The story begins during the annual Gratitude Festival, a vibrant celebration filling the streets with revelers. The protagonist, Harris, a self-proclaimed thief with the official class of Scout, has just finished a dungeon delve with a temporary party. He sells their spoils, including a blessed amulet and some gems, for 20 gold coins at the Marc Merchant Guild. After distributing the earnings, Harris declines an invitation for drinks from his former party member, Bash, preferring to celebrate alone.
Harris reflects on his social standing and the perceived gap between himself and individuals like the priestess Alia and the mage Aisha, whom he admires but believes are out of his league due to his rough background. He attempts to pick up women at a bar but is unsuccessful, his worn attire and lack of apparent wealth hindering his advances. He overhears a conversation about the missing Dragon Princess and the ensuing panic, which is overshadowing the festival.
Disheartened, Harris heads to the red-light district, recalling a warrior's enthusiastic description of the establishments. He is repeatedly turned away from higher-class brothels by guards who deem him unsuitable. After several rejections, he drinks more and loses consciousness.
Harris awakens on a rough street, finding a young, emaciated girl with a dirty appearance and visible injuries huddled under his cloak. He discovers his money pouch is lighter, containing only one gold coin. Accusing the girl, named Tiana, of theft, she claims he bought her for three gold coins. Harris vaguely recalls visiting a slave market while drunk and realizes he has impulsively purchased a slave.
Initially intending to resell Tiana, Harris is moved by her hunger and shares his roasted chicken leg. He also notices her emaciated state and the painful condition of her fingernails. After she washes her face, her features are revealed to be surprisingly good, though her scars are more noticeable. Harris takes Tiana to the slave market to sell her back, but the owner offers a meager ten silver coins, deeming her a "used item" and a potential "feed for an ogre." Disgusted by the owner's callousness and the implication of a cruel fate for Tiana, Harris refuses to sell her. He decides to keep her, seeing potential in her appearance and the control he now has over her.
Over the next few days, Harris and Tiana travel towards his home. He learns Tiana was sold by her parents due to being considered "useless and disabled." He also discovers she was nearly sold to a grotesque spectacle involving an ogre. During their journey, they are attacked by three orcs. Harris, possessing enhanced abilities and a swift sword, easily defeats them. He realizes the orcs were targeting Tiana, as orcs are known to abduct and assault females of other races.
Upon reaching Harris's dusty home, Tiana diligently cleans and organizes it, impressing Harris with her domestic skills and cooking. She also begins to spread positive rumors about Harris throughout the town, significantly improving his reputation. Harris, while initially planning to exploit Tiana, finds himself developing a protective sentiment towards her. He buys her new clothes and sewing supplies, and she attempts to make him new undergarments, showcasing her developing skills and dedication.
As a month passes, Tiana's health and appearance improve, though her physical maturity remains delayed. Harris, despite his initial intentions, finds himself unwilling to rush into a physical relationship with her, valuing her trust and well-being. Their improved standing in town leads to unexpected kindness from locals. Harris takes on a search party mission for a missing adventuring party, and upon returning home, he finds Tiana has made significant progress in her sewing and cooking, further solidifying their domestic arrangement. The narrative concludes with Tiana expressing her happiness and commitment to Harris, while Harris contemplates their future and the growing financial strain of supporting her.
