Editing Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 8 Chapter 2 (section)

===Part 8===
After leaving the café and parting with Takigawa — Basara and the others went to visit a particular store. Situated in front of the station, it was a large remodelling store with a showroom. —Takigawa’s solution was to extend the existing Toujou residence. Their current house was a rental property, but Zest was good at earth-based magic. So by using her magic, they could restructure the soil and set up a basement. The problem of having an insufficient number of rooms would be resolved, and there wouldn’t even be any additional cost involved. When they asked Zest if it would be possible, she said that she could drill through any concrete and turn it into marble. It also seemed possible for her to build the floor and walls suitable for housing without any problems. Since that was the case, they could simply purchase some wood and wallpaper at a home centre for a DIY job to create the inner walls. Since the water pipes would be made of metal, which was also a mineral, it was still within Zest’s ability. With this kind of approach, there would be no need to move out of their current house, and by using their own hands, they could also create rooms which were closer to their ideals.

Since it was also impossible to notice any changes from the outside, there was almost no possibility of it being a problem. Even if they did move houses in the future, they could simply revert it back to how it originally was without causing any trouble for the owner. For Basara and the others right now, Takigawa’s plan was the best solution. Therefore, they told Yuki and Kurumi about it after returning home so that they could have a group discussion about what kind of basement it would be, before heading off to the renovation store to pick up the necessary materials. Although Zest was a specialist of earth-based magic, she wasn’t a professional designer. Even Basara and the others believed that seeking advice with a more accurate image in mind such as a renovation store would be more beneficial than looking at superficial designs on the net and discussing it. After receiving some information on the designs of basement expansions, Basara and the others decided to take a look around the store since they had gone to the trouble of coming here anyway. There were various exhibits throughout the showroom to demonstrate how an ideal lifestyle could be obtained through remodelling. With a two storey shop space, the layout consisted of various model rooms like those which could normally be found at a large furniture store. Just like the renovation shows on television, it seemed as though it was possible to change everything from the exterior to the interior. A total makeover could be done to make something seem like an entirely different house. There were also guests of various ages roaming the store, from young couples to entire families.

“Wow…it’s amazing.”

As expected, when the girls came to a place like this, they all seemed to enjoy themselves. Mio and the others looked at various kitchens, washbasins, and the like and their eyes glimmered as they imagined themselves in each of the situations. On the other hand, Zest seemed to feel rather happy about the fact that she had been entrusted with the expansion of the basement, and she began to look through various designs with a serious expression. Seeing the two of them act so pleasantly like that, Basara said

“…Maria?”

He suddenly noticed that the young Succubus who had come along with them was missing. As he looked around, he spotted her figure a slight distance away from the washbasin area where Basara and the others were located. Occupying the wall on the west and southwest side was a display area for houses which made an L-shape.

''…That does remind me, I haven’t thought about the bath yet.''

Thanks to Takigawa’s advice, the issue with the number of rooms had somewhat been resolved, but the bathroom that Maria wanted — especially the large bathtub that everyone could fit in, that still remained an issue. Nonetheless, modern bathrooms often had various different functions now, such as laundry drying. Such mechanical items were truly outside of the scope of Zest’s earth-based magic. Since they were planning to secretly expand into the basement without touching anything else, the bathroom would essentially remain the same as it was now. Since it was a rental property, there would eventually come a time when they would have to return it to the owner…therefore, they couldn’t modify the structure of the house itself. Of course, it was also possible to negotiate with the owner though.

“—Maria.”

As Basara called the name of the young Succubus, he began walking towards her. 

“………”

What Maria was looking at with craving eyes was an exhibit of leisure and resort facilities made by famous high-end manufacturers that were normally installed in luxury hotels and the like. They were enormous ones with jet-bath functions similar to those often seen in Hollywood movies whenever celebrities hosted a party. Considering the average size of houses in Japan, it was rather impossible for such things to be installed indoors. They had gone out of their way to demonstrate them as they were filled with hot water, most likely for the purpose of surprising customers and generating interest with the customers who would consider purchasing them. Aside from Basara and his group, there were several other customers who had stopped to take a look. Although the jet-bath functions were not switched on in order to save electricity, the sheer presence of the tub was rather powerful.

“It’s quite amazing, this thing…”

Whilst surprised by its overwhelming size, Basara stood next to Maria as he read the specification table that was posted on a stand to the side. He was even more surprised that it had close to fifty jet heads.

''…A capacity of up to seven people huh…I see.''

It completely satisfied Maria’s expectations. So

“—Did you want this?”

When Basara asked that

“………”

The young Succubus nodded and remained silent. 

Naruse Maria knew that what she was asking for was unreasonable. After all, Basara and Mio both shared the idea that they wanted to rely on the reward from the Moderates faction as little as possible, and the bath tub that Maria wanted was like the difference between a cheap and simple car versus a shiny brand new one that cost four times as much. Besides, the size was also around 2m per side, so it would be necessary to expand the bathroom itself if they were to install it in the Toujou residence. And if that happened, their costs would only increase further. …Moreover, the Toujou residence was currently being rented. Although it was still possible to negotiate with the owner about changing the current bath tub, an expansion of the bathroom itself was much more difficult. Such a proposal would also affect the adjacent rooms. That was why — it was impossible. And so, just as Maria was about to give up

“—Then let’s buy it then.”

However, Basara bluntly said that.

“Eh—…?”

Surprised, Maria looked up at Basara with a puzzled expression.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you want it?”

He asked curiously.

“N-No…of course I want it.”

But, Maria continued

“A big bath like this in our house would be…”

“It’s impossible with our current bathroom, but with the structure of the basement that Zest is planning to construct, we’ll be able to do whatever we want.”

“Ah—…”

What he had said was true. She stood there stunned by the idea Basara mentioned, which she had not come up with.

“Although there are toilets on the first floor and second floor, it’s no good if there’s only one bath in the entire house…it’s not uncommon for a house to have two bathrooms, , especially given the number of people we have now. It wouldn’t be such a bad idea to build another bathroom just to reduce the waiting time.”

“B-But…there’s the issue of money.”

Maria’s expression clouded as she said that.

“Even if Zest does make a basement, it doesn’t mean we can just use it as is. We’ll have to buy a new bed, bedding, and other new furniture anyway, so it will cost money…we’ll have no choice but to use the reward money that we received from the Moderates faction.”

Basara continued

“I also have the savings that my old man earned, but unlike when we started living together with you and Mio, I was the one who made the decision to bring Zest along. Even though I got his permission for her to live with us, I can’t rely on him so much that I’d even spend his money.”

He continued

“It’s just…I try not to touch that money as much as possible.”

He then asked Maria

“Well, as with anything that’s a luxury, it’d not good to go overboard, but is this tub something that you absolutely want? I don’t think any of the others really disliked the idea…at the very least, I won’t oppose it.”

As he said that, Basara called Mio and Zest over.

“—What do you two think about it?”

Maria believed that Mio and Zest absolutely wouldn’t allow such selfishness on her part, but

“—If that’s what Maria wants, and Basara-sama allows it, then it should definitely be purchased.”

Zest immediately expressed her strong agreement to the proposal.

“Zest-san…”

Contrary to Maria’s surprised look, Zest revealed a calm smile.

“It’s fine…Yuki-san and Kurumi-san probably wouldn’t be opposed to it either.”

“—What do you think, Mio?”

“………”

Following Basara’s prompt, Mio only returned silence as she tried to delay her response

“Uh…umm…”

As Maria looked at Mio’s face, she became afraid that the silence had arisen out of anger.

“I believe that it’s an expensive bathtub, but when I think about it, our house isn’t exactly normal either…if everyone is in favour of buying it, then I won’t oppose it either. Also, if we have another bath, that could be helpful.”

As she said that, Mio smiled and exhaled.

“In the first place…if Maria absolutely wants it, we can’t afford not to buy it. After all, Maria has been the one who has worked the hardest in the house for us up until now.”

“Mio-sama…”

Maria had no words for Mio’s gentle tone. And then

“—See, didn’t I tell you it would be fine?”

Basara placed his hand on Maria’s shoulder to reassure her as he said that.

“Really…it’s not a waste of money?”

In response to her question

“It’s not just for you, it’s something that all of us will share.”

Basara said as he chuckled

“If it’ll make you happy — then it won’t be a waste of money.” 

Although Basara had smiled at Maria, she instantly got upset about it. The young Succubus suddenly began to cry.

“What’s wrong, Maria?”

Surprised at her sudden tears, Basara was compelled to ask her why that was

“Because…”

Maria sobbed in between her tears as she tried to speak.

“I’ve been able to stay together with everyone because I’ve been taking care of all of the housework up until now…but Zest-san did all of the cooking, cleaning and laundry. And even the problem of having insufficient rooms, Zest-san can solve it by building a basement…”

Therefore

“I was afraid…that if everyone continues to rely more and more on Zest-san, then I’ll become useless to everyone.”

Maria was in tears as she said that.

“…………”

“…………”

Basara and Mio simply looked at each other, and then revealed bitter smiles.

“Geez…you’re…”

As Basara sighed, he placed his hand on top of Maria’s head as Mio also smiled and said

“Really, you’re such an idiot…”

As she softly embraced Maria’s small body

“Mio-sama~…”

Maria continued to shed tears as she held on tightly to Mio. At the same time, Basara continued to gently stroke Maria’s small head.

“I was able to stay together with everyone because I was useful, just like how it’s always been my mission to protect Mio…but that’s already long over now. That problem and mission ended when we went the Demon Realm.”

Therefore

“From now on, it’s not about missions or responsibilities. We — we’re together because we want to be with each other.”

And then, Basara continued

“Even if Zest is doing the housework, it doesn’t mean that she’s trying to steal your position from you — that’s not the case, and she’s just doing her part to help out.”

That was the same thing that Basara had told Zest earlier this morning. As Zest revealed a bitter smile, she looked down as she said

“Yes…just as Basara-sama said, it’s because I’m at the bottom of this household.”

“No, I already told you Zest…you shouldn’t think like that.”

It was exactly the same as how Maria thought that she would be useless if she didn’t do any work. Basara didn’t hold back with his words.

“I’m sorry, Basara-sama…—nngh”

As soon as she apologised, Zest trembled and her body became limp. And then, just as she was about to collapse

“—Whoa!”

Basara quickly grabbed onto her waist to support her. A collar became visible on her neck.

“H-Hold on…no way?”

Mio was well aware of the meaning of that collar’s appearance.

“I-I’m sorry…I…the curse again…”

As she remained there, Zest’s eyes became moist as she spoke apologetically.

''… I was weak huh.''

It was a bad habit of Zest because she was too serious. Even when they formed the Master-Servant contract, and when she visited Basara’s room over her relationship with Kurumi, Zest had blamed herself in the same way to cause the curse to activate. Nonetheless, if this was pointed out to her, Zest would only feel guiltier, causing the aphrodisiac curse to become stronger. Therefore

“Zest, we’re going to live together from now on…there’s no need to panic, so let’s fix your habit of blaming yourself little by little, starting now.”

Basara gently admonished her.

“Maria, I want to relieve Zest…will you help me?”

“Eh…?”

From within Mio’s arms, Maria suddenly popped her face out.

“—At times like these, you’re the most reliable one, aren’t you?”

After he said that to her

“————!”

Despite the surprised look in her eyes, Maria rubbed both of her eyes with the back of her hands to wipe away her tears.

“Yes, please leave it to me, Basara-san!”

Although her eyes were still red from crying, she nodded as she showed a wide smile.