*

　Makoto was awakened by a sound that echoed from downstairs.
　He looked at the window and saw that light was shining through the curtains.
　It wasn't the bright white light of the early morning.
　It's a slightly stronger light.
　The time is noon - or maybe a little earlier.
　I look up at the ceiling while lying in bed.
　It's a familiar ceiling.
　I wanted to sleep a little longer.
　We just finished a fierce battle, and I've decided to take it easy for a while.
　Even Sherry wouldn't be angry.
　But--'

"You're starting to feel slow.

　He muttered as he looked up at the ceiling.
　In my former world, I could do most things by myself.
　No, I should say that I had to do it alone because I lived alone.
　At any rate, I managed to get by as a member of society.
　And yet, since I came to this world, I've been a bad person.
　You can't blame her for doing what she needs to do, because she's doing what she needs to do.
　It reminds me of the phrase "good wife and wise mother".
　Nowadays, it's an outdated term.
　However, when I think of my own situation, I can't help but think that a good wife and wise mother can manipulate a man.
　If that's the case, then I'm totally in the dark.
　He doesn't want Shelly to hate him even if he is a bad person.
　That's what happened to Sherry.
　She is a demonic woman.
　I'm concerned about her diminished ability in life, but I'm also worried about her physical health.
　If you don't use the human body, it declines.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it.
　If it is 20 years....
　I don't intend to be so lazy as to decline to that extent, but it's no laughing matter if the level drops.

''Let's get up.

　Mako muttered and sat up.
　He looks over his shoulder at the pillow.
　Checking for hair loss - not.
　He wanted to sleep some more.
　No good, he shakes his head and gets out of bed.
　I just decided to get up, and now I'm in this body.
　I've become even worse than I thought I would be.
　Okay, you get yourself together and walk over to your desk.
　There were clothes on the desk.
　The clothes were washed and carefully folded.
　Quickly getting dressed.
　My feelings of gratitude and apology for Shelly are complicated.
　And then--

'It looks like it's almost time to pay the tribute.

　I mutter to myself.
　Why is it that I don't have any complaints, but I feel a little bit depressed?
　It's something to do with life, so that's how it should be.
　I let out a small sigh and leave the room.
　Scratching my head, I head for the stairs.
　Halfway down the stairs, I see Shelly look at me.

'Good morning, sir.'
Yeah, good morning.

　He returned the greeting and looked at the counter seats.
　Yuka and Fujika were sitting at the counter.
　I look around and lightly open my eyes.
　To my surprise, there were customers in the dining room.
　There are two people at the table by the window, and four people at the central table - six of them.
　Could they be carpenters?
　Incidentally, Mary and Anne are carrying the food in their aprons.
　I go down the stairs and head to the end of the reserved seats - the counter seats.
　Then Shelley leans forward and picks up something.
　A wooden reservation plate.
　I sit in my reserved seat, feeling embarrassed.
　Sherry placed a glass of lemon water on the counter.

'Here you go,'
Thank you. You know, and the booking plate...
It's okay.

　Sherry smiled shyly.
　Mako picked up the glass and brought it to her mouth.
　Thanks to the concern, the lemon water tasted better than usual.
　Suddenly, Yuka opened her mouth.

''But why do you have a reservation plate?''
It's...

　Sherry mouthed.
　She must be remembering Alan.
　Speaking of which, he said he wanted to step over the line when we first made love.
　I believe he's stepped over the line, but it's a pity to have to remind him.

'You don't have to answer me. I'm just curious anyway.
I don't mind being curious.

　Yuka said, miffed.
　He was relieved that he was contradicting himself, but he also realized the fragility of the ring's efficacy.
　He had hoped for a little bit of a softening of his attitude - but he didn't.

'Well, Mako was probably in a bad mood, saying it was her seat anyway.
I'm sorry.
I knew it.

　Yuka grinned.

'Mako has a childish quality to her, doesn't she?
I'm sorry, I know it's childish.

　Tsk, tongue in cheek, and drink lemon water.

"Well, well, you know, partner...
Ooh~!

　Fujika interrupts Yuka's words.
　It's still an amazing voice.
　Everyone is looking at Fujica as if they felt the same way.

''What is it all of a sudden?''
Yuka was about to utter a horrible word.
Where's the horror in that?　I'm Makoto's partner in crime.
"Huh~!

　Fujica raised her voice again.
　There was a rattling sound.
　I looked behind me over my shoulder and saw that the six guests were about to walk out.
　The food was in the process of being eaten, but there was 100A--silver coins on the table.

''Hey!　You're the reason the customers ran away!
Oh, well, that's a problem, isn't it?

　Yuka shouted, and Shelly said in a tone that didn't sound like she was in much trouble.

'I'm sorry about that too.'
Apologize!　Apologize to Sherry!
I'm sorry.

　Fujika hangs her head apologetically, but--''You're going to apologize for that?

''You think you're apologizing for that?''
I'm sorry in good faith.
If I said I was sorry, you'd be on your knees.　Sit on the floor, rub your head against it, and just beg for forgiveness!　That's what a sincere apology is for, right?
No, I don't mind.
'Sweet!　Sweet!　These women need to be hunted down thoroughly or they'll do the same thing all over again!

　Yuka interrupts Shelly's words.

'Come on, get down on your knees,'
I don't want to.
Is that the extent of your desire to apologize?
And I'm sincerely sorry for Miss Sherry.
So, apologize to me.
'And I apologize when Yuka isn't around. In the first place...
What?

　When Fujika glared at her, Yuka pulled back.
　It was unusual for Yuka to be pressurized--and unusual for her to be pressurized.
　No, it's not unusual.
　There is a part of her that looks strong but is vulnerable to being hit.

'And it's because Yuka was trying to say something horrible!
So, what's so horrible about it?
The idea of me being your partner in crime...

　Fujica cut off his words there.

'Ooh, horrible!
Why shouldn't I like someone else?

　Yuka shouted loudly and time stopped.
　One second, two seconds, three seconds - ten seconds passed, and Sherry started to move.
　She poured the lemon water into a glass and placed it in front of Yuka.
　And -.

'It's not!'

　Yuka stood up and shouted.
　She must be very embarrassed.
　Even his ears are red.
　Mako picked up the glass and drank the lemon water.
　When he put the glass down, Sherry poured the lemon water for him.

'It's nice to be young,'
No, no!　Hey, hey, this is called a sales pitch, or not anyway!

　Shelly muttered sincerely, and Yuka shouted, waving her hands in the air.

'Yuka's too cholos and...'
I'm not a slouch!
'It's like it has to be Yuka. You can't just take things and then delude yourself, or even have a tsundere windfall.
It's a ring, a ring.
You said it was a gift back.
That's true, but...

　Yuka muttered gobbledygook.

'I think I'm going to whisk you along when you say you're going to give me candy.
I'm a child!

　Yuka's face turned red and she exclaimed.
　'I don't think kids nowadays will follow you even if you say you'll give them candy--'

'And I can see them letting their guard down after getting a candy bar. I'm sure he was smiling last night as he looked at the ring and thought so much of me. But it's no good. I have to go back to my world. But if you are coerced, if you are coerced, if you are coerced, then........

　Fujika's breathing is heavy.
　His eyes are glazed over.
　She seems to be excited.

"I'm writhing and crying at the thought of allowing it to happen...

　Cackling, Fujica covered her face with her hands and flapped her feet.
　'So,' she continued.

'Like I must have gone as far as I could go in my imagination!　Shame!　Shame on you!
'Who's the one who's so vile?　
He bit me!
I don't give a f*ck!
It's a sign you're upset!
I've been bitten at times!
You're human!
Mitsuo!　And that's all you know!
I know!　Pretty much like I'm a serious student!
"You're a b*tc*!
'It's mimicry!　I'm getting a good education!

　Fujika shouted in polite language.
　Even the quality of her voice changed to an interesting one.

''Ha!　What the hell are you talking about, the guy who pretended to be a b*tc* because he was afraid of being bullied?
"I don't want to be told by the selfish Satou-san!

　They started arguing, gah, gah.
　They really don't get along.

'We're both fine, right?'
Your husband is very popular.

　Mako muttered as she sipped her lemon water, and Shelly let out a sigh.

'Sherry-san, yes,'
Thank you.

　Mary puts the silver coins on the counter and Shelly puts them away in the counter drawer.

'You can sit here until our guests arrive.
Thank you.

　Mary bowed her head begrudgingly and headed for a seat by the window.
　Anne was already sitting there.
　She's not much of a talker, but she seems to have a good point.

'That's a good boy,'
Don't mess with it.
I'm not leaving.

　I get a little miffed and say back.

'Didn't you say before that you could give up?
It's about staying in the relationship,
Was it?
'Yes, I also said I would hit you with a corner of the tray if you weren't willing to take responsibility.
You remember it well.
It's important.

　Shelley picked up the tray and gave a light bare swing.
　It's quite a brilliant swing.

'If you get on top of it and put your hands out at random, I'll kick you in, too.
...for a kick.

　Gulp, I swallowed raw.
　I'd like to be kicked, or rather, I'd like to see Shelly kick me.
　But that would be when they hated me.

'How far along is the line for 'getting on'?'
...sir.

　Shelley said as she let out a sigh.

'No, it's important,'
'Right. If you're a member of the team, I'll refrain from complaining.
You're just going to hold off?
Of course you do. I have a lot of pride.
I'm sorry.
I knew this would happen, though. But that doesn't mean you should take it for granted.
You would hit me with a corner of the tray if you thought I deserved it.
Yes. So don't mess with it, you know.
I don't have a plan for that, but I promise.
I'm so relieved.

　Shelley put the tray on the counter.

'So what do we do now?'
What's going on?

　When Makoto muttered to himself in a parroted voice, Shelly looked to the side, only moving her eyes.
　Out of the corner of her eye, Yuka and Fujika were arguing.
　I'm worried it will turn into a scuffle.
　If they get into a fight, Fujica will die.

''Don't mess with her in a good mood.
I'm not leaving.

　Oh, and Shelley's eyes widened lightly.
　Well, she quickly narrowed them--.

'I'm surprised.'
'Don't get your feelings hurt, that. I've never laid a hand on you without a good feeling...

　Mako nagged.
　He remembered the time he had been in a relationship with Shelly, Liv and Laura.
　It was hard to say that he was serious because of the influence of the seven evils and other factors.

'What?'
I'm a guy who can be rather lax about it, but I'm a guy who takes responsibility.
This guy....
Good morning!
Welcome.
Welcome.

　Sherry was about to say something when Laura's voice rang out.
　More Mary's and Anne's voices followed.
　Sherry let out a small breath as if she had no choice.
　Kots, knots, and the sound of footsteps approaching.
　I looked behind me over my shoulder and saw Laura stop.
　Then she turned her gaze to Yuka and Fujika.

''Why are Yuka-san and Fujika-san arguing?''
Hey, Laura!　Listen to me!
Oh!

　Yuka ran up to Laura and Fujika shouted at her.

'Fujika, you're being so sneaky and sarcastic about me getting a ring from Makoto!
Rings?　Makoto-sama to Yuka-san?
Yeah, but I'm in a bind. I mean, I have to go back to my world. But I think I should at least try to return the favor.

　Immediately after Yuka said to wind up, Laura's figure disappeared.
　Immediately afterwards, a thud could be heard.
　Laura fell on her butt.

''Are you okay?''
Yeah, I'm fine. I just feel like I've been pushed into an abyss, that's all.

　Laura replied with a pale face.
　'You don't look okay.

'Yup, you got a ring?'
'Yes! It's really embarrassing, isn't it?

　Yuka held out her hand to Laura.
　Oh," Laura hissed, and reached out her hand timidly.
　But she hung her head disappointedly without touching Yuka's hand.

'What's wrong?'
'No, no, I'm just a little dizzy and nauseous...'

　'Ugh,' said Laura, covering her mouth with her hands.

'It's just as I thought it would be. Can you stand up, Laura?'

　Fujika said with a sigh and reached out to Laura.
　Then Yuka slapped Fujika's second arm with the back of her hand.

'It hurts!'
What happened to your usual b*tc*y tone?
Is there a problem?
'There is. If you don't talk in a b*tc*y tone, Laura's personality will fade away.
That can't be true, can it?

　Fujika said in a tone that said she was dumbfounded.

''Well you're going to have to delay your wedding date.
"-Oh!

　Yuka blurted out.
　Then Laura looked at Fujika with a huff.

''Oh, it's sad to see a woman with no personality. Well, don't worry about me, though.''

　With that, Yuka kissed the ring.

''Present back, present back,''
Wow, I know. You're good. You got a little carried away.

　Yuka's lips twitched in a sultry way.
　It would be cute if she could just cut out here--.

''Huh, Fujika-san?''
What is it?
My personality!　Give me my personality back!

　Laura clung to Fujika's legs.

'Don't take Yuka's deception seriously!
How do you know I'm lying to you?
Common sense will tell you that!
What's your common sense?
Okay, okay.....

　Fujica said, as if defeated by the roots.

'Well, I mean, you have a b*tc*y tone to you.
Yuka, I'll never forget how much I hate you.
'Humph, are you going to leave me in the dungeon again?　For the record, you can't kill me now, even if you left me in a dungeon.

　Fujika glared at him with eyes tinted with hatred, but Yuka snickered.
　It's a grim atmosphere.
　At that moment, there was a pang, pang sound.
　Shelly clapped her hands.

''Yes, yes, so much for the fight, please.''
Yes?
Okay.

　Huh!　And Yuka and Fujika turned away from each other and sat down at the counter.
　For some reason, the seats are next to each other.
　I'm tempted to suspect that they are actually close.

'Laura-san, can you stand up?'
Oh, yes and no.

　Laura nodded at Shelly's question and quickly shook her head.
　She glanced at me.

'If you're not feeling well, I can get you a room, okay?
No, no, you can take me home.

　He glances at me.
　Apparently, she wants Mako to send her on her way.
　'Huh,' Sherry let out a sigh.

'Sir, could you do me a favor?'
OK, I'm not busy today.

　Makoto cowered lightly.

*

　The thumping of hammers could be heard from many places in the city.
　With a sideways glance at the city's ongoing reconstruction, Makoto continued down the main street.
　She carries Lola on her back.
　It's small, but it's soft against her back.
　It smells good, too.
And also the ragged breathing.
　Sometimes she cums and cums.
　I wanted it to stop, but I was hesitant to say it.
　I had a feeling that if I mentioned it, something worse was going to happen.

'Is it about time?'
...we're almost there. Oh, I can see it.

　Laura pointed to a corner of the main street.
　There was a row of brick buildings there.
　They were narrow, but long and narrow.
　The doors are high and there are stairs, perhaps for flood control.
　It looks like a building that you would see in a foreign drama or movie.
　Christine must have been very protective of Laura, because she rented a building like this with a bang.
　Unfortunately, there are cracks in the bond between the two of them - but--.
　Mako walked up the stairs and stopped in front of the door.
　It's a splendidly decorated staircase.

''........Makoto-sama.''
You want me to put him down?
Yes, please.

　I put Laura down.
　Then she walks over to the door and touches the doorknob.
　There was a clicking sound and Laura opened the door.

'When the registrant touches the doorknob, it automatically unlocks the door.
What about when you close the door?
The door is automatically locked.
Huh, that's handy.

　I'm wondering what happens when they cut off your hand, but if it's just a robbery, I wouldn't go that far.

'Well, I'm going home. Get some rest.
Makoto-sama, would you like to get some rest?

　I thought you should take a break, but I won't talk about it.
　I think you're expected to.

'All right,'
Well, come on in.

　I walked in as prompted and took a look around.
　I was worried that the house might have turned into a garbage dump, but the house was pretty tidy with only a thin layer of dust on the floor.
　Much cleaner than the apartment Mako had rented in her former world.
　He felt somehow defeated.
　I thought Laura was a person who was closer to me--.

'Come this way.'
Oh.

　Laura leads me through the house.
　Every room is tidy, but there is a thin layer of dust.
　Suddenly, Laura stops and opens the door.
　It's a room with a sofa and a table.
　There's also a fireplace.
　I wonder if it's a parlor, or perhaps a living room.

'I'll go make a cup of tea, please wait a moment.

　Oh," Makoto replied and sat down on the sofa.
　After all, this room was also thinly dusted.
　It doesn't feel very lived in.
　If the model house hadn't been cleaned, it would be like this.
　After a while--

"Sorry for the wait.

　Laura came back with a tray of cups on it.
　She placed two cups on the table and sat down next to Mako.
　Mako took the cups and brought them to her mouth.
　It seems to be a herbal tea, but the aroma is not very strong.
　It is rather weak.

''What do you think?''
It's not very fragrant.
Is that so?

　Laura brought the cup to her mouth and sniffed smoothly.

'It seems to have gotten old and lost its scent. I'll have to buy another--'
No, no.

　Laura tried to stand up and I grabbed her hand and made her sit down.
　She must have imagined what would happen next.
　She squirmed and slid her thighs together.
　I put my arm around her shoulders and Laura jolted as I put my arm around her shoulders and she shuddered.

'It's okay, right?'
Yes.

　Laura gave a small nod when I checked to make sure she was sure.
　She must be very embarrassed.
　Even her ears are red.

''It's just that, well, I want to take care of you until we get married, so...''
Yeah, I know. I respect that.

　I feel like it's too late to do it now, and I also feel like the hurdle is higher in normal circumstances.
　It's not hard to understand how I feel, but I want to tilt my head in that direction.
　But, well, I can't help but think that each person is different.

So I, well, you know, bought some tools.

　Hmmm, Makoto countered.
　I can't help but wonder if it's okay after all~.

''It's good to be ready, right?
No, no, I mean, I'm not sure I'm brave enough.
"-Oh!

　I look at Laura without thinking.
　But she remains downcast and squirms.

'So, please,'
....

　Don't ask me to do that, I pouted in my mind.

''........Makoto-sama?''
Yeah, okay.

　That's a high bar, Makoto nodded, thinking.

*

　Evening - Mako returned to the 'Golden Sheep' pavilion.
　Shelley was working at the counter, but no one else was there.

'Sir, welcome back,'
I'm home.

　I return the greeting and take a seat at the end of the counter.

'How was it?'
I've had a lot of positive experiences.
It's about Laura, isn't it?

　Shelley's eyes widened in surprise and she asked back.

'Yes,'
I guess I shouldn't ask you what you've been doing.

　Sherry muttered with a sigh and put her glass in front of Mako.
　A silence descends.
　But it feels comforting.

'What do you plan to do tomorrow?'
I don't have any plans. Can I help you with something?
I heard that Mary and Anne are going to the forest on a request.
Do you want me to follow you?
No, not really. I'm just a little concerned.

　Makoto chuckled.

'I don't mind. And the commission fee, well, it's just me and Sherry.
So, I guess we'll just have to leave the ring out of it.
Do you mind?
Yeah, a little.

　Shelly chuckled.
　I can't decide if she really cares or if it's an act to stomp down on the commission fee.
　I suppose it's an act, but isn't it a good idea to step in too much?

'I don't mind following along...'
Is there a problem?
I'm a combat specialist.

　Mako scratched her head.
　'I can deal with monsters, but I can't be of any use otherwise.

'If only Fene were here...'
Faine is watching us through the door.
What?

　When I turned around, I saw Fene looking at me from behind the door.
　The moment our eyes meet, I feel my body tremble with a jolt.
　I thought he was going to escape, but he was looking at me intently.
　But still, how did you notice it?
　Is it possible that he or she is sensitive to the presence of others?

Just in time. Actually, I wanted to talk to you.
Huh? You want to talk?
Come on over here.

　When Makoto beckoned to him, Fene approached.
　She seemed to be somewhat frightened.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say.

I'm sorry, I didn't know you were fired.
What are you talking about?
You're not firing me?

　Fene let out a breath of relief.
　'We'd better take care of our problem before we talk about Mary and Anne.

'Fene, sit down.'
....

　Fene took a seat next to him as Makoto urged him.

'Is there something troubling you?'
Nothing.
'I thought I was going to get fired?
Ggh.....

　Fene moaned softly.

'Actually....ssss.'
Say it a little louder.


　Fane blurted out.
　I looked at his tail and saw that it was still in two pieces.

'Oh, right. So how far up did you get?'
"Twenty-nine.
Yeah, right.

　It's another number that's slightly less clear.

"Brother, I'd like to ask--
Tomorrow we support Mary and Anne.
All right. Why don't you listen to me?
I don't have a good feeling about this. And you know what?

　Mako looked at Shelly for a moment.

'That's okay. I'm the type to respect my seniors.'
Ribs?
There's always an exception.
You can't do that.
'Brother, please!　I used to kiss my brother and get to level with him!　Level 100 is a dream come true when you get there!　And besides, I like my brother, so it's not a problem.　Three birds with one stone!

　Fene leaned forward and wound up.

'What about the three birds?'
My level is up, my love is rewarded, and my brother is going to get a fourth girlfriend. What do you think?　It's a great idea!

　There was another coxing sound as Fene leaned forward.
　Shelly put her glass on the counter.
　Fene stops moving.


That's true.

　Fene scratched her head in embarrassment and sat back in her chair.

'I hope you'll consider it positively.'
Oh, yeah.

　It's getting kind of messy, Mako let out an inward sigh.