"So, she hasn't been able to eat for two days already?" Natsuki looked at the the timid girl and lowered his voice, "This isn't good… Shoko, you don't want Auntie to worry all day, do you?"
Shoko: "…"
Natsuki continued:
"Although I don't know all the symptoms of a weakened state, it's certainly not as simple as just not being able to eat, right?"
Shoko: "…"
The the timid girl still pursed her lips and said nothing.
"If you don't speak, I'll take that as a default." Natsuki said with concern, "Everyone will be entering the dungeon soon, and Shoko doesn't want anything to happen that would make Uncle and Auntie cry all day, right?"
Shoko: "…"
"I'll make Shoko's favorite dish tonight." Shuuko's worried voice came from outside, "Shoko, come down to eat later."
The the timid girl hurriedly, softly replied:
"I… I know…"
"A parent's heart is pitiful." Listening to the receding footsteps outside the door, Natsuki hugged Shoko in front of him and said with a righteous expression, "To prevent Auntie from crying all day, I must do something… Shoko, close your eyes, and leave the rest to me."
"…"
Hearing this, the the timid girl blinked blankly until Natsuki took her right hand, then she understood what Natsuki wanted to do, her pretty face instantly flushed at a visible speed, and she hurriedly shook her head in panic.
"Don't want to close your eyes?" Natsuki said softly, "Then Shoko can keep her eyes open."
Komi: "…It's not about opening or closing my eyes!"
Shameful!
That kind of thing is too shameful, how could I agree to you!
A moment later.
The the timid girl eventually chose to yield.
Firstly, the two were already in a relationship, and Shoko had secretly read manga during this time, knowing that there would definitely be some intimate contact during the course of a relationship.
Secondly, the weakened state indeed had more side effects than just not being able to eat; attributes would also be weakened, and her whole body felt listless and unenergetic.
Of course, out of her ostrich-like nature, Komi kept her eyes closed from beginning to end… as long as she didn't open her eyes, she could pretend not to know anything.
Half an hour later.
Thump, thump, thump.
Shuuko returned to the door and called out:
"Shoko, come downstairs for dinner."
"I'm… I'm coming…"
The the timid girl hurriedly agreed, then quickly opened the door.
"Eh?" Shuuko curiously peered into the room, "Why is the quilt so messy? Did Shoko not make her bed today?"
The the timid girl's black hair trembled, and she hurriedly looked down at her toes, stammering softly in response:
"I was a little sleepy just now… I haven't had time to make the bed yet… Mom, you go downstairs first, I'll tidy up, and I'll be right down to eat!"
"Alright." Shuuko agreed, "Shoko, hurry up, or the food will get cold."
Bang.
The door quickly closed.
The the timid girl leaned against the door, holding her chest and letting out a long breath, then walked to the window with a flushed face, peering outside. After seeing Natsuki's back, she originally intended to close both the window and curtains, but after a moment of hesitation, she left the window open for ventilation.
Then she tidied up all the traces in the room before pushing open the door, feeling guilty as she left the room. She first went to the bathroom on the second floor to wash up, then slowly went downstairs.
"Shoko, come eat." Shuuko beckoned, "I've already served your rice."
"Coming."
The the timid girl sat down properly, picked up her rice, and began to eat in small bites.
"Oh?" Shuuko's surprised voice soon sounded in her ear, "A few days ago, you only ate one bite of rice, which worried me, but Shoko's appetite is finally better today."
The the timid girl's pretty face flushed, and she almost buried her face in her chest at the remark.
Mom, I'm sorry.
It's not that my appetite finally got better, but that the weakened state finally disappeared.
"Shoko is fine, so Mom can rest assured." Shuuko smiled radiantly and handed over a glass of milk, "Here, drink a glass of milk to replenish your nutrition."
"Mmm…"
Looking at the milk being offered, the the timid girl's pretty face turned even redder, almost dripping blood, and she could only shake her head repeatedly.
"Eh, Shoko doesn't want to drink it?" Shuuko tilted her head and said, "Then Mom will drink it."
Watching her mother bring the milk to her lips, the the timid girl finally couldn't bear it, and quickly snatched the milk, tilting her head back and chugging it down.
"Don't be so rushed." Shuuko smiled, "If you like it, have another glass."
Shoko: "…"
In the end, Shoko bore it all alone.
At the same time.
Natsuki was leisurely walking home.
The Succubus Body seemed terrible, but aside from the negative effect of needing to replenish magic once a week, its value was actually quite high.
Absorbing Yang energy could permanently increase basic attributes; aside from girls with particularly strong concepts of chastity, it was an extremely practical skill no matter how you looked at it, especially suitable for new players to learn.
Dungeons are dangerous, but the most dangerous moment is when you first enter a dungeon; you're a true ordinary person with no means of resisting supernatural beings. In front of ghosts and monsters, courage and wisdom cannot truly turn the tide. If you're unlucky and encounter a door-kill, you're immediately defeated.
And the new player beside him was…
Natsuki took out his phone and called Haruno.
"Moshi moshi?"
Haruno's sweet and pleasant voice came from the phone.
Natsuki went straight to the point:
"Haruno-nee, Shoko recently mastered a new skill, and I think it might be suitable for you."
Haruno immediately became interested: "Eh, Natsuki-kun, tell me more."
Natsuki whispered:
"It's the Succubus Body…"
"…"
After hearing the skill description, Haruno was silent for a few seconds, then said with a subtle tone:
"Natsuki-kun, is the 'replenish magic' you mentioned the proper kind of 'replenish magic,' or the improper kind?"
Natsuki answered truthfully:
"It's been confirmed, it's the improper kind of 'replenish magic.'"
Haruno: "…"
"Haruno-nee can consider it." Natsuki said, "I'm just telling you about this; the decision is yours."
"No need to consider." Haruno said softly, "If it were anyone else, I definitely wouldn't agree, but if it's Natsuki-kun, there's no problem."
She would agree, as expected.
Natsuki knew before calling that Haruno would most likely not refuse.
After all, unlike Shoko, Haruno was born into a large family and was already a university student; Haruno was a standard pragmatist.
As long as something was of great help to her, she would definitely get her hands on it, even if it meant paying a price.
"Although I want it, I don't have a skill copy scroll." Haruno said pitifully, "Natsuki, what should I do?"
Natsuki said speechlessly:
"I have a spare copy scroll…"
For ordinary players, the more skills, the better, wishing they had dozens or hundreds of skills at their disposal.
But Natsuki knew very well that more skills weren't necessarily better.
The reason was simple: the game was not a typical mobile game where you just tap a button when it lights up. Releasing skills, timing, and other aspects all had extremely high requirements, which demanded a lot of practice in daily life.
It's hard to say who is stronger: someone who has practiced ten thousand types of leg techniques or someone who has practiced one type of leg technique ten thousand times.
So, giving a Copy Scroll to Haruno was perfectly fine.
"No reward without merit!"
Haruno suddenly refused with righteous indignation.
Natsuki was startled and asked in surprise, "Haruno-nee doesn't want it?"
"I won't take Natsuki-kun's things for free, but I can borrow them from Natsuki-kun," Haruno said sweetly. "It's just that I'm very busy these two days and I'm in Chiba Prefecture, so I can't rush back. I can only ask Yukino to come and borrow the scroll."
Natsuki: "..."
You're not coming to borrow it yourself, but instead sending Yukino? You're practically pushing your sister into a pit of fire!
"It's decided then," Haruno said with a smile. "When Yukino comes to borrow things on my behalf, Natsuki-kun can do whatever he wants, okay?"
You don't get to decide that; Yukino does!
The call ended.
Natsuki put away his phone and walked home.
He had expected Haruno to be inefficient, with results taking at least several days. Who knew that by 8 PM, Natsuki had already received a message from Yukino.
"Do you... have a Copy Scroll?"
The sender was none other than Yukino.
I didn't realize, Haruno, your efficiency is incredibly high!
Natsuki sat up straight: "I still have one Copy Scroll, what's wrong?"
Yukino was silent for two seconds: "Can you lend me the Copy Scroll?"
Natsuki: "Yukino needs to use it?"
Yukino: "...Mm."
Is she unwilling to reveal the truth to save Haruno's face?
What a deep sisterly bond!
Too bad you don't know that your sister is doing this on purpose, just to push you into a pit of fire!
Copy Scrolls have a certain chance of failure; they aren't 100% successful. But even so, they are still considered one of the most valuable items by players. A failed copy only wastes one scroll, but a successful copy allows one to master a new skill.
Strengthening basic attributes is a slow process, with little immediate effect, but mastering a new skill can bring substantial progress and experience.
In short, Copy Scrolls are invaluable and in short supply. Once someone sells one, it's immediately snatched up or driven to a price that ordinary players simply cannot afford.
Yukino had not joined the Strange Tales Management Bureau. With her current wealth as a minor rich woman, it was impossible for her to buy a Copy Scroll, so she could only borrow it from Natsuki.
Natsuki quickly said:
"Don't say 'borrow.' As long as I have it, Yukino can take whatever she wants, anytime."
"No need," Yukino said ungratefully, reiterating, "It's a loan. I will return it to you later."
"Alright, Yukino can come and get the Copy Scroll anytime," Natsuki promised, then changed the subject, "However... I'm not asking too much if I make a small request, am I?"
When you take from someone, you're indebted to them. Yukino naturally couldn't refuse outright, so she could only say, "...Tell me."
Natsuki smiled and said, "My house hasn't been cleaned recently and is a bit messy. I'd like to find someone to clean it... Is Yukino free?"
Yukino: "No problem."
Natsuki continued:
"Is it okay to wear a maid outfit while cleaning?"
Yukino hesitated for two seconds, then agreed:
"No problem."
Maid outfits are actually quite common in Japan; wearing one to clean does not insult anyone.
Natsuki continued:
"It's been a long time since I went to a maid cafe in Akihabara. I miss being called 'Master'... When Yukino comes to clean tomorrow, can you call me 'Master'?"
Yukino bit her silver teeth and said, "Garbage-kun, don't push your luck!"
"How is this pushing my luck?" Natsuki feigned innocence. "I haven't even asked for kisses or hugs, or for you to lift your skirt. I've been very restrained, haven't I?"
"I promise," Natsuki continued without waiting for Yukino's reply, "As long as Yukino agrees to call me 'Master,' there will be no other requests!"
"..."
A moment of silence.
Yukino finally replied: "It's a deal."
This Yukino has a proud personality. Even though she explicitly stated it was a loan of the Copy Scroll, both parties actually knew it was still a form of taking advantage, which is why she went against her true feelings and agreed to Natsuki's shameless request.
Natsuki smiled and said, "I'm free all day tomorrow. What time will Yukino come tomorrow morning?"
"Eight o'clock in the morning," Yukino quickly replied. "I'll buy breakfast and bring it over then."
"Yes, thank you very much," Natsuki said his thanks, then added, "Do you want me to prepare a maid outfit for you?"
Yukino flatly refused:
"No need, I'll prepare it myself."
Natsuki said, "For breakfast, I'd like a heart-shaped omurice."
Yukino rejected him with disdain:
"There's no heart-shaped omurice."
Natsuki: "Then just a regular omurice."
"..."
The night passed uneventfully.
The next day.
At 7:59 AM, the doorbell rang precisely.
Natsuki was already awake and watching TV in the living room. Hearing the doorbell, he got up to open the door. A girl with long black hair immediately came into view; it was Yukino.
"Yukino, good morning," Natsuki opened the door, took out a pair of slippers, and handed them to Yukino. "You're incredibly punctual, aren't you?"
"Excuse me for intruding," Yukino stepped into the entrance, carrying a large shopping bag in both hands and wearing a backpack. Her voice was cool as she said, "Punctuality is basic etiquette in human interactions."
"Well said, I must commend you," Natsuki gave a thumbs-up, his gaze lingering on Yukino. "But... what about the maid outfit you promised?"
"It's in my backpack, I'll change right away."
Yukino replied as she changed into slippers, heading for the bathroom.
Clearly, this Yukino was unwilling to parade around in a maid outfit, as she would surely be gawked at by passersby.
"Wait," Natsuki stopped Yukino. "Yukino, did you forget something?"
Yukino said expressionlessly, "What?"
Natsuki said, "What about the address you promised last night?"
Yukino was silent for two seconds, then slightly averted her gaze, biting her lip, and whispered, "...Master."
"Satisfied," Natsuki smiled. "Go change."
Yukino gave him a look and turned to walk into the bathroom.
"Phew..."
Yukino closed the door, clutched her chest, and let out a soft sigh.
To be honest, even though she was forced to call him 'Master,' there was no feeling of dislike or humiliation, just a slight embarrassment... Perhaps she had already grown accustomed to it?
A moment later.
A maid Yukino pushed the door open, dressed in the most traditional maid attire. Her skirt was long, falling directly to her knees, completely concealing her absolute territory. There was no heart-shaped cutout on her chest, and she only had a white hair ornament on her head; no cat ears or dog ears, which was a pity.
But even so, it still made one's eyes light up, unable to help but give praise.
Click.
Natsuki took out his phone and began taking commemorative photos.
Yukino's pretty face tightened as she said, "Sneak photography is illegal. Delete the photos."
"No," Natsuki said righteously, "I'm taking pictures openly, and I'm taking pictures of my own maid. Even if the police come, I won't delete them."
"..."
Yukino couldn't help but glare at him, then turned and walked into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
A moment later.
Maid Yukino emerged from the kitchen, carrying a golden, fragrant omurice, and instructed, "Master, put down your phone, go wash your hands, and eat."
Natsuki put down his phone, feeling something was off, and couldn't help but complain, "It doesn't feel like a maid and master; it feels more like an older sister lecturing her younger brother."
Yukino's lips curled up for a fleeting moment, then quickly returned to her cool expression. Her tone was indifferent as she said, "It's just Master's illusion. Hurry up and put down your phone, wash your hands, and eat."
"..."
Natsuki silently put down his phone, went to wash his hands, then came back and sat down.
"There's only one omurice..." Natsuki looked at Yukino. "Have you eaten?"
"Mm," Yukino said calmly. "I woke up at six in the morning, went for a half-hour jog, and had breakfast by seven."
Natsuki said speechlessly, "Morning jogs probably don't have any effect on us anymore, do they?"
Yukino retorted, "Morning jogs not only exercise the body but also regulate the mind and bring inner peace."
"I see, Yukino-sensei, I've learned something," Natsuki nodded. "I hurt my wrist playing Games last night. Can Yukino feed me the omurice?"
Yukino said expressionlessly, "I suggest Master use his right hand."
Without waiting for Natsuki, maid Yukino turned around, her hair and maid skirt gently fluttering in the air, and began to clean.
Washing clothes.
Mopping the floor.
Cleaning kitchen waste.
She washed the fruit.
She even trimmed a few potted plants in the house.
It must be said that Yukino's housekeeping skills were at least several stories high.
"Thank you for the meal, I'm done eating." Natsuki picked up his bowl and chopsticks, preparing to wash them in the kitchen.
"Master can just sit there." Yukino took the bowl and chopsticks, saying, "I'll wash the dishes."
Natsuki couldn't help but exclaim:
"If Yukino were always this obedient and well-behaved, it would be perfect."
"…Heh."
"Wait, did you just sneer?"
"No, Master misheard."
"Then it was a disdainful scoff."
"It's good that Master knows, no need to say it out loud."
"…"
A moment later.
When the maid Yukino came out of the kitchen, she was still carrying cut watermelon and yellow peaches, which showed she was quite diligent and responsible, without any slacking off.
Natsuki said:
"These fruits…"
"I'm only responsible for washing them, Master eats them yourself." Yukino cut him off directly, "If Master can't lift his hand, he doesn't have to eat them."
Such a meticulous maid, it was impossible to get close to her!
"Alright, there's one more thing." Natsuki changed the subject, "I want a lap pillow."
Yukino's delicate brows furrowed, and she looked over:
"Hm?"
"The lap pillow vouchers haven't all been redeemed yet." Natsuki said righteously, "Yukino wouldn't go back on her word, would she?"
Yukino was silent for two seconds, then turned her pretty face away and said:
"I'll go hang the laundry first…"
"Hang the laundry later, I want the lap pillow now." Natsuki patted the sofa, "Quickly fulfill your promise, Yukino often says that being a person, the most important thing is to keep your word."
"…"
Yukino bit her lip with her pearly teeth, but in the end, she didn't go back on her word.
Keeping her word was one of Yukino's core life principles, so she naturally wouldn't renege. She took a deep breath and sat down on the sofa.
"Then, I'll begin."
Natsuki was not polite, directly resting his head on the girl's soft, fragrant, and elastic thighs. The faint, elusive fragrance that had been in the air suddenly became clear, like orchids and musk, with the sweet scent of milk and fruit, gently wafting into his nostrils.
"Thank you for the treat."
Natsuki spoke while rubbing back and forth.
So smooth.
For some reason, even through the clothes, he could still clearly feel the tender smoothness and warmth beneath the maid outfit.
Yukino endured for a while, finally biting her silver teeth and saying:
"You're going too far!"
Natsuki's voice was muffled as he said:
"I'm just finding a comfortable position."
Yukino couldn't help but say in annoyance:
"Is lying on your stomach comfortable?"
Natsuki took a breath and said:
"It's very comfortable for me."
"…Lewd!"
Under the strong protest of the maid Yukino, Natsuki finally changed to a supine lap pillow position, reducing his happiness by one.
"Ten minutes are up."
Yukino used her phone to time it, and once the experience time was over, she immediately made Natsuki get up, then went to the balcony to hang the clothes.
After hanging the clothes, Yukino silently took out a black future diary, opened it, and read its contents.
[You went to Natsuki's house to serve as a maid]
[Natsuki was so happy he forgot to return home]
[Your favorability towards Natsuki increased again]
[For some reason, Natsuki prepared to go out, you didn't stop him, and finally the world was destroyed]
"So, what's with the world being destroyed?" Looking at the diary content that hadn't changed at all, Yukino couldn't help but let out a sigh, "Garbage-kun just went out for a trip, how did the world get destroyed?"
In these past few days, Yukino had developed the habit of reading the future diary, liking to take it out and look at it whenever she had nothing to do.
Most of the time, the future diary wouldn't show any content; it would be blank inside.
But this morning, after her morning run, she returned home, took out the future diary, and saw that a world line where the world was destroyed had appeared in the future.
"I don't know why…" Yukino pursed her lips, "Can I only forcibly keep Garbage-kun at home?"
At the same time.
The doorbell suddenly rang.
Natsuki got up to open the door and was surprised to find that it was Kaguya outside.
"President, good morning." Kaguya stood at the door, her eyes bright, her voice clear and cheerful, "I came to visit Mom."
"Ah… Kaguya-san, good morning." Natsuki's forehead slightly beaded with sweat, trying to act as if nothing was wrong, "It's hot outside, come in and talk."
There was still a maid Yukino at home, and if the two of them met, he felt like it would be bad!
However, with Yukino's personality, after hearing Kaguya's voice, she would most likely hide to avoid being discovered, right?
To be safe, it was better not to let them meet!
Natsuki slapped his forehead, suddenly saying:
"I just remembered something, Kaguya-san, are you free today?"
"Eh?" Kaguya blinked, "What is it?"
Natsuki said:
"We're entering the dungeon the day after tomorrow, and there's a movie I really want to see, let's go watch a movie together?"
The President is actively inviting me to watch a movie?
Kaguya's eyes immediately brightened, the corners of her lips slightly curved upwards, and she clasped her hands in front of her chest, saying reservedly:
"I happen to be free today, since the President wants to see a movie so much, it's fine to go together."
The next second.
A cold voice suddenly rang out:
"Stay home today, don't go out."
"Eh, that voice is…"
Kaguya's beautiful eyes immediately widened, and she looked in the direction of the voice, seeing Yukino in a maid outfit walking over from the balcony. Her pearly teeth immediately bit her lip.
It really was Yukino.
Why was Yukino at the President's house?
And wearing a maid outfit?
Did she stay at the President's house all last night?
She came to knock on the door, and the President kept talking at the door, even saying he wanted to go watch a movie together… was he actually trying to make her leave?
The President… cheated last night?!
The smile on Kaguya's face disappeared, and even the highlights in her eyes gradually dimmed.
"President, last night you…"
"I'm not, I didn't, listen to me explain!" Natsuki quickly reached out and said, "Yukino wanted to borrow a copy scroll, so she voluntarily came to be a maid to pay off the debt. Yukino wasn't here last night at all, if you don't believe me, ask Auntie and Miko!"
"That's right, I can vouch for Natsuki." Mrs. Shimizu raised her right hand, "Don't worry, Kaguya-san, Yukino really wasn't here last night."
With Mrs. Shimizu's endorsement, the highlights in Kaguya's eyes reappeared. She glanced at Yukino, crossed her arms over her chest, and said:
"Since the President wants to go watch a movie, let's leave quickly."
Natsuki quickly said:
"Okay, I'll go change now…"
"Don't go out." Yukino stepped forward and said calmly, "Stay home today, don't go out."
Although the content on the future diary was only a possibility, to be safe, it was best to keep Natsuki at home to avoid a future where the world was destroyed.
Stare—
Their eyes met, and the gazes of the two girls collided in the air, sparking a flame.
Kaguya quietly clenched her fists, tilted her head, and said:
"It's the President's freedom whether he goes out to watch a movie or not. Yukino is just a maid, she can't control that much, can she?"
Yukino originally wanted to explain about the future diary, but facing Kaguya's questioning tone, she felt inexplicably uncomfortable and responded expressionlessly:
"As a maid, I must take care of everything in the house, and Natsuki is naturally included in that… Does Kaguya-san have an objection?"