-1095- Careful?

On this day, Itogami Island was still filled with heat, with temperatures soaring high.

The sun hung high in the sky, ruthlessly releasing heat, causing pedestrians on the streets to sweat profusely, feeling powerless.

On such a scorching day, going to school under the blazing sun must be very painful for students, right?

Fortunately, today is a holiday, and Rozen and others don't need to go to school. Even if they had to, they would have a special car with air conditioning to pick them up, making them much more comfortable than ordinary students.

And on this day, Natsuki introduced a new member who would soon be moving in.

"In conclusion, from today onwards, she will be the maid of this household."

Natsuki sat on the sofa, speaking in a tone of arrogance and condescension.

"You'll be in charge of taking care of the household chores, Astarte."

The person Natsuki referred to was the artificial lifeform girl standing beside her.

"Accept."

The artificial lifeform girl in maid attire repeated mechanically in a flat voice.

"Starting today, consider the Instructor Minamiya's residence as a workplace. I am the maid, Astarte. Record the above content, complete."

When these words came from Astarte's mouth, the people who had been foolishly staring at her finally spoke up loudly.

"Wait a minute!"

Kojou, Nagisa, and Avrora all exclaimed.

"What's wrong? Do you have any questions?"

Natsuki asked somewhat discontentedly.

This elicited strong reactions from the crowd.

Especially Kojou.

"What do you mean by 'in conclusion'? You haven't explained the current situation at all, have you!?"

Kojou shouted.

"Who is this girl? Why did she become the maid here? Why does it seem like you all know her? It feels like you've been hiding something important from me...!?"

Kojou protested and questioned, feeling left in the dark.

Up until now, Kojou still didn't know about Nagisa and Avrora being attacked by Lotharingia's Apostle, let alone about Astarte's existence. Bringing Astarte back suddenly like this and making her a maid of this household left Kojou bewildered.

In fact, even the others were kept in the dark.

"Why is this girl here? Wasn't she supposed to be disciplined by the Management Cooperative of the Artificial Island? Has she been released now? But why as a maid?"

Nagisa, being Kojou's sister, expressed her surprise in a rapid-fire barrage of questions, showing how shocked she was.

"Mm! Mm!"

Avrora was so surprised that she couldn't speak and could only nod repeatedly, hoping to get an explanation.

On the side, Rozen, also somewhat surprised, realized something.

"This is the result of you protecting Astarte from the Management Cooperative of the Artificial Island, right, Natsuki-nee?"

Rozen asked, as if having an epiphany.

"Ah." Natsuki nodded casually. "I won't bother with the troublesome process. Anyway, as an accomplice involved in indiscriminate attacks on demons, due to the inability to disobey the master's orders, Astarte received a lenient punishment for her involvement and is now subject to three years of protective supervision."

And Natsuki, as a national attack mage and educator, became Astarte's supervisor and guardian.

"Besides, since you're already in high school and your studies are busier than before, and you've also obtained your official attack mage license, I can't have you responsible for household chores all the time. I just wanted to find a faithful maid who can make tea."

Natsuki said confidently. "So, starting today, Astarte is the maid and my assistant of this household, understood?"

This is a supervisor and guardian? Are you sure she's not a queen or some noble lady from somewhere?

Everyone couldn't help but have the same thought.

Moreover...

"I still don't understand!"

Kojou protested vigorously, demanding an explanation of what happened.

But his opinion was naturally ignored.

"So, starting today, Astarte will be living with us, right?"

Nagisa decided not to dwell on too complicated matters and happily jumped to Astarte's side.

"Great! Please take care of me from now on, Astarte!" 

Nagisa grasped Astarte's hands, shaking them up and down with excitement.

"I-I'll be in your care..."

Similarly, Avrora weakly raised her hand, mustering the courage to greet Astarte.

Seeing the enthusiasm of the two girls, Astarte seemed a bit confused, unsure of how to respond.

"Just interact with them in your own way, Astarte," 

Noting the situation, Natsuki offered advice.

Despite her arrogant demeanor, this witch's essence was that of a teacher who couldn't stand seeing children lost.

"Accept," 

Although unsure of how to "interact in her own way," Astarte nodded and agreed.

And so, Nagisa and Avrora mingled with Astarte.

These three already had outstanding looks, especially with the obvious traces of artificial crafting in Avrora and Astarte's appearances, making them dreamy and perfect, like fairies. Combined with Nagisa's lively and cute personality, the trio created a beautiful sight.

Kojou watched this scene, perplexed for a long time.

Meanwhile, Rozen and Natsuki entered into conversation.

"I didn't expect things to go so smoothly."

Rozen remarked, referring to how easily the Management Cooperative let go of Astarte, allowing Natsuki to gain custody of her.

"It wouldn't have been as easy if it were just me, but with you on my side, the Management Cooperative had no choice. After all, they don't want to openly offend you," 

Natsuki responded with an air of anticipation.

"Well, I'll take care of replenishing her vitality so that there won't be any more problems with the beast vassal inside her."

Rozen nodded with a wry smile.

"Ah, I'll leave it to you then," 

Natsuki replied, equally relieved.

The two discussed Astarte's situation for a while.

Then...

"Lately, you need to be careful while on the island."

Natsuki suddenly turned serious, warning Rozen.

"Careful?"

Rozen couldn't help but be slightly surprised.

But Natsuki, unlike before, wore a serious expression, even a troubled one, as she spoke.

"When I went to pick up Astarte, I heard some unpleasant reports. It seems that troublesome individuals have arrived on this island."

At this point, Natsuki's expression was truly unpleasant.

"Troublesome individuals?"

Rozen furrowed his brow.

Who could these individuals be?

Natsuki didn't specify.

Perhaps she didn't want Rozen to come into contact with them?

So, she only issued this warning.

"If they're coming for you, you need to be careful."

Natsuki seemed only concerned about this point.

"I understand."

Seeing this, Rozen didn't intend to ask further questions, simply nodding his head.

Rozen's holiday unfolded under such circumstances.

It was definitely not a peaceful day.