episode_0039

Unless one is completely clueless, there’s no way anyone wouldn’t understand the significance of what that sharp fellow said.

“Can I borrow your day?”

Depending on the situation, there might be slight variations.

Just look at those desire-filled eyes wandering around; will this really end quietly?

The moment I heard his proposal, I could tell.

This is definitely a date request.

It’s a trap set by this guy to devour me.

Yes, I realized that much.

However…

“…”

The sudden date proposal brought everything to a halt in my mind.

While the priestess next to me gasped in surprise, her astonishment did nothing to activate the frozen brain of the witch.

Of course, it wasn’t unexpected, but when it came down to it, I couldn’t think of anything.

A date…

Honestly, it was a somewhat appealing proposition.

Not because his date request itself was enticing, but because the offer to exchange a lifetime of petting rights for just one date intrigued me.

But…

“It won’t be a walk in the park, that’s for sure.”

The other party is that sinister sharp fellow.

He may be called “Muscle Brain” elsewhere without any inadequacy, but he’s particularly sharp in situations like this.

Why would such a guy give up a lifetime of petting to ask for a date?

There’s something fishy about it.

Most likely.

“Hmm.”

As I squinted at him, the sharp fellow extended his hand silently.

…Will he pat my head, or will he calmly accept the date request?

An unspoken pressure to make a quick decision.

So, I slowly spoke up.

“I’ll give it a shot.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s just for a day.”

Facing the sharp fellow with an ominous smile, I thought to myself.

Our esteemed ancestors once said.

Even if bitten by a tiger, one can survive as long as they keep their wits about them.

So, whatever plans this sharp fellow has, as long as I maintain my composure and keep my wits about me, everything would flow smoothly.

Moreover, it’s not a long period, just a single day.

Therefore, if asked by a passerby, wouldn’t everyone choose the latter option—enduring just one day rather than a lifetime of suffering?

It’s a fair deal.

In the end, it’s a deal that benefits me greatly.

For just a day, there’s no dramatic change in my feelings towards that fellow.

With half-moon eyes, I accepted his proposal.

“Let’s give it a try.”

It won’t go exactly as you want, though.

—–

Watching Beatrice confidently accept the proposal with her arms crossed and a self-assured expression, a strange desire began to simmer within me.

What if that confident expression turned into delight?

How beautiful would it be if love took root in that face filled with disgust and disdain?

I wanted to pat Beatrice’s colorful youthful face once more, but I quietly turned away to suppress my desire.

A promise is a promise.

Well, I can always indulge later, so leaving an impression now should be enough.

After concluding my thoughts, I distanced myself from Beatrice to bury my desires deep within my heart, simultaneously pondering ways to captivate her.

Truth be told, I hadn’t thought of anything related to the date.

To be honest, it was a spontaneous decision, so the chances of failure were very high.

One might ask why I gave up petting only to request a date if I had nothing planned.

…But I saw it.

The patience revealed amidst that youthful face.

The disdain hidden within the pleasure-filled moans.

Of course, it appealed to me.

From the very beginning, there was a mischievous tendency, and above all, she was my ideal type, wasn’t she?

Although a desire to torment her with vile desires surged within me because the sight of that haughty witch falling apart was so beautiful.

My goal wasn’t to rescue a sexual slave. It was to seek a vessel to share love with.

It’s true that my desires are intense.

However, what should take precedence is genuine love.

If I were to oppressively approach her using only empty pleasures and desires, Beatrice would never truly love me.

A relationship built solely on desire is bound to collapse eventually.

Having witnessed numerous precedents and even seen it up close, I know this to be true.

“It wasn’t lewd, but if she dislikes it, there’s nothing I can do.”

I neatly closed off my heart and immediately began planning our date.

“Mm.”

As I listened to my companions engaging in lively conversation, I pondered.

How could I plan a date that would bring me closer to Beatrice, even just a little?

At the very least, I feel like I need to shed feelings of ‘contempt’ and ‘disgust.’

“Mm…”

Unfortunately, nothing came to mind.

…It was only natural, considering I had been hanging around somewhat deranged men and women.

Ultimately, I could count on one hand the number of times I had properly conversed with a woman.

“Mm…..”

Feeling at a loss for what to do, I let out a sigh, and Dantelbo, with a slap on my back, threw a question my way.

“Why the long face? You’re not your usual self!”

“There was an incident, Dantelbo. But it’s something you don’t need to worry about.”

“Haha, perhaps I know? Is it something I can help with? What’s bothering you? Are you lacking firepower?”

“In a different sense, I am lacking firepower.”

Hoping for some assistance, I glanced away from Dantelbo and scanned the surroundings, but I couldn’t help but feel a sense of despair for the first time.

‘In every situation, there lies a possibility.’

Was this the first moment when the proud motto I once held dear felt like a lie?

I rubbed my throbbing forehead and quietly exhaled.

“Phew…”

Perhaps asking for their opinions directly would result in the worst possible date coming to fruition?

But who knows.

Halting the ongoing discussion about muscles, I posed a question to my companions, hoping for a sensible answer.

“I… have one question. When going on a date with a woman, how should one proceed?”

As a calm yet hushed voice flowed out, the group fell silent as if stunned.

The previous commotion now felt as false as a lie, replaced by a chilling silence.

With a resigned smile, I found their unhelpful advice quite telling and each of my comrades awkwardly offered their thoughts.

“Um… If you ask someone who doesn’t exist, what good would it do? I could whip up some fireworks. Just let me know if you need them.”

“I apologize. Apart from food, I don’t have much interest. However, I can certainly prepare delicious food for the date.”

“Engaging in romantic relationships is definitely a loss of time. But if I were to give my opinion… Well, perhaps training together? Let the witch attack, and you defend.”

“But does engaging really matter? In the end, it all boils down to reproduction. It’s just a cycle of mating. Why bother with romance? If it were me, I’d spend that time finding a strong partner to improve my skills.”

…Certainly, these were not very helpful pieces of advice.

Nevertheless, touched by their efforts to assist in any way they could, I nodded my head in gratitude.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Whether I can actually use it remains to be seen.”

These rough individuals, devoid of a single cell related to romance.

Furthermore, with personalities akin to Dragonean or Louisian females, it seemed fitting to call them female bellies.

I promptly erased the advice received from these individuals from my mind.

Food and fireworks aside, just by doing the opposite of what Veldem and Louis said, you would succeed half of the time.

Putting aside such meaningless advice and rising from my seat, I was able to discover a new ally.

Fortunately, there was Priestess Alaine, who could arguably be considered somewhat normal.

Approaching her as she recited prayers with closed eyes, I cautiously asked for help.

“Excuse me, Reverend? No, should I call you Alaine now?”

“Yes, yes? Just call me comfortably. Alaine is sufficient.”

“Got it, then I’ll speak freely. Um… I mean, I wanted to borrow some of Agathon’s wisdom, is it okay if I ask for a moment?”

“…You seem to have something on your mind. Go ahead and tell me; I will help within my capabilities.”

In a compassionate atmosphere, she encouraged me to share my concerns.

As I laid out all my worries, Alaine cleared her throat and averted her gaze.

“I’m sorry, but… I, too, have devoted myself entirely to the goddess, so unfortunately, I have no wisdom regarding love.”

“Still, wouldn’t you know better than I, being a woman? Like things that women generally like…”

A witch pursuing the end of magic, she was certainly different from ordinary women.

Nevertheless, there must be something common that women like.

If I strategically approach that aspect, perhaps we could become closer?

Looking at Alaine with hopeful eyes, she slowly opened her mouth, tilting her head.

“Witches are quite different from ordinary women. They are truly unpredictable beings. This is also documented in the history books of our country.”

“However, I do know a few things that witches might like. Based on historical records and folklore…”

Whispering softly –

Alaine leaned in close to my ear and whispered, leaving me puzzled as I cocked my head.

“…They really like that kind of thing?”

“You may find it hard to believe, but yes. Sir Karl already knows, doesn’t he? Beatrice is quite the eccentric.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

Mulling over Alaine’s words, I found myself lost in thought.

Is this really the right thing to do?