Skadi, I Have a Girlfriend

"You three..."

Exusiai's gaze gradually sharpened. Her instincts told her these three definitely had no good intentions, but she could not figure out what they were planning.

After thinking it over, Exusiai's eyes somehow drifted toward Mizuki, who was absorbed in eating.

Mizuki ate a lot and quickly, but he had always done so with elegance and composure, barely making any sound. Feeling everyone's eyes on him, he looked up, slurped a noodle, licked his lips, and gazed at them with deep, beautiful eyes like the ocean.

"What is it?"

The girls covered their faces. Fine, Mizuki clearly had not listened to a word. He had been focused entirely on eating, and it did not look like an act at all. Still, Mizuki like this was rather cute.

After they carefully explained everything, Mizuki had no objections. He actually thought he had decent taste in clothes and would not get ripped off when shopping. Besides, if Texas and the others really had work to do, there was nothing he could do about it.

At least Exusiai would be with him, so he would not get lost.

"Fine. It's not like I'm the one losing out."

She was not the one working overtime, so Exusiai had no reason to refuse. Nor could she possibly dislike Mizuki, or she would not have hugged him while reading comics together last night.

After eating and drinking their fill, they tidied up a little, strapped up their weapons, stuffed them into their backpacks, and Exusiai left with Mizuki.

But how could Texas and the others possibly be working overtime? They had only one goal today: create more opportunities for their good sister. Exusiai getting herself a boyfriend was something that would have taken generations of Laterano Popes—no, it would take the Laterano Lord Himself appearing in person!

If they did not seize this chance, then by the time all her sisters got married, she would probably still be single.

It was not that Exusiai was lacking in any way. She was pretty, had a good family background, and was not materialistic. Her figure was a little lacking, but she still had room to develop. Her personality was bright, cheerful, lively, sunny, and energetic.

But nobody dared date her. Everyone in Lungmen knew what sort of formidable girls worked at Penguin Logistics. As for Exusiai's hometown, Laterano?

It was hilarious. To this day, Exusiai was the only person capable of making all of Laterano wave flags and send her off to wreak havoc somewhere else.

"Let's go!"

Texas waved a hand, and the other two followed close behind.

Meanwhile, over in Kazimierz, that rundown mental hospital could now truly be called utterly wrecked. Skadi practically wanted to turn the place into Muelsyse's grave.

That woman actually dared call herself Mizuki's girlfriend?

Impossible. Skadi absolutely would not accept it! Her little brother would never date that sort of woman. No one else was worthy of her Mizuki!

What kind of person was worthy of Mizuki, then?

First, she had to have long silver hair. Then, she could not have a bad figure. She had to be Aegir, and she absolutely had to be an Abyssal Hunter!

Thinking she was the only Abyssal Hunter, Skadi had no idea that she would someday want to strangle herself over those standards.

Mizuki Was Different

It had to be said, shopping with Exusiai and Mizuki together felt rather comfortable. Mizuki was very well-behaved. He stayed by Exusiai's side without wandering off, looked over the streets on either side, and occasionally asked questions.

There were quite a few people on the street, so they inevitably had to walk closer together, making it easier for their hands to brush against each other.

Mizuki's hands were icy cold. Exusiai still wondered whether that was normal, but Lungmen Hospital's examination had said that Mizuki was stable and nothing was wrong with him.

"It's kind of hot. We should've brought an umbrella."

The weather was hotter than expected. Nothing had seemed wrong when they left, but after only half an hour outside, they had to endure the blazing sun.

"That clothing store Sora recommended is right there. Let's go in and see if we can get some clothes tailored for you."

"Mm, let's go."

The weather really was a little hot. Mizuki did not feel any discomfort, but considering Exusiai, he decided they should pick out clothes first and get out of the heat.

When they reached the store entrance, Mizuki could not help looking back. But the bustling crowd held no familiar faces, while Exusiai unconsciously took his hand.

"Come on, come on."

Only after the two entered the store did Texas, Croissant, and Sora poke their heads out. They patted their chests in lingering fear. They had never expected Mizuki to be so perceptive and had nearly been discovered.

"Okay, let's begin."

For certain reasons, all three had disguised themselves a little. Thanks to Sora's makeup skills—mainly because Exusiai was not around—and a change of clothes,

people were curious about what the three were doing, but no one had recognized them as Penguin Logistics employees. After all, Penguin Logistics' most recognizable symbol was not that pill-like logo, but Exusiai herself.

Lungmen was located in Ursus. Though its economy was prosperous, Sankta were not a common sight, especially one as boisterous as Exusiai. So without Exusiai around, even if Croissant and Texas walked down the street openly without disguises, nobody would give them a second look.

Exusiai had no idea what elaborate scheme her good sisters had planned for her love life. The clothing store was cool, and she felt much more comfortable.

When the saleswoman saw Mizuki, surprise and fondness flashed through her eyes. Of course, she did not know him. Women simply instinctively liked cute things, and Mizuki made an excellent first impression.

But upon seeing Exusiai holding Mizuki's hand, she instantly felt disappointed. She certainly recognized the famous Miss Exusiai, known throughout Lungmen. Was a lovely flower like Mizuki really going to end up stuck in a bottle like Exusiai?

"Are you two... boyfriend and girlfriend?"

"Ah, um, not yet."

Exusiai had initially wondered why the saleswoman asked, but following her gaze, she saw her own hand tightly holding Mizuki's. She had not noticed when she pulled him inside, nor did she realize how strange her answer sounded.

"I see."

Not yet meant they would be soon. The saleswoman did not have the nerve to compete with Exusiai for a man, but she still gave Mizuki another look.

This clothing store had been recommended by Sora. Supposedly, it had made clothes for many idols and celebrities and also sold ready-made styles, so the saleswoman had a sharp eye. At a glance, she could tell Mizuki was a natural clothes hanger, the sort suited to becoming a star.

"Are you buying clothes for this gentleman?"

"Yes. Do you have any styles to recommend?"

"Of course. Actually, we received an order not long ago, but the customer later decided they did not want it. That outfit would suit this gentleman very well."

As she spoke, the saleswoman went to the back, rummaged through boxes on a shelf, and pulled out a blue paper box.

"We do not refund deposits for returned orders, so you two are getting a bargain. I think it will suit this gentleman perfectly."

"Really? Let me see."

Exusiai reached over, took the box, and opened it. Inside was an exquisitely made casual outfit. Here, casual outfit did not mean a game skin, but clothing worn in private, a term generally used for celebrities.

The top consisted of a white undershirt paired with a short-sleeved jacket and a hat. The slightly loose pants tightened at the cuffs, without looking awkward or bulky.

"Alright, we'll take this set."

This would definitely suit Mizuki. Exusiai instinctively thought so, then handed it to him and pointed toward the fitting room.

"Go try it on."

Tailored clothes were not normally something customers tried on. Once tried, they had to be bought, though the store could alter the size if needed. Mizuki did not understand that, but he took the clothes and went to change.

"Oh, right. Other than that one, I want to buy some more. Let me think... casual wear, outdoor wear, all of it. As for pajamas... he probably won't need those."

Exusiai figured the shirt she had given Mizuki would be enough for sleeping, and this clothing store probably did not even sell pajamas.

"From what you've said, does this gentleman need a lot of clothes?"

"Yes. He hasn't been in Lungmen long, and he only has that one outfit."

"Then his taste in clothes is quite good. Not just anyone can pull off that style. Leave it to me."

Sora was a fairly famous celebrity, so how could a store she recommended be ordinary? Exusiai figured it would be fine to let the saleswoman handle it.

Then Exusiai suddenly remembered something: Mizuki still did not have a Penguin Logistics uniform.

"Oh, right. Please tailor an outfit for him too, one like what I'm wearing."

At those words, the saleswoman immediately wore an expression that said, "I understand." Couple outfits, right? Easy, easy.

Changing clothes did not take long. When Mizuki walked out of the fitting room, Exusiai only took one extra look before finding herself unable to look away.

If Mizuki had previously felt as gentle and approachable as water, then in this outfit, he looked sunny and handsome. Especially that smile—it nearly made Exusiai lose control of herself.

Texas and the others, secretly watching from the shadows, could not help staring blankly as well. Good lord, it was only a change of clothes. Could someone's aura really change that much?

"Does it look alright?"

Clothes made the man. Mizuki had already been exceptionally good-looking, and in this outfit, he would not lose to anyone. Exusiai nodded dazedly. Whatever she had thought of, her eyes held nothing but surprise and delight.

Beauty was in the eye of the beholder, and Mizuki was naturally beautiful to begin with.

Thinking about it that way, Exusiai was not losing out at all.

Mizuki Is So Amazing!

"Mm, a wardrobe and a new bed. White or blue would be better, right?"

Glancing at the list in her hand, Exusiai remembered the arrangement she had discussed with Mizuki last night. A two-person bedroom left plenty of extra space when only one person lived in it, and since Mizuki was Aegir, transforming it into something ocean-like would suit him best.

But while that was easy to say, one of them was a Sankta who had never even been to the seaside, while the other had amnesia and did not even know where he came from. They had thought about it for ages while reading comics last night before barely coming up with a workable plan.

"Mm, blue as the base color. But we could lay down those sponge mats on the floor."

"Why?"

Exusiai scratched her head in confusion. This was not Higashi, where people had to change shoes upon entering a home. Why buy soft mats?

"So no one accidentally falls down next time."

Mizuki put a finger to his lips in a shushing gesture and blinked mischievously. Yet the teasing look in his eyes made him resemble a fox spirit who had successfully pulled off a prank.

Exusiai immediately remembered what had happened last night. An alluring pink flush spread across her face. Ever since meeting Mizuki, she had been embarrassed more times in these past few days than in the previous dozen years combined.

"Mention that again, and don't expect me to pay."

"But I have the bank card."

Mizuki pulled out the bank card and spun it around his fingertip. To stop Exusiai from spending recklessly, Texas had given the card to Mizuki. Whatever he wanted to buy, he could choose for himself. With Emperor backing them, the two-hundred-thousand credit limit could be spent however he liked. If it was not enough, he only had to call and apply for more.

At first, Mizuki had been confused. What sort of boss was willing to put so much effort and money into a new employee?

Then Exusiai answered his question. It was simply because Emperor pursued thrills. He was not short on money, and supporting one Penguin Logistics was more than easy. The girls' monthly salaries were their entire team's business revenue. Emperor only covered living expenses, occasionally joining them to find some excitement in street races and firefights.

Fair enough. That reason was extremely Penguin Logistics—simple, down-to-earth, and not pretentious at all.

"Oh, right! Let's get you a game console too!"

"That sounds good."

Mizuki quite liked playing games. A game console would be nice, and the one at Penguin Logistics was somewhat outdated.

The two walked ahead while Texas and the other two followed behind. Relying on their excellent tracking skills, they kept just the right distance, ensuring they would not be noticed while also not losing sight of them.

Originally, the trio had come to create more opportunities for Exusiai and Mizuki to deepen their relationship. But as they followed, they realized that maybe the three of them were not needed. Mizuki and Exusiai did not seem to lack chances to spend time together.

"Tsk, tsk. What has the world come to? When are those two going to hold hands? Ah, I'm dying of impatience!"

Exusiai and Mizuki were walking close together, their shoulders even brushing from time to time, but their hands just would not meet.

"Exusiai is useless. Can't she be more proactive? This is driving me crazy."

Sora watched Exusiai reach her hand out toward Mizuki several times, only to pull it back whenever she brushed the back of his hand. Sora gritted her teeth, completely exasperated by her failure to live up to expectations.

Seeing the strange looks people around them were giving them, then looking at the two who seemed to wish they themselves, rather than Exusiai, were standing beside Mizuki, Texas suddenly regretted following them. She should never have believed Croissant's nonsense.

It seemed that even without the three of them making fools of themselves here, Exusiai and Mizuki's relationship was developing steadily. In the end, feelings could not be rushed. No matter how much the three worked at it, Exusiai was the one dating Mizuki, not them.

"Oh, right. Let's buy you a humidifier too. Aegir usually like humid air, right?"

"That should be the case."

Mizuki had forgotten many things, but he truly liked that sense of humidity. That was why he liked soaking in the bathtub for a little nap every time he bathed.

Perhaps it was a feeling deeply etched into every Aegir's memory. Yet Mizuki had encountered several Aegir on the street earlier, and his instincts told him that he was fundamentally different from them.

"What do you mean, 'should be'? Honestly."

Exusiai poked Mizuki's cheek with slight dissatisfaction, her voice carrying a hint of complaint.

"The worst attitude a person can have is this 'I guess so' attitude. Being perfunctory is the greatest irresponsibility toward life and yourself. You have to seriously think about what you want, then honestly admit what you want to do. Shopping is the same."

"You're one of Penguin Logistics. Why are you acting so distant? Do you not see me as one of your own?"

Mizuki hurriedly shook his head. He was merely embarrassed, and he did not have many demands in life. Still, Exusiai was not wrong. He wanted to know about his past, but what mattered most was living well in the present and stabilizing himself first. Only then could he explore his past.

"Let's go. We still have a huge pile of things to buy, and also..."

For a moment, Exusiai did not know how to phrase it. She turned away, scratched her head, and kept shaking one foot as though making some important decision.

"There might be more people later, so be a little careful. Don't get separated."

After taking a deep breath, just as Texas and the others thought Exusiai was about to make a move, that was all she said. Sora and Croissant could not help covering their faces. How embarrassing, how embarrassing!

Couldn't you just be more proactive? Even if you aren't confessing, at least hold his hand!