* * *
“…Shit. I’ve totally lost it. I’m gone…”
“Why are you holed up in the corner? At least show your face to the host if you’re visiting someone’s home.”
“I don’t even know why I’m here! If I get caught, I might not get another request for the next ten years!”
“You’re adorably cowardly, you know that?”
If he’s that scared, he shouldn’t have come—but of course, he still showed up because it’s a friend’s issue, and now he’s trembling like a leaf.
It’s hilarious.
Especially because Vasco’s scared of Bati, which makes it worse.
I just let him wedge himself into the corner of the wall to calm down.
There was a perfect spot between the wall and the couch, just the right size for Vasco’s small frame.
“Is it really okay to leave him like that?”
“He says he’s comfortable, so what can we do?”
“Should I try talking to him?”
“Don’t bother. He’ll crawl out on his own once he calms down.”
I stopped Naike, who was glancing over at the crumpled Vasco with concern.
Honestly, Vasco’s scared of Naike too.
Actually, what isn’t Vasco afraid of? How is this guy even an adventurer? Truly baffling.
“Well, if he’s more comfortable alone…”
Swayed by my reasoning, Naike finally looked away from Vasco.
Instead, he turned toward Bati.
His cheeks were flushed.
The way he shifted restlessly in anticipation made it obvious he was really looking forward to something.
Knowing Naike for years, I could tell that excitement wasn’t from feelings for Bati—it was because he was dying to hear “the Grim Reaper’s love story.”
Thankfully, he was holding himself back since this wasn’t a fun occasion.
I really appreciate that kind of considerate kindness of yours…
“Hey, get up.”
Carmen nudged Vicente with her foot.
“No.”
“You’re huge. When you’re sprawled out on the floor like that, it’s in the way! I can’t stretch my legs!”
“I’ve just been rejected—again. Do you think stretching your legs is more important than that? Huh? Is it that important!?”
“Uh… oh… sorry. You look terrible when you cry, so just lie there.”
…Yeah, I feel pretty bad for Vicente too.
Calling it a “rejection” might be a bit much, but I get why he’s upset.
We used to hang out all the time, but since I started dating Bati, he lost a bed partner and the guy he was genuinely interested in.
It’s like he lost two of life’s pleasures at once.
Still, I appreciate him coming to help me out.
“You better buy me an expensive meal…”
“I got it, dude. I’ll feed you until you burst.”
“Seriously expensive…”
Let’s just leave him to cry it out.
I guess the fact that I’m dating Bati is a huge shock for him.
Now that I think about it, he was so nervous when they first met, he couldn’t even say his name properly.
Of all the people I tried to set Bati up with, maybe Vicente was the one who genuinely liked him the most.
I should try to be understanding.
‘Still, this is chaos.’
Get a bunch of weird adventurers together and the house becomes a circus.
I’m honestly worried about whether Bati—who hates crowds—can handle this.
“Are you okay? If it’s too noisy, do you want to wait in my room?”
“Planning to do something with the others while I’m not there?”
“What would I even do? I’m trying to find a way to fix this situation.”
“Then why would you do that without the person it’s about?”
…Fair point.
Can’t argue with that.
Honestly, I was just happy he wanted to stay by my side.
I held his hand a little tighter.
“Oh my…”
Naike gasped and glanced our way.
Aimone, sitting beside him, tapped Naike’s arm and whispered something in his ear.
The two of them immediately lit up with interest and broke into laughter.
I could hear what they’re saying if I tried, but I know it’s just going to be embarrassing, so I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything.
“Ugh, I’m jealous!”
Carmen slammed her hand on the floor.
“Okay, okay, whatever. Let’s get this started. Operation: Protect Raul’s First Love—meeting begins!”
“Ugh, be serious!”
Laughter erupted as Carmen summed up our reason for gathering in one dramatic line.
Even Vasco, still curled up in fear, started chuckling.
Guess everyone finds it pretty entertaining to tease me!
Honestly, if it weren’t me, I might’ve found it funny too.
“Did I say something wrong?”
Well… no, not exactly…
Still, is it okay to let this turn into some comedy?
It’s not just me—Bati’s here too.
What if he gets pissed at being treated like a joke and blows everyone in the room away?
I snuck a glance at him.
“Your first love?”
“…Y-yeah.”
“I see… Hmph, okay.”
Wait, is he… pleased?
Well, then… I guess it’s fine?
Thanks to Carmen setting the mood, we finally got to the actual strategy meeting.
[Topic: The nobles are annoyed that Bati refuses to kiss up to them and are now trying to unite and crush him. What do we do?]
“Can’t we just beg the nobles to go easy on him?”
Timid Vasco raised his hand.
“What a stupid idea.”
Aimone clicked her tongue.
“Sure, outright defiance might not work forever, but groveling the second things get hard? That’s a pride issue. Imagine how little respect those nobles and that Gaspar guy would have for Mr. Zerbin.”
“Hmm… I agree. Mr. Zerbin is the ‘King of Adventurers,’ after all—he represents all of us.”
Couldn’t have said it better.
Even if it’s surprising he never once responded to their invitations, Bati did become our representative through sheer force.
If the nobles see him buckle under the slightest pressure, they’ll think they can do whatever they want to other adventurers too.
We’re holding this meeting for Bati now, but in the long run, it’s not just about him.
“Wait, didn’t that guy get kicked out of his noble house? How did he gather support from the other nobles? Did they even meet with him?”
Carmen grumbled.
Vicente wiped his tears and answered.
“He’s blonde. And hot.”
“Ah.”
Ah—what do you mean, “ah”!?
“Why are you nodding in agreement?! If we’re talking age, he’s old enough to be our parents’ generation!”
So if you’re hot, that’s all that matters!?
“I mean, come on. Being hot does expand your options. Whether you sell your skills or your looks.”
“Well, if screwing him fixed everything, he probably would’ve warmed their beds and paid off his debt ages ago.”
You say that way too casually…
Knowing Vicente, I’m not even surprised anymore—but still, I’d rather not know.
“So the nobles and that Gaspar bastard probably aren’t really that close, right? They’re just teaming up because they both want to ‘tame’ Bati.”
“Then the answer… is sabotage.”
Vasco was still timid, but that was a surprisingly bold idea.
Since the others were still chattering, I hushed them and gave Vasco the floor again.
“Sabotage? How?”
“Spread rumors to the nobles that he’s an untrustworthy piece of shit.”
So basically, make them think Gaspar’s not worth partnering with. Nobles value reputation, so they might avoid backing someone if it makes them look bad…
There are plenty of guys who’d rather just track down and beat the crap out of the ones spreading rumors.
“Oh, you’re right. What the nobles want is for Zerbin to bow his head, but what Gaspar wants is for his debt to be paid off.”
Naike nodded along.
* * *
