CH 242

Words : 957 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

A Voyeur Appears “How about you say…that you cannot accept, because of the contract?” “I see… I will use the contract as an excuse. That way, I can turn her down without offending her.” “Yes. It would be very different if you said it was because of her appearance or character. …Though I do think she would be deserving of such excuses.” “Hahaha. Well, insulting people as much as possible when refusing them is not something I enjoy… But that’s just me.” “It is good that you are kind, but… You really should improve your ability to refuse people.” Oh, she was warning me. Yes… It had been that way before, when we went to the Fenrir forest. I found it hard to say no when people asked me fervently. I suppose I didn’t like to disappoint others… But from Ms. Claire’s point of view, she probably did not like to see a friend be used by other people. Though, I didn’t know why she should be this concerned. “Thank you. I think I should be fine now.” “I’m glad that I could be of help… But, Mr. Takumi?” “Yes, what is it?” “Anne’s proposal might be an advantage to you in the end. After all, you could become a noble…” “Yes, that’s true.” There was still a lot that I didn’t know about the aristocracy in this world… However, they clearly had special privileges and could live in luxury. Though, I’m sure they had their own duties as well. But it would still be better than the way I had lived in Japan. However… “I am quite satisfied with my current situation.” “You are?” “Yes. You have all been very good to me. And Leo gets to play with everyone. And through making the herbs, I am able to help this house and the people in the town.” “You don’t have to worry about helping us… Still, I see.” “And nothing is more fun than being able to talk and laugh with you, Sebastian, Tilura and Milina. Also… I enjoy my sword and magic training, which should be very useful if I ever have to fight again.” “Is that so… So you want to stay with us.” There was no doubt that becoming a noble had its appeals. However, as I just said, I very much enjoyed my current situation in life. It was a far cry from my old job and days of unending exhaustion. Leo was with me, and everyone was nice. Besides, I couldn’t really imagine being a nobleman with lots of servants and having to deal with people who lived on my land… That was probably the biggest reason… “In any case, I will probably have to leave this mansion eventually… So I want to enjoy my time here while I can.” “…But…you really can stay here for as long as you like…” “…Ms. Claire?” Perhaps I had said a little too much, and was feeling a little embarrassed. But that’s how much I wanted her to know that I enjoyed being here. And as we talked, Ms. Claire moved closer and closer. Eventually, she was leaning against me with her head on my shoulder. …When she was this close, it was difficult to not think about her scent again… “Mr. Takumi…I…” “…Ms. Claire…” “In this mansion, forever… Ever since you helped me in the forest, I…” While her head was still on my shoulder, she turned to look up at me. We were so close that the smallest movement could… My heart started to beat faster and louder. While I doubted she could hear it, I almost worried that she would. My hands and legs felt numb, and I could not move or look away. I had not felt anything like this when Ms. Anne made her proposal… “…Mr. Takumi. “…Wuff!” “!” “!? Leo?” Just as Ms. Claire had closed her eyes and leaned into me, Leo suddenly barked. …That was close… A few more seconds and… Huh? What was happening? “Wuff…wuff-wuff.” “Leo. What is it?” “…Good Leo?” Leo had suddenly stood up and started to bark. Then she sighed and went over to the door. “Grau!” “Woah!” “Kyaaaa!” “What!” Leo used her front paw to pull the door open. …Leo. So you can open doors now… But there was no time to think about that, as a flood of people poured into the room. “Mr. Ekenhart…?” “Father… Sebastian and Tilura?” Yes, the flood of people were made up of Mr. Ekenhart, Sebastian and Tilura. Tilura was flattened on the floor under the weight of the others, and seemed to be in pain. But Sherry was on top of them all, and seemed to be having fun… Though, this really wasn’t a game… “I can’t breathe…” “Oh, sorry.” “Forgive me.” As Tilura raised her voice painfully, the others swiftly got back to their feet. “…Father…surely…surely you were not spying on us?” “…Hahaha… No… Well…Sebastian?” “It is not noble of you to blame me, Your Grace.” “Wuff…” “…Tilura?” “Ye-yes! Father said that Claire went to visit Mr. Takumi’s room with an unusual look of resolve, and that this must mean something!” “Kyau-kyau!” “Ah… I see…” “Ti-Tilura! That’s not what you were supposed to say!” Mr. Claire stood up slowly and then approached Mr. Ekenhart. As he could not think of any excuses, he pushed Sebastian forward. But soon after, Tilura explained everything in a clear voice. Sherry nodded in agreement. Leo sighed with exasperation by the door… I knew exactly how she felt.

CH 242

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