Getting Acquainted

"Is this my new room? Hmm, Flame Chasers really are rich."

"Mm. Considering your circumstances, Flame Chasers didn't assign you an assistant."

"And Flame Chasers issued you a mission—build a prison capable of holding yourself." Yoshikage Kira turned to the awestruck girl.

"That really is difficult."

"But it's no match for you, is it?"

"Of course not! I'm the greatest mechanic in the world!"

Vill-V placed her hands on her hips and declared smugly.

"Also, there's a celebration tonight. Remember to attend."

"Oh? I'm going too?"

"Elysia credited you with providing the equipment that helped eliminate the Third Herrscher."

"Hm? What a strange woman. There's no way my half-finished armor was that useful. Could it have been because of you, Assistant?"

"Mm, a little." Vill-V smiled after hearing Yoshikage Kira's words.

"Assistant! I'm hungry, hurry up and cook for me!"

"Mm, then let's go to my place."

"Boss, you're finally back! I'm starving to death!" Pardo wailed when she saw Yoshikage Kira at the door.

"Hm? And who is this?" Pardo asked after noticing someone behind Yoshikage Kira.

Yoshikage Kira briefly introduced the two to each other, then went to cook.

That left Pardo and Vill-V staring each other down in the living room.

Whoa, how could they be that big? That's totally unfair. Does Boss like that kind of thing?

Why is this girl so close to Assistant? Could it be...

The two girls sized each other up, each already considering the other an enemy.

Gah, Boss/Assistant will definitely be mine in the end!

"Hello, Pardo. Please take care of me from now on."

"Likewise, Vill-V."

"Hahaha."

"Hehehe."

"Stop giggling and come eat."

"Okay! *2."

"Boss! What do you think of this outfit?"

"It's so hard to choose. Assistant, help me pick one."

After dinner, the two girls began preparing for that evening's celebration.

"You can just wear your usual clothes. I think you both look best normally," Yoshikage Kira commented calmly.

"Ah, th-then... all right." The girls blushed and fell silent.

"This celebration has two main purposes. First, to celebrate our successful defeat of the Third Herrscher. For that, I sincerely thank every warrior here, especially Miss Elysia."

"Oh! Great, great, great!"

"I'm Elysia's dog!"

Everyone cheered, continuously shouting Elysia's name.

The woman in question forced a smile, her gaze occasionally drifting toward Yoshikage Kira.

Yoshikage Kira's expression did not change as he clapped along with the atmosphere.

"Second, welcome all our new members!"

"Oh!" Another burst of thunderous applause erupted.

Afterward, Yoshikage Kira found an inconspicuous corner and sat down. Pardo and Vill-V also hurried over to sit beside him.

"Mmm, this pastry is so good." Pardo spoke through mouthfuls as she devoured it.

"It does taste quite good." Hundred Flavors Vill-V took a bite and nodded approvingly.

"Ah, it's you!" A white-haired young man approached Yoshikage Kira's table with a bright, cheerful smile, accompanied by a purple-haired girl.

"Thank you for saving me, and thank Miss Elysia as well."

"Mm." Yoshikage Kira nodded indifferently. Even if I hadn't intervened, Kevin wouldn't have been in danger. Seeing Yoshikage Kira's cold attitude, Kevin stood there awkwardly.

"Ahem~ I think I heard my name. Was someone discussing the beautiful Elysia?" Elysia suddenly appeared, breaking the awkward atmosphere.

"Yes. Thank you, and thank this gentleman for saving me."

"Hehe, it's nothing. Saving people in danger is what Elysia should do. Also, his name is Yoshikage Kira." Elysia pointed at Yoshikage Kira.

"You don't mind if we sit here, do you?" Elysia asked Yoshikage Kira.

Yoshikage Kira's gaze swept from Elysia to her hand, and he shook his head.

"Hehe, you two should sit here too." Elysia invited Kevin and Mei.

"Eh, you're Mei, the one even Mobius recognizes!"

"So you two really are dating? How long have you been together?"

"Pardo, you've actually known Yoshikage Kira since childhood?"

"Your equipment is amazing, Vill-V. Hm? Yoshikage Kira even worked for you?"

Watching everyone chat before him, Yoshikage Kira prepared to get some air.

This is drawing too much attention.

"I'm going to get something to drink," Yoshikage Kira said as he stood.

"Boss, I'll go with you." Pardo raised her little hand to volunteer.

"No need. I'll go by myself."

"Okay, then."

"Ah, it's him!"

"Hey, handsome, thanks for saving me."

He turned around and saw the girls before him—Carole and Hua.

"Thank you. Thank you for saving Carole."

Yoshikage Kira nodded and said, "You don't need to thank me. Elysia was the one who saved you. I only handled some of the aftermath."

"Hehe, but you still saved my life! Oh, do you know where Elysia is? I want to thank her in person."

"Then I'll take you to her."

"That would be great! Oh, and what is your name, benefactor?"

"Yoshikage Kira."

"Yoshikage Kira, where did you abduct two more girls from this time?"

Ignoring Elysia's words, Yoshikage Kira returned to his seat and watched as Elysia began chatting with Hua and Carole again.

Looking at the boisterous crowd, Yoshikage Kira's lips curled up slightly.

This isn't so bad either.

At ten thirty, Yoshikage Kira left early, intending to go back and sleep.

Elysia watched Yoshikage Kira's departing back, seemingly lost in thought.

Vill-V noticed Elysia's gaze, and alarm bells immediately went off in her head.

Oh no, could she also...

Thinking this, Vill-V looked at Pardo beside her.

Pardo was still eating.

"Mmm, what is it, Vill-V?" Pardo wiped her mouth, tilted her head, and asked curiously.

"Nothing. Keep eating."

Mm, this one isn't much of a threat. Vill-V thought as she watched the cat girl wolf down food.