“A new festival?” “Indeed. I would truly appreciate your cooperation.”
It was an early summer evening when the Baron approached me with this proposal, scratching his head, which had gone completely white after he had long since given up on trying to dye it.
“Are we adding another one?” “As far as Polka is concerned, the current number isn’t even that high.” ”…Ah, well, I suppose not. For Polates alone, there’s the New Year’s Festival, the Spring Festival, and the Harvest Festival.”
I counted them off on my fingers. When you add the Holy Beast Festival of Breakcore, the twice-yearly Spirit Festival of Celesta, the Tide Festival of Rapal, the Royal Capital’s Founding Festival, the Hero Festival of Renfangus, the “Day of the Dragon Exchange” in Carlwin, and the Liberation Festival of Grunge, I personally find myself in a situation where I’m conscious of festival preparations almost every single month. Then there’s the Elven Spirit Temple, which uses a unique calendar based on units of 100,000 days; they occasionally hold festivals at bizarre timings, which results in me being called away unexpectedly. Thanks to that, my schedule frequently gets derailed, and Tetes ends up scolding me. In that manner, because it felt like it was always some kind of festival, my sense of time had become somewhat warped.
“I know you are busy. But if you were to give us a word, the Elves would move, and through Lady Diane, the connection to the people of Celesta would be smooth as well.” “Yeah. I get that, but what kind of festival is it?” “An Arts Festival.” ”…An… Arts Festival?” “Indeed. I am determined to make it a success.”
Currently, an artists’ circle is forming in Polka, centered around Gloria-san and Lantz. It had been several years since Lantz had become Gloria-san’s apprentice, triggered by the occasion of Goat getting married and becoming a full-fledged family man. Blessed with an excellent master, and aided by his natural concentration and innate understanding of the female form, Lantz now energetically continues to produce original erotic scrolls that would rival those of a professional. Watching this progress, young people aspiring to be painters began to emerge from the former residents of Carlwin in Grunge; furthermore, figures like Julio—the acrobatic sculptor and Diane-san’s brother—and various sculptural artists from the Northern Forest naturally gathered, causing artistic works to proliferate in certain districts. The Baron, who had supported Lantz as a patron since he first began painting, had been building galleries one after another to house these works. However, since the primary artists were Gloria-san and Lantz, the collection consisted almost entirely of paintings of nude women. It wasn’t exactly something he would recommend promoting too loudly. However, it seems he felt that, given the current era—where traditions are becoming pleasantly lighter through diverse cultures—he might as well take the plunge and promote them grandly alongside other sculptures, conveying the true brilliance of Lantz and the others’ work.
It certainly is a waste to let them be enjoyed only by a handful of enthusiasts. The district housing the studios has become like another world, lined with sculptures and murals; the scenery is so captivating that it’s hard to believe this is all being done by hobbyists in the middle of the deep countryside. The galleries are even more impressive; it’s hard to believe that, for now, they are simply displaying whatever Gloria-san and her apprentice have produced without even assigning them a price. Since joining my collection as a female slave, Gloria-san no longer has to worry about making a living, so she lacks any desire for fame. Her only motivation is to keep painting at a steady pace, fueled by the simple joy of seeing me, Lantz, the Baron, or Old Man Harry delighted by her work. Though it took longer than expected, she has been blessed with a child, and with disciples gathering from Grunge and the Northern Forest, she seems happy—but the Baron apparently felt that wasn’t enough.
“And so, they are planning to hold a new arts festival at the start of autumn. Since the occasion is here, I want to help build the hype from our end as well.”
Night. I returned to “Vapor Palace” and brought up the subject to the girls gathered in the dining hall. Among those gathered were some of my female slaves wearing collars, several dragons, cat-folk who had just come to play, the prostitutes from “Cosmos Emporium,” and Elven women from the Northern Forest. Within the Palace, the rule was that undressing was optional—a rule primarily intended for the Blue Dragons and certain female slaves who had developed a penchant for exposure—but with the exception of the Elven women who weren’t used to it and those who frequently went in and out, more than half the girls were basically naked all day long.
“Then what are we doing? Are we going to stand next to the paintings saying, ‘Here’s your model! ♪’?” “No, well, that might be effective in a sense, but that’s not quite it.” It was Cosmos-san who spoke with such blunt boldness while feeding two of the girls. In fact, Lantz had produced a considerable number of paintings using Cosmos-san, Hilda-san, and Lyra as models. However, while that might be exciting for the viewer, it wasn’t quite right for the purpose of promoting an arts festival. “There are many girls here at the Palace. I think it would be good to hold something like an amateur works competition among us.” “Aren’t they doing that kind of recruitment in the city?” “They are, but apparently, they don’t expect much of a turnout.” Materials like canvases, paints, and brushes aren’t things you can just gather easily on a whim. For a complete amateur household, painting is a high hurdle to clear. However, within the Palace, such tools can be easily acquired and shared, and it is easy to use the dragons to source them from the city. It doesn’t have to be paintings; it could be sculptures, and I and Jeanne can provide the necessary tools for that. “Gloria-san said she would provide instruction for beginners, so I want anyone interested to give it a try.” “Is there a reward?”
Oregano raises her hand to ask a question. Beside her are the Laurier parent and child. And, naturally, they are both naked.
“As for the reward… uh, what should I do?”
I scratch my head, thinking for a moment.
And then.
”…As a participation prize, this. One Andy Coin. To be given to everyone.”
I snap my fingers.
It’s a “Reward Voucher” I made by imitating the “Isabelle Coin” from Cosmos Emporium. If used, the recipient can demand a handmade present from me, or ask a dragon to take them wherever they like.
…Initially, there was no option to be carried by a dragon, but Emma proposed it to reduce my workload, and it was adopted. As for the usage rate… it’s not particularly high, but it happens occasionally. The most frequent user is Narys.
A “present” could be as simple as a few hours of a date. Though, even when it’s called a “date,” things tend to turn erotic quickly. If I spend time without a specific purpose, people tend to gather around until it turns into a group session, so being able to formally demand one-on-one intimacy is, by now, a quite rare privilege.
I can’t help but think that this coin might not be all that appealing to those who aren’t female slaves, but it is currently very popular because, when I focus my efforts, even the girls from the brothel group can experience a complete, frenzied climax.
If you work hard every night for over a decade with people like Hilda-san, Cosmos-san, and Gloria-san, your skills improve. And they certainly have.
“So, if you win… what would be good? Anyway, I’ll make something special.”
I made a rather vague declaration, and just as I thought it might not be motivating enough, the girls erupted in excitement.
Am I really that highly regarded? Even as a craftsman?
…Or so I thought, but then—
”…If I win… can we try… making a baby, seriously?”
It was Maia who asked, timidly. Naturally, she was naked.
”…I’ll take that into consideration, but we already do that all the time, don’t we?”
“Not just, you know, two or three rounds and then finished. I mean with the momentum to fuck me dozens of times until I’m pregnant.”
”…Fine, but…”
I tried to add that we should be careful since there were children around, but my words were completely drowned out by the sheer roar of the crowd’s excitement.
…Is that what everyone wants? Well, I suppose since this is Polka, things can get a bit intense and heal quickly.
The only ones usually residing in the Palace are children who have reached consciousness, basically up to about 4 or 5 years old. Once they get older, they move their base of operations elsewhere.
There are children in the Sympson household, such as Jeanne and Selene, but most of the female slaves now have homes of their own. The majority live in their mothers’ houses.
As for those who aren’t female slaves… well, they each return to their respective homelands to be raised. Most girls who engage in sex but haven’t become female slaves lack the resolve to completely sever their ties with their hometowns.
By the way, among the girls from the Cosmos Emporium brothels, there are a few who have somewhat carelessly given birth to my babies. Or rather, since they all gave birth after returning to Talc without any particular notice, I accidentally ended up with the eldest child (the child of the white fox girl, Felicia-jou). I mean, she just casually mentioned it after a battle was over.
Because of that, I am now extremely strict about checking if a girl who is tempting me might be my own child.
“I want to make sure the things I do with my daughter are a one-time thing.”
“As long as it isn’t forced, isn’t it fine?”
“I think Selene is the one who should be the most angry about this kind of matter!?”
“If I were forcibly violated by my Papa, I would definitely grow to hate sex. But if I love Papa and am lusting after him, and then the person themselves rejects it, I think they would end up recoiling from their own instincts and becoming distorted in their own way.”
”…Uh…”
“I just think a child’s happiness comes first~”
Selene says, smiling at her own pace while washing the dishes.
Hmm.
Is Selene’s concern not about the fact that I’m having sex with a child itself, but rather “whether or not they will be hurt by the sex”?
She ignores the fact that I have sex with others as if it’s perfectly natural… well, it’s too late to even bring that up now, but as for social issues like public perception… it’s likely because she grew up as a half-elf who was essentially cast out by society that she doesn’t care at all.
As for the issues regarding bloodline concentration… Irina always says, “A little bit isn’t a big deal; it can be handled with magic. It’s a different story if it goes on for dozens of generations,” so I suppose that’s just how it is.
No, no, no. Still, though…
“No matter how much the person involved might want it, I cannot condone Peter attacking his mother or other female slaves.”
“Well, that’s only natural. Aside from the children, the female slaves belong solely to you, Andy-san.”
“So you can accept my daughter getting handsy with her father, but not this…?”
“I think you should realize more deeply that you are a special, exceptional person, Andy-san. You are someone capable of bringing happiness to dozens, even hundreds of women. Only those who have come to accept that will approach you. It’s just… unfortunately, that isn’t the case for Peter-kun. …That’s all. If it’s you, Andy-san, I believe you could make even your own daughter… well, any woman… happy.”
”…Sometimes, I…”
”?”
”…I just have to reaffirm that your way of thinking is actually quite messed up.”
“Do you really think so? I’m simply a realist! ♪”
What does it even mean to be a “realist”? It makes me want to get philosophical.
Among the children, Peter was, of course, the first to be recognized as my son. However, since he is a half-dwarf, his growth is a bit slow. He should be slightly older than Elenia, who has recently begun to shed her toddler look and grow quite slender, but visually, he looks like he’s barely even ten years old. Apparently, dwarves don’t grow very tall to begin with, and while they tend to retain a child-like physique until suddenly sprouting beards and excessive muscle, Peter hasn’t shown any such features that would detract from his childhood appearance yet. However, his voice is a bit deep and raspy for a ten-year-old. He’s already entering puberty.
“Hey, Pop. Can I enter the Vapor competition too?”
“You can, but… can you even draw?”
“I haven’t drawn much, but I can make decent little dolls.”
With a look of pride, Peter brought a handmade doll from his room. It was a knight figurine made of lead. …Ah, I remember making one of those with my old man, too.
“I’ve already made twenty of them. Grandpa says they’re ready to be sold.”
“Please stop calling Jackie-san ‘Grandpa.’ It confuses me.”
Usually, Jackie-san is the one looking after Peter. Though she’s passed fifty, she’s still very much an active blacksmith. Perhaps because she feels lonely since Sara-chan got married, she has been particularly fond of Peter lately.
“But saying they’re ready for sale is a bit of an exaggeration. The fine details are sloppy. You have to finish them more carefully, Peter.”
“Tch, Pop, you’re always nitpicking.”
“Your sense of design isn’t bad. I’m saying don’t cut corners. You’ll be laughed at in the competition if you try to pull stunts like this.”
“Yeah, yeah. …Anyway, if I win an award, I want an allowance increase.”
“How much money do you need? What are you even going to use it for?”
“That’s… I-It’s none of your business what I use it for!”
My son stammered, looking a bit embarrassed. Hah. Did he really think he could hide it from his father? In this Polka, there aren’t many places for a child to spend money. He’ll probably just buy some souvenir from a traveling merchant to give to a girlfriend.
“Only if you win an award. Even though they’re all amateurs, elves and dragons are participating, so it won’t be easy.”
“Heh. I don’t feel like I’ll lose to anyone except Mom.”
I feel a slight sense of dread toward my overly confident child. Am I spoiling him too much?
Note: It was later revealed that the reason for his request for an allowance increase was that he had tried to secretly touch one of the prostitutes from Cosmos-san’s group, who was flaunting her nakedness at the Palace, only to be teased: “If you want to do naughty things with us, you’ll have to bring some money! ♪”
About one week later. The girls of the Palace had begun venturing outside to engage in activities like sketching, and Polka was suddenly experiencing an artistic boom.
“It’s a good opportunity. Polka is a wonderful town, but it lacked this kind of cultural enrichment.”
Christie narrowed her eyes as she watched the art boom, which the townspeople and the stationed crossbow unit had also begun to join. Come to think of it, she was right. While the people were glowing with healthy beauty thanks to the Spirit Spring, the town lacked a certain aesthetic flair.
…Though part of the reason was also because Gloria, our lead artist, had been drawing nothing but erotic art. And yet, amidst all that, there was Elenia, painting the forest landscape with complete seriousness. ”…Uh, Ele? You’re getting an allowance increase too, right?” “An increase? There’s nothing to spend it on around here. Besides, was it Peter or Claudio who started talking about this?” Claudio is Hilda’s child. Right now, he’s about the same size as Peter. Unlike the rambunctious Peter, this one is quite shy. Because of that, he’s a total mama’s boy, growing up under the full warmth of Hilda’s maternal love. ”…Don’t you have any demands, like… a reward or something?” ”…I do, but I’ll tell you if I win an award.” Elenia said this while painting, her face set in a pout. …The “doting father” filter in my head makes me think even her pouting profile is cute. And as I watched her for a while, I felt a sense of satisfaction, thinking that perhaps I shouldn’t have voiced such tactless concerns. I started to think that the fact Elenia has been wandering around the Palace naked more than ever before, or the way she keeps trying to get me to touch her—maybe it’s just that her sense of shame regarding nudity has been broken by the environment, and her true feelings are simply a strong desire to be more filial or to act spoiled with me as her father. Yes. That must be it. The fact that her mother, Selene, is strangely lax about incest is surely just a coincidence.
Then came the Arts Festival. People flocked from Grange, from the north, and from Celesta and Renfangas, enjoying the paintings and sculptures placed throughout the town. …While the crucial works by the master and apprentice, Gloria and Lanz, only made up about twenty percent of what was displayed, the sheer difference in quality undoubtedly captured the hearts of viewers, drawing them to the gallery and securing many buyers, so it could be considered a success in practical terms. Then, the main competition was held at the Baron’s estate. The Grand Prize selected by the judges was… none other than Maia’s “Scale Statue.” She had gathered broken dragon scales to create a miniature dragon statue. There were some opinions that using such superior materials was a bit unfair, but since it hadn’t been prohibited, they decided it wasn’t right to disqualify her, and she took the prize.
While gold and silver went to others, Elenia’s “Single Cedar of the Forest” narrowly secured the bronze award.
And so. “Ah… um, Ele? If it’s possible, as your papa…” “So you won’t grant my wish even though I won an award?” The Palace at night, in a corner of the bath area. As expected, I am being pinned down by Elenia. ”…Listen, okay? Papa wants to grant your wishes too, Ele. But, you see…” “So you won’t.” ”…” “I hate you.” “Guh…! L-Listen, Ele. It’s not that I won’t do it at all, it’s just… I think it’s still a bit too early for you.” “Then at what age will it be okay!?” “No, really, just wait a little longer, Ele. Please?” The girls of the Palace were all watching us with gentle, almost heartwarming expressions.
…After much begging, I was spared—just for today. I-I don’t want to be hated. If Elenia hates me, I’ll die. …Though I might not last very long.