The conference room, from which the branch manager had just left, was deathly silent.
Ayane was smiling, and Aila had her eyes closed, seemingly uninterested in the conversation. Aki looked sullen, and Maki... was looking at me.
"Shouta, what do you want to do?"
"Sorry. I don't know what to do. I wanted to consult with the two of you. If I push them away, they just brush it off lightly. This is the first time I've encountered someone so proactive, and since they seem to know each other, I can't just ignore them..."
"I understand. Then, Shouta, please answer honestly."
With that, Maki took my hand.
"Do you dislike them?"
"...No, I don't dislike them. I admire Ayane's resilience, and Aila's strength is a testament to her hard work. She's worked harder than I have, and I genuinely respect her."
"Then, do you like them?"
"That's a bit... hard to say."
"Then, are there any disadvantages to them accompanying you?"
"...I don't want to show them things I want to keep hidden. I haven't told Aki or Maki yet. If I do tell them, I want to prioritize you two first."
As I said this, she smiled more deeply, and Aki leaned over from behind.
"Also, it would be a problem if my experience points decrease."
"Then, are there any advantages?"
"...First, Aila's stealth and movement skills are incredible. She can keep up with my all-out hunting and managed to recover all the materials while carrying Ayane. As you two mentioned before, her skills as a porter are top-notch. And Ayane's 'Healing Magic.' I haven't been seriously injured in the past three years, but if I were, I might hesitate in an emergency. I'm not sure if I could use a 'Healing Potion' accurately in such a situation. I don't know the effects of 'Healing Magic,' but I think it would improve my survival chances."
"That's true, both are important."
"Also, if I teach the two of you 'Leadership,' my stats might improve. That's about it."
"...Understood. Thank you, Shouta. I understand your feelings."
"Hmm."
It's strange.
When Maki holds my hand, my thoughts flow smoothly. With her, I feel completely at ease and can entrust my heart to her.
"Then, I'll share the advantages and disadvantages from my perspective. The advantages, as Shouta mentioned, are that your safety will improve. If you're injured suddenly, Aila will be an excellent shield while you receive treatment. And Ayane's 'Healing Magic' is far superior to 'Healing Potions.' Literally, it can heal you instantly."
"Is that so?"
"Also, Aila... possesses an extremely rare item, something so rare it's hard to describe. It's a bag that only a few exist in the world."
"Bag? The one she used to store materials?"
Now that I think about it, she had a pile of 'Tiny Magic Stones' and 'Iron Knives,' but it seemed like there was still plenty of room.
"Yes. The bag is enchanted with an unknown technique called 'Spatial Expansion,' allowing it to hold items equivalent to the size of this room. It's an incredibly valuable item, rarely found even in the treasure chests of high-level dungeons, and its value is immeasurable."
"Wow... So, the item recovery role is..."
"Yes. No one is more suitable than her."
I see. She's the best both as a guard and a porter.
"Next, the disadvantages... Ayane still wants to marry you, right?"
"Yes! At first, I thought you were still single. But since your seniors are already in a relationship and deeply in love, I'll give up the position of the main wife. So, being third is fine with me!"
"Is there any love in that?"
"At first, it was just a calculation. To achieve my dream, I needed a husband. But in today's dungeon, you protected me with all your might without asking for anything in return, even though you barely knew me. You were so different from any other men I've met. Since then, I've been completely smitten with you!"
Ah, the 'General Goblin' incident.
"...Sigh. If there was no love, I would have brushed her off, but she's genuinely fond of you."
"Sorry...?"
"Don't apologize. Shouta, you would probably help someone in trouble even if you didn't know them. However, once she's serious, she won't listen to reason. So, regarding her, we can't say anything. It's up to you. If you like her, accept her. If you don't, tell her clearly. If she's rejected, she will step back properly."
Maki said this, looking at Ayane.
"Being rejected is sad, but I won't force myself on you. If that happens, I'll step back quietly..."
"Is that okay, Maki?"
"Yes. As we continue our adventures, their abilities will be necessary. If having one more lover ensures Shouta's safety, it's a small price to pay. If you treat me and my sister well, I'm fine with it."
"Maki..."
She thinks so much about me, putting me at the center of her thoughts.
...I've made my decision.
"Do you have anything to say, Aki?"
"I don't really like this girl."
"...Unlike you, she's very proactive."
"Yes, that's true. ...But I don't dislike her. If Shouta treats us well, it's fine. But everyone, listen carefully. If you make Maki cry, I won't forgive you!"
"I'll remember that!"
Aki, as always, prioritizes Maki.
"Also, if you ignore her too much, she'll cry."
"I understand that."
I stroked Aki's head.
These girls understand me so well, act for my benefit, and trust me. I should tell Aki too.
To respond to their sincerity, I'll tell the two of them about the 'Level-Up Lottery.'
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