Surviving a Harsh Fantasy with Cheat Items (WN)

「…Sheesh, Sherry, could you get off me? It’s hard to breathe like this.」

「No way! I never agreed to everyone sleeping together!」

It was Sherry’s idea for us to all sleep in the same bed tonight, but she’s clearly in a foul mood. She’s lying on top of me, clinging tightly and refusing to let go.

Even though the bed is large, with Colette, Sherry, Viola, Roll, and Rara-chan all squeezing in, that makes six of us. It’s a bit too cramped for comfort.

I did spread out some bedding on the floor, but no one seems to want to sleep there. Every time I offer to take the floor myself, they all say it defeats the purpose and won’t let me.

「But you were the one who suggested we all sleep together.」

「That’s not what I meant! I wanted to sleep with you, just the two of us!」

Oh… So that’s what she was after all along. She mentioned something about special treatment earlier, but I guess she really just wanted to be the only one getting my attention.

「When you treated me like a proper lady earlier during the bath, I thought for sure it would just be the two of us tonight! Of course I’d get my hopes up!」

「What are you even talking about…?」 Now that I think about it, while the others are in their usual sleepwear, Sherry’s gone all out. She’s wearing this fancy silk negligee, and under it… Well, let’s just say some very daring lingerie is showing through.

The kind of thing meant for a grown woman, really. On her still-young frame, it’s honestly a bit… Well, dangerous. That contrast between maturity and her still-girlish figure is unsettling.

Sherry’s always tried to act older than her years. Maybe it’s because she’s been working alongside adults for so long, but… She’s no longer just a child. It’s hard to ignore that fact now.

「You’re such a tease, onii-sama. You know exactly what I mean.」

I sigh. No matter how much I joke around with them, these girls are growing up fast. Before I know it, these innocent days of sharing a bed without a second thought will be over.

Even now, Sherry’s grown enough that lying on top of me is starting to feel a bit heavy. Not that I’d ever tell her that—it’d be cruel. But… maybe I’ll let her have this moment a little longer. Soon enough, this kind of playful innocence will be behind us.

As I softly stroke Sherry’s now-silky silver hair, still warm from the bath, I close my eyes and let myself drift off to sleep.

※※※

「Gyaah! Roll-san, that hurts, that hurts!」

I woke up to Sherry’s panicked voice. The girl who had been lying on top of me was now missing.

I looked around and spotted her on the floor, where Roll had her in a tight armlock, fast asleep.

「What the…? Is she sleepwalking again?」

Colette, who had also woken up, sighed beside me.

「You might not know, master, but Roll’s sleep habits have gotten even worse lately.」

「Ah, I haven’t slept with Roll lately, so I didn’t know her sleep habits had gotten worse… But now’s not the time for a casual explanation, Colette.」

Doing a wrestling hold in her sleep? That’s beyond absurd. This isn’t even a case of sleepwalking anymore—it’s just madness.

Normally, I’d question if she’s really asleep, but it’s Roll we’re talking about. She’s always had too much energy, even moving around in her sleep.

「Roll-san, wake up! Rope rope!」

「Hey, Colette, shouldn’t you stop her?」

Colette is usually the one who reins Roll in whenever she starts acting out. Sherry’s more of a brainworker, so she’s no match for Roll’s physical strength. Shouldn’t she be helping?

「Sherry-san was trying to sneak in something naughty while master was asleep, so I thought a little punishment was in order. That’s why I set Roll on her.」

Wait… Colette, what did you just say? You ‘set’ Roll on her? Like, you can control a sleeping Roll now? Also, what was Sherry trying to do? Scribble on my face while I was asleep or something?

「Hey, Roll! I don’t know what happened, but Sherry’s tapping out, so give her a break already.」

At my words, Roll’s hold finally loosened, as if she understood me. Maybe I really have developed a skill to command her…

Sherry, on the verge of relief, began to let out a breath—

「Tha—gah!」

—only to find herself trapped in another hold. Roll rolled over her, transitioning into a pinning technique without missing a beat.

It was a seamless combo move, though this one looked less dangerous than the previous hold. Still, she was tightening her grip again. And from the looks of it, Roll was definitely still asleep, which made it even more terrifying.

Roll continued snoring while keeping Sherry locked in place, and soon both of them were sprawled across the bed, unmoving, sinking into the sea of blankets.

「Is that really okay?」

「They’ll be fine. More importantly, master, it looks like the bed just got a little more spacious.」

「Should I really be happy about that?」

「Sherry-san has been hogging your attention lately, so this is a nice change.」

「Mmm… Master…」

While we were talking, the commotion woke up Viola, who slowly sat up. I quickly glanced around to check on Rara-chan, and thankfully, she was peacefully asleep, hugging her pillow at the edge of the bed.

With her tiny body, the last thing I’d want is for her to get caught up in Roll’s midnight wrestling matches. I’d better keep an eye on that.

「Viola, we have a big day tomorrow. You should get some rest.」

「Yes, but to help me sleep better… Can I stay with you?」

Viola wrapped her arms around me, and I gently held her. It was rare for her to be this affectionate. When we first met, she was so shy, clinging to Sharon’s waist and unable to talk to anyone else.

But now, here she is, having traveled far from home and thriving as a leader in agriculture. In just three years, she’s grown so much, both in body and spirit.

「Master, can I join as well?」

「Ah, Colette too? Sure, come on.」

Maybe just this once, it wouldn’t hurt to indulge them.

Viola has always been shy, and Colette has always been a bit too capable compared to the others.

I guess, without realizing it, I relied on them to take care of the others and might not have spoiled them enough. They won’t be like this forever. Eventually, they’ll all grow up, and moments like this will be rare. That thought brings a mix of happiness and a touch of sadness.

Colette shuffled closer to me, the soft rustle of fabric announcing her arrival at my side. She pressed against me hesitantly, her small frame carrying more weight than I expected. Resting her cheek on my shoulder, she whispered.

「Can I stay with master forever?」

「I’m happy to hear that, but Colette, you and Viola will grow up someday. I hope you both find your own paths and live your lives freely.」

Viola, with her half-nymph abilities, was already making a name for herself as an agricultural leader.

Colette had become a skilled chef, overseeing the royal kitchen.

The notion of them as former slaves had all but faded away.

My ultimate goal is to create a world where even without slaves, the kingdom of Silesie would function smoothly.

That’s why, though it makes me a little sad, I’ll be happy when they eventually stand on their own. When I said that, Viola’s grip on me tightened.

「Even when I’m grown, I’ll stay by your side, master.」

「You say that now, but one day, you’ll find someone you care about. When that happens, I want you to feel free to build your own family without feeling tied to me.」

「I won’t…」

Viola clung to my waist, her voice trembling with tension. It was as if she’s frightened. Had I said something wrong?

「I want to keep staying with you too, master, and learn even more about cooking.」

「Well, even if you do stand on your own one day, that’s still far off. I can’t manage without your help just yet.」

Colette’s kind tone was a relief. Despite her small size, Viola’s grip was unexpectedly strong. What was going on with her tonight?

Then it hit me.

Viola’s position as a half-nymph is complicated. My careless comment about finding a man may have made her feel like she was being pushed away from the only safe place she knew.

「Viola, forget what I said. If you wish to stay with me, you can stay as long as you want. Don’t worry.」

「Really? Promise me that.」

「Yes… I promise.」

「Then… Master, will you make a vow with me?」

「A vow?」

「It’s a ritual my nymph mother taught me. When the time comes, we’re supposed to do this: we clasp hands and intertwine our legs.」

With surprising dexterity, Viola wound her arms and legs around me, still holding on tightly.

「This… is a nymph ritual?」

「Yes, our hands are like the stem of a plant, and our legs are the roots. A tree never moves once it’s taken root. We’ll be together forever… even in death, we’ll become part of the same earth.」

「I see.」

「So… will you stay with me, aster?」

「Yes… I will.」

At last, her grip loosened, and I could feel her finally relax.

「I guess that makes Viola the first to ‘claim’ you.」

「Hmm?」

Colette mumbled sleepily beside me.

Her words were faint, lost in the warmth of the blankets. Soon, both Viola and Colette were fast asleep, their soft breathing filling the room.

I sighed, realizing how foolish I had been. Even after all this time, I still didn’t fully understand their feelings. I’ve tried to act as a guardian, but I still have a lot to learn.

As I drifted off to sleep again, surrounded by their warmth, I couldn’t help but think that being with them like this brought a certain peace.

※※※

「Oh, what the…?」

Early in the morning, I felt something heavy on top of me again. And there was something strange right in front of my face.

「…A peach?」

A large, shiny, dark peach-like round object was right in front of me. When I poked it with my finger, it jiggled with a soft, springy texture.

Am I still dreaming? Even if it’s a strange dream, this fleshy thing feels way too real. As I kept touching it, trying to figure it out, my mind finally snapped awake.

「Oh… this is Roll’s butt! Why are you naked!?」

「Well, it seems like she tossed and turned in her sleep, got hot, and ended up taking everything off. I tried to move her because you looked uncomfortable, but she just wouldn’t budge.」

Explained Colette, who had apparently woken up a little earlier than me.

I see… So she undressed in her sleep, then got cold and crawled under my blanket, and that’s how this happened.

Sleeping with her butt on my face… How do you even end up like that? But with Roll, this kind of thing isn’t really surprising.

I got up and started trying to peel Roll off me. As I did, Rara-chan, who had been sleeping soundly, woke up and spoke up as she watched.

「Oh! Naked! Takeru-san was having fun last night!」

「No, I wasn’t!」

I can say with absolute certainty, whatever happens, it would never be with Roll.

‘Just sleep a bit longer.’ I said as I tucked Roll back in and let her rest. Then, from beneath the bed, I heard a faint, weak voice.

「Onii-sama, help me…」

It was Sherry, completely tangled up in the sheets, unable to move. Was this also because of Roll’s wild sleeping? How did things end up like this?

What a mess. I started untangling Sherry from the sheets. Once I had freed her, I realized she, too, was completely naked.

「Why are you naked too?」

「R-Roll-san took my clothes off!」

Sherry answered, teary-eyed.

Honestly, how did this even happen? Next time I sleep with them, I’ll definitely have to come up with a plan to deal with Roll’s crazy sleep habits.

※※※

After making my usual rounds to check on the steady progress of the town’s development, it was time for a strategy meeting at the town hall.

If everything goes smoothly, Kaara should be returning soon after setting up the magic circles across the continent.

As I was discussing future plans with Lyle-sensei, Ria, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up with a determined look on her face.

「Takeru, could you lend me Asama’s ‘Silver Feather’?」

「Huh… What do you plan to do with it?」

That feather is a valuable and limited resource. I can’t just let it be used carelessly.

「Since Kaara-san and the others are traveling around the Demon Countries, I will use the power of the feather and some recovery potions to visit the former territories of Abysspania and perform miracles.」

「Wait a minute. Those territories are enemy-occupied now. It’s too dangerous.」

「That’s precisely why. Once the rumors of Asama’s miracles spread, and people hear that a hero has risen to defeat the Demon King, the citizens will surely rise up as well!」

「Ria…」

Despite her resolute expression, I couldn’t help but feel anxious. The feather’s power does allow for temporary use of divine magic, but it’s not limitless.

In this land saturated with magical energy, Ria’s power as a saint will be significantly weakened.

「Ria-san, are you planning to fly there with Asama’s flight magic?」

「Yes, that’s the plan. Why?」

What will happen if the feather’s power runs out while she’s flying?

「Asama’s saintess performing miracles to inspire a rebellion in the demon-occupied lands sounds effective, especially for the devout citizens of Abysspania. However, we can’t waste the limited power of the ‘Silver Feather’. What do you think, Takeru-dono? Perhaps we could ask Are-san, with her dragon wings, to accompany Ria-san?」

「Ah, but Are…」

She’s pregnant, so I’ve been making sure she’s resting.

Even though dragon maidens have resilient bodies, I still worry about sending her into enemy territory while she’s bearing a child.

「If it’s because of her pregnancy, Kaara-san is in the same situation, isn’t she?」

「Oh, that’s right! All that teleportation magic… Is it safe for the baby?」

When I asked, Lyle-sensei explained that, actually, mages should avoid using magic during pregnancy. It can cause something like magical poisoning and isn’t good for the mother or child.

Hearing this from someone with real experience like Lyle-sensei made it even more convincing, but I was still concerned.

「I understand you’re worried about your pregnant wives, Takeru-dono, but Are-san has been getting restless and even broke part of the palace wall out of boredom. A bit of exercise might actually be good for her. Otherwise, I fear the palace might not survive.」

「Hmm, but still…」

「In that case, how about this: We could request help from the dragon maidens of Are’s homeland, Rango Land Island. There should already be a teleportation circle there. With the right compensation, they should be willing to provide transportation and protection for Ria-san.」

「That sounds good. If Are’s people are the ones assisting, she might feel more at ease with it.」

Lyle-sensei smiled, saying, ‘Looks like we’ve reached an agreement.’

I was slightly uneasy about what kind of compensation Rango Land might demand, but this was a total war, and we needed to use every advantage we had.

Even though the plan was settled, Ria was still pouting, her cheeks puffed out in frustration for some reason.

「What’s wrong, Ria? You don’t seem happy.」

「Because this was supposed to be the scene where the noble saint, unafraid of danger, soars through the skies on silver wings for her beloved hero. Being carried around by a bunch of dragon maidens won’t exactly make for a legendary image when it becomes part of Abysspania’s lore.」

「Wait, are you seriously planning ahead for how you’ll be remembered in legend?」

How bold can she get?

「When thinking about how to promote the Asama Church on this continent, a strong visual strategy is essential. If I’m surrounded by a group of dragon maidens, I’ll just look like a side character in the story.」

「Alright, alright. I’ll make sure your story becomes a legend, okay?」

I guess we can just make a pamphlet called ‘The Tale of the Compassionate Saintess’ and distribute it. Who knows if it’ll become legend.

「Eh, but that doesn’t sound very convincing…」

「It’s safe, isn’t it? You’ll still stand out as the saint of compassion using holy magic. You’ll have plenty of moments to shine. Besides, I’d be really worried if we split up. You get that, right?」

I hugged her gently, and her mood quickly lifted.

「Hmm, if Takeru treasures me so much that he’d practically beg me, then I guess I have no choice.」

Good, she’s convinced.

Ria has become much easier to deal with these days.

Still, I hadn’t thought of the strategy of inciting a rebellion in the former territories of Abysspania without using our own army. Ria had considered this for my sake.

As I held my beloved wife, I felt a renewed determination to keep going.

That being said, I couldn’t help but feel that my focus has been shifting more and more to this continent. While my wives fly across the Abyss Continent, I worry about leaving the homeland somewhat vulnerable, but I’ll have to trust Silhouette and the others.

And the care of the babies… I’ve been burdening Silhouette with that every time I leave. I’ll need to make it up to her eventually.

Once things calm down here, I think I’ll head back and check on the harem palace in Silesie.