Chapter 3 Nawagami-san Wants to Flip the Master-Servant Dynamic (?)

A little over a week later, it was noon in the classroom.

I was utterly absorbed in the grand ending of a game on my borrowed laptop screen.

"It was genuinely great that the first game of this genre I played was this one... I couldn't get emotionally invested in the protagonist until the mid-point, but I never expected such a twist... Sniff, tears."

"Huh. I didn't know you played games, Imashino. And that kind, too."

"! You startled me! It's an all-ages, properly ported version!"

"I-I think you should be worried more about explaining gaming in class than the game itself, right?"

"It's not just games. You were watching anime three days ago, too. What's up with the sudden change?"

"Ah... well. Actually, someone recommended it to me... Wait, what are those?"

Before I could answer, an array of breads was consecutively deposited onto my desk.

Walnut bread, raisin bread, bean paste bun—an inexplicable arrangement. The lineup was bizarre.

"Well, whatever. These are our presents, combined with your payment for the side work."

Suzumoto-san tapped me lightly on the shoulder. Ouchi-kun and Kawasaki-kun chimed in with agreement. Essentially, they had gone out of their way to prepare this as a kind of barter for tasks they wanted me to do.

"I see. In that case, yes, I'll accept the offering."

My poor fate was sealed the moment I thought, This is fine, as long as it's an equivalent exchange.

"Alright, so right off the bat—can you ask Nawagami-san to fill out this printout?"

CRASH! BOOM! A sudden burst of thunder (purely internal) roared inside me.

"My request is similar. Ask Nawagami which group she prefers for the Junior High exchange meeting."

"Me too. My elective art class has a portfolio submission deadline next week. Could you nag her to finish it?"

"W-Why are the requests all overlapping like this? And why me, of all people?"

Everyone saw my hesitation and, after a brief look of curiosity, nodded deeply.

"Well, obviously, right?"

"The President is the most suited for the job."

"We're counting on you, Imashino!"

"W-Wait, at least give me a more convincing explanation... Ah, they left."

Were they all that afraid of facing Nawagami-san? Every single one of them wore a brightly relieved expression before dispersing back to their desks or out of the classroom.

"Hah. I was already swamped, but this adds another big headache."

"Who are you mumbling to?"

"Whoa!"

Before I could sink into despair, a "Supreme Deep-Fried Chicken Bento (Extra Large)" suddenly appeared on my desk.

Next to the desk, the familiar, petite Yuika stood, full of energy.

"Hehehn. I figured you're bulking up, so eat plenty! Look, you've got all that bread, too!"

"I-If I eat all this, I'll gain weight. In fact, I don't think I can finish it."

"You won't gain weight from just this. Besides, I can polish this amount off easily!"

...I remember a bit of random small talk: Yuika ate five bowls of Malatang when she went out last time. She's too much of a food fighter; I can't be judged by her standards.

"And if you're worried about calories, just exercise. Want to go for a run together?"

"I might take you up on that someday... So, Yuika, do you also have a request for Nawagami-san?"

"Eh, how did you know?"

"A hunch. Go on, tell me. It's fine if I have one or two more to do."

When I pressed her, Yuika looked slightly embarrassed but still presented her request firmly.

"You can have that lunch box if you... well, go with me to apologize to Nawagami about last week's incident."

"That's fine, but out of curiosity, was the option of going alone zero?"

"Yeah, definitely not. She's much more intimidating than I thought she would be..."

Yuika, whose cheeks still felt the engraved fear, trembled, but then she said something I couldn't ignore.

"Plus, it's become a rumor recently: that you, Seishirou, have somehow tamed Nawagami!"

"What did you just say?"

"If someone has something to do with Nawagami, they should ask Seishirou to mediate for them. That's the vibe."

"I've been unwittingly made an intermediary! Wh-Why would that happen?!"

"Beats me. You're a general handyman, Seishirou, so maybe it's just considered one of your duties now?"

Yuika looked detached, took a big gulp of the strawberry milk she was carrying, and then continued.

"I mean, it's true, isn't it? For some reason, Nawagami listens to your subtle corrections. You quietly warned her from behind when she was using her phone in class, right? She hasn't touched it since. You woke her up and said sleeping during group work was bad. Nawagami made a horrible face, but she silently complied. If a teacher says the same thing, she either ignores them or yells at them!"

"That's... Yuika, you are surprisingly observant about strange things."

"Hehehn. Don't underestimate my people-watching skills!"

Yuika proudly straightened up, completely forgetting who started the fight that angered Nawagami-san in the first place.

"Besides, the best time for observation is during class when it's quiet. I tend to look around a lot."

"Class time is supposed to be for focusing only on class, though."

"Forget the lectures for a second and just help me like you always do, please!"

"I think you're under the misimpression that I'm some kind of robotic cat, or something."

"Yes, so please, I-Mae-mon!" "At least say I-Maemon!" (Imashino/Doraemon)

"...And seriously, you're arguing a lot today. Enough of that, let's go now!"

She pulled fiercely on my wrist. I wonder if this is how parents feel when they're dragged out on a trip during the weekend.

"Alright, I'll go, but first. Yuika, do you know where Nawagami-san is?"

"? No idea. Maybe the cafeteria? Or the courtyard, the rooftop, somewhere like that."

"Understood. So, guiding me there is the first step..."

In the Information Processing Room, equipped with comparatively high-spec computers (so I'd heard) that were replaced last year.

Right after walking in, the mildly disgruntled Yuika vigorously shook my blazer sleeve.

"What's wrong?"

"She wouldn't be in a place like this."

"...Look, over there."

In the third seat from the back, along the wall—I could see a slight sliver of Nawagami-san's head.

"She-she's here! Wait, is Nawagami eating here? Why? Why not the cafeteria? And is eating even allowed here? There are 'No Food or Drink' signs posted!"

"All of that is true, but right now, try not to say anything extra when you're supposed to be apologizing."

"And how did you know about this, Seishirou?"

"....Well, this involves a rather long story."

"Suspicious, hmmmmm!"

"N-Nawagami-san! Do you have a moment?"

I cut off the topic by calling out to her forcefully. She reacted with a little twitch.

"Oh. Did you possibly finish the dating sim I recommended (minus the naughty parts). Wait... Huh?"

I walked over to her with Yuika, quickly approached, and that's when I finally noticed the "castle" she had built.

An anime was streaming on the PC monitor, and next to the keyboard was a finished tiered lunch box and a plastic bottle of tea. There was also sunscreen and nail care items—she was thoroughly relaxing.

"U-Um, Nawagami, I have something I need to say to you..."

Yuika muttered, looking awkward and hesitant. And in response:

"I don't have time for you, so just go home. Or do you want to be 'educated' by brute force again?"

"Feeh... (Defeat)"

The fight was decided instantly. (I learned after checking later that "to educate" in this context holds a somewhat spicy meaning.) I definitely wanted to avoid seeing that happen in front of me.

"And why are this person and Imashino-kun acting as a packaged set?"

"W-We had various reasons."

"Answer concisely."

"...She was too scared to go alone."

I replied, and despite what happened a couple of days ago, Nawagami-san was back to normal, unlike me.

She was utterly unchanged, exuding her usual cold, flawless, and completely dominant aura.

"I see. Since you're treating people like a ghost sighting, you must be prepared."

"No, that's not it! I mean, I want to talk to you more sincerely than before!"

"Also, if you just needed a mediator, there's no reason it had to be Imashino-kun, right? Why him, of all people—I'm going to ask him directly. Why does Imashino-kun always take her side? Your paternalistic attitude is frustrating to watch."

Nawagami-san stood up and slowly walked toward me, grumbling close to my ear.

"A mere exclusive butler, you favor her over me again... Is your type an affectionate, small person like her, Imashino-kun? ...I'm disappointed, this is repulsive."

Liking affectionate girls is a pretty orthodox type, wouldn't you agree?

"No, that's not it. Yuika is, well, she's the same age as me, but she's sort of like... a niece."

"No one's sister comparison ever comes true, and also, usually people say 'like a sister.'"

"My Rittan is a one-of-a-kind person who is not to be used as a metaphor for anyone!"

"I-I apologize for that part, but please don't yell at me so suddenly!"

She's right about that, so I waited for my head to cool down before returning to the main topic.

"In any case. Could you listen to her, even if just for a little bit?"

When I asked, stepping away slightly, Nawagami-san settled back into her chair.

"No. Both of you, go away immediately. You're making 'this' lose its deliciousness."

She reached for the zipper on a small cooler box beside her, simultaneously rejecting my plea.

Cool air wafted out, and cups of ice cream were quickly lined up on the desk. Green tea, chocolate, strawberry... they all looked suspiciously handmade.

"She said no. What should we do?"

"..."

"Do you still want to apologize?"

"Yes..."

Yuika, standing beside me, looked utterly crestfallen.

Even if Yuika's apology is just for her own satisfaction, I still feel compelled to help when I see her face. Because Yuika is like a niece to me—though I don't have a real niece, so what do I know?

"This is the perfect lunch spot, and now it's ruined... Hmph!"

Nawagami-san was clearly in a serious funk. She was devouring the post-meal ice cream with aggressive speed.

At this point, I needed a trigger. A motive to open her mental window, if only slightly.

Appeal to her conscience? No way. Ask persistently? It'll take until nightfall.

I thought and thought... Oh, come on, do I have to resort to that again?—

Abandoning all other options, I leaned closer to Nawagami-san's ear and spoke coldly.

"I said this will be quick, so just obey me, now—"

"! Nn— ~~~~~~"

Nawagami-san's body twitched at my flat, un-inflected voice. She tried to subtly check my expression from the corner of her eye—but all I returned was a cold, cruel attitude.

"You have no right to refuse. How you choose to act after I ask is up to you—Got it?"

There was no counterargument this time. I felt completely free to push my will onto her.

Hearing the violent command, Nawagami-san lowered her head slightly, then immediately—

"Y-Yes, of course... If Master insists on being so strict with me! ♥"

Blushing deeply, she wriggled uncomfortably while seated and agreed to my request.

...I can't help but feel that Nawagami-san is the only person in the world for whom this kind of treatment works.

"She seems ready to listen now. Go on."

"Eh, but Nawagami's face is red. She seems weirdly hazy. What did you say?"

Like hell, I can tell you that!

"J-Just hurry up! Now's your chance!"

When I emphatically prompted her, Yuika, looking puzzled, finally spoke.

"Refusing me isn't an option is something he'd never normally say, so it hits even harder... ♥♥"

"U-Um, Nawagami."

"Nyun... hmp... Phew ♥... Yes?"

What a quick turnaround.

Yuika, still looking awkward, finally delivered her apology after a long build-up.

"I said too much last week, and I wanted to apologize..."

"Eh?"

"I'm sorry..."

Nawagami-san, who was beginning to sink into her mood, snapped back to normal. The bristling edges of her attitude gradually softened into a troubled, wry smile.

"I don't understand why you're apologizing. As Atori-san said, I'm a troublemaker and a delinquent. I'm fine with that, and yes, part of me was mildly irritated by the honest truth."

"Then I'm sorry for telling the truth..."

Nawagami-san threatened to boil over again with an Aah? but quickly backed down.

She hadn't seemed intent on fighting either time she talked with Yuika.

"It shouldn't matter to you whether I forgive you or not."

"No, it does matter... It would make me sad to remain someone Nawagami hates."

"I-If you had a conscience that made you feel guilt, you should have chosen your words more carefully... Hah."

She seemed genuinely worn out. Nawagami-san let the tension fall from her shoulders.

"Fine, I forgive you. It's not like I was angry anymore, anyway. —Satisfied?"

"R-Really? ...Hehe, that's good! Thank you, Nawagami!"

Yuika's face brightened up, apparently overjoyed that her apology was accepted.

She immediately pulled a chair from nearby and planted herself firmly next to Nawagami-san.

Then, she began voraciously eating her take-out Beef Kalbi Bowl (Massive Serving).

"What? Why did you sit next to me? And why are you eating like this is totally normal?"

"I just decided now. As a commemoration for our first time making up, I'm going to eat lunch next to Nawagami!"

"Making up isn't supposed to be a frequent event, and can you stop declaring an anniversary unilaterally?"

"Is your ice cream homemade, by the way? Wow, did your housekeeper make it for you?"

"Th-This girl is not listening to anything I'm saying...!"

"Since it seems to be resolved, I'll go back to the classroom... N-Nawagami-san, what's wrong?"

She grabbed my arm. Her grip was incredibly strong, completely unexpected from a person who had been "melting" a moment ago.

"What do you think you're doing, leaving alone? If she's like a niece, you're responsible for taking her with you."

"Well, I didn't bring my own lunch, so—"

"Then you can eat my ice cream... That's perfect, because you made this—"

"ALRIGHT, FINE, I'LL STAY, BUT FOR THE SAKE OF BOTH OF US, CAN YOU STOP ELABORATING?!"

What if I got exposed? was the overwhelming thought. But luckily, Yuika's attention had already shifted.

Staring at the anime streaming on the monitor beside them, she said,

"...Why do the girls in this kind of anime always have such enormous breasts?"

It was an abrupt subject change, but yes, I understood. I used to wonder the same thing until Nawagami-san introduced me to the concept of the Oppai Bukuro (Boob Pouch). I still think it even after the lecture.

"Because the anime's original author openly stated on social media that he's a fan of large chests."

"Hmm... Oh! Why are they starting to kiss right in the middle of the day? They're a pervy couple!"

"That's obviously because the heroine is under a curse that will turn her into a Demon King unless she french-kisses him periodically, isn't it? Don't make random judgments when you don't even know that."

What an unbelievable premise.

"And by the way, Atori-san—don't talk about things like 'boobs' and 'pervy' in such a vulgar manner."

...!? !!!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!

"We are still only classmates, aren't we? So when you suddenly bring up such sensitive topics, it confounds me, too."

"That's... well, maybe. We should wait until we're closer for that kind of talk, I guess."

Addressing the newly contrite Yuika, Nawagami-san then declared:

"Listen. You must follow the rules for using dirty jokes and only say them to people you've become very close to—"

"—Now, Imashino-kun. Tell me your fetish, right now."

It was right after dinner, in the evening of the same day, when I was summoned to the living room for "something important."

I instinctively recalled her lecture to Yuika. Wait, does this even remotely qualify as following those rules for use?

"The nape of the neck, perhaps."

"Too basic. Next."

"The beauty of one's hands, too."

"Also a cliché. Next."

I listed every fetish I could think of, but Nawagami-san soon lost her patience.

"Ugh, this is so boring! Even your fetishes lack a flaw?"

"Ojou-sama, there is a grain of rice on your sleeve."

"Eh, no way... it's not rice! Now focus here, not on that!"

Directed by her, I hastily sat seiza on the shiny hardwood floor in front of the entirely-exposed Nawagami-san, who was still in her school uniform.

She stared at the floor once. Then, she looked at me.

"First of all, why do you think I'm asking this?"

"I apologize, I have no idea."

"Then, when I commanded you to clean every inch of this apartment—from the entrance to the bathroom, leaving not a speck of dust—what did you do?"

"Since I had all the tools available, I proceeded with a thorough cleaning. Do you have a complaint about that?"

"No, that's exactly right. It's truly spotless, thank you. —Next. I commanded you to prepare homemade bentos and various flavors of ice cream for snacks. What about that?"

"Whether it was the bento or the ice cream, did they not meet with Ojou-sama's exacting palate... My apologies."

"Wrong! They were perfectly fine, more than fine! Isn't that ridiculous? Wouldn't a normal person whine or complain about such demands? Why do you just comply without a peep?"

Ugh... She's getting angry because I followed her order? So what the hell am I supposed to do!

"I just wanted to see you distressed, grappling with an impossible request. I wanted to excavate a glimpse of humanity from your smooth, polished butler persona... What on earth is wrong with you?"

Nawagami-san casually slipped off her knee socks, balled them up, and threw them at me.

...Pff. They hit my face. This is the definition of sheer unreasonableness.

"That's why! Tell me your fetish!"

Nawagami-san, the unfair totem incarnate, forcefully returned to the original subject.

"I can't care about manners anymore. I'll do anything to confirm your human side. Come on, tell me. No, say it. Yes, this is an order!"

"However, my current vocabulary and imagination cannot do your demands justice... P-Please forgive me."

"No. I won't forgive you—and don't worry. Whether it's hypnotism, gender-swapping, explicit, niche, whatever subgenre turns you on, I will fully tolerate it. No, on the contrary, it will be a relief to me. Ah, you're just a normal high school boy after all... like that."

I couldn't even process the latter half of the sentence, but her explicit statement was no misunderstanding.

Even in the brief time I'd been next to her, I'd learned one thing.

Nawagami-san uses extremely sensitive topics—frankly, dirty talk—with total nonchalance. It wasn't forced or intentional; it was perfectly natural. I want to scream, Your culture is insane!

"Just a side note: I can't tolerate NTR, so please keep that in mind."

See? Just like that... Doesn't that contradict her previous statement?

"No, this is my personal code of conduct; I don't mean to deny the artistic expression of that genre, which should be respected for its explicit breadth, but I personally find it utterly intolerable when a strange man effortlessly seduces the heroine with no internal consequence!"

"Ojou-sama. Unfortunately, due to my lack of knowledge, I still struggle to comprehend some sections of your discourse."

"Then I'll summarize: don't think you can solve every problem just because your cock is big."

"I see." No, I absolutely don't see, but I felt totally saturated by now.

Perhaps that lukewarm agreement was a mistake. Nawagami-san's next statement was, as usual, highly charged and, crucially, the punchline of this entire conversation.

"And, besides. It's unfair that I'm the only one whose D.M. fetish has been exposed!"

"Perhaps, but..."

"...Well, I suppose we were also at fault for that incident."

Would it be a lie if I said I didn't feel like saying, "Wasn't that statement 'I' was at fault,' not 'We'?"

However, those were minor details. Broadly speaking, I felt deeply apologetic to Nawagami-san.

"...Hah. Fine. I feel a bit better now; you can resume your work."

"In that case, Ojou-sama, before I do so, may I be presumptuous enough to ask you two questions?"

"? I don't mind. And you're truly going to keep that formal manner while working, aren't you?"

"Thank you. Firstly, may I ask if I am going to be fired?"

"............Eh?"

"I swear it was unintentional, and advertising your state is out of the question. However, the fact remains that I saw Ojou-sama in a compromising state. And worse, I proceeded to scold you—no, it was hardly a polite scolding. I used harsh, unpleasant words toward you. Since this is unforgivable, I believe I should face the consequences."

In the middle of my remorseful explanation, my voice suddenly caught.

I mean, Nawagami-san's face was quickly crumbling, like she was about to cry.

"Do you want to quit being my exclusive butler...?"

"N-No, that is not the case; I am speaking of simple morality—"

"Is it because I'm too selfish? I understand; I'll tone it down... And was my dirty joke too much? I-I'm sorry, I apologize, I won't do it again!"

"P-Please don't look so upset! It's absolutely fine! Both Ojou-sama's free-spiritedness and sensitive jokes are no problem for me. On the contrary, I feel a sense of relief that you are showing me these sides of yourself!"

"R-Really? Oh, thank goodness... If you say so, I'll continue to make dirty jokes!"

Nawagami-san smiled in relief. What a shame. If only her line were different, it would have been a moving scene.

"...Phew. In any case, I never intended to fire you, Imashino-kun."

"Understood. Then, based on that, I have one more question... It is a highly important one."

Since the request was so utterly senseless, I unconsciously paused.

But I definitely need to solve this long-unresolved mystery—

"Concerning the order: 'Scold me one time every day, just like you did that time,' is that request valid?"

...Even hearing my explicit question, Nawagami-san, the one who gave the command, remained as immobile as a Buddha statue.

"I still have not fully interpreted the underlying intention. I have been tentatively trying it out—such as with accepting Yuika's apology today—but what is the actual meaning behind this?"

Moreover, I was ordered to scold her without mercy and in a cold, detached tone.

On top of that, she started calling me Master.

You are supposed to be the superior! This is an inversion! What in God's name is this command?

"Yes, that's right. It's about time I formally told you."

Having made some decision, she looked intensely at my face, this time with a serious gaze.

"First and foremost, on the core issue: the incident the other day was completely my fault. You were merely an innocent victim who arrived on time. I should be the one to apologize. I am truly sorry."

"T-That is entirely unnecessary. All of it was due to my lack of proper consideration, so no need for an apology—"

Even though I said there was no need, Nawagami-san insisted on bowing deeply.

"...No, I understand. Let's call us even on this."

"Thank you. I'm glad you see it that way... However, please don't take this the wrong way, but the fact is, I discovered an unexpected treasure."

"? What treasure?"

"You regretted directing your emotions toward me, didn't you? But there is absolutely no need to worry about that. What you said was logical, and it wasn't overly abusive."

"However, I personally have great remorse."

"No. On the contrary... I was incredibly aroused. ///"

...........................

"The icy look in your eyes then, Imashino-kun... the raw emotion... It was rough, but full of tenderness, with an innate choice of words that never stooped to character assassination... Just thinking about it makes me feel utterly wonderful! ♥♥"

Nawagami-san wrapped her arms around her shoulders as if she was hugging herself. Her expression was one of melted rapture, just like I'd seen at lunchtime, and yesterday, and the day before, and even further back.

...This is bad! She's already hard to communicate with, but in this mode!

"A-Ahem, Ojou-sama...? ... Mugu! "

I realized it too late. My chin was seized and violently lifted up by her thumb and index finger.

"So... you must continue to be my Sadistic Master, and chastise me! ♥"

...I can now definitively confirm the truth I had deliberately tried to leave vague and unspoken.

The girl in front of me—Nawagami-san—is an extremely D.M. pervert!

"Wh-What is the intention? What is the meaning of all this?"

"It fulfills my heart, makes me feel wonderful, and fills me with an unbearable thrill! ♥"

"Then, what precisely defines a 'Sadistic Master,' and under what conditions should I activate the persona?"

"...Stop. Don't seek such strict regulatory rules for this, please."

Nawagami-san sighed and looked utterly exhausted. How can she look that way?

"I'm not asking for anything difficult. You simply need to be yourself, chastise me, put me down, and humiliate me in the course of everyday life. Before, it was only words, but from now on, physical actions with more variety are acceptable, too. To put it bluntly: you can train me."

Why did she phrase it in a way that sounds worse?

"I'm the Master normally, but sometimes you become the Master. I will completely surrender and be broken—a role reversal of dominance... Don't you think this is a magnificent scenario?"

I wish she wouldn't proudly seek my mutual understanding, but there was one thing I could do.

"My apologies, but I must respectfully decline."

"Huh? You refuse your Master's command? ...Ahem. Just listen. Training is not an easy word to throw around. Even an aroused monkey could wound another with mere words."

She had apparently chosen the path of persuasion, not coercion. She started talking without me asking.

"But Imashino-kun's word cursing was truly good. It was logical, but I could still perceive your genuine human emotion. And above all, it was filled with genuine care for me—it made me think, What kind of sublime verbal degradation is this? Compared to this, the careless words of self-proclaimed S-types in the world are trash."

Wow. It's possible to be praised so wholeheartedly and not feel a shred of happiness...

"You definitely have the talent to be a cool Sadistic Master. I guarantee it!"

That's the one guarantee I don't want.

"However, Ojou-sama. Although it pains me, I genuinely cannot shake my mental resistance."

"And above all—it's because it's Imashino-kun that I can ask this of you."

But she talked over me, and that's when I realized.

Nawagami-san's expression had changed to something uncertain and anxious.

"...I never planned to tell anyone in my entire life that I was a D.M. I obviously didn't want strangers to know, and I disliked the idea of close people knowing even more. Because I'd be hated, wouldn't I?"

Since I could finally sympathize with that fear, my internal scale tipped, if only slightly.

"But you didn't hate me; you accepted me. You took the stance that you might not understand, but you wouldn't deny me. That felt incredibly wonderful and relieving. I would never ask anyone else. If Imashino-kun rejects me, I intend to simply give up."

Her voice was wavering in confidence, but by the end, she had clear resolve.

"Is it still a no...?"

A suddenly serious atmosphere descended between Nawagami-san and me.

After being told that, I decided to take a long moment to think it over.

............ No, the implications are still extremely lewd, and this is completely insane.

Most importantly, if I were to accept, and if I were to interact with her as an S, and Sayuki-san found out, I'd be absolutely ruined. Best-case scenario: fired. Worst-case scenario: I don't even want to think about it.

Even more unthinkable is putting myself in her sister's position. If my sister were being handled and trained by some unknown guy, I'm confident I'd lose my sanity. I'd become an Ashura. I would live for revenge, and once I was finished, only emptiness would remain.

The answer is simple. Firmly reject the idea and work solely as her exclusive butler. That is the correct path, and since it is what is required, I should adhere to it. OK. I will firmly decline.

"Unfortunately, I—"

Just as I was about to pronounce my refusal for the nth time, her face met my eyes again.

She was smiling weakly, looking sad. It was a resigned, I-knew-it look.

...An overwhelming, painful sensation constricted my chest. It made me incredibly sad.

A thought crossed my mind. Did I come here just to make Nawagami-san make that face?

Whose sake am I here for, as her exclusive butler? Who do I owe responsibility to?

Who, besides me, can she tell about this desire? Who will accept her unthinkable request?

"It's fine, Imashino-kun. You can pretend you didn't hear a thi—"

"........."

"?"

Swallowing the rejection I had just started to speak, I braced myself for the verbal assaults from all sides.

Then, once more, I flipped the switch to turn myself cold and cruel for her sake.

"—Were you lonely the whole time?"

"....!! ///"

Far from rejecting the idea, Nawagami-san seemed overjoyed that I had become this way.

I, in turn, stood up, ignoring the faint pins-and-needles in my legs, and walked up to her.

...Given the height difference, I now looked down upon Nawagami-san.

"I suspect you wouldn't have pleaded this earnestly if all you wanted was your D.M. urges tickled—those urges can be satisfied alone anytime."

"Y-Yes, that's right. I've been doing it secretly alone up until now... ♥♥"

"Spare me the details; they're too graphic."

"Ah, yes... Though I think that's a bit late, all things considered."

Nawagami-san muttered under her breath. It's actually fine that she's talking back.

"Well, then? Despite always being aloof, the truth is, you wanted someone near you, didn't you?"

"Eh? N-No, that's not it at all... I'm perfectly happy by myself..."

"Is that so? You are like this always, aren't you? You repel others, yet you never completely push them away. You either ignore or lash out when people speak to you, never allowing a smooth interaction—Enough with your stubborn contrariness."

"You're being contrary! And being so forceful, getting so close...! Uuuuugh //"

I continued to speak with dry detachment to the girl whose wet eyes darted back and forth.

"As your butler, my closer proximity has made me certain. You secretly crave conversation more than anyone. Even today. When you ate lunch with Yuika, you pretended to be disgusted, but the truth is, you were happy, weren't you? —Be honest. Say the truth."

"Gah... S-Stop it, please, I beg you... Any more than that is too humiliating!"

"But isn't the humiliation the part you like?"

"T-The humiliation of this kind is different!"

Nawagami-san was trembling and beet-red. This was a completely new reaction. Since this (provisional name: DM-mode) Nawagami was so taken aback, I felt I was getting closer. I wasn't entirely off the mark.

Which only made me less likely to forgive her.

As she did to me moments ago, I seized her chin with my fingers and forced her to meet my gaze.

"You aren't a troublemaker because you enjoy it. You genuinely want to get along with others, and you sometimes want to be babied. But you can't be honest about it. —How about now? When you're exposing your D.M. self, can you finally tell me how you really feel? —Then say it, pervert. Announce it yourself."

Finding her dominant role completely seized, she immediately asked me,

"............ What do I say...?"

"Right. Say: I was lonely the entire time. My usual behavior was just my inability to be honest. So please. Accept all of me, including my D.M. part. —Hurry."

Nawagami-san just opened and closed her mouth like a tropical fish.

No sound came out. Her final, hesitant reply was oddly sensuous, despite her panic.

"I-Impossible! I absolutely cannot say that! If I do, I'll be completely ruined!"

It was just the truth, but Nawagami-san vehemently shook her head.

"—I see. Then our conversation ends here."

"Eh—"

Just like that, I kicked the ladder out from under her. Nawagami-san's face contorted into utter despair.

"If I'm going to go along with this, I need a proper indulgence for myself. Of course, I do. If I were to be swept away by a woman who orders me to scold and train her, I'd become a pervert myself in no time."

In a quick but intricate manner, I laid out a piece of the elaborate scenario I had created.

"If you announce your true feelings out loud, I can mentally permit myself some sadism. And you, in turn, get your D.M. urges deliciously provoked. I thought this could be an excuse, a reason, for both of us to move forward. —I suppose I've said too much. You can forget I mentioned it."

"W-Wait a minute............"

"The whole loneliness issue might have just been my wild speculation, after all. If so, then you can just laugh this off. If you return to your usual role as the Master, well. I will naturally comply."

I ended with an intentionally formal tone, and a cold silence settled in the living room.

...Part of me wished Nawagami-san would get angry. I don't mind being alone, so why are you making assumptions? You idiot? That would have ended everything cleanly.

But at the same time, I also wanted to do whatever I could for Nawagami-san. Even if that meant entering a relationship that no one on earth could ever know about.

"In any case, I won't understand unless you tell me directly. I can't make a decision."

To push her for an answer, I distanced myself again, challenging her to accept or deny.

In reality, however, it didn't take long.

"I-I've always been... really lonely, honestly..."

...Incredible. Humans genuinely cry when they're intensely ashamed.

I observed this phenomenon as she spoke, her cheeks scarlet, stumbling over her own words.

"I didn't think much about making friends or letting others get to know me... but then, completely by chance, Imashino-kun said he would accept me..."

"And?"

"So, so... I want Master to accept the perverse, masochistic me! Pleeeeease!"

"—I understand. It's settled."

To my own surprise, I accepted her request so easily.

Nawagami-san's face was a confused mix of all her emotions. Tears pooled in her eyes, and her balance was off, but I knew without a doubt that she felt relief.

"—Now, Ojou-sama. Please take a seat here. Would you like me to prepare a drink for you, too?"

I guided her to the sofa and corrected my demeanor. After all, I had said terrible things and given her forceful commands. This wasn't strictly recovery, but I felt I had to do at least this much.

The girl who had been standing the whole time followed my lead, went to the sofa... and then she sat down.

She forced me to sit down first. And then, she delicately sat right on my lap.

"Um, Ojou-sama—"

"That announcement I just made was the most humiliating thing in my entire life ///."

"I-I see."

Huh. What a coincidence... My record is about to be broken too!

Not only did she sit on my lap, but Nawagami-san aggressively parted my legs, looking for a more comfortable spot. Because she was seated there, the snugness between us increased, forcing our bodies into even closer contact. It's over; there's no escape.

Nyun. Her thighs and mine sometimes brushed, and the soft sensation transmitted clearly.

A sweet, fresh, and expensive perfume? A faint trace of scent, tickled my nose.

...Okay, I'm fine. I am an exclusive butler. I can remain composed despite my shortcomings. Above all, I am Rittan's brother. A cool brother does not crumble before this kind of provocation.

I won't crumble. I won't crumble. But my hidden preference for curvaceous women was raging inside me. Damn it! Control yourselves! Why do you think I kept this fetish a secret from Nawagami-san!

"That was utterly humiliating, but at the same time, incredibly arousing... Still, I need revenge."

"If you intend to retaliate, I suppose I won't stop you... but will Ojou-sama be all right with that?"

"............ I-I wouldn't have done it if it was alright, you idiot!///"

Wait, why did you do it, then? It's a double-edged sword!

I was astounded that she attacked both of us simultaneously, and personally, I felt intense shame.

Just as things were in utter chaos—Nawagami-san suddenly whispered something softly.

"I... thank you again. For accepting me. I am so... happy."

"Eh. Ah, no... it's truly nothing."

When I replied, Nawagami-san suddenly relaxed completely and leaned back against me.

I almost recovered my usual composure, feeling like, This is completely ridiculous, but then...

"Please be severely rough to the very core, and then utterly spoil me—Please, Master ♥"

I had never seen Nawagami-san smile like that.

I was utterly caught off guard by the first genuine smile she ever showed me.

"...Hmm, this position isn't bad at all, unexpectedly. Your pectoral and abdominal muscles are nicely firm, so I'm not sinking down as much as I expected. I'd give it four stars."

About five minutes later, Nawagami-san was the first to settle in and proceeded to review the 'chair' (me).

And she gave me only four stars, which was mildly annoying... just as I thought that, she spoke again.

"By the way."

"Yes?"

"This posture is quite compromising, and our bodies are pressed together, aren't they?"

"Yes, that's right."

"So... if you experience a biological response, please inform me, and I'll move away. ///"

............ If you knew that, why would you sit here in the first place?!