episode_0094

94. The Bet (3)

I received an invitation to Luna’s house. Just to clarify in case there’s any misunderstanding—it’s not the Grace Mansion. Vivian, Adele, Luna, Jet, and even the strategists all have their own separate residences.

Brook and Eitri were also given expensive homes—no way they wouldn’t have one. It’s just that they have rooms in the Grace Mansion to sleep in. To put it simply, think of it like a dormitory?

There’s no need to commute, and since the barracks or offices are nearby, they just stay at the mansion. Luna, who invited me, twirled her long sideburns with her fingers. She made a coy, feminine gesture, as if embarrassed.

“…So… you coming?”

Luna, who usually carries a chic, tomboyish aura, now exuded a strangely girlish vibe.

I subtly averted my gaze and glanced at the barracks. After spending quite a while touring the barracks under Luna’s guidance, the sky was already growing dim.

*‘Is… is this an angle?!’*

Lewd thoughts flooded my mind, but I quickly erased them. After Vivian and Adele… now Luna? Ah, no way…

Am I getting a big head just because I’ve rubbed shoulders with some nobles? To correct any misunderstanding, I tossed Luna a question.

“Can I ask what this is about?”

Hearing my question, Luna briefly pursed her lips. Then, crossing her arms, she tapped her forearm with her fingers. Anyone could tell she was scrambling for an excuse.

“I… I’d like you to review some military tactics.”

It sounded like a flimsy excuse. I could’ve just agreed and followed along quietly, but… I still couldn’t understand why she’d been glaring daggers at me during dinner.

A mischievous impulse stirred in me.

“If it’s military tactics, Adele or Isobel would be better suited.” “Ah—!”

Caught off guard, Luna’s pupils trembled in panic. I felt a twinge of pity but also a sense of payback for the suffering she’d put me through. But wow, I’m really pushing my luck with nobles, huh? At this rate, Isobel’s warning about being beheaded for disrespect might come true.

As I rubbed my neck nervously, Luna clenched her fists and stammered out another excuse.

“Music!” “Huh?” “Music! I… I’d like you to check my piano. It’s acting up…!”

Luna mentioned the piano awkwardly. Huh, she plays an instrument? That was unexpected. Should I tease her some more? The mischievous urge crawled up again, but…

Better not. I’d like to live to at least 100. Just as I was about to relent and agree—

“It’s really urgent… the piano…!”

Her face flushed as she fidgeted, inadvertently revealing a hint of her upper body. Wait, is she seriously trying to seduce me with *that* as the reason?

My brain short-circuited, but my lower brain instinctively nodded for me.

“Alright… promise? I’ll come in two hours.”

Luna then sprinted off toward her house. I could only stare blankly as she left. First—why are the daughters of the former ducal family, who lack for nothing, so fixated on me? Second—Luna’s figure is sneakily well-hidden under clothes.

Once I sorted my thoughts, I hurried back to the Grace Mansion. I dashed into my workshop-attached room and started washing up. Wouldn’t want to embarrass myself if I smelled.

After a quick rinse, I stepped out into the hallway—

“Where you headed, Softie?” “Damn, caught red-handed.”

I’d been cornered by hungry predators. Normally, they’d pounce on me drooling, ready to have their way. But today, something felt different.

“Just go and hurry back.” “Huh?” “You need solo time sometimes, right?”

Oddly, Vivian and Adele didn’t harass me. Usually, they’d cop a feel at my rear or drag me off by the wrist. The change was jarring, but hey, better this way, right? I bowed slightly in thanks before leaving.

Then, as I sped toward Luna’s place— A sudden wave of regret hit.

*”Am I… an idiot?”*

Was Luna’s invitation really for *that* reason? Nothing’s impossible in this world, but this *had* to be a misunderstanding. No way she’d suddenly change her attitude after giving me the cold shoulder. Hypnosis apps or whatever don’t even exist here.

Maybe she had an urgent issue… Or needed my expertise. I felt embarrassed for jumping to conclusions.

Burying my face in my hands, I arrived at Luna’s house—a modest single-story home, unlike Adele’s.

“Did I come too early?”

She said to come in two hours, but my lower brain had rushed me here in one. Lingering outside felt awkward, and there wasn’t enough time to kill elsewhere. After hesitating, I tried the doorknob.

“It’s unlocked?”

From inside came strange rustling noises—like someone hurriedly rummaging through things. Did a burglar break into a woman’s home? In this world, men and women are equally strong, but… Coming from 21st-century Earth, my instincts kicked in. Worried, I flung the door open, even shouting Luna’s name.

“Luna!!” “Ah—!”

And what greeted me was—

Clothes strewn about as if she’d been agonizing over what to wear. A flustered woman staring at me with reddened cheeks. And Luna, pulling bandages out from inside her shirt.

“KYAAAAAH—!!”

A scream so girly it felt out of place in this world.

——————————————————

Some time later…

Luna couldn’t even lift her head. Since genders are equal here, that scream must’ve mortified her.

“Pretend… you didn’t hear that…”

She was more embarrassed about *that* than showing skin. Of course, I could’ve agreed right away, but my inner prankster stirred. It’s just… I’ve never seen her act this girly before.

“Hmm… What should I do?” “If you don’t… I’ll silence you permanently…” “I HEARD NOTHING!”

Right, forgot she’s Erika’s flesh and blood. As I hastily surrendered, Luna sighed in relief. Now calmer, she questioned me.

“So… Why’d you barge in without knocking?”

Yep, this one’s on me. I bowed deeply in apology.

“Sorry! I heard rustling and got worried!” “You… were worried?”

Luna tilted her head cutely in confusion. After a pause, she gave up and asked outright.

“Even if someone attacked me… you wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Ouch. Harsh truth. Even if I had a thousand copies of myself, I’d lose to Luna. That’s just how this world rolls.

“I just… rushed in without thinking.” “For me?” “Yeah.”

My honesty seemed to surprise her. She muttered under her breath.

“Not even my dad…”

Yeah, chivalry doesn’t exist here. Women aren’t “damels in distress”—strength rules regardless of gender. That’s probably why Luna looked a little embarrassed.

As she lost herself in thought, I glanced around. Unlike Grace Mansion’s quarters, her room was decorated girlishly—cute plushies, an actual piano (not just an excuse), and even a flute and harp in the corner.

“Oh right… the piano you wanted me to check…” “Y-yeah!”

Regaining focus, Luna nodded and led me to the piano in the living room. I lifted the lid to inspect inside.

“No issues here?” “R-really?” “Yeah.”

So it *was* just an excuse. As I went to close the lid, a mischievous idea struck—one sure to fluster her.

“Hmm, maybe it’s an invisible issue.” “Huh?” “Want to play something?”

This’ll be fun. As long as she doesn’t actually decapitate me.