"He's handsome, too, and has black hair… My husband used to have that, and I really liked it. Hmm, he also has…" (Rose)
Just then, as I was thinking that, unlike Amarillys, Roselyne might be able to help Iris develop some common sense, I heard what Roselyne was saying.
She was looking at me. Her eyes seemed more appraising, and she appeared to be searching for good qualities in me as she spoke, as if she were trying to convince herself.
Almost as if forcing herself to find good things about me and even using self-suggestion.
Which made me realize that, in a way, I was doing the same thing. We were both thinking and rationalizing this irrational situation.
"Besides, now that I'm assessing your vitality, I can't even describe it. It feels really vigorous and very h-healthy. Many ladies of my race would really covet him... In fact, I myself right no- glup!... no, it's nothing." (Rose)
She went on to mention how I seem to have even more vitality than Iris, and that made her face turn red and a little flustered.
"Hehue~ Yeah, he's really vigorous, you know? I can never keep up with him, and he always leaves me knocked out. You know, he can go all night and then some." (Iris)
On the other hand, Iris seemed very happy that she was saying nice things about me, though in the end she added something unnecessary.
"Really? Is he even more than you?... Humans are known for being lustful, but that... Is he really a human?"(Rose)
"Yeah!... I think so. Honey, you are, right?"(Iris)
"...Yes, I'm a human."
"Yeah, he is. Hmm, I have a lot to tell you about Honey. He's hard to understand at first glance, but once you look past that pessimistic attitude and mostly gloomy, disheartened face, you'll like him. He's really passionate."(Iris)
"R-really?... W-well, he certainly seems capable and reasonable, and he even gave me something as valuable as a divine ability without hesitation. His words were harsh, but when I think about it, it was all with the aim of helping me."(Rose)
"Yeah, he's a tsundere… Ah! Right! Sister Rose. There's one thing I need to know first and foremost—this is really, really important!."(Iris)
At that moment, Iris seemed to be thinking something.
She approached Roselyn and took her by the shoulders while looking her straight in the eye.
"W-what's going on now?"(Rose)
Roselyne grew nervous. She must have thought it was something serious, but, knowing Iris, it was most likely that…
"How big was your husband's dick? A lot depends on this."(Iris)
Yes, it was silly and, more than anything, something she really shouldn't even be asking.
"I-it's… well, when it was fully erect, it was like this."(Rose)
But Roselyne answered, thinking from Iris's expression that it really was a serious matter, even though she herself still didn't understand why.
With both hands and holding her two index fingers a certain distance apart, she gave Iris a clear reference—which was the answer to her reckless question.
When Iris saw it, she opened her eyes in shock.
"Oh! Big sis, it really is big. Ugh. It's bigger than Honey's… Honey, don't get discouraged by that."(Iris)
"I don't care at all. (ㆆ_ㆆ)"
"I understand, Honey. Men take a certain pride in this sort of thing, but it's not a total loss for us yet. It's not just the thickness that matters—the length matters too. Big sis, how long was it?" (Iris)
"T-this is the length." (Rose)
"Huh? Length? Just that? What about the thickness?"
"W-well, something like this." (Rose)
Well, Rose was good at gesturing, and although I don't know why she's still answering Iris's silly questions, she made a lot of things clear.
"...Big sis, your husband had a smal—Hmmph!" (Iris)
Iris understood too and was about to say something she really shouldn't. Luckily, I got there in time and covered her mouth.
'You really should know there are things you shouldn't say. Don't say anything rude about someone else's late husband.'
'But, Honey, something that size can't even—'
'Stop that, and under no circumstances bring that subject up again, do you understand me?'
'Yes, Honey.'
"Ahem!. Miss Rose, Iris didn't mean any harm; I hope you don't mind."
"No, I understand how she is—very direct and without any ill will... ~So that's the thickness... How long would..."
She didn't seem to think much of what Iris said, but for some reason she whispered the second part, and I heard it clearly.
And Iris heard it too. Then, with both hands, copying Roselyne, she held her index fingers apart. Roselyne, who understood that, blushed even more.
Really, the way this turned out is weird and awkward. I really don't know what to think, or what she's thinking.
Anyway, I let go of Iris and resigned myself to accepting whatever happens.
"Pha~ Honey, I won't say anything rude anymore. I just wanted to check, since sex life is important. Okay, big sis, I'll tell you some good things about my Honey—I've got some funny stories too."
After I let her go, Iris grabbed Rose and dragged her off to a corner.
Considering there are only the three of us, that means she doesn't want me to hear her. I didn't mind, but I had to warn her…
'Whatever you tell her, remember to avoid talking about our world. Even though she's … someone from the harem… it's still too early to say that, since you don't know how counterproductive that could be… she might even regret agreeing to the harem thing.'
'Oh, Honey, I don't think she will. Hmm, but I'll do what Honey says,… I'll tell her we're from a rural town—that's how it was, right?'
'Yes.'
She said that, but it's possible something might slip out, though I don't think it matters much. With Roselyne understanding a little of how random, eccentric, and unpredictable Iris is, she probably won't make a big deal out of things like this.
Even if she says something she shouldn't, I can fix it later.
Anyway, Iris started whispering to her and telling her some things. I don't know what she was saying, but every now and then Roselyne would look at me with a very red face.
For my part, I think it's best to be careful about what Roselyne will do now that she has the method to prevent her downfall.
I don't think that just because she's gained the ability, everything will be completely resolved.
The ability is indeed an important factor, but we also have to prevent past mistakes from repeating themselves.
Roselyne may have a lot of experience and know how to do things, but that very fact creates a pattern—a pattern that could cause everything to fall apart again, and that's something best avoided.
A course of action different from what has already been tried is needed. But I can't be too methodical and rigid either, since there are many factors I'm unaware of or that are unexpected.
Her situation requires flexibility and quick adaptation...
..
.
"Alright, Iris. Although I'd like to stay a little longer. I have to get everything in order and restore my family. I'll also follow Astan's advice; he's right. To start a family of assassins, we shouldn't draw attention… I think I'll be back in a few days…" (Rose)
"/_ \, big sis, can't you stay? I want you, me, and Honey to do some rounds." (Iris)
"… I don't know if, hmm…" (Rose)
"Let her go; she has important things to take care of."
'But, Honey, her 'canal' and 'emotional' percentages have already passed the required threshold, and only one point short of the 'rational' one.'
'And that's exactly why you must let her go. She needs to get her affairs in order. If she doesn't do that, she'll never be able to rationally accept starting a relationship, no matter how much she wants to."
'Ah! So that's it. Hmm, I still wanted the three of us to have some fun... well, maybe next time.'
"I see you two get along so well that you understand each other with just a glance. I'd like to be like that too."
"Don't worry, big sis. Someday we'll be able to do that… maybe the next time you come."
Hmm, I guess people see our telepathy as if we're reaching a tacit agreement with just a quick glance.
In any case, what Iris says is true; with her percentages being so high, it wouldn't be surprising if she succeeded the next time she comes back, too.
"Hoho!. Let's hope so. By the way, this has been a truly unexpected encounter. I still feel bad for involving you all, and I have a debt I really don't know how to repay for the rest of my life." (Rose)
"Oh! Big sister, you don't have to do anything—we're family now." (Iris)
"I'd like you to bring back as much information as you can."
"Honey!" (Iris)
"What? She's the leader of the underworld with a lot of valuable information. It would be foolish not to ask her."
"Haha. You really don't beat around the bush when it comes to certain things... Hmm, though it sounded more like a complaint, Iris says you value safety a lot, which is why you like to gather information, and I can see that's really true..." (Rose)
"...Yeah."
I really don't know how much Iris told her, but that's exactly what I want, so it saves me from having to explain.
"Alright, I'll bring you plenty of information. Is there anything specific you want to know?"(Rose)
"Nothing specific for now. Like you mentioned, I want to know about the surroundings, as well as stay up to date on what's happening in the present and in the world."
"I see, it's nothing specific or complicated, so there's no real problem gathering it. Alright, then... Ah!..." (Rose)
"See you next time, big sis. Take care and don't do anything dangerous without a helmet, or Honey will get mad."(Iris)
"Y-yeah, I'll try not to." (Rose)
Facing the imminent farewell, Iris suddenly hugged her and said goodbye in her own strange way. Iris even kissed her cheek, making her blush.
Iris let go of her and then pushed her slightly toward me, while looking at me with her strange expectations.
Haaah~ Whatever.
I sighed inwardly and held out my hand.
"Anyway, it's a pleasure to work with you, Miss Rose."
"Y-yes, and you don't have to call me so formally. Just Rose is fine. Oh, now that I think about it, I haven't told you my full name. It's Roselyne D'Aubigny."(Rose)
She nervously took my hand and seemed to remember that from the start she'd only given us her nickname and hadn't really introduced herself.
"I see, I'll try to be less formal, Rose."
It was a little awkward, but it had to be done. We both held hands and looked at each other, not knowing what else to say.
"For God's sake, at least give each other a little hug or a kiss on the cheek. Why are you two so stiff? when my big sister comes back, we're going to*&^%$#@! and then @#%&*!#until the #@!$%^&*69comes out an—"
"Stop! Stop saying so many vulgar things. Rose has barely accepted the situation; don't say things that'll confuse her even more."
I stopped Iris, who was saying a lot of explicit things, and Rose seemed to turn so red again that she was practically steaming.
"Ugh, thanks for understanding. Well, b... b-by... see you next time, I'll do my best." (Rose)
Finally, Rose thanked me and, catching me completely off guard, stepped forward and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before quickly heading for the exit.
"Oh! Big sis, bring me something delicious when you come back."(Iris)
"I-I will." (Rose)
With that, Rose finally left the store, without looking me in the eye again.
"Huehue~ She's so cute, Honey. We really went all out this time. With my big sister, we now have four harem members."(Iris)
"(¬_¬), whatever you say."
I don't know if, besides Rose, who accepted this ridiculous situation, anyone else can be counted in, but it's better not to argue about something I'm not sure I'll win.
Anyway, it was an encounter with a lot of things and experiences that I honestly'd rather not think about. Anyway, before she left, I was able to see her percentages toward me.
___________________________
Rational: 50
Emotional: 39
Carnal: 52
___________________________
Given that she was evaluating me with the intention of highlighting all my positive qualities, the percentage of the rational aspect is understandable, as is that of the emotional aspect, which cannot be increased voluntarily beyond a certain point.
But the other one... To be honest, I don't get her. Maybe it has something to do with what Iris told her... but I think it's better not to ask, since she didn't want me to hear them in the first place.
As for Iris, she'll eventually get the stigma. We can only hope it happens before the deadline, though, as always, I think it's better to be safe, so I won't neglect the others like Azalea.
In any case, the moment she completes her mission will be the moment she receives the "stigma," so all we can do is hope she manages to rebuild her family of assassins. (￣︿￣)
Yes, after all, the mission is about preventing the downfall of one of the world's most powerful assassin families, which has claimed countless lives and, now that it possesses an even more powerful skill, will continue to take even more lives, since that's the only real way to rise again.
Not to mention that she's also the one who runs the underworld—the filthiest place where every evil in society is possible—and I even gave them ideas to help it thrive even more.
All to ensure the completion of a mission...
Yes, objectively speaking. That's what we just did... but I don't regret it... ever since I heard Rose's story and learned about her past, I knew exactly what I was doing.
It really makes me wonder about myself and what I'm truly capable of achieving, just to avoid the penalties of these silly missions.
But I don't know the answer to that, or how far I'm willing to go.