Chapter 4: Shinji’s Observations of <Running Wolves>

“Now, I’ll leave the watch to you, Fraeli.”

Entrusting the watch to Fraeli, Shinji stepped away from Alwin and the others to reflect on his observations of <Running Wolves> over the past week.

The leader, Alwin. Short black hair, weapon of choice: two-handed sword. Prefers light armor, excels in swift movements and bold attacks. Good-looking, too.

His personality is, in a good way, straightforward and easygoing. He cherishes his girlfriend, Meelis. Even when drinking with other party guys, he avoids womanizing or gambling.

(A fundamentally serious country swordsman, huh, Shinji thought.)

The healer, Meelis. Long, beautiful blonde hair down to her waist, weapon: staff. Dressed in blue robes, a priestess with talent in healing magic and potential for future growth. Her cute face and petite stature belie her voluptuous figure...large breasts and hips that appeal to men.

Her personality is gentle and reserved. She relies on her boyfriend, Alwin. She and Renka are from the same hometown, and she looks up to Renka like an older sister, but occasionally shows jealousy when Renka and Alwin get too close.

The scout and archer, Renka. Medium-length red hair, weapons: bow and short sword. Wears green clothing and short pants, a ranger. Her archery skills are exceptional, and as a scout, she’s more than competent...Shinji felt it wasn’t an exaggeration to say she was the backbone of <Running Wolves>. Her face is strikingly beautiful, her figure well-proportioned, with attractively modest breasts.

Her personality is strong-willed and responsible. Being a year older than Alwin and Meelis, she acts like an older sister, trying to protect them. However, it seems she has romantic feelings for Alwin, though she can’t be honest about it, and their bickering is likely a sign of her affection. Alwin, however, seems completely oblivious.

(What they have in common is a strong wariness toward other men,)

Considering their striking appearances, it was easy for Shinji to understand why they were so cautious. Even in the short week he’d spent with them, he’d witnessed both being hit on by other men.

(For now, I’ll focus on earning their trust,.)

Given their caution, it was unlikely they’d be swayed by some random guy. Maximizing the advantage of being in the same party by being supportive and attentive was the best strategy, he reaffirmed.

Glancing back at the three, he saw them chatting amiably. Naturally, a smile crept onto his face.

(They really get along well. Probably because they’ve been childhood friends for so long.)

And then, he thought further:

I want to make them mine while keeping this scene intact.

Would the day ever come when the three would notice Shinji’s twisted desires?