第２５５堀：奥様は本の森の魔女、そして答え。 (Part2)
Perhaps it was the first time she had ever been treated this way, for her previously expressionless face flushed a faint red, and a slight smile graced her lips.
"Kyaa, you're so cute!!"
"You really are!!"
"……I don't think I’m cute. I just read books all the time, and I don’t have the personality to get along with people. Besides, well, I don’t have the kind of figure that’s attractive as a woman."
Perhaps she understood the flaws in her own personality and physique, as she couldn't honestly accept the praise from the two of them. But to them, such things were trivial. Ria had seen her village destroyed and had been broken herself, yet she had made it this far with the help of those around her. Airi had always carried herself with the pride of an inn’s poster girl, no matter who she was dealing with.
"That doesn't matter. You're talking to us just fine, aren't you?"
"Exactly. Let’s be friends from now on."
"Mm, thanks. Thank you. I’m very happy. Things didn’t go well with Amanda, so I was really scared……"
"Huh? Things didn't go well with Amanda-san?"
"I think she’s actually quite a pleasant person, though……"
I, too, found her story puzzling. Amanda-san might go berserk when it came to Eoid, but otherwise, she was a normal woman. If anything, she had an older-sister vibe and was quite popular in class, wasn't she?
"Could you tell us what happened? We might be able to give you some advice."
"Yes. It pains us to hear that acquaintances are fighting."
"Please, rely on us as your friends."
"Mm, thanks. But it’s hard to explain with words. So, I want to reenact it. Is that okay?"
"Yes, that might be the best way."
"I agree. I don't think there's anything wrong with recreating the situation at the time, rather than just using words."
Before I knew it, the "Witch of the Book Forest" and our two ladies had turned into a consultation corner. Well, it wasn't an urgent matter, but we were being left behind. I exchanged glances with Taiki-kun and decided to stick to being an observer. It’s a universal truth that when it comes to women-only conversations, men are nothing but a nuisance.
For that reason, Cleena began to reenact the time she had a falling out with Amanda. Listening to the story and watching the performance, there didn't seem to be any issues so far. She had told Eoid-kun she wanted friends, and Eoid-kun had brought his childhood friend, Amanda-san. Then, Cleena proceeded to talk in her usual blunt, expressionless manner.
Amanda-san must have had a lot of patience to endure that. It was like pushing against a curtain—you couldn't tell if you were getting through to her or not. Well, I suppose she couldn't just brush her off since Eoid-kun had introduced them.
"So far, there are no problems."
"Yes, what could be the cause?"
"Mm, I think the problem starts here. I managed to talk to Amanda a bit, and she called me a friend, even if it was just for show. So, I was happy and gave Eoid a thank-you gift."
Then, Cleena walked toward us. Ah, so we were playing the role of Eoid-kun. Since Cleena thought this was the problem, something must have happened from this point on. Was it that? Did Eoid’s "lucky lecher" trait trigger, and he ended up stripping Cleena bare? She was only wearing something like a robe, so if he took one layer off, she’d be in her undergarments. It wasn't a feat most could pull off, but Eoid-kun would certainly manage it.
No, if that were the case, Amanda-san wouldn't have a reason to fight with Cleena. She would have just punished Eoid-kun and made him kneel. As I was pondering the cause, Cleena handed me something.
"Here, a thank-you."
"Ah, thanks."
I reflexively took it. It felt... warm?
"Wait, Yuki-san, I’m so jealous!! I’m so incredibly jealous!! Getting a beautiful girl’s freshly-worn panties!!"
"Huh?"
I couldn't believe Taiki-kun’s words, but I unfolded the warm cloth to check. ……It was a beautifully crafted piece of lingerie, dyed a vibrant red. Well, it didn't quite reach the quality of Weed’s ready-made goods, but still.
"Wait, what the—!?"
My body couldn't react as quickly as my mind. It was given as a thank-you, and it was just a reenactment!! What the hell was I supposed to do!? And judging by Taiki-kun’s words, had she just taken them off!?
"So lucky!! So lucky!! I want to smell them!! *Sniff sniff*!!"
Fine, then I’ll just give them to Taiki-kun. I’d be spared the agony of holding this cursed item, right……?
However, I never got the chance to hand the freshly-worn panties to Taiki-kun.
"Taiki-sama, if you want something 'freshly-worn' that badly, I shall provide you with the contents included."
With those emotionless words, Airi spoke with a pasted-on smile.
"Eh, ah, wait a second. That was just a joke. Yeah, a joke!! Besides, isn't this related to the concubine discussion?"
"What are you talking about? Desiring undergarments without the person inside is just perverted. It would be different if you were using that to welcome Cleena-san, but..."
"No, I admit the behavior is perverted, but it was a bit, a joke!! I had to say it!!"
"In that case, I will teach you so that such behavior does not happen in the future. Excuse me, everyone. I need to teach Taiki-sama about the merits of having the 'contents' included, so if you’ll excuse us."