"Please take good care of my young lady."
Mei said, laughing softly.
Despite her young appearance, her smile was somehow mature and I couldn't help but stare at her.
This is the opposite of Hime, who smiles innocently.
The two have a similar aura, but Mei really is the more mature one.
His life experience is evident in his words and actions, and he gives off a sense of ease.
That's why this person seemed to be aware of that as well.
"Either way, my lady, I'll give you my blessing."
Also the distance between me and Sei.
He also receives affection from Hime.
As expected, Mei-san is watching closely.
I see... so that's why this person only says, "Please take good care of my lady."
"I'm sure you'd get along with either of them."
It's not limited to Hijiri.
Mei was hinting that Hime would be fine too.
"...Should I choose?"
Actually, I've been worried about it for a long time.
While I have a vague idea of Hime's feelings, I'm still unsure whether I should face them or not.
So I ended up relying on him.
I reached out my hand to cling to Mei, who seemed to have a good grasp of the situation.
But she was kind and strict.
"You have to choose the answer."
They don't let me have an easy time.
Mei-san always pushed me away when I would act dependent on her, yet she still supported me.
"You're not going to let the words of a mere maid decide the future of the young ladies, are you?"
"...I agree"
Mei is always on the Hoshimiya sisters' side.
It is because she truly wishes happiness for the two of them that she will never tolerate my indulgence.
"You'll have to worry a lot. You'll think about the young ladies from your heart, you'll be confused, and it might even be very painful. But it's precisely because you've come to a decision like that that it will be meaningful."
The fact that he didn't say what was wrong made him seem strict yet kind.
Mei-san made it clear that she was merely giving advice. Her words and actions showed that it was up to her to decide what to do.
In other words, there are two paths I should aim for.
The first route involves building a relationship of trust with Kiyoshi, aiming to become his lover, and eventually getting engaged. There is also a route where he can make Hime his little sister, as originally promised.
Another route is to maintain a distance from Kiyoshi while deepening his relationship with Hime.
Of course, I don't know if Hijiri will fall in love with me, and I don't know if Hime will continue to love me. I think that's an extravagant and arrogant way of thinking.
However, if there is still a possibility that this could happen, it is something that should be carefully considered.
It would be rude to them to give up on the idea, saying that it's impossible for an ordinary person like me.
"That's true... I'm sorry. I'll think about it properly."
Once again, I straightened my back.
He pulled his outstretched hand back and clenched it into a fist.
(I wonder if this is my fault for seducing Hime.)
I don't really like to use the word "seduced."
However, that day...I must take responsibility for giving her sweets in the classroom after school.
Hime has become attached to me. Although I didn't intend to, I have dyed this innocent girl in my colors.
Keep that in mind...and don't run away from Hime's kindness, face it head on.
That was something I made a firm decision about.