," I said simply.
"That's very dangerous. If Master wants, we can push ahead."
I thought about it, scratching my chin. "I'm really worried about them, but I don't want to be reckless either. Honestly, we've had several really close calls lately, and I'd rather not put us in any more danger if I can help it. We're in good shape now. I don't feel like we need to leave the dungeon, but I also don't want to risk anyone dying. I'll keep you all safe."
"M-master…" Miki suddenly spoke up. "This… person… wouldn't happen to be a girl, would it?"
Lydia didn't move, but her ears flicked at the words.
"She is a girl, and as it turns out, I was forced to enslave her." I sighed.
It was better to just be honest. Since they asked outright, I definitely wouldn't lie to these girls of mine. I held back a little before while things were emotional, but now that we were together, there was no reason I shouldn't come clean. I closed my eyes, waiting for the backlash. Considering how Celeste acted when she learned about these girls, then it wouldn't be surprising if these girls who were even closer to me acted even angrier.
"Ah!" Miki nodded casually. "So, it's that…"
"Another girl… she must be pretty if Master wants her." Lydia responded thoughtfully.
"Eh?" I opened my eyes to see that both girls had barely reacted at all. "You're not angry?"
Miki blinked. "Why would I be angry? Master is Master. Rather, isn't it natural that Master has many? It doesn't matter how many pretty women Master has because Miki will always be first."
Lydia nodded. "I was afraid at first that Master would leave me when Miki came, but after you almost died that one time, I've decided to appreciate the time I have with Master, rather than fight those who also realize Master's greatness. And then, you disappeared in this dungeon. If I hadn't had Miki by my side to support me, I don't know if I'd have made it. Having other women to lean on who feel the same way is wonderful. If anything, it is good that others realize how wonderful Master is. Plus… I will also always be Master's first… in a manner."
As Lydia blushed, I let out a breath of relief. It seemed like I was worrying over nothing. In the end, both girls had come to terms with each other, and with any future women I brought home. Wait! Future women? I wasn't planning anything like that! Two was already more than enough. Once I freed all three of them, I'll be lucky if even one girl stays by my side without slave affinity and Mina's Blessing.
"Actually… if he already made the other girl a slave, wouldn't that make Lydia his third?" Miki suddenly pointed out.
"Geh!" Lydia's calm expression quickly turned sour.
Leave it to Miki to start trouble just as we got through our problems.