Chapter 36

It sounds like an exciting title, but it's a scam.

This is a request I solicited on Twitter's Marshmallow, titled "The Story of Eva and Hanawa-chan."

"Hanawa-chan, come here. ...Oh, you're really so cute! Hehe!"

When I call her name, Hanawa-chan waddles over and jumps onto my shoulder with a hop.

Then she snuggles up to my cheek, and I can't help but melt at how adorable she is.

I was so poor that I could barely afford my own meals, let alone keep a pet, and I had longed for a creature that would grow attached to me.

"There, there, you're so cute."

As I pet her small head, I suddenly feel a strong gaze.

"How nice."

Eva, who had been watching us, was looking at us with envy.

I remember she said the same thing when I was petting Hanawa-chan before.

"Do you want to pet Hanawa-chan, Eva?"

Eva shakes her perfectly symmetrical face from side to side.

"No, I want to be petted by you, Miss."

I choke, coughing unexpectedly at her unexpected words. I never imagined she wanted to be petted.

But then again, Eva has always been treated harshly by Grace, and it was a terrible treatment.

It seems she has never been praised for anything other than her looks, and she might want to be praised and acknowledged by me, her owner.

"O-Okay, I understand."

I've been helped by Eva in various ways, and I want to grant this request.

When I nod, Eva smiles happily, saying, "Is it okay?"

I'm used to Eva, and since she falls more into the category of "new species" rather than "male," I don't feel nervous. However, her face is just too good-looking.

Moreover, petting an adult male's head makes me feel uneasy.

"O-Okay, I'll do it."

"Sure."

I reach out to touch Eva's dark blue hair, crouching in front of her with tension.

As I stroke her slightly wavy, soft hair, Eva eventually tilts her head.

"Ah, something's wrong. It's a bit creepy."

"Do you really want to get mad at me?"

I want to get back the embarrassed feeling I had just now.

I tap her head with the hand I was using to pet her, and Eva says, "Ah, this is better. 63 points."

"Fine, I don't know you anymore! You're such an idiot!"

"I'm sorry, I'm just being honest."

"You're even worse now."

It seems my anger has been conveyed, as Hanawa-chan also slaps Eva's cheek. What a smart little thing.

"Still, Hanawa-chan is a good girl."

"But seeing Hanawa-chan being petted and praised makes me very angry."

"You're so troublesome."

Feeling some kind of hostility, Hanawa-chan immediately jumps on Eva again.

Eva picks up Hanawa-chan and looks down.

"– I want to be your favorite, Miss."

"Wh-What?"

Her sad expression and words touched my heart, but then she continued.

"Please, make me your favorite servant from now on."

"Hey, was there really no other way to say it?"

I want to get back the feeling of being touched that I had just now.

While watching Eva and Hanawa-chan play, I resolved to work hard as a stagehand to ensure that these peaceful and calm days continue.