"Thank you, Dr. Lancer."
"No problem. If your family asks, just say you went to the hospital."
Lancer image of Homura Akemi was that of a cold, aloof girl, but looking at the polite girl with pigtails and glasses currently bowing to him, he shook his head and stopped overthinking. Since this wasn't his first crossover, he was long used to the differences caused by "time nodes." After all, a person's character is often determined by their birth environment, living conditions, and the turning points in their life.
However, after Homura left, the atmosphere in the car became awkward again. Previously, the three girls would chat occasionally, but now Madoka and Sayaka sat in the back in total silence.
Clearly, while they hadn't pursued the eavesdropping incident, the awkwardness was unavoidable.
Finally, just as Lancer thought the silence would last until they got out, Sayaka—after hesitating for a long time—finally made up her mind.
"Um... Mr. Lancer, I was wondering if I could ask you for some advice?"
"About magic? Right, you left halfway through earlier. Go ahead, I'll tell you whatever I can."
"No, it's about... 'relationships'..."
By the time she finished, Sayaka entire face was bright red. After all, she had never spoken about this to anyone; even Madoka only knew because they had been together so long. She had never proactively discussed it.
The reason she decided to ask Lancer was simple: she felt lost and didn't know who to talk to. Actually, her parents would be the best choice, but adolescents are prone to rebellion and often overlook the good intentions of their family, stubbornly believing in their own theories.
She couldn't talk to those close to her, but facing an adult who already knew the situation, a thought struck her————Mr. Lancer doesn't seem like the type to gossip, and he already knows, so maybe she could ask him? Besides, they weren't that close, they wouldn't see each other that much in the future, and it wouldn't be awkward.
You could say Sayaka Miki had thought deeply before deciding to ask Lancer, but the problem was that the person being asked was completely baffled.
What? Relationship problems? Asking me?
Lancer was utterly stunned. If his "Riding" skill hadn't been working perfectly, he might have performed a 360-degree drift into a fire hydrant.
Lancer never considered himself a "hero," because he knew true heroes were those willing to sacrifice themselves for the majority—even people they didn't know—whereas he would only give his all for those he cared about. You could call him "selfish"; he could only protect what was within the reach of his spear.
A bigger reason for his shock was that he knew his own track record with relationships. Originally, his attitude followed the habits he'd developed over twenty years, but he lacked the courage to reject people. Facing those women who had given everything for him, he couldn't even find the words to say no.
He felt the only thing separating him from a "School Days" ending was his high combat power and a bit of self-awareness. Regardless, he was self-aware enough to have his mouth twitch when faced with a "relationship consultation" from a minor.
What was he supposed to say? Should he tell her to "forgive" him? Or help that boy, Kyosuke Kamijo, pull a "you are all my wings" move?
Lancer didn't know the exact plot, but spoilers are everywhere. He at least knew that in that "healing" ending, Sayaka Miki turned into a Witch, and the reason seemed to be that boy, Kyosuke Kamijo. At least after these two days, he knew the boy wasn't a bad person, so what was the cause?
What a headache...
But if he didn't say something now, wouldn't the atmosphere get even more awkward?
As Lancer thought, Sayaka—who had finally plucked up the courage—was already starting to look a bit dejected.
"Cough, if you're asking about you and that 'Kyosuke Kamijo' boy, the only thing I can say is 'let nature take its course.'"
Since he couldn't give a specific suggestion, the only option was to play it safe.
"Let nature take its course?"
"Exactly. Miki-san, you seem to have a bit of an inferiority complex, but I want to tell you there's really no need for that. Every girl has her own charm. Maybe to you, the 'lady' side of a girl like Hitomi Shizuki is very feminine and charming, but that's just your perspective. From a male perspective, Miki-san, you actually have charms she doesn't. Some guys like 'lady' types, and some like athletic, cheerful girls. As for which type Kyosuke Kamijo prefers, only he knows."
Lancer was simply telling her a very basic truth, but it was a classic case of the player being confused while the bystander sees clearly.
However, just as Lancer saw Sayaka breathe a sigh of relief, he happened to catch Madoka in the seat next to her looking at him with an extremely strange expression. Instantly, Lancer realized something very serious.
Even if he was trying to encourage Sayaka, a man complimenting a young girl was definitely prone to misunderstanding.
"Cough, by the way, I personally prefer independent women, and I don't make moves on women with an age gap of more than ten years..."
As soon as Lancer said it, he saw Madoka expression turn even more bizarre. Glancing at the rearview mirror, Lancer realized where the problem was.
"I'm already twenty-six."
Only after Lancer spoke did Madoka expression gradually soften, though the wary look didn't entirely vanish. Lancer didn't know what else to say; some things only get worse the more you try to explain.
Lancer words undoubtedly improved Sayaka gloomy mood. As for what her friend was worried about, she didn't care much. After all, in her eyes—and the eyes of most people—Lancer girlfriend was Olga Marie. She figured that since Lancer had Olga Marie, he wouldn't be interested in her.
As for Olga Marie not being the girlfriend? That mattered even less. If even Olga Marie wasn't good enough for him, how could he possibly be interested in her?
Instead, she actually started thinking calmly about what Lancer had just said.
Should she have a bit more confidence?