"Alright, before we head out, I just want to make sure we're all clear on what's about to happen here." Kazuma announced, turning to his party members/girlfriends and offering them all a pointed glare. "We're gonna go to the command center, tell Wolbach we've accepted her deal, and then peacefully walk back here with no bickering. If we have time, we'll swing by Wiz's and say hello. Any questions?"
Aqua raised her hand like a school grader and said, "Yeah, I've got one. What if that tramp starts annoying us first? You can't just expect me to take that without defending my pride as a goddess."
"Aqua, best behavior." Kazuma replied sternly, shaking his head slightly. "I owe you one favor, remember? Test my patience and I can take it back, OR I can restrict your bubbly privileges."
Pouting even further, the stubborn girl crossed her arms and grumbled, "You're lucky that you're cute…"
"I could say the same thing, you know." Kazuma retorted, cracking a slight smile as he lay a hand on Aqua's shoulder, attempting to be a bit more courteous. "Please just try to be civil. That's all I ask. Once we're back home, you can do whatever you want as long as it doesn't end in any of us getting killed by our new roomie. Ok?"
Aqua's smile could not be contained any longer as she beamed at him before nodding. "Alright, Kazzy, I trust you like you trust us. I can do this!"
"Of course you can. You're a goddess, after all." Kazuma praised, before turning to his other party members and nodding. "Ready to head out, you two?"
The thumbs up they gave was more than enough indication for the gang to head outside and pick up Wolbach. Kazuma could only be thankful that they all lived in a huge mansion with so many unused bedrooms. Hopefully, that would reduce the chance of confrontations his girlfriends would have with their newest party member. He hoped, anyway.
It didn't take long for them to reach the edge of Axel's main town, and as they walked they noticed that the previous day's damage had already been reduced significantly. There were still signs of battle here and there, torn up roads and damaged houses, but it still looked significantly better than it had the day prior.
Who knows? Maybe at this rate, everything will go back to normal and we can all go on quests just like we used to, Kazuma thought wistfully. Well, maybe not exactly how we used to, given certain...revelations and all. But surely adventuring with your teammates now turned girlfriends can't be all that different. Right?
"My, it seems like the reconstruction efforts are making quite a bit of progress!" Darkness remarked pleasantly, smiling at her friends. "Perhaps the guild hall will be reopened sooner than we expected!"
"I do look forward to adventuring again," Megumin added while daydreaming slightly, "The camping, the Explosions, and getting to come home to a nice warm meal and eris. How I miss it all…"
"Well, considering winter just started, we're still gonna have to wait a bit longer anyhow." Kazuma remarked, before humming to himself in realization. "Huh. Come to think of it, I'm kinda surprised that no more storms have rolled through as of late. Isn't it usually pretty bad when winter rolls around?"
Aqua merely shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe the Winter Shogun is having an off year. It can happen."
"Small victories, I suppose. Maybe we really will get back into the game soon." Kazuma remarked with a bright smile, quite excited with the prospect of finally getting back into the swing of things.
"K-Kazuma!"
The sound of another familiar Crimson Demon girl broke the young man's train of thought as she came straight for him and his party.
"Oh, hey Yunyun! What's up? And don't say the sky because that's overplayed."
"Oh, n-not much really! Wiz and I finished off our share of the repairs in the west side yesterday, so now we've moved on to help reconstruct the guild hall!" Yunyun announced, fidgeting slightly as she spoke. "We've decided to work in increments, so Wiz is off rebuilding right now and I'll switch out with her in about an hour!"
"That's a smart idea," Kazuma complimented. "Just make sure you don't overexert yourselves by using too much magic. You already helped a lot yesterday, so there's no sense in pushing yourself too hard."
Yunyun flushed at the praise, which was far from out of the ordinary. Still, she continued to fidget before responding to Kazuma, her eyes glowing a bright crimson.
"Y-your kind words are appreciated, Kazuma." She replied quietly, seemingly trying to sort her words before continuing. "I-if it's not too much trouble, I a-actually had something I wanted to ask you...a-and your friends, t-too!"
"Yunyun, what is this about?" lightly warned Megumin. She had hung out with the timid girl long enough to know when she wanted to ask something she felt was important. The only way to get her to spit it out was to essentially give her a verbal push. It didn't always work out (sometimes it made her stalling worse), but it was the method that got results more often than not based on Megumin's experience.
Aqua, meanwhile, was getting the sudden urge to be protective over Kazuma. She deliberately made a show to interlace her fingers with his and hold hands, squinting at Yunyun suspiciously while doing so. Kazuma was left a little confused by the unexpected hand-holding, but was ultimately oblivious to whatever Aqua was trying to do.
As for Darkness, she was the only one of the trio who kept herself reserved. While she did have an inkling of what Yunyun wanted to say, she kept her bias and irrational thoughts under lock and key. The last thing she wanted was to impose on the poor girl like her friends were doing. She may even have to have a talk with them later, especially with Aqua who was by far the biggest offender.
"I-I...well, I j-just wanted to…" Yunyun sputtered, now even more nervous and fidgety than before, her heart drumming away in her chest like it was about to burst. "G-goodness, I didn't think i-it would be this h-hard…"
Kazuma frowned, finding himself concerned given the Crimson Demon's current state. Sure, she had a habit of being shy, but she seemed like she was terribly nervous about something. Whatever it was, it must have been serious, and given how kind Yunyun had been in the past, it was only fair that he show her such kindness in return.
"Hey, it's okay, I understand exactly what that feels like," Kazuma reassured. "You feel like the world is slowly closing in on you, pressuring you to say what you wanna say or do your absolute best otherwise what's even the point if you're not constantly giving it your all 24/7...I'm not helping, am I?"
"I...can't say that I feel reassured." Yunyun admitted, having calmed down slightly given Kazuma's ramblings. Still, she found it terribly hard to put her emotions to words in that moment. "I...I don't know if I can say what I'm trying to say."
"By the gods, don't dwell on it then, just say it!" Megumin shouted before immediately doubling back on her words. She remembered what Kazuma had told her yesterday regarding how everyone functions differently. She wanted to make good on her word, so she had to try a different approach.
Breathing in calmly, she reiterated, "Sorry. What I meant to say is, if you keep thinking about it, the harder it will be to get it out. So, sometimes you just gotta blurt it out, y'know?"
"I...I know...I don't disagree with you, Megumin…" Yunyun muttered, before her panic finally overwhelmed her and she actually did exactly what her fellow mage instructed...sorta. "BUT WHAT IF HE SAYS NO?!"
"Says no to what, exactly?" Aqua interrogated, her jealousy overtaking whatever sliver of rationale the airhead had to begin with. Unfortunately for her, Yunyun was so shocked with her own slip of tongue that she instead opted to run away as fast as her legs could carry her, crying desperate apologies all the while.
"...what the hell was that about?" Kazuma wondered aloud, scratching his cheek with his free hand before tearing his other back from Aqua, shooting her a disappointed look. "You scared her off, Aqua! Now none of us have any idea what she was so upset about!"
The water goddess sputtered, trying to come up with anything to defend herself. The only thing she could do at the moment, however, was try to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.
"Don't yell at me! It's not my fault she took forever to just spit out whatever she was so frazzled about!" She protested vehemently, stomping her foot dramatically and looking moments away from a complete meltdown. "I was just trying to help!"
"We know you mean well, Aqua," Darkness intervened, extending a hand to her shoulder and offering a soft smile. "But in order for you to help, you need to help us help you. Understand?"
Aqua muttered a quiet, almost embarrassed confirmation, and before long the group resumed their journey through town. Kazuma in particular was especially hung up on what had just occurred, and made a mental note to reach out to Yunyun at a later date.
On their way to the command center, the gang made a slight detour to check up on the Adventurer's Guild. To their shock and delight, the progress made on the building was quite significant! The walls were almost entirely repaired and the roof was coming along quite nicely. It put a smile on each of their faces.
Until Kazuma noticed something which threw his smile off.
"Aww, look! They got rid of my dent!" He whined, pointing towards the steps. They had been completely redone, and as such, there was no Kazuma-shaped hole to be seen. "That was like getting my handprint immortalized on the steps of Hollywood and they took that fame away from me!" He joked while raising a fist in mock outrage.
The girls all seemed mixed between mildly amused and slightly uncomfortable, since the dent had also been yet another reminder of how close Kazuma came to dying on the night The Daughter stormed Axel. It wasn't a particularly pleasant reminder…
Kazuma looked over his shoulder only to find his companions' troubled expressions. It took him a bit longer than he cared to admit to connect the dots, but when he did, he became embarrassed with realization. "Oh, right, that was...shit, I'm sorry…"
"It's...quite alright." Darkness replied slowly, the first to compose herself. She stepped forward and wrapped Kazuma into a quick but meaningful hug, smiling to herself. "We almost lost you on that night, but we prevented such a tragedy from occurring. That is what we should remember."
Yeah, but you wouldn't have to worry about that if I had just fucking listened, he thought angrily to himself before shoving the negative thought away. Of course, there would always be that small corner in the back of his mind that would constantly fixate on the negatives. Always trying to bring him down...He just hoped it wouldn't get in the way of his new relationships too much.
For the second time that day, Kazuma found himself drawn out from his thoughts by a familiar voice calling out to him. After being released by Darkness, he turned to face the direction of the voice and spotted Wiz, who was approaching the group and waving with a friendly smile.
Seeing the lich always put Kazuma in a better mood and he returned the wave with his own. "Yo, Wiz! How's work been treating you?"
"Oh, well enough. Things have been going far smoother than I expected with the rebuilding process." She chirped pleasantly, giggling to herself. "The builders were absolutely thrilled with how much the golems Yunyun and I summoned have been able to lessen the workload. They even named them!"
"Really? What are their names then?" Asked Megumin.
"Fred and Jeff!" Wiz replied happily, clearly quite amused with the prospect. "Oh, they're absolutely adored by the townsfolk as well! I truly never expected them to be so well liked by everyone! It's the little things in life, I suppose!"
That last sentence sparked a little bit of joy in Kazuma's otherwise jaded heart. Wiz was right, it really was the little things in life, wasn't it? Be it cooking, or magic, or whatever particular thing that truly brings a person happiness, it didn't need to be complicated, did it? Sometimes, the small things are enough.
"Heh, truer words have never been spoken," Kazuma said aloud. "But I guess since you're a lich, you've been around the block, huh?"
"I...suppose I have, yes." Wiz agreed slowly, her smile dimming ever so slightly as she recalled who she used to be, looking down at her hands in slight disillusionment. "There was a time when I was a very different woman. I'm glad I've passed that point, but I would be lying if I said there weren't moments that I missed such a time...shameful as that may be…"
Kazuma frowned slightly, finding the lich's tone shift troubling. He took her hands, making her jump slightly, and offered her the kindest smile he could muster. If there was one person who had truly earned it, it was Wiz.
"I get it. No one knows how shitty it feels to look back on your past actions and realize that you weren't the best person better than me." He assured her, his smile brightening. "But people change! I know I've changed since I arrived here in Axel, and considering how much I've managed to correct in a year and a half, I think you've improved a helluva lot more than me, Wiz, and that's something to be proud of, right?"
Despite the Undead's heart no longer being biologically functional, she felt it beat deep within her chest as a muted blush formed on her face. Wiz knew she had to confess sooner rather than later.
"I...I believe you are right, Kazuma. Perhaps that is something to be proud of." She agreed quietly, taking a deep breath and preparing herself. "Kazuma, I-I think I need to tell you something. Something very important."
Before Wiz said anything else, she gazed behind the boy over to his girlfriends. Lady Aqua had a strange look on her but she was being gently held back by Megumin and Darkness, both of whom were shaking their heads at the girl. Seeing that crumbled Wiz's resolve. She knew better than to damage the wonderful relationships poor Kazuma had finally formed with his party members. She was just being selfish…
"...I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate having your insight and companionship." She eventually managed, somehow keeping the building wave of shame from spilling into her tone. "You are a very kind man, and I am honored to call you my f-friend."
Kazuma blinked, but quickly found his smile again. "Thanks, Wiz. That...honestly really means a lot to me. I'm happy you feel that way about me."
"Well, I'm happy that you're happy." Wiz countered, a sad chuckle was all she could manage as Kazuma released her hands, which she hurriedly laced together to keep from shaking. "W-well, I best get back to work. Goodbye, you four!"
And just like that, Wiz departed hastily, desperately trying to keep any tears from forming in her eyes as she practically speed walked in the opposite direction of the party.
Kazuma didn't know why, but he suddenly felt a spike of guilt pierce him the second Wiz ran off like that. However, he did his best to ignore it and focused on getting back to the task at hand. The gang soon continued downtown until they finally reached the makeshift command center holding their soon to be...party member.
I know I'm gonna regret this somehow, he thought to himself before approaching the guard stationed at the front entrance.
"Greetings, Mr. Satou." The guard greeted politely, tilting his helmed head curiously at the assembled party. "I assume you are here to see the prosecutor?"
"Sena? Yeah, that would be her," Kazuma stated. "Should we go in to see her, or…?"
"I believe she is expecting you, so yes. Go right in." The guard confirmed, before leaning in and whispering the last part. "However, if she is not expecting you, I was never here and you can't prove that I was."
Kazuma rolled his eyes but thanked the man anyway as he opened the door for his party before letting himself in. Once inside, the teenager took the front again as he led his team through the corridors. Secretly, he had actually forgotten the layout and didn't know where he was supposed to go, but he didn't want to admit that in front of his girlfriends. So he continued wandering aimlessly, praying that they wouldn't question his sense of direction (or lack thereof).
Eventually, he arrived outside the cell and found exactly who he was looking for standing nearby, her eyes tracing the notepad she'd used to transcribe the night before. Sena raised her gaze at one point, before noticing the approaching party and looking up in surprise.
"Ah, there you are. What took you four so long?" Sena questioned, ever so slightly impatient at their apparent dilly-dallying.
"Oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't aware we were on a schedule!" Kazuma countered sarcastically, surprised by Sena's abrasive response. "What's the big deal?"
It may have just been his imagination, but Kazuma could've sworn the prosecutor almost shrunk back at his words. Regardless, she adjusted her glasses and cleared her throat, "Apologies. I'm just a bit wound up today. You could say I have a lot of work ahead of me even..."
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that. I can imagine you have quite the bit of work given everything that happened these last few days." Kazuma replied, trying to put on a more sympathetic tone. Clearly, Sena really was high strung. "I know it's a long shot, but...is there anything I can do to help?"
The woman attempted to seize the short window of opportunity she had to explore her newfound feelings but held back considering the time and place. Besides, seeing the three girls who have known Kazuma longer than she had...well, admittedly, it intimidated the prosecutor. How could she hope to compare to them? She didn't know half as much about Kazuma as they likely did.
"I...I don't believe so, no." She eventually answered, composing herself hastily. "The notion is appreciated, of course, but I doubt anything you could offer would assist me in this particular venture."
Kazuma looked to Sena curiously before shrugging in resignation. "Alright then, sorry to hear that. Anyway, is Wolbach, uhhh, ready to go or what?"
"We have her secured, yes. All I'd have to do is turn over the keys to her restraints and have you sign an official decree that she's in your custody. After that, she's all yours." Sena explained, her expression falling slightly into uncertainty. "However...I'm still not sure this is a great idea."
Aqua muttered a rueful, "Feeling's mutual" before Kazuma shut her down with a quick glare. He turned back to Sena and said, "Yeah, we all feel the same. But we've agreed to at least give her a chance. So, let's get this over with already."
"Very well, if you insist." Sena agreed, before opening the cell door and speaking to the guards beside her. "Escort the prisoner out, please."
Like well-oiled machines, the guards moved into the cell to retrieve Wolbach, temporarily cuffing her hands as a safety precaution before escorting her out for all to see. Her yellow eyes shined from within her hood as she smiled at Kazuma.
"Well, color me surprised. Here I was starting to think you'd forgotten about me." She hummed, her gaze flicking upward to the girls behind him, seemingly sizing them up. "So, you were able to convince your friends to agree to my deal?"
Aqua stood beside Kazuma, placing her hands squarely on her hips as she sized Wolbach up herself. "Just for the record, I was the only one who voted against you."
"Ahh, Aqua, was it? How nice it is to see you again," purred the dark goddess to the water goddess. "Tell me, how's the Council been doing? You know, after they threw me out without Just Cause?"
"Oh, I'm sure they're doing fine enough." Aqua retorted sharply, eyes narrowing dangerously on the restrained goddess. "Better without you stinking up the place with your dark arts, that's for sure."
Wolbach sneered, but otherwise held her tongue. However, her gaze soon shifted to Megumin, and sudden memories came bursting in her mind. Her gaze softened a touch and she even managed a small smile.
"Well, if it isn't the same Crimson Demon I taught Explosion magic to all those years ago. How have you been, little one?"
Megumin flushed slightly under the mage's approving gaze, fidgeting slightly as she answered. "I-I've been doing well. I found a party that makes good use of my abilities, a-and I even picked up a few other spells, like you suggested!"
Wolbach's small smile grew slightly when she heard that. "Wonderful. I knew you had it in you to grow into a capable mage. I'm glad to see my guidance wasn't misplaced."
Megumin beamed even brighter at Wolbach's assurance, making Kazuma chuckle lightly. At least one of his party members had a good relationship with their new guest going in. It'd make things that much easier in the future.
Finally, Wolbach's gaze turned to Darkness and went neutral. With nothing but a quick, simple nod, she asked, "Holy knight to Lady Eris, I presume?"
"You presume correctly." Darkness confirmed, matching the mage's expression and tone. "I assume that won't be a problem going forward?"
"...Well, you could certainly have worse taste." Wolbach replied, a smug smirk rising on her face as she glanced back at Aqua. "You could have chosen to worship her."
The steaming water goddess, barely restraining herself, leaned next to Kazuma and whispered threateningly, "You better know exactly what you're doing, Satou."
"Trust me. I haven't let you down yet." Kazuma whispered in return, before turning his attention to Wolbach and jabbing a finger in her direction. "And you, watch it. Either you play nice with my party members or it's back in the cell, so get friendly or get comfy, alright?"
Smiling to herself in victory, Wolbach shrugged her shoulder and responded, "Whatever you say. You are the leader after all~"
Kazuma didn't particularly enjoy her tone, scowling to himself. It was far too comfortable, near lighthearted. Somehow, the woman still felt like she was in control of the situation. Then again, being a goddess did tend to have that effect on most people…
The boy shook his head and turned his attention back to Sena. "So you said there was some paperwork I gotta fill out first?"
"Yes, right here." Sena replied, flipping back her pad a few sheets before retrieving the document and handing it over to Kazuma. "To reiterate, it's just a formal decree that states the transfer of the prisoner to your custody, in turn making you responsible for her well being and keeping her in control, so to speak."
Kazuma nodded and borrowed a pen from the prosecutor before skimming over the document. Thankfully, it only required his birth date and signature, no insurance company or mother's maiden name or any such bullshit. With a few quick strokes on the dotted line, he handed the form back to Sena. "All done."
"Alright then. Here you are." Sena stated, handing over a single steel key before turning to Wolbach and addressing her. "Wolbach, you are now officially in Kazuma's care. Any questions can be directed to myself or him whenever they occur. Do you understand what I have just told you?"
"Yes dear, I understand completely," Wolbach replied, rubbing her wrists once Kazuma went ahead and unlocked her handcuffs. "You won't regret this decision."
"I certainly hope not, that'd make things real awkward going forward, wouldn't it?" Kazuma snarked in return, before both his expression and tone hardened as he looked up at Wolbach's eyes, suddenly dead serious. "And just so we're clear, if you hurt any of my friends, inside the party or out, you're not going back into a cell. I've killed your kind four times over. Don't become my fifth. We clear?"
Wolbach merely closed her eyes and nodded, her smile never faltering. That, of course, did wonders for Kazuma's inner anxiety. Either she had the patience of a saint, or she really was in control of the situation.
"Alright, guess we're done here." He announced, turning to Sena and offering her a two finger salute. "Thanks for being so understanding about this, Sena. Hopefully, it works out."
"Yes, just be careful going forward," Sena responded in kind. "I'd hate to see you land yourself in trouble again."
"Hey, to be fair...trouble finds me, not the other way around! Let the record show that, alright?" Kazuma retorted, flashing the prosecutor a wide grin and a short wave before starting for the door. "See you around, Sena!"
The prosecutor nodded as the group filed out of the room, a disappointed frown forming as soon as Kazuma left. She sighed as she organized her papers to keep her mind preoccupied...as usual.
Kazuma and his party, plus one Wolbach, exited the center and stepped out into the surrounding courtyard, with their leader already blazing a trail back towards their home with Wolbach lagging slightly behind him. The girls, however, kept their distance as well, still keeping close enough that they could interject if need be but having enough room to discuss amongst themselves.
"It's not fair you guys," Aqua whisper-yelled to the others. "We finally get to have Kazuma all to ourselves and now this...thing has to come in and make the situation weird for us!"
"Will you relax, Aqua? I doubt Wolbach has any interest in him, and even if she did, do you really think he'd reciprocate?" Megumin replied sharply, before humming to herself as a thought crossed her mind. "Did you guys notice how weird everyone we've run into today has been acting, though?"
Darkness had her suspicions, but she shooed them away as she reasoned, "Maybe they're simply stressed and tired from all the hard work they've been putting in? People tend to act a little off when they're fatigued after all."
"Hmm. Yeah, I guess you're right…" Megumin replied hesitantly, though her tone didn't sound particularly convinced. "Still, I've seen Yunyun exhausted before. This was...different. I just wish we knew what she was trying to tell us."
Aqua frowned to herself while she twiddled her finger tips. The mentioning of Yunyun suddenly made her feel a wave of hot shame wash over her. She herself still didn't really understand why she behaved the way she did back there. Either way, she was feeling some of the guilt now.
"Yeah...maybe I went a little bit overboard…" She muttered quietly, huffing and crossing her arms as she did her best to bury the shame deep down to deal with later. "Now I just wish we could get some answers."
"Well, if that's how you feel, I could be of some assistance." A new voice interjected suddenly, making all five of the party mates stop in their tracks and turn to face Chris, who was leaning on a lamppost along the road. "Morning, you guys! Busy day, huh?"
Kazuma was the first to recover, "Uh, yeah. What brings you here, Chris? Steal anything good lately?"
"Oh, just a few trinkets and some minor magic items. Hard to find good quests this time of year, you know." She replied good-naturedly, before her gaze slid back to his party members and she cleared her throat. "As for why I'm here, I actually have a personal matter to discuss with the girls! Important stuff, I assure you."
Ah, I get it: girl talk, Kazuma thought before saying, "Okay then. I guess I'll just take Wolbach here back home and give her the grand tour while you girls...do your thing."
"Thanks for being so understanding, Kazuma. I appreciate it!" Chris replied pleasantly, her gaze flicking to Wolbach and registering just how amused the goddess looked. "Ah. You've managed to pick up another one, huh?"
"Well, what can I say?" joked Kazuma as he rested his arms behind the back of his head. "The Kazuma charm is so powerful that I sometimes gotta beat the ladies off with a stick."
"Oh, I'm sure that's the reason. Next you'll tell me that grass is blue or that the sky is green?" Chris snarked, relishing the mildly offended look that crossed the young man's face as he crossed his arms and scowled at her. "Quit your pouting, I'm only teasing! Now go give that tour to your new friend! I promise I won't keep the girls too long!"
Kazuma nodded and proceeded to return to the mansion with a mildly confused Wolbach in tow. Chris waited for them to be out of sight before she broke it to the main trio.
"Alright, onto business. Cards on the table." She started, taking a deep breath and preparing herself for what was going to be a very long, very loud conversation. "You're not the only ones who have a thing for Kazuma."
Like clockwork, there followed a loud cacophony of shouts and cries of confusion and denial. Chris gave them about thirty seconds of sputtering and shrieking before raising her hand, silencing the group.
"Now that you've got that out of your system, let's try and discuss this rationally. We'll go around this little group until all your questions are answered." She stated, before turning to Aqua and nodding to her. "Alright, Aqua first."
The goddess/archpriest wasted no time. "Yeah, so, where the hell did this come from exactly?" she demanded, wanting to cut right to the chase.
"Well, I've been picking up tid-bits here and there for the last week or so. Being a thief, you start to pick up on things a helluva lot quicker than most people." Chris explained, calm as could be in the face of the fuming goddess. "I picked up on the aftermath of what happened today, and I decided enough was enough and someone needed to pop the question."
"Well that's outrageous!" Aqua shouted, shooting her arms up into the air. "Don't they already know that we're his girlfriends now?"
"Oh, they're quite aware, Lady Aqua. After all, there's a reason why none of them went through with their confessions." Chris retorted, holding up a hand and listing them off. "Yunyun probably got scared and intimidated, Wiz likely figured herself selfish and friend zoned herself, and Sena probably raised her own doubts given how close your little band is."
Darkness rubbed her arms uncomfortably as she took a moment to speak up. "Um, Chris? You wouldn't happen to be one of the girls in Axel crushing on Kazuma, would you?"
"...very perceptive of you, Dark. Guess I should expect nothing less from my oldest friend, huh?" The thief remarked sardonically, before nodding in confirmation. "Yeah, I got it bad. Kept my nose out of it for the same reasons the others did, too. Knew that jeopardizing your relationship wouldn't be worth it, that we'd missed the chance to share our feelings."
Megumin squeaked, "So...what do we do now?"
"Well...that's up to you three." Chris replied earnestly, crossing her arms and averting her gaze as he lips drew up into a frown. "Like I said, it's your relationship. You're under no obligation to entertain me or the other girls. However, before you refuse, I was hoping to...clear the air, let's say. Have everyone explain their perspectives. After that, you can decide whatever you want, but I'd at least like for the others to say their piece instead of having me summarize for them."
Aqua, Megumin, and Darkness each looked to each other; their concerned faces speaking a thousand words. Their close friends all having a crush on their boyfriend? How were they going to dig themselves out of this one?
"Can we...have some time to process this news?" Darkness asked slowly, fixing Chris with a tired expression. "None of us were expecting such revelations today, and I think we need some time to process."
Chris nodded, "Take your time, Darkness. Same goes for you two. I get it. Just give it some thought and hopefully you'll all come to a consensus. I imagine you did something similar with your own feelings for Kazuma, right? Surely you can do the same thing here."
"Thank you, Chris. I'll be sure to reach out when we reach an agreement." Darkness replied politely, somehow keeping her composure throughout. "Until then…"
"Yeah, yeah. I've kept you away from your boy toy long enough." Chris quipped with a smirk, turning on her heel and starting down the street with a playful wave. "Until next time, then!"
The thief held back a giggle from hearing her dear old friend sputter in embarrassment as she jumped high up onto a nearby roof and ran off to who knows where. Now it was just the girls by themselves with this...shocking new revelation on their hands.
