Alice and I muttered, opening our bento boxes.
Inside wasn't exactly the same as the bento in the cookbook, but something resembling it was packed.
Tamagoyaki... After cleaning up the dark matter, Alice and I tried again. The second time, we managed to succeed somehow. Well, the shape was a bit awkward, but for Alice, who's not good at cooking, it was a great success.
After the tamagoyaki was done, things went relatively smoothly, and we made dishes like octopus-shaped sausages and asparagus wrapped in bacon. We also made onigiri together.
Since this bento was made by the two of us, the presentation was matching.
Seeing our bentos, Matsuda said.
"Both of you have matching ones, huh..."
"We made it together this morning."
"Are you newlyweds!? Explode grandly once!"
"Go to hell! You traitor!"
"Ahahaha..."
Alice gave a wry smile at Matsuda and Motohama's shouts.
The gazes from the other guys around us are sharp... Filled with killing intent...
By the way, just as Rias and the others have fans, Alice also has fans. Moreover, not just men, but even female fans. Apparently, they like Alice's dignified demeanor, and she's also called 'Onee-sama,' just like Rias and Akeno.
Well, let's put that aside.
"Itadakimasu."
After putting our hands together, I checked today's results. Of course, I tasted it in the morning, but this was for real.
First up was the tamagoyaki, which gave us the most trouble.
I picked it up with chopsticks and brought it to my mouth.
"H-how is it?"
Alice asked timidly.
I chewed it several times, savoring the taste, then swallowed---.
"It's really delicious."
"Really...? That's good..."
"You worked hard from early in the morning."
"No, it's thanks to Issei. I couldn't have done it alone."
We smiled at each other.
Alice, the diligent one. She's trying to overcome her weakness in cooking for me.
...She's just so cute.
Sometimes she throws a punch or a frying pan at me like this morning, but she's still cute.
Alice mumbled shyly.
"I'll try harder... I'll work hard so Issei will say it's even more delicious."
Hmm, what a cute thing to say! If she keeps up her efforts, Alice's skills will improve, and I'm already looking forward to her cooking then!
(Alice's Side)
Sway, sway.
My body was swaying with a slow, regular rhythm. It felt like being rocked in a cradle.
...Huh? Was I asleep?
I think... after eating lunch... afternoon classes started... I was copying the teacher's notes, but I woke up too early in the morning, so I got sleepy... and then...
A comforting warmth spread through my body. This warmth was pleasant... and reassuring. A feeling that made me want to lean into it forever.
But where was I?
I slowly opened my closed eyelids.
And then---
"...I-Issei?"
"Hm? Oh, you're awake. Good morning, Alice."
Issei's profile, smiling back at me.
It was then I finally realized. Where I was.
I was on Issei's back. Having fallen asleep at some point, I was being carried on Issei's back, hugging him.
...
...
...
...Huh!?
"W-w-w-w-wait, I-I-I-I!? Where are we!?"
"Whoa!? Don't suddenly shout so loud in my ear!? We're on our way to our office. You were sleeping through the entire afternoon class, weren't you? You wouldn't wake up even when I called or shook you. So, piggyback ride was the last resort."
"Ngh!?"
Looking around, I saw Kuoh Town in the evening. People were passing by. There were even students buying snacks at shops, which told me it was after school.
N-no way, I was sound asleep through the entire afternoon class!? What am I doing!?
...This is just impossible. This is definitely impossible.
Ahh... so embarrassing...
My face was hot, I could tell even myself. My head felt like it was going to boil...
Issei gave a wry smile.
"Did you get enough sleep, you? This is clearly sleep deprivation. If you don't get proper sleep, you'll get sick again, you know?"
"Ugh..."
I couldn't say a word.
Yesterday, I set my alarm to wake up early, but I was too nervous about whether I could make the bento well that I couldn't sleep... Well, in the end, Issei and I ended up making it together.
"Thanks."
"Huh?"
Issei suddenly thanked me.
Did I do something to be thanked for? I feel like I'm currently causing trouble...
"No, it's you, you know. I figured you couldn't sleep because you were nervous about whether today's bento-making would go well, right?"
Ugh... he's perceptive.
"I don't want you to push yourself too hard, but honestly, I'm happy. The bento Alice made was truly delicious."
"Really? Was it really delicious?"
"Why would I lie? I told you this morning when we tasted it, and at lunch, didn't I? It was delicious. Will you make it again?"
I see... it was delicious.
Me, who's bad at cooking. Me, who's notably worse than Miu and the others, and he says that. Just that alone made all my effort today worth it...
I leaned my body against Issei's back and hugged him tightly from behind.
"Yes... I'll make it again."
"Alright. I'm looking forward to it."
"Alright, Devil-kun! Let's talk again sometime!"
"Of course! Please call me when you have another request! Well then, see you next time!"
Having completed the received request, I returned to the office via a transfer magic circle.
Today, I received three requests. The first was to search for a lost cat. The second was a massage for a body tired from work. The third was to talk about anime and games.
Even after becoming a High-Class Devil, the request contents are still pretty much the same. Most of them are regulars from when I first became a devil.
And mostly men... It makes me want to cry!
The second request, the massage, was tough in a way! I mean, massaging a muscular old man's body!? If I had to give a massage, I would've preferred a girl!
Kiba still has a lot of female clients! Damn it, is it really better to be handsome!? Is it better to be handsome, you damn it!
Sometimes, I wish female clients would come toooooooooo!
Well, putting aside such lamentations, I completed all the requests. All things considered, talking with customers is fun.
The magic circle's light enveloped me, taking me from the client's house to the office.
The light of the transfer ceased, and I was back in the office.
Waiting for me there was---.
"Welcome home, dear♪ Will you have dinner? A bath? Or---m-e♪"
It was Alice in a naked apron!? She was saying a common line with a ladle in hand!
Oh no... my nosebleed... ! My nosebleed won't stop!
"W-w-w-w-w-wait, A-ALICEEEEEEE!? Where did you learn something like that!?"
I was completely losing my cool! Because coming home to such a surprise!
It's erotic! You're erotic, Alice-san!
From the frilly apron to her slightly embarrassed expression, it's a perfect score... no, I want to give her a thousand points!
Alice mumbled shyly.
"W-well... I was thinking about what would make you happy, and Ignis-san taught me... She said it would be good to add that line too."
IGNISSSSSSS! It was you againnnnnnn!
Isn't that an amazing choice!? As expected! As expected of you, Ignis-oneesan!
This time, I can't help but thank her! Thank you very much!
This is the best hospitality after work!
My fatigue just blows away effortlessly!
As I was getting excited, Alice put her index fingers together and said in a small voice.
"W-what will you do? The bath is ready and supper is prepared, though...?"
A bath and dinner... both are tempting.
However, the choice in this situation is------.
"I'll make Alice my dinner in the bath!"
"Oh my... you're so greedy."
After this, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.
This time, it was a story about Issei and Alice being endlessly lovey-dovey (lol).
-------------------------------
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