Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 197 – My former subordinate sought my advice

The ordeal with Yuuga’s nightmares was finally resolved, which meant I could finally focus on organizing my new home. Yesterday had been draining – Yuuga’s endless ramblings about his love life were so exhausting that I ended up passing out as soon as I got back. What started as a simple lunch invitation to thank me somehow turned into an impromptu shopping trip, followed by dinner together. By the time I returned home, I collapsed straight onto my bed. Now, with that chaos behind me, I could turn my attention to the day ahead.

“I’ve almost got all the furniture I need, but I still need to pick up some household items. I haven’t finished cleaning yet either… Hmm?” [Youki]

As I was mentally planning out my day, a knock at the door interrupted me, pulling me from my thoughts. Could it be Yuuga again? Maybe he wanted to gush some more about how comfortable the pillow was, but honestly, I’d heard enough already. I decided to nip it in the bud with a classic line.

“Sorry, we don’t accept door-to-door sa-” [Youki]

“…Morning.”

It wasn’t Yuuga. It was Happiness.

I blinked in surprise. What was she doing here so early? Dressed sharply, she looked like she was heading somewhere important. A date with Raven, perhaps?

“What’s up? Judging by your attire, you’re going on a date, right? Don’t stop by another guy’s house before your date, especially not this early in the morning. What if someone gets the wrong idea?” [Youki]

“…Know your place.” [Happiness]

“Telling me to stay in my lane, huh? Buzz off.” [Youki]

“…Cheating.” [Happiness]

“You’re doing the same thing by coming here, you know?” [Youki]

“…Should I scream?” [Happiness]

“Stop that! Raven would actually come flying over, so cut it out!” [Youki]

I found myself exchanging the usual banter with Happiness at the front door. Every time we did this, we strayed further and further from the main topic.

“So, what’s the reason you came here before your date? Explain yourself.” [Youki]

“…Weird.” [Happiness]

“Weird?… You mean me?” [Youki]

That wasn’t something out of the ordinary by now. I’m just a guy with a touch of chuunibyou, that’s all.

“…I know.” [Happiness]

“Right. Then-“ [Youki]

“…Not Captain. Raven.” [Happiness]

“Huh?” [Youki]

Is she calling Raven weird? What could’ve happened to him? Wait… could it be? There’s one possibility that comes to mind. If Yuuga’s reckless behaviour somehow rubbed off on Raven…

“Does that hero have some sort of contagious ability to make others act impulsively?” [Youki]

I let out a deep sigh. Knowing Raven, his strange behaviour was probably tied to seeing how much Yuuga had grown. He was scribbling notes so frantically back then… it was hard not to imagine that it left an impression on him.

“Weird, huh? What exactly about him seems weird? Is it something bad, at least from your perspective?” [Youki]

Raven would never do anything to make Happiness uncomfortable. If anything, he was probably trying to bring her happiness in his own way. Maybe the problem was that Happiness couldn’t quite keep up with the changes in Raven.

“…It’s… complicated.” [Happiness]

“Ah, Raven… don’t mind.” [Youki]

Happiness’s opinion of Raven didn’t seem particularly positive. Even after all the effort he’d put into learning and taking notes… where did he go wrong?

“So, what do you want me to do about it? If punching him will fix this, I’ll gladly – ouch!” [Youki]

She kicked me in the shin, clearly signaling that wasn’t the kind of solution she had in mind.

“…Be serious.” [Happiness]

“Hey, that wasn’t a joke. If he’s blinded by something, sometimes a wake-up call is necessary, right? Maybe this is one of those cases.” [Youki]

“…Understood.” [Happiness]

She seemed to be mulling it over. For her to look this troubled… Raven, what on earth did you do? Was he trying too hard to act lovey-dovey? If so, he shouldn’t. Trying to emulate someone like Yuuga would only backfire.

Happiness appreciates Raven’s natural sense of boundaries, at least, I think she does. Yuuga can pull off his antics because he’s Yuuga. But Raven? Yeah… not so much.

“…Accepted.” [Happiness]

“Wait, are you saying I should actually punch him?” [Youki]

“…We’re leaving.” [Happiness]

“Wait, hold on. I’m coming too?” [Youki]

Argh… when am I ever going to finish organizing my new place!?

In the end, she grabbed my arm and dragged me along, giving me no choice as she led me to the meeting spot where Raven was waiting.

“Happiness, it’s just a normal date today, right?” [Youki]

“…Affirmative.” [Happiness]

I asked because the scene before me was baffling: Raven stood there in a suit, holding a bouquet of flowers, and constantly checking the time. He looked impatient, as though he couldn’t wait for Happiness to arrive. What’s gotten into him this time?

“Hey, are you sure you’re not getting proposed to today? He looks like he might even have a ring ready.” [Youki]

“Propose…” [Happiness]

For once, Happiness smiled softly, her cheeks faintly relaxed. She didn’t seem entirely opposed to the idea.

Seeing how serious Raven was about her, it wouldn’t be surprising if he really was planning to propose. Maybe I should just head home.

“Alright, Happiness, off you go- hey, wait, what!?” [Youki]

Before I could take my leave, she grabbed my arm and dragged me straight towards Raven. As we approached, Raven’s face lit up at the sight of Happiness. But the moment he noticed me, his expression fell flat. His face was as readable as an open book.

“…Why is Youki here?” [Raven]

“Hey, was that a hint of murderous intent just now?” [Youki]

He was treating me like a complete nuisance, and I could feel the frustration radiating off him. I understood how he felt, but it wasn’t like I had a choice. I wished he wouldn’t look at me like that.

“Happiness came to me for advice about how strange you’ve been acting lately. She basically dragged me here to deal with it.” [Youki]

“…Strange? Me?” [Raven]

Yeah, strange enough for Happiness to personally seek me out. Judging by his outfit, my earlier suspicion didn’t seem far-fetched.

I leaned closer and whispered into Raven’s ear, making sure Happiness couldn’t overhear… at least, that was the plan.

“Hey, you’re not planning to propose to her today or anything, are you?” [Youki]

“P-Propose?! N-No, it’s way too early for that! We haven’t even started living together yet, and I’ve still got to get my affairs in order. Plus, Happiness has her work to think about too, hahaha!” [Raven]

However, my attempt to keep it discreet backfired spectacularly. Raven, blushing furiously, launched into a rant about his future plans, completely oblivious to the fact that Happiness was eavesdropping.

“…Serious?” [Happiness]

“O-Of course I’m serious! As a man, it’s natural to think about our future together, right?” [Raven]

“…Future.” [Happiness]

What’s with this sugary atmosphere? These two don’t seem to have a single worry in the world. I can just feel how out of place I am here… a true third wheel. I get it. I should just quietly slip away. That’s definitely the best course of action.

And so, I carefully, ever so slowly, began to sneak away from the scene, but…

“…Hasty.” [Happiness]

“…What? No, that’s not it! I was just thoughtfully considering my actions and- “ [Raven]

“…Stange. Captain.” [Happiness]

Happiness called me out. I guess slipping away unnoticed wasn’t in the cards after all. Even though I had no idea what their usual dates were like, it was obvious Raven was off his game somehow. Was this Yuuga’s influence? What a headache. Still, leaving wasn’t an option for now.

Should I just punch him? But he hasn’t actually done anything wrong, so that wouldn’t really fly.

“…Duel.” [Happiness]

“Alright, fine. If that’s what it takes, I’ll do it. It’s been a while, but since Happiness specifically requested it, I’ll give it my all.” [Youki]

“…Wait, what’s going on here? Why is this turning into a sparring match between Youki and me? Why do we have to duel?” [Raven]

It was because Happiness had approved my suggestion. As I stretched my arms and started warming up, Happiness shook her head, leaving me confused.

“…With me.” [Happiness]

“Wait, you’re going to duel with Raven?” [Youki]

“…Correct.” [Happiness]

Happiness held up her fan, crafted from her own feathers, with a determined expression. She was completely serious.

“No, hold on! Me sparring with Happiness? That’s obviously a no! What if she gets injured? Even if I hold back, there’s no way she’ll come out unscathed. I absolutely can’t allow something so dangerous!!” [Raven]

Raven’s voice rose in clear protest, his disapproval written all over his face. It was obvious he was worried about her getting hurt, but his reaction was starting to feel a bit excessive. Happiness wasn’t the type to be coddled like that.

Don’t underestimate my former subordinate.

And, judging by the look on Happiness’s face, I wasn’t the only one irritated by Raven’s words.

“…Insulting.” [Happiness]

Happiness shot Raven a displeased look. Given his overprotectiveness, her reaction was understandable.

“…Happiness, I didn’t mean it like that-” [Raven]

“…Captain.” [Happiness]

“Hm? What is it?” [Youki]

“…Move. Somewhere. Private.” [Happiness]

“Got it. Raven, come on. Let’s go.” [Youki]

I decided to lead them to a clearing in the nearby forest. It seemed like the best place to ensure privacy while avoiding any onlookers.

With a fully determined Happiness and a muttering, bewildered Raven in tow, I guided the way through the trees, wondering how things had escalated to this point.

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