[Part 4/5]
"Originally, we were raised to fulfill roles like that... I an, I know our basic needs are t, so I shouldn't complain, but... you know? It would be nice to have at least a sowhat decent partner, right?"
She speaks as if trying to cover up her feelings, blushing, resigning, and trying to convince at the sa ti.
"It's inevitable that we'll end up with soone eventually, and we'll have to deal with various partners, but... at least for the first one, I want it to be soone proper, you know?"
"A lowly servant is your 'proper' one?"
"Comparative context... yeah."
When I point this out with a puzzled expression, Hana mutters with a look of exasperation. It's the most emotional expression I've seen from her so far. We both hesitate, looking at each other. Is this really where we stand?
"So, you're saying you want to believe this? Really?"
"I really hope you can believe ... that's the honest truth."
"And I'd like a little rcy too. I'm serious about that."
The responses from the two of them to my doubts were more earnest than the words suggested. I could feel the deep struggle they were experiencing. They continued.
"Well, I'm explaining this because I could really use so sympathy. If I could get so help, that'd be great, but it's not like I personally dislike you, Household mber Coordinator."
" too, I've been helped. My mistakes were defended. I owe a debt of gratitude."
"But honestly, treating your first experience like a cheap service feels like selling yourself short."
"Is that so?"
"Really?"
"Oh, yeah..."
Their words and reactions made acutely aware of our differing values. Or maybe it's just that I'm too naïve? Given my line of work, the risk of being taken advantage of is always there. Being sold in a brothel isn't uncommon in remote areas. It's quite common for night workers to sell their services for a pittance. There are also concubines. In so places, even if the villages are different, there are traditions that loosen moral standards during festivals... Historically, that culture has often been quite loose. After all, this is an eroge world.
"..."
"Um, Household mber Coordinator?"
"Huh? Um...?"
""Can we get so rcy?""
The two of them called out to after a mont of silence, leaning in closer as if to gauge my reaction. They looked at with hope and longing...
"...That's not possible."
That was my firm rejection after a brief silence.
"...Understood. Then, I'll give up."
"Yeah. Sorry for the trouble."
They accepted my words without resistance. Kaya, who had been close to , pulled away and splashed into the water. I felt a slight sense of loneliness as her warmth left my back. Hana also moved away from my feet in the water. �
"That was surprisingly straightforward, wasn't it? I was expecting more of a fuss."
"If it turns into a big deal, the head of the household will get angry. Plus..."
"I owe a debt of gratitude. It's not good to be a burden."
As they soaked in the water, they explained their reasons for retreating with a sense of resignation. Their attitude seed to carry a hint of acceptance.
"Excuse , but isn't this act quite botherso?"
"Just giving it a shot. Burn it down."
"Honestly, you wouldn't expect to be asked for a favor by two cute girls and then get rejected, right? Are you into guys or sothing? I heard there's a beautiful boy at Onitsuki, is that true?"
They seed to have let go of so tension, their deanor more relaxed than before, though not completely at ease.
"That's ridiculous... I'm just resistant to jumping into a relationship that skips steps. I admit both of you are cute and charming."
They weren't exceptional cases like Aoi or Mari, but both had faces that could be called beautiful. Of course, given their roles, they might have been adjusted through breeding or so Curse Art interference.
"...Are you mocking by saying 'cute' instead of 'beautiful'?"
"Treating like a child?"
"Of course not... Should I correct that, you two?"
"That's fine! It's too late! I was just a bit confused since it's the first ti soone called cute."
Kaya pouted and blushed, looking a bit flustered. How calculated were her actions, I wondered...
"Additionally, I'm still quite broke due to my circumstances. I can't even support a family. When you think about recognition and child support, it's just impossible, you know?"
"Recognition..."
"Child support..."
After reflecting on my sowhat joking reasons, the two of them burst into laughter, holding their stomachs in amusent.
"Seriously! I've never seen anyone think about that in a situation like this, not even in adult comics...!!"
"Recognition...! Child support...!"
My comnt must have struck a chord because the two of them are shaking with laughter, genuinely rolling on the floor.
"Isn't that because it's from an adult comic? ...Regardless of others, I can't just think of it as a simple act of procreation. Maybe it's because of where I grew up."
If you irresponsibly have too many kids, winter becos hell.
Perhaps that's why in my hotown, illegitimate children were really rare.
Even considering the possibility of death, a couple could only manage to have 3 at most.
There might have even been a specific season for making babies.
My siblings and the other kids in the village, with a few exceptions, were generally born around the sa ti.
Except for .
...That's why they didn't hesitate to sell themselves, right?
"...Well, that's how it is. Please understand. If I did sothing like that, it would complicate my relationship with Onitsuki, wouldn't it?"
I push aside the dark mories in my mind.
I conclude my reasoning like that.
Trying to acknowledge and pay child support for soone else's kid born without any consideration would definitely lead to trouble.
"Haha... well, if that's the case, I guess it can't be helped?"
"Phew, phew... indeed, money is important."
I don't know how they truly feel.
However, the laughter they finally managed to suppress is genuine, and on the surface, they seem to accept my words.
Deep down, they probably resigned themselves to the fate that awaits them.
A faint dark emotion lingers in their eyes...
"..."
As I observe this, a thought crosses my mind.
I really have no obligation to go that far.
But...
"...I have a suggestion."
There's no hostility or malice towards them.
We've fought together, albeit briefly.
I don't want them to suffer or be unhappy.
So, I make my proposal.
Once I see their gazes turn towards , I continue speaking.
"For so reason, it seems I've caught the attention of your family's head, right?"
"Looks like it."
"I'm being treated really well. It's unfair."
In response to my confirmation, they completely agree.
I can even sense a hint of resentnt from the latter.
I brush it off with a wry smile and then get to the main point.
"I'm always ready to welco guests. So... perhaps you might accept a few of my whims?"
"Whims? What do you an?"
"Ah! I understand!"
It was Hana who first grasped what I was trying to say.
I leaned in to whisper to my partner.
"Oh! I see! A reservation!"
"That was a bit too obvious, but..."
Kaya nodded as if she understood.
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