Part 1
3rd Person POV
"Gondul, how was it? Any useful information? My brother Frey has already found the few ones tampering with the tournament." Freya sighed. "I would like to put him to do something else so he does not chase me until the party from Nora."
Having noticed the presence of the goddess, Gondul glanced her way before looking back at the calcinated remains of Klaus. However, while she did it naturally, Gondul inwardly sweated at the way the goddess treated her brother. Nonetheless, she also did it to hide the expression she had that could've been noticed when she saw the entranced appearance of the goddess. Stealthy face palming, Gondul prayed that her granddaughter gets the cat already or things might get tricky.
Sighing, she stared one last time at the figure she burned alive while she took her revenge and extracted information.
"I got a few names of people and locations that are worth looking into. However, the most worrying matter is that this man worked for a crime that has been on a rampage but has never been seen before. The mage killer, Crest Robber. From the things I could in his body, this Ex-Einherjer had been granted low grades versions of various crests that many magicians and spell casters who had been missing were said to have. The way they were integrated into his body made it possible to repeat certain crests to increase their utility despite the low quality. Nonetheless, several modifications had been made on this man that he was unaware of, they worked to hide the side effects of carrying crests his body was not compatible with such as the decreasing life force his body presented. I reckon that his life expectancy wouldn't be high, and while I am not a doctor, I would give him a year at most before the crest caused a reaction and his body was not able to withstand them." Gondul calmly explained. "I am afraid that I was not able to dig more into it since they started to self-destruct all of sudden and he lost them completely in a matter of seconds. I would've loved to let masters in magic such as yourself take a look since you would've found more information than me. However, since he became useless in that matter, I killed him for personal reasons, my apologies, I have let my emotions take over for a moment there."
"Don't worry, I am not trying to blame you. It was thanks to you and that boy that we even found out about this so you have done more than enough." Freya replied. "Fumu, I see. Your report would be appreciated if you write a file as detailed as possible so handle that matter."
Staring at the remains with a mix of hostility and pity, Freya lamented that people that would've become warriors of Asgard became their enemies.
"Hmm, I wonder what they planned to do with the knowledge your granddaughter holds, Trihexa is not a topic that many would get interested in, not to mention, know of. I should have my brother speak Odin about it." Freya mumbled. "If they sought the knowledge even though she did not finish her investigation is worth mentioning too."
Snapping her fingers, Freya caused white flames as her hair consume what was left of the remains in front of her.
"Now, then... I have a party to prepare for so I will take my leave. I will pet- Ahem, I will use this opportunity to learn more about the boy who helps you, purely for academic reasons." Freya avoided looking at Gondul's deadpan expression before teleporting away.
Being left alone, Gondul felt troubled over what to retort.
"Nora... what did you do?" Gondul sighed tiredly.
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"AN INCREDIBLE VICTORY! A team that participated for the first time just took first place. Despite all the chaos and unexpected situations, I am pleased to announce Team White Rose as the winner!"
Using a cheery and excited tone, the commentator exclaimed. Trying to divert the public's attention from the gory spectacle caused by Klaus, she tried to hype the mood using the winner team to hype the mood. It was a tactic that worked wonderfully as many people were satisfied with the beating the boy gave to the Einherjer so people cheered despite the complex feelings the male camp had about the child.
Following the commentator's words, the spell that transmitted the tournament in the coliseum was cancelled and in the middle of the coliseum, the figures of Team White Rose were teleported. Being suddenly put in such a situation was something that would surprise anyone, that was what everyone's thought when they saw them appear, however, they did not expect the two female members of the group to stiffen and pass out, making their only active member to frantically catch them using his tails.
"Eh... well, Ladies and Gentlemen, it seems that the award ceremony won't start at once. *Cough* I think we will give the champions a bit of time to rest and sort out their feelings."
A little ashamed by the fed-up stare that the remaining member of Team White Rose was directed directly at her, the commentator exclaimed and the team was sent to rest for a few minutes.
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"Alright, Team White Rose has been revived again, we can proceed with the award ceremony. You guys won't believe it, but there has been a slight modification to the prize this time. Not only the first place will receive the opportunity but the team who got more points by defeating others also can hope to get offers from the various Gods of Asgard. For one reason or another, they seemed to be interested in this time's batch of competitors, starting with Team White Rose. However, given their status as Valkyries and one of the original prizes of the competition, two goddesses will have the privilege over other gods. Everyone, behold, the Goddesses Freya and Skadi!"
Entering the coliseum through different magic circles, the two goddesses made their appearances, wearing long dresses that accentuated their figures and brought out their charm, they showed dignity beyond what regular people could hope to accomplish just by standing there. An uproar among the public broke out, mainly from the male camp, although the female camp also showed signs of fanaticism.
Walking towards Team White Rose, the two goddesses strode slowly until the stiff figures of the female members and the relaxed figure of the male member were standing in front of them by four steps. Sharing a look with the team members one by one and slightly dragging on the boy, Skadi nodded before taking a step forward.
"Little ones, you have done well despite the numerous hardships you faced. I can see that you all are overflowing with talent, but without proper guidance, that talent could rust. Thus I came here to offer you an opportunity never seen before, I am looking for apprentices. Nonetheless, you are not obligated to choose me as a mentor, many gods find you promising so you can choose another one beside me. However, I must make this very clear. I will treat my apprentices very well, it is true you know? I offer many magic books for you to learn, there is a residence prepared in my castle for you to move, a flexible study schedule, and practical magic classes in a special space where you can test any magic you want." Skadi puffed out her rather voluptuous chest proudly.
Leaving speechless not only the commentator but even the public and the Team White Rose members except the boy who had a wry smile, Skadi started to speak in a loud but dignified voice at the beginning, it somehow transformed into some sort of sales pitch at the end. It was like the minds of the spectators became one at that moment and they came to a conclusion based on the rumours about the goddess called Skadi. She had never gotten a disciple so she was not aware of how to entice one to learn under her, not to mention that she was socially awkward. As soon as everyone understood that, they all shared a look and directed a warm look at the goddess who was doing her best but tried to act aloof on most occasions.
Failing to properly answer, the two female members hesitated before Nora lightly patted Rossweisse's back and she walked forward unconsciously.
"Fumu, a wonderful choice!" Skadi spoke proudly.
Everyone in the public wanted to retort that the poor girl did not choose by herself, but no one was heartless enough to point out such a thing when Skadi had a wide grin on her face.
"No, she has not chosen yet. I wanted her to talk to you for a bit before she decides so she does not regret it later. One thing is to have the opportunity to learn from a great master in your favourite field but compatibility is another matter." Nora interrupted.
Skadi's expression looked visibly shocked.
"Ice cream, you..." Skadi mumbled sadly.
Rolling his eyes at the way he was called, the boy glanced at Rossweisse.
"It'll ultimately rest on your shoulders. Don't look around, ignore all the people that are making you nervous. Right now, you only need to focus on Skadi-sama. Your pal Nur-san and I will be here for you, what is it that you seek? Think about it and consider how you might accomplish it." Nora looked at the visibly shocked Skadi and smiled. "That said, I think this gorgeous and dignified goddess is a good match for you. She is known as the Goddess of Winter and a Bow Hunter, a master of Ice magic above all, but that is her preference, she can use uncountable offensive spells as well."
Chuckling slightly when Skadi looked like she couldn't raise her chin proudly any higher, Nora looked at the still hesitating Nur who looked conflicted between Skadi and Freya who stared kindly at her.
No one dared to utter a word among the public, even the commentator looked with wonder at the spectacle in the coliseum. Immense curiosity drove everyone to shut their mouths, the way the boy spoke so easily to the goddesses who were incredibly hard to approach for different reasons made their wild imaginations work nonstop.
"I-I... hmmm, Nora..." Nur called out.
Scratching his head, the boy found it hard to ignore the look she was giving him. For any male, it would tickle their hearts if such a cute girl called out to them with clear expectations, making their minds imagine countless scenarios but the boy looked slight reluctant to answer her, yet he was unable to ignore her when strode closer and lightly pulled his clothes that had seen better days.
"*Sigh* Honestly, I would've loved it if you decided by yourself, but I guess that speaking to your friends can help you conclude." Nora smiled wryly.
Looking at the relieved expression the petite Valkyrie had, the boy pointed at the other goddess in the area.
"Let me introduce you to this alluring goddess behind me, her three sizes are- ouch, I was joking so lower that book. Man, even though I tried to ease the mood, you get violent like that. Be grateful that I am a very forgiving cat." Nora rubbed his head and ignored the few laughs coming from the spectators. "The goddess Freya-sama, she is known as the Goddess of Beauty, Love, and Fertility, but she is also known as a master magician and master of Seidhr, a special magic that can be related to telling and shaping the future," Nora said. "Ah, no, Skadi-sama, don't pout, I only added this much because she asked me too, if you have anything else you are good at, I can announce it."
Mid explanation, the boy had to pacify Skadi whose mood had soured. However, she simply pouted and looked the other way with puffed cheeks. Their familiarity caused several speculations to go around the spectators' minds.
"A super ice cream, a large cone that can easily fit over 10 portions of different flavours..." Nora muttered.
"Our relationship is unbreakable, I was just testing that. I was not angry, not angry at all... that is why... you know... that cone...?" Skadi's attitude did a complete turnover as she fawned on the boy.
Except for the boy and the goddesses, everyone else had their mouths gaping open in surprise.
"I will make you two of those." Nora nodded.
"Fufun." Skadi clenched her fist happily.
"Now now, do leave your mouth open like that, you might look pretty no matter what expression you make, but a fly could fly in." Nora kindly closed his team member's mouths.
Shaking her head to get out of her stupor, Nur glance at Rossweisse who was staring at Skadi with a serious expression and she hesitated. Her eyes would drift over to Freya then back to Rossweisse and even Nora.
"You know you don't have to follow her every step, right? Just like the precious valkyrie want to move forward, you also should do it, but do it with the thing that fits you the most. Even if your paths branch here, it is not like you will never see each other again, Heck, if you guys try to take distance from one another, I will drag you from wherever you are trying to hide and make you meet each other, no matter where you are, no matter what is impeding it. You have my words... ah, that is kind of embarrassing, anyways, just go to that alluring goddess already, you want to go there, aren't you?" Nora gently patted her head.
Nur did as he and parted with his hand to stand beside Freya, much like Rossweisse did with Skadi. Nodding at that, the boy sighed.
"Alright, that is a good ending, now I would like to go and treat the people who got hurt...." Nora looked left and right.
Seeking someone who would teleport him out of the coliseum, he only got blank stares no matter where he looked.
"...Participant Nora, are you saying that you are not choosing any of the goddesses there to teach you?"
The commentator could not help but voice out what everyone was thinking.
"Uh, no?" Nora tilted his head. "Ah, thank you for being understanding before, these children are quite shy. Now that I see you, you look very young and your beauty is easy to notice from my place, to host this tournament you must be quite capable."
The commentator giggled at his words and everyone around her commented about the silly grin that formed on her face so she woke up from her silliness quickly.
Looking extremely disappointed, the goddesses dropped their shoulders, even their new disciples looked visibly disappointed.
"...you have any another God that is not present that you have in mind? Many gods and goddesses have shown a keen interest in you so you have a wide range of options you can choose from."
The commentator added and that caused many to nod in understanding. The boy had shown an incredible display in the tournament but that was physical might, perhaps the goddesses who focused on magic did not interest him.
"...Who dares to take ice cream...? No, if I take that god down I could get ice cream again...?" Skadi mumbled.
"...My fluffy paradise always lacked something... now I found it... who is responsible for this?" Freya murmured.
A scary black aura enveloped the goddesses that sent down a chill to all the gods and goddesses who were watching that.
"Ah, I see. I guess you guys misunderstood. I am not getting a new teacher, yeah, not from these two or any other god. As soon as I finish hosting the party I promised, I will go back home. Yeah." Nora nonchalantly said.
"Eh?" "What?" Huh?" "What did he just say?" "Mom, please don't go to the party." "He is leaving? I need his contact info."
His words caused a myriad of reactions from everyone, but they all were surprised. Nonetheless, it was hard to say who was more surprised, yet one look at Rossweisse and Nora would've given her the number one shocked face spot.
Part 2
MC's POV
Sighing again, I lower my phone, having finished a phone call just now. I had to rent another hall beside the one I had already prepared. For some strange reason, I do not understand, not only the valkyries and einherjar but even their family members will attend. I mean, the lady who was commenting during the tournament self-invited herself and since she reeks like a lonely-woman-who-is-past-her-twenties-because-she-wanted-to-focus-on-her-job-but-now-that-she-is-looking-for-a-man-she-had-difficulties-to-find-one, I thought it was sad so I let her come to see if she can catch a guy. It is strange given that she is a cutie, but I will wholeheartedly support her. That said, those family members that practically forced me to let them attend were the issue, the over-enthusiastic young-looking women who had some guy tearfully apologizing behind them were the most suspicious, but they turned out to be the mother and sister of the valkyries and Einherjer so I simply accepted it. There was no harm for me, right? That is why I agreed to exchange contact information with all of them so they could coordinate their attendance because many offered to show me their culinary skills.
Standing idly in front of the place I originally rented, I had a pair behind me who had complex expressions and a crestfallen mood. After helping their senpais with their wounds and exchanging contact info for some reason, decided to focus on the party, so I had come to take a look around, but I can't ignore the depressing duo any longer.
"Nora-kun... will you leave us?" Rossweisse-san pitifully inquired.
Sighing was the only thing I could do, the tearing pain in my heart was only proof of how attached to these two I got. It could also be a heart attack though.
"You should know that I would have to go back at some point, I had stayed longer than I originally planned already so it is about time I go back, my cats at home might just forget my face if I don't show up soon." I sighed.
While I know that it not going to happen, I can't help but feel guilty over my long absence. I am also worried about the other children, Akiko in particular, she and Artoria wouldn't have started fights of life and death, would they? Alice would've done something since I asked her to watch over her sister.
"But... it is so abrupt..." Nur-san muttered.
Guh, those puppy eyes are a self-taught technique but they are pretty high-levelled, and the way she tugged my clothes was unfair.
"Now, now, I am not going to disappear forever, you guys can come to visit me anytime as well. This is not goodbye so come here and give ol' Nora a hug." I spread my arms wide.
I meant that as a joke, but I did not expect that the two threw themselves at me. I was sincerely shocked, but just hugged them tightly just like they did to me, the softness on my face was a little distracting but I was very happy because I got to make these kinds of friends and they reciprocate my friendship.
"My house is your house, you can stay there whenever you want." I offered.
I failed to get an answer from the two, but the way they hugged me tighter, I knew they had listened to me. My mind had idle thoughts such as how interesting would be if they met my girls at home.
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Until the next day, I had been busy in the evening fixing things in the other hall, bringing people to enhance the place in case a fight broke out, taking the girls home and tugging them into bed not before checking them in case I had not healed something before, certain details that could be seen as minor but took time since they wouldn't fall asleep if I did not stay with them so we all slept in the living room after we brought their mattresses and put them on the floor. At night, I hear some explosions as I received a straight punch from a sleepy Nur-san, I was kind of worried about what happened but being dragged to Rossweisse-san's bosom did not let me much freedom so I drifted to the dreamland in a superb comfortable position.
Waking up early in the morning, I was still in heaven so I thought I could just enjoy myself some more but the deadpan look that Nur-san who had woken up and was staring deeply at me caused me to feel guilty. I tried to offer her my chest so she could rest her head for a while until the precious valkyrie woke up but she refused. With extreme care that I must praise myself for, I parted with the softness after raising my willpower enough to resist the temptation to just lay there again. I tried to deny it, but my mind felt pity, paring with Rossweisse-san's bosom made me feel like I should go down the harem route, but I quickly shook my head. I did consider it a shame that she might end up with someone else but despite the unbound jealousy I felt, I did think she deserved to date whoever she desired instead of being forced to marry a guy like me who is into someone else.
Leaving Rossweisse-san to sleep some more and Nur-san who locked herself in her room, I went outside for some fresh air and-
"So that explosion was caused by you? Are you ok? If you are hurt I can hurry over and..." I spoke in a concerned tone.
After I took a good distance from Rossweisse-san's place, I set s simple barrier to keep any sound from leaking out of it. I contacted Gondul-san, she immediately responded by telling me about the things that were happening on her side.
"No need, it was a little surprising that they chose to blow themselves up after locking themselves in that company for festivities, but no one was hurt. Thanks to you talking to those goddesses, they put more effort into catching the responsible for the whole mess. Among the Einherjers there was quite the number of traitors so they will be under investigation for a while." Gondul-san said from the phone. "It is a shame that many were blinded by jealousy for the valkyries and they had schemed to harm and kidnap them as well. There are more tricky details that I can't speak about given the nature of them but I can at least tell you that no one will target our Rose again for her investigation for the time being, although she mustn't publish it since it could attract uncanny individuals again."
Sighing in relief, I felt gladdened by that news. However, I had a few things I had to retort to.
"Don't feel troubled over telling me that kind of stuff, I am just happy if that klutz can enjoy a peaceful life." I expressed my honest thoughts. "That said, using 'our' Rose, that is not accurate. Rossweisse-san is not mine."
There was a long pause over that side of the call but the conversation soon continued.
"*Sigh* It will be like that after all, huh. You are the perfect husband material for that girl so I was hoping you guys left things vague for a couple of years until you finally couldn't hold back your lust and attacked her then you had no other choice but to marry her." Gondul-san muttered an outrageous thing. "My second plan consisted of having you two start dating on the future and happily marrying, but that girl is a late bloomer so she would not go after you and she might hesitate unless you firmly ask her out. That said, you also seem like you will be plagued by women so it would be difficult to ask her out."
I wonder if Rossweisse-san would get angry if I use Kasen-san's sword to smack some sense into this old lady.
Ah, whatever.
"You should know that the girl does not like me, I am just a guy who appeared out of nowhere for some crazy promise that none of us even made." I sighed deeply. "She deserves to have a choice, from the bottom of my heart, that is what I believe. Please let her choose her partner, that way, she will be the happiest."
Another long silence followed.
"...you might regret it, you know that?" Gondul-san spoke in a serious tone.
"I am well aware of it, yet I won't change my mind. I came here for that reason and I... will not hesitate." I mumbled. "Let her have that paper where the promise was written, I will also speak to her before leaving. She can't deal with that paper later."
"You are one of the biggest fools I have met." Gondul-san's tone seemed to condemn me. "But you truly have that girl's well-being in your heart. Alright, I will let her decide. I had continued with this so she could gain a bit of experience in dealing with males so I guess I got a little too excited when you seemed to suit so well for each other. Nonetheless, Nora... I will give her that paper, the choice of what to do will rest on her shoulders as you asked, however, I will warn you as your senior in life, if you truly want to end a relationship with someone, you shouldn't use excuses... because they will become regrets in the future. Regardless of the choice that girl takes, I will not tell you, you lost that right."
I felt uncomfortable, to be honest, this whole situation made me feel bad. My heart felt like it was squeezed, but I did not back down. That said, I knew I was being a coward, I did not need someone else to tell me that. I was afraid of hurting her in the future, I love Yasaka-san, and despite the common sense of this world is different, would someone as pathetic as me be able to make more than one woman happy? Do I have what it takes? While I had not developed romantic feelings for the valkyrie, I did not doubt I would do so in the future, she is that attractive as an individual, not to mention physically. I am already troubled over the catgirl's ever-growing affection, and I can't forget the pair from the Himejima Clan, Akeno, and Suzaku. I might be a little arrogant for thinking this but none of them is the type to give up easily so I got the feeling that I would hurt them.
"However, Nora... what if acting like this now causes her to act in a way that you can't even imagine?" Gondul-san's tone went from her serious tone to a more laid-back one, slightly mischievous even. "My Rose is an amazing girl, she will surely surprise in you the future, hahaha."
Ending the call unilaterally, the older lady just said some concerning things but I could not ask back anything before she hung up on me.
"She must've been joking, yeah..." I convinced myself of that.
Checking the time, it seemed that I spent a bit more than initially estimated here so I should head back to feed the valkyries.
With naive thoughts, I did not expect that some of the things that the older lady muttered would trouble me so soon.
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"Ah, sorry. We arrived too early because we wanted to express our thanks but... huh? Why the long faces?" Eira-san muttered.
Entering the hall in the building where the party was going to be, the voluptuous valkyrie was not alone but she brought her friend, the taciturn Hilda-san. Eira was wearing a black skirt and a white blouse that failed to hide certain things, things that stood proudly, having her long hair tied in a bun. It was a simple choice of clothes but she was charming enough to make it look like a great choice, and she looked like an intellectual beauty. On the other hand, Hilda-san was wearing a pair of tight short pants blue jean style that left a lot of her thighs exposed, but she also had black stocking hanging on her legs, a short-sleeved red crop top that exposed her belly. The colour combination suited her well given the red bang on her hair and blue eyes.
Blankly staring at the two who arrived, I lost myself describing their charming looks to escape reality for a bit.
"There is a bit of an issue and he has been like this for while, jeez, pull yourself together." Rossweisse-san gently shook my shoulders.
The precious valkyrie was wearing some tight-fitting blue jeans along with an aqua-tinged one shoulder long sleeve knit sweeter, none of them could hide the curves on her body and I was sure that if she went out and stood on the sidewalk, she would attract 11 out 10 people passing by.
Sighing again, I dropped my shoulders. How could this be?
The two pretty valkyries walked over to the table I was sitting at along with Rossweisse-san.
"Is there something we can do? We owe you our lives so we will do anything we can if you are facing troubles." Eira-san straightforwardly offered.
Nodding beside her, Hilda-san clenched her fist cutely. It almost made me forget those huge claws she used to fight.
"It is over..." I mumbled.
"Is it that serious?" Eira-san furrowed her eyebrows.
Before Rossweisse-san managed to explain, the doors to the hall opened and Nur-san came in.
"It is no good, just like they told us, the company that was destroyed by an explosion last night, the general public was told that it was a gas leak, but the way things were dealt with indicates the supernatural side. I went personally to check some other companies but they did not dare to take upon that job with such a short time limit." Nur-san dropped her shoulders.
The petite valkyrie was wearing a one-piece light green short dress that adjusted to her petite and lite figure nicely, below she had some black stockings being kept in place by a garter belt of the same colour, I know because I 'accidentally' saw it. I will leave the rest to your imagination, but let me tell you that below that dress is hidden a very adult-like charm. That tsundere valkyrie is quite bold when she tries.
"Ah... Then the party is going to be cancelled or moved to another day?" Eira-san asked.
The look on the valkyries faces looked despondent, they seemed to have been looking forward to this party. It made me shudder in fear, and there must be some guy wondering why but that is because they have failed to understand a fundamental problem. Right now, I have four valkyries lovely valkyries here who look sad, but that number will increase soon, exponentially. The ones I am looking at are very understanding, but what about the others? They are not only waiting for food but the possibility to hook up with some guy. Of course, I am sure someone might just think 'then you just have to hook up with all of them' I have to say... are you insane? I just had an issue while pushing away Rossweisse-san for a serious reason, what about a frivolous one? Besides, I am not to their liking, I don't have anything of the things they are looking for in a guy, heck, I am not even handsome.
"Too bad, if we had known with anticipation, we could've booked with other stores for the food..." Nur-san shook her head regretfully. "Who is paying anyways? Is it Skadi or Freya? It seemed like a lot of money was spent."
"I paid it by myself, I was going to use my money..." I furrowed my eyebrows as I responded half-heartedly.
Wait a moment.
"Eh? Really? I thought it was a joke..." Nur-san widened her eyes.
I also got surprised reactions from the Eira-Hilda duo.
"I might just be able to pull this... Ah! Nur-san! I love you! Haha!" I smiled.
Standing up, I strode right in front of Nur-san and hugged tightly. I ignored the few surprised gasps that for some reason were heard and spun on the stop while lifting the petite valkyrie.
"W-Wait an m-moment, things should be done in order, too soon for this... Ah, don't spin too fast, they are going to see under my dress, Nora, you idiot!" Nur-san soft hands hit my back.
I could've sworn that while I was spinning I saw the other valkyries having mixed emotions on their faces, jealousy, and surprise, low mutterings like 'so bold' or 'that is just a string' tickled my cat ears but I ignored those.
"You are a genius, if I was not certain that I would receive a beating after kissing you, I would do so right now. You just saved my life." I muttered as I pulled away from her. "You know what? Who cares!"
"W-Wait, I-I need to make mental preparations, I wanted a more romantic place..." Nur-san blushed.
"Were those her victory panties?" "Can those even be called that with so little cloth?" "N-Nora-kun is attacking Nur..." Eira-san, Hilda-san and Rossweisse-san spoke in turns.
Not minding that, I snickered and after lifting her chin... I kissed her on her cheek.
"Eh?"
I heard the confusion in the voice of all the girls but I once again I ignored that. I was brimming with fighting spirit, I had this.
Leaving Nur-san who looked strangely at a loss and Rossweisse-san who looked at her friend with a complicated expression, I turned to the two other valkyries in the room. I held their hands brought them closer to me.
"You girls said... that would do 'anything for me', didn't you?" I smiled.
Not sure by they blushed and avoided my eyes. Perhaps it is because holding hands is considered lewd for the valkyries, maybe instead of warrior maidens, I should consider them a whole new species altogether, a shy creature whose life purpose is to find a man, they have high girl power sometimes, they are beautiful but they are too addicted to work that they forget their objectives, they are said to haunt bars and drink until late at night, spending their free times trying to fall in love... I guess warrior maidens does not sound so bad, but why is it that I feel like crying?
"M-Maybe? But, I would like a date first? That is not much to ask... r-right?" Eira-san's collected self was nowhere to be seen.
"..." Hilda-san just scratched her cheek bashfully.
"Please, lend me a hand," I asked. "I want to make all the food, I recall there was a large kitchen in the building, go to this place and rent the whole building while you are there, use this card here, I think it has more than enough money. Take this one if you need more, as soon as you finish with that, you need to make others for this, this, and... this."
Pulling some credit and debit cards from my pouch, I handed them over to the confused pair before I pulled a notepad and began writing whatever I would need.
"My side will buy the rest we might need, I don't have a death wish so non-alcoholic drinks... that's it." I nodded in a satisfied manner.
"Nora-kun, you are not thinking about cooking all that... right?" Rossweisse-san hesitantly asked.
"Lies... there are going to be hundreds of people coming over..." Nur-san who still looked absent-minded mumbled.
"No matter how amazing you are... that is a bit..." Eira-san had a troubled smile on her face.
I guess I need to convince them first.
"If he said he can do it, he will do it. I believe in him, he is a hero." Hilda-san spoke.
Before I could use my BS skills, the taciturn valkyrie spoke on my behalf. Someone that I did not expect to defend me, no, to even speak just said several things that showed her support, don't mention the girls, even I was surprised. She looked resolutely at me until... her eyes landed on our hands held together and she blushed again and looked away.
"I am the one who believes the most in him." Rossweisse-san's voice burned with some fighting spirit. "I was just confirming, just confirming, I am Nora-kun's closest friend so of course, I believe in his words."
After saying that, she pulled the hand I using to hold Hilda-san and dragged me away.
"Of course, I would believe in my team members, Nora is a little cheeky but we are also friends, yes, the three of us are 'friends'." Nur-san tried to hint something before she took my other hand, the one I used to hold Eira-san, and dragged me away along with Rossweisse-san.
What has gotten into these two?
"Hehe, being with you guys sure is fun. I won't lose though, I think we are also his 'friends' already, isn't that right? Hilda." Eira-san stood up and strode our way with swift steps. "Anything my saviour asks, I will fulfil, I repay my debts the double, you know?"
Passing me, she winked at me before striding past us, the following was the silent Hilda who waved at us before passing by.
...
...
...
"I honestly had my doubts despite your confidence and following along you guys, but you truly did it. I can't believe you managed to single-handedly cook so much food." Eira-san was amazed but an exhausted voice came from beside me.
The party had started on time, the schedule did not suffer any delays so my cat lives that magically replenish every day (Otherwise I could not die so many times) will be enough given that I won't be pursued by angry valkyries. Watching with a smile as Rossweisse-san blended into a group of valkyries and chatted happily along with Nur-san.
"I owe it all to you guys, getting the ingredients were of absolute priority along with getting to use the kitchen. Thankfully, I remembered to have that company send the waitresses to help organize things..." I sighed. "So, why are you here? I thought you would be with that group trying to get to know some guys- Ah, it hurts! Don't pinch my back..."
"I feel like you are suggesting things..." Eira-san directed a smile (?) my way.
Fearing for my life, I zipped my mouth.
The place in question could be said an area where Einherjers and Valkyries were hanging around and trying to chat, I must repeat the word 'trying' because it is important. Putting aside the incredibly low number of Einherjers given the ratio of Valkyries, many of those were the fathers and brothers of the already assisting valkyries. It seemed that what Gondul-san words were true, many Einherjers were under investigation. I was sure that not everyone was guilty but there might be quite the number. That said, why are those guys glaring at me like I killed their whole families?
"You joke around too much." Eira-san sighed exasperatedly. "I will take your compliment though... by the way, are you ok like that?"
Moving my hands, I focused on my current task. Around us, there was a space that people did not dare to get close to for a reason.
"These ears... are amazing!" Freya-sama's voice sounded on cloud-nine. "Ah, but the tails are not easy to ignore... hehe."
Behind me, and rubbing my tails and ears in a manner close to sexual harassment, was Freya-sama, the goddess of beauty, who might certainly make others reconsider calling her that. Her presence alone caused people to stay away, and while normally she is extremely friendly, when she find a portable cat she released a 'do not bother me or I will murder you' aura as explained why some people. The only people exception to that rule are my valkyries close friends, Rossweisse-san and Nur-san are rather obvious, but why Eira-san and Hilda-san who just arrived with a plate filled with ingredients? Well, they will learn under Freya too.
"How long will it take? Should I lend you a hand? I freeze using my magic..." Skadi-sama's voice couldn't hide how eager she was.
Glaring at the goddess who cowered and took a step back, I took the milk and strawberries from the plate Hilda-san brought them in and under the curious eyes of the valkyrie, I grabbed all the strawberries and put them on the special plate I carefully prepared using the new inscription magic from the magic book I 'found' in the treasure chest, under the cooling effect of the plate, the strawberries began freezing slowly so I took a pair of palette knives and began using the edges to turn the fruits (which are technically not fruits but explaining would take too long) into a juicy mess, adding milk occasionally, I soon end up with... Ice cream. Taking a cone from the plate of ingredients, I filled it up and before handing it to the drooling Skadi-sama, using a handkerchief to wipe that drool, I stopped her from eating it which earned me a pitiful whine, but when she saw I took some chocolate chips and added it to her ice cream, she smiled so bright I was almost blinded.
"Ah! I can die at peace..." Skadi-sama mumbled after tasting the ice cream.
Please don't, who will teach my girl, urgh, who will teach Rossweisse-san if you do.
"So, why are you guys around here instead of chatting with the others?" I asked.
Idly cleaning Skadi-sama's mouth whenever she made a mess, and preparing the next ice cream, I thought of chatting, while ignoring the touches of the pervert- I mean, goddess behind me.
"We were supposed to be protecting you from them." Eira-san pointed somewhere.
Different from the shy valkyries trying to chat with some Einherjers, there was an area where only women were located and they would glance my way every so often. They were all attractive women and some of them had similarities to the people they were chatting with, if I am not wrong, they were the mothers and sisters of many valkyries, along there were several valkyries who did not seem interested in the einherjers.
"Protect me? From what?" I inquired.
As far as I recall, they were very friendly with me, and it was the father and brothers of the valkyries who showed hostility. Those women even invited me to their homes countless times with text messages to visit their houses to show me their gratitude. I declined given the short window of time I will remain here.
"You have to ask?" Eira-san raised an eyebrow.
"I feel like you are trying to get somewhere." I raised my eyebrow.
Giggling helplessly Eira-san shook her head, I even heard Hilda-san doing that.
"You are the shapest in a fight but I think I found your weakness," Eira-san muttered.
Pulling something from a place I can't mention aloud, she took my hand and handed me a ring.
"Sorry, you are-" I shook my head.
"If you mention something about me asking for marriage, I will get angry." Eira-san smiled coldly. "This is a special ring, if you feed it with magical energy, it will form a small shield of energy. It is probably not much but I hope it helps you if you are in danger."
Widening my eyes, I got surprised by this gift.
"This is from me, this one can help you turn invisible for a short moment by doing the same thing. If you feel like running, it should come in handy." Hilda-san put another ring on my hand.
Red for Eira-san and blue from Hilda-san, following the theme of their eyes, two brand new rings rested on my hands. It left me speechless for a second and I did not know what to say to these two.
"Don't put that face, you saved our lives back there, these are just a small token containing our gratitude," Hilda-san spoke.
These two valkyries seemed shy but looked at me in the eye for a while, I could only smile wryly and accept their gratitude.
"Thanks..." I said.
Smiling back at me, they turned around and left. Soon, Nur-san came and took me away, ignoring Skadi-sama and Freya-sama's complaints, she just took me out of the party hall.
...
...
...
"You are leaving..." Nur-san looked at her feet.
"I have something to do at Rossweisse-san's place before leaving but yeah," I muttered.
Having taken me to a terrace, the girl had to lead me to a secluded area. Wait, could it be that she plans to attack me and take advantage of my young body?
"I wonder why I felt the need to hit your head hard..." Nur-san narrowed her eyes at me.
Sharp.
"Here." Nur-san extended her hand forward.
Standing in front of me, her hands were covered with a small magic circle and a small book rested on top of her hands.
"I can't afford anything expensive like those two, but I wrote this, they are some of my favourites spells, nothing fancy or showy. They are mostly debuff and silly magic spells like Slip, but... hmmm... I thought you might... no, never mind, forget it. It is too lame... forget I said anything." Nur-san tried to hide the book.
Nevertheless, I took it from her shaky hands, it was like she said, debuffs and things that did not deal direct damage, but that did not diminish the value this small book held. Lame? Not at all, there were close to 100 pages here, and they were filled to the brink with the spells and many notes that helped you understand their principle and advice to learn them, everything, was handwritten.
Avoiding my eyes, the petite valkyrie stayed in place.
"Thank you, I will treasure it," I muttered. "I will even make it my family heirloom, this book will come with me everywhere, I will even sleep with it."
"Geeez, idiot." Nur-san smiled. "When you leave, don't be a stranger, do not forget we are friends ok?"
"Yup, we will always be." I nodded. "Although being friend-zoned like this feels sad..."
Nur-san flashed me a bright smile before leaving, it seemed my joke was a good one.
As soon as she left, the last boss made her appearance.
"Hey..." I called out.
"Hey to you too," Rossweisse-san muttered.
Step by step, she walked until she was beside me, in silence we both stared at the sky that had darkened already. I had not even noticed that we spent so much time at the party. Somehow things were getting ready in there, but since I had a more important matter to deal with, I ignored it. A while later, I would come to regret my decision, but it would be too late.
I had to deal with way too much today for a simple party. I have decided, I will goddamn make a company that handles events like this not go through this ordeal again. Having a burning ambition in my heart distracted me enough not to notice when the valkyrie used her captivating aqua orbs to stare at me. I was slight at a loss for words, I must admit that I felt drawn to them, but my mind loves to mess up with me and I imagined Rossweisse-san crying because I end up hurting her because I was not good enough. My heart started to beat faster and my breathing got in disarray for a second, but I pulled myself together. Getting rid of any strange ideas I had when those eyes of her almost made me think of something absurd.
"You ok?" Rossweisse-san asked in concern.
I simply shook my head and looked away.
"You were looking for me?" I inquired.
"Hmm, I was." Rossweisse-san took something from her pocket. "I fixed it for you."
The pendant I had the Magatama attached to had been restored, I recall that the string had been snapped by the bastard Klaus. On a closer look, it seemed the same string, she had truly fixed it.
"Thank you, you did a very good job, if I had not seen when it was torn, I wouldn't even notice it was fixed." I praised.
"Hehe, it was nothing." Rossweisse-san laughed bashfully.
That said, this traitorous magatama had spent since yesterday until today on the precious valkyrie's hands, it suddenly jumped onto her hands and started to shine occasionally during the day and night. I do not know what this thing was up to but it did not seem malicious so I did not interfere.
"Rossweisse-san, we need to talk." I motioned her to a large bench located a few steps away from our position, and she followed me.
Perhaps noticing my serious tone, Rossweisse-san's smile faded, it made me feel bad but-
"Rossweisse-san, you know why I came to meet you and Gondul-can, right?" I took a seat and Rossweisse-san sat at hair length from me, despite the large area she could've rested her buttock on.
"The engagement..." Rossweisse-san responded.
"I want to annul the engagement, I think you deserve something better than a silly promise made by two drunkards," I muttered. "You have a bright future and a girl like you can surely get any man she desires, you just need to have confidence in yourself."
I resisted the impulse to say that everything was a joke when I saw her expression crumble.
"...am I that bad of a choice?" Rossweisse-san sadly said. "Even a child is breaking up with me, we did not even date and..."
Before her eyes got tearier than now, I had to fix this.
"THERE IS NO WAY THAT IS TRUE, ROSSWEISSE-SAN IS ONE OF THE LOVELIEST PEOPLE I KNOW." I raised my voice. "You are a hard worker, always doing your best, you are humble and gentle, I know that you might think it is simply flattery but I guarantee that I am speaking from the bottom of my heart and my words are honest. You also are attractive, you know? Everything about you makes you the dreamed girl."
Take out a handkerchief, a clean one, mind you. I wouldn't use the same I used on Skadi-sama, I wiped the tears that had formed on this poor girl.
"Then... why?" Rossweisse-san timidly asked.
I sighed heavily at this.
"Rossweisse-san, you can't be bound by me," I said. "I don't want you to believe that you have to follow what others tell in regards to the partner of your life. You can decide that, no, it is up to you to do so."
The valkyrie stared at me in silence.
"Nora-kun..." Rossweisse-san eyes held complex feelings. "Did you plan to never see me again?"
"No, I would never do that. I want to continue being friends with you, I want the best for you, but I wish to be part of your future." I replied. "So don't put that abandoned puppy face, you have my contact information, I also told you where I live and how to find me. What else do you want? The GPS location of my room? You perverted girl..."
"Moo, take this seriously, hehe." Rossweisse-san giggled in a good mood.
Sighing in relief, I relaxed a bit more. She is taking this better than I thought.
"That is why, let us cut the engagement, sounds good? We can still be friends, best buddies." I muttered. "Well, the paper containing the signed promise is on Gondul-san's hands so feel free to tear it apart."
"Hmm." Rossweisse-san simply nodded.
"Well, I won't lie to you. It feels like a waste to let such a beautiful maiden go, but since the beautiful maiden does not like me, I can only hope she finds a man worthy of her beauty." I jested.
Using exaggerated movements, I gestured my regret, and that brought a smile to her face.
"Nora-kun, you joke too much." Rossweisse-san reproached me but she seemed to be having fun.
"That's it, a smile suits you better than anything..." I murmured in a low tone of voice.
A loud crash made me put my attention on the party again and I quickly took out some knives while using my ability to check what kind of enemies invaded the party but-
"Who the heck brought alcohol?" I facepalmed. "Rossweisse-san, I am sorry to cut our conversation like this, there is ruckus inside."
Before anything else happened, I went back.
In hindsight, I should've done two things at that instant. One, I should've had seen the expression the valkyrie had when she listened to my murmurs, ones I thought she did not hear, and two, I should've stayed to continue convincing her because, in the future, I came to know that unless I fully convince this girl, she is bound to be a tad bit rebellious.
--------------------------------
3rd Person POV
Covering her face with her palms, the valkyrie felt extremely embarrassed, after she heard his murmur, Rossweisse did not pay attention to anything else the boy said.
The words he said were too much, or so she thought, Rossweisse could only think that he was amazing for saying such embarrassing things so easily. Usually, he would say that it was a joke after she became a blushing mess, she knows that he has that kind of hobby, but he never said it was a joke, nonetheless, he had to leave urgently, but... when he spoke, he did it so she could not hear. Speaking in murmurs, it looked like he did it unconsciously and those were his honest thoughts... she could remember the gentle smile he had back then and it gave her strange and foreign feelings that she could not quite understand but-
"'That's it, a smile suits you better than anything, how could you do something like that so easily? Geez, now I feel all strange..." Rossweisse mumbled. "The engagement... will not proceed, it should be what I originally was seeking for. To one day marry my perfect boyfriend after years of dating, have a stable job, and h-have children, finally forming a family."
Resting her hands on her chest, the valkyrie directed her gaze at the moon.
"Yet, there is this tedious feeling plaguing my chest," Rossweisse muttered in a melancholic tone. " Likewise, Nora will also be free from the engagement. With his likeable personality, looks, and high homely skills, girls would go all over him, and eventually, he'll find someone-"
Having these kinds of thoughts made her chest uncomfortable. She didn't know the reason, but it's like someone is squeezing her chest and didn't like it, she did not like it at all. However, Rossweisse could not understand why she felt like that, her actions had been the right thing to do, or so she believes.
"Dear moon, do you know what is bothering me?" Rossweisse spoke.
Chuckling at her actions, she thought that it must've seen silly for anyone who saw her, and luckily she was alone. A shriek that contained blatant fear was heard and Rossweisse cocked her head, clearly confused.
"Just know..." Rossweisse directed her gaze at the hall. "Wasn't that Nora-kun...? No, he is incredibly brave, he wouldn't..."
"NOOOO! THAT PLACE IS OFF LIMITS....! Ah..."
Blinking for a moment, the valkyrie did not know what to think when she heard his voice. She was aware of one thing, if someone else's life was at stake, he would not scream like that, so it must only be him who is in danger, but judging by the giggling that she heard from a large number of women, he should be ok. That said, Rossweisse decided to go and take a look.
Unaware, Rossweisse did not notice that despite being worried, the melancholy she felt had lessened since she was going to meet the cat. The girl would still take a while before she realizes that.
----------------------------
MC's POV
"WE ARE SORRY! PLEASE DON'T HATE US!"
A large chorus reverberated in the hall and the ones who caused this were all sitting in seiza in front of me.
I could only sigh at this view. Teary-eyed, more Valkyries than I would like to admit, were offering me their heartful apologies (?) after I reprimanded them harshly.
Changing to another Haori with a snap of my fingers, I kept the smug smile creeping on my face hidden. I felt unnecessarily proud of using that particular magic spell so easily. However, I still thought it looked cool.
Ignoring the disappointed sighs of regret, I considered leaving those Valkyries in that position for a bit longer so they learn their lesson.
To understand what happened, let us all call Flashback-sensei.
-Flashback Starts
As the chaos took over and I stepped inside the room. I felt a chill run down my back like never before. Every valkyrie's eyes got directed at me.
"He is right there..."
"He looks lovelier..."
"I recalled, back then he was the only one who was brave enough..."
"A brave man..."
"Hehe, he won't get scared like the fools back there..."
What is the name of the heavenly cat is going on?
While I was gone, the number of people here got reduced somewhat. However, what baffled me was something else entirely.
Why are the Einherjer crouching in a corner and crying?
Why are some of those families fighting over things like the money?
That guy over there is even tearing up as he is giving an explanation to his wife over every single cent he has used. The one close to him is telling his wife that he will work harder and won't let some rich kid beat him.
I smell chaos, in a great amount. The valkyries trying to fix their looks and glancing my way are giving an incredible sense of danger.
Just in time when I was wondering what the heck should I do, Eira-san came closer, carrying a sleepy Hilda-san on her back.
They reeked of alcohol, but she looked sober enough.
"Sorry, they learned that you are rich." Eira-sanapologized.
Huh?
"I am not rich," I replied.
Rolling her eyes, Eira-san seemed to not believe me.
"No, you are. Those credit cards were crazy, they never hit the limit." Eira-san said.
Yasaka-san... what did you do? That big breasted and beautiful kitsune, I kept the bank account for my original novels separated from the other ones, but she must've mixed them up again. Damn, those guardianship rights, she is a bully.
No, to begin with, how did those warrior maidens find out? I stared with a scrutinizing look at Eira-san but she hastily shook her head.
"I kept my mouth shut and Hilda as well, although..." Eira-san glanced in a certain direction.
Laying sleeping on a table, all curled up like a cat, using a tablecloth as a sheet to cover herself as she slept, Nur-san was there, and the brazen culprit had a happy smile on her face that soon turned into a blush and she mumbled something.
Face palming, I had the urge to go and force one of Okaa-san's famous bad-tasting pills down her throat as an act of revenge for selling a bro like that, but she looked so goddamn peaceful and even cute for me to go down that route... today.
Glancing around, I once again saw the pitiful spectacle of the fathers of the valkyries trying to win over their wives. It was even sadder the fact that around half were losing. Heck, some are even checking their make-up as they glance my way. I would like to believe that they are trying to make their husbands jealous. It made me wonder about the brothers of the Valkyries, ah, they are also crying bitterly in one corner. Seriously, what happened?
"Give a summary of what happened." I unknowingly ordered.
Strangely enough, Eira-san professionally straightened her posture and began giving a summary. I will ignore how she seemed pleased and amused.
"Some of the Valkyries smuggled alcohol so they could get the Einherjers drunk and *cough* I think Nora is too young to know w-what they wanted *cough* However, the Einherjers thought the same so one thing lead to another and everyone drank. Skadi fainted after a few sips and Freya took her back. Nur got a taste and her mouth got loose and started to brag about you, one of her two besties." Eira-san explained. "Things went wrong after she mentioned your cooking skills, and how you were the one who made all these food, not to mention, buy it. How you rented this place, that is when some jealous guy, brother of a valkyrie started to bad mouth you."
Pointing to a certain guy who was alone and unconscious laying on the floor with a swollen face, Eira-san continued her explanation. I wondered briefly if I should help him or not, but he did not look seriously injured.
"That is when the good mood that had been going around few of Valkyries and Einherjers as they tried to hit on each other broke down. Nur got heated up trying to defend you but the guy did not back down, some of the jealous Einherjers joined the fray and... many of the Valkyries could not tolerate their actions thus the Valkyries got into a fight with the Einherjer, everyone had drunk more than they could handle by that point and it soon escalated again when one guy called you ugly mutt, a Buffon who could only get a girl by tricking her, that is when as the president of your fan club, I could not let it go and we taught them all a lesson." Eira-san looked proud. "Then, the girls noticed that they caused their chances to date one of them to disappear and despair almost swallow them. Yet, a voice gave them an idea. Nur yelled 'Nora is the best before getting sleepy, however, her words caused a stir among the Valkyries, and then you arrived."
IT WAS YOUR FAULT! NUR-SAN!
I wanted to spank that girl to teach her a lesson, I felt oddly amused at the chaos she caused, but know that chaos will bite me in the ass. Please, Eira-san, don't look like that, even if you want me to praise you, I am conflicted over you being the president of my fan club.
"Since when do I have a fan club?" I asked.
"I made one yesterday after you healed me, basically all the female spectators and participants during the tournament joined." Eira-san looked proud.
I thought you were a serious and reliable senior type, what happened to you?
"I have to leave, Hilda needs some rest." Eira-san hastily left.
Baffled, I did not understand her hurry until I saw it.
"I am friend's with Eira, and I would like to be friends with you too..." "I have not introduced myself..." "Can you show us the adult you?" "I am dying to see that version of yours too..." "Let me touch those ears."
Without me noticing, the Valkyries had surrounded me.
Oh uh.
What transpired next was that they went on the offensive, touching here and there. A battle of groping and being groped unfolded.
Yes, groping and being groped, you guys thought I would take it lying down?
-Flashback Ends
After I bonked their heads because they went too far, here we are.
One second later after their apology, Rossweisse-san came in with a bewildered expression.
"Nora-kun, are you ok? I heard a scream..." Rossweisse-san examined me carefully.
Patting me here and there, she did not seem satisfied until I was thoroughly checked. How bold of the precious valkyrie to sexually harass me with a gallery of people watching, she has truly gone a long way beyond her usually shy persona.
"....I am fine, nothing happened. I just need to bonk their heads a few times so they learn their lesson." I glared at the Valkyries.
"Why the long pause? Your eyes lost their shine for a minute, what in the world happened?" Rossweisse-san looked baffled.
Shaking fearfully, the Valkyries exaggerated their reactions.
"...He is doing it again!? I will get more stupid if he knocks my head once more..."
"You were a lost cause so no problems there..."
"There was one time I had to stop a rampaging bear and it hit me, that boy's bonk on the head felt pretty similar..."
"I am surprised you survived..."
"Getting hit by that does not feel that bad, you know? I liked it~"
"Someone call the medics! This one awakened to a new world!"
Now I am getting a little hesitant to impart punishment on these girls.
"Nora-kun, I think you should forgive them... fighting is no good, we are all friends." Rossweisse-san stopped me.
I welcomed it with open arms, but I can't just honestly accept that.
"But... bonking heads is my life calling..." I muttered in a sad tone as I raised my clenched fist.
"No good is no good ok? I think they are regretting what they did, whatever that is. You already hit them once so let it go." Rossweisse-san gently held my raised fist and lowered it slowly.
Sighing with some regret, I felt a little complicated over the fact that I was not the only one acting like that. I think I opened the M door for more people I would like to accept.
"Did you see that? She managed to stop him.
.."
"She is no ordinary woman."
"Our Savior, all hail our Savior."
"Tsk, getting in the way."
Resisting the urge to resort with my expertly trained patience, I wondered if it was true because they reeked of alcohol or they were originally like that.
Some girls are openly looking at Rossweisse-san like she is some kind of goddess, with stars in their eyes, although some weird mutterings were heard as well.
The rest of the party went surprisingly well until Rossweisse-san was given alcohol when I was not watching. I thought she would complain about failing to meet someone at the party but she only because absurdly clingy and kept the housewives that wanted to talk to me away. It was a little funny how she would just hug me, enough to push my head deep into her ballistic weapons, then just run to another direction far from the housewives. It took me a while to detoxify her from her state using my Ki, but she calmed down enough to crouch down to hide her face due to embarrassment. I kept that moment saved with the camera I have. Nonetheless, it was another mayhem because the Valkyries wanted pictures with me as well. Things got even rowdier when Nur-san woke up full of energy and still drunk, joining the fun.
Putting on my three sets of clothes that were sacrificed later that night, I enjoyed the party. Everyone had a bright smile on their faces so I considered that it was worth the trouble.
Politely turning down the invitations from the housewives to spend the night at their houses, I called a certain old lady to help me a bit given that two sleeping beauties did not seem like they would wake up soon.
...
...
...
Dealing with the headache the Valkyries had when they woke up, I prepared them some breakfast and we all ate in silence. I had more or less said my goodbyes the night before so we just calmly and slowly, very slowly ate. It was like we did not want to part ways and we used the food as an excuse, however, it was bound to get eaten no matter how long we delayed the process.
Just when I was mulling over a small trip I had to make before going home, the doorbell rang.
With heavy steps, Nur-san went to check and a few minutes later she came in with a blank expression, followed by someone I was not expecting.
"Master, I have come to pick you up, 'He' is asking for your presence," Marion-san spoke in a serious tone.
Dressed in her usual maid outfit, the girl looked like she went through a lot, but her diligent personality could be seen as she did not let that affect her. I noticed some injuries that had not healed completely despite her attempts to hide them, and I will have to take care of those. Nonetheless, her abrupt appearance regardless of the task I had left her doing and the 'He' she spoke about must be related. No, they are related, although I did not expect him to call me anytime soon.
"W-Who is she?" Rossweisse-san asked with a frown on her face, perhaps uncomfortable with a stranger invading her home.
Without waiting for me to speak, a certain maid spoke on my behalf.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances, I am called Marion. I am master's maid, tasked with serving and providing help to my master." Marion-san did a courtesy bow.
My maid-meter got filled with that.
"How did you find me?" I asked.
I don't think I told her my exact location.
"A maid always knows where her master is." Marion did not bat an eye as she said this.
As expected, maids are awesome.
"Just kidding, I located your phone master." Marion-san chuckled.
That is still kind of awesome, I do not know how to do that.
Her little joke seemed to only amuse me since my valkyrie friends did not seem comfortable with Marion-san.
"Alright, I guess I have to go. Marion-san, give me a moment with them." I gestured a certain someone and she bowed before going to the front door.
I went to take some of my stuff, like my toothbrush and the like before going to where Rossweisse-san were, I hesitated what to say at last, but I just thought of a simple action that would work better than anything.
"See you." I hugged the Valkyries.
Sharing a short hug, they both said their goodbyes, I simply turned around and left before recalling something.
"Take these, entering Urakyoto should be a lot easier if you have these." I pulled out some tokens.
They are for visitors and they should help them get inside the pocket dimension easier.
"Nora... I will surely visit you again." Nur-san smiled brightly as she took the token.
"Nora-kun..." Rossweisse-san hesitated to take the token but she grabbed it at the end.
Fearing I would keep procrastinating my leave, I just got out of their home. Outside, Marion-san was waiting for me.
"I know he called, but can you let me go somewhere first?" I asked.
"I am the maid, and you are the master, I shall follow your commands." Marion-san smiled.
Thinking that she should be grateful that I am not a pervert that would take advantage of her words, I nodded.
...
...
...
It was a small trip to Rossweisse-san's, no, I guess it is more like Gondul-san's villa. On the way, I found a depressive mood in the town, piles of apples could be seen in many places and the adults in town looked bitter. Failing to contain my curiosity, I asked about the details. They seemed troubled because they couldn't sell their apples this year due to a sudden cancel on the order they had so I bought them all, saying it was all because of Rossweisse-san. With that, I hoped she would get more valued in her home town. They were tons of apples but I was sure they wouldn't go to waste with the gluttons at home, and I could also gift some to my friends.
Satisfied with my good actions, I went to deal with what I came to do.