kscans

Chapter 566 - Reactions: The Self-Proclaimed Maid

"—From irritation to fluffy feelings in an instant. What kind of magic did you use? As a maid, I must insist you enlighten me."

"No, um..."

"In terms of affection and reliability, I do not believe I am so inferior to Kasuga-san... but is this the difference between familial love and 'romantic' love, I wonder?"

"Well, you see..."

"As her guardian, I must warn you that anything beyond a hug is not permitted. Any particularly naughty mischief will be punished by the Maid's Sentence, so please be prepared."

"What's the Maid's Sentence—that's not the point...!"

"That being said... if you were to become her official fiancé and lover, I have no intention of being too meddlesome. If you have pledged your futures to each other, she is of that age, after all—"

"Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, stop, stop right there, Maid! You're so free-spirited, are you invincible? This maid, seriously, this... Maid...!!"

"Fufu... When you repeat 'maid, maid' so many times, it makes me blush."

"I have no idea what makes you tick...!!"

After a series of events, I found myself alone with the self-proclaimed maid in a warehouse on the Yotsuya estate.

Several minutes had passed since Natsume-san had lured me, a completely unguarded fool, into a locked room with her enchanting words and skillful maneuvers.

The series of events were, well, a series of events.

In the end, Sora-san's mood improved as a result of her whims being indulged for not just thirty seconds but for several minutes; a cheerful Sora-san then eagerly began preparing dinner; I tried to help, only to be turned away with the cute words, "If you help me when I want to cook for you, it defeats the whole purpose"; as I was being pushed out, I was apprehended by the maid and drafted as a conversation partner to kill time; and then, as if out of nowhere, I received a sudden request to help move heavy luggage with the question, "By the way, are you confident in your physical strength?"—and was thus thoroughly deceived by the maid, leading to my current situation.

Seriously, this maid, seriously.

"Ah, for crying out loud...—Talk! You have something to say, don't you, something to tell me!"

"Well, that is true. But deepening my friendship with my future master—or the one who may become so, is also an important matter, you see?"

"From a maid's perspective, isn't it a no-no to close in on your master's—...crush with a mysterious expression...! Yes, no further approach will be permitted!"

"Ufufu... Kasuga-san, you are, I see. When I let my guard down and interact with you, you are more endearing than I expected. It is different from the 'amusement' I seek, but I may not personally dislike that side of you."

"Being personally liked by you is just plain terrifying, you know...!"

"My, what a sad thing to say...—Now, I do apologize while your face is still red, but I would like to get to the main topic."

"This maid...!!"

Is she the epitome of a free spirit? There's no way I can win. Someone, help me.

"First of all... I, too, have seen the 'video.' While I know nothing of the virtual world, there are some things even I can surmise."

And with that, the switch.

Putting aside her playful demeanor, the serious-faced Natsume Itsuki was enveloped in an aura befitting a servant of the great 'Yotsuya' family, silencing my flippant remarks.

"You are indeed 'special,' with a talent for encouraging people, inspiring them, and captivating them—a hero worthy of being chosen by her. I was genuinely impressed."

"...Th-thank you. I'm honored by your praise—"

"—And."

And. Ah, and... the invincible maid does not stop.

"—And to see such a hero... cowering before a merely beautiful and kind maid... my apologies. To see you trembling like a fawn, so wary, was a sight worthy of the utmost, profound disappointment. Truly, a disappointment. I'm disappointed in you, Haru-chan."

"Wh-what... ngh..."

And there's that switch again.

Although there were a mountain of things I wanted to retort, starting with the final name she called me, the sheer number of them caused me to freeze. The maid, who gave me an elegant snort, said,

"I can understand your concern about my inner feelings, having witnessed you being affectionate with a woman other than my master. However, that aside, you should carry yourself with dignity."

"W-well, that's..."

"To be blunt... though I need not say it, you two are surely able to understand each other, but Sora also noticed your attempts to be considerate of me. I can handle myself, but I cannot tolerate you showing such a pathetic and uncool side to her."

"U-guh..."

"So what if you were friendly with another woman? It is only natural to be sincere and gentlemanly to those who show you affection. As Sora's partner, a gentleman who cannot even manage that is not worth talking about."

"Yeah, but..."

"There are no 'buts' about it. If you are already her 'spouse' in that virtual world, then show me the spirit of a man worthy of my lady."

"S-spirit..."

"My lady—you are the man who made the world's cutest, most lovely, beautiful, and precious angel fall in love. It is only natural that you would be a vessel to receive the affections of other women as well."

"..."

"Not just the rabble... but also other wonderful women like the other two."

"..."

I was being berated, as if being cornered.

And yet,

"This is the last time, and only this time—carry yourself with dignity."

To smile so gently, like an 'older sister'... I thought it was unfair.

"I, for one, approve of you, as she does—and since that day you stood up to me, I have found you quite likable for reasons beyond that."

"..."

And because of that, in the end, I couldn't say anything.

"Therefore, I know that you... Kasuga-san, are always taking care of them, even at your own expense. I also trust you."

To this maid—the embodiment of freedom, whimsy, and invincibility—

"I am on Sora's side, but I have no intention of playing favorites. Therefore, please pay no mind to a mere maid—do as you wish, and have a wonderful romance."

Today, once again, I suffered a complete and utter defeat.

"Do not disappoint me in the same way again, understood?"

And with that, a perfect wink... seriously, this, maid.

Jokes aside, I don't think I'll ever be able to win against her.

---

Not a romance target, but the type of self-proclaimed maid to cause riots.

※Just a supplementary note as some people seem to misunderstand. If you read her words calmly, you might notice the fact that she is almost entirely affirming the protagonist.

All she's saying is, 'You have enough on your plate, don't waste your energy worrying about a maid.'