Chapter 41.1
Stage 2-10. Welcome To My Room
After deciding to join the student council, peaceful days continued to flow as if nothing had changed.
It’s that time of day when some students, full after lunch, are rubbing their eyes to fight off sleep, trying to focus.
There’s no time more boring in school life than during class.
For me, who spent my childhood cramming knowledge because I have no magical aptitude, this is all review.
So, what’s occupying my mind now is how to handle Reina and Mashiro from here on.
I’ve joined the student council, but let’s see it as a positive.
I’ll have more chances to interact with Reina, meaning more time to make my move.
It’s important to show her a better work environment to pull her to my side.
While financial stability is key, she doesn’t seem too concerned with material desires.
If I want to win her over, that’s the way to go.
First, I need to show her how I’m different from Flone.
The plan is simple: spoil Reina endlessly. I’ll stay by her side and create the environment she dreams of.
Once she signs that contract, she’s mine.
No need to worry—I’ve got plenty of funds.
Heh, is it this much fun to be the one extracting? I can’t help but grin.
“Ouga-kun, what are you thinking about…?”
“Just thinking a bit. I’ll tell you later.”
“Okay~.”
Curious, Mashiro tilts her head slightly, but then returns her attention to class.
Today again, Mashiro’s… no, Mashiro herself refocused on her studies quickly.
Since she comes from a commoner background, getting to learn magic must be exciting for her.
“Hmm…”
I should plan a special training camp at my family’s estate over the summer vacation.
At the same time, I’ll introduce Mashiro to my parents. And I’ll meet hers, too.
It’s a win-win-win, brilliant!
As for Karen, I’ll give her a new dress. Now that she’s freed from the Lebetzenka family’s curse, she doesn’t have a proper dress, given her history of wearing male attire.
I’ll have to ask her maid for her measurements.
Not for any impure reason, of course. It’s purely for the dressmaking process.
This plan to make them happy is crucial to luring Reina in.
Favoring new over old creates dissatisfaction.
If Mashiro or Karen starts feeling neglected in favor of Reina, that tension could explode.
I don’t want to take that risk.
Being born into a ducal family, I should use that privilege.
Now, Alice… I can’t quite figure out what she wants…
Asking her directly might be the quickest way.
Knowing Alice, she might just say something like, “I want to crush an evil lair.”
I’ll ask her when we’re alone.
“That’s all for today. If you have any questions, come to the faculty building after school.”
Right when I settle on my course of action, the final class ends.
The sound of chatter begins to fill the room.
“Phew! It’s lectures all day since the first period, I’m a bit worn out.”
Mashiro stretches her arms, loosening her stiff muscles.
That pose… not ideal.
“Mashiro, you’re very dedicated. Maybe that’s why your posture’s leaning forward a bit.”
“Huh? Really? I’ll have to be more careful from now on.”
In Mashiro’s case, it’s probably unavoidable.
With her large chest, it’s natural for her posture to be pulled forward by the weight.
“Posture affects many areas. You should be mindful of it. By the way, Mashiro, about what I mentioned earlier…”
“Huh? You can ask me anything, really!”
“What would make you happy if someone did it for you?”
“What would make me happy, from you, Ouga-kun!?”
“Yes. I’d like to use it as a reference, so please share.”
“That’s… pretty direct… Why ask so suddenly? You’ve been really forward lately.”
“I won’t deny that. But, could you forgive me for being like this?”
“Forgive you? I don’t mind at all! If anything, it makes me happy… umm, ehehe…”
Mashiro blushes, fidgeting with her fingers.
She’s just as adorable as ever.
“S-so, anything is fine?”
“As long as it’s within my power, of course.”
“Then, um… please don’t be weirded out?”
Mashiro takes a deep breath to calm herself.
Even though I try to keep a serious face, it’s hard to avoid glancing at her chest as she breathes.
“Well, um… I’d be happy if I could sleep over at your room, Ouga-kun…”
“A sleepover…?”
I see.
Spending the night together in the same space to deepen trust.
Certainly, what Reina and I lack is trust-building like that.
Though it might be difficult to allow it in my room due to regulations, if Mashiro, Karen, and Alice were there, Reina would probably feel more comfortable.
“Thank you, Mashiro. This gives me a way forward.”
“N-no problem… I’m really looking forward to it…”
“Yeah. I’ll invite Reina right after this.”
“Y-yeah, go ahead and invite the president… huh?”
“Hmm?”
Suddenly, a familiar cold air fills the room.
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