Chapter 135.3

Chapter 135.3

[Part 3/6]

"..."

Her submissive attitude made me furrow my brows. If she has an aptitude for scouting, this would be problematic. In Yun-shoku's plan for reforming the servant group, raising the literacy levels of the entire group was one of the goals. Especially for those involved in reconnaissance, it would be even more important for them not to be illiterate. She wanted them to write reports in a formal manner rather than just bringing back the information they've seen.

As I mentioned, there's no time to spare...

"Hisame, it's written as '氷る雨'. That's your name."

"Huh?"

In response to my explanation, the newly minted servant raised her head with a slightly downward tilt. At the same time, I pressed a torn piece of paper with her provisional name written on it against her.

"Since Kuchinasi's former squad leader said something to me, I will do it. But I can't do it right away because I'm busy, but won't it be a problem when you get promoted? At least let me teach you enough so you can write reports. For now, make sure you can write your own name."

"Y-Yes!!"

In response to my somewhat indifferent words, Hisame nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. Yep, she's definitely naive. Too straightforward for her own good.

(Being straightforward isn't exactly a virtue... It's tough.)

In my previous life, a personality like hers might have been okay. But the hardships in this world are beyond comparison to my previous life. Being a fool, straightforward, and pure were akin to declaring yourself as nothing more than prey.

At least that aspect needs to be corrected. I can't abandon her. I don't want to abandon her...

"Uh, uh, Senior Tomobe...? Is something the matter?"

Seeming to notice my somewhat impolite gaze, Hisame inquired with unease evident even through the screen. Indeed, her talent isn't bad.

"...I want some hot water. Bring it over."

"Y-Yes!"

Hisame answered my request in a tearful voice and dashed towards the kitchen of the room. She's probably skilled in stealth; it would be fine to hear some knock-knock footsteps, but there's complete silence. Seriously, what's with her, trying to hide like that!!

...And now, why is Hisame here? I should give a good explanation to those who may be wondering why Hisame is here.

The Kuchinasi squad was reorganized after the squad leader was removed from the combat force of the team. During that process, Hisame, who had lower skills compared to the other members, was separated from the squad and became part of the unaffiliated standby group.

In addition, Yun-shoku had become busy, making it difficult for her to focus on me, as I was ordered to rest further as punishment. This situation is a result of a combination of factors.

Reporting my abduction and the fact that I had been accompanying Yasunaga Institution up until then established a connection. Taking this into account, Yun-shoku decided on Hisame's placement. I try to oppose it. But Yun-shoku rejected my objection. Damn it.

(To be honest, it's awkward...)

Since I had been shielding her from the hot water, I was unintentionally straddling her. Furthermore, due to the pain in my head, I had my head pressed against her abdomen. It's a belated thought, but her stomach is so soft and squishy, like a girl's.

...Is this harassment?

"...? Um. You're... heavy."

Facing my rigidity after grasping the situation, Hisame, who wasn't retreating despite the circumstances, makes her request once more. Perhaps she hasn't developed much of a sexual consciousness yet, as I don't detect any disgust in her words. She's still reserved and slightly apologetic.

"Oh, uh... Right. Yeah, sure. I'll move. I'll move..."

Fortunately, I was in luck. There's still room to gloss over things. To let things go unanswered. I gradually separate our closely pressed bodies...

"Hey, little brat. It's time for your medicine. Seriously, why is it that guys are always such idiots, I mean..."

Right after that, the door to the hut was forcefully swung open. Entering was Dokuzawa Yakuko, the slightly older member of the now-extinct Yakushiji branch family—now the Dokuzawa family. She carried a medicine kit with her.

It's unfortunate that she appeared at the worst possible time.

"..."

"..."

"...What the hell are you doing?"

The intruder, the first to recover before the three of us could fall into silence, posed a question—no, an interrogation. Or perhaps it was an inquiry. The target was, needless to say, me.

"It's not what it looks like. Listen to me properly like a civilized person. This is a misunderstanding. It's an overly clichéd development specific to eroge and galge. I know that such developments have a punchline, but it's about time to move away from typical patterns, you see..."

"Oh, I see."

The explanation that was about to drag on and on was cut off sharply by the intruder.

"About the part down there. Explain."

"H-hyes!? Senior said he'd teach me about things I didn't know!"

"Can you please stop escalating misunderstandings!?"

It's even worse when her pure and innocent nature doesn't perceive any malicious intent. No, really! She's teary-eyed because I suddenly addressed her, you know? It's not my fault!

"Fine, fine. So, anything else you want to say in the end?"

My defense was brushed off so curtly, I was condemned. I guess I'm screwed.

"Wait, you'll understand."