After forcibly contracting Matilda, Hayashi Maki gained a new ability:
Earth Mastery — pretty optional for him, but who ever complains about having too many powers?
Earth Mastery made him immune to earth-element attacks—meaning golem strikes wouldn't affect him. In short, a form of damage immunity.
After parting from the emotionally conflicted Miss Matilda, Hayashi Maki took a bath, then returned to Louise's room.
Matilda also bathed, then collapsed onto her bed, feelings in turmoil. She never imagined that a single curious glance at Hayashi Maki would end with him… taking everything from her. The humiliation was real, yet—strangely—she also found herself looking forward. If she could revive her family and regain noble status, belonging to him might not be so bad. Besides, she had no choice. He had her now—what else could she do? She could only hope he wouldn't let her down.
—Back to Hayashi Maki—
Seeing Louise in a white dress, freshly "fed," Hayashi Maki felt the heat rise. The noble lady's fair skin, pink hair, exquisite features, and small, lovely lips were terribly tempting—though her chest was a bit of a pity. Still, Yukino-chan had grown; Mashiro had made progress—Hayashi Maki had confidence in his powers.
Catching his heated gaze, Louise blushed, hurriedly took two steps back, and crossed her arms.
"What kind of look is that?"
"Heh—eyes full of love for Miss Louise," he said with a wicked grin, stepping closer.
"Hmph, indecent eyes! And you're so frivolous—saying you 'like' me so easily—eep!" Hayashi Maki scooped her up and carried her toward the bed.
"Enough talk—I'll show you how much I like you."
Just then, a gust blew through the window.
"Darling~!"
Kirche vaulted in and latched onto Hayashi Maki's arm, shooting Louise a provocative look while pressing her ample chest to him.
"Zerbst! What do you think you're doing?" Louise exploded. That damn woman—using that big chest to tempt Hayashi Maki again.
While the two glared daggers, Tabitha slipped quietly in through the window, white-silk–clad legs moving softly. She sat by Louise's bed, glanced gratefully at Hayashi Maki, and pulled out a book. She'd repay him later—no need to interrupt a spat between friends.
"Vallière, I only came to bring Darling a present this is a masterwork by Germania's famed alchemist. I'm not stingy like Vallière, who only bought you a 100-gold piece of junk. Whether it's women or swords—Germania's are the best!"
Hayashi Maki's mouth twitched at the familiar decorative piece; for a moment he didn't know what to say.
"You actually bought that 3,000-gold sword?" Louise gaped.
"Of course. I spare no expense for Hayashi Maki. Even if it were 10,000, I'd buy it for him!" Kirche said proudly, gazing at Hayashi Maki with smoldering eyes.
Tabitha, however, wore a complicated look. Kirche had only paid 500 gold for the blade; the shopkeeper fell for her cute face and slashed the price from 3,000 to 500—bleeding out on the spot. Having spent 500, she let everyone assume 3,000 to win points with Hayashi Maki. Tabitha made a mental note.
Louise folded her arms, unimpressed.
"Hmph, Zerbst, you don't know this—Hayashi Maki is skilled in alchemy. That expensive sword is just a showpiece—practically useless. The 'junk' I bought for 100 gold is the real rare blade."
"Are you kidding me, Vallière?" Kirche scoffed. "But… Darling~ you do alchemy? Amazing—I admire you so much."
Say what you would—Kirche was excellent at delivering positive emotional value. The coquettish tone and cute expressions were hard to resist.
But Hayashi Maki had to tell the truth.
"Kirche, Louise is right—you got scammed. That sword is all looks, no bite. Louise was about to buy it; I stopped her."
"Whereas this 100-gold one is worth every coin." He flipped his hand; a brilliant, razor-sharp sword appeared. Mana swirled around the blade—its aura was staggering.
"Exactly, partner—choosing me is the best deal going! I'm no mere decoration," Derflinger declared, making Kirche and Tabitha jump.
"The sword… talked? And you sure you bought it as junk?"
"A talking blade—that's the legendary Sword! What a weird find," Kirche said.
Louise shot her a sidelong look, smug.
"This is the true form of the Derfflinger. Now do you see who picked the better sword?"
Kirche pouted, ready to argue, but one look at the mana surging along Derflinger and she deflated. She rallied quickly, though, and pressed the golden blade into Hayashi Maki's hands.
"Even if Vallière's sword is good, mine isn't bad either. Decorations have their place, don't they? With this golden sword, you'll look so handsome. Please accept it, Darling?"
"Er… then I won't refuse. Thank you, Kirche—I like it." He added gently, "But next time, don't spend so much. Louise said 3,000 gold buys a mansion with a forested garden. I don't want you being taken advantage of."
He ruffled her hair. Kirche melted on the spot—ignoring Louise's scowl, she threw herself into Hayashi Maki's chest and nuzzled him.
"Darling, I knew you were the best. I'll do whatever you say!"
"Hey, Zerbst, stop hugging someone else's familiar. Don't you have your own?" Louise huffed, prying Kirche off and possessively hugging Hayashi Maki's arm.
~~~
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