Chapter 250: Vacation Again (2)

The long-awaited vacation has finally arrived. For freshmen, it's a break like a refreshing rain after a drought, while for sophomores, it's a period of ordinary rest. The fact that the vacation is approaching also means that there's about a week left until the exhibition. I wanted to hurry and arrive at the territory to see my family.

I should also check how things are progressing in the territory. Just hearing bits of news brought to mind the image of my father's tired appearance. Still, since the territory is steadily developing, there's a lot to look forward to. The Michelle territory, which was originally just a quiet rural area, is now growing into a city of culture.

First, with the help of Cecily, I'll teleport straight to the Michelle territory. However, I asked for the opinions of those around me first. Marie and Rina plan to visit officially after thorough preparation, but others have different circumstances.

First is Leona. Surprisingly, she told me she's going separately. When I asked for the reason, she said she wants to spend some quiet time with her mother, whom she hasn't seen in a long time. So, during the carriage ride to the Michelle territory, they plan to have various conversations. Understanding her heartfelt desire, I agreed.

Instead, I covered the carriage fare for her journey to make sure it's a comfortable trip. Meeting family after a long time should be a relaxed and pleasant conversation.

Leona is a student who has to work part-time throughout the vacation to sustain herself for the next semester. When I offered to cover the expenses, she happily agreed, bouncing around with joy.

While the money was important, the more significant part was the time she dedicated to a harmonious relationship with her mother. Calling me "hubby" with a voice full of charm was just an added bonus.

Leona's turn was over now, and the remaining one was Cherry. Although she said she would attend the exhibition, I wonder how she prepared.

If Cherry's family, the Roseberry family, finds out about this, it could lead to trouble, so it's better to pass on that information. In this situation, it's best if she just comes without revealing too much.

Currently, Cherry is publicly known as an acquaintance of Xenon, under the pseudonym Mary. Introducing her to my family won't be difficult since they already know about it, but it requires some preparation.

With her cherry blossom-colored hair attracting attention, wearing a dress would draw even more eyes. However, wearing a robe would be more suspicious.

Although the chances of Cherry's parents attending the exhibition are very low, rumors have a way of spreading slowly.

If someone among the nobles recognizes Cherry's pink hair and mentions it, the situation will become very complicated.

Given the awkward circumstances, I asked for help from those around me. Ideally, I would like to change only the pink hair.

The solution to this problem was surprisingly simple, as Cecily suggested.

"Why not use magical dye?"

"Is that possible with magic?"

"Yeah, you can even change eye color if you want."

According to her explanation, before the publication of Xenon's Biography, some demons considered 'disguise' essential to come out of Helium. Black hair and blood-red eyes like features were distinctive characteristics unique to demons, and even if horns were covered, they were easily noticed because of these features.

As a result, disguise magic also developed, allowing a variety of color changes. It would be a great help for Cherry.

"Thank you so much. Magic is truly amazing."

"If you're grateful... you know? I'll be expecting it in two months."

"..."

Was she really serious? Cecily gave me a mischievous smile and a wink, making me look somewhat troubled.

She is usually playful, but considering her recent actions towards me, it's not just a joke. It seems that Arwen's reincarnation statement and Volume 19 have brought about a lot of changes in her feelings.

Anyway, with Cecily's help, Cherry was able to change her pink hair and eyes, to a completely ordinary brown. Cherry looked at her now brown hair and eyes with a curious gaze. Seeing curiosity in her usually somber eyes somehow made me proud. With this change, she could also enjoy the exhibition without any worries.

However, with naturally outstanding beauty and noticeable large bust, wherever she goes, she's likely to catch people's eyes. Moreover, I'm currently in a situation where I've been nominated by Hiriya. Perhaps during the exhibition, I may not have time to pay attention to her. Although I'd like to show her around, the situation is not quite favorable.

Even though Rina assured me that she would take care of it, I have no idea how things are progressing. To restrain Hiriya, Leort and Rina might also nominate me.

Considering these aspects, I explained it to Cherry. Maybe I won't be able to go around with her, but I'll try to be with her as much as possible, but it might be difficult due to circumstances.

Cherry's response to my question was...

"Yes."

"...Is that it?"

"What more do you need? It's your 'request,' senior."

"No. Don't you think it's irresponsible? I'm the one who invited you to the exhibition."

"Is there a problem with following your 'request,' senior?"

"... ..."

I was wrong. Our communication was completely off. Even a yes-man wouldn't give such an answer.

If I ordered her to die, she seemed ready to end her life. The dark, sunken eyes add credibility to that hypothesis.

Although I wanted to ask her right away, I postponed it for later. What's important now is introducing Cherry to my parents.

I suggested teleporting together with Cecily, but surprisingly, she vehemently refused, saying she needed to buy a new dress.

The originally brought dress was a pink dress that suited her hair, but now it had changed to brown, so she replied that she needed a dress to match it. If I only see things like this, she is not a doll who obediently follows my words but a person with autonomy. In many ways, she is strangely unique...

"If you ask me to, I'll come wearing it as it is. If you want, as I mentioned before, even naked..."

"That's enough."

...A bit too much. Her screw was loose. Besides Adelia's case, Cherry, given her extreme nature, made me realize how important the family environment is.

Anyway, the conversation with acquaintances was over, what's left is Adelia. Considering Adelia's personality, she had prepared in advance, so it was over as soon as we met up.

The travel naturally relied on Cecily's help. Teleportation is always amazing. With a blink of an eye, you are instantly transported to another location.

"I'll come back in a week, so see you then."

"I'll be preparing hard."

"Isn't there anything to do before that?"

Before Cecily left, I didn't forget to give her a light kiss. Soon after Cecily left, only Adelia and I remained at the entrance of the territory.

Adelia was looking at us kissing with envy in her eyes, but whether she thought she hid it well or didn't know, she didn't say anything.

Honestly, with curving lips and sky-blue eyes filled with envy, it would be stranger if I didn't notice. I confirmed her reaction and chuckled.

"Jealous?"

"W-What are you talking about! Who said I'm jealous..."

At first, Adelia was flustered, but soon her voice softened. Seeing her blushing face and the way she playfully pouted at me, it seemed like she wanted something unconsciously.

With mischievousness still lingering, I smiled and whispered close to her ear.

"I can do it if you want."

"Hey!"

Adelia twitched like a fish for a moment, then sat down on the floor. It seemed like her legs momentarily lost strength. If my reflexes were sharper, I would have grabbed her hand to prevent her from falling, but unfortunately, I didn't have that ability at the moment.

I did my best to grab her hand and help her up. Adelia, who was still a bit dazed, stood up with my assistance.

"...That was really embarrassing."

Adelia muttered timidly while brushing off the dirt on her buttocks. Despite her tough expression, her face, as red as it could be, revealed her true feelings. I chuckled softly, observing her dissatisfaction.

Occasionally, in moments like this, Adelia felt more like a younger sister than someone I should be protective of. The more she expressed affection, the more apparent it became that she was starving for love.

"Just you wait. Since I endure this every day, it looks like you're underestimating me, huh?"

"But you look cute."

"·····"

Adelia, who tried to counterattack, ended up receiving only a counter and was gradually sinking. She tightly closed her eyes, wanting to hide any reaction, but her flushed face, as if about to burst, ruthlessly betrayed her efforts.

Finally, when her face turned so red that drops of red liquid would fall if pressed with a finger, her eyes slowly opened. In her watery sky-blue eyes, there was resentment towards me.

I shrugged my shoulders and moved leisurely. When I took a step, Adelia hesitated for a moment, then adjusted her stride to match mine.

Glancing sideways, I saw her adjusting her steps to match mine with restrained movements. Although she turned her head and grumbled, she naturally adjusted her steps when I shortened mine.

Regardless, her status as a sturdy escort knight remained unchanged. Perhaps she'll also double as a maid in the future.

'Come to think of it, can a maid attend the academy as well?'

About a year ago, I visited a clothing store with Nicole to purchase formal wear. There, I coincidentally met Jackson, with whom relations were not good, and I remember a maid following him around.

Maybe Adelia will be like that someday. Imagining Adelia in a maid outfit walking beside me, I felt a strange sensation.

'I want to see her wear it soon.'

Adelia, wearing a maid outfit, emitting a certain charm. Even now, she is exuding a sufficient amount of unexpected allure, but if she were to showcase more charm here...

"A-again. Are you having strange thoughts again? You pervert."

Could she feel my gaze like that? Adelia pointed at my face, accusing me while covering her own face with her hands.

Her face was still flushed, but I was more concerned about the fact that my inner thoughts were exposed. Surprised, I asked,

"How did you know?"

"With a face like that, how could I not tell?"

"Hmm..."

I mumbled in response and touched my face. I wondered if it was that obvious.

Not just family, but also Marie and Cecily, and now Adelia as well. People closely connected to me can read my inner thoughts. Although I might not be bad at controlling my expressions, I'm curious about how they know.

"How did you know?"

"I just felt it. It's a kind of intuition."

Adelia, like Marie, seems to have exceptional intuition. The difference between them might be whether they can grasp the other person's sincerity. However, I don't particularly care. While it's a bit embarrassing that my inner thoughts were exposed, I can now confidently speak about it.

"Yes, you're right. I was having strange thoughts about how good you would look in a maid outfit."

"·····"

It was a question she hadn't even thought about. Adelia blinked her eyes without any embarrassment and then lowered her head.

It seemed like she was checking her own figure. Indeed, her height was on the taller side for a woman, so maybe she should consider getting a custom-made outfit.

However, she didn't seem to have any aversion to wearing a maid uniform, as she made a vague, nonchalant response, not showing any discomfort.

"Well, I don't really know. Are there specific clothes for exclusive maids, not just regular maids?"

"Well, since Noona has to also be a bodyguard..."

As I pondered various thoughts, a vivid image began to form in my mind. A skirt that barely covered the thighs, not reaching the ankles for convenience. Specially made garters or garter belts for immediate use in unexpected situations.

Thinking that Adelia would wear such clothes...

"It would suit you really well."

"Really? Honestly, I think a maid outfit doesn't match my face and body as much as a butler's..."

"No, it must be a maid. No, it has to be a maid."

Originally, she wasn't the type to put a lot of thought into her attire. However, Adelia's maid outfit was something I couldn't give up.

If this were Earth, she might have vehemently refused. But this was a fantasy world. Adelia had no complaints about wearing a maid uniform.

Look at her now. Even though she initially showed a surprised reaction when I emphasized it, isn't she nodding in agreement now? Seeing that, I couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

'This really is a fantasy world.'

Once again, I was thankful for being born in this world.

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