Frieren: "This question is strange."
Frieren: "Would a human's body be harmed after mating? I've never heard of such a thing."
Haruto Amakawa—arched a brow at his screen before replying, fingers lazily tapping out words.
Haruto: "No, it wouldn't."
Haruto: "But I'm far stronger than an ordinary human. If you're curious, you can ask Saeko yourself."
Frieren: "@Saeko Busujima, can you tell me? I'd like to study it."
Stella: "..."
Stella nearly dropped her teacup.
This group…! These conversations were far too bold, far too unrestrained. Her royal upbringing felt sullied every passing second.
Saeko Busujima, however, remained unbothered.
Saeko: "Mm… very strong. At least, from what I learned in biology class, what happened isn't usually possible."
Stella: "???"
Sakurajima Mai: "???"
Both girls were dumbfounded. Why would you even answer something like that?!
But Saeko didn't care. Other than Haruto, everyone else in the group was female, and none were from her world. Even if Takagi Saya and the others were here, Saeko would have said the same without hesitation.
That was simply her nature—calm, direct, and unapologetic.
Saeko: "Haruto-kun, my body is fine. Thank you for your concern… and thank you for saving us."
Her voice in the chat carried a trace of warmth. She had already recovered, though the faint numbness in her limbs still lingered. A strange, unshakable feeling gnawed at her—something between curiosity and… a dangerous kind of longing.
Was this a side effect? Or something far more troublesome?
Haruto: "No need for thanks."
Haruto: "The ice crystal's protection is temporary. You'll need a better solution."
His words were practical. To him, gratitude was unnecessary. He did what he did because he wanted to. She has given her first to him, she belonged to him, he will have both her body and heart.
But loyalty? That took time—far more than one or two exchanges.
Haruto: "Saeko, I have a way for you to become strong enough to face more of the undead. Consider it."
He spoke of the ability called Blessing. Unused until now, untested on anyone. If Saeko was willing to trade, he would grant it.
Saeko froze.
Become stronger?
Her mind replayed the image of Haruto—standing amidst hundreds of undead, unshaken, his gaze alone freezing them where they stood. That overwhelming, effortless power made her heart pound.
She understood the implication. Another trade.
Her body… the rights to its use. Unlike abilities, that could be traded multiple times.
She looked down at herself, a faint smile curving her lips. At least she knew this much: Haruto desired her. And for now, that desire gave her leverage.
But she had to be careful.
Saeko: "I'll think about it."
On the other end, Sakurajima Mai pinched her temple, exasperated.
This guy… he really is a pervert!
The exchange only deepened her suspicion. Wasn't it better to avoid him altogether? Who knew what danger lay in dealing with someone like Haruto?
Haruto: "@Sakurajima Mai, back to the point. I live at xxxxxx. Why do you ask?"
Sakurajima Mai: "…It's nothing."
She bit her lip, scoffing inwardly.
There's no way I'm going to his place!
And yet…
That night, the storm rolled in. Rain pounded against the city, the wind howled through the streets.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang at Haruto's home.
He opened the door in loose pajamas, hair slightly messy, his expression sleepy.
Standing there, drenched from head to toe, was Sakurajima Mai. Her clothes clung to her like a second skin, her undergarments clearly visible through the soaked fabric. Arms crossed against the cold, she looked both defiant and vulnerable.
Haruto blinked. So she came after all.
"Don't stand there shivering," he said casually, stepping aside. "Come in before you catch a cold."
Inside, he handed her a clean towel and a bath towel.
"Save the excuses for later," he added, tone light but firm. "Take a bath first. You'll regret it tomorrow if you don't."
Mai hesitated. The towels in her hands felt heavier than they should.
Her instincts screamed caution. Was this just kindness… or something else?
Haruto noticed her pause and smiled faintly.
"Yes, I enjoy the company of beautiful women," he said, almost teasing. "But I'm not the type to lay hands on someone who isn't willing."
He tilted his head, a spark of mischief flickering in his eyes.
"If you're still worried, I can start a livestream. You'll know exactly what I'm doing the whole time. Fair enough?"
With that, he activated the stream.
[Ding! Haruto Amakawa has started a livestream!]
Akame: "So sudden."
Stella: "…I was just about to sleep. Why now?"
Frieren: "A human female—Haruto, are you broadcasting this for my research?"
Stella: "What?! No way! That's completely improper!"
Haruto: "Relax. No one's forcing you to watch. If it bothers you, just leave."
Stella: "…You—!"
Her words caught in her throat. He wasn't wrong. She could leave.
And yet… she stayed.
Watching this man's shamelessness unfold before her eyes, Stella felt her royal composure crumble further.
Mother, Father… I feel so impure! she thought miserably, her face aflame as if she were committing some grave sin.