Episode 17

“Yes, that’s right.”

“She’s always so lively. Is she always like that?”

“Yes. I’ve never seen Luminous feeling down. She’s always ahead of me… I’m always struggling just to keep up with her.”

In terms of school performance, Seraph is better. However, Seraph believes Luminous is superior. Luminous feels the same way… Their relationship is both that of friends and rivals.

Seraph spoke with a slight, self-deprecating smile. It’s rare for her to show even a hint of weakness. It made me realize just how high her affection level must be. Perhaps the unusual timing of our contract and the formation of our union has something to do with it.

As Seraph’s affection level increases, you can hear her thoughts about Luminous, as well as unlock intimate scenes. Seraph feels that even though she tries her hardest, she’s only just able to match Luminous. But, well, Luminous struggles with the same concern. Both of them hide their efforts from the other, trying their best not to lose.

As a result… the two became known as prodigies by those around them.

“Takigawa, you’re lucky to have made a contract with someone as lovely as Luminous.”

The way Seraph said that, as if implying that her own contract wasn’t as fortunate, made me raise my voice without thinking.

“That’s not true!”

“…Huh?”

The moment I said it, I regretted it. But there was no turning back now. Not speaking about Seraph’s charm was impossible for me. Since she was standing right in front of me, I had to tell her everything. I took a deep breath, locked eyes with her, and said:

“Seraph, you’re just as cute, you know!”

“W-What are you saying… all of a sudden…?”

Seraph’s cheeks flushed red in embarrassment as she looked surprised.

Seraph doesn’t have a very high opinion of herself. After all, she’s always tried to please everyone, which made her a target for bullying and jealousy from other girls.

In the original story, the protagonist would comfort Seraph and help her through these hardships. But I couldn’t stand by and let anyone say something that might diminish her charm. As one of the developers, I have a special fondness for her character. Through Seraph, I wanted to provide a sense of “healing” to the players, and we’ve received many positive responses from that.

There were a lot of things I wanted to say, but considering my limited connection with Seraph at this stage, I only conveyed what I could.

“Luminous and Seraph are both charming in their own ways. When I toured the Soulwing Academy, I was amazed when they introduced the two of you as outstanding angels and demons.”

“…Now that you mention it, we were introduced like that.”

Seraph, looking a little embarrassed, scratched her cheek. It was a background detail in the story that Seraph and Luminous had once given a tour of the school. Although it was only briefly mentioned in a flashback in the main game, it contributed to their notoriety despite being lower-class students.

“…So, yeah. I’m really lucky to have a contract with both of you. I look forward to what’s ahead.”

“…Y-Yes. Let’s do our best… I think I’ll go gather my things from the dorm now.”

“I’ll help… I don’t have much to do at home anyway.”

“No… um, it’s fine. You’ve already said something embarrassing, so… I’d like a moment alone to collect myself.”

“…Oh.”

Since she put it so bluntly, I couldn’t exactly insist on going with her.

After Seraph left, the room became silent.

…What should I do now?

I might’ve raised Seraph’s affection level too much… right?

I regretted my impulsive words,. But from now on, I’ll be more careful to keep them in line with the main storyline.

After a while, Seraph returned with her belongings. When she looked at me, her cheeks were still slightly red. …It seems she hasn’t forgotten what I said earlier.

Luminous also came back around the same time.

“I’m home! Alright, time to cook dinner!”

She cheerfully headed to the kitchen and began placing the ingredients she bought onto the table one after another. Fresh vegetables, meat, and various seasonings filled the bags. Luminous started putting the groceries into the fridge.

…Since I was living alone, my parents bought me a large fridge, so there’s plenty of room.

After closing the fridge, Luminous turned toward me with a confident smile.

“Today, I’ll show you my cooking skills, so both of you just sit tight and wait!”

“Understood. Well then, I’ll take a quick shower. I’ll be borrowing the bathroom, Takigawa.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

With that, Seraph headed towards the bathroom.

A shower, huh. Now that she mentioned it, I couldn’t help but think about it a little.

Both Seraph and Luminous had erotic scenes in the bathroom, so it wasn’t like I hadn’t seen them like that before. But still, I wondered if seeing it in reality would feel different compared to the illustrations. Hmm, it’s definitely intriguing.

That said, I’m just a side character, so I don’t plan on getting unnecessarily involved.

By the way, I called out to Luminous, who was cooking.

“Seraph brought your stuff from the dorm, so I went ahead and put it in your room.”

“Oh, I saw. She texted me. Honestly, she’s always been so thoughtful… I’m not really good at noticing those kinds of things.”

Luminous muttered with a hint of self-deprecation.

…Well, Luminous is the type to act impulsively without thinking too much. I’m sure there are people who’ve been dragged along by her energy.

“Yeah, you’re definitely the energetic type.”

“…Because that’s all I’ve got going for me.”

Luminous suddenly seemed downcast. It was rare for her to show any signs of weakness… 

She only reveals her vulnerable side when her affection level is high enough… So, it looks like Luminous’ affection has also increased quite a bit…!

“Is that so…? Seraph was saying how amazing you are.”

“That’s not true. I’m not good with computers or smartphones…”

“…But you always take care of the cleaning and cooking, things Seraph isn’t good at, right? You’ve got a kind side, you know.”

I didn’t expect these words to reach her heart.

But maybe, just maybe… this could be a way to gauge how much affection Luminous feels towards me, so I pointed out her “kind side.”

If Luminous’ affection level for me was high enough… she might respond more deeply.

“…I’m not kind at all.”

…Uh-oh, she’s continuing.

Original Author’s Comment:

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