kscans

Chapter 273 - A Single-Minded Heart

"—With thiiiis… alright. This should do for now."

"No, this is more than enough. Thanks."

[Heavenly Jade Ring] & [Heavenly Jade Bracelet] x2—the three pieces specialized for stat bonuses, crafted from emerald, provided a total of MID+100, including the set bonus.

In addition, a necklace crafted from the [Resonant Blue Crystal]—the same material used in Kagura-san's [Wheel of Revolution Shield]—called the [Magicrystal Necklace] was put in place, bringing my accessory slots to a temporarily satisfactory state.

As for the handmade cursed object that played a big role in the Four Pillar War against Tiger-kichi, the [Crimson Red Ruby], it has been temporarily retired. This is because the [Ignition] skill it had such wicked synergy with has become something else entirely.

In any case, for better or worse, I have a knack for acquiring self-harm-related skills.

I was planning to ask Nia for a remake after the Four Pillar War anyway, so although the reason changed, returning it for a while was part of the plan.

— — — — — — — — —- ◇Status◇ Title: Acrobat Name: Haru Lv: 100 STR (Strength): 200 AGI (Agility): 250 DEX (Dexterity): 0 VIT (Vitality): 0(+50) MID (Mind): 300(+350) LUC (Luck): 300 — — — — — — — — —-

With this, my total MID value, including buffs, is a whopping 650—honestly, at this point, I'm starting to want some 'magic' of my own…

Acquiring the magic aptitude tree itself is apparently a matter of 'just raise your mind stat and you're good,' but the time it takes to obtain it varies greatly depending on the player's talent.

In other words, waiting for it eagerly is not good for my mental health.

No matter how much the system judges me as 'unsuited,' it seems everyone can learn at least one, so I'll just wait patiently.

"Alright, what's the bill?"

"Hmm… with the exclusive discount, I'd say about five million (5 mega)."

"Is that… cheap?"

Five million sounds like a lot to an ordinary person, but my sense of money has been so warped by the contents of my wallet and recent large payments that I can't tell anymore.

"Well, it's decent? I don't rip people off, so you can rest easy."

"Oh really? Then, what about the mysterious 10M that was added to my partner's outfit cost—"

Thwack!

"Did you say something?"

"I didn't say anything."

If you want to maintain a peaceful relationship with a woman, you sometimes need to swallow the unreasonable and let her win—a lesson from Miyoko-san, the 33-year-old, once-divorced ice cream shop manager.

But I just don't get what sets her off…—no, I do get it, but…

But then, the change in her attitude from just a moment ago is still a mystery—

"Hmph… Hmm, so, you're going to meet up with your important partner, right? Are you okay for time?"

The disgruntled expression on Nia's face from a moment ago was gone without a trace.

In the end, unable to truly understand a woman's heart, I couldn't read her inner thoughts—and to be honest, I was being led around by her, as she now changed expressions as rapidly as she used to.

"Well… yeah. I'll be taking my leave for today."

The time in reality was just before seven in the evening. I was scheduled to meet Sora at eight, so if I logged out now and had dinner, it would be just the right time.

"Once I get the materials you listed, I'll count on you."

"You got it. I'll prioritize you, so come by anytime."

"Hk… O-okay."

—My split-second attempt to play it cool should have worked. Nia, who had casually dropped a line that would probably please most people, not just men, was smiling innocently.

Seriously, I've been at her mercy all day.

And… the fact that it's also pleasant is what makes it so hard to deal with.

"Well then, see you later."

"Mm, see you."

A friend, yes—but perhaps because she's a friend, I find myself becoming aware of her as an attractive member of the opposite sex, and it feels both embarrassing and apologetic…

To confess, it felt like I was running away.

I waved to Nia, who had hit me with a 'surprise attack' at the very end, and left the atelier. As I opened the door, I glanced over my shoulder—

Indigo was gone from the chair.

And with the sound of hurried footsteps—delicate fingertips had caught my back.

◇◆◇◆◇

—It's not 'see you later'…!

I kicked away the weakness that shamelessly reared its head whenever I let my guard down, and the hand I hastily reached out managed to catch 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 anxious about their relationship. But seeing the two of them, who so clearly trust each other deeply even from an outsider's perspective, I don't feel any jealousy, strangely enough.

So, whenever I put on an angry face, it's always—one hundred percent me 'taking it out' on him for saying whatever he pleases, oblivious to my feelings.

Yes, taking it out on him.

Oblivious to my feelings—of course he is. I'm not some spoiled child; who could possibly be expected to consider a fantasy like 'love at first sight'?

It's time I admitted it.

The fact that—the one who falls in love, loses.

"…What's wrong?"

Did my surprise attack work? The flustered young man let out a confused voice… but I had no time to rejoice, as I steeled myself to push through a certain 'unreasonable' demand.

My target is an absurdly unconventional being, and my presumed rival is dauntingly powerful.

In that case, I have no choice but to—at the very least, charge ahead without hesitation.

"…………I have one order (request) for you."

The subtext of my words. In truth, it was a once-in-a-lifetime selfish demand 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 was surely something that, under normal circumstances, anyone would refuse. But this kind, strangely duty-bound young man… probably wouldn't be able to say no.

Why? Because—

"With me—"

I wrapped my arms around his back and held up a single slip of paper in front of him.

—Because this trump card, an 'I'll do anything you say' ticket (a reason he can't refuse), is in my hand.

"—Please go on a date with me."

My feelings are no longer hidden, but singular.

To you, and to my rival—I'm not holding back anymore.