kscans

Chapter 868 - The Optimal Solution for Two

Lovers, or friends. The opposite sex, or the same sex.

Someone you’re interested in. Someone you’re close to. Whether it’s friendship, affection, or romantic love, the time you spend with someone to deepen your relationship through interaction—

The world calls that a date.

Because people’s personalities and tastes are infinitely varied.

And because it is the point of intersection where two of those infinitely varied individuals meet and connect.

Finding the “optimal solution for the two of you,” of which there are more than the stars in the sky, is, in a way, content with a higher difficulty than an Arcadia raid.

And yet, that too has its own flavor… The stage of exploring how to spend time where your preferences perfectly align is still a time to see and understand the person you want to grow closer to.

By seeing how they each search, by reading the degree and passion of the interest directed at you, a bond can be strengthened. In a way, isn’t this a kind of “youth” that anyone can enjoy, no matter their age? —That’s what I think.

…Now then. I, who holds this embarrassing personal theory that I will never speak of to others and intend to take to my grave, have, at this point, a decent amount of dating experience.

No matter what anyone says, if you honestly weigh the overall balance of three against one, I am completely and utterly out of my league. It’s been several months since I accepted my position of being chosen by multiple, extremely attractive members of the opposite sex, and this is the result of desperately trying not to be rude to each of their approaches.

Therefore, I have sincerely learned and grasped the “preferences” of each of the three girls.

For example, Sora-san. My kind, honest, and serious, yet endlessly curious and cute younger partner enjoys dates that are like adventures, just as she does in the virtual world.

Unknown places. Unknown things. The unknown, in particular, is her preference.

She also enjoys spending peaceful time in familiar spaces in a different way, but it's in a place with “scenery she's never seen before,” like our recent trip, that she flashes a genuine, age-appropriate smile.

It seems simple, but the difficulty increases endlessly the more you do it, making it quite a high-difficulty setting… but, well. Doting on a cute girl is a man’s duty, so it’s fine.

Next, for example, Nia-chan. The artisan who seems like her energy is always at max but is actually exceptionally delicate and caring, prefers—unsurprisingly—quiet dates.

To be blunt, a relaxed, peaceful, and simple “at-home date” is her sweet spot.

She wants to cherish their time together above all else. She doesn’t ask for luxury, but even when going out, she's the type who would rather enjoy “their time together, outside,” than a lively, bustling atmosphere.

This isn't in a negative sense, but it’s simply… tough.

On a daily basis, to be frank, she makes me feel that way more than anyone else of the three. That girl is just so unfair, what is her deal? Give me a break, my reason is finite.

And then, for example, Ashe.

Arcadia's strongest [Sword Queen], and the very embodiment of a “Princess,” loved, no, worshipped by a fan base that surely exceeds one hundred million.

A resident of another world. A singularity of this century. Not human, but a spirit, a fairy, or an angel. Maybe even a goddess. The ultimate favorite. So beautiful it's divine. I want her to look down on me with a blank expression. Lately, she's just been a cute maiden and it's insane—and so on.

A prime example of a modern celestial being who commands numerous titles.

What kind of date would such a person enjoy? Well—…

"…………Um, so. Is there anywhere you want to go or…"

"No. This is fine."

Holding hands, strolling aimlessly. That’s all.

As is always the case, allow me to shout it out loud, at least within the confines of my own heart.

This is not okay. Someone, please help me.

Nowhere in particular, just in the middle of town. Both of us disguised with our respective “magic items”—a bracelet and glasses—we walk through the crowd, unnoticed by anyone.

Basically, there is no real conversation.

Ashe, expressionless as usual, walks perfectly beside me without her breathing or pace being disturbed, neither being led by my hand nor leading me by mine.

Again, with her usual expressionless face.

—An expressionless face that, over a mere few months, I, who have spent much time with her, can just barely discern is filled to the brim with genuine happiness.

"…………Hehe."

"Ngh—… Hey, uh. Could you please stop laughing while looking at my face?"

"Even if you say so, it’s your fault for always showing me such a cute face."

This is not okay. Someone, please help me.

Because we're both benefiting from a “gift from a certain someone,” we are alone together with the “Princess” who should be attracting an unquestionably and overwhelmingly different level of “attention.”

In the middle of the city, in the middle of a crowd, unknown to anyone, we are alone together.

Just this situation, filled with an extraordinary sense of transgression, is enough to overload my emotional capacity, but as expected, she is the “strongest.”

"—Nngh…!? Y-You, hold on, I told you that’s for—"

"I don't know what you're talking about. It's your imagination."

Within our clasped hands, she playfully tickled my palm with her fingertip. I let out a hopelessly pathetic reaction and complained, but all I got in return was a cool smile.

If Nia is the strongest at mental attacks, then Ashe is the strongest at physical attacks.

Her moves are not like Sora’s, full of innocence and bashfulness. Nor are they like Nia’s, full of momentum and shyness, and utterly endearing.

"Hey, wait… The back of the hand is off-limits too, both sides are forbidden! Stop it, stop your hand…!"

"…?"

"That head tilt is forbidden too. Everything is forbidden. You get a red card every second, you're ejected every second."

"…Hehe, you’re saying such mean things to me."

It is the move of a woman, brimming with boundless charm and confidence. …I repeat, I really wish you’d give me a break. My reason is finite, you know.

Being assailed by all three of them, it’s truly on its last legs—

"Whoa…"

"Mm."

Unlike the half-rural town where my family lives, in the city center, there are people passing by wherever you walk. So, no matter how careful you are, there are times when you almost brush shoulders.

In those moments, it’s natural… though I must admit, I disgracefully think deep down that it’s unnecessary for her, it’s a man’s instinct to unconsciously pull her hand and shield her.

She probably didn’t try to avoid it herself, confident that I would do so.

Even if I were to pull her arm with all my might, she probably wouldn't let her posture waver an inch if she didn't want to… which means that when I pulled her hand, her delicate gesture of falling into my chest was also completely intentional.

Even though I’m certain of all these calculations—

"…Thank you."

"…W-Well, yeah."

Before the soft, genuine face not of the Princess… but of the girl, Ashe, that she shows only to me,

I am, time and time again, utterly defeated.

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We're the ones who need help, being forced to watch this. Keep it up forever.