NOVEL NEXT Chapter 37 - Chapter 37: Reopening the Stall - Afternoon
Chapter 37: Reopening the Stall – Afternoon
After having a simple lunch together, I asked Shiro to run an errand for me. I sent her to deliver coffee and chocolate to Hajiramu.
“Kuro, Bonus, take care.”
“Gyaaah!”
How unreliable do they think I am? Lately, Shiro’s overprotectiveness knows no bounds. I highly doubt we’ll be attacked in broad daylight at the Misharl Market.
Shortly after reopening the stall, Marie finally arrived.
“Bonus. You’re late.”
“M-Marie… Sorry, we had some things going on.”
“Gyaaah!”
“Thanks. Here’s the money.”
Kuro promptly handed Marie the coffee and engaged her in conversation.
“Did you say Kuro? She’s changed quite a bit.”
“Huh?”
“You’re cute.”
“Gyaaah gyaaah!”
For some reason, Marie seemed to take a liking to Kuro. Pink also popped up out of nowhere. She’s showering Kuro with affection. What’s going on with her?
“You’re cute too.”
“By the way, Marie. Here’s a souvenir and a new product. Orange and milk chocolate. Let me know what you think.”
Marie’s slightly displeased expression gradually softened as she drank the coffee, ate the chocolate, and received the souvenir, eventually becoming quite pleased.
“Oh… delicious. Bonus, you’re really sneaky, you know?”
“Oh, come on…”
“You’re monopolizing such delicious treats and keeping these cute girls around.”
“I’m not exactly keeping them around…”
What should I do? Did she resist chocolate for so long that she’s overly affectionate now?
“I’m back, Bonus. Hello, Marie.”
“Huh?”
“Welcome back, Shiro.”
“Huh? Wait, huh? You… oh!”
“It’s me. Thanks for introducing me to Bonus.”
Shiro returned. Marie, unusually, seemed confused and entertained.
But why is she putting her hand on her sword?
“I’m an oni. I’ve been given the name Shiro by Bonus.”
“Oh… so you’re a woman. You’re… beautiful.”
“Hehe.”
Marie stared blankly at Shiro, letting go of her sword.
“Bonus, I want to thank Marie too.”
“Huh? I gave her extra chocolate, didn’t I?”
“I want to go drinking with Marie.”
“Y-yeah.”
I couldn’t help but recall yesterday’s embarrassing scene. I hope I don’t have to reveal that side of me in front of Marie…
“That sounds good. That sounds… really good!”
“It’s great, isn’t it, Bonus?”
“Gyaaah gyaaah!”
Marie was completely on board. There’s no way to refuse this. But I’d like to postpone setting a date, at least…
“How about three days from now?”
“T-then, it’s a deal.”
“I’ll come pick you up in the evening.”
“Bye-bye.”
“Gyaaah.”
“Pink, Kuro, Shiro, see you later.”
Wait, what about me…?
I’m losing track of Marie’s character more and more. I understand she likes cute and beautiful things and sweet treats. I thought she was cool, but turns out she’s unexpectedly girly…
“Oh, Bonus. Hajiramu wants more tomorrow.”
“Got it. Thanks for running the errand, Shiro.”
“Yeah. Seems like he really liked it. He had a rare smile on his face.”
“I see… I wish I could have seen that.”
The stall remained busy afterward. Despite having prepared quite a lot of stock, at this rate, it might not last for more than ten days. I thought I brought enough for fifteen days…
Just as I was considering calling it a day, Gisella arrived.
“Uh, Bonus. You’re still working, right? Can I wait here?”
“Yeah, I’m just finishing up.”
She seems unusually nervous. When someone big like her acts like this, it makes me feel… strange…
“Gisella’s kinda cute, isn’t she?”
“Come on, Shiro, cut it out!”
The onis started giggling like schoolgirls.
Gisella is patting Shiro’s back warmly, but if I were to receive that, I’d probably end up with a broken bone. I quietly tidy up the stall, trying not to look at them.
I leave the finer details to Kuro and Shiro and turn to Gisella.
“Sorry for the wait.”
“So, Bonus. I’ve been thinking about it since then, and I still want to join you guys.”
“Yeah?”
“But you see, I haven’t built the same level of trust as Shiro and the others, so I came up with a good idea.”
“Hmm?”
“How about you and I have a child together?”
Wait, what? That’s not how I expected this conversation to go. Something’s definitely off here.
“No, that’s not happening.”
“Why not?!”
“I just don’t like it.”
They seem to be getting excited on their own. No, this isn’t the time for such frivolous discussions. I need to correct the course quickly, or it’s going to be a headache.
“Well, I… I’ve thought about it since then, but I couldn’t quite figure it out. But ultimately, if Gisella wants it, I’d definitely like her to join us as well.”
“Really? Yay!”
“That’s great.”
Shiro pats Gisella on the back. It’s probably good for Shiro to have Gisella as a teammate. Somehow, when talking to Gisella, Shiro’s playful side comes out.
“Gyaaah~”
“Oh, Bonus has caught another beauty. You’re quite the catch, despite being so dull.”
Before I knew it, Kuro and Melanie were standing together, sipping coffee and watching us.
These two are oddly close. And don’t call me dull. …Maybe I should buy some better clothes.
“Well, shall we call it a day and head home?”
“Wait a minute. Since you’re here, why don’t you stay at my place? It’s not that big, but I think everyone can sleep.”
“Is that okay? Well, there’s no point in being too reserved now. Alright, let’s do that.”
“Gyaaah!”
“I’m hungry.”
“Alright, Melanie, see you tomorrow.”
“See you.”
And that’s how I gained a new companion.