Iroha's "request" was essentially to have me accompany her on a shopping trip to the shopping street in Gehenna Downtown District's East Zone.
Honestly… it felt like a disguised date.
Under the pretense of a "request," claiming it as a personal favor owed to me… I think she just wanted an excuse to have more chances to interact with me later.
Fortunately, with all my experience interacting with students, I had developed sharp insight. Otherwise, I might have really believed she needed my help.
She wouldn't be asking me to carry her bags, would she?
Though I did carry them, considering a student's physical ability, if that were truly the reason, it would almost certainly be an act of feigned frailty.
Anyway, based on the shopping list she had prepared in advance, for nearly an hour before noon, we wandered between different stores, buying small things like plush toys, snacks, and cushions. Among them was the "Wave Cat Pillow" enthusiastically recommended by Hifumi.
Glancing down at the cat-shaped long pillow clamped under her arm while I carried all the shopping bags, I couldn't help but remark.
"So you like Momofriends too!"
"Hm? Not particularly," Iroha replied casually. "But this one ranked third in Kivotos' bedding popularity this year."
Really? That popular?
Iroha, confirming the list, nodded with satisfaction.
"Yeah, I think that's all. Sensei, thank you for accompanying me today. Thanks to you, everything on my list is bought."
But… I hadn't really done anything, had I?
In other words, just by being near her, I was already worthy of her gratitude.
I noticed but didn't point it out, smiling.
"No need to thank me, it's part of my job. But… what do you plan to do with all these things?"
"They're just for personal use, in my resting area at the Pandemonium Society."
"Personal use? Resting area?"
Iroha explained.
"I set up a private resting space for myself. That also means no one else comes to replenish supplies, so I have to do my own shopping. And since Ibuki sometimes comes over to hang out, I also need to stock toys and snacks."
Ah, so it's a private slacking space, away from distractions, not easily noticed by others.
Exactly what I would expect from Iroha.
"I see."
Sensing something, the little lady's lips curved slightly.
"What's with that expression, sensei? You look… interested?"
"I am a little curious," I admitted sincerely. "I wonder what a resting area, carefully crafted by an expert like you, would look like."
"Hehe∼" Iroha grinned smugly, her tone mysterious.
"It's a place where the moment you enter, all worries disappear and you can completely indulge in slacking∼. So… since you're interested, want to come back to the Pandemonium Society and experience it firsthand?"
"Sure, next time."
"Why 'next time'?" Iroha insisted warmly. "Sensei, your work is basically done for today, isn't it? Why wait? You're free, so why not come back with me today and slack off?"
She wants to be alone with me in her private space where hardly anyone ever visits?
Disgusting! That petite, dark red-haired girl must be imagining something inappropriate!
After angrily scolding the obviously mischievous girl in my imagination, I resolutely declined.
"No way, I still have work."
Even though yesterday's duty was Ako… that doesn't matter. Even if she needed tutoring, I wouldn't have a problem.
But I had other plans later today. If I went to Iroha's private lair and got lost in leisure, it would delay everything else, definitely not good.
Seeing my stance, the red-haired girl pursed her lips, audibly scoffing, and ruffled her fluffy hair.
"Haa, fine, next time then. You really are… troublesome, sensei."
I thought to myself. clearly the real troublesome one is someone else.
"However," Iroha continued, brightening up, "even though your work isn't fully done, I managed to drag you out shopping. Doesn't that count as a success in getting you to slack off with me?"
"What!" I feigned shock. "Damn! I didn't realize I was tricked!"
Not really.
Accompanying students is part of my job too, after all.
"Hehe∼ Mission accomplished∼"
Iroha grinned.
"Well, it's about time to head back. Once we return to Schale, tell me how to help you. Since this is the first time officially doing duty, if anything goes wrong, remember to correct me in real time, okay?"
Judging by her tone, she actively wanted to help me finish my work. But from another perspective, cooperating like this was also a perfect way for both of us to slack off more effectively.
I sighed.
"The balance between work and slacking… truly a profound art."
"See?" Iroha said in a mock-adult tone. "Even adults still have things to learn!"
"Well then, I look forward to it."
"Hehe, you're welcome. Middle managers should help and watch out for each other, right?"
She put it nicely, but at heart, it was all because she had a crush on me.
So, Iroha and I returned to Schale, carrying our big and small bags, stopped by the family restaurant recommended by Yuka for lunch, and then continued work until the afternoon.
Although the lazy red-haired girl eventually assumed I could handle the remaining tasks myself and returned to the sofa to slack off, she had indeed helped quite a bit beforehand.
When she was satisfied and ready to leave, I offered to carry some bags for her.
Her response was a strange look.
"Even if I'm lazy, I wouldn't make you go through all this trouble, sensei. I have pride, you know."
She then effortlessly carried four or five shopping bags and headed back to the Pandemonium Society on her own.
This girl… she might really have a personality similar to Hina.
In any case, I continued working until around dusk, had an early dinner, and then headed out for a surprise appointment that had caught me off guard when I received it.
The girl who invited me was already waiting at the agreed location.
"Finally, sensei," said the gold-haired, blue-eyed girl from Millenium, her expression calm. "I've been waiting for a long time." Millennium
"Sorry to keep you waiting… also, long time no see."
Feeling a twinge of emotion, I greeted her.
"Indeed."