As A Result of Trying To Live An Erotic Slow-Life, I Have Become The Underground Ruler of This Upside-Down Otherworld - Chapter 56: The World Expands, Shadows Lurk

Chapter 56: The World Expands, Shadows Lurk

Arius POV

Daily walks are non-negotiable.

“Arius-sama, looking forward to today, okay!”

“Yeah, you too, Serika.”

Shuri, out of nowhere, said she wanted to help with Yuri’s investigation.

When I asked why, she said she wanted to care for Yuri but felt hesitant, yet still wanted to contribute somehow.

Man, it was like, Go for it! with a tearful send-off.

Okay, maybe not that dramatic.

I’m a bit amazed at her seriousness, but it’s the first time Shuri’s spoken up about wanting to do something, so I’m mostly just happy.

So, even though Shuri’s not here, they say keeping up the walks is a good idea.

“U-Um, me too, please, Serika-oneechan.”

“Yup, leave it to me!”

It’s good for Yuri’s rehab, so I’ve got Serika with me instead of Shuri.

With the Rats out in force, Ronnyan’s got hardly any customers—honestly, Towa could handle it alone and still be bored.

That’s why Serika can tag along. By the way, Mia’s helping with the shop while digging into Yuri’s situation.

Serika’s no exception, but everyone at our place has taken a shine to Yuri.

Yuri himself doesn’t seem fazed by the “ugly” thing anymore, just acting natural. Maybe it’s nice for them to be around a kid like that.

Thinking about it, I’m glad we helped him.

Men and women in this world give “ugly” women cold looks, but kids’ honest reactions hit harder.

On the flip side, that makes their gratitude more saving, like it was for Mia.

“Hey, Yuri-bo! How’s it going?”

“H-Hello. I’m good.”

“Yuri-kun! Take this!”

“Th-Thank you, mister!”

He bows over there, then hurriedly turns to a voice from here.

Catching a small fruit tossed his way, he flashes me a happy grin.

“Nice one. Wanna eat it while we walk, or sit somewhere?”

“Uh, can I eat it while walking?”

“Sure thing.”

He chomps into the fruit with his little mouth.

“Sweet, huh?”

“Shagu… n, ngu.”

“Oh, crap! Sorry for talking while you’re eating! H-Here, drink this!?”

“Ngu ngu… pwa! Thanks, Serika-oneechan.”

Looking around, some folks sigh in relief, others smile like they’re watching a heartwarming scene.

Since I started bringing Yuri on these walks, the biggest change is how the shopping district folks react to us.

Kids mirror their parents… well, he’s not my son, but still.

Seeing Yuri warm up to me and Serika shifts their perceptions.

“…What’s he planning, bringing a kid?”

“Is that kid being tricked…?”

Not everyone’s like that, of course.

Plenty still suspect or guard against us.

I’m not dragging Yuri out to win over the shopping district, so it’s fine, but seeing things shift positively is a nice bonus.

Maybe I didn’t think of it, but Towa might’ve known and nudged me into this.

“Hm? Arius-sama?”

“Oh, nah… it’s nothing.”

Can’t help but grin.

It’s one thing if it’s just me, but seeing the people close to me get accepted feels like the world I’m building is starting to be recognized.

“Effort always sounded like a pain, but if it’s like this, I could do it forever.”

“Uh, um? Sorry, I don’t really get it.”

Serika droops shun, but…

“Don’t worry about it. Thanks as always, Serika.”

“Hyau!? N-No, no, no! I’m the one who’s thankful!?”

I pat her head a bit too hard.

“…”

“And you too, of course.”

“Wapu.”

Yuri’s giving me a weird look, so I pat his head too.

I savor the feeling that the space where I can be a shut-in is slowly growing.

◇

Shuri POV

“Noble.”

“…Noble?”

“Hah!? You see that and feel nothing, Shuri-cchi? You’re nuts!”

“Shh, keep it down.”

Two shadows trail a scene that screams family moment.

They’re a bit too noisy for shadows, but luckily, Shuri’s stealth isn’t ordinary.

“No way… no way, Shuri-cchi. That’s messed up. I’m torn between wanting to smooch Arius-san right now and just soaking in this scene, and my pussy’s all tingly, but you—”

“I-It’s daytime…!”

There’s a limit to bluntness—Shuri clutches her head, fighting a pounding headache.

Kazune’s loud as hell, but she stays within Shuri’s ability to cover, and with her perception fully active to keep the trio safe, Shuri can’t complain or scold her easily.

“Speaking of, that Serika-san…”

“No need to say it. She’s not just skilled—she’s top-tier.”

It’s probably because Serika’s by Arius’s side that they can maintain this balance.

“…Seeing through my stealth was my thing.”

“When Goshujin gets involved, Serika-sama’s unreal.”

Toward Yuri, the surroundings, and even us lurking in the shadows.

She’s alert in all directions and still acts so natural.

Serika’s the real deal.

Her monster-hunting skills are so high even the Snakes say they can’t match her.

But her true strength shines when she’s next to Arius.

“Losing confidence here.”

“I get it.”

“Ugh, Arius-san’s side feels so far away.”

Towa, Mia too.

Without them, the Rats or Snakes would be the ones rightfully by Arius’s side, no question.

But seeing this drives it home.

“…She’s really something.”

A different league, a different dimension.

If Shuri and Kazune ambushed the trio right now, Serika’d cut them down without flinching. I’m sure I’d feel the same if Towa or Mia were there instead.

You wouldn’t know unless you tried.

But I can’t even muster the will to try—her overwhelming presence makes you bow before you can stand.

Of course, we’d never think of opposing her, but still.

“Our job—stay one step ahead.”

“Got it… Alright, switched gears!”

If only we’d met Arius first. I don’t think that.

Really, even I, Shuri, feel a bit jealous—it looks so natural for her to be by his side.

“…Shuri-cchi.”

“Mm.”

The shadow guard continues as Arius and the others step into uncharted territory.

The first step outside the Arius Family’s territory, laid by Towa.

Tension spikes, no choice.

Beyond here is the turf of one of the rival factions they’ve considered.

“Kazune.”

“Got it.”

A single word, perfect understanding.

Kazune darts ahead to scout their path, while I double-check the rear.

Past the shopping district, it’s an area packed with love hotels if you go deeper.

Not exactly kid-friendly, but during the day, it’s tame, not too sleazy.

Today’s walk skims the edge of this territory before heading back to Ronnyan.

Yuri’s stamina’s probably getting shaky, so we won’t linger at the boundary too long.

“Ah…”

Suddenly, Yuri moves.

Like he’s drawn in, almost aimlessly—he grabs Arius’s hand.

At the same time, I activate the magic stone to contact Kazune.

“—Kazune.”

“Three in the alley ahead. What do?”

No time to think.

Yuri’s pulling Arius’s hand, asking what kind of shop’s over there.

It’s natural, a natural scene… but Serika’s eyes narrow slightly.

“I’m heading to Goshujin. Kazune, run a double tail, then head back first. No contact.”

“Got it.”

No starting fights with rival factions yet.

Yuri’s hometown investigation needs more time.

“Suu… haa…”

One deep breath, and the gears in my head shift.

“Goo-shujin!”

“Whoa? Shuri? What’re you doing here?”

I run up to Arius, eyes on him, but my vision includes Yuri.

“Geez! They said when we get back, it’s walk time! Serika-san’s probably wanted back soon, right? Let’s head home!”

“Huh? It’s that time already? My bad, my bad. Alright, let’s go back.”

“O-Okay, Onii-san.”

“Yup, let’s head back, Arius-sama.”

As I speak, I position myself behind Yuri.

I glance at Serika, and her look says she’s caught something.

“Yuri-kun?”

“Uh, ah, yeah, um… Shuri-oneechan?”

I peer into Yuri’s eyes as he turns to my voice.

Deep inside, there’s a faint trace of magic residue.

—Got it, someone’s puppet.

“That area’s for when you’re a bit older, okay?”

“U, uh… okay, got it?”

Yuri looks confused, not quite getting what I mean.

Now, one thing’s certain.

“Uh, Shuri?”

“Huh? Yes, what’s up, Goshujin?”

If I had to point out my mistake here…

“You’re… into that kinda thing, huh?”

“Eh? Uh, yeah? Wait… what?”

Arius points at my face.

No… more precisely…

“Shota fan… got it? I mean, that’s why you can’t get it on with me, right…”

“No, no, no, no, wrong!? Ehh!? No! It’s not that! I just wasn’t paying attention to my surroundings, that’s all! Waaah! Goshujin, it’s a misunderstanding!!”

I’m holding Yuri’s cheeks, staring deep into his eyes up close.

Yeah, okay.

From the outside, it might look like I’m about to kiss him.

“Got it, that’s how it is… I can’t cheer you on, but I can pretend I didn’t see… yeah.”

“It’s not true! It’s a misunderstanding! I just zoned out for a sec! Waaah! Goshujin, you’ve got it all wrong!!”

Serika’s striking a what-a-mess pose next to us, looking way too cool.

Yuri’s blank, clueless face is somehow infuriating.

“Yeah, yeah! Right! I didn’t see anything! That’s the deal!”

“Waaaa!? Goshujin, you idiot!!”

How do I even explain this? My head’s starting to hurt.