Volume 2 Chapter 33: Trauma and Maid

The mining district, located north of the commercial area, is lined with numerous establishments. These include the towering Miner’s Guild, weapons and armor shops, magic tool stores, and various item shops dealing in things like mana potions.

Within this mining district stood, in a dignified manner, the party house of “Spirit Wind.”

The elegant, red-brick mansion had a fairly large plot of land, surrounded by a fence about my height, with a stylish double gate at the front.

From the gap in the gate, I could see a well-maintained path leading through the garden to the mansion, indicating careful upkeep.

“Come on in.”

Following El, who opened the gate with practiced ease, Fiona and I stepped onto the grounds. Wow, there’s even a fountain. The “White Road” feels like a shack in comparison. Well, it’s not really that bad, but still.

The party house of “Spirit Wind” might have been astonishing at first glance, but I had actually seen it from the outside a few times before. After all, Rett-kun’s house was located fairly close by.

When visiting his place, I sometimes found myself stopping, blending into the scenery as I wondered what kind of mansion this was. I wish Rett-kun had told me about it, though. But he’s kind of a laid-back person, even if not quite as much as me.

But why does Rett-kun live elsewhere despite having such a splendid mansion here? A party house is supposed to be a base for team members, after all.

“Why does Rett-kun live somewhere else?”

Curious, I asked El, who was walking ahead without much thought. She responded in a cheerful voice without looking back.

“Oh, that’s because Mina is pretty strict about that. So, as much as I feel bad for the male party members, I rent them separate lodgings. I’m fine with it, but Mina can be rather picky.”

Her voice carried both an exasperated and amused tone, and I froze.

I felt like someone just triggered my trauma switch. Was it my imagination? Please tell me it was just my imagination.

“Huh?”

“Senpai?”

Noticing me stop, El looked back, and Fiona peeked at me with a curious look on her face, standing a bit too close. But now was not the time to worry about that.

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you don’t remember Mina? She’s that half-beast girl—Mina Karat.”

“Ah, yes…”

My trauma switch wasn’t just triggered; it was being repeatedly pressed.

Of course, I remember her. I couldn’t possibly forget. She’s the one who, in a way, brought me back to reality when I was getting too cocky, even if she’s someone I’d rather not meet again. I could feel cold sweat pouring down my back.

I never imagined that not only El, but Mina would be here too. Why is the world so harsh to me? What did I do to deserve this?

Maybe I should run. Yeah, I think it’s okay to run.

“You’re sweating a lot.”

“Senpai, please don’t touch him.”

Just as El reached out to touch me, Fiona stepped in between us, shielding me while glaring at El. El simply shrugged.

“Geez, so strict.”

I seized this chance to turn my back on them and dash off. I think I managed a start so graceful even a fleeing rabbit would be envious.

But my escape didn’t last long.

“Whoa!”

The ground in front of me suddenly rose up, forming a tall wall that blocked my way.

“Noil, please don’t run. It makes me sad.”

When I looked back at the sorrowful voice, I saw El watching me with a melancholy expression.

I don’t know how, but it was definitely her doing.

“Senpai, leave it to me. Let’s escape together. This woman is dangerous.”

As she said this, silver-decorated twin pistols appeared in Fiona’s hands, a sturdy pair of goggles covered her face, and a pair of shining silver wings spread out from her back. This was the familiar, more sensible version of her magic gear, Heavenly Witch. She was entirely ready to fight.

With Fiona aiming her gun, El raised her hand.

“Please don’t make me hurt you.”

“If you want that, why not give up on Senpai? Fox lady.”

“I… I can’t. I just can’t.”

“So, you are dangerous after all.”

Wait… hold on… I didn’t think things would escalate this much. I’m sorry! I messed up; let’s all calm down. Fine, I won’t run anymore. I’ll face my trauma.

Now I’m drenched in a different kind of sweat. I feel like I need a shower.

“Fiona, stop. Sorry, El… I won’t try to run anymore.”

“Senpai!?”

“Thank you, Noil.”

Fiona let out a distressed cry as she turned to face me. El looked satisfied, lowering her hand as the earthen wall melted back into the ground.

Is that magic or something? Looking at the now undisturbed ground, I couldn’t help but wonder.

“Senpai! Why are you listening to her!?”

With a face close to tears, Fiona demanded an answer. But this is clearly my fault. Trying to escape from a favor I had already agreed to was my own mistake.

Besides, El wasn’t in the wrong. I owe her, and she has every right to stop me.

It’s okay. I’ll be manly and overcome my trauma. Though, saying that after an attempted escape isn’t very convincing.

I walked over to Fiona, who still looked dissatisfied, and gently placed a hand on her head.

“It’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

“…Alright.”

If it comes down to it, I’m prepared to grovel if I must. Besides, there’s no guarantee that Mina will remember me.

Yeah, she probably forgot me. I’m confident in my ability to be forgettable. And I have a trump card, too.

“…mashii…”

“Huh?”

“Oh, nothing.”

El muttered something under her breath, but I couldn’t quite catch it. She didn’t say anything more and resumed walking toward the mansion. Fiona and I followed behind her. As we walked, I discreetly took out a pen from the pouch at my waist and made a few adjustments.

“Se-Senpai… could it be…?”

Fiona seemed to understand what I was doing, so I responded with a cool smile.

“Well then, allow me to officially welcome you to our home, but… Noil, what’s with that face?”

“Ah, don’t mind it.”

“I… I see… Well, it’s not like I dislike it, though it’s a bit of a waste… Anyway, welcome.”

El glanced back at my face, where I’d thickly drawn exaggerated eyebrows, added some wrinkles, and even a few moles. She opened the mansion’s door with a strained smile.

Apologies if I startled you, but this is my secret technique, Second Self: Transform. With this technique, no one would ever suspect I’m Noil Arlens. I just came up with it a moment ago, actually.

With full confidence, I followed El into the mansion.

The grand entrance hall had an open ceiling reaching up to the second floor, furnished with luxurious, yet understated decor, with a red carpet laid out. Ahead, two staircases led to the second floor, with a set of double doors in between, and doors lined both sides. When I looked up, I saw a chandelier sparkling high above.

Clearly, this was a different world from my own, where refinement and elegance permeated every corner.

“Welcome home, Master.”

While I was still wide-eyed from the stark contrast with White Road, a voice spoke out.

When I turned, a young demon girl with fluffy, dark blue hair stood beside El, bowing her head.

Whoa, they have a maid. A maid! For an ordinary guy like me, just seeing her lifted my spirits.

“I’m back, Sophie.”

“Master, is this the guest?”

“Yes, this is Noil. And this here is Fiona, his—”

“His wife.”

Oh, come on.

Fiona lied with a smooth, practiced flow.

“I’m also carrying his child.”

“Please stop lying.”

I quickly put a stop to Fiona’s increasingly outrageous lies, but she looked up at me with a pleading gaze. She was certainly convincing, but this joke was way too heavy to laugh at.

The maid looked at us with a puzzled expression while El gave an apologetic smile and explained.

“Fiona is a junior member of our team—”

“My only senpai is Noil-senpai.”

“Apologies, she’s Noil’s junior.”

Even after El’s explanation, the maid, Sophie, tilted her head with the same puzzled expression.

“Wasn’t I only supposed to escort Noil-sama?”

“Ah, there were some unforeseen circumstances, so the plan has changed.”

“I’m my senpai’s possession.”

Fiona, stop saying unnecessary things.

“I see.”

With a slight nod, Sophie finally seemed satisfied. She lifted her skirt slightly, bent her knees, and bowed deeply in front of me.

“Nice to meet you. I am Sophie Charmille. Please call me Sophie. In Spirit Wind, I handle healing and various other tasks. I look forward to working with you.”

Not a maid after all. She’s a member of Spirit Wind.

“I-I’m Noil Arlens.”

While I was processing this revelation and slightly delayed in my response, I hastily bowed awkwardly, then extended my hand.

“N-Nice to meet you.”

“Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you as well.”

As we shook hands, I decided to ask her something that had been on my mind.

“Uh… so…”

“Yes?”

“Why the maid outfit?”

“It’s a personal preference.”

“Oh, I see.”

So it’s just her taste. Well, I guess that makes sense.

“Sophie has a question too.”

“Yes?”

“Why is your face… um… dirtied like that?”

“…Let’s call it a personal preference too.”

“I’d recommend cleaning it off.”

“Oh, yes.”

I see. So it’s not okay even as a preference.

“I’ll guide you to the large bath. Master, is that alright?”

“Yes, that’s a good idea. Noil seemed to be sweating quite a bit earlier. Go ahead and freshen up.”

El nodded with a chuckle at Sophie’s suggestion. Sophie glanced over at Fiona.

“No need to greet an object.”

Ouch.

She doesn’t hold back at all. That’s harsh. I’d be in tears if I were her.

Without another word, Sophie firmly took my hand and started walking. But Fiona instantly stepped in front of her, smiling. How did she get there so fast? A trick, maybe?

“That’s a bit rude, isn’t it?”

“Didn’t you declare yourself an object?”

Fiona tilted her head with a smile, while Sophie tilted her head in genuine puzzlement. El stepped in to mediate, looking a bit embarrassed.

“Sorry, Fiona. She doesn’t mean any harm.”

“I understand,” Fiona replied, without looking at El. She continued smiling.

“But I’m not talking about greetings. I couldn’t care less about that.”

Really? Isn’t this where people usually get upset? Is it just me?

“What I mean is, do you think it’s acceptable to take Senpai to the bath without my permission?”

It’s totally acceptable. There’s nothing wrong with it.

“An object needs to give permission?”

Sophie tilted her head again, still looking puzzled. Fiona puffed her chest out proudly.

“That’s not it. If Senpai is going to the bath, then as his possession, I should—”

“Fiona, you can wait with El.”

“Senpai!?”

I interrupted Fiona before she could say anything too outrageous. The effects of I Love Her activated, and Fiona’s eyes widened in shock. I couldn’t help but think this was a convenient trick.

“But… why?”

“Try not to argue, okay?”

Leaving behind Fiona, who looked devastated, and El, who waved at me with a cheerful smile, I let Sophie lead me to the large bath.