第１３４０堀：意見を募る (Part2)
The three of them immediately shot down Hovis’s claim.
"That’s so mean~!"
"Alright, alright. Everyone, let’s hear Hovis out first."
If we start by just denying everything, we’ll never get anywhere. Listening is the most important part. I refrained from mentioning that I’d wanted to jump in with a retort of my own.
"Geez~. You two should know that I’m nervous when I’m with Orelia and Yayui, right? I’m much more relaxed when it’s just private time, aren't I?"
"Hm, now that you mention it, that’s true."
"Ah, you’re right. But isn't that just a matter of manners rather than nervousness?"
"It’s the same thing~! Showing respect means being mindful of the other person, so of course I’d be nervous~."
"But Hovis, you threw yourself at Yuki-sama earlier. Were you nervous when you did that?"
"Of course~! I thought Yuki-sama might reject me, but I had to follow Prof’s example, right? I didn't think just holding hands would have enough impact~. You were actually surprised, weren't you~?"
"Yeah, I was. Though, since you don't usually do things like that, I figured you did it on purpose."
" "Ah." "
My words seemed to strike a chord with the two of them. It’s true; she doesn't usually walk around clinging to my arm. She always maintains a proper distance as a subordinate.
"As expected of Yuki-sama~. That’s the part of you I love so much~."
"Glad to hear it."
"But you shouldn't be *too* perceptive, you know. A woman’s heart is complicated~. You could stand to be a little more flustered."
"I can't exactly act overly thrilled when you throw yourself at me, can I?"
"I think you could at least act a little shy~. It makes me look bad when you just calmly pivot the conversation to Prof in that situation~."
"It’s not that I don't find you attractive, Hovis, but I have my wives to consider. You’ll have to forgive me for that."
"You really are devoted to your wives, aren't you~."
...Am I a lost cause for wondering what "devoted" even means when I have so many wives? No, no, that’s nothing new. Right now, the focus is on the level of tension Prof and Yayui are feeling.
"So, I understand your point about being nervous, Hovis. Do you have any opinions on those two?"
"I do~. Actually, I think I know what the root cause is."
Oh? That’s interesting. I’d certainly like to hear it. The two of them seem to feel the same, their expressions turning serious.
"The two of them see Yuki-sama as being too far above them~. Like Orelia said, they revere you too much, and it’s manifesting in a negative way. But they can't fix that on their own. So, why don't you, Yuki-sama, lower that pedestal they’ve put you on?"
"I don't think it’s right to force such a burden on Yuki-sama."
"I agree with Prof’s opinion."
"Y-yeah. It’s our fault, after all..."
For some reason, Prof switches into work mode and speaks firmly at times like this. Orelia and Yayui follow suit, agreeing with her, but...
"What are you all saying~? The fact that Yuki-sama and his wives are concerned enough to make time for this means there’s no 'burden' involved at all~."
" " "..." " "
The three of them had no comeback for Hovis’s spot-on observation. So...
"Well then, Hovis, how do you suggest I lower their sense of reverence? I think I show my lazy side often enough, don't I?"
"Ahaha~. Even when you’re complaining, Yuki-sama, you still get the work done perfectly, don't you? The only thing that’s 'lazy' is your tone, but it’s obvious you’re just trying to be considerate of us~."
I see. So my natural way of speaking is perceived as me being considerate and trying to be casual with them.
"That’s why we’re here~. Yuki-sama, you should just spend more time with us. If you increase the amount of private time you spend with us, I think you’ll start to feel more approachable~."
"I see. I’ll adopt that plan."
" "Eh?" "
Prof and Yayui are stunned, but I ignore it. If the tension hasn't faded with the time we’ve spent so far, then the only answer is to increase it. If time is the solution, then I’ll just spend more of it. It’s simple. There’s no "correct" answer for things like this, so it’s best to just resolve it or learn from experience. If it were a math equation, the answer would be set in stone.
Well, that’s what makes life fun, I suppose.