Interlude 3 Imashino-kun Wants to Be Scolded
The former me was cheerful, just as beautiful as I am now, and extremely hard-working.
I focused on my studies, studied abroad, and even participated in the Junior Olympics for swimming. Every one of my martial arts instructors insisted that if I continued, I would be unbeatable.
Despite all that. The current head of the Nawagami Family—my mother—never once complimented me.
The last straw came in the winter when I was fourteen, during my homestay in Vancouver.
I was given a school assignment to write a letter of gratitude to someone important. Naturally, I addressed it to my parents.
"How are you? I’m working hard today, too, so I can become someone you can be proud of.
So. Could you please encourage me or tell me that I've done great, even just a little?"
I sent three international letters. The reply wasn't on paper but in a sterile email.
“I have read your letter. As this is a good opportunity, let me reiterate.
All the education we bestow upon you is for the sake of the Nawagami Family.
Gratitude is unnecessary. Instead, you have the duty and responsibility to cultivate your inherent talents.
That is the destiny of those who possess them.
You must strive, not to earn praise, but for yourself.”
Two weeks later, my host sister at the homestay asked, "Has the reply arrived yet?"
To her innocent query, I merely smiled weakly and said, "Maybe later."
Fixing a smile onto my face... I decided that fake pleasantness would be the last I would ever muster.
The moment I returned home, as I entered the estate.
I violently slammed the jar of maple syrup, a souvenir from Canada, right into the Nawagami family plaque.
And not just there. Completely enraged, I smeared the sickeningly sweet, cleanup-intensive mess everywhere in the house. I rampaged until my older sister—Sayuki-nee-san—had to subdue me with a full body tackle.
“Calm down, Seren! Why are you doing something so futile?!”
“Shut up! Just shut your mouth! I’m going to ruin this house myself!”
“Did something happen while you were abroad? No matter what, I can’t do anything if you don’t explain it.”
“The problem lies with this house and with you sisters!”
I don’t know why, but the Nawagami family started instating female heads of the family at some point.
My sisters, the domestic staff, and all the adults coming and going simply accepted it as natural and even felt proud of it.
I finally realized that this grand current of misplaced priority itself felt utterly disgusting...
“You have returned, Seren.”
And so. For better or worse, the Lady Head of the family happened to be at home, a rarity, that very day.
“Hmph. From your appearance, you seem to have some grievances—tell me. Please, don’t hold anything back.”
With her long, lustrous hair swaying, a calm authority emanated from her.
I grew nervous, and the years of accumulated emotions meant I wasn’t sure if I even articulated myself clearly.
“Why, Mother... No, never mind! It's too much! I can't take this!”
“...”
“I wasn’t... I wasn't doing my best for the family’s sake...”
My words were mingled with sobs. She faced my hateful, heartbroken stare directly.
And in her usual calm demeanor, without any sign of emotional turmoil, my mother merely said.
“I see. For now, that is acceptable... It appears you are weaker than I anticipated.”
My mother casually scooped up some maple syrup that was dripping nearby and tasted it.
Her action was utterly meaningless. I could hear the flustered sounds of the butlers scrambling to clean the mess close by.
In the end, my mother neither complimented me—nor did she even scold my childish outburst.
Since then, I completely stopped trying to be good.
I quit the school where I was enrolled, and abandoned all my extracurricular lessons. Attend formal dinners? Hah, don't make me laugh.
As these lazy days dragged on, my heart became increasingly prickly and cynical—
...Ultimately, I just wanted to be praised. I wanted to rely on my parents, honestly.
I wanted them to scold me when I smashed that syrup jar. I wanted a good scolding or even some corporal punishment for doing something so outrageous. Don't you dare forgive me. Actually face me!
I felt lonely. I wanted them to interfere. I wanted them to tell me I was precious.
And so. If my family wouldn't do it... Could somebody, anyone, care about me...
“—Sama. Ojou-sama.”
“...Hah!?”
“Sleeping again while holding your chopsticks—that’s quite the dexterity.”
My body flinched with the reaction. When I realized where I was, I was in the Sunday morning dining room.
A cheerful breakfast (Japanese-style today) was arranged on the table.
“That was the absolute worst dream... Ohh, if only a succubus sister existed to design hypnotic, perverted dreams for me with a strong Sadist streak and tall build, none of this would be happening.”
“You still seem groggy. Shall I prepare a shower for you later?”
“Please do—and this is just a preference, but...”
“Yes.”
“After hitting me with some kind of truth bomb, you say, ‘I’m sorry for that last part’ and spoil me with affection.”
“Shall I serve the rolled omelet with grated radish?”
“Hah? Of course I want that.”
“Very well.”
Perhaps he’s simply become accustomed to dealing with me, but Imashino-kun in his butler uniform simply blew off my absurd request.
I find that cool detachment comforting, and more than that... I feel strangely joyful about it. Hehe.
“Now. I must confirm again. I shall be taking my leave until this evening.”
I took the plate of rolled omelet from Imashino-kun, who had returned from the kitchen. Since I'd learned the hard way (in the form of revealing my D.M. nature) about my lax scheduling, I was clearly mindful of my agenda this time.
“Yes, do enjoy yourself—speaking of which. I know it’s late to ask, but how exactly is the employment system for an exclusive butler set up? ...You know you can take time off whenever you need it, right?”
“Thank you for your concern. I will consult you if I require anything.”
We continued with our usual exchange while he carefully debone’d the grilled salmon—and that regular interaction felt incredibly reassuring.
Because every single word felt like it was wiping away the terrible dream I’d just had.
The things I desperately craved—Imashino-kun is constantly providing them for me.
I realized I was simply watching his sharp, suited form move precisely in front of me—
“...Ojou-sama.”
“Eh! Wh-What now?”
He surprised me by speaking to me suddenly, and I tripped over my words.
“I find it a bit too heavy on my stomach if you beg for a punishment so early in the morning, so, yes.”
“...H-Huh? Wait a second, why are you just assuming that?!”
“Your expression is rather alluring, or in common terms, you look quite turned on.”
“I am NOT! You’re overthinking this! Besides, I don’t even have that much interest in your look!”
“Ah... My apologies. You are correct.” (Said with a dramatic sense of melancholy.)
“W-Wait, that actually affected him more than I thought... Okay, I’m sorry! I lied! I do think you look hot! W-Why the hell do I have to confess something like this?!”
It was frustrating precisely because this wasn't the enjoyable kind of shame I craved. What do I mean by enjoyable shame? That would be being ravaged by that kind of torment, for example.
“Enough. It’s your precious day off, so you should just leave already.”
“Just one last thing.”
“There’s more?”
“Yes. How would you feel about joining me, Ojou-sama?”
....................................
What did he just say?
“I won’t be going anywhere particularly exciting, but I was wondering if you’d like to join me.”
“...”
“It is quite the contradiction for me, who recently restricted your going out, to be making this invitation, isn’t it?”
I had so many questions, but first, I needed to process the reality in my head.
A young man and woman strolling about outside on a holiday—that’s, like, a date!
“Wh-Wh-Wh-Why did you suddenly feel like asking me, now?”
“Let’s see. To be honest, the reason is just a ‘vague feeling’ but, um, more importantly, your hand is shaking so much that miso soup is splattering out of the bowl.”
“H-Hmm... By the way, are we wearing casual clothes? Or will you be wearing that?”
“Either is fine. I'll let Ojou-sama decide.”
“Then it's only one choice: casual clothes!”
“So, that means you accept?”
“T-That’s still undecided, though.”
“Hmph, I see.”
...I was hopelessly struggling with indecision. What should I do? It’s not that I disliked the idea at all; in fact, this was a fantastic, much-wished-for chance, but it was far too sudden, and I hadn’t prepared anything!
“Alright, I will ask this clearly. Is there a probability, so to speak, that you will go out with me?”
“Wh-What is this, some kind of psychological test...? B-But, well, I guess the answer is yes, maybe.”
“It’s not completely out of the question?”
“Well, if you asked earnestly enough, I might consider it, perhaps.”
“I see. Then forgive me for this... —You’re clearly free, so shut up and come with me, already.”
He whispered this command in a tone he would absolutely never use normally.
I felt a sudden, sweet numbness all over my body, and I immediately replied.
“Y-Yes! I’ll eat breakfast, take a shower, and be ready in an instant! ♥”
Time: 10:00 AM Location: Walking through the crowds in front of Ikebukuro Station
“Alright, let's decide where we're going... For starters, if we go to the city center, there’s an aquarium, a planetarium, an anime shop, and a theme park, too.”
“Hmph. You sound suspiciously comfortable with this; is Ikebukuro your default date course, Imashino-kun?”
“Eh, yeah.”
“Ehhh? E-Eh! ......(Despair).”
“N-No, no, no! I was just kidding! It’s not a date! I only come here occasionally for dinner with Yuika or Miran!”
“Your excuse is barely an excuse and thoroughly unconvincing... It's fine. After all, it's your day off, so you should choose where to go.”
“In that case, we’ll head to a thrift store, grab some lunch at a soba shop, exercise at the gym, and finish it off with a public bath. Are you sure about that schedule?”
“I take back what I said. That is an excruciatingly dull itinerary, so let’s figure out a destination together.”
“M-My entire holiday routine was utterly denounced...”
“Ah, and this. If anyone tries to pick me up, get rid of them immediately. Tell them I’m your plus-one... Though, someone as completely drop-dead gorgeous as I am might circle back around to not being approached at all.”
“? Oh, no. I was planning to do that without you even asking.”
“Eh.”
“If needed, I'd say she’s mine and prevent any finger from touching you.”
“Such an audacious declaration of 'she’s mine,' in the presence of this entire crowd...! ♥♥”
“Because, if I don't, I seriously feel like I’d just have to punch anyone who harasses Nawagami-san.”
“...Hold on. Is that the reason you were going to defend me?”
Time: 1:00 PM Location: In front of a special merchandise corner at a massive anime shop
“The same goes for lunch. Are you sure it was a good idea to let me pick the location?”
“It's fine, honestly. Besides, if I chose a place I could go alone, it wouldn't be anything new anyway.”
“Hmph... I see. Then I won’t hold back here either, so—W-WHAT WAS THAT?!”
“Wh-What’s suddenly wrong?”
“As you can see! A pop-up store for the anime I absolutely adore has been set up! No way, I definitely didn't see this coming! Can I use cashless payment? Of course, I can!”
“Um... Looks like it’s possible, yeah.”
“Really? That's great! Then first, I'm securing all the acrylic stands for the heroines and a tapestry of the full image! NO WAY! They’re selling Machina-sama’s Staff?! I have to buy this, I have to buy this!”
“............”
“Ah. I'm sorry for leaving you behind.”
“Nnn-nn, it’s completely fine. Actually, I wasn’t disappointed at all; I was curious.”
“? Curious about what?”
“About when you started getting into anime and games.”
“That is... well, only recently. Since around my middle school years.”
“Ah, I see. So you got into it deeper after leaving home and gaining more freedom?”
“Pretty much. I was planning to hide it if Imashino-kun found this kind of thing annoying.”
“It seems hard to hide when we’re practically living together... But don’t worry about it. I won’t judge your hobbies, and besides, the things Nawagami-san recommends are always interesting.”
“...I didn't expect you to be so receptive to the idea.”
“By the way, what’s this anime about? I was thinking I might watch it, too.”
“Seriously? Well, roughly speaking, it’s about a protagonist who gets completely ravaged by unbelievably hot, Sadistic beautiful girl sorcerers, but he ends up saving the world because of it.”
“...Sorry, but do you have another recommendation?”
“Hah? You asked me, and I answered!”
Time: 3:30 PM Location: Touching the keys of a display piano in a music store in Ikebukuro
“Speaking of which, I heard your sister is a piano player, Imashino-kun.”
“EHH!! Wait, what about Rittan?!”
“That intense reaction... Well, I was wondering about her skill level.”
“Skill level, huh. I could just have you read the ‘Rittan Awards Memo’ in my cloud storage to list her accomplishments, but text alone doesn't convey her charm. Look at this.”
“...This looks like a photo from an award ceremony. Is this girl in the classic dress your sister?”
“Yeah. That was her last big national competition; she’s won the gold prize three years running, albeit in different categories. This one is from when she won the Special Prize at an international competition, and this is her playing a duet with her mentor at his concert, wow... Just seeing these fragments of memories of Rittan highlights her enduring beauty even more vividly in this sudden wave of nostalgia!” (Said extremely quickly.)
“A-Thank you. I fully grasp the situation now. And that she is extremely cute.”
“She really is! And I mean truly cute, but not only that. The intensity in her expression when she plays is really cool, and the happy look on her face when she finishes is so innocent that I feel like crying just watching her.”
“That's enough! ...Haaa. Being cherished that much, I bet your sister is happy about that.”
“...I hope so, but yeah, I don't know about that.”
“Why the sudden dip in enthusiasm?”
“Well, you know. Rittan's entered her rebellious phase, and she's being a tsundere about it... She told me not to compliment her because it was creepy. For example, around 6 PM on December 27th last year, I talked to her at home, and she snapped, 'Don’t talk to me, you idiot! I’m playing a rhythm game!'”
“...I see. To be honest, Imashino-kun, you really do sound creepy when you talk about your sister.”
“C-Can you stop with the perfectly aimed, accurate criticisms? They work too well, after all.”
“That aside. I think your sister is simply at that age. Deep down, she cherishes you as her family.”
“! ...You're right. Yes, that must be it! Thank you for encouraging me, Nawagami-san!”
“No problem. After all, being called a creep or an idiot is kind of a complimentary word in itself.”
“Please. I’m feeling deeply moved right now. Can we just end this on that emotional high note?”
Unlike just idling at home, my outing with Imashino-kun flew by.
It was so fun that I genuinely felt reluctant for it to end. It was already late afternoon.
However, Imashino-kun didn't seem ready to go back just yet.
Getting off at some random, unfamiliar subway station, he suddenly demanded we continue on foot.
“Hey, this is too much trouble. Why don't we hail a taxi?”
“Using the corporate card for personal affairs is strictly forbidden.”
“Ohhh, really? Ugh, fine. To carry such airs of importance, those nobodies masquerading as the prestigious Nawagami family are truly inflexible... Anyway, where are we going?”
I asked him as he walked at a slow pace, matching my stride.
“Oh, sorry, I didn't tell you? We’re heading to my parents’ house now.”
Hmm, I see, you’re going to your home, your hoooome............Y-Y-YOUR HOME?!
Trying to quell my internal shock, I checked my smartphone. The address was very close to the one on his resume.
It seemed I was about to go to Imashino-kun's home. At the end of our date.
“Um, Master. Are you perhaps trying to take things to the very end today?”
“What are you suddenly talking about...? —Of course, I’m not. Unlike you, I'm the type who moves carefully, step-by-step.”
“I-Is that so. I feel strangely relieved and also a little disappointed. ////”
After effortlessly silencing me, he returned to his usual self and explained.
“I figured I should check in at home since it’s been a while. Plus, I bought some souvenirs, you see.”
Imashino-kun was holding a bag from the music store in his hand. Seeing it, I asked casually.
“In that case, wouldn’t I be in the way?”
“No, not at all. I can offer you a drink and snacks, too. Would that be a problem?”
Logically, I thought I’d be completely out of place, but Imashino-kun seemed genuinely welcoming.
“...Well, if you insist so much, I guess I'll come along.”
And so. After walking for just five more minutes, we arrived.
A stylish, compact detached house. Small tomato plants were growing in the planter by the entrance.
I thought it looked beautiful and warm, the kind of place you'd want to return to.
...It was a world away from my parents' house.
“Both my dad and mom work flexibly, so they might not be home.”
“What about your sister?”
“Oh, she’s there. She’s free for the whole day today.”
I made a mental note of how he perfectly knew his sister’s schedule but wisely decided to ignore it. I knew that asking would only make the story longer.
“So. Ritsu is a bit shy and brusque with strangers, but she is a really, really, REALLY good girl. So, well—”
“You want me to get along with her, don’t you? I get it; I’ll handle things smoothly.”
“That's good. Thank you!”
Imashino-kun, clearly relieved, then rang the doorbell.
He is such a ridiculously caring person. Since she's his sister, she's guaranteed to be a good girl; he shouldn’t have to give any qualifiers. Though it sounds like she has a little tsun-tsun energy, even considering that, she’s likely a good person like Imashino-kun.
While I was thinking all this, the front door opened.
A girl with long black hair suddenly appeared—I instantly understood why he spoiled her. Hah? What kind of angel is this? She is genuinely cuter and prettier than her photo, and her face is too small!
“Hey, Rittan, long time no see! You’re as cute as ever in the whole multiverse! Have you been well?”
Perhaps excited to see her, Imashino-kun chirped, elated. But.
“............Why are you here?”
She muttered this, nervously twisting the drawstring of her oversized hoodie.
Ritsu-san (excuse me, Ritsu), looked at Imashino-kun like a cat with its tail stepped on.
...I hope I’m just imagining things, but doesn’t this seem like a bad start?
“W-Why? Well, I had some free time, so I wanted to talk to Rittan face-to-face.”
“Stop calling me that in front of others. I’m not a kid anymore... And who is she?”
Her sharp stare pierced me now.
She examined me closely, from head to toe, and then her gaze settled on my chest.
'Too big. Ugh, she's annoying...'
Although she didn't say it out loud, I couldn't shake the feeling that his sister was actively hostile towards me.
“Well. This is the Ojou-sama whose needs I am in charge of attending to.”
“N-Nice to meet you.”
“...Haaah.”
I quickly gave my greetings, but her reaction remained chilly. Not only that, Ritsu seemed to have grasped everything from that brief exchange, and pulling up her hood, she abruptly snapped at Imashino-kun.
“Go home.”
“Eh?”
“This is my family’s house, Dad’s, and Mom’s. It's not a place for smutty things.”
“H-Hey! Girls shouldn't say things like that!”
“Annoying. Besides, girls are far nastier about that kind of stuff, you know.”
Regardless of whether her dubious theories are true, I seem to have been completely excluded from Imashino-kun’s mental category of Girls!
While I was reeling from the shock, Ritsu was already trying to shut the door.
“W-Wait, Ritta—Alright, Ritsu. I’ll stop using the nickname; I’m sorry.”
“You don't need to change it. Just go somewhere else, now.”
“I will, but first, let's talk. I'll fix anything that bothers you, so please just hear me out.”
“Seriously... What is there to talk about with the person who left this house, even at a time like this?”
—Gaaah...
Imashino-kun was visibly crushed, as if utterly traumatized by her words.
“That girl’s family is rich, right? Working as a live-in butler there means he’s got a better life than here, unless it's a punishment. Good for him. Congratulations.”
He remained utterly pale, his mouth gaping silently, unable to voice a single retort.
I know I probably have no right to speak, but.
“Ritsu-san. From what I know, Imashino-kun hasn't spent money on anything extravagant at all. His sole motivation for working was the desire to help you.”
“Stop interfering in my family business, you home-wrecking cat.”
“Ngh!”
“...A home-wrecking cat might be inaccurate.”
Seeing that her harsh words had clearly shocked me, Ritsu quickly looked down apologetically.
Ah, she is a good girl after all. Don't worry; I don't dislike that frosty attitude!
Lost in my thoughts, Ritsu suddenly turned back to Imashino-kun.
“Did I ask big brother to go work? Did you even consult me about taking a nonsensical job like an exclusive butler? ...Then you come back and expect gratitude? You're the selfish one, big brother.”
“............”
“You're always like this, big brother. You act selfishly, always using 'it’s for me' as an excuse, and you don’t even consider my feelings. If I want to continue piano, I'll find a way to manage it on my own, and my body isn't as weak as it used to be. But you’re still overprotective. And then, you finally come home after such a long time, and you bring a pretty girlfriend with you... I’m done. I don't care about big brother anymore.”
Ritsu turned her back. I nervously glanced at Imashino-kun beside me.
“……………………(Completely stunned).”
H-Her words hit him too hard; he couldn’t say a thing... He usually would immediately deny the girlfriend part, but right now, Imashino-kun probably didn’t even have the ability to formulate words.
“Go home. Having you stand there is just bothersome.”
Ritsu ordered this to me, and with a slam, she finally shut the door.
Total duration of our stay: approximately five minutes. We couldn't even step inside, and the emotional rift remained as wide as ever.
“Y-Your souvenir was a sheet music book, wasn’t it? Maybe you could just hang the bag on the doorknob?”
Imashino-kun, who had been completely silent in heavy dejection, finally turned to look at me with a zombie-like gloom.
“R-Rittan hates meeeeeee......!”
It was getting dark outside by the time we returned to the apartment living room.
But Imashino-kun’s gloomy mood wouldn’t be cured in just an hour.
“I'm ordering pizza for dinner. Would you prefer crispy or hand-tossed, Imashino-kun?”
“Pizza...? Pizza, pizza, pizza, pizza, pizza...”
“I get it. We’ll get both.”
Ignoring his absurd, ten-questions-I-didn't-ask rambling, I swiftly completed the order on the app.
I approached him, sitting slumped on the sofa, and spoke to him gently.
“You’re on full complete rest from all butler duties for today. Besides, I'm sure it’ll be fine. You'll make up quickly.”
“A soccer game for the Japanese national team was on TV a long time ago...”
I tried to cheer him up, but he interrupted me. And his voice was so small.
“Ritsu looked at it and said, 'Wow, that’s so cool and handsome!'... So, I chose soccer.”
“Wh-What are you talking about? What is this story about?”
“I wanted to be a big brother that Ritsu could look up to. To be seen as cool, I did everything I could... I asked my dad to teach me DIY to be multifaceted, and my mom to teach me cooking...”
His eyes were distant and blank. I understand; I’ll just listen, alright?
“But it was never a hardship... For Ritsu’s sake, I felt like I could do anything. But... That mindset itself was selfish... I didn’t understand the most important thing.”
A single tear trailed down his face. I’d only ever seen people cry like that in anime.
“Ritsu was right. I failed to consider her feelings... I went ahead with everything selfishly, convincing myself it was for my sister... I truly am a hopeless person...!”
Imashino-kun covered his face with his hands. For him to become this negative, this was serious.
“That’s not true. Though I have little right to say this, I think you're doing well.”
“It's fine, don't console me! I'm a pathetic piece of garbage and human waste and—HAH!”
Suddenly, the despondent man sprang up as if he’d had an epiphany.
I thought he was becoming unhinged... and then he said something utterly shocking.
“No, I’m wrong. On the contrary, I want you to heap abuse on me...!!”
“...H-Huh?”
“Call me a worthless piece of trash for thinking this way, or question how I could be in this state after talking about 'true love,' or no, not just words, hit me too! Please, land one good strike!”
He wanted me to abuse him and slap him... I considered it for a moment, and I immediately understood.
This is how Imashino-kun felt when I begged him to become my Master!
“There’s no way I could do that! Being on the receiving end is one thing, but not doing it myself! That’s completely outside my scope! Besides, my brand of reversal isn't your personal fetish!”
“But you have to! Because Sadism and Masochism are two sides of the same coin! —No, I don’t actually know if that’s true, but still!”
“Don’t try to persuade me with reasoning you don’t even understand!”
Regardless, Imashino-kun was desperately clinging to me with an unprecedented pitifulness. Ugh, he looked so handsome just this afternoon... No, wait, not in that way.
“Anyway. Everyone goes through a rebellious phase. You shouldn't worry too much—”
I stopped myself. I suddenly realized that I’ve only been receiving from him.
He takes care of my daily life and even complies with my perverse requests.
I never think about reciprocating to my parents, sisters, or other adults.
But with him, I feel compelled to do something in return.
“No, I’m sorry. You're right. You’re more suited to be attacked than to attack...”
“Imashino-kun.”
After speaking his name, I cocked my head back and then forcefully brought my hand back and spoke.
“Stop sulking right now! You're making a spectacle of yourself, you swine!”
“S-Swine...”
He flinched at the straightforward insult. I pierced him with a sharp glare.
“In the first place, you think your sister hates you, but—if she truly hated you, she wouldn’t call you 'big brother.' I can guarantee that. I, for one, refer to my three older sisters as ‘Sister,’ ‘Sister 2,’ and ‘That Bitch’ from the top down.”
“W-What about the youngest sister? What’s going on there?”
I ignored that undesirable question and continued in my strong tone.
“So, why was your sister angry? As she herself said, it was because you decided everything without consulting her. —And this is speculation, but I think a part of her was also jealous.”
“Jealousy? No way, why would you think that?”
“Can you be certain she wasn't? From your sister’s perspective, her beloved big brother brought home a seriously gorgeous girl (I know, I know). It’s perfectly conceivable she’d harbor complex feelings, and if that’s the case, it proves your sister doesn’t hate you.”
I added my personal logic, stating that if I heard my sister was getting married, I wouldn't feel a thing. He furrowed his brow, lost in thought.
“Any rebuttal?”
“N-No... But if that’s the case, all the more reason I need to apologize to Ritsu...”
Though not completely convinced, Imashino-kun seemed to have calmed down slightly.
Sensing he’d grasped the general situation, I gave my conclusion.
“Therefore—This is a command. Abandon your exclusive butler duties until you reconcile with your sister.”
“...EHH?! N-No, but then what about Nawagami-san’s food, clothing, and shelter?”
“You sound as though I couldn’t survive without you... Are you insulting me?”
“I-I’m sorry! That’s not what I meant ironically!”
I still dismissed his panicked state coldly.
“Stop jumping to conclusions. It's just that having a gloomy person around makes me depressed. And you don’t need to figure out what to do; this is what you are doing.”
“...Yes, understood. I will comply...............”
“That’s a good response. Yes, I am the Master right now, after all... You must keep your promise.”
As I dropped his chin, he immediately nodded once.
His expression was different now. It had returned to his usual, calm yet focused demeanor.
Good. I shouldn’t need to whip him anymore.
“Haa. Now that I’ve done it, I really am an M at heart. Forcing you into submission feels exactly like, 'Oh well, this is to be expected.' It doesn't excite me at all.”
“...Hey, Nawagami-san.”
“Just so you know, I won't insult you again. I’ve run out of whipping stock with that last round.”
“No, I mean, thank you.”
When he said that in such a tender voice, I was the one left dumbfounded.
“For what? ‘Thank you’? ...Are you serious? Could it be that Imashino-kun is secretly 'one of us' too?”
“No, that's not it. I’m just saying I’m grateful to you for encouraging me.”
He gave me his usual perplexed smile, and I became even more flustered.
This—This simple exchange is nothing compared to what you usually do for me!
“Hey. Do you remember when Nawagami-san came to the Student Council room for volunteer work a while ago?”
“Eh. Ah, well, vaguely...”
“That’s good. Even then, Nawagami-san helped me out when I was struggling—I was surprised, and more than that, I was happy. It was my prerogative to forcefully take on all the work, after all.”
I found myself directing my gaze toward the floor as he recounted the story.
W-Why did he suddenly bring that up...? It was making me feel... weird.
“You might think, 'It was such a trivial thing,' but that was the first time that had ever happened to me. And after that, I started feeling... something for Nawagami-san.”
“'S-Something,' you say... But that's...”
“When I was told about the exclusive butler job, I couldn’t help but think, 'Maybe I can handle this better than a stranger.' But I knew my personal feelings shouldn't interfere, so I faked my butler demeanor.”
My face was getting increasingly hot. He continued to talk without noticing. What is this, a new form of torture?
“And then, what was the main point I was trying to make anyway... Oh, right. Thank you for spending time with me today. It was much more fun to be with Nawagami-san than wandering around alone.”
A sudden ache welled up in my chest. Unable to tolerate it, I pressed myself against him again.
“—NnnnnGH!”
“What’s wrong, did something happen?”
Even after he asked, I still couldn’t look him in the eye.
My face was already this hot. I couldn’t bear to look directly at him!
“Pi, pi-pi, pi—”
“Pi?”
“The PIZZA might be here, so go to the Entrance Now!”
My voice cracked strangely, but ignoring it, I shoved my phone against his abdomen.
“It’s only been about ten minutes. I doubt it’s here yet.”
“Just GO! If it hasn't arrived, just loiter around for a while to waste some time!!”
“O-Okay, I got it... But, before I go. If the chance comes up, let’s go out again.”
He casually proposed our next outing, then smiled brightly and walked out.
...I slid down onto the wooden floor, my body thoroughly warmed all over.
The feelings provided by his D.S. Mode can be completely accepted.
I can predict them to an extent, and it is, after all, my fetish.
But this—this pure, unadulterated sweetness, unlike a whip, that occasionally comes up unexpectedly.
This makes me completely tormented to my limit, and it feels too unbelievably good for me to stand up.
“What is this feeling...!”
I wanted to calm down before he came back... But I had little confidence in whether I succeeded or not.
Two mornings later, in the dining room. I woke up to find him there in his suit as usual.
“Good morning, Ojou-sama.”
“...Don't tell me you’ve forgotten my command.”
“Not at all. I returned to my parents' house yesterday and successfully reconciled with my sister.”
It was a Western-style breakfast today. Imashino-kun placed a plate of bacon, eggs, and salad on the table.
His strange, beaming look suggested he was telling the truth...
“Following Ojou-sama's advice, I reflected on my shortcomings and then we talked about each other’s feelings. My sister eventually heard me out. We had a meal with my parents, making the four of us, and I returned to Ojou-sama's side this morning.”
“Hmmph, I see... If that's the case, then that’s good. I felt a small sense of responsibility for all of that.”
I justified this because I employed him as my live-in exclusive butler.
However, the nature of my and Imashino-kun’s ‘sorry’ feelings seemed subtly different.
“And you can relax. I also cleared up her misconception.”
“? Misconception?”
“Yes. The matter of whether I was dating the person I brought home. Regarding that, I firmly explained that you were simply the person for whom I work as a servant, and that dating was completely out of the question. You are an attractive person, of course, but it remains strictly a business arrangement... O-Ojou-sama?”
“Hey, Imashino-kun. I wouldn't have done it before, but I might slap you right now, you know?”
I generated a wind-slicing sound with my flat hand. He looked confused and retreated to the kitchen.
But well, I suppose this amount of distance is just perfect for me... for now.
...Yes, for now.
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