I love time travel the most!

It was clear that her offer was rejected, and the rejection was not tactful.

His tone turned slightly somber.

"...Even though I already knew the answer in my mind, I still answered so resolutely."

"If our goals didn't conflict, I'm sure I would have taken your hand too."

Kobayashi really admires Courshu.

Sincerity, courage to face mistakes, talent for discovering people, and the ability to unite people's hearts are all qualities that a king should possess.

Unfortunately, the Duke, with his strong sense of self and refusal of dragons' help, will also reject the ideology of the Axis Church. Fundamentally, it is impossible for the two of them to reach a consensus on cooperation.

"To be honest, this is the first time I've been rejected so decisively. I didn't even have a chance to hesitate, which gave me a refreshing sense of defeat."

"Was I too quick to refuse? How about we try again? This time I'll refuse more slowly."

"Please have mercy on me, being rejected twice will destroy my self-confidence."

"Your confidence is gone once you say it out loud."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The relaxed conversation not only followed a fierce battle, but also established a pattern for their interactions.

He is someone who can be taken lightly.

Kurshu closed one eye and looked at the man lying in the maid's arms, saying, "Well, there are still matters concerning the wounded and the white whale that I need to arrange. You look exhausted, so please rest well. I will also tell the others not to disturb you."

"Oh, thank you so much."

Kobayashi breathed a sigh of relief.

It's only natural for heroes to be lauded and praised after a battle; everyone wants to get close to them. But because of the explosive magic, he truly has no strength left.

After the Duchess left, Kobayashi lay comfortably on Ryuu's lap.

Although it wasn't as plump and soft as I had imagined, it had its own unique flavor, especially when viewed as a reward after a battle, giving me a sense of contentment and peace of mind.

I closed my eyes and heard the maid's slightly indifferent voice.

"Master Xiaolin."

"What's wrong, Liu Zi?"

“Although you defeated the white whale, what you did was far too dangerous, and as your servant, I do not encourage it.”

Whether it was nearly being swallowed by the vanishing fog or ultimately causing destruction from inside the beluga whale, both were extremely bold and dangerous actions.

As a waitress, her primary task was to protect Kobayashi's safety. If it weren't for Kobayashi's orders on both occasions, she would definitely have stopped time to rescue her master.

Kobayashi could understand Ryuji's feelings.

but--

"That's why I get along well with Natsuki-kun."

"……what?"

"Why do you think I'm helping Natsuki-kun? Do you think I'm just doing this for fun? I'm doing it to build a stronger bond with him so I can have countless opportunities to try and fail."

A sinister smile played on Xiaolin's lips.

——The Demon King’s special attack.

Once he had guessed the conditions for triggering its use, he had been laying the groundwork, aiming to give himself countless opportunities to try and fail.

The idea of ​​turning the tide in a desperate situation sounds good, but what if it fails? What if the triggering conditions are different from what was expected?

Even he wasn't entirely confident of succeeding on his first try, which is why he had to rely on Subaru Natsuki, a cheat device that could loop infinitely, to accumulate experience.

Whether it's guiding him or forging a bond, it's all the same. After all, Subaru Natsuki isn't so magnanimous as to choose to reincarnate again just because of a bad relationship or because they're strangers.

Just look and you will know.

The expedition consisted of 300 people, but only 244 were alive and well, including the wounded.

The remaining people were naturally devoured by the beluga whale.

They didn't even leave their names.

It's fair to say that casualties on the battlefield are inevitable, but Kobayashi is certain that if he dies, even if Subaru Natsuki succeeds in this expedition, he will choose to die to save him.

"So, you're saying, Lord Kobayashi, you've been taking advantage of Lord Natsuki all along?"

"That's really harsh, Ryuu."

Facing the waiter's disdainful gaze, Kobayashi cried out that she was not that kind of treacherous person, but unfortunately, the girl, who knew what kind of person her master was, simply did not believe her.

After splashing around for a while...

"It's a win-win situation, and besides, Natsuki-kun has been enjoying it all along. And... don't let this fool you, he'll actually thank us."

"Thank you, Kobayashi!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Natsuki Subaru took Rem's hand and came to their side.

I gave Liu Zi a look that said, "Look at me," and got a response that said, "I don't know anything."

Natsuki Subaru didn't notice their subtle interaction. With a face full of relief and joy, he exclaimed, "The final attack was a huge help. If it weren't for you, we might have been wiped out!"

He had to admit that the battle had been quite dramatic.

Especially Xiaolin's thrilling maneuvers.

"Next time, please don't let Kobayashi have that kind of explosive outburst at the end like the main character. It's really bad for my heart."

"I'm sorry, I didn't expect it to be so difficult. But even if I die, Natsuki-kun, you'll still save me, right?"

"Ah, I will definitely save you, because we made a promise!"

Subaru Natsuki spoke very decisively.

Rem, standing beside him, was completely confused, not understanding why someone would save someone who was already dead. However, seeing Subaru Natsuki's resolute gaze, she knew he had made a very difficult decision.

call out--

Kobayashi whistled and teased, "What a captivating line! But unfortunately, I'm a boy. Saying that to the maid next to you would be more effective."

"Subaru, if I..."

"I will definitely save you!"

Natsuki Subaru interrupted her without hesitation, saying, "I've always been holding your hand, and you've pushed me from behind so many times. Even when I'm trembling, just thinking of you always helps me. You've always been the one saving me. So, no matter what happens, I will come to save you without hesitation."

"Pleiades……"

Rem's eyes trembled as she looked up and gazed deeply into Subaru's eyes, her flushed face turning crimson.

Although Emilia is still number one in his heart, it is clear that the blue-haired maid, with her encouragement and silent support, has already secured a place in Subaru Natsuki's heart.

Seeing the two gazing at each other with affection, Xiaolin's lips twitched.

Oh no, I've become a clown.

I was clearly the biggest contributor to this battle, but now I have to endure their public displays of affection, which makes me very unhappy.

"Hey, if you two are going to kiss me, I'm going to go to the other side. Can't you see I'm exhausted and need to rest? Hurry up and leave, don't keep me from resting."

He rolled his eyes and started to shoo people away.

Only then did Natsuki Subaru remember the purpose of his visit.

"By the way, Kobayashi, how are your injuries? Do you want Phyllis to treat you?"

"Have you forgotten? I taught him all his healing magic. And my body wasn't injured, I was just exhausted and had no magic power."

"Yeah, that's good."

Seeing that Xiaolin was indeed alright, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Because they still need to return to the border Count's territory to deal with the Witch Cult, after Kursh and the others leave, Kobayashi will be their most important fighting force. If anything goes wrong, they'll really be devastated.

"By the way, since you're so worried about me, Natsuki-kun, then... come on, give me your hand."

"Want to shake hands?"

Natsuki Subaru looked at the outstretched hand with confusion, but he still shook it without hesitation.

After all, Xiaolin wouldn't harm him.

But this idea was quickly overturned.

"What's wrong with doing this... Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!!!"

Less than three seconds after they held hands, Subaru Natsuki's mouth gaped open and his eyes rolled back. His expression was contorted as he felt as if his body had been drained, both his physical strength and magical energy.

"Well, thanks for the treat."

Kobayashi regained his energy.

Rem quickly supported Natsuki Subaru, who was almost collapsing, and asked in a panic, "Are you alright, Subaru! Lord Kobayashi, what have you done!"

"Don't worry, it only absorbed a little of Natsuki-kun's physical strength and magic power."

He learned the Magic Absorption Touch from Wiz. Since Kurshu couldn't be attacked directly, and Ryuu herself lacked magical power, Kobayashi had no choice but to target Subaru Natsuki.

"Miss Rem, Natsuki-kun urgently needs someone to take care of him. Could you please help him?"

"...Huh? I-I understand. I'll take good care of Subaru. Thank you, Lord Kobayashi!"

The innocent blue-haired maid was slightly taken aback, but quickly recovered and, after thanking him, happily led Subaru Natsuki to the side to enjoy themselves.

I'm such a good person.

Kobayashi sighed.

Rising from the embrace of the purple, I stretched in the morning breeze, dispelling the fatigue of the night and welcoming the new day with a fresh spirit.

Of course, Natsuki Subaru knew why he cared about him.

The Witch Cult is not an opponent to be underestimated; a tough battle awaits him, though he is certain he will not lose.

This kind of confidence comes from unleashing one's potential.

Just then, an aged voice came from behind.

"Mr. Kobayashi, is now a convenient time?"