“Ugh, ugh… uuuugh……”
Right after returning from Nina’s family home, Nina suddenly started crying, as if she was hugging me, or rather, I felt like I was being engulfed by her. I somehow managed to reach around her back, which was too big to fully embrace.
(It feels like hugging a giant tree.)
I felt like I was about to be devoured instead. If only I were taller and my body were larger, I could embrace Nina.
(Even if I float with flying shoes, I wouldn’t be able to wrap my arms around her.)
I shifted my face away from Nina’s chest and looked around… It seemed like they had just returned from a Dungeon. The second-rate Party, led by the Hero Jian, along with the former slave-maid hero duo, the Princess Sisters, and…
“What’s wrong? What are you crying about?”
“Kaito, read the mood!”
At my words, Nastasia pulled me away, and for some reason, we went to the adjacent Commercial Guild area, with two attendant beastmen hurrying after us. Come to think of it, they went with four Heroes? It was an eight-person Party, but that doesn’t matter right now.
“Ugh, Deles, Deles… Th-thank you, truly…”
“It must have been tough. I’m so sorry that I made Nina’s father apologize, putting so much burden on you.”
“No… Deles, Deles… that he granted my request to apologize… from the bottom of my heart… I’m so happy!!”
She held me with surprising strength. It was getting a little too tight, but I couldn’t say anything to Nina, who was trembling.
“I’ll do anything I can to help.”
“I couldn’t do it myself! Even if I applied pressure, demanding an apology, it wouldn’t have been so sincere. Deles, it’s all thanks to Deles!”
…Ah, my splendid clothes are getting wet. But it’s fine, as long as I can properly support Nina.
(When I pet her, I can feel her trembling. It must have been really bad.)
Yes, Nina had said it was impossible and pointless, but she had probably wished for it deep down. If this has eased Nina’s heart, then it’s for the best. Also, I imagine she went through a lot of pain when she went alone before. From now on, I’ll accompany her as much as possible.
(I also need to give Lyra the macarons!)
Thinking about that, I can’t forgive my runaway older brother and sister. I wonder if I should sit on a chair next time I go there.
As I was contemplating this, Nastasia returned and spoke to Lyra about something.
“…Understood.”
Saying that, she headed towards the Commercial Guild. For some reason, Kaito seemed incredibly weak to Lyra, and he apparently listened to whatever she said. It seemed like he could be useful as a stud for demi-humans in the future.
“…Ugh… Uuuuuh…”
“Nina, have you calmed down? Let’s take the rest of the day off. If you need my body, you can cling to me and cry whenever and for as long as you want.”
…No reply. Maybe she still wanted to stay like this for a little longer? Honestly, I was getting a bit worn out too, but I guess I have to endure.
(I’ll sneakily cast Heal on myself.)
And again, I hugged her… No, from the outside, it probably looks like I’m being crushed by her embrace.
“…Deles.”
“Yes, Nina.”
“Thank you. I’m truly grateful.”
Finally, she released me. Nastasia, Jian and the others, as well as Verbin and the others at the Adventurer Guild reception, all breathed a sigh of relief.
“That’s good. Nina, since you’ve calmed down, please rest.”
“That’s right… Well then, let’s change the subject.” “Ah, yes. If there’s nothing else, I’ll head to my room.”
“There is.” “Huh?!” “You haven’t forgotten what you said to His Majesty, have you?”
She remembered!
“Um, was it about the wedding ceremony?”
“Do you find my gluttony so amusing? Is it interesting to talk about?”
“N-no, well, ha ha ha, uh, it’s not exactly a counterbalance…”
Wiping her tears, she then scooped me up with a nonchalant flick of her wrist!
“Tonight, you will be punished. A punishment from the bottom of my heart!” “Noooo!”
“Nataira.” “Y-yes!” “Nataira, you too.” “Ehhh?”
“S-sorry, Nataira… uh…”
“We’ll discuss the details in my room.”
Saying that, she pulled Nataira away with one hand as well. Jian and the others stared blankly, and Nastasia covered the bridge of her nose with her hand. I see, she’s going to punish the information sources along with me. I’m sorry for getting you involved, Nataira.
(Is eating 120 macarons all at once that embarrassing…?)
Still, a punishment from the bottom of her heart!
“Deles, are you prepared?”
“W-well, uh, please be gentle.”
“…If you were to give me a kiss mark that would never disappear, where would you like it?”
“Stop it!!”
And so, that night, I was thoroughly punished by the Lustful Berserker… and I have plans tomorrow!
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Meanwhile, at that time, in front of the Great Tree Commercial Guild…
“Please learn to ‘read the room’ a little more.”
“Ah, ah, I understand.” “Right?” “Yes, Lyra… Ms. Lyra.”
“Honestly, if something like this happens again, you’ll be punished, okay?” “Y-yes!”
Kaito, who was kneeling and being lectured by Lyra… Looking at him, the two attendant beastmen were inexplicably grinning.
