Vol 1 Chapter 2-【Side Story】 Their Gifts (Extra Edition)

“Valentine’s Day, huh.”

“Yes. I don’t know if it’ll suit your tastes, Master, but…”

Valentine’s Day

In Japan, it’s a day where women traditionally give sweets, usually chocolate, to men.

Today, I received homemade sweets from Arisu.

“Thank you. I’ll cherish them.”

“They’re made with very fresh ingredients, so I’d appreciate it if you consumed them sooner rather than later.”

“Understood.”

After a brief conversation, Arisu returned to her hideout.

Her cheeks seemed a little red, but maybe it was just my imagination.

“Valentine’s, huh… Should I prepare something in return?”

The small package I received from Arisu lay in my hands.

I opened the wrapping to check what was inside.

“This is…”

What emerged was a round donut with a hole in the center, its shape typical of such pastries.

The dough was dark, and judging by its chocolate-like aroma, it seemed to be made from cocoa-based ingredients.

Here and there, it was decorated with red accents—perhaps food coloring?

“Well, she did say something about freshness being key. I guess I’d better eat it soon.”

I took a bite of the donut.

“It’s a bit unique, but it’s a flavor I like.”

A sweet cocoa-like taste spread across my tongue, accompanied by a faintly metallic, unique flavor.

What could be the source of this distinctive taste?

“Hm…?”

As I swallowed, I suddenly felt a slight discomfort.

It was like the feeling of accidentally swallowing a small, hard object—like a fishbone pricking my throat.

But the sensation vanished as quickly as it came, leaving no trace of discomfort behind.

“Boss! Happy Valentine’s Day!”

“And from me as well, if you don’t mind.”

While running errands outside, I bumped into Kirino and Takanashi, who handed me small packages.

One was adorned with a cute design featuring animals, while the other was wrapped in sleek black paper.

While Kirino’s gesture wasn’t surprising, I hadn’t expected Takanashi—someone who didn’t seem particularly interested in such things—to participate.

“That black-wrapped one? Takanashi-san said she wanted to give you a present this year, so I helped her put it together!”

“—Don’t say unnecessary things.”

In a raspy voice, Takanashi scolded Kirino.

Takanashi giving me a gift, huh…

I wonder if she needs a favor. If it’s not illegal, I wouldn’t mind helping her out.

“I’m really happy. Thank you both.”

I bowed to the two of them and parted ways.

The two seemed to be chatting about something as they left together.

“This is…”

The package from Kirino appeared to contain candies.

They didn’t look store-bought; they were likely homemade.

“How do you even make candy?”

Impressed by Kirino’s craftsmanship, I opened the package from Takanashi.

Inside was a pitch-black chocolate bar.

Judging by its appearance, it seemed incredibly dark, likely 100% pure cacao.

I decided to start with Kirino’s candy.

“Sweet.”

The flavor was likely grape.

As candy, its sweetness filled my mouth completely.

Since it was small, it dissolved quickly on my tongue.

“Alright, next is Takanashi’s…”

I bit into the chocolate she’d given me.

“This one’s bitter, but it’s good.”

With a high cacao content, the flavor was intense but rich.

It paired perfectly after the sweetness of Kirino’s candy.

I alternated between enjoying the two confections when—

“Here you go.”

A knock came at my door.

“Excuse me.”

The one who entered was Satsuki, holding a paper bag in her hand.

“I thought you might be lonely on Valentine’s Day, so I came by… but it seems my concern was unnecessary.”

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I’m very grateful; you’re already the fourth person to give me something.”

Satsuki smiled at my words and handed me the paper bag.

“Well, here’s the fourth gift. It’s a special one.”

“I’m flattered. Thank you.”

The paper bag she handed me was surprisingly heavy despite its appearance.

“Well, if you don’t need it, you can throw it away, or if you want to use it, feel free.”

“I see… Wait—what?”

Use it?

What does she mean by that?

Isn’t this supposed to be food?

“Well… it’s a bit early, but I have some errands to run later, so I’ll be off now.”

“Alright. Take care.”

Satsuki waved lightly and left the room.

I opened the gift to check its contents.

“It’s heavy… What’s inside—”

Inside was a revolver.

It had the same design as the one Satsuki uses.

There’s no way I can use this!!!

But throwing it away would be terrifying…

I pretended not to see it and put her gift away.

This is too much for my heart to handle.

After finishing some work, I was relaxing in my room when I heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

“Excuse me, Boss.”

The one who entered was Hirata.

The first thing I felt when I saw her was concern.

“Are you alright…?”

“I’m fine!!”

She clearly wasn’t fine.

Her face was flushed red, and she swayed slightly.

She’s definitely running a fever.

“What brings you here today…?”

I cautiously asked Hirata about her reason for visiting.

“Ah, um, yes! I wanted to give you this!”

What she handed me was a slightly large box.

“This is… for Valentine’s Day?”

“Yes! I thought of you, Boss, and worked as hard as I could to make it!!”

According to her, she stayed up all night making it.

I was grateful, but was it really necessary for her to go that far?

And more importantly, there’s no poison in this, right…?

“Thank you. I’ll have it later.”

“Yes! Thank you!”

Hirata, likely due to her fever, spoke with several times her usual enthusiasm.

“You don’t seem to be feeling well today. Please go home and get some rest.”

“Ah, yes! Understood!”

With that, Hirata left the room.

It felt like a whirlwind had passed through.

“Hirata said she stayed up all night making this… What’s inside?”

I nervously opened the box.

“This is…”

Inside was a confection I didn’t recognize.

It appeared to be sugared chestnuts with a hint of alcohol.

“I don’t really know what this is, but I’ll try it.”

Hmm.

It’s sweet.

But there’s also a faint taste of alcohol.

Brandy, maybe?

It’s quite good in its own way.

“Everyone’s so good at making sweets… It’s impressive.”

I was genuinely impressed with all the female executives, Satsuki excluded.

At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel happy.

“They’re probably all just obligatory gifts, but it’s still nice to receive them.”

Thinking about the gifts from all of them, I left my room.