My Gift Is “Beauty”. I Think It’s Useless, but It Seems to Be an S-Rank Gift With the Strongest Buff Effect for Beautiful Girls

Chapter 74: I Absolutely Won’t Lose…

During Golden Week, the team decided to open the Beauty Dungeon.

The decision was officially finalized at the meeting the next day.

Kirino quickly contacted her grandfather, Genroku Hyoudou, and arranged for the dungeon’s appearance information to be shared on the adventurers’ exclusive website. All that remained was to wait for the prepared stage’s curtain to rise.

The Beauty Dungeon differed from traditional dungeons because it had a unique structure with floors separated by rank. Nobody could accurately predict how many adventurers would rush in.

Many things would only become clear once people actually entered. The points needing improvement in operations would also become evident through practical experience.

Hiroyo couldn’t become an adventurer, but he was about to experience his first involvement with a dungeon as a related party. For that reason, he held special feelings toward this Golden Week.

However, he had something to do before that.

◇ ◇ ◇

“Hiroyo, you’re adding another girl again,” Kairi said.

“It’s not my fault…” Hiroyo replied.

After school, in an empty classroom, Hiroyo stood before Kairi, and beside her stood his junior, Rio Kozuka.

Today was the day they had promised earlier.

Anticipating a busy Golden Week, they chose a weekday before the holidays began.

Hiroyo had already discussed it with Hibiki beforehand. When he explained that Rio was Aoi’s best friend, Hibiki briefly held her head but seemed to realize she couldn’t stop it, ultimately giving her approval.

“All right, the Oath is complete. You two, take your time~” Kairi says.

Kairi waved cheerfully and left the classroom. She had been present to ensure Rio wouldn’t leak any information about Hiroyo by making her take the Oath.

“…Didn’t you mention Ihara-senpai? Isn’t she misunderstanding something?” Rio asks.

“Don’t worry about it. That’s just how she is,” Hiroyo replies.

“…You’ve already seduced her too, haven’t you?” Rio says.

“Watch your words!” Hiroyo exclaims.

After Kairi left the classroom, Rio stared at Hiroyo bluntly and muttered.

Her word “seduced” was misleading. Hiroyo’s relationship with Kairi had naturally formed through her being Hibiki’s friend, not because he actively pursued anything.

“Well then, shall we go?” Hiroyo says.

“…Yes,” Rio replies.

The two stood up and left the school building together.

◇ ◇ ◇

They headed to Hiroyo’s house.

This time, the Oath’s contents included not only information about Hiroyo’s Gift but also the location used for the treatment.

When Rio heard about it, she looked utterly confused, but since the treatment required privacy, the “place” at Hiroyo’s house was the most suitable.

“What… what is this!?” Rio exclaims.

Upon entering Hiroyo’s room, Rio couldn’t help but raise her voice loudly.

A black, writhing otherworldly space appeared in a corner of the wall—a gate leading to the Master Room stood open.

“Come on, let’s go,” Hiroyo says.

“Go… you mean in there? What is this, really… ugh!” Rio stammers.

Though hesitant, Rio had no choice after seeing Hiroyo step into the gate. She cautiously followed him.

“Welcome back, Master,” Ecoa says.

“Thanks, Ecoa. I’ll use the break room today,” Hiroyo replies.

“Everything is ready,” Ecoa responds.

On the other side of the gate, in the Master Room, a beautiful woman with long blonde hair—Ecoa, whom Hiroyo assumed was an elf based on her ear length—greeted them.

“What… what is this place!? There’s… a normal room here…!” Rio exclaims.

Unable to hide her shock and confusion, Rio looked around.

Stepping into this otherworldly space for the first time, Rio, who had only known “dungeons” through TV or as someone else’s business, felt it was almost like another world.

The spacious area had a kitchen cabinet, a table, vases, and paintings arranged as decor, giving off a sense of everyday life.

“Kozuka-san, this way,” Hiroyo says.

“Wait, hold on! This… isn’t this a love hotel!?” Rio shouts.

As soon as she entered the break room, Rio’s face turned bright red, and she yelled.

A luxurious bed with a canopy, a shower room, and above all, a private space where no one could interrupt—it wasn’t unreasonable for her to think that.

“It might look like that, but it’s quiet here, and there’s no one around,” Hiroyo says.

“…W-Well, that’s true, but…” Rio stammers.

“I understand your anxiety. But I absolutely won’t do anything beyond the treatment. Trust me on that,” Hiroyo assures.

Hiroyo’s words were calm and sincere. But that sincerity stirred Rio’s heart.

Hiroyo had been the same with other girls. He always showed utmost consideration and never did anything they disliked. Yet, that very kindness made Rio’s heart race, leaving her confused by the contradiction.

For the past week, she thought it over thoroughly.

She wanted to be with Aoi.

With that sole determination, she faced today.

“Besides, since you’ve come this far… you’re ready, right? I won’t force you. You can still back out,” Hiroyo says.

“I’m not backing out! I’m fully prepared…!” Rio declares.

Though her face was red, Rio replied firmly.

“Got it. Then I’ll explain again. Can you sit on the sofa?” Hiroyo asks.

“Yes…” Rio replies.

The two sat on the sofa, and Hiroyo began explaining his Gift again, as he had in the classroom, this time in detail.

He openly shared not only its effects but also the backlash it caused the user.

“The more I hear, the more unbelievable this ability is…” Rio says.

“I think so too,” Hiroyo replies.

At Hiroyo’s words, Rio nodded silently.

She finally understood why Aoi had become so beautiful.

Since the summer break of middle school, Aoi had suddenly become strikingly beautiful, even captivating to other girls. Rio had always wondered why she changed so much, and now it finally made sense.

Rio was a girl too.

Due to her sharp gaze, she thought romance was out of reach, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want to be beautiful.

Hearing about the nine skills Hiroyo remembered, she honestly thought, “Is it okay to receive something this amazing for free?”

But today’s purpose wasn’t for herself. It was her resolve to be with Aoi.

“So, is Skin Quality Improvement okay for today?” Hiroyo asks.

“Uh… ah…” Rio hesitates.

“I mentioned before, but to see results, you’ll need multiple sessions. If you’re okay with being touched repeatedly, that is,” Hiroyo adds.

Hiroyo confirmed Rio’s intentions again.

If she was going to do it, she wanted a treatment that would make her happy. Her expression said as much.

“For today, just Skin Quality Improvement… please,” Rio says.

“Got it. I’ll step out for a bit, so call me when you’re ready, okay?” Hiroyo says.

“…Understood,” Rio replies.

Hiroyo left the room, leaving Rio alone in the break room.

“From now on… he’s going to touch me…” Rio murmurs.

Though she had resolved herself, she still felt anxious.

Her skin was pristine, untouched by anyone. She took more care than boys and maintained minimal care for things like scent.

But today—

“Why did I pick this underwear…?” Rio mutters.

Looking down at herself, Rio held her head.

Red and pink lace adorned the cute design—something she’d never normally choose. She had bought it online on a whim but tucked it away in her drawer, thinking, “This doesn’t suit me.” Yet, for some reason, she wore it today.

“Idiot, me… this makes it look like I’m trying to seduce him…” Rio groans.

Blushing furiously, she scratched her head. Amazed at herself, Rio finished taking off her uniform and took a deep breath.

Forcing herself to mentally prepare, she called Hiroyo through the door.

The moment Hiroyo entered, Rio instinctively hugged her left arm with her right hand, covering her breast.

That only emphasized her breast, which had more presence than she thought—slightly larger than Aoi’s.

(This underwear… it’s flashier than I expected), Hiroyo thought.

Hiroyo blinked in surprise but quickly returned to his normal expression.

Rio felt unbearably embarrassed to be seen like this by someone she even disliked. She tried to glare at him intimidatingly, but her face was already bright red, lacking any persuasiveness.

“…Want to wear an eye mask?” Hiroyo asks.

Hiroyo’s kindness seeped into that single sentence.

“No need for that!” Rio snaps.

Turning her face away, Rio denied it in a strong tone. Feeling grateful for his consideration only made her more embarrassed.

They moved to the bed and faced each other.

“I’ll cover the parts I won’t touch with a towel, so don’t worry,” Hiroyo says.

“…” Rio remains silent.

(Stop it, that kindness… don’t be so kind anymore…), Rio thought.

Rio’s heart was in turmoil.

If Hiroyo were more insensitive or crude, she might not have felt this conflicted. But he never closed the distance unnecessarily and spoke calmly throughout. That was what troubled Rio the most.

Hiroyo moved to Rio’s head side and gently placed a large towel over her body as she lay on her back.

(This bed… it’s unbelievably comfortable…), Rio thought.

The bed’s softness, catching her body gently, eased the tension in her shoulders. It was so comfortable she might fall asleep if she let her guard down, which made her anxious.

“I’m starting now. If it gets too much, tell me right away. I’ll stop anytime,” Hiroyo says.

“I understand… so, hurry up and start already!” Rio urges.

Rio spoke as if shaking off her feelings.

She didn’t want this situation to drag on. She just wanted it to end quickly.

To be like Aoi. That was her only goal.

To stand beside Aoi, she just needed to endure a little. That’s what she told herself.

Hiroyo slowly rolled up his shirt sleeves and extended both palms toward Rio.

“—Skill: Skin Quality Improvement,” Hiroyo says.

Hiroyo’s hands glowed faintly.

As his hands approached, Rio stared at the glow and muttered firmly in her heart.

“No matter what happens… I absolutely won’t lose…”