Chapter 224

“Then forget it.” “You’re mean.” “I’m not saying it to be cruel… Anyway, let’s call it there for today. You two can go back without me.” “You’re staying here?” “I prioritized your equipment, so I’m not done repairing my bulletproof vest. Once it’s done, I’ll head back to the dorm.” “You should’ve made a camisole for yourself, too. It’s more comfortable.” “I’m stronger than you two, so I want the added defense of a heavier piece of gear.” The camisoles weren’t much different from the vest when up against slashing attacks, but only a vest could achieve the level of impact resistance I wanted. That vest was my lifeline—I always wore it under my clothes. Now that I was a saint, I’d be the target of great jealousy. Some nobles would try to eliminate me if they couldn’t bring me under their influence. I didn’t want to die now that I lived as a person instead of a weapon. I’d finally found happiness. “I’d offer to help…but I’ll only be in the way. See you later,” Dia bid. “I’ll prepare supper for you,” Tarte added. They both held their camisoles to their chests and left. Knowing they’d wear those eased my fears, if only somewhat. I hadn’t forgotten about myself while working on those two garments. Dia and Tarte just had a higher chance of becoming targets than I did. When trying to take down a formidable opponent, it was common practice to go after their loved ones. That’s why I prioritized their safety over mine. No matter the world, the malice hidden within everyday people was more terrifying than anything. “Okay, one final push.” I had a plan to experiment with the Puppeteer demon’s thread to improve my bulletproof vest. I lost track of time as I worked on improving the vest and ended up returning to the dorm in the middle of the night. It was well past Dia and Tarte’s usual bedtime. And yet… “Welcome back, my lord.” “What took you so long?” …they’d both waited up for me. The girls were wearing comfortable nightgowns that we’d bought in Milteu, which they slept in regularly because of how soft and loose-fitting they were. “You could’ve just gone to bed,” I said. Dia shook her head. “I would’ve felt guilty… And I have something for you. I couldn’t help with the defensive equipment, but it felt wrong to relax while you worked, so I made a new spell.” I took the piece of paper Dia offered me and read the formula written on it. “Huh. This is interesting. Did you come up with this on your own?” I asked. “I wouldn’t be worthy of being called a genius if I let you do everything,” Dia replied. I was truly surprised. She didn’t have the advantage of being reincarnated like me; it was incredible that she came up with this alone. The spell had limited use, but it could turn a situation around when one was backed into a corner. “I can’t make anything like that, so I put extra effort into my cleaning and cooking,” Tarte said. I nodded. “Thank you. I overtaxed my brain, so I’m craving something sweet.” Improving the vest was difficult, and my brain wanted glucose. I took a bite of a cupcake Tarte had made. The sweetness suited my tastes perfectly, as was always the case. Tarte had even adjusted the recipe, using soy milk instead of cow’s milk to make the cupcake lighter because it was a late-night snack. Tarte was hardly the best cook in the world. I was more skilled than she was. But no one understood my tastes the way she did—not even me. That was because every meal she made since entering my service was for me. “We have one more gift for you,” Dia announced. “Um, Lady Dia, are we really doing that? I will do my best if it makes Lord Lugh happy, but…,” Tarte said. “It absolutely will. Lugh may not look it at first glance, but he’s a total perv. He just likes to play it cool.” “Ouch. Wording, Dia.” Unfortunately, I couldn’t deny it. Becoming more human was my goal after reincarnation, so I wanted to give in to my budding desires on occasion. Was there anything wrong with that? “If you say so. Here we go!” Tarte declared. Dia and Tarte both dropped their nightgowns, stripping to nothing but their underwear. Actually, no—they were wearing the transparent camisoles as well. Tarte’s underwear was simple, but the elaborate design of Dia’s drew my attention. I’d never seen the underwear Dia was wearing before. Judging by its design, it wasn’t fit for everyday use. A careless wash would ruin it. That meant it was made for…other purposes. I struggled to imagine Dia purchasing this. I suspected my mother’s involvement. “What do you think?” asked Dia. “I thought I would treat you to a look at me in this camisole. Isn’t it cute?” “Urgh, I’m so embarrassed,” Tarte groaned. “It’s strange. You look sexier with the transparent camisoles than you would with your underwear alone,” I observed. “Don’t analyze us like that, my lord!” I only made the camisoles to protect them, but they did look really nice. The sight of Dia and Tarte in them appealed to my base instincts. “Thanks. I feel totally refreshed,” I said. “Is that all?” Dia asked. “No. I’m a man. I can’t look at you in those outfits and not be aroused. But it’s late, and it’d be rude to invite one of you to bed when all three of us are here.” I had a pubescent body, and Dia and Tarte were my adorable fiancées. Seeing them this way filled me with desire. However, taking one of them would be rude, and I’d have to be really shameless to request that both girls join me. “Then I’ll ask. Are you opposed to that?” “No, it’d make me happy, but—” “Then let’s go to my room.” “Wha—huh—I—huh?” Tarte panicked. Dia smiled at her, taking my hand. “Tarte, I’ll hog Lugh forever if you don’t say what you want. Words don’t seem to be getting through, so I’m going to bully you like this until you learn to speak up.” I smiled wryly. Dia really was an excellent big sister. Fixing Tarte’s passivity demanded drastic measures. Dia and I went into her room, leaving Tarte behind, looking like a child whose toy was taken. It had been a long time since I’d made love to Dia.