Ayano Has a Big Opinion of Airi

Is there anything I can do about it?

You're the one who dragged me into this!

Kiyoharu cried out in his heart, feeling wronged.

Ayano's repeated "Isn't it?" made his head spin a little, and he didn't know how to answer for a moment.

The woman's fingertips repeatedly brushed past Kiyoharu's ear. The sound, initially a bit grating, gradually became integrated into his rhythm until his whole body melted into it, much like beef tenderized with baking soda, becoming soft through some chemical reaction.

Just as Kiyoharu was drifting off to sleep, the system's energetic, high-pitched voice boomed like thunder:

"Host! Good news, more Energy Points to earn!"

"...You useless system, can you give a warning before popping out next time? It's quite startling."

"Wuwuwu, it's just that time is of the essence! Opportunity knocks but once!"

Kiyoharu immediately saw the mission prompt.

[Mission Name: Counterattack! The Teasing Kitahara Ayano]

[Mission Description: Under Miss Kitahara's incessant pestering, you feel your peaceful daily life is subtly heading towards collapse. Every time Miss Kitahara displays that self-righteous, winning smile, you genuinely want to punch her... To openly seduce you into infidelity like this is no longer a simple case of a 'Cao Thief' (a term for someone who seduces married women), you must strike with heavy blows and show her you're not to be trifled with!]

[Mission Objective: The area around the waist and abdomen is Miss Kitahara's sensitive spot. Use your charming masculine aura to break free from her gentle finger-tracing trap!]

[Mission Reward: 30 Energy Points]

Kiyoharu's first reaction was: "Why only 30?"

"30 is pretty good! This mission is so simple and carries no risk. Host, you know, for the same target, the mission's complexity is directly proportional to the reward. Like that childbirth mission..."

"Alright, don't mention childbirth. That's impossible," Kiyoharu quickly stopped the useless system's sales pitch and began to consider his next move.

At this moment, Kiyoharu's head was resting on Ayano's lap. With a slight turn, he could see her slender waist, concealed by the fabric of her dress, and her flat abdomen.

Is it really that sensitive?

Kiyoharu was somewhat indulging in the comfortable sensation of being touched, as the comfort of the senses is an inherent human nature. However, the system was right; Kitahara Ayano's gentleness was merely a trap, a demon luring him step by step into the abyss!

I can't fall any further!

Thus, Kiyoharu suddenly turned to face Ayano's abdomen, around her navel, and blew a breath at close range.

Ayano's hand, which had been stroking Kiyoharu's forehead, visibly trembled, and her voice carried a hint of annoyance: "Don't move around, Kiyoharu-kun. Naughty children don't get candy."

"I suggest Miss Kitahara go to kindergarten to play with actual children. I am an adult responsible for myself and don't need your candy."

Kiyoharu continued to exhale warm air, aiming at the curve of her side waist, accentuated by the sash of her dress.

Instantly, Ayano let out an embarrassing sound. She looked down, and Kiyoharu smiled as he looked at her, saying with a hint of sarcasm: "Continue, Miss Kitahara?"

Ayano silently put Kiyoharu's head down, shifted her ample hips, and created a safe distance between them.

"Today was a trial run. From now on, if Kiyoharu-kun wants finger-tracing services, you just need to be my painting model. Each time you model, you'll be rewarded with a service. Of course, I'll tell Airi that I'm having you help her for free."

"Actually, if you really need help, I don't need any reward," Kiyoharu sat up properly. "After all, you're Airi's good friend."

"People often say dogs are man's best friend."

This statement was clearly loaded, containing Miss Kitahara's deep resentment towards her best friend. Kiyoharu actually wanted to hear her complain more, but Ayano seemed to have lost the inclination to continue the conversation.

Never mind, since she's too lazy to talk, Kiyoharu is happy to have some leisure time and browse online forums for amusing posts.

30 Energy Points have been credited, bringing the total to 100. I'll see how much my charm stat increases after Shimaura Hitomi finishes her hair later.

Ayano took a few minutes to calm her body down and gave Kiyoharu a resentful glance.

This guy was playing on his phone with a carefree expression, completely unaware that his actions had stirred up a storm within Ayano.

He acted high and mighty with his words, yet attacked her weakness without hesitation.

Ayano, who had always toyed with Kiyoharu in the palm of her hand, almost lost her composure.

Was it intentional, or a coincidence?

Kitahara Ayano thought carefully and still leaned towards it being a coincidence. After all, this was sensitive information that only she knew; Kiyoharu had no reason to know it.

However...

Being enveloped by Kiyoharu's breath, feeling a ticklish, wicked sensation of falling into depravity, especially thinking that Airi was just next door, made Kitahara Ayano find it even more interesting.

Should I find an excuse to continue the finger tracing?

Ayano could see that Kiyoharu also enjoyed her service. Ayano herself detested the whole finger-tracing routine; why should she serve a man with whom she had no emotional connection, just to secure family interests?

Rather than being forced to serve a strange young master after marriage, it would be better to use her honed skills on a man she found interesting.

Unfortunately, Kiyoharu seemed to have anticipated her thoughts, perhaps seeing her lick her lips and her greedy gaze.

In any case, Kiyoharu didn't give her another chance. He crossed the short L-shaped corridor and knocked on the glass door next door.

"Young Lady, would you like something to drink?"

"Hmm, the blue one," Airi's voice was more languid and seductive than usual, clearly pleased with the service from the professional salon.

"Received. And for my junior?"

"Mmm, I haven't finished my milk tea yet, I'll just keep drinking my milk tea!"

Look at Shimaura Hitomi, how thrifty and domestic she is. In contrast, that Red-Eyed Devil throws away bubble tea after just a few sips.

Based on Kiyoharu's understanding of Airi, she should be asking him to make cocktails by now. Ever since she tasted the cocktails Kiyoharu made himself, Airi would request one whenever the conditions were met.

Since that was the case, Kiyoharu decided to volunteer proactively, to avoid Airi commanding him when Ayano decided to cause trouble.

Kiyoharu left the VIP room and went to the salon's bar, requesting to borrow their equipment.

Kiyoharu had borrowed the tools to make drinks here several times before, so the bartender didn't find it strange and readily lent him the tools.

On the other hand, Ayano, who had followed him, was unfamiliar to the staff, drawing curious glances from those nearby.

Her naturally elegant demeanor made Ayano herself a perfect piece of art.

Kiyoharu recalled many men in their circle's evaluation of Ayano – the Young Lady most suitable to marry.

Whether this evaluation was correct or not, it indicated that Ayano's parents' strategy in raising her had been a complete success, objectively making Ayano a valuable asset for an arranged marriage.

"It will be ready soon, Miss Kitahara. You can go back first."

"Do you dislike me that much? I also want to see Kiyoharu-kun's skills. Airi is always very picky, so it's rare to be able to satisfy her."

"She just likes watching me run around." Kiyoharu lowered his voice and teased in a tone only they could hear, "Making cocktails is just so-so, not worth mentioning."

"Are you unhappy with Airi, Kiyoharu-kun?"

"It's not that. I've gotten used to it by now, even though many people find her difficult to get along with." Kiyoharu stated honestly.

Kitahara Ayano gazed into Kiyoharu's eyes and was surprised to find that he wasn't lying.

This was wrong.

Even if he tolerated Airi for some reason, it was fundamentally a compromise. How could he truly have no resentment?

Kiyoharu, however, had his own unique understanding. Having lived for so long across two lifetimes, and being a rather laid-back person by nature, he viewed Airi purely as a workplace superior. Whenever Airi caused him trouble, Kiyoharu simply considered it the price for warding off Yandere and gaining financial benefits.

His mindset was exceptionally stable.