If there was anyone among Nazarick's NPCs capable of stirring such intense emotions in Akemi, it could only be the person standing before her.
Yuri Alpha.
A creation personally crafted by Yamaiko.
In the real world, her name was Yamase Maiko, and she was also Akemi's older sister.
Naohara was well aware of Akemi's mental state.
That was precisely why he had specifically summoned Yuri, hoping she could accompany Akemi as she toured Nazarick.
Yuri had inherited a great deal of her creator Yamaiko's distinctive personality.
[As expected of Yamaiko's creation. That teacher-like air is way too familiar.]
Naohara had thought this more than once.
(P.S.: Mentioned in Chapter 50.)
As the saying goes, "The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it, and an ailment of the heart requires the right remedy."
Naohara knew very little about professional psychology, but establishing a stable living environment, giving Akemi plenty of attention and care, and encouraging her to explore new things should all help improve her current condition.
That was also why Naohara had asked earlier whether there was anything in particular she wanted to do.
He hoped that giving her something else to focus on would gradually help her tense mind and body relax.
If there was anyone disappointed by this arrangement, it was probably Momonga.
It was obvious that he really wanted to show Akemi around Nazarick himself.
At the same time, however, he knew Yuri was far better suited to the task, so he forced himself to suppress the urge.
"Sigh, if only Yamaiko were here too."
Momonga sighed wistfully as he watched Akemi disappear into the distance.
"There's almost no chance of that."
"If there were even the slightest possibility, Akemi would've mentioned it to us just now. But she didn't say a single word."
The chances that Yamaiko had transmigrated were practically zero.
There might have been a sliver of hope if she had logged in before the Server Shutdown.
But judging from Akemi's behavior, Yamaiko clearly hadn't done so.
Otherwise, why would Akemi have transferred the feelings she held for her older sister onto Naohara?
"Mm. What a shame."
Momonga nodded slightly, agreeing with Naohara.
In truth, he had only said it because the sight of Akemi leaving had stirred his emotions.
"Speaking of which, Naohara, why didn't you say yes to Akemi just now? Keno probably wouldn't mind. It was such a good opportunity~"
Momonga's tone suddenly turned teasing.
It still felt somewhat unreal, but if Akemi really did end up with Naohara, he would support them one hundred percent.
A former companion marrying his best friend would undoubtedly be double the happiness.
Momonga was already imagining himself serving as the best man.
"Are you serious?"
Seeing the delighted grin on Momonga's face, Naohara seriously wanted to punch him.
"Actually, I think you could give it some thought too, Naohara. Don't let a young girl's feelings go to waste~"
Herohero joined in as well.
If the two of them really did get together properly, and Akemi gained the legitimate status of Naohara's wife, Herohero would be able to feel a little more at ease.
He didn't think the chances were very high, but that didn't stop him from bringing it up to tease Naohara.
After all, what were friends for if not to give each other a hard time?
"Oh, I see. You two are just asking for a beating, aren't you?"
Naohara leaned back in his chair, crossed one leg over the other, and glared threateningly at them.
Of course, it was all talk. He had no intention of actually doing anything.
He knew Momonga's personality all too well.
Whenever his companions were involved, Momonga became a completely different person.
If killing someone would make one of his companions happy, Naohara had no doubt that Momonga would not only refrain from stopping it, but would actively support it.
On the other hand, if someone tried to deceive him by invoking the name of his companions, Momonga would probably become even more extreme than a true Undead.
As for Herohero, it was just as he himself had said.
If the other party behaved themselves, then naturally everyone could coexist peacefully.
But if they dared to cause trouble, Herohero would strike first and have a little "heart-to-heart" with them.
Assuming both of them were equally aware of Akemi's psychological issues, Momonga probably wouldn't even think about correcting her behavior.
Instead, he would likely indulge her while occasionally showing concern and checking in on her.
Herohero, meanwhile, would probably take a completely different approach.
He would guide Akemi's mentality while continuously deepening her dependence on him, until she had completely changed into the person he wanted her to become.
That way, every potential hidden danger would be eliminated.
It was somewhat underhanded, but it fit Herohero's current personality perfectly.
As for Naohara himself, he would do what he was doing now and try his best to help Akemi work through her psychological issues.
After all, who could refuse the adorable younger sister of a former companion clinging to him and affectionately calling him "big brother"?
Thanks to the Principle of Catastrophe's ability to sense malice, Naohara knew that although Akemi's mental state was abnormal, she harbored no ill will toward him whatsoever.
That was precisely why things had ended up like this.
Naohara also knew perfectly well that he was the type who responded to kindness rather than force.
Akemi was like this, and Zesshi Zetsumei had been the same before her.
Sometimes, even Naohara found his own awkward personality exasperating.
If all of this were represented as a straight line, Momonga would stand at the center.
Naohara and Herohero, meanwhile, would extend toward opposite ends.
The three of them thus formed three distinct points, maintaining a strange sort of balance.
"Alright, we'll talk about Akemi another time. For now, let's discuss something else."
Naohara shook his head and set those thoughts aside.
Then he waved a hand.
Flashes of light appeared one after another, and all kinds of precious materials instantly materialized before the three of them.
There was the rare enhancement item [Flame of the Beginning], which had only a tiny chance of dropping after defeating the Fire Giant Boss [Surt].
(P.S.: The drop rate could be increased by spending real money.)
There was also the rare item [Ice of the Beginning], dropped by the Ice Demon Dragon, which could be used for a Class Change into a special class.
The special item [Elixir of Life], which could grant a Hermit-type Job Class when used.
The rare Divine Class Item [Kal Kan Premium], capable of subduing even divine beasts.
The rare item [Cauldron of the Daghdha], based on one of the Four Great Treasures of Celtic mythology, which could produce food by consuming gold coins.
There was also a whole assortment of high-tier magical metals, including but not limited to Beliat, Galvoln, Adamask, Apoithakarah, Scarletite, Celestial Uranium, and Star Silver.
Among the countless glowing items, one enormous floor-standing mirror was particularly eye-catching. Images constantly flickered across its hazy surface.
World Item: [Graeae]
It belonged to the Guild ranked second, Samirth's Guild.
It was a detection-type World Item.
Its effect was the exact opposite of Nazarick's bound anti-detection World Item, [Throne of Kings].
According to Samirth, it should originally have been kept in the Guild's storage. However, just before the Server Shutdown, Akemi, who was also a Guild member, took it with her, and it ended up crossing over to the New World along with her.
After all those twists and turns, it had ultimately found its way to Nazarick.
The rest of the items before them were also part of the treasured stockpile belonging to the Guild [World Searchers].
Akemi had apparently thought that if she was going to take one thing, she might as well take two, and ended up stuffing everything into her inventory.
Then, on the way back to Nazarick, she handed the entire collection over to Naohara.
It was no wonder [World Searchers] had been the Guild most favored by the game's operators.
Even setting aside the World Item, its collection contained an impressive abundance of valuable treasures.
What they needed to discuss now was how these items would be used and allocated from here on out.