Chapter 604: Rachel's Situation
Chapter 604: Rachel's Situation
Someone Rachel knew went into the dungeon and never came back.
Based on what I knew so far, that seemed like the most plausible explanation.
And for her to have such a severe reaction, it couldn't have been just an acquaintance who was harmed. It must have been someone incredibly precious to her.
Honestly, judging by her reaction alone, it felt like someone she had loved had failed to return from the dungeon.
But I was fairly certain she’d never had a boyfriend in her life.
After all, when we went to that restaurant a while back, didn’t she say so herself?
That she was seriously thinking about marriage with me, and that it was the first time she’d ever felt this way.
Of course, she was in a state of panic after suddenly running into Diana during our meal, but thinking back on it now, those words were probably her true, unconscious feelings slipping out.
Most importantly, Diana had affirmed Rachel’s words.
Rachel’s mother, the Guild Master, was close enough to Diana to speak to her informally. If Rachel had a boyfriend, the chances of Diana not knowing about it were practically zero.
But if it wasn't a lover, then who could she have lost in the dungeon to make her react so strongly?
…Family, maybe? Or a very close friend?
Well, it wasn't like I could figure it out just by thinking about it on my own.
Instead of giving myself a headache, I’d just go home and ask Diana.
No matter who it was, if someone that close to Rachel had disappeared in the dungeon, there was no way Diana wouldn't know about it.
For now, I decided to put my worries aside and focus on the rare time I had with Rachel.
“Huh? Wait a minute, Miss Rachel. Does that mean you intentionally ran up and kissed me in front of all those people just now?”
“O-Of course! H-Hmph. You were completely flustered, weren’t you, Guwon? How did it feel? The guilt must have been immense, thinking about how you’d neglected someone who cares about you so much for days, right?”
She looked a little flustered, but thanks to the way I’d set up the question, she easily took the bait and put on an unfazed expression.
But that wasn’t the real problem.
“Well, yes… But Miss Rachel. Are you really going to be okay?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I only stop by for a bit when I’m coming to see you or going in and out of the dungeon, but you have to be there all the time. The rumors are going to spread like wildfire after today.”
Right. The real problem wasn't what she did, but the massive fallout that was sure to follow.
I was a celebrity now, too. If it got out that we were involved like that, the number of people who would start bothering her was going to skyrocket.
And Rachel was a receptionist. Her job was to sit there and deal with the countless people who came to ask questions, so it was only going to get more troublesome for her.
“Ah…! A-Are you worried about something so trivial? Hehe. How cute. Is that really a problem? I’m not ashamed at all if my relationship with you becomes public. Or what? Are you ashamed of being associated with me, Guwon?”
It seemed she only realized the implications after I pointed them out, as she momentarily wore an expression that screamed, I’m screwed.
Well, her behavior at the Guild hadn't been an act, after all.
She must have been so worried about me that she just acted without thinking, so of course, she wouldn't have considered the consequences.
But even so, as if she couldn't bear to lose her composure in front of me, she steadfastly maintained her usual mature demeanor.
Considering what Sara had said before, it seemed Rachel was such a rookie at romance that she was probably practicing on her own. To think she could even ad-lib like this now. She’s really grown.
If she knew I was thinking this, she’d probably die of embarrassment.
I smiled to myself, making sure she wouldn't notice.
“Of course not. But to think you liked me that much…”
“Are you moved?”
“Yes. I’ve fallen for you all over again. Miss Rachel. Please be my woman.”
“W-What are you saying all of a sudden… Y-You’re just asking me to be your concubine, aren’t you?”
“W-Well, that’s…”
I tried to slip the words in smoothly with the flow of the conversation, and while she did blush, she didn't fall for it that easily.
As I was at a loss for words, she flicked my nose with her index finger and replied in a tone that said, Not a chance.
“You have a long way to go before you can have me as a concubine. How can you say something like that after neglecting me for days?”
“Ugh… So it’s a no-go, then.”
“Of course. An older sister’s heart isn’t that easy, you know? If you want me as your concubine, you’ll have to give me much more of your trust than you have now. That’s right. Much, much more. Or else…”
Though she was speaking in a playful tone, her last words carried a hint of seriousness.
Or else… what? Was she saying there was another way to capture her heart besides slowly earning her trust?
“Or else?”
“Hm? Ah, hehe. It’s a secret.”
Naturally, I was curious about what came next and asked, but she seemed to have just realized what she’d mumbled and hastily tried to brush it off.
“What? Wait a minute! You can’t just make me curious and leave it at that!”
“Hehe. A little mystery is what makes a woman beautiful. Haven’t you heard that saying?”
“Miss Rachel, come on. Please? Huh?”
No matter how much I pressed her, she just raised her index finger to her charming lips, refusing to say another word.
Of course, I had no intention of backing down so easily in the face of her reaction.
The topic was too interesting to just let go.
So, I even resorted to acting cute, something that didn't suit me at all, and pleaded with her.
“Ngh… A-Acting cute won’t work. No means no.”
And yet, it was working.
To think that a big guy like me acting cute would actually be effective.
I don't know if it's just the taste of the women in this world or if it's because my Charm stat is so high, but it was truly a strange phenomenon.
“Aww, Raaachel. Please? Huh? I’m dying of curiosity here.”
“I told you, it won’t work no matter how cute you act. Stop it!”
As I pushed my face closer and continued my cute act, she pushed my face away with both hands and cried out, as if she couldn't take it anymore.
I guess pushing like this really wasn't going to work.
Alright! In that case! I’ll try guessing!
“Tch. What do I have to do, then? What will make you become my woman right away? Should I do a public proposal in front of everyone during the Guild’s busiest hour?”
“S-Stop it! Things are going to be hard enough starting tomorrow as it is. If you did that, I really wouldn’t be able to work!”
My random guess only got me scolded.
No. Maybe I should be glad I only got scolded?
I’d just said the first thing that came to mind, but on second thought, if Rachel had actually asked for a public proposal… I would have definitely been murdered.
By my girls, to whom I haven't even properly proposed yet.
“Then just tell me what it is! What do I have to do for you to become my woman right away?!”
“I told you, it’s a secret! Or what? Are you that unconfident about earning my trust?”
“Of course not! Just you watch. I’ll earn so much of your trust that you’ll be the one clinging to me later.”
“Yes. Please, I’m counting on you to do just that.”
Only after she said that did I realize that she had successfully dodged telling me her secret.
Damn it. But I couldn't exactly say I wasn't confident when she put it like that.
Fine. If that’s how it’s going to be! I’ll have to try a more drastic approach!
“You don’t believe me, do you?! Then come with me to my house tonight!”
“What? Huh? Whaaat?!”
I’d take her straight to my house and show her just how well I was managing things, even with all the women there.
As a bonus, if my girls said a few nice things to Rachel, I couldn't ask for more.
If she saw for herself that I was living with many women and that they were all satisfied, she’d surely have more faith in me than she did now.
That was my intention when I invited her, but it seemed Rachel took my words in a completely different way.
“S-So suddenly! I mean, of course, we’ve already been intimate, but… No. Still, I need to, you know, get myself ready and all…”
Rachel! Rachel! You’ve lost your composure! The mask of the mature older sister who was an expert in romance has completely shattered!
“O-Of course, it is getting late, and I’d be sad to part with you like this. B-But still, to stay out all night already is…”
She mumbled, blushing.
Hearing her words, I was suddenly reminded of one thing.
While I’d been talking with her, having lost all track of time after seeing her for the first time in a while, the sky had grown dark.
Which meant that, contrary to my plans, dinnertime had already passed.
And tonight was the night I was supposed to spend with Diana for the first time in a very long time… Aaargh! No!
I felt a cold sweat trickling down my back.
I had to get back to the mansion. Right now. As soon as humanly possible.
But I couldn't just leave Rachel in this ambiguous situation either.
“Miss Rachel. I’ll explain on the way, so let’s just go together for now.”
“What? W-Wait. So you mean…”
“You don’t want to?”
“It’s not that I don’t want to…”
“Then let’s go?”
“Haah… Y-Yes…”
It was a waste of time to let the conversation drag on any longer.
I could clear up the misunderstanding on the way; the important thing was to get moving.
That’s why, unlike my usual self, I spoke to her a bit more forcefully. Rachel, her face bright red, let me pull her to her feet as if she had no other choice.
And so, I was able to return to the mansion safely.
No. Perhaps saying I returned “safely” is a bit of a misstatement.
“You’re back. You’re a little late… hmm? Is that not Miss Rachel? What brings you here at this hour?”
I couldn't make it back in time for dinner, but thankfully, Diana wasn't angry about that.
What was important was what came after dinner, after all.
However, seeing me arrive with Rachel seemed to make her a little anxious, and she spoke with a slight edge of caution in her voice.
Normally she wouldn't have been this wary, but it seemed even Diana couldn't help but look forward to spending the night with me after so long.
“Hello, Lady Diana. I happened to be nearby, but it got too late to return to my dormitory. I’ve decided to accept Guwon’s kind offer to stay the night. So, Guwon, where will I be sleeping?”
As if to reassure Diana, Rachel answered with a bright smile.
However, to my eyes, that smile looked exactly like the formal, customer-service smile she put on for work.
She’s definitely furious…
And for good reason. I had explained on the way here that she wouldn't be sleeping with me.
After hearing my explanation, Rachel seemed embarrassed for a moment about her misunderstanding, but that embarrassment quickly morphed into anger directed at me, and she’d been acting like this the entire walk over.
To think my idea of inviting her to the mansion to improve her perception of me would backfire so spectacularly.
No matter how rushed I was, it probably would have been better to explain things properly right then and there.
But no matter how much I regretted it, it was already too late.
“As for a room, Vanessa over there will prepare one for you if you ask. More importantly, Miss Rachel, since you’re here, why don’t you join us for…”
“I see. In that case, Miss Vanessa, I’m sorry, but could I ask you to prepare it right away? I’m a little tired. Well then, Lady Diana, have a good night.”
“What? Miss Rachel?! But dinner…”
“It’s fine. I just had some cake. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Before I could say another word, Rachel cut me off and walked away, following Vanessa with brisk steps.
“You. Did you do something to upset Miss Rachel? She certainly looked tired, but…”
“…I’ll tell you later.”
Watching Rachel’s retreating back, that was all I could say.