[Anya’s PoV]
It happened while I briefly looked away.
I, Anastasia, was feeding the pigeons when I noticed that Blacky-chan, the black cat, had taken a bite out of the plump pigeon.
“Ahhh, Blacky-chan, you can’t eat the pigeon! I was just trying to be friends with it.” (Anya)
Blacky-chan squirmed and meowed, clearly not liking how I was holding him. After I let him down, Blacky-chan ran over to Eva-chan.
Phew, the pigeon was saved. I’ll continue with Operation “Befriend the White Pigeon!”
Oh, a new pigeon flew in from somewhere. Maybe it wanted to eat some food.
As I looked at the direction it came from, I saw someone I knew sitting on the bench.
Wow, it’s Wil-sama. I thought about going to say hi… but then I noticed that he was eating crepes together with a cute girl.
“Guh…!” (Anya)
That feeling when your whole world gets turned upside down… it’s real, isn’t it? I feel like crying. Wil-sama is on a date with someone who’s not me. And she’s a girl with big breasts. Of course, that’s what it’s about. Haa… I’m bigger than Clara-chan, though.
“Maybe I should make tonight’s dinner stuff that Wil-sama dislikes.” (Anya)
No, perhaps I should showcase the depth of my generosity by making only the things Lord Vil loves.
The pigeon coos at me, probably asking for more food.
“Sorry for the wait. Here you go, some delicious bread for you!” (Anya)
I’ve torn the bread into small pieces for easy eating. The pigeons seem to love it.
“Pigeons, let’s be friends, okay?” (Anya)
One of the pigeons looks up at me. Then, for some reason, it flinches and quickly moves away from me.
“Hmm? What’s wrong?” (Anya)
The pigeon seems wary and won’t come closer to me. Is it feeling a bit scared?
“Hey, Anastasia? Your eyes are lacking light, you look rather scary.” (Clara)
I’ve been called out by Clara-chan. Are my eyes different from usual?
“And your long hair is getting in your mouth, too. You look like a cursed doll that has been neglected for years.” (Eva)
Eva-chan checks on me.
“Kyaa, Ana-chan, you’re so cute! Kekeke… Kekekeke…” (Eva)
That laughter, it’s quite something.
“Kekeke… Kekekeke…” (Anya)
I tried my best to laugh.
“A-Anastasia seems to have malfunctioned. Please calm down. Is something wrong?” (Clara)
“Well, Clara-chan, Eva-chan, what do you think of that?” (Anya)
“Ah, it’s Wil-oniisan!” (Eva)
“Indeed, Stephanie-san is with Wilhelm-sama. They’re eating crepes… Ah, I see, that’s definitely a date desu wa. I think it’s what they call a crepe date desu wa!” (Clara)
“Wow, Wil-oniisan’s type is so obvious, isn’t it?” (Eva)
“Yeah, it’s crystal clear desu wa. So, basically, we’re all hopeless desu wa…” (Clara)
Everyone looks down at their chests. *pat, pat, pat*
“Ana-chan, Ana-chan, mine are decent compared to the two of you, right?” (Eva)
“But Eva-chan, yours aren’t big at all, either.” (Anya)
“…Kekeke… Kekekeke…” (Eva)
Eva-chan smoothly pulls out a straw doll from her long hair. It’s the perfect item for cursing someone.
“Maybe both the busty one and Wil-oniisan need a little punishment…” (Eva)
“Eva-chan, can I have one too?” (Anya)
“Sure, here you go.” (Eva)
Eva-chan gave me the straw doll, but Clara-chan snatched it away.
“No-way-desu-wa. Dangerous items like this must be confiscated.” (Clara)
“Aww!” (Eva & Anya)
“Wilhelm-sama may not look impressive, but he actually has some attractive qualities and comes from a good family, so I’m sure this won’t be the last time. There’s no end to jealousy if you let it bother you every time.” (Clara)
“Then, Clara-chan, what would you do in a situation like this?” (Anya)
“I’ll attack him every day until he can’t think of anyone else but me!” (Clara)
Clara-chan crossed her arms and struck a pose as if lifting her chest. But there was nothing to lift.
I send her a sympathetic look.
“I don’t think your sex appeal would work.” (Anya)
“Shut up desu wa! You’re no different!” (Clara)
“Haa, it’s like comparing acorns… Sad.” (Anya)
“Hehehe, Ana-chan, Clara-chan, I have enough to lend both of you.” (Eva)
“We’re jealous!” (Anya & Clara)
But even Eva-chan’s bosom wouldn’t seem to sway Wil-sama. We’re dealing with a tough opponent. The path of love is indeed treacherous. In the realm of love, Sophia-san must surely be the strongest.
◇
I found myself in Wil-sama’s room for some reason. Not to search for evidence of infidelity… no, just to clean the room. Maybe Wil-sama will praise me with “Did you clean the room while I was away, Anya? Thanks” or something like that.
I open the window and start sweeping away with the broom. It’s quite clean thanks to Mew-chan, who loves cleanliness.
“Huh?” (Anya)
There’s an unfamiliar booklet on the desk… W-Wait, is this—
“A… a job guide? Wil-sama? That can’t be… This is… unbelievable! This is the beginning of the end!” (Anya)
“I’m back! Anya-chan, Mew-chan, I got some blueberries on the way home. How about we make some cheesecake and top it with blueberries tonight?” (Sofia)
It seems Sofia-san has returned from her quest. I rushed down the stairs.
“Sofia-san, Mew-chan, something big is happening!” (Anya)
Mew-chan reacts with a “Mew” sound. Sofia-san energetically asks, “Anya-chan, what’s going on?”
“I… I found this on Wil-sama’s desk.” (Anya)
“What in the world?!” (Sofia)
“Mewwwww!” (Mew-chan)
“So, Wil-kun is actually considering a job! …Hmm, now that I think about it, it’s unexpected, but not entirely impossible?” (Sofia)
“Sodane!” (Mew-chan)
“He’s probably just being manipulated by Liliana-san or something.” (Sofia)
“Sodane!” (Mew-chan)
“I hope so, but…” (Anya)
I’m filled with unease. I hope this doesn’t turn into some strange flag. There are too many cute women around Wil-sama. I’m starting to get more and more anxious about Wil-sama leaving this guild.
◇
[Wilhelm’s PoV]
“I’m back!” (Wilhelm)
After spending time with Stephanie, playing and drinking coffee at a café, it had already turned into night. I was starving.
Anya welcomed me with open arms.
“Welcome back, Wil-sama. Would you like dinner first, or a bath, or perhaps… me?” (Anya)
As she says this, Anya blushes. She’s so cute.
I pat Anya’s head and take off my jacket. Then, I sit down on a chair.
“Let’s have dinner then. I’m hungry.” (Wilhelm)
Anya’s eyes widen in surprise.
“Am I really no good as a woman? You can’t tell from my clothes, but I actually have some curves…” (Anya)
Anya takes my right hand and pulls me. Where she leads me is to her modest chest but…
My stomach growls loudly. Anya smiles.
“I-I guess you were really hungry. I’ll prepare dinner right away.” (Anya)
Seems like my stomach’s response was a good one. Blushing, Anya starts preparing dinner.
After a short wait, Anya brings out a large hamburger steak.
I insert the knife and watch as the juices from the meat flow out, pleasing the eyes. Then, the melted cheese on top blends with the juices.
This is a perfect hamburger. It’s my absolute favorite.
“Wil-sama, let me pour you some wine.” (Anya)
Still wearing her apron, Anya sits next to me and pours wine for me.
“Gah, the shut-in’s not working today mew. Giving alcohol’s too much of a pampering mew.” (Mew-chan)
Exactly. That’s what I want to say.
Anya poured wine into the glass with an unsteady hand. Apparently, this wine was a gift from our neighbors. I wondered why they would give wine to a child, but apparently, it was meant for me, as a token of appreciation for being with her. Thank you, neighbors.
I’ll drink without hesitation. Ah, delicious. The taste of grapes spreading in my mouth, accompanied by the aroma of alcohol wafting through my nostrils. This is wine. Magnificent.
“But wow, this wine is pretty strong on the alcohol.” (Wilhelm)
“Sodane! Young lady, over here too mew.” (Mew-chan)
“Anya, Mew-chan wants you to pour here too.” (Wilhelm)
“Mew-chan, please pour it yourself.” (Anya)
“S-Sodane…” (Mew-chan)
Mew-chan is tearing up. It’s amusing to see a magical beast crying. Those tears could be the perfect accompaniment to the wine.
“Wil-sama, tonight I will take care of you with my heart and soul.” (Anya)
Anya leaned her head on my shoulder. What’s this? It’s incredibly cute.
“Anastasia Night Service is now open.” (Anya)
She whispered softly in my ear.
“Well then, I suppose I’ll take you up on your offer.” (Wilhelm)
Ten minutes later— The alcohol is too strong. I might be getting drunk already. But Anya doesn’t stop pouring wine.
Anya whispers in my ear.
“Wil-sama, do you like me?” (Anya)
“Yeah, of course.” (Wilhelm)
“How much do you like me?” (Anya)
“This much.” (Wilhelm)
I hugged Anya tightly. Her body was slender, soft, and warm.
“Gah! You neet, what are you doing mew? Touching is prohibited mew! This isn’t that kind of shop mew!” (Mew-chan)
“Fuahh, Wil-sama, I’m happy. I’m sorry for secretly doubting various things. I belong to you for the rest of my life. Please do as you like with me tonight.” (Anya)
“What on earth is ojou saying mew? Is she getting drunk from the smell of alcohol mew?” (Mew-chan)
Ah, Sofia-san has arrived. She energetically slams open the door.
“Good evening! I’ve made some snacks. Let’s all eat together!” (Sofia)
Sofia-san came in cheerfully, but when she saw us, her eyes widened.
“W-Wil-kun and Anya-chan have crossed the line? I’m shocked, onee-san is shocked! Is this what happens when I’m not around to watch?” (Sofia)
“Huh? What are you talking about? I just heard something I can’t ignore.” (Liliana)
“Oh, I also invited Liliana-san who I ran into, is that okay?” (Sofia)
Lil… Li… Ana…?
Oh no, what have I done? This situation is bad. I need to get away from Anya immediately.
When I turned around, Liliana was right there. She had a terrifying expression, as if her anger could pierce the heavens, and she grabbed my shoulder with a firm grip, as strong as a demon’s.
“Oh, so you have the courage to do this in front of me, Wilhelm-kun?” (Liliana)
“N-No, it’s not what you think. I was just, in the heat of the moment, and then…” (Wilhelm)
“Oh, really~ You know, there’s something I’ve been thinking about you for a while.” (Liliana)
“W-What is it…?” (Wilhelm)
“I’ve been wanting to straighten out that rotten personality of yours from the very core.” (Liliana)
“Your face looks so sadistic!” (Wilhelm)
“Adults who get drunk in front of children need divine punishment!” (Liliana)
I ended up being hit with a German Suplex by Liliana.
“Aaarghhhhhh!” (Wilhelm)
It hurt like crazy. And she kept on with more wrestling moves. Relentless.
I hoped someone would stop her, but Anya was smiling, Sofia-san was happily warming up food without a care, and Mew-chan was grinning with a “serves you right” look. Basically, yeah, nobody was coming to my rescue.
After the wrestling moves were over, I prepared snacks for everyone, poured drinks like alcohol and juice, and even did the dishes properly.
As the night deepened, I collapsed onto the bed, feeling utterly worn out. That Reverse Figure-Four Leglock from Liliana really hurt.
Haa, what a pathetic sight. Getting drunk on the alcohol poured by a child, it’s shameful. Guilt swirls around in my mind, relentlessly.
They’re all such wonderful women.
Dealing with a shut-in, unemployed guy like me, they really shouldn’t have to. They could have spent the time they wasted on me with other men, perhaps finding a better match.
In the distance, an owl hoots.
The night grows even later.
I thought about so many things over and over. Memories from my experiences with [Grand Bahamut], my student days, and the time I spent as a shut-in at home. Even the recent time I had drinks with Liliana at the bar. I thought about everything.
… …
… … …
Despite being drunk, I couldn’t sleep at all. But my thoughts finally came together.
“I’m going to get a job.” (Wilhelm)
My resolve was firm. I would definitely find employment.
I wanted to become a better man and face everyone properly. If I did that, I wouldn’t feel guilty when they took care of me.
When I thought about it properly, this choice was obvious. If I kept dawdling, my younger brother Tony would get a job before me. Tony respects me, so I need to get a job first and show him a cool older brother.
It was already the middle of the night. It took a long time to fall asleep. But once I decided on the path I should take, I was surprised at how quickly I fell into a deep sleep.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
WHAT?!?! MC getting a job?? Who are you and what have you done with the real MC?? I never thought this day would come, but it did, and it’s so surreal. Is he gonna get a job at Liliana’s place? That felt like where the story was heading.
Footnote:
- None