Chapter 23

Since we've been keeping the top spot in both the daily and weekly rankings, as promised, I'm posting the fourth chapter today (2/4).

I look at the hands we've joined again. Thanks to the exchange of words and feelings, I feel our bond has deepened. Although it's frustrating that we haven't yet signed the official contract, I can already say without exaggeration that we are partners.

I hope Makoto feels the same way.

"Then, let's start over. I'd like to ask you a few questions to support you better..."

"Ah, yes... but, I'd rather not do this here. I think the branch manager might be watching this room."

"...That's true. This morning, I also noticed that our conversation in this room was completely exposed. I understand, let's stop talking about this here. Oh, then, about what we just talked about..."

"That's right. But, I won't break my promise. I'll bring it in three days, for sure."

"Shota...! Yes, I'll be looking forward to it. But, please don't overdo it. Let's find a good place... ah."

Makoto seemed to have an idea and stood up.

"Shota, can you wait for a moment while I prepare?"

I nodded, and Makoto left the room with a tray piled high with the items I had brought back.

The items I brought back weren't just materials from the 'Murder Rabbit.' There were also the unused 'Iron Knife' and leftover Killer Rabbit horns. As usual, there were over a hundred 'Tiny Magic Stones.'

We need to deal with that pile of items before we can talk. As I was thinking this, Makoto returned in less than ten minutes.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Wow, that was quick... huh?"

Makoto was not in her usual guild uniform but in casual clothes.

She smiled shyly and blushed.

"...How do I look?"

"You look very cute... but why?"

"I'm glad. I'm going home early today, so this is fine. Let's go out the back door. There's a place where we can talk safely."

With that, Makoto grabbed my hand and started moving.

I was all flustered by Makoto's casual clothes and the hand she held. I hope no one can hear my heart pounding!

...Huh?

It seems Makoto is heading towards a building attached to the guild. The guild's emblem is engraved on it.

Following Makoto, we went up to a room with a locked door.

When the lights turned on, it looked like a living space... huh?

"Welcome."

"Ah, yes. Welcome...?"

"Hehe. This is my room, and my sister's. No one will bother us here."

"..."

...Huh?

"Ah!?"

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

"Have you calmed down?"

"...Yes, somehow."

I took a breath after drinking the tea Makoto made for me.

She must have heard from Akane, as she made a milk tea with plenty of sugar. I could feel the sugar spreading through my body.

Come to think of it, I hadn't replenished my sugar intake since returning from the dungeon. The tea Makoto made tasted several times better than usual. Ah, it's already gone!

"Hehe, would you like a refill? Please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you..."

Makoto and I are now facing each other across a small table. The table is smaller than I thought, and Makoto's face is very close, making me quite uncomfortable.

"Let's start with introductions to get to know each other better, shall we?"

"Ah, got it. My name is Shota Tenchi, 21 years old. I've been an adventurer for three years."

"Then it's my turn. My name is Makoto Soubi, 19 years old. I've been a receptionist for the same three years as you."

"Eh, Makoto is younger!?"

So, Makoto has been a receptionist since her student days. The school that produces receptionists is known for being strict, but it's even more Spartan than I imagined. I couldn't afford to go to school, so I joined the training center right after high school and have been at 'Unlucky Hole' ever since.

Still, this is quite a shock.

I thought Makoto, who looks so much like Akane, was older because Akane always acts like an older sister.

"Hey, how old did you think I was?"

"Well, you're so mature and beautiful. I just assumed you were older..."

"S, so you did..."

Makoto's face turned red, making me feel embarrassed too.

It's uncomfortable to keep this atmosphere, so we continued the introductions. We talked about our hobbies, favorite foods, admired adventurers, dislikes, and recent events.

I was so happy talking with Makoto that I let something slip.

"This feels like a match-making session..."

"Eh...?"

"Ah, no, that is..."

"...I don't mind. Even if it's a match-making session."

"Makoto..."

Makoto, blushing deeply, looked at me and said this.

Does this mean what I think it means?

To be shown such a straightforward reaction, I can't just stay silent. When should I show my manliness if not now?

I finished the milk tea in one go and took a deep breath.

I do like her. If asked if I love her, it's a bit complicated, but it might be close to love at first sight. However, I haven't built up enough to confess yet. If this is a match-making session, the most important thing is to close the distance.

So, I decided to start with calling her by her first name and adjusting my speech.

"Then... can I call you Makoto?"

"Y... Yes. Please, do..."

It seems I made the right choice.

Her face turned even redder, and she couldn't look at me directly.

I shouldn't rush things. Our relationship starts from here.

"Makoto"

"Y-Yes!"

"Makoto"

"Y-Yes~"

Damn, she's so cute!!

Still, I just got teased by Akane this morning, and now I'm really making a move. But, I do care about her. Just thinking about her becoming someone else's exclusive partner makes me irritated. I definitely want to monopolize her.

If I had to choose between Akane and Makoto, I would choose Makoto.

Akane is beautiful, but she's hard to understand. She keeps a certain distance, like a cloud that can't be grasped.

Anyway, if I'm embarrassed just calling her by her name, Makoto will feel embarrassed too.

So, now that I have her permission, I'll call her confidently.

"Then, Makoto"

"Y-Yes!"

"I'll tell you about my current status."

"...Yes!"

Makoto changed her expression and returned to her receptionist face. Her face is still a bit red, so I'll try not to touch on it.

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