Hirano chose to stay.
She thought to herself, just like the other ladies in the chat group...
She could refuse.
But she didn't.
Or rather...
She didn't want to.
Since Kaito had taken the initiative to invite her, refusing would just be false modesty.
Kaito was, well, perfect in every way except perhaps for being too... loving.
Hirano thought helplessly, yet she was happy.
She felt fortunate that she still had charm!
"And what is this several billion contract, Kaito?"
"Simple. It's a special ramen broth. Not only is it delicious, but it also nourishes and beautifies. Promoting this product will surely cause a frenzy throughout Liurnia Town."
"Really? Is it as good as you say?"
"Of course. Would I lie to you?"
"Alright, let's see it?"
"Come on."
Kaito stood, took her hand, and led her to the kitchen.
He produced a thick, long rolling pin from somewhere, handed it to her to knead the dough, and he prepared the ingredients for the broth.
Men and women working together, tasks get done faster.
Soon, the kitchen was bustling with their activity.
The Fire Keeper came by once but sensed they were busy inside.
Not wanting to disturb them, she took Melina to the guest room for the night.
Half an hour later, the rich broth was ready.
Hirano took a sip, her brow furrowing slightly.
"How is it?"
"The taste... I might not be used to it."
"That's fine at first. It's novel; you haven't had it before."
"That's true... but... it's not unpleasant after savoring it. But the effects you mentioned, will they really work?"
"Of course! How about a few more sips?"
"Okay."
Finishing the dough, Hirano took a full ladle of broth.
After a large gulp, her mouth filled with the rich flavor. Perhaps she was getting used to it.
She swallowed the broth, letting out a small, cute burp, then blushed and covered her mouth in embarrassment.
"I don't feel anything yet..."
"You haven't drunk much; it's natural not to feel anything yet."
"R-Really?"
"Of course. Alright, let's continue. You've finished the dough? Let's move to the next step. The finished ramen will make you ascend to heaven."
"What kind of ascension is that..."
Hirano gave him a cute, exasperated look.
They busied themselves in the kitchen again.
An hour later, the novel ramen was ready. After tasting it, Hirano's eyes widened, and her mouth fell open.
"..."
"Hehe, told you. Don't you feel warm now?"
Before she knew it, she had finished the large bowl.
Hearing Kaito, she touched her slightly full belly.
Her body felt pleasantly warm. It was really comfortable!
After eating the hot ramen, her face was radiant, with small beads of sweat on her forehead.
If this product was promoted, it would be worth several billion!
"Can I... have another bowl?"
"Sure, but if you eat too much, you won't be able to walk~"
"I-It's okay. I can stay here."
"Yes."
The night was wonderful.
Under this world's sky, the stars twinkled, inspiring infinite reverie.
…
The next day, Hirano slowly awoke. Seeing Kaito beside her, her cheeks flushed.
As she slowly got up, her movement stirred Kaito awake.
"Did I wake you?"
"No... I slept well."
"I was very happy last night."
"Me too."
They left the room together, washed up, and came to the living room where the Fire Keeper had breakfast ready.
For a moment, the three women looked at each other. The Fire Keeper, with her blindfold, was unfazed, but Melina wasn't.
The atmosphere grew awkward.
Hirano felt a bit guilty, like a child caught doing something wrong.
Fortunately, Kaito was there and eased the tension with a few words.
After breakfast, Hirano said she should return. Kaito didn't insist.
He saw her to the door, waved goodbye. Hirano smiled, her face red, waved back, and left.
Kaito thought that was the end of it.
Returning inside, the Fire Keeper and Melina looked at him, wanting to say something but hesitant.
"What is it? Speak freely."
"Well... my Lord, she is also a candidate for Elden Lord, like you. Isn't this... a bit problematic?"
"I understand your concern, but... she won't compete with me. Rest assured."
The Fire Keeper and Melina exchanged glances.
Could a Tarnished really not aim to become Elden Lord?
Even if she promised, what about her Maiden?
She might not be swayed now, but constant urging might change her mind.
"Melina, don't overthink it."
"Our relationship is deeper and better than you imagine."
"Before coming here, we already agreed. They've all given up on becoming Elden Lord and will help me claim the throne. So... do you understand?"
Hearing this, the Fire Keeper and Melina could only nod.
Though they found it hard to believe, and felt... sympathy for those other Maidens, there was nothing to be done.
Better them than us.
They were just glad other Tarnished were giving up.
Melina felt a slight ache in her heart.
She hadn't forgotten her mission.
But if she carried it out, she would never see Kaito become Elden Lord.
Was there a way?
No.
To be blunt, if Melina didn't fulfill her mission, no one could become Elden Lord.
Not even Kaito, unless he was powerful enough to destroy the Erdtree.
Besides her burning the Erdtree, was there another way?
Yes.
A Tarnished accepting the Frenzied Flame!!
And becoming the Lord of Frenzied Flame!!