Chapter 4: Camping with a Gyaru Aspiring to Be a Hero

On the way to the 【Colosseum】 for special lessons, Lilia-sensei kept shooting me cold glares for some reason.

“You spent last night in the same space as four girls. In that cramped little cabin, no less…”

“Yup. Thanks to that, I’ve built up a resistance to women. No more getting charmed by 【Monster Girls】.”

“Given your pathetic track record, that sounds like nothing but empty bravado.”

“No, no, I’m totally fine this time.”

“Then, if you lose to the slime 【Monster Girl】 again today, your punishment will be getting tied to a tree naked for a while.”

“Huh… tied up…?”

That’s straight-up treatment for a criminal.

“If you won’t be charmed by 【Monster Girls】, there’s no problem, right?”

“…You’re right.”

Imagining myself bound to a tree, stripped of freedom, I nodded.

—No, no, bad idea. It sounds kinda fun, but I can’t lose on purpose.

ＳＳＳ

And so, my fourth challenge against Slime-san began.

As the iron gate of the first arena lifted, Slime-san faced me with a grin for some reason.

“Weakling Onii-chan! I’ve been waiting for you!”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yup! It’s so boring in this cage, and beating you up is my only entertainment!”

“Really… I’m kinda happy to hear that.”

“Leon-san. Getting excited about being beaten up by a slime makes you a failure as a hero.”

“R-right.”

Pulling myself together, I faced Slime-san.

I’m different from yesterday. After all, I slept next to Sierra-san and experienced the real feel of a woman’s body. No way I’ll get charmed by Slime-san again.

…Though, if her private parts come into view like last time, my heart might waver—

In that instant, the liquid blue dress Slime-san wore began to writhe and undulate.

“I’ve been beating you up so much, it’s like I leveled up!”

Right after Slime-san’s declaration, her liquid dress soared high into the air.

With only the dress flying upward, Slime-san was left completely naked.

“Look, look! I can control my dress this freely now!”

Slime-san shouted proudly, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her body for a single moment.

I mean, her private parts—top and bottom—were fully exposed, so there was no way I could look away.

And Slime-san wasn’t even trying to hide anything. It was so overwhelming, my brain felt like it was going to explode.

“—Take this!”

While I was transfixed by the mystery of a female body, gooey liquid rained down.

The liquid enveloped my body, crawling freely over it.

“Wha—ah, wait…!!”

Each time the liquid grazed my neck, armpits, or groin, I let out weird noises.

Worse, the more it touched me, the more my strength drained. It was like an energy drain.

“Ah, not there…!!”

Even in front of Lilia-sensei, I couldn’t stop the strange noises.

“…Pathetic… truly a weakling…”

Watching me writhe, Lilia-sensei let out a sigh.

ＳＳＳ

Rescued by an exasperated Lilia-sensei, I was taken back to the forest where we’d just been surviving. It was time for my punishment.

Stopping in front of a large tree, Lilia-sensei announced, “You’ll be tied to this tree. I have some mercy, so I won’t leave you completely naked. I’ll let you keep your underwear.”

“Mercy… in tying me up…?”

“What was that?”

“Nothing…”

I obediently stripped, and Lilia-sensei, having prepared the chains, stared at me intently.

“…Hmm. As expected, nice muscles.”

Muttering this, Lilia-sensei seemed to be enjoying herself, her mood visibly improving.

Could it be… she’s into muscles?

“Leon-san’s only redeeming quality is his muscles.”

“Thank you.”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

Right after her sharp words, Lilia-sensei began tightly chaining me to the tree.

“How long do I have to stay like this…?”

“I don’t know.”

“If you don’t know, who in the world would…?”

“I haven’t decided exactly. I’ll come back when you’ve reflected enough.”

“How will you know how much I’ve reflected?”

“Be quiet.”

With an irritated tone, Lilia-sensei left.

There were no signs of people or monsters around. The only sound was the wind.

With nothing to do, I started recalling the feel of Sierra-san’s chest and Slime-san’s naked body from earlier. They were truly amazing.

I spent some time lost in those thoughts, but no matter how long I waited, Lilia-sensei didn’t return. Could she have sensed that I haven’t reflected at all…?

If so, I’m in trouble. I don’t have the slightest intention of reflecting.

I mean, getting distracted by Slime-san in that situation was unavoidable…

But if I’m left here to starve, wouldn’t that just be a murder case…?

While thinking this, I started to get sleepy.

There’s nothing to do, so maybe a little nap…

ＳＳＳ

Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed my cheek, jolting me awake.

Opening my eyes, I saw a pink-haired girl with bare shoulders standing in the sunset’s glow. She was as beautiful as Lilia-sensei or Sierra-san.

I didn’t know her name, but she looked familiar—probably a classmate.

In her hand was a stick, likely picked up from the ground, its sharp end digging into my cheek.

“—Oh, you’re alive.”

Peering at my face to confirm I was alive, the girl tossed the stick away.

“Phew~ I thought you were a corpse~! So, like, why’re you tied up? You didn’t get done in by a monster, right?”

Faced with an entirely reasonable question, I was at a loss for words.

I’d rather not let it slip that this is punishment for losing to Slime-san…

“Th-this is… um… Lilia-sensei…”

“Ohhh, like, you’re getting punished or something? But, like, isn’t this a bit too harsh?”

“I agree.”

“So, where’s Lilia-sensei?”

“She left me here and went somewhere.”

“What a demon!”

“Well, to be fair, it’s my fault for making her mad…”

“Hmm, you’re just accepting it, huh. Okay, then, can I take a picture!?”

Before I could respond, the mystery girl lifted a strange device hanging from her neck with both hands.

“What’s that?”

“A camera. You don’t know?”

“Oh, I’ve heard of it. It captures the scene in front of you, right?”

“Yup, yup. With this, I can show the whole class Leon-cchi getting punished~!”

“—Huh!? Wait, that’s bad. Please don’t.”

I squirmed, but the chains were too tight to move. I couldn’t even cover my face or groin…

“Haha, it’s hilarious that you can’t resist~! Alright, snap!☆”

The moment she flipped the switch, a bright light flashed from the camera.

Then, a thick sheet of paper slid out from the top.

“It’ll be ready soon, so look forward to it~!”

“There’s nothing to look forward to…”

I have to get that photo back somehow. First, I need to get these chains off…

“Um, you’re, like, in my class, right…?”

“Fiona! Nice to meet ya!”

Lowering the camera, Fiona-san made a peace sign with both hands.

There’s nothing “nice to meet” about this situation, but she’s a beautiful girl, so I want to get along as much as possible.

“Oh, look, look, the photo’s done!”

The paper Fiona-san handed me vividly captured my pathetic figure, half-naked and tied to a tree.

This is the worst.

“Burn it right now.”

“No way. I’m showing it to the whole class.”

“That’ll kill me socially.”

“It’s fine, right? It’s, like, perfectly gross~!”

“What’s your definition of ‘fine,’ Fiona-san?”

I asked, but Fiona-san just laughed without answering. Her smile was absolutely gorgeous.

“So, like, what’s this punishment for?”

Waving the incriminating photo, Fiona-san asked.

“You’re so strong and even became an instructor’s assistant.”

“…Well, during a special lesson, I kinda…”

“Kinda what? I’m, like, super curious.”

“It’s… um…”

“Hard to say?”

“It’s about my honor.”

“Even after exposing yourself like this?”

“It’ll ruin my honor beyond repair.”

“That just makes me wanna know more! If you don’t spill, I’m gonna mess with you~!”

Before I could respond, Fiona-san picked up the discarded stick and started tickling my neck with the tip.

“Here we go, tickle-tickle~!”

“F-Fiona-san! Stop it!”

“If you want me to stop, tell me what the punishment’s for~!”

“I can’t… ah… no…!”

“Ew, gross.”

Hearing the noise I let slip, Fiona-san recoiled and pulled the stick back.

“Why’re you moaning? You getting off on this?”

“No, it’s your fault for tickling me…”

“Huh? It’s just you being gross, right? Don’t pin it on me.”

Fiona-san furrowed her brow and glared at me.

Her stance was so intimidating, I couldn’t help but want to apologize.

“S-sorry…”

“Fine, I forgive you. So, what’s the punishment for?”

Holding the stick ready, Fiona-san asked again. It seems I won’t be let off until I confess.

I have to steel myself…

“…The truth is, I got charmed by a slime 【Monster Girl】 and lost spectacularly…”

“What? That’s hilarious~!”

Fiona-san’s eyes widened, then she burst out laughing.

“Like, it’s not even worth a special lesson, right? Anyone can beat a slime 【Monster Girl】~!”

“…I’ve lost four times in a row…”

“Huh? How? It’s a slime.”

“I know, but I can’t help getting distracted…”

“Your fetish is way too specific~!”

“Is it?”

“Obvi! 【Monster Girls】 are monsters, so looking at them like that is gross. It’s like getting turned on by a dog or something.”

“But, I mean, they look almost exactly like normal women…”

“Ohhh, is Leon-cchi a 【Virgin】? Like, your head’s all full of that stuff, and you’re down for anyone?”

“…”

I fell silent, and Fiona-san grinned mischievously.

“No way, for real? You’re that strong and never had a girl hit on you?”

“…I’ve lived a life avoiding women…”

“Hmm. So, like, you’re full of dreams about girls?”

“Yeah…”

“Like, your head’s full of this and that?”

“N-no, that’s not true.”

“Really? If you’re honest, I’ll show you something nice~!”

“Something nice…?”

“My boobs!”

Beaming, Fiona-san proudly puffed out her large chest.

“I’m a 【Virgin】 full of this and that! Please, show me!”

My heart raced with anticipation as I confessed, but Fiona-san just laughed mockingly.

“No way, you’re too desperate. Like, I’m not actually gonna show you my boobs. You dumb? Gross~!”

“…”

She’s got the mind of a demon.

Still, hearing a gorgeous girl like her say “boobs” is insanely exciting…

“Uh… are you getting hard?”

Fiona-san frowned, staring at my lower abdomen. Since I’m down to just underwear, the shape is painfully obvious.

“You got turned on just imagining my boobs? That’s, like, too much~!”

“S-sorry…”

I apologized in a voice barely above a whisper. I’m so humiliated I want to die, but I can’t even move to do that.

“Well, I’ve heard guys can’t control it, so you don’t have to apologize…”

Fiona-san muttered awkwardly, her eyes flicking to my lower half.

Then, with a mischievous grin, she looked me in the eye.

“Leon-cchi, you’re pretty interesting. Let’s be 【BFFs】~!”

“You can suggest that in this situation? I’m tied up in my underwear, you know?”

“That’s why! I’ve never seen a pervert like this, it’s super fun~!”

Somehow, she’s taking this positively. Normally, people would want nothing to do with me.

“If you don’t wanna be 【BFFs】, I’ll show this photo to the whole class~!”

“Let’s be 【BFFs】!”

“Whoo-hoo~! Awesome~!”

“Uh, whoo-hoo~!”

In desperation, I matched her energy.

“…What in the world happened while I was gone?”

Lilia-sensei’s voice suddenly cut in, startling me and Fiona-san.

We’d been so caught up in our talk that we didn’t notice her approach.

“Oh! Lilia-sensei! We just became 【BFFs】~!”

“Huh…? With this half-naked pervert…?”

Lilia-sensei was stunned, but she’s the one who left me like this.

“More importantly, Lilia-san, you’ve left me here too long—”

“Be quiet.”

She scolded me before I could finish my complaint.

“Something urgent came up, and I didn’t have time to deal with you.”

“…If it was urgent, I guess it can’t be helped.”

Matching her energy immediately, Lilia-sensei cleared her throat.

“Specifically, I’ve been tasked with slaying a dragon, and I was preparing for it. We’re leaving right now.”

“Huh, right now? It’s almost night!”

“Monster attacks don’t care about day or night.”

“I-I see… Is that part of an instructor’s job?”

“Yes. When a powerful monster appears in nearby areas, we sometimes receive requests to slay it. The dragon from the other day was one such request.”

“That sounds tough…”

“By the way, instructors are allowed to select suitable students to form a party.”

“Really? But you fought that dragon alone last time, right?”

“That’s because there wasn’t a single student in our class who seemed useful. Half-baked forces are more likely to be a hindrance.”

“Oh, I get it…”

Depending on the strategy, there are ways to utilize weaker fighters, but against a dragon, it’s a different story. One mistake could mean instant death.

“Which is why, Leon-san, as my assistant, you’ll accompany me on this slaying mission.”

“—Huh?”

“Under certain conditions, you’re more capable than I am. Of course, you have no right to refuse.”

“Y-yes…”

“No fair! Leon-cchi gets all the good stuff!”

Fiona-san, who’d been quiet for a while, suddenly shouted.

“I wanna see a dragon IRL too! Lilia-sensei, can I come along? Pretty please?”

“No.”

“Aww! I wanna take dragon pics! I won’t get in the way~! I’ll just watch from afar~!”

“…Fine. But if you die, it’s not my problem.”

“Yay!”

Lilia-sensei gave a reluctant nod, and Fiona-san agreed with a beaming smile.

I don’t know Fiona-san’s combat level, but maybe Lilia-sensei judged that observing a dragon fight would be good experience.

“I’ve arranged a carriage, so get ready immediately.”

“Yay! I’m gonna run back to the dorm and be right back~!”

With a sun-bright smile, Fiona-san bounded off energetically.

“Um… Lilia-san, could you maybe unchain me now?”

I asked cautiously, only to be met with a contemptuous glare.

“What a hassle…”

“You’re the one who chained me up, you know…?”

ＳＳＳ

Finally freed from the chains, I hurriedly dressed and climbed into the carriage Lilia-sensei had arranged. Talk about hectic…

The carriage bed was spacious enough for eight adults to lie down, but it was just the three of us—

“Oh! Found a spare whip! Leon-cchi, let’s play horsey! Get on all fours!”

She’s way too wild, I thought, placing both hands on the floor.

“Neigh!”

Mimicking a horse’s whinny, I felt Fiona-san gleefully climb onto my back.

“Giddyup, Leon-cchi!”

Shouting with joy, Fiona-san whipped my butt. The crack echoed, and a sharp pain shot through me.

What an utterly unreasonable and humiliating situation. Yet, strangely, I didn’t feel the slightest bit of dislike.

On all fours, I crawled around the carriage bed. Each time my body swayed, Fiona-san’s soft butt pressed against my back, filling me with bliss.

“…Both of you, stop moving around. It’s annoying.”

Lilia-sensei’s voice dripped with menace. Her gaze was so sharp it could probably kill a slime.

“But, Lilia-sensei, it’s boring till we get there~!”

“Riding Leon-san isn’t an effective use of time, so stop it now. If you want to kill time, we can have a lesson until we arrive. I have the entire textbook memorized—”

“Oh, I’m gonna sleep till we get there, so I’m good~!”

Fiona-san quickly slid off me and flopped down, pretending to sleep.

ＳＳＳ

After about two hours of being jostled in the carriage, we arrived at the foot of the mountain where the dragon sighting was reported.

The path ahead was too rough for the carriage, so we’d have to climb on foot.

“Let’s find a spot suitable for camping and rest until dawn.”

Saying this, Lilia-sensei lit a torch. The sun had already set, likely making the search too difficult.

Relying on the torch and moonlight, we ascended the steep mountain path.

After climbing for a while, I heard the sound of water. Checking the ground nearby, I found hot water seeping out and pooling.

“It seems to be a natural hot spring. No toxic gases are present. Let’s set up our base here.”

No one objected to Lilia-sensei’s suggestion. We gathered dry wood and started a fire.

“Hey, Lilia-sensei, don’t you wanna soak in the hot spring? If we dig there, it looks like we could get in~!”

Fiona-san pointed at the seeping hot water.

“Good idea. Leon-san, can you handle it?”

“Leave it to me!”

I’d heard natural hot springs are typically mixed bathing, so I’d dig as much as needed.

“Just so we’re clear, bathing will be separated by gender.”

“…I understand.”

The world wasn’t that kind.

ＳＳＳ

Feeling dejected, I started carrying nearby rocks to form an enclosure and dug the ground with a wooden shovel I’d carved.

The hot water flow increased rapidly, and in about an hour, I’d created a hot spring big enough for two adults to soak comfortably.

“I’ll go later, so you two can go first.”

“Leon-cchi, no peeking, okay?”

“Do anything weird, and I’ll kill you.”

Both of them warned me, but honestly, their bathing scene was worth risking my life for.

I moved to a spot a short distance away and began climbing a tree.

Of course, this was to check for any dragons lurking nearby, not to peek from above.

Still, I couldn’t deny the possibility that the hot spring might accidentally come into view while searching for the dragon.

Heart swelling with anticipation, I climbed the tree as quietly as possible.

Reaching the treetop, my eyes locked with a fire dragon flying in the sky.

And on its back was a hooded dragon tamer.

“—Huh!? Why!?”

Spotting me, the dragon tamer let out a scream of shock.

“I was gonna ambush you once you disarmed! How did you notice!?”

Hiding my panic, I replied confidently, “Because I can see through all your plans!”

Bluffing boldly, I moved to attack before they realized it was pure chance.

—But then I remembered I didn’t have my sword. It would’ve gotten in the way while climbing.

Fight barehanded? No way, that’s impossible.

“…W-wait just a sec!”

I rushed to grab my sword, but the dragon tamer had no reason to wait.

“Dragon-chan! Blast him with your fire breath!”

As the dragon opened its mouth, I leaped back in a panic.

Immediately, a burst of flames incinerated the treetops, painting the sky red.

If I’d been a second slower, I’d have been charcoal.

Stepping on branches to slow my fall, I hurried back to the base. I needed my sword now—

But the moment I returned, I was met with the sight of Lilia-san and Fiona-san, completely naked.

They must’ve sensed something was wrong from the explosion and stood up to dress. Both were standing in the hot spring, their silhouettes illuminated by the moonlight.

“—Kyaa!!”

Recognizing me, Fiona-san covered her private parts with both hands and sank back into the water.

“Leon-cchi, you pervert!! Get out!!”

Meanwhile, Lilia-san, though covering herself, stood upright, glaring into the darkness behind me.

A dragon might be closing in, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Lilia-san’s bare form.

The only light came from the moon and torch, so I could only make out her general figure.

While fixated on the sight, another explosion erupted behind me.

As the trees burst into flames, the dragon from earlier appeared.

“I’ll turn all three of you to ash!! Do it, Dragon-chan!!”

“Guooo!!”

At the dragon tamer’s call, the dragon roared.

Even I turned away from Lilia-san and the others, grabbing my sword and readying myself.

“Get dressed while I hold it off.”

Fighting a dragon means one small mistake could be fatal. I couldn’t afford to let my guard down for even a moment.

Still, I was so distracted by Lilia-san and the others dressing behind me that I couldn’t fully focus—

“Knowing you, Leon-san, you’re probably distracted by our naked bodies, but focus on the fight! If you defeat the dragon, I’ll let you look as much as you want!”

Lilia-san, seeing through everything, spurred me on.

A moment later, her words sank in, and I was floored.

Look as much as I want…!?

If that’s the case, I can’t die here!!

Kicking the ground with all my strength, I dove into the trees to hide.

Facing a dragon head-on is suicide, so I needed to create an opening first.

If the dragon targeted Lilia-san and Fiona-san now, I’d have to return to protect them. But it probably wouldn’t. The dragon tamer has a trauma from me nearly killing her dragon in a surprise attack. She’d be terrified of what I might do if I vanished from sight.

“—Dragon-chan! Chase that guy! Don’t lose him!”

As expected, the dragon charged toward me at her command.

I darted through the dense trees, dodging as I ran.

First, I’d draw it away from Lilia-san and the others to ensure their safety. To do that, I needed to keep the dragon engaged while maintaining some distance.

Still, fighting a dragon alone wasn’t wise. If Lilia-san could join, we could flank it—

While strategizing, the pursuing dragon breathed fire, incinerating the trees ahead.

I changed direction repeatedly, always keeping trees between me and the dragon.

As I kept fleeing, I noticed the range of the dragon’s flames was gradually shrinking. Maybe its power weakens with continuous use.

—If so, this’ll be quick.

The moment the dragon stopped breathing fire, I changed direction, sprinting past a burning tree and closing the distance rapidly.

Hidden by the smoke, I went unnoticed for a moment.

“—!? Dragon-chan, watch out!!”

She realized I’d switched to offense, but it was too late.

Reaching the dragon’s underside as it finished breathing fire, I kicked the ground and leaped. Aiming for its right eye, I swung my sword horizontally.

“Guooooo!!”

The dragon roared, rearing back violently.

Now it had a blind spot on its right. I could hide again or go for the left eye to end it—

While considering my options, I saw Lilia-san running toward us. In that case, I’d better keep its attention.

Moving to circle behind it might alert it to Lilia-san. Deciding to slip under its massive body, I dashed forward.

The enraged dragon swung its right arm down at me.

I dodged at the last second, and the ground where I’d stood shattered. Getting too close was dangerous. I regretted rushing to end it just to see naked bodies sooner.

The dragon glared at me with its remaining left eye and took a deep breath.

I dove behind a tree just as flames erupted.

As the tree burned, enduring the heat, the flames suddenly stopped.

Peeking out, I saw Lilia-san had climbed onto the dragon’s back, slashing with her sword.

She ran up its back, closing in on the dragon tamer.

“—Dragon-chan! This is bad, retreat!”

Screaming, the dragon tamer whipped Lilia-san, knocking her off.

Immediately, the dragon flapped its wings and soared into the sky.

Climbing a tree now wouldn’t catch it. I let it escape.

I didn’t defeat the dragon… which means the promise of looking at Lilia-san’s naked body as much as I want flew away with it…

ＳＳＳ

After the battle, the fire caused by the dragon grew stronger, consuming the forest’s trees.

But there was nothing we could do. We could only pray it would die down soon.

“We failed to finish the dragon, but Leon-san dealt it a heavy blow, so it should stay quiet for a while. Let’s return to the academy.”

Lilia-san stated calmly. Forest fires during dragon battles are common, so she must be used to it.

“…By the way…”

Running toward our base to regroup with Fiona-san, Lilia-san stared at me intently.

“Keeping calm enough to spot a dragon’s weakness while being chased. The courage to turn and attack. The combat sense to land precise strikes even in the dark… If you weren’t such a perverse, creepy masochist, Leon-san, you’d be perfect…”

“No, no, those are all misunderstandings.”

“Hmm… By the way, the dragon’s first attack came from the air. What exactly happened?”

“Well… I climbed a tree and ran into the dragon…”

“Why were you climbing a tree?”

“Uh, to sense the dragon’s presence—”

“Then why didn’t you bring your sword?”

“…I’m sorry!”

I had no choice but to admit I was a perverse creep.

ＳＳＳ

Afterward, we reunited with Fiona-san and started walking toward the mountain’s base, but—

“This is the worst. Got peeped on in the bath and couldn’t take dragon pics.”

Fiona-san’s complaints were relentless.

“I didn’t peek on purpose. I ran into the dragon and needed my sword, which I left at the base.”

“But you got turned on looking at our naked bodies, right?”

“…I was too busy to think about that.”

“No way, you were totally staring. Right, Lilia-sensei?”

“No doubt. I felt Leon-san’s heated gaze, and it was extremely uncomfortable.”

“I’m so sorry…”

I thought it was too dark to see much, but I bowed my head. Fiona-san glared at me too.

“If you want forgiveness, pay compensation.”

“…Look, I feel bad, but I’m flat broke—”

Mid-sentence, I remembered the money from selling the dragon’s corpse was with Lilia-san.

“Oh, right. Lilia-sa—”

“I’ve decided to confiscate all the money you entrusted to me.”

“Wh-why—”

“Compensation for being ogled.”

“I have no objections.”

I should be grateful it was settled with just that amount.

“So, no money to pay Fiona-san.”

“Huh? No money? Then you’ll have to pay with your body.”

Fiona-san said something ominous.

If our genders were reversed, I’d be imagining something naughty from that line.

But I’m a guy. “Pay with your body” obviously means manual labor.

“Fine. What do I need to do?”

“First, be my 【Boyfie】.”

“…Boyfie?”

“Like, my boyfriend.”

“—Huh!?”

The proposal was so unexpected, I couldn’t process it.

Could it be… Fiona-san’s fallen for me!?

“On the first day, Leon-cchi took down a centaur single-handedly and became an instructor’s assistant, right? All the girls are totally paying attention to you. So, if you become my 【Boyfie】, I can flex on every girl in class~!”

“That’s a super impure motive…”

“Whatever, it’s fine. Plus, if I’m your girlfriend, there’s perks for you too, Leon-cchi.”

“Perks…”

My gaze instinctively dropped to Fiona-san’s chest.

It’s not quite on Sierra-san’s level, but it’s definitely well-developed.

If I could date Fiona-san, would I get to do whatever I want with those…!?

As my heart raced, Fiona-san furrowed her brow, giving me a look like I was a filthy bug.

“Gross. I can totally tell what you’re thinking.”

“S-sorry…”

“The perk I’m talking about is 【Monster Girls】. I heard somewhere that ‘guys with lovers are less likely to get charmed by 【Monster Girls】.’ If you’ve got a 【Sweetie】, you won’t get swayed by them, right?”

“…I see.”

True, dating someone and getting all lovey-dovey could build up my immunity to women.

“I’m, like, super cute, and if I get serious, I bet I could make Leon-cchi fall for me. You seem like you’d be easy since you’re not used to girls~!”

“…I’m self-aware that I’m a hopeless romantic due to my lack of immunity.”

“Right? I’ll make you see human girls are way better than 【Monster Girls】!”

“P-please do!”

“So, starting today, you’re my 【Boyfie (Temp)】. Just 【Temp】, so no physical contact, got it?”

Fiona-san flashed a devilish grin.

“That’s cool with you, right, Lilia-sensei?”

“…Our academy allows free love, so you don’t need my permission.”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Lilia-sensei answered with a furrowed brow.

“By the way, does just being your 【Boyfie】 count as paying with my body?”

“Nah, not quite. I want you to go on dates with me to all sorts of places, Leon-cchi.”

“Dates?”

“Yup. I’ll explain the details when it’s just the two of us.”

Fiona-san said this a bit awkwardly, seemingly mindful of Lilia-sensei’s gaze.

Is she planning to take me on dates to places she can’t tell others about? Was the ‘no physical contact’ rule just for Lilia-sensei’s sake, and am I about to climb the stairs to adulthood? Is that what’s happening!?

My chest—and groin—swelled with anticipation.

And so, by accidentally peeking at the hot spring during the dragon fight, I upgraded from Fiona-san’s 【BFF】 to her 【Boyfie (Temp)】.