Oreki's Plan Is Obviously the Most Energy-Efficient! (Part 2, continued)

The difficulty instantly went from ordinary to hell-level.

But he was sorry.

This was the most energy-efficient plan.

So if he were handling it, he would choose to change the world around Takari.

For now, though, he would start by changing her reputation.

"Because you're good-looking, and on top of that, your personality isn't resilient enough. You're even a little cowardly."

Oreki said, "And you're shut-in too."

"Next, even your health isn't very good."

Oreki counted off the problems Takari had.

And the more Takari listened, the redder her cheeks became.

"I... have that many problems?" she said, rather embarrassed. "And saying things about my body..."

"Although your fingers are rosy and have lunulae, so you look healthy, you actually have a taste disorder, right?" Oreki said again.

"!!"

Takari was instantly shocked. "Wh-why do you know something like that...?"

"Observation," Oreki said, looking perfectly calm. "When I saw you yesterday, you were drinking beer with chocolate, weren't you?"

"That's a very strange thing to do."

"Ugh..." Takari froze. "Sure enough, I'm weird..."

"It's fine," Oreki said lightly. "I've already met plenty of strange people. So don't worry too much about it. In your shut-in state, it's very possible that after getting nervous, you developed a sensory disorder. That's why you eat such strange combinations—because only things like that make you feel they have flavor, right?"

As he said this, Oreki had already set up the drawing board. His left hand took out the palette and began mixing colors.

"Then... let's begin."

"Is there anything you like?" Oreki said.

"No, at most I like books," Takari said. "I like the Man'yoshu."

"Faint thunder, cloudy sky. If only the rain would come, and keep you here with me."

How very artsy and petit bourgeois.

No wonder you didn't fit in here.