Its the next morning after receiving the Krankheit Turtle subjugation request from the knight brigade.
Were off, Eris-san!
In front of the hospitals gate, Yuel calls out to Eris in a chipper voice. In contrast, Eris has worn a complicated expression ever since yesterday.
Even during meals and before going to sleep, Eris has been casting worried glances in my direction. She can say whatever she wants, but I think she cant help but be worried about me.
Looking at Yuel as she slept with her arms around my waist, or at the matching bracelets on both of our wrists, Eris was making a critical face. Is she possibly concerned that I might actually put my hands on Yuel?
Have a safe journey, Yuel-chan. And please try your best to be careful.
You too, Shiki.
Woah. Apparently Eris is honestly worried for my safety. Thats great. She didnt label me as a lolicon for wearing matching bracelets with Yuel.
Then Eris face turns serious as she continues.
If you do anything like sexually harassing a knight, you wont be able to pass it off as a joke. And you certainly wont get off with just a severe warning. Id hate to have to go to the knights station to bail you out, got it?
Oh, that. Thats what it was? Well sure, that Marietta-san knight was pretty cute. But even I wouldnt do something like sexual harassment without considering the consequences.
Im at least mindful of my self-preservation.
Also, I wish you would stop saying things in front of Yuel that could invite a misunderstanding.
I-I wouldnt do something like sexual harassment! Well then, we should get going.
As I hastily put an end the conversation, Eris looks at me and giggles. Oh, she was teasing me?
Wait.
Then, Eris takes a step towards me. A light thud reverberates through my chest.
As if shes trying to reaffirm my body warmth, Eris grips my clothes and lets her head fall onto my chest.
Her breasts are almost touching me. No, only a little bit but they are.
Yeah
What in the world is going on? Its unusual for Eris to let her guard down and stick so close to me. Even though she usually avoids physical contact with me so that I cant take advantage of it. Has she gone dere?
Dont tell me she actually went dere on me? I only agreed to this request because I couldnt refuse it in front of the reverent Yuel, but maybe Eris is hugging me because Im sincerely working for the sake of the city?
I know somebody has to do it, so I cant tell you not to go, I understand that but please, make sure you come back safely.
Then, looking up at me, Eris says that.
I realize when I look into her eyes.
This is different.
Her eyes tell me shes seriously anxious about my safety. Theres some bitterness in there too.
That reminds me, Eris told me that her parents died in an accident. I didnt ask her what happened, but no doubt they left one day saying theyd be back and then never returned.
I look at Ruruka with cold eyes, and perhaps remembering that, she quickly averts her gaze.
Hey, whats with that bracelet?
Then, Ruruka takes a glance at my bracelet.
Oh, this? Actually, Yuel
Although, how should I explain it at a time like this? If I just honestly say Yuel bought it for me Ill look like a total deadbeat. And I feel that saying Yuel and I got them as presents for each other would go over even worse.
Master said that it was a present from someone hes always taking care of.
As Im hesitating, Yuel gives that explanation. Then, in a whisper, she mumbles as she strokes her bracelet.
Master and I match.
She sighs contentedly, with a completely, utterly happy expression.
Did Ruruka hear what Yuel said, or not? Looking at my bracelet, then at Yuels, then back at mine again she becomes solemn.
Yeah, shes not pleased about me and Yuel matching after all. It may not be a pair of rings, but its still a pair of accessories. It wouldnt be strange if she called me a lolicon and backed away.
Hey, in that case, what about me?
While Im thinking about it, Ruruka blurts that out, somewhat nervously.
In that case must be referring to what Yuel said earlier about taking care of people. But that was just a pretext for Yuel since shes so reserved. As for Eight and Geyser whove been reasonably helpful to me, I have absolutely no intention of gifting them anything at this point.
As for Ruruka nothing?
Ehhh!?
You could say that Ruruka has taken care of me in a way, but I dont feel like I can give her a present. It would be unwise to set that precedent. If Ruruka pressed her chest against me and asked will you buy it? Im confident that my wallet would end up empty.
Why But, but, its a good opportunity, so Im giving you this.
Saying that, Ruruka removes one of the earrings shes wearing. Its set with a red gem and looks fairly expensive.
An earring?
Look, its to thank you for treating Fran and Sera, okay?
No, even if you say its a gift, its troublesome if you only hand over a single earring.
Ignoring my thoughts, Ruruka quickly attaches the earring to my ear.
Now we match, right?
Then, lifting her hair, she shows off the earring on her other ear.
My heart skips a beat. What was that? I wonder if she got jealous over Yuel and that got her competitive spirit burning? No no, hold on, she might just be flirting.
Remember, how many times has she created misunderstandings so far by getting me to reduce the treatment fee?
Also, if this is just a performance, how expensive of a return gift is she going to demand from me?