The current state of Polka features both the old town, characterized by many traditional, modestly built structures, and the new town, which utilizes timber and craftsmanship from the forest, occasionally even leveraging the dragons’ earth-moving capabilities. Renovations in the old town are gradually progressing.
After all, the original residents wouldn’t want to continue living in dilapidated homes while beautiful houses rise around them. The Baron’s initiative to purchase properties and rebuild them with the help of an elf master builder and Celesta’s ogre carpenters—such as the Cat Mansion—has also encouraged this trend.
Since the construction of Grandje, many ogre construction workers have been drawn to Polka’s charm and decided to relocate here; for them, it offers ideal employment opportunities.
During winter, their strength and height are highly valued for snow removal, and gradually, ogres have become an indispensable presence in Polka.
Thus, within just over 15 years of contact with the elves, Polka’s residential areas have expanded several-fold. Among these districts, one is particularly renowned for gathering alluring women.
That’s no surprise, given that former prostitutes from Cosmo’s establishment are moving there in succession.
The prostitutes originally employed by Cosmo Main Shop were rarely driven into their profession by debt or desperation; most chose to make sex their livelihood out of genuine inclination. Consequently, leaving the trade involves few entanglements, and many decide to settle permanently in Polka right after arriving.
While some maids from Onyx’s Maid Corps also retire to stay, that is quite rare. As the head maid once noted, maids generally don’t accumulate significant wealth, which may be a factor. Additionally, I suspect part of the reason lies in their peculiar quirk: they are a difficult group who simply desire to be used by someone after having served them.
To return to the main topic…
The former prostitutes from Cosmo Main Shop who have settled here often possess talents beyond sex due to the nature of their previous profession, such as culinary skills or business acumen. Furthermore, accustomed to men and different races, they can hold their own even when dealing with large-sized males without any disadvantage.
As a result, they are exceptionally well-suited to meet the emerging commercial demands of the rapidly expanding Polka.
“Master—over here?”
“Cosmo-san, it’s further back in this direction.”
Cosmo approaches me at the Vapor Palace’s invention workshop, where I’m tinkering with a new type of armor. Though slightly surprised that she’s properly dressed despite being inside the palace, I note that I too am wearing clothes today. After all, doing blacksmithing work naked is foolishness, yes?
“I’ve been investigating the living conditions of the former prostitutes from our East District branch, and today we’ve gathered preliminary findings… Well, everyone is running their businesses vigorously and robustly, which makes me quite proud.”
“Well, I assumed those from the Main Shop wouldn’t face hardship, but it’s good to hear they’re all doing well.”
Even with the immense wealth accumulated through the infamous “S & F Foundation,” the power of the slave girls’ original families, and the various blessings brought by dragons… my resources are not infinite.
Caring for the girls who became part of my household as female slaves is one thing; but taking on sole responsibility for the prostitutes who chose to support themselves independently is quite difficult. Moreover, expanding our scope to include those we’ve already let go would only broaden the range of dependents beyond reason.
That said, I do have a duty to lend a hand if they’re in trouble.
For this reason, I regularly ask Cosmo to check on their status. Yet, as befits women from a land of commerce, no woman has come to us begging for help thus far.
“Lin seems to be on the verge of divorce after an argument with her husband, but that’s between them. As for Shasta, she mentioned accidentally squeezing a customer’s… well, you know—just out of habit—and I had to scold her a bit.”
“Oh… Well, if they’re going to offer such services, they should at least file a report beforehand.”
Operating as prostitutes here requires business licenses approved by the Baron and managed by Cosmo. While minor side hustles can be overlooked, when livelihoods are at stake, territorial disputes and pricing conflicts inevitably arise, making it necessary from a public safety standpoint not to leave them unchecked. Furthermore, providing sexual services at massage parlors falls into a rather shady gray area.
Once customers know that a shop permits such requests, they proceed with that expectation in mind.
While formidable individuals like the former Mrs. Hilda, who accept challenges from anyone for free or even without charge, are exceptions, those who merely act on a whim can easily lead to trouble. It’s not impossible that someone might arrive expecting service based on rumors only to be denied, leading to unreasonable outbursts like, “Don’t joke with me!”
“So, this time too, we won’t allow any inappropriate advances here, correct?”
“Yes… Oh, several asked if they could come to the Palace for intimacy with you and Master; I confirmed it was acceptable.”
“Well… that’s fine, but of course, those who are already married were instructed to refrain, right?”
Those who did not become part of my harem include some who are normally married. I have no intention of disrupting their relationships.
Everyone tends to forget, but I am fundamentally cautious about forming relationships with girls. While I can be somewhat impulsive with those clearly free of other men’s influence, I generally dislike getting involved in conflicts just to pursue a girl.
“I’ve always conveyed Master’s wishes on this… but look, some girls have experienced other men and thus find it hard to forget your unique qualities…”
“Seriously, let’s drop that kind of thing!? If I get hated for it, I’ll be nothing but a perfect villain!” The legendary womanizer who is essentially the owner of this brothel and keeps a harem of over a hundred beauties in his hot spring haven. If he’s still reaching out to former prostitutes from time to time after quitting the life, there’s no way that doesn’t make him look like a scumbag.
“Don’t worry, even if you get called out for it, someone like Emma will stop them, so you’re fine~♪”
“That just makes your villainy accelerate, huh!?”
Honestly, everyone should try to find paths that don’t lead to misery—even if only one or two people can avoid crying because of it.
And now, the new type of armor I’m crafting by cutting into time meant for my children and female slaves. “Is it almost ready?” “I want to refine it a bit more. It could be done as is, but I feel like we can still add something special.” As a “new type,” this armor stands apart from anything I’ve made before. What makes it different? I’m using every high-quality material available without hesitation or compromise. Not only all accessible metals, but the inner lining uses dragon-tanned leather (requiring special chemicals for tanning; I learned the technique directly from the Silver Dragons themselves), spacer blocks made from special wood from Elven lands to refine the silhouette, dragon scales for critical defensive points, and even a silk-chainmail net attached beneath the armor for extra safety. The materials are so unique that paint doesn’t adhere well, giving it a slightly flashy appearance… but wearing this should prevent serious bodily harm unless something truly catastrophic happens. Ideally, I’d want them to wear helmets too, but… well, almost no one has worn one since I was young, so there’s not much point pushing it.
“The materials alone make pricing impossible… But they’ve surely informed the authorities here about the details, so we shouldn’t get caught.”
“Well, yes. That’s exactly why this could be made as a complete one-off, including all its difficulties.”
An ultimate masterpiece where I’ve abandoned every shred of pride as a blacksmith, pursuing nothing but peak performance.
I’ve never crafted armor like this before facing such formidable foes. Of course, there’s rarely time to prepare gear tailored to specific enemies anyway.
And now, the one who will wear it—
“Long time no see, Papa!” “Father, you look radiant today.” A carefree older sister and a younger brother already showing elegance despite his youth. The children of Tetes have arrived at Vaper Palace. “Welcome back, Sonia, Tyrus.” These children are nobles. I can’t let them see me in an undignified state; appearing completely naked as I usually do inside the palace is absolutely out of the question. Today, however, I’ve had Oregano prepare brand-new high-end garments for their arrival. They always put on a grand show when visiting Polka, but it’s impossible to provide proper clothing for all the female slaves, dragons, resident courtesans, and maids within the palace itself, so behind the scenes, it remains quite a naked paradise—and slightly awkward. I’d like to think they’re used to it by now… Sorry, Tyrus. I still can’t act completely at ease. Still, since everyone here is civilized, maybe I could just order them to wear clothes today? But Sonia, who doesn’t care in the slightest, already ran off into the palace interior, so I’ll leave it at that for now.
“Father, this place is as… well, unrestrained as ever.”
“Well, yes… There are many different races here.”
While brushing aside the racial issue with an overly casual response—truly something only I could do—I lead my innocent son to his quarters. He’ll be staying for a few days.
“Tetes, leave Sonia in your care. She’s familiar with this place now; just make sure no strange trouble occurs.”
“Yes, sir~♪”
“Just because I’ve gone to all this trouble dressing up, you’d better maintain your mother’s dignity for a while.” I was driving the point home to Tetes, who had already begun stripping off his noble attire at the open-air dragon terminal, even though he was surrounded by high walls.
It’s important that you cherish the illusion the children have of you; showing off such freedom isn’t advisable.
“This place has its own rules, so it’s only natural to follow them too♪”
”…Tyrus. You know I’m not saying you have to go naked here, right? It’s entirely optional. Those sisters who are actually naked are just a bit perverted, so you don’t need to follow suit.”
“H-hai…” As she turned red and hid behind my shadow while following me, the taste was exquisite.
The sons in Polka wouldn’t react this way to women’s nudity anymore. Even though Krau showed no reaction despite seeing breasts sway right before his eyes, Peter chased them around with a lecherous grin while hardening himself openly.
Wait.
“Sonia! Stop playing around and come to the workshop! I have a present for you!”
“Eh? Really!?”
Sonia, who had just spotted familiar sisters and rejoiced at their reunion, lit up even more when told about the present. Yes, yes. It’s always heartwarming to see children happy.
“Is it only for Sonia?”
“Oh, I’ll make something for Tyrus next time. Honestly, I rushed this one just for Sonia.”
“It’s a promise.”
“Yeah. Today, I’ll take your turn off the schedule as an exception.”
I smiled at Tyrus and earned his forgiveness with those words.
The reason I prepared this for Sonia was that she had been recognized as possessing combat power comparable to the Gauntlet Knights far sooner than expected. After witnessing her duel with Berga, other knights invited her to actual combat, saying, “If you’re that strong, you should try it.” Though not officially recruited, she seemed eager enough to give it a shot.
Given the national sentiment of Renfangas, dismissing such an opportunity as “not a hobby” would be unwise. Especially since she is related to Alex Buster, the crown prince; one cannot afford to make foolish remarks in that situation.
I learned that Tetes himself had fought monsters for the first time at roughly the same age as Sonia now.
However, no matter how skilled he was—capable of occasionally defeating a Black Arm soldier—he couldn’t bring himself to send Sonia, who could only be described as childish, straight into the midst of monsters.
To prevent any misfortune, I wrote earnest letters requesting support from both Alex and Ferios. Still feeling uneasy, I commissioned armor crafted with every ounce of luxury possible.
As for weapons, since they belong to the Buster family, there may be finer ones than what I could make; but if I craft armor without holding back, I’m certain I can produce something far sturdier than any artisan’s work.
With full confidence, I snatched the fabric from before Sonia and revealed my creation. Now, how would my daughter react?
”…It’s so ugly…”
My father is dead. “S-steady, Father! Father!!” Tyrus gently shook me as I collapsed. Thank you, son. And you too, daughter. That was truly an exquisite piece—of a quality that could buy an entire castle if purchased with gold.
“But more importantly, Papa, make me a bikini armor! Like Sharon’s!”
“Bikini armor…!?”
You… to your parents… asking for a bikini armor…!?
“Make half-naked armor for my daughter, who’s still a child…!?”
“What in the world are you talking about!”
“Eh? Why?! The legend says I’m Papa’s ultimate Bikini Armor artisan thanks to those gauntlets! So why is my present such an utterly cringeworthy piece of junk!?”
“I can’t even keep up with your retorts!!”
Why does this legendary title of ‘Bikini Armor Artisan’ belong to me? To me, the son-in-law of the Buster family. Why do people have such a strong obsession with bikinis in the first place? And is it really this bad that everyone’s calling it out like that?
Plus, making bikinis for me involves way too much breast squeezing, you know! …Hey, was it really that terrible? I’ve always been praised for my design sense, but your single blow shattered my pride into a thousand pieces. Is it truly this awful…?
“Father, I think Father’s armor is wonderful as well. If possible, I would like to receive it.”
“Tilsa doesn’t even fight with a sword in the first place…”
“Well, that’s true…”
Besides, since I made it based on a female figure, Tilsa… well, she’s still a child and they’re twins, so maybe she could actually wear it?
“Then give it to Tilsa! In exchange, make me a bikini armor! Can you do it by tomorrow!?”
“There’s no way I can finish that quickly! And besides, I absolutely won’t allow anyone to fight in something that looks like they’re naked in front of others! That has to wait until adulthood!”
“Wait, wouldn’t it be worse once you’re an adult…?”
Tilsa. There’s a strategy called ‘postponing for later’ when dealing with adults. No, actually, I shouldn’t have said that kind of thing to a child in the first place.
…What is going on, Renfangus? Why are bikinis so popular among girls?
It seems there’s a beautiful knight like Sharon who confidently displays herself, which might be influencing this trend.