Mob Yandere

[Part 4/5]

"Originally, we were raised to fulfill roles like that... I mean, I know our basic needs are met, so I shouldn't complain, but... you know? It would be nice to have at least a somewhat decent partner, right?"

She speaks as if trying to cover up her feelings, blushing, resigning, and trying to convince me at the same time.

"It's inevitable that we'll end up with someone eventually, and we'll have to deal with various partners, but... at least for the first one, I want it to be someone proper, you know?"

"A lowly servant is your 'proper' one?"

"Comparative context... yeah."

When I point this out with a puzzled expression, Hana mutters with a look of exasperation. It's the most emotional expression I've seen from her so far. We both hesitate, looking at each other. Is this really where we stand?

"So, you're saying you want me to believe this? Really?"

"I really hope you can believe me... that's the honest truth."

The responses from the two of them to my doubts were more earnest than the words suggested. I could feel the deep struggle they were experiencing. They continued.

"Well, I'm explaining this because I could really use some sympathy. If I could get some help, that'd be great, but it's not like I personally dislike you, Household Member Coordinator."

"Me too, I've been helped. My mistakes were defended. I owe a debt of gratitude."

"But honestly, treating your first experience like a cheap service feels like selling yourself short."

"Is that so?"

"Really?"

"Oh, yeah..."

Their words and reactions made me acutely aware of our differing values. Or maybe it's just that I'm too naïve? Given my line of work, the risk of being taken advantage of is always there. Being sold in a brothel isn't uncommon in remote areas. It's quite common for night workers to sell their services for a pittance. There are also concubines. In some places, even if the villages are different, there are traditions that loosen moral standards during festivals... Historically, that culture has often been quite loose. After all, this is an eroge world.

"..."

"Um, Household Member Coordinator?"

"Huh? Um...?"

""Can we get some mercy?""

The two of them called out to me after a moment of silence, leaning in closer as if to gauge my reaction. They looked at me with hope and longing...

"...That's not possible."

That was my firm rejection after a brief silence.

"...Understood. Then, I'll give up."

"Yeah. Sorry for the trouble."

They accepted my words without resistance. Kaya, who had been close to me, pulled away and splashed into the water. I felt a slight sense of loneliness as her warmth left my back. Hana also moved away from my feet in the water. �

"That was surprisingly straightforward, wasn't it? I was expecting more of a fuss."

"If it turns into a big deal, the head of the household will get angry. Plus..."

"I owe a debt of gratitude. It's not good to be a burden."

As they soaked in the water, they explained their reasons for retreating with a sense of resignation. Their attitude seemed to carry a hint of acceptance.

"Excuse me, but isn't this act quite bothersome?"

"Just giving it a shot. Burn it down."

"Honestly, you wouldn't expect to be asked for a favor by two cute girls and then get rejected, right? Are you into guys or something? I heard there's a beautiful boy at Onitsuki, is that true?"

They seemed to have let go of some tension, their demeanor more relaxed than before, though not completely at ease.

"That's ridiculous... I'm just resistant to jumping into a relationship that skips steps. I admit both of you are cute and charming."

They weren't exceptional cases like Aoi or Mari, but both had faces that could be called beautiful. Of course, given their roles, they might have been adjusted through breeding or some Curse Art interference.

"...Are you mocking me by saying 'cute' instead of 'beautiful'?"

"Treating me like a child?"

"Of course not... Should I correct that, you two?"

"That's fine! It's too late! I was just a bit confused since it's the first time someone called me cute."

Kaya pouted and blushed, looking a bit flustered. How calculated were her actions, I wondered...

"Additionally, I'm still quite broke due to my circumstances. I can't even support a family. When you think about recognition and child support, it's just impossible, you know?"

"Recognition..."

"Child support..."

After reflecting on my somewhat joking reasons, the two of them burst into laughter, holding their stomachs in amusement.

"Seriously! I've never seen anyone think about that in a situation like this, not even in adult comics...!!"

"Recognition...! Child support...!"

My comment must have struck a chord because the two of them are shaking with laughter, genuinely rolling on the floor.

"Isn't that because it's from an adult comic? ...Regardless of others, I can't just think of it as a simple act of procreation. Maybe it's because of where I grew up."

If you irresponsibly have too many kids, winter becomes hell.

Perhaps that's why in my hometown, illegitimate children were really rare.

Even considering the possibility of death, a couple could only manage to have 3 at most.

There might have even been a specific season for making babies.

My siblings and the other kids in the village, with a few exceptions, were generally born around the same time.

Except for me.

...That's why they didn't hesitate to sell themselves, right?

"...Well, that's how it is. Please understand. If I did something like that, it would complicate my relationship with Onitsuki, wouldn't it?"

I push aside the dark memories in my mind.

I conclude my reasoning like that.

Trying to acknowledge and pay child support for someone else's kid born without any consideration would definitely lead to trouble.

"Haha... well, if that's the case, I guess it can't be helped?"

"Phew, phew... indeed, money is important."

I don't know how they truly feel.

However, the laughter they finally managed to suppress is genuine, and on the surface, they seem to accept my words.

Deep down, they probably resigned themselves to the fate that awaits them.

A faint dark emotion lingers in their eyes...

"..."

As I observe this, a thought crosses my mind. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

I really have no obligation to go that far.

But...

"...I have a suggestion."

There's no hostility or malice towards them.

We've fought together, albeit briefly.

I don't want them to suffer or be unhappy.

So, I make my proposal.

Once I see their gazes turn towards me, I continue speaking.

"For some reason, it seems I've caught the attention of your family's head, right?"

"Looks like it."

"I'm being treated really well. It's unfair."

In response to my confirmation, they completely agree.

I can even sense a hint of resentment from the latter.

I brush it off with a wry smile and then get to the main point.

"I'm always ready to welcome guests. So... perhaps you might accept a few of my whims?"

"Whims? What do you mean?"

"Ah! I understand!"

It was Hana who first grasped what I was trying to say.

I leaned in to whisper to my partner.

"Oh! I see! A reservation!"

"That was a bit too obvious, but..."

Kaya nodded as if she understood.