Overall, as long as she does not go to extremes, Haruka is, in my eyes, a very cute lady. Objectively speaking, however, she is somewhat gloomy, a little dull, and lacking in initiative.
When I wanted to do something with her to pass the time before the others returned and asked for her opinion, the answer I received was, as expected, "Anything is fine, as long as you're happy."
That kind of answer is precisely the hardest to deal with.
After hesitating for a long time, I decided to start with something I already knew was one of Haruka's interests.
And so, we spent the entire morning discussing the precautions for cultivating weeds, and then the entire afternoon watching videos related to weeds.
Even so, I was the one guiding most of the conversation. It was honestly a bit tiring. Still, the effort was completely worth it.
After nervously confirming that I was not forcing myself to accommodate her and hearing my denial, Haruka looked genuinely happy. Just seeing her smile filled me with a strong sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
My alone time with Haruka lasted until close to dusk. I was starting to worry whether something unexpected had happened to the others during their commission.
Judging by the state they returned in, however, my concern seemed somewhat justified.
"Aru, what happened?"
I looked over the girl who was covered in dust, with several tears in her clothes, and could not help asking.
"Well…" Aru looked troubled and stammered, seemingly unsure how to answer.
"Let me explain," said Kayoko, who looked somewhat disheveled herself but remained calm. Ignoring her president's flustered protests, she summarized succinctly, "Aru got scratched by the cat, accidentally triggered Mutsuki's bomb, and it ended up like this."
…That was so very Aru.
I glanced at her, her head nearly buried in her chest from shame, and asked, "And the cat…?"
"The poor kitty," Mutsuki added casually from the side, deepening Aru's guilt. "It got caught in the shockwave of the explosion, flew more than ten meters, suffered some minor injuries to its hind legs, and might have a slight concussion. So pitiful."
In Kivotos, not only the small animal citizens but even ordinary animals possess that level of durability.
I was already used to it.
Kayoko sighed. "So naturally, a large portion of the commission fee was deducted. Adding in the medical expenses we paid, the bombs used up, and the damage to our clothes, if we live on bean sprout bento, the profit from this job should let us last a few more days."
"Th-this…" Aru faltered for a moment, then suddenly put on a confident smile. "Listen carefully. As an outstanding business leader, encountering small setbacks in the early stages of entrepreneurship is inevitable. Compared to profit and loss, what's more important is the valuable experience we gained… and the reputation we built in the underworld."
Her words were full of bravado, so obviously forced that Kayoko covered her forehead with a sigh and Mutsuki smirked mischievously.
"As expected of Aru-sama…!"
Only Haruka did not think Aru was putting up a front. She even believed her wholeheartedly.
Yet it was precisely that sincerity that made the president of Problem Solver fall completely silent.
At that moment, I cleared my throat, drawing everyone's attention, and spoke earnestly.
"Actually, I think Aru makes a good point."
At those words, light instantly returned to the red-haired girl's eyes, her mouth opening wide in anticipation.
I continued, "No matter what kind of commission it is, as long as completing it benefits the company's development, it's worth accepting."
"Exactly! Hehe, as expected of our Problem Solver 68's management consultant! As an adult, Sensei undoubtedly has a wealth of experience, both known and unknown to us!"
The moment she said that, everyone present except Aru, including Haruka, seemed to think of something and subtly looked away.
"I'll gladly accept that praise."
After a brief pause, I changed the subject. "Since that's the case… I have a commission here. I wonder if you'd be willing to accept it on everyone's behalf?"
"Eh?" Aru blinked, nodding without suspicion. "Of course. Sensei is our most important partner. If it's your commission, no matter what… no matter what, I, we will do it…"
Only at the end did the pure-hearted girl realize her words sounded somewhat ambiguous. Her fair cheeks flushed red, but she stubbornly continued speaking.
While deeply appreciating Aru's charm, my thoughts could not help drifting slightly astray.
Anything at all?
And since the others did not object to being represented, did that mean they tacitly agreed as well?
As expected, Mutsuki and Kayoko must already have feelings for me. Aru is a bit of an airhead, Haruka is so obedient. Could it be that as long as I have the intention, I could just claim all of Problem Solver 68 today?
…If only I were really capable of doing something like that.
"It's not that extreme," I said slowly, voicing the proposal I had prepared. "May I ask everyone, do you have time tonight to go on a date with me?"
"…Eh?" Aru froze for a moment, then let out a wail. "Ehhhhh!?"
After that, I vaguely explained the reason to the stunned Aru, the instigating Mutsuki, the flustered Haruka, and the indifferent Kayoko.
In short, I hoped to use Problem Solver as cover to add a bit of security to my meeting with Seia tonight, and at the same time help them out financially.
Though still somewhat shy and awkward, upon hearing that there was a reason and that we would be going to a high-end restaurant, Aru immediately became eager and agreed on her own behalf.
Kayoko appeared indifferent. Haruka worried that the restaurant would be too expensive and that she did not deserve it, but after I persuaded her, she quickly agreed as well. Mutsuki's eyes darted mischievously, and with a wicked grin, she directly hugged my arm. When Aru panicked and asked what she was doing, Mutsuki replied,
"If it's a date, we should make it look convincing. Once we accept a commission, we treat it seriously and give it our all. That's the principle of Problem Solver, right?"
Before Aru could come to a decision, I stopped Mutsuki with a dark expression.
What I needed was an excuse, not to further ruin my already fragile reputation.
In short, after the girls returned to their apartment to change, I took them to a certain restaurant that might have looked very familiar to Aru, and we enjoyed a delicious meal.
Then, under the cover of Problem Solver 68, and carrying a belly full of food along with many questions, I headed alone to Seia's hideout.