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 n 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 exnation, 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 beyondparison to my previous life. Being a fool, straightforward, and pure were akin to dering 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''splete silence. Seriously, what''s with her, trying to hide like that!!
...And now, why is Hisame here? I should give a good exnation to those who may be wondering why Hisame is here.
The Kuchinasi squad was reorganized after the squad leader was removed from thebat force of the team. During that process, Hisame, who had lower skillspared to the other members, was separated from the squad and became part of the unaffiliated standby group.
In addition, Yun-shoku had be 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 abination of factors.
Reporting my abduction and the fact that I had been apanying Yasunaga Institution up until then established a connection. Taking this into ount, Yun-shoku decided on Hisame''s cement. I try to oppose it. But Yun-shoku rejected my objection. Damn it.
(To be honest, it''s awkward...)
As I finished correcting the typos on the scroll and tidied up, I thought to myself. If I nce towards the kitchen, I can see the figure of the new servant, trembling at the stove. She timidly turned her gaze toward me with a sense of anxiety.
"U-Um, is this pot okay!?"
"...Yeah. That''s right."
After responding to her words of confirmation, I returned my gaze to the next document.
Every movement, every gesture, and even the faint emotions behind the words I utter are all carefully observed by the other side. It would be much easier if I could justmand like Kuchinasi... Unfortunately, despite the difference in experience, I''m also a lower-ranking member in terms of rank, and the age gap isn''t that significant either. I couldn''t be that domineering.
(And also...)
Recalling another difficult-to-deal-with reason, I shake off that line of thought. It''s just sentimental nonsense. I''m pathetic for holding onto these feelings, it''s utterly womanly.
"Here''s your hot water!"
A cry of panic, as though silent infiltration had no meaning, resonates. Hisame rushes over here in a fluster. My intuition, honed through surviving countless life-or-death situations as a servant, picked up on an incredibly unpleasant atmosphere emanating from her.
"Wha...!?"
Immediately after, Hisame slipped and executed a gracefully disastrous fall. She spins around andnds on her butt, while the teacup she was carrying flies through the air, releasing steam. Naturally, its contents are on the verge of spilling out.
"I pretty much expected this...!!"
At the point where she was either going to tumble or not, I had already sprung into action, enduring the pain in my body as I rushed over. Using spiritual energy to enhance my body, I propel myself forward like a cat''s leap. Instantly assessing the situation, I click my tongue and brace myself. That is, covering Hisame.
"U-ugh, it''s hot!!?"
"Senior!!?"
Experiencing the near-scalding hot water, I scream. Immediately afterward, the teacup collides with my head, causing pain. I press my head while groaning and squat down. Ugh, why do I have to go through this? Isn''t there any salvation?
"Uh, um... Are you okay?"
"Do you think I''m all right?"
"Um... Should I cool it down with water?"
"Yes, please."
My entire body aches—head, back, and all. I decided toply with Hisame''s suggestion.
"Yes. Um... Sorry, could you move back?"
"Huh? Oh..."
Hisame''s hesitant request made me realize the situation, albeit btedly.
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 bted 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 exnation that was about to drag on and on was cut off sharply by the intruder.
"About the part down there. Exin."
"H-hyes!? Senior said he''d teach me about things I didn''t know!"
"Can you please stop escting 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."