As A Result of Trying To Live An Erotic Slow-Life, I Have Become The Underground Ruler of This Upside-Down Otherworld - Chapter 92: Chapter Four Interlude: Here’s an Old Acquaintance, Shall We Warm It Up?

Chapter 92: Chapter Four Interlude: Here’s an Old Acquaintance, Shall We Warm It Up?

“Well then, cheers.”

“…Cheers.”

The business hours at Rongrong had ended.

The employees had already departed, and the only ones inside the building were the two who clinked their glasses together softly.

“Nku… Haa! As expected, nothing beats this after a day’s work!”

“I wouldn’t know.”

Ririeru, who maintains her own living space within Rongrong, is currently at Ronnyan.

Under the pretext of teaching Arius the ins and outs of the underworld, who knows what kind of study session they’re holding by now.

“Come on, you’re such a spoilsport! What’s got you so annoyed? Look, I’ve opened a pretty good bottle here!”

“Shut up.”

How many times have they drunk together like this, and how long has it been since the last?

Luuri notes that Sonya, with her usual scowl, hasn’t changed a bit since they started drinking, and she gives a wry smile.

“It’s been a while, so can’t you lighten up a bit? Like, catch up on recent events or something?”

“I didn’t realize this was a work meeting. I see, you’re as diligent as ever.”

Luuri’s wry smile freezes, and her mouth twitches.

“Ugh, this one’s such a pain.”

“You said that out loud.”

Only then does Sonya’s expression soften slightly.

The Snakes are, indeed, unique.

Perhaps it’s their way of life—their upbringing and the necessities for their survival, which differ slightly from a man’s seed.

Because of this, few could understand the Snakes.

This was true even before and after they became part of the Eld Family.

Despite appearing to prefer solitude, the Snakes, who expose their vulnerable sides in their desperate pursuit of men, found few willing to engage with them actively.

“Because it’s true, isn’t it? Every time I invite you, you brush me off. And even when I finally get you to join, this is how you act? Even though you love drinking with me.”

“L-Love? I don’t love it! I only do it because you’re so noisy, that’s all!”

Except for Luuri.

No, even for Luuri, it started as an obligation.

As a Rabbit, it was crucial to coordinate with many teams, so she had to actively engage with Towa and the other team leaders of that time.

But now, things are different.

“Well, whatever. Even if it’s just because you have to, I’m fine with it. At the very least, I enjoy drinking with you, Sonya-san.”

“M-Mmph.”

Luuri flashes a mischievous grin at Sonya, whose face practically screams defeat.

Luuri is undeniably capable.

It’s said to be harder to find something she can’t do, as she can handle almost anything above average.

Add to that her communication skills.

The way Sonya’s face is slightly flushed now—if Luuri were a man, she’d likely be quite the playboy, though she’s unaware of it herself.

Luuri is skilled, above all, at simply being there.

No one finds her intrusive; she keenly senses when she’s needed and responds accordingly.

It’s truly a rare talent. It’s not just some innate trait—it’s the fruit of her efforts.

That’s precisely why she could lead the Rabbits.

There isn’t a subordinate who doesn’t admire her, and she was often relied upon by those outside her team as well.

Sonya herself has depended on Luuri countless times.

And for some reason, this Luuri seems to like her.

Sonya doesn’t understand why. Because she doesn’t, she ends up treating Luuri harshly, despite her true feelings.

“Alright, alright, let’s toast again.”

“Ha… Fine, Luuri. Thanks for inviting me.”

Finally, both smile as their glasses clink together.

※

“—And then! Guess what Arius-san said at that moment!? ‘Oh, you’re here?’ Can you believe it!? This is the time for rebellion! Ei, ei, oh!”

“…It’s a good thing Serika-sama wasn’t here, you know.”

And so, the two-person drinking session begins.

Whether it’s been a while or not, the dynamic remains unchanged from the past.

“I don’t care anymore! It’s fine, isn’t it!? It’s the only time I can say stuff like this!”

“But you love Arius-san, don’t you?”

“Ugh, guh…”

A drunk Luuri is a handful.

Her mood swings are erratic, and she gets clingy.

Sonya’s having a rough time—Luuri’s been grabbing her shoulders and shaking her, splashing wine from her glass everywhere.

When Sonya frees herself from Luuri’s grip and points this out, Luuri blushes and fidgets.

Sonya thinks, as always, that she’s the troublesome one here.

“O-Of course I do! I l-l-lo—”

“I love My Lord more than anything. Though every time we meet, I break past my limits.”

“I love him just as much! Ugh! Don’t make me say it!”

It’s chaotic as Luuri waves her glass around.

It’s empty now, thankfully, but most of its contents have stained the table or Sonya’s clothes, which is its own problem.

“But…”

“Hm?”

Sonya braces herself, expecting Luuri to keep yapping, but she deflates, looking dejected, which only adds to Sonya’s sense of trouble.

“What does Arius-san really think?”

“Oh?”

Sonya relaxes her tensed body.

She’s relieved it’s not about “101 things to do with a boyfriend,” a topic from the past.

“You’re anxious about My Lord’s affection?”

“It’s not exactly that… It’s just… does he really like me?”

Sonya nods once, folding her arms.

She understands Luuri’s anxiety well.

If Luuri had suggested Arius didn’t care for them, Sonya would’ve punched her, but that’s not it.

Luuri is anxious about whether she’s worthy of being loved.

She’s worried about whether she’s someone Arius needs.

“I still haven’t been embraced one-on-one.”

“W-Well, that’s just a matter of timing, isn’t it?”

Sonya, already having been embraced, fumbles her words.

But she knows that’s not the root of Luuri’s current state.

Even if that opportunity came, Luuri would likely say the same things and worry just as much.

After all—

“I’m anxious too.”

“Eh…”

Sonya feels the same.

More than that, everyone in the Arius Family does.

“I haven’t spent as much time with My Lord as Serika-sama and the others… That might be an excuse, but I always wonder: How can I make him happy? How can I be needed? How can I be loved? Those worries are always there.”

That’s the definition of love Arius once spoke of.

“Becoming part of the Family made me realize something. Trying to become My Lord’s possession feels like an escape to me.”

“Escape? But Serika-san—”

“I know. Serika-sama wants to be his tool, truly his possession. And that’s fine for her. That’s the bond and form of love she’s built with him.”

Sonya feels she shouldn’t be like that.

Following in others’ footsteps isn’t wrong, and being second-best is fine.

But that path leads to a slightly lonely place.

“It’s presumptuous, but I think I need to forge a unique relationship with My Lord. That’s why I’m jealous of you. You have so many more options. You can form so many kinds of bonds with him.”

“Sonya-san…”

All Sonya has is her combat prowess, and even that’s inferior to Serika’s.

If she tried to become a convenient sex toy, Arius wouldn’t be pleased.

What she has—what she can take pride in—is the unwavering loyalty overflowing in her heart.

The resolute determination to stay by Arius’s side, even if the world turns against her.

“Fufu.”

“What? Did I say something funny?”

Sonya looks puzzled, but Luuri keeps laughing.

She couldn’t help but laugh.

Even though Sonya likely doesn’t know Arius’s definition of love, she’s nurturing her heart to become his woman.

“No, sorry. It’s just… I realized we can’t have a normal romance anymore.”

“Normal romance?”

“I mean, isn’t it true? A woman’s worth is supposed to be in making a man hers completely. But what are we doing? We’re trying to let Arius-san make us his. If we told anyone else, they’d look at us like we’re crazy.”

That’s how relationships work in this world.

You capture a man and make him utterly dependent on you.

That way, even if some beautiful woman seduces him, he’ll come back to you.

“Ah, that might be true. I’m an ugly woman, so I don’t really get it.”

“Ha! If Sonya-san were a man, I’d totally snatch you up.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

Luuri laughs sheepishly at Sonya’s exasperated look.

At the same time, she clearly understands the true nature of her anxiety.

“I… Well, I probably won’t ever be the most important, will I?”

Her anxiety, in the end, stems from a woman’s desire.

The natural wish to be cherished and loved above all others.

She can do anything, but she can’t do anything better than anyone else.

In espionage, she’s outdone by Kazune; in assassination, by Shuri.

Even in combat skills, she can’t match Sonya, who’s right here with her.

She might outdo Towa in work now, but instinctively, she knows she can’t surpass her as a woman.

“It’s frustrating… Maybe I should’ve tried harder. Maybe I could’ve built something I wouldn’t lose at.”

The Rabbits have countless paths open to them.

Luuri is no different. Even without joining the Arius Family, she had many futures where she could’ve been happy.

Yet she chose this. She chose everything.

Not picking one path from her options, she embraced them all.

As a result, she let go of being the one and only.

“You’re an idiot.”

“Huh!? S-Sonya-san!? I know I’m aware of it, but do you have to say it here!?”

Sonya laughs, not with boredom, but as if looking down on Luuri’s claim as utterly foolish.

“I think the same thing. I always want to be the one My Lord loves most. Well… that obsession got me put in my place by Serika-sama once, but that’s beside the point.”

“…”

“You shouldn’t aim to be the ‘most,’ but the ‘only.’ That’s why I said I’m jealous of you. You have the potential to become many kinds of ‘only.’ Honestly… it’s like we’re talking past each other. Lay off the drinking already.”

Sonya’s face screams exasperation as she speaks.

What she said is true.

Towa aims to be the one who heals Arius most; Mia strives to be the one who supports him best.

Each is growing, searching for their own way to love Arius with all their might.

“I see…”

The scales fall from Luuri’s eyes, and a quiet sense of shame buds within her.

She’s not there yet—there’s still so much ahead.

Her relationship with Arius has just begun. Whether from what she’s built so far or something new—

Someday, she’ll find herself smiling happiest by Arius’s side.

There’s no need to rush; it’s too early to draw conclusions.

“Ah… As expected, Sonya-san.”

“What?”

“Won’t you become a man? I’d work so hard to love you.”

“Drop dead.”

Luuri drapes her arms around Sonya, clinging to her lazily as she speaks.

“Come on, it’s fine! I’d work hard to become your ‘only’!”

“What are you even saying?”

Sonya tilts her head, puzzled.

“The only one who’d drink with me is probably someone like you.”

“…”

In her heart, Luuri whispers a quiet thank you.

“Waaah! I really do love you, Sonya-san!!”

“Shut up! You reek of booze! Get off! Show that enthusiasm to Arius-san instead!!”

“No fair with the logic!!”