Today, since I secured the top position in the quarter, I plan to post three episodes tomorrow.
"Shouta, you seemed to get along quite well, didn't you?"
"Hmm? You trusted him after just one day? Really?"
"Shouta? Could you please explain?"
Caught between Aki and Maki, who were a bit upset, I was breaking out in a cold sweat.
"Well, you see..."
Maki took my hand.
Ah, I get it. I'll tell you the truth.
"Ahem. ...First, with both of your permissions, I put Ira aside and focused only on Ayane. I considered whether she was necessary for me or not. And whether she was someone I wanted to cherish and protect."
In a way, Ira came along as a bonus with Ayane.
There must be some reason why Ira, an advanced adventurer, is following Ayane, who is a beginner at best and an intermediate at worst. I can't guess the reason, but that's not important right now.
In the end, if Ayane is around, Ira will stay, and if Ayane leaves, Ira will go too. So, I don't need to consider Ira's situation right now.
"First, I felt Ayane was necessary for future battles. Not just for her magic, but because someone who can keep my secrets and enjoy working in a team like this might not come around again. And whether I wanted to cherish her was a simpler question. When the 'General Goblin' targeted her during the morning battle, my body moved on its own without thinking. Even if Ira was there to protect her, I felt I had to protect her unconsciously. Now that I think about it, I couldn't accept her being in danger."
"Master..."
"I said I didn't know this morning, but I want to reiterate. Ayane, I have positive feelings for you. If you're okay with being third, will you go out with me?"
"Y-Yes! I will dedicate my entire being to you!"
When I beckoned Ayane, she climbed onto the desk and jumped into my arms.
I continued petting her until she was satisfied.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
"Ayane, it's time to let go."
"Aww, already? I want to cuddle more."
"I'm holding back too, you know."
Maki and Ayane were both so cute, it was heartwarming to watch. Then, Aki, as if making a decision, spoke up.
"Ayane, stay over at my place tonight. We're having the 'First Fiancée Meeting.'"
"Fiancée Meeting! That sounds intriguing. Of course, I'll come!"
"If you understand, go back to your seat."
"Mmm, the front seat is so far from Master..."
"That will be one of the topics at the Fiancée Meeting. For now, be patient."
"Yes..."
...What will they talk about?
Well, it's probably about me, but I'd like to join.
"Hey, Aki."
"Shouta, you can't come. It's embarrassing."
"Aww..."
"I'm sorry, Shouta. Please wait until tomorrow."
"Okay... Wait?"
Tomorrow? Did something happen?
"Shouta, please stay at this hotel tonight. I've sent the information to your device."
"Thanks."
"Then, can you tell us about today's results?"
"Right, Ira, the items, please."
Ira, who had been blending into the background, opened her bag and started taking out items.
It seems Ira's bag can be organized freely, and the items were sorted by type and laid out on the desk one by one.
The extra 'Tiny Magic Stone' is from when Ayane soloed a monster.
During the second floor map completion after the enhanced monster, we ignored all the minor monsters, so this is mostly the materials from the monsters we fought today.
We probably missed a few 'Hobgoblins' during the first floor chaos.
"Amazing... Shouta's hunting speed has improved, and collecting everything results in this."
"Indeed, Ira's collection skills are impressive, but Shouta's abilities have improved even more. It's awe-inspiring."
"Truly, Master is amazing!"
"Just how much did you improve in this short time... Oh, right. Shouta, did you tell Ayane about that thing?"
That thing... Ah, the 'Level Lottery.'
"No, not yet."
"Is it a secret?"
"Yes, but it might be too early for Ayane. Let's wait a bit longer."
"Understood! I'll work harder to gain more trust!"
"But, you can show me your stats. Ira, turn around, please."
"As you wish."
Ira turned around obediently, but Ayane was shocked that I didn't trust Ira.
"M-Master?"
...This is a good opportunity to ask something I've been wondering about.
"Ira, keep facing away and listen. Ayane said you should follow me, but who is your master?"
"The young lady."
"Hmm... Then, who ordered you to serve Ayane?"
"...The head of the Hozoji family, Ayane's mother."
"Does Ayane have to report what she sees and hears to her mother?"
"...Yes, she does."
"Is that the top priority?"
"That's correct."
I see. So that's what my 'Intuition' was warning me about.
I was worried that there might be something hidden in her clothes, like a camera... I didn't expect the issue to be with Ira, whom Ayane trusts.
"A-Aira? Is that true!?"
"Miss, I apologize."
Ayane didn't know either. She was probably just given a maid by her mother without being told the details.
"Are you okay with telling us this?"
"I have permission to do anything for the young lady's benefit. In exchange, I must report everything that happens."
"Does telling me this benefit Ayane?"
"I didn't want an irreparable rift to form between Master and the young lady."
"I see."
If that's the case... Alright, I've decided.
"Then, can you break that contract and serve Ayane again?"
"Eh?"
Ira turned around in disbelief.
Is that so surprising? If I do this, I can fully accept Ira as a team member.
"To be honest, I want Ira's abilities. How much is the penalty? I can probably prepare a few hundred million by tomorrow."
"Shouta, calm down."
"Mmm."
My arms were pulled by the two on either side, pulling me back to a more upright position.
"Shouta, you want to build a trusting relationship with Ira, don't you?"
"Yes. Ayane trusts Ira, and now that I know this, if the information leaks to her mother, it would be like Ayane is betraying me. That would hurt her."
"Master..."
"Then, Shouta, leave this to us. We'll negotiate at today's meeting."
"Okay, I'll leave it to you."
"No, this is my job. Seniors, please help me!"
"Oh, Ayane, you're unusually motivated. Of course, I'll help."
"Let's do our best!"
Ha, reliable lovers.
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