Shopping with Mimi

Doing "the act" with Mimi went relatively smoothly; no doubt all thanks to

the "medicine" Elma gave her. Still, it's good that her first time was

virtually painless. Mimi was already mentally exhausted from all that

commotion yesterday, and right now I've caused her to be physically

exhausted as well. Now, she was sleeping soundly right next to me.

I, on the other hand, was busy thinking about the future. It's necessary to

have a concrete goal in mind after all. It's kinda depressing if you pass each

day simply for the sake of living.

First of all, it's become even more necessary to purchase a detached house

with a garden on a residential planet. I'll make this my biggest long-term

goal for now. I was initially all gung-ho about it for the purpose of drinking

carbonated beverages, but now that Mimi and I have progressed to this type

of relationship, things have changed. We need somewhere we can call

home.

Of course, we never know what the future holds, so there was still a

possibility that I and Mimi might not end up together. I don't have any idea

about what exactly Mimi thinks about all this too, so I can't conclude

anything.

Whether I do end up with Mimi or with someone else instead, having a

place to call home was still absolutely essential. That is if I wanted to live a

proper life.

Eh? Don't I want to go back to my previous world? Well of course I do – if

the chance presents itself anyway. I don't even have any idea how to go

back. First of all, I don't know the exact reason why I was transferred over

to this world. I also don't have any concrete leads to finding a possible

method for going back as of now.

In the first place, it seems I can actually have an easier time making a living

in this world. I think I got really lucky by having such a powerful ship,

successfully registering as a mercenary and obtaining a considerable

amount of funds.

But I don't intend to just blindly focus on this world's positives either. The

mercenary profession was, by its very nature, a truly dangerous job. You'll

always be closely brushing with death. This was no longer a game, so you

can't just respawn whenever you get your ass handed to you. Once you kick

the bucket, it'll be permanent.

If the ship gets badly damaged, I'd likely have to fork out a considerable

sum to get it fixed up. It was possible that I'd be forced to sortie in a lessthan-ideal condition. If I don't scrape up enough for maintenance, it was

also possible for me to die from going bankrupt as well.

The dangers I needed to face aren't limited to the times I'm onboard the

ship either. I would probably have to get out of the ship from time to time

just like yesterday in order to take care of some business. Once I do, there

was a danger of getting ambushed and killed present. If I continue to hold

on to the same sense of security I had during my time in Japan, I'd probably

get done in real quick. And if I do die like that, Mimi would probably have

no other choice but to follow suit.

"Hrmm…"

So this is what it means to shoulder someone else's life huh. It's quite the

heavy responsibility. I have to think of some proper countermeasures.

Guess I'll head over to the Mercenary Guild tomorrow or the next day in

order to get some advice from the receptionist uncle.

I'll be heading out for some shopping with Mimi tomorrow after checking

her vitals. I actually forgot to check it tonight because of what happened.

Will the medicine she took have any effects…?

Guess I'll know for sure once I check her up tomorrow. For now, I'll also

get some shut-eye. Once we wake up tomorrow, we'll first take a shower,

eat up and then proceed with checking up Mimi's vitals afterward.

After finalizing tomorrow's schedule, I closed my eyes while relishing

Mimi's warmth. Looks like it'll be a good night's sleep.

* * *

"Huh?"

I woke up due to being assaulted by a ticklish sensation. Wondering just

what caused it, I opened my eyes and found a head full of vibrant, reddishbrown hair snuggling up on top of my chest.

"What're you up to there, Miss?"

"Fuwaah!?"

The head with vibrant, reddish-brown hair trembled after hearing my voice.

Her brown eyes met mine. We stared at each other blankly for a few

moments.

When I placed my hand on the ticklish spot – in other words, the center of

my chest – I found a smaller, softer, more delicate hand groping around on

top of it. Looks like this hand was busy doing naughty things.

"Hm? What's this, I wonder? What were you up to?"

"Fue~e… U-Um… T- This is, uh…"

"You know Mimi, when you do naughty stuff to someone else, you better

be prepared to be on the receiving end as well."

"Eh? Eeeh?!"

"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth y'know…"

"Eh? A- Ahn…"

We played around first thing in the morning. It felt really good.

"Okay then, for today's schedule…"

"Yes."

I talked about the day's itinerary after having breakfast with Mimi. Because

of the little "incident" earlier, we ended up running a bit behind schedule.

Well, it wasn't as if we were in any particular hurry anyway. We had more

than enough funds. And after running the safety check protocols, the ship

turned out to be in tip-top condition. There wasn't any particular need for

some extra maintenance.

Of course, we couldn't afford to deplete our assets, so we needed to find a

way to earn some cash soon. But it wasn't that urgent of a priority.

After the meal, Mimi would undergo a full check-up of her vitals. We'll

shop for some daily essentials next. Then we'll buy a portable data terminal

for her as well. Finally, we'll head to the Mercenary Guild to ask that

receptionist uncle for advice about Mimi's future training regimen and other

stuff. It's best to ask the Mercenary Guild about anything concerning

mercenary work after all.

"We'll go around today following this schedule."

"Yes. Understood."

After finishing our meals, I finally took Mimi's vitals using the med-pod

after a quick thirty-minute break. The results of the vital check were good.

She was a bit fatigued, but there was no indication of catching any illnesses.

I was relieved with the results. Mimi also seemed glad. Taking care of one's

body is important after all. Health is wealth and all that.

"Alright then. Let's get going. Wear some clothes with as less skin exposure

as possible please."

"Yes."

"Let's meet up at the dining area after you get changed."

I already got changed earlier, so I just waited for Mimi – who currently

wore thin, revealing clothes for the vital check – to change her outfit. We're

going to live together from now on, so it's best to set up some basic house

rules as well. I'll talk about it with Mimi when we get back.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Well, that was quick."

"I just needed to change clothes after all."

And here I thought women took a while to get dressed. Oh well. It doesn't

hurt that she's quick. Yep.

We went to one of the stores I researched yesterday in order to buy daily

necessities. It was quite convenient that we could buy a lot of the things we

needed in a drugstore in the area. They sold various things – from food,

sweets, cosmetics, clothing, and underwear to daily necessities for women.

And of course, they sold medicine as well.

"When you need to buy things a woman particularly needs, be sure to

consult with a female clerk. Tell them you're boarding a starship and buy as

many items you think are important."

"Um, okay…"

"Listen up. When we depart from this colony on the ship, we may not be

able to go to port for at least a few months. If our luck's particularly bad,

we would not be able to replenish our stock for up to half a year. If you

mess up and buy too little due to feeling some restraint, it'll eventually

return to bite us back in the ass. Always keep that in mind, alright?"

"Yes!"

Mimi nodded with a serious expression. Actually, I was also a bona fide

newbie, so it really wasn't my place to talk man!

In any case, I talked to a male store clerk and started stocking up on things

needed for a long space voyage.

Basing on the clerk's suggestions, I ended up purchasing three sets of

emergency kits for injuries and illnesses and stuff used by the med-pod to

treat said injuries and illnesses. I also purchased some spare underwear and

shirts, soap and shampoo for bathing and replacement water filters.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

While I was having the items I bought confirmed by the male clerk, Mimi

came back with the female clerk in tow. Her face was a bit flushed. Was she

okay? The female clerk was also grinning mischievously… I have a bad

feeling about this.

"Well, isn't she such a nice girl. Go enjoy each other's company as much as

you like later on, kay."

"..."

"..."

I looked straight at Mimi, but she kept trying to avoid my gaze with a beetred face. Yeah, I'm not that much of a dense bastard, so I could already sort

of imagine what kind of things she ended up buying. I'll ask the female

clerk, just in case.

"It's safe to use right? It won't be funny if that stuff has some serious side

effects such as causing addiction or dependency y'know."

"Rest assured. The safety of our products is guaranteed."

"So it's something necessary for her then?"

"Yes, you could say so. It would greatly help her feel better whenever her

period comes as well."

"I see. Well, it's something we guys don't get to experience after all. If you

say it's okay, then I'll take your word for it."

I was told it was different for each person, but I heard that some would feel

so terrible that they would be unable to move around much as a result. Just

imagining the fact that you'd suffer from its effects for a few days to more

than a week was quite distressing. Looks like we really need something to

prevent that from happening after all.

Or rather, if it hits her while in the middle of operating the ship and caused

me to make a piloting error as a result, we'd probably be turned into space

debris. Well, since this world is a lot more technologically advanced, this

stuff should be more safe and effective than the ones I'm familiar with from

back in my world.

"Alright then. Please transfer all of them to my ship."

"Thank you for your purchase dear customer."

I paid with my portable terminal and completed the necessary procedures.

With this, the supplies should already be in the cargo bay when we come

back to the ship. I then went to the shop which sells electronics together

with the blushing Mimi.

"We'll get you a terminal and a tablet model."

"W- We're buying two of them?"

"Hm, I want a tablet myself, so we'll buy three."

The portable terminal would be used for basic communications and

monetary transactions. The tablet would be for training, work, and

entertainment. I'm planning to let Mimi train in the basics of being a ship

operator, and the tablet would be one of the tools she would use for that.

For work, she'll learn about basic asset management and contact procedures

with the Mercenary Guild and other important institutions.

As for entertainment, it would be more convenient to watch videos and play

games on a bigger screen. And yeah, I'm buying a tablet of my own to use

mainly for entertainment purposes. I could actually just borrow Mimi's, but

that would be too much of a hassle.

"It's so expensive…!"

It seems Mimi was hesitant about buying the high-end models, but

skimping on quality just because you want to save some cash might

backfire in the long run. The cheaper ones may malfunction or break down

easier after all, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

* * *

The next stop should be a women's clothing store. I bought my spare

underwear and clothes in the drugstore, but it wasn't the case for Mimi. I

actually wanted to have Mimi go to the clothing store by herself while I

head on over to the Mercenary Guild. But, considering our circumstances, it

wasn't that advisable. It's better if I tag along with her after all. However,

it's a women's clothing store y'know…

"..."

"Um, what's the matter?"

"No, uh… Isn't the clothing selection kinda… y'know… unusual?"

The stuff lined up on the window displays were mostly things like nurse,

maid, magical-girl and bunny girl costumes – among other clothing catering

to certain *ehem fetishes. All of them have this sort of cyberpunk feel

incorporated in their designs.

"Is that so? I think they all look very beautiful. But they seem pretty

expensive."

"Eh? That's all?"

"Um, yes. What's wrong?"

"No, uh… Anyway, do you want to have a look around?"

"Yes please."

Looks like girls really do enjoy shopping for clothes. Mimi seemed quite

excited about the prospect anyway.

Mimi seemed to hold no doubts about the clothing sold in the store. But to

me, they look like kinky cosplay costumes no matter how you slice it. Were

these types of oddball clothes the latest trend in fashion in this world? I

entered the store feeling a little uneasy, but the shop interior actually looked

surprisingly normal…

"Nope. I spoke too soon."

"???"

Mimi curiously tilted her head when she heard me. Cosplay costumes here.

Cosplay costumes there. Cosplay costumes freaking everywhere! Sure, they

were designed in a futuristic fashion, but they were still cosplay costumes

man! No, maybe this was just a specialty area in this store. I'm sure they

have normal-looking clothes for sale in the back. Probably. I hope.

Or rather, I couldn't spot anyone walking around wearing these kinds of

clothes. Maybe they simply aren't able to sell this stuff?

"Welcome!"

A female shop clerk wearing a futuristic bunny ear headband appeared from

within the store sporting her best business smile. Her uniform offered little

skin exposure, but it really resembled a bunny suit nonetheless.

"We came to buy some clothes for her but… do you sell any normal clothes

not catering to any sort of strange hobby in this store?"

"Of course we do dear costumer."

"Alright then. Go ahead and buy all the clothes and underwear you need

Mimi. As for me…"

"We have some seats over there sir. You can rest there if you like."

"Got it."

"Uh, um…"

"Don't worry about the prices. Buy as much as you need. Okay?"

"Yes."

Mimi nodded obediently. That's more like it. It's way better than her

holding back.

"You're quite the generous one, aren't you dear customer."

"This girl is an apprentice merc. Nah, she's an apprentice ship operator. You

can pretty much tell my occupation from my outfit right?"

"You're a registered mercenary, right? So that means this girl will be

boarding your ship huh?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"Hmmm…?"

The shop clerk kept glancing back and forth between me and Mimi.

"We have a considerable selection here – ranging from the prim and proper

to the bold and daring. You've really done well for yourself, haven't you

oniisan?"

"...Please choose some clothes fit for a mercenary ship operator. As for

other clothes, just pick out what this girl likes best."

"Understood. Sa~a, sa~a. Please come with me, dear customer."

"Eh… Uh… Okay."

The shop clerk dragged the flustered Mimi further inside the store.

"Now then…"

I'm sure it'll take some time for them to finish shopping. It seems there's

only women's clothing as merchandise in this store. Since that's the case,

it'll be awkward if I try to wander around here on my own. I took out my

mobile data terminal and opened the messaging app. Of course the only

registered contact was a certain disappointing space elf.

"You've really done it this time. Way to go with egging her on, lady."

"I did it for the sake of the two of you okay. You seem like an inexperienced

young master, so if I didn't go that far you two would never have

progressed," came the quick reply.

Was she languishing in boredom again? She did say the System armed

forces were making preparations for subjugating the pirates or something

yesterday. Looks like she's staying on standby today as well due to it.

"Well? Did you go and do it?"

"To think I'd actually experience a lady asking me if I went and did it with

another girl… Well, that ended up being the case, yeah."

"If you actually said you didn't do anything after all that, I was planning on

heading over to your ship right away and giving you a piece of my mind

mister."

"Ooh, scary."

An animated image of a cartoonish cat-creature punching a mouse-creature

was sent to my terminal. So this messaging app had this kind of function

huh?

"So what's your business with me? Don't tell me you messaged me just to

air out your grievances?"

"Nah. Y'see I kinda want Mimi to learn about how to be a ship operator, so

I was wondering if you knew wether or not the Mercenary Guild has some

learning materials, technical manuals or educational apps for the job."

"Isn't it better if you asked the Mercenary Guild directly…? Well, I did hear

they had some of those though."

"So they do have them then. Can I get some personal copies at the branch

office?"

"That I don't know. But I did hear that the Mercenary Training Institute run

by the Guild makes use of that sort of stuff. You better ask at the Guild

directly for more details."

"Aye, ma'am!"

I selected an animated image of a penguin giving a crisp salute from the

menu and sent it to Elma. I ended up killing time with the messaging app,

talking about things like the results for Mimi's vitals check-up and the fact

that I was free because Mimi was busy choosing clothes.

Mimi and the store clerk finally returned after some time. Since they don't

seem to be carrying anything on them, the clothes were probably already

sent to the ship.

"All finished?"

"Y- Yes!"

When I turned towards the clerk, she gave me an ambiguous smile in return.

Oh boy. Everything's fine right…?

"How much is it?"

"This is the total price of the goods sir."

The clerk handed me a tablet terminal. There was a 3D image of Mimi

wearing what looked like a futuristic bunny girl outfit on the screen. The

image was composed by an app that combines the data of a person's body

shape and the clothes to create a realistic approximation of how they would

look when worn.

Umu. Mimi's chest assets certainly possessed extreme offensive power.

Rather, they're on the verge of spilling out oi! Ah, how indecent!

"I'm sorry. I seem to have made a mistake sir."

"Can you delete that?"

The store clerk nodded in reply, but came closer and whispered something

to me.

"If you register as an official VIP member, we can give you

recommendations regarding the most suitable clothes to purchase by

collating the data from all our chain stores. You can also make purchases

online and get updates once new products get released."

"…Can I get that clothing trial thing installed on my terminal too?"

"Of course dear customer. If you install our exclusive app, you'll be able to

use that feature freely."

"You got yourself a deal lady."

I paid for the clothes and got myself registered as a VIP member as well.

The price was reasonable too. It was way cheaper compared to the price of

ammo for my ship's cannons and my ultimate "trump card" in any case.

This is considering my total assets as well.

After paying up, we headed to the main destination for today; the

Mercenary Guild.

"We're going to the Mercenary Guild next."

"Yes."

"Actually, there's an uncle with a really scary face over there. He's kinda a

perfect fit for the image of a Mercenary Guild."

"I- I see."

"But he's actually quite a nice guy once you get to know him. And the place

really looks like your usual government office, so you don't have to feel so

nervous okay."

"Yes!"

Man. Just looking at Mimi's smiling face heals my poor, little heart. You

may have other opinions, but I say cute is justice!

But Mimi's such a cute girl after all… I think it would be better if she

learned some self-defense techniques or had a weapon for protecting herself

on her. Guess I'll ask the receptionist uncle about this sort of stuff as well.