Aoi Souma felt a certain hope towards Hebiishi Yuriko.
In this world where men are scarce, everything is tailored to men's convenience. This has become so normal that the men of this world do not understand the value of this paradise.
However, Souma, who has regained his memories from his past life, is different. He intends to fully utilize this environment where women would happily open their legs for him. But there is one concern he has about this paradise world.
That concern is the concept of "tsundere."
In this world, the "tsundere" attitude, where one has to act harshly or say things that can be taken as harsh towards men, is difficult to maintain. Men are so precious that the bittersweet experience of a "tsundere," who likes someone but can't be honest about it, might not exist here.
But what about Hebiishi Yuriko, the woman in front of him?
She clearly looks uncomfortable but shows no sign of wanting to apologize. Even though she hasn't been refuted, she looks frustrated.
Souma himself doesn't mind her attitude, but by the standards of this world, she is extremely self-centered. Her capacity as a human being is overwhelmingly small.
However, the essential elements of a "tsundere" are having an unnecessarily high pride and a small emotional capacity. Hebiishi Yuriko possesses these qualities in abundance. Perhaps she has the potential for even more dramatic developments than a typical "tsundere."
Souma envisions a scenario where she says, "I hate you, but I can't forget your dick!"—a classic line from a certain genre of stories. Hebiishi Yuriko seems to have the potential to make such dreams come true.
If she has the potential to become a hope, he should carefully build a relationship with her.
"I spoke out of turn even though I haven't been out in society yet. And I apologize for calling you by your first name so suddenly. I'm sorry, Hebiishi-san."
"! ... N-No, there's no need to apologize... I-I mean, yes. It's fine. There's no problem. It's just a name..."
Because she knows she was in the wrong, Hebiishi Yuriko doesn't know how to respond when Souma apologizes. And she feels disappointed that he switched back to using her last name.
With her stern expression gone, Hebiishi Yuriko's thoughts were written all over her face. Souma's memories from his past life, where he learned techniques to win people's hearts for his work, guide him on how to handle her from now on.
However, setting aside the guidance of Hebiishi Yuriko's "tsundere" development, Souma decides to move the conversation forward.
She is indeed a valuable asset, and he wants to build a relationship with her, but Souma has something even more important to prioritize.
"By the way, Hebiishi-san, since you're asking me to do social service, do you have the device for service activities?"
"Huh? Oh, yes. Of course... Here it is."
Hebiishi Yuriko, who had been flustered, quickly joined the conversation when prompted. She probably wanted to regain her composure by focusing on her duties.
She took out a thirteen-inch tablet and a white case that looked like a small box from her business bag.
Souma still maintains a poker face, but inside, his excitement is skyrocketing. The real device looks much cooler than the images on the government's official website.
"Can I open it?"
"Yes, go ahead."
With Hebiishi Yuriko's permission, Souma touches the sensor on the side of the white case. With a satisfying click, the lid opens to reveal a wireless pin microphone and six marble-sized spherical cameras.
The moment he sees them, Souma's face lights up with joy, captivating everyone in the room.
His expression of pure joy, like a child who just got a new toy, melts away the frustration of his mother and the maids.
"He's so happy... So cute..."
Hebiishi Yuriko, who had a front-row seat to this rare expression, couldn't help but let her true feelings slip out.
Completely disarmed, she feels foolish for being so stubborn. She feels a sense of purification, as if the dark, sticky feelings in her heart are being cleansed.
The device that brought such a change in Souma's expression is the service activity device. The tablet has a dedicated app that allows him to select service content and targets from a list. It provides all the information and procedures related to service activities. It records service history and information about the women served, and allows for various payments without needing to withdraw earned allowances. It is a user-friendly and convenient tool.
The pin microphone and cameras are used for non-contact service activities, such as hologram live streaming.
What made Souma's face light up with excitement were the six spherical "holography cameras." When activated, wings extend from the stored cameras, and they fly around the subject, capturing footage to project a hologram.
This is a technology that did not exist in Souma's past life—truly a futuristic innovation. It's no wonder he's excited to see it.
"Hebiishi-san, can I use this right away?!"
"Huh? Yes, as long as you register for approval..."
"I want to try live streaming! Is that okay?"
"Uh, yes... That would be great, but..."
"I want everyone to work hard on service activities until my superpowers are fully functional. Are there any other requests from the government?"
"N-No, not at the moment..."
"Then I'll go back to my room! Kouzuki, let's go."
"Y-Yes, understood! I'll carry the device for you."
"Thank you. Please do."
"It would be my pleasure."
"So, I'll start my service activities today. Mother, Tsubame, if you'd like, please watch my stream."
The situation is changing so rapidly that Souma's mother, Tomoe, and the head maid, Tsubame, can only nod in agreement.
Hebiishi Yuriko, the official sent by the Defense Agency, and the other two women stare blankly at the closed sliding door.
Hebiishi Yuriko is the first to move, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"S-Souma!? Wait! Starting a broadcast without a meeting could cause confusion—"
Hebiishi Yuriko hurriedly chases after Souma.
Tomoe and Tsubame, left in the guest room, look at each other but struggle to find the right words.
The arrogant official has gone to Souma, but with Kouzuki there, he should be fine.
Souma not only accepted the government's outrageous request but also proposed an even more ambitious plan, silencing the arrogant official.
The government's request has been met, and Souma seems happy. Is there anything more they can do?
Tomoe and Tsubame decide to take out their smart devices and open the government's male-only live streaming app to wait.
◇◇◇◇◇◇
S-rank Transcender Hebiishi Yuriko couldn't accept it.
Despite reaching puberty, the boy Aoi Souma still hadn't manifested any superpowers, yet he received an absurd S-rank classification. When she received orders to become the boy's handler after his mandatory semen extraction duty ended in a month, she was furious.
It was all too unnatural.
The reason for the mandatory examination at the onset of puberty or menarche is that there is a solid basis for it. While some people awaken to superpowers before puberty, it is rare for superpowers to manifest afterward.
An S-rank Transcender who is male is already dubious, but not manifesting superpowers even after puberty is too much of a coincidence.
It must be either the boy's foolish noble parents tampering with his results for appearances or a system malfunction.
Being the handler of such a boy is the worst luck.
The Defense Agency probably doesn't care about the truth. They just want to send a message: "You're not the only S-rank, so don't get cocky." Her incompetent superiors must have chosen her out of spite.
Hebiishi Yuriko thought so.
She had been rejected from the warrior class entrance exam and had only been assigned to handle worthless men in the male protection area. And now this.
She blamed all her misfortunes on jealous, power-hungry authorities who envied her talent.
Her self-centered victim mentality reached its limit.
Ignoring the government's wish for the Aoi family to lead the discussion, she planned to make the most unreasonable demands she could without breaking the rules.
If the other party got angry and attacked, even better. She would show them the true power difference and make the world's incompetents understand. Since no one could stop her, she could do whatever she wanted and then go anywhere she pleased. As a world-class S-rank Transcender, any country would be happy to take her in.
She was seriously considering this.
But Aoi Souma was different from anyone she had ever met.
Despite being a noble, he was grateful to the women of the general area. Despite being a man, he showed interest even in Hebiishi Yuriko, who had made unreasonable demands, and said he wanted to fulfill the dreams of ordinary women more than his own.
Hebiishi Yuriko was honestly moved to tears. She felt joy, frustration, and self-pity.
When she didn't know how to react, Souma, who had been expressionless, suddenly lit up at the sight of the service tools.
Could he really be looking forward to serving the women of the general area? But there was no sign of deceit in his words or expression. She felt an overwhelming difference between him and herself.
As Souma leaves the room, Hebiishi Yuriko can only watch in a daze.
The moment she realizes that Souma is about to start a live broadcast in the general area, she snaps out of it.
This is bad. If Souma, who knows nothing about the general area, starts broadcasting, it could be disastrous.
The general area is full of all kinds of people. There are good people, but also bad ones. Even without ill intent, many people could get carried away and cause trouble.
Hebiishi Yuriko had never wanted to protect anyone before. But now, for the first time, she takes action to protect someone else.
From her days in the orphanage, she had never been loved by anyone nor wanted anyone's love. But now, she runs down the hallway, genuinely concerned for Souma's well-being, without any thought of personal gain.
As Hebiishi Yuriko catches sight of Souma, she calls out to him.
"Souma, wait!"
"You stop."
Before Hebiishi Yuriko can catch up to Souma, the maid Kouzuki blocks her path.
"What are you saying!? You should stop him too! He doesn't know anything about the general area; it's dangerous for him to broadcast!"
She drops her official facade and speaks frankly.
"You have no right to say that."
"That doesn't matter now! We have to protect him!"
"There's no problem. I will protect him."
"Ha!? Are you stupid!? If he needs protection, you've already failed as a guard!"
"!?"
Kouzuki is taken aback. Though Hebiishi Yuriko's words are harsh, they are unfortunately true.
The best course of action is to prevent risks before they happen. Why didn't she think of that?
Last night's shared bed and this morning's intimate skinship in the bath had put her in a temporary state of delusion, focusing only on respecting Souma's wishes.
Though she dislikes the woman in front of her, Hebiishi Yuriko's reason for being an unfit guard is valid. Souma might be disappointed in her, and tonight's promise might be broken. Kouzuki turns pale and slowly turns around.
Hebiishi Yuriko also looks at Souma with a bitter expression. She regrets her words, realizing she has hurt the first person she ever wanted to protect.
"You're right; starting a broadcast without a plan would surprise everyone... I got too excited and jumped ahead."
"Hau♡"
"So... So cute..."
Souma blushes with embarrassment.
The two women, who had been arguing, are taken aback by the sight of the shy, blushing boy.
"But if you two, who are from the general area, are there... it should be okay, right? Or is it still not a good idea to broadcast?"
Souma looks up at the two adult women with a pleading expression.
His actions are blatantly manipulative, but in a world where interactions with men are rare and men typically disregard women, the sight of a beautiful boy begging is overwhelming.
"Let's do it. Kouzuki, We will stake our life on making this broadcast a success."
"C-Cooperation, at least... I-I mean, yes! I am Souma's handler, after all. Of course, I will cooperate."
The dedicated maid and the temporary handler, playing with her hair, both become serious.
In that moment, they are grateful for being born in the general area for the first time in their lives.