Chapter 273 - A Single-Minded Heart
"—Aaaand with this… okay. For now, this is just a temporary set."
"No, this is more than enough. Thanks."
The [Ring of Heavenly Emerald] and two [Bracelets of Heavenly Emerald]—the three-piece set crafted from emeralds specialized in stat boosts gave me a total of MID+100, including the set bonus.
In addition, a necklace made from the same [Resonant Blue Crystal] used in Kagura-san's `Wheel-Turning Shield`, the [Necklace of Magic Crystal], was set in place, rounding out my accessory slots for the time being.
As for the handmade cursed object that played a big role in my fight against Tiger during the Four Pillar War, the [Crimson Red Ruby], it has unfortunately been temporarily retired since the skill it had such wicked synergy with, [Ignition], has become something else entirely.
In any case, I seem to have a knack for acquiring self-damaging skills, for better or worse.
I was planning to ask Nia for a remake after the Four Pillar War anyway, so while the reason changed, returning it for a while was part of the plan.
―――――――――― ◇Status◇
Title: Acrobat
Name: Haru
Lv: 100
STR: 200
AGI: 250
DEX: 0
VIT: 0(+50)
MID: 300(+350)
LUC: 300
――――――――――
With this, my total MID value, including buffs, is a whopping 650—honestly, at this point, I'm starting to want some 'magic' skills of my own….
I've heard that to acquire a magic aptitude tree, you just need to 'raise your mental stat and you'll be fine,' but the time it takes to obtain it varies greatly depending on the player's aptitude.
In other words, it's not good for my mental health to wait around for it with bated breath.
They say everyone can learn at least one, no matter how much the system judges them as 'unsuited,' so I'll just have to wait patiently.
"Alright, what's the bill?"
"Hmm… With the exclusive discount, I'd say about five million."
"That's… cheap, right?"
Five million sounds like a lot to a normal person, but my wallet's contents and recent expenditures have been so huge that my sense of money is completely broken.
"Well, it's decent? I don't rip people off, so you can rest easy."
"Oh really? Then, about that mysterious 10 million gil charge added to my partner's outfit bill—"
Swish! She whipped her head around.
"Did you say something?"
"I didn't say anything."
If you want to maintain an amicable relationship with a woman, you sometimes have to swallow the unreasonable and let her win—a lesson from Miyoko-san, the thirty-three-year-old, once-divorced manager of the ice cream shop.
But I just don't get where the landmines are…—no, I do get it, but…
If that's the case, then her change in attitude from just a moment ago is even more of a mystery—
"Hmph… Anyway, you're going to meet up with that important partner of yours, right? You good on time?"
When Nia said that, the displeased expression from a moment ago was gone without a trace.
In the end, as someone who truly doesn't understand the female heart, I couldn't correctly read her inner thoughts—and to be honest, I was being completely played by her, as she'd gone back to changing expressions on a dime like she used to.
"Yeah… you're right. I should probably get going for today."
It was just before seven p.m. in real-world time. I was scheduled to meet Sora at eight, so if I logged out now and had dinner, the timing would be perfect.
"Let me know when you get the materials I listed."
"You got it. I'll prioritize you, so come by anytime."
"Hk… O-Okay."
—I managed to play it off. It was a line that would probably make anyone, not just a guy, happy, but Nia said it so casually, with a simple smile.
Seriously, I've been at her mercy all day.
And… the fact that it feels comfortable is what makes it so hard to deal with.
"Well then, see you later."
"Mm, see ya."
Even though we're friends—or perhaps, because we're friends. Finding myself conscious of an attractive member of the opposite sex feels both embarrassing and a little apologetic…
To confess, it was almost like I was running away.
I waved to Nia, who'd hit me with a surprise attack at the very end, and left the atelier. I opened the door and glanced over my shoulder—
She was gone from her chair.
With the sound of hurried footsteps—her slender fingers caught my back.
◇◆◇◆◇
—It's not 'see ya'…!
If I let my guard down, my weakness would rear its ugly head again. I kicked it aside and frantically reached out, my hand just managing to reach his back.
—It's not like I'm trying to compete with his partner.
It would be a lie to say I don't feel a sense of urgency about their relationship. But watching the two of them, who so clearly trust each other so deeply, I strangely don't feel any jealousy.
So, whenever I put on an angry face, it's always one hundred percent me just taking out my frustration on him for being so oblivious and doing whatever he wants.
Yes, taking it out on him.
Oblivious—of course he is. I'm not some selfish child. Who could possibly ask someone to consider the fantasy of 'love at first sight'?
I have to admit it already.
The fact that in love, the one who falls first loses.
"…What's wrong?"
Did my surprise attack work? The flustered young man let out a confused voice… I had no time to be happy about that. I had to steel myself to push through a certain 'unreasonable' demand.
My target is an absurdly unconventional being, and my presumed rival is devastatingly powerful.
In that case, I have no choice but to—charge forward without hesitation.
"…………I have one command for you."
Beneath my words, the truth was a once-in-a-lifetime selfish request that I had no intention of letting him refuse.
"…Uh, um… If it's something I can do?"
"Yeah… yeah—um, you see. Next time, just once is fine."
It's probably something that any normal person would refuse. But this kind, strangely duty-bound young man… he probably won't be able to say no.
Why? Because—
"With me—"
I wrapped my arms around his back and held up a single piece of paper in front of him.
—Because I have this trump card in my hand, this 'Whatever-You-Say Coupon (A Reason He Can't Refuse)'.
"—Please, go on a date with me."
My feelings, no longer hidden, are singular.
I'm done holding back—not for you, and not for my rival.