Editing Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 4 Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 5===

After handing Miu, who could hardly stand, and the unconscious Haruka to Cecily, Akatsuki entered the innermost room under Melissa’s leadership.
 
“Here is still as empty as before.”
 
Entering the room he hadn’t seen for a while, Akatsuki gave a wry smile.
 
For a private room of a high class brothel boss, the room’s furnishings were very simple, there were no extra decorations whatsoever. This was Melissa’s belief and also one of the reasons why Akatsuki trusted Melissa.
 
“If you can’t get used to it, then please return.”
 
Melissa gave off a hmmph, then dragged her heavy body and sat on the couch.
 
The person in charge of a special industry usually enjoys comparing their place, comparing the price, comparing costumes, but the amount of money Melissa had on her was considerably little. The hard-earned money was mostly spent on the store, the girls of the shop and the staff workers. He understood more than anyone that providing the utmost service to their guests was the only way to sustain their services. At the same time, Melissa was also the leader of the brothel guild. This kind of stoic management method could not avoid clashes from the other industries. However, Melissa continued to stick to her belief, and there was no room for compromise. As a result, it made the other industries rebound back and caused the development of a fierce brawl. Akatsuki and Melissa met during that time, and the two of them were sympathetic and appreciative of each other. Thus, Akatsuki served as the store’s bodyguard, and forced the other guild to disappear from Sherfield.
 
“Seeing that you are still the same makes me less worried. Are the people from the store still okay?”
 
Akatsuki sat on the sofa across from Melissa.
 
“You aren’t coming here to specifically have a chat right?”
 
Melissa’s sharp gaze shot towards Akatsuki.
 
“Suddenly coming back is fine, but this time you even stood on the side of the demon race.”
 
“You are well informed.”
 
Akatsuki slightly smiled.
 
“The guild has also obtained the information?”
 
“No single matter that appears in this city or country can escape my eyes.”
 
Melissa replied.
 
“Queen Listy just recently gave an emergency order to the ministers and the People’s Council, and at the same time, gave instructions to all the personnel within Sherfield. In order to assess how much damage it would cause to Sherfield, Queen Listy and the Council reached an agreement, and decided to release the current status to the country. That is also saying, your duel with Queen Listy for the peace treaty of the human and demon race will be formally published tomorrow morning to Sherfield, Disdia and Aleclasta’s people. At that time, it is bound to cause an uproar.”
 
“I see……As I expected.”
 
The development of the situation was within his expectations; Akatsuki could not help but give a slight smile.
 
Whether it was war or peace, there will be both support and opposition. Instead of quietly carrying it under the table, and waiting until it was over to publish the results, why not just make it public at the very beginning in order to reduce the strength of the rebound at the final stage.
 
……No one is willing to be kept in the dark.
 
At the same time, the goal of informing Disdia and Aleclasta’s people about this matter was primarily to announce that this was a decision made under the three countries’ agreement.
 
Listy’s intention was extremely clear; despite the limited effect, she would still make the two countries share the responsibility.
 
“Besides that, there is probably no other way. The duel at that time should also be shown to the public.”
 
“Quite likely. Witnessing the results of the duel to make the people accept the outcome.”
 
Melissa replied.
 
“Free entrance tickets should be sent throughout the world within these two days. At that moment, under every country’s civilians<!-- what does this "under civilians" mean? -->, it will decide on the fate of humans and the demon race. However, Queen Listy insisted that you acted as the demon race representative and set up the peace agreement, the main reason was to prevent the outbreak of war. Looks like she doesn’t want to ruin your image.”
 
“That idiot, wouldn’t this make it even more difficult for her? If you need to ruin it, then do so, anyways I don’t care.”
 
Akatsuki was a “Rogue Hero”; even if he was to be cursed by people throughout the world, he would not feel the pain. However, for the peace between the two sides, before the signing of the treaty, they must still try and obtain the support of their citizens.
 
……The part about the duel was just about this.
 
Akatsuki stuck out his upper body.
 
“——You should know about the surveillance forces in Galevain being attacked right? Did you hear any rumors about it? The point about the demon race being the culprit, how high is the possibility?”
 
“That information is rather complicated, but the highest credibility information is still the official statement saying that it is the demon race’s activity. However, there is also rumor saying that it was a self-conspiracy made by the developed militaristic Disdia in order to promote their weapons.”
 
“Ah……It really is this.”
 
Akatsuki looked up at the ceiling. Truthfully, Melissa’s statement coincides with Akatsuki’s predictions.
 
When Phil Barnett attacked, he had generously acknowledged that Disdia was planning to use Miu to start a new war. Of course, this was under the premise that Phil’s statement was credible.
 
“However, you joining the demon race’s camp, persuading the three countries to retreat their forces from Galevain forest, also changed people’s view of the incident. Perhaps in the near future, I will be able to get new information.”
 
Well, what about now?
 
“If you decide to hide here until the day of the duel, I will not kick you out. After all, I owe you one, and the girls in the shop must also be very happy. Just live in the room from before. The furnishings are still the same as before, there are no changes whatsoever.”
 
“Sorry to bother you……By the way, I want to ask you for something.”
 
Akatsuki said.
 
“I’m looking for an item, would you know where I can buy it?”
 
After saying this, Akatsuki pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it over to the leaning Melissa.
 
After opening the paper, Melissa suddenly narrowed his eyes.
 
“It really is a considerably special antique. Isn’t it for children? It has no practical value by itself, and has long been discontinued. What do you need this kind of thing for?”
 
“About this……Just treat it as some kind of guarantee. Where can I find it?”
 
“I know an antique dealer that sells these specialized items. You should be able to find it in his shop. Unfortunately, that antique dealer is hostile to the people from the guild, so I probably can’t help much.”
 
Melissa attempted to conceal his displeasure, but Akatsuki actually smiled.
 
“No problem, I will directly find him.”
 
I don’t mind.
 
“Where is the antique dealer’s shop? I plan to resolve this matter by today.”
 
 
 
After Akatsuki and Melissa left the hall, Miu and Haruka finally woke up. Under Cecily’s guidance, the two of them entered the attic that they would normally not use.
 
“This was the room that Akatsuki used when he served as the bodyguard.”
 
Cecily gave off a slightly wry smile.
 
“Although I called it a room, but originally it was a warehouse.”
 
“S…Sorry to bother…”
 
Miu followed Cecily into the room and looked around. In a corner of the room was a wooden table and a chair. In the middle, there was a large bed. What Cecily had said was correct, the innermost wall had an old dresser that could already not be used.
 
Although no one was using this room, there was not even a hint of dust.
 
“It was cleaned very well.”
 
Once Haruka’s muttered words entered her ears, Cecily suddenly stood up with pride.
 
“Of course. This was Akatsuki’s room……We will maintain its original appearance.”
 
“I see……”
 
Hearing Cecily’s emotional speech, Miu suddenly looked up at the ceiling.
 
The scenery of the sky entered her vision. There was no window below the attic roof, but directly above the bed, there was a skylight. Cecily quickly noticed Miu’s gaze.
 
“Isn’t the skylight on the roof nice? Akatsuki really likes skylights. In order to watch the stars before he sleeps, he specially moved the bed from the wall to underneath the skylight.”
 
“Can’t believe that person also has a romantic side, it really is surprising.”
 
Haruka, who was surprised, sat down on the bed. She lifted her head and watched the red sunset.
 
Miu also followed and sat down on the bed.
 
Cecily looked at the two of them.
 
“Are you two going to stay here tonight?”
 
“Ah, Yes……It seems that that person has this intention.”
 
“Then just sleep here. The bed is big enough, three people sleeping together isn’t a problem.”
Cecily had a matter of fact look on her face. Miu and Haruka eyes suddenly turned into two black dots.
 
“W…Wait a minute, why do we have to sleep together with that person?”
 
“Yes, is there a problem?”
 
“Of course there is a huge problem! How could we possibly sleep together with that sexual harassment machine!”
 
Haruka protested loudly, Miu also nodded.
 
This made Cecily a bit puzzled.
 
“Huh……? Aren’t you two his women?”
 
“ “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” ”
 
Miu and Haruka denied it in unison.
 
“——You’ve at least been in bed with him right?”
 
“ “NO!” ”
 
Both of them stood up and loudly denied it while blushing. Looks like it was a misunderstanding. Only to see Cecily reveal a sympathetic gaze.
 
“How sad……You two are even so cute, but it looks like Akatsuki actually does not treat you two as women.”
 
“T…This is unrelated to whether we have female charms!”
 
“T…That is correct! It was us who refused him!”
 
Miu and Haruka desperately tried to explain.
 
“Refuse? Why?”
 
While speaking, Cecily suddenly showed off an breathtaking and sexy expression.
 
Witnessing Cecily’s attractive expression, Miu suddenly gasped.
 
……W…What happened?
 
Miu suddenly felt her body become hot. Even if they were both female, she could not resist Cecily’s charm.
 
The question about whether they had been in bed with Akatsuki, it made Miu’s body react even more.
 
A closer look showed that even Haruka was completely red, and her body was involuntarily trembling slightly.
 
“<nowiki>~~~</nowiki>!”
 
In order to suppress her trembling body, Miu wrapped her arms and embraced herself.
 
“Sorry, we do not need this kind of thing.”
 
“Really? As women, you should know how that wonderful feeling is.”
 
Cecily’s face had an enchanting smile.
 
“You two have been with Akatsuki for so long, but you really did not feel a man’s charm from him?”
 
“T…This…I…”
 
Seeing Miu’s embarrassed and hesitant appearance, Cecily already knew that she had said what was within Miu’s heart.
 
“The answer should be yes right? I guess that you two must secretly imagine being wrapped in his arms right? That must be……the long awaited scene you two hope for.”
 
“…T…There isn’t such a thing!”
 
“No, there must be. Anyways, you two are also females who are in puberty……”
 
Miu and Haruka attempted to avoid Cecily’s gaze, but they could not do it. The two of them were deeply attracted to Cecily’s eyes, so they could only stand still, completely immobilized.
 
Cecily began to slowly move towards the two——
 
“Being attracted to a strong male is always a woman’s instinct, there is nothing to be shy about.”
Come.
 
“Be honest with your own desires, you two are absolutely more of a woman than you had imagined.”
 
Cecily extended her hands towards the two of them——
 
“——Stop playing with the two innocent girls, Cecily.”
 
A deep rich voice suddenly came. The burly Melissa was leaning on the entrance of the door.
 
“Are you planning to go see people like this? Quickly go and prepare.”
 
Even though the person being named was Cecily, Haruka still involuntarily stepped back a few steps. Perhaps because the experience of being scared to the extent of unconsciousness was still fresh, her body immediately reacted defensively. She only saw Cecily reluctantly say “Okayyyyyy——“, her face had returned to normal.
 
“Sorry, you two. If it wasn’t because you said bad things about Akatsuki behind his back, I would not have deliberately teased you.”
 
Cecily stuck out her tongue. Her hands rested on the shoulders of Miu and Haruka and she whispered.
 
“However, when you’re following Akatsuki, it’s best not to suppress your own emotions. Otherwise, you might regret it in the future——That person is the best example.”
 
“Ah……?”
 
Cecily’s tone was extremely serious, but Miu did not understand and subconsciously asked.
 
However, Cecily had already turned around and walked straight out of the room. Melissa sighed, and slowly walked towards the two of them.
 
Only to see Miu timidly ask.
 
“Uh…Has the conversation between you two already ended? That person……”
 
“Akatsuki went to find something and wanted me to take care of you two. Is there any problem?”
 
“No……!”
 
Melissa’s eyes flashed. Miu hurriedly avoided his gaze.
 
“Akatsuki has already told me clearly about your reasons for coming. Staying here isn’t a problem, but your identities cannot be exposed, so be sure to follow the rules of this shop during your stay.”
 
“Y…Yes……”
 
“U…Understood……”
 
Fearing the oppressive pressure that was generated by Melissa’s huge body, Miu and Haruka could only obediently nod. Only to see Melissa hand over the two soft cloths that were hanging on his arm to the two of them.
 
“T…This is……?”
 
Haruka was slightly surprised, then she slowly spread open the soft cloth, and suddenly issued a shrill scream.
 
“W…What the hell is this!”
 
“……This is just an ordinary camisole cutie, the reaction doesn’t have to be so exaggerated.”
 
Miu and Haruka had never seen such sensational, revealing and sexy lingerie, but Melissa seemed to have a nonchalant look.
 
“Take off your clothes and switch to this set of lingerie. After you’re ready, immediately come down. Starting today, you will work in this shop, your salary will be directly used to pay for the cost of accommodation.”
 
“W…Work? I…We can’t do it……!”
 
A panicked Miu repeatedly shook her head.
 
“Relax, I won’t ask you to receive the guests.”
 
Melissa slowly said.
 
“However, cooking, laundry, cleaning and like works shouldn’t be difficult for you two right? Or did you think that you would not have to pay, and intend to freeload while hiding here?”
 
“B…But……For cooking and laundry work, there isn’t a need to wear this breezy clothing right?”
 
Haruka’s rebuttal instantly aroused Melissa’s disapproval.
 
“Could it be that you plan on continuing to wear that distinctive clothing and dangling around the shop? What if a guest or a person from the same industry notices it? At that time, the people that will be unfortunate wouldn’t be just you two, even me and the other girls inside my shop would also be pulled in, don’t you even have a little bit of guilt?”
 
“I…I did not mean this……”
 
“The duel is in three days. If you two do not need to go to the toilet, shower, wash clothes and completely do not leave the room even one step within these three days, then I don’t have any say……How is it?”
 
“T…That is  probably a bit difficult……”
 
“Anyways, how could you do things if you are just hiding in the room? Even though the risks are shared between us, you are only going to hole up here and enjoy?”
 
“……”
 
Miu and Haruka glanced at each other, completely unable to say a word. At this moment, Melissa dragged his huge body towards the door, and looked disdainfully at them before leaving the room.
 
“Hurry up and change into the clothes and help. Once I count to 100, you must show up, or else I will make you two wear even more revealing clothes.”
 
After saying this, Melissa directly left the attic.
 
“——!”
 
Under Melissa’s abuse of authority, Miu and Haruka hurriedly removed their clothes.