Chapter 8

The fantasy battlefield...

There was a comment about the expression, so I changed the incontinence description of Yūhi.

"Hey, that outfit looks good on you today."

"Wh-What? R-Really?"

Yūhi, blushing, was wearing a white floral dress with brown hot pants. Usually, she wore training clothes (shorts and a slightly thick T-shirt), but seeing her in something different made me feel refreshed.

"These were bought when I went out with Mitzuki after a light training session."

"Oh, so you got them picked out for you?"

"W-Why did you know!?"

It's always been like this. Whenever Yūhi wears something that suits her, it's always something someone else picked out.

"Your fashion sense is terrible, you know..."

"D-Don't say that!!"

I remembered how she used to go out in tracksuits even for convenience store trips or walks... If her fans saw her like that, they'd cry.

"Hey, Yuki, you look good too! That outfit!"

"R-Really?"

My current outfit was typical adventurer gear in this world. Elka had prepared it for me, a loose-fitting pair of long pants for ease of movement and safety, a long-sleeved black shirt, and a brown jacket over it. The brown jacket was made from the hide of a low-level monster, highly heat-resistant and durable, yet it didn't hinder movement.

The reason I'm wearing this today is that I plan to leave the city, but I can't tell her that.

"What's that?"

"...A friend I got close to in this world gave it to me."

I'm not lying.

"R-Really!?"

"Yeah..."

Yūhi, waving her hand, was obviously flustered. She definitely seemed off today.

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"No!! It's not that! Rather, that shop looks interesting! Let's go in!"

She tried to change the subject and ran ahead.

Hmm... I didn't think I was that dense, but maybe I am? I can't figure out why she's acting this way.

(...I'll ask her later.)

I'm really curious now. I'll ask her directly about her behavior.

---

Since then, Yūhi has occasionally seemed off, but she hasn't ruined the atmosphere. I'm really curious about the cause, but I can't risk upsetting her.

"Kyaa!"

"Whoa!"

While I was lost in thought, Yūhi bumped into someone and almost fell, so I caught her. I hadn't noticed, but the crowd had grown. We must have reached the center of the town.

"Are you hurt?"

"No... thanks."

"Sure thing..."

Yūhi's face was red... Her reaction always leaves me at a loss.

---

...Since all the girls I get along with in this world are weird, her reactions always feel fresh. Ugh, I probably have a far-off look in my eyes right now...

"Be careful from here on, it's crowded."

"Okay---"

I really am kind, Yuki... I thought I heard Yūhi mutter that.

---

We passed through the center of town and decided to go to a quiet, cozy café. There were many cafés in the center, but most were crowded and noisy. Just because a place is popular doesn't mean it's good.

So we entered a café that wasn't too crowded, with a wooden, relaxing atmosphere. We took a two-seater and ordered coffee. By the way, this world has both tea and coffee, but no cola.

"Nice place, this one."

"Yeah, the central ones were noisy, but this one is quiet and relaxing..."

"True... The noise in the center was a bit much."

Yūhi laughed, and I felt guilty for leading her through that. She's not really good with crowds, and I should have been more careful.

"Feeling better?"

"Yep, I'm fine now. The coffee is delicious too."

The coffee here is indeed delicious. Even though it was my first time, I'd like to come back if I get the chance. The master is a quiet middle-aged man in a black shirt and apron, standing at the counter. Various cooking tools are lined up, and he produces deep, rich coffee with his rough hands.

---

With the current calm atmosphere, maybe I can ask her.

"Hey, Yūhi."

"Hmm?"

"...Is something bothering you? You seem off today."

"Eh!? W-What do you mean!?"

She's so flustered, it's obvious.

"No, it's pretty clear something's up. You always show it on your face."

"Ugh~..."

"Is it that hard to talk about?"

Yūhi's face turned red, and she glared at me with teary eyes. Even though she's glaring, I don't feel scared; if anything, I find her cute.

"I-I can talk about it...?"

"If you can, tell me. I've been really curious."

"Ugh... Okay, I'll tell you."

Yūhi reluctantly agreed and opened her mouth.

"Yuki... I saw you with Elka the other night. What's your relationship with her?"

...Wow, she saw that.

"I thought... maybe you two were... you know, in that kind of relationship..."

By "that kind of relationship," she means a romantic one.

---

To clarify, Elka and I are not in a romantic relationship. I do sense some affection from her, but before anything could happen, I was reincarnated. When I returned, it hadn't been long, and we didn't have time to develop a special relationship.

Well, we do have a special relationship, but in a master-slave sense. In a way, it might be deeper than a romantic relationship...

By the way, the reason we ended up like this is that Elka asked me to make her a slave, and I was normal until she asked.

"...No, Elka and I are not like that..."

"---Did you call me, Setsu-sama?"

...Cold sweat broke out.

A familiar voice suddenly rang out, and I cautiously looked to see who it was...

"...Hey, Elka."

"Quite a coincidence, Setsu-sama."

This girl! Not only does she not try to hide our relationship, but she even emphasizes the "sama"!

"Why are you here...?"

"This is my regular place. Did you like it, Setsu-sama?"

I just lost my interest.

No good!! This situation feels ominous!!

"!! Yuki!! What's with the 'sama'!?"

"Wait! Calm down!"

"Even if you ask me... I am Setsu-sama's possession."

...The bombardment never stops, teacher.

"P-Possession!?"

Yūhi stood up from her chair, ready to question Elka.

"Calm down!"

"Yes, I am Setsu-sama's loyal servant. I take care of his daily needs."

"Daily needs!?"

While she does take care of me, the way she says it is terrible! Yūhi is definitely misunderstanding!

"How did this happen... Yuki! What did you do to Elka since coming to this world!?"

"Nothing! Please, just calm down!"

"Nothing has happened? I asked you to make me yours."

...Come on, do you really have to bring that up? This is getting bad.

"!! You've only known Yuki for a few days! Asking to be his possession is too casual!!"

"Wait, just calm down---"

"It's not a short time!! Setsu-sama and I have spent a long time together---"

"---Can't you understand when I tell you to calm down?"

Thump---

When I said it more quietly than before, the entire café suddenly fell silent. Distant customers were frightened, the man near me fainted, and the women chatting with friends wet themselves.

Yūhi, who was near me, froze and didn't move, and Elka knelt, trembling.

---

What I put into my words was killing intent.

It's usually directed at opponents in battle, but with enough practice, it can be used to control a situation without using force. If I misjudged, it could shock people to death, so I held back, but the effect was excellent. Unfortunately, it affected innocent people too, which is regrettable.

Even Yūhi, who has little experience, was affected. As for Elka, she's not really affected; she's just scared because she thinks I'm angry.

"Elka, do you understand why I stopped you?"

"No..."

"It's for your own good. If it gets out that a royal swordsman has a deep relationship with an incompetent man, your position will be at risk. If the king or princess, who dislike me, find out, even you could be eliminated. This is a public place; think about what you said and how dangerous it was. You can't just brush it off easily.

...Do you want me to lose something important?"

"I'm sorry..."

Elka bowed her head and apologized. She's a truly excellent woman; she doesn't make the same mistake twice.

"Alright, that's good!...Sorry for lecturing you."

"No... I was also lacking in awareness... I almost disregarded your principles."

My principles... You remembered them...

"---Anyway, let's put this aside for now, Yūhi? Sorry, are you okay?"

"Y-Yes..."

She's recovering... She's not just a pretty face; she's had combat training.

I turned to Elka again.

"Elka, can you buy some casual clothes for everyone with your money? I'll pay you back later."

"Y-Yes!"

I asked the only unharmed Elka to go shopping. I'm responsible for this mess, so I need to clean it up... But I have other things to take care of too.

"---I'm sorry for causing a disturbance. If you tell me, I'll pay whatever it takes.

So, can you keep this incident to yourselves?"

The conscious customers, trembling, nodded in agreement.

Now, I need to explain to Yūhi...

Even a daytime drama can't match this, huh.