Hearing Nozomi's somewhat overbearing words, Yukinoshita Yukino raised her delicate hand and pinched his waist, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"It's just an engagement... Don't think you'll marry me that easily."

She pouted slightly, eyes flickering with a cold sharpness.

"And if you dare treat me badly, or bully me..."

Her gaze stabbed into him like icicles.

Nozomi only smiled, his tone softer now.

"I would never hurt Yukino. How could I bear to?"

He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her cheek.

"There's still time before class... Let me hug you a bit longer, okay?"

With a mischievous glint in his eye, Nozomi gently kissed her blushing face.

Yukino looked away quickly, her cheeks the color of sakura petals.

"I-I guess it's not impossible..."

She muttered shyly, crossing her arms.

"Anyway, the Service Club hasn't had any commissions lately."

Nozomi chuckled, admiring her flustered expression. It was moments like these that made her ice queen mask so endearing.

"Come to think of it, the club really hasn't had much to do since it started."

Yuigahama Yui had once come to them for a commission. Sakurahara Momo and Kusami Runa had dropped by once as well.

And, of course, Nozomi had found an excuse to request a commission just to get closer to Yukino.

Yukinoshita Yukino lowered her voice, her expression clouding with a hint of self-reflection.

"If there's nothing, then... so be it."

She hesitated.

"Sometimes I feel so naive... Thinking I could change the world just by starting a club."

Her voice grew quieter.

"But now... I feel like the one who's changed... Because of you."

She glanced sideways at him, biting her lower lip.

"You bad guy. I think I'm becoming more and more strange."

Nozomi reached out and ran his fingers gently through her silky black hair.

"You haven't changed at all, Yukino. You're still the same girl who makes my heart race."

He looked at her seriously.

"If anything's changed, it's that we're closer now."

"Back then, you didn't even want to admit we were friends. I was so frustrated."

Yukino gave him an icy glare, but it quickly melted into something more tender.

"How dare you say that? You were the one always messing with me."

Nozomi held her soft, snow-white hand in his, smiling warmly.

"That's because I couldn't stand the idea of just being classmates with you. I wanted more. I wanted Yukino beside me."

She sighed, her body leaning unconsciously into his.

"Hmph... So proud of yourself."

"I admit it. There's a little pride. But above all, I'm grateful. Thank you for letting me be close to you."

Yukino's eyes shimmered as she looked at him.

"Idiot... still saying things like that..."

Even though she wanted to scold him, her heart was soft. She should be the one thanking him—for his patience, his understanding.

She had always known that her personality wasn't easy to like. That was why, for the longest time, she had no real friends.

And yet, here he was.

Meeting her gaze, Nozomi swallowed. There was still time before class.

He leaned forward, his face slowly approaching hers.

Yukino's eyes widened slightly, then fluttered shut.

And when their lips met, it was soft and full of unspoken feelings.

Her hand, still clasped in his, gently wrapped around his neck.

A quiet acceptance.

A kiss that needed no words.

...

At Sakurasou.

The girl once hailed as a holy warrior in another world—Emilia Justina—was now known as Yusa Emi.

She had mostly figured out the rules of this new world. And one thing was clear:

If she wanted to survive here, she needed money!

Although Nozomi had taken her in, Emi wasn't the type to freeload.

She had pride. And a sense of duty.

Back in her world, she could wield a holy sword and slay demons.

Any task, no matter how dangerous, brought rewards. Defeating the Demon King? That came with bonuses.

But here?

Her sacred power was all but depleted. She was no different from a regular girl.

So, she did the only sensible thing.

She sought help—from Frieren and Fern.

"You want to... work?"

Frieren blinked, genuinely confused.

"Isn't it comfy living here? Why go out and suffer?"

"It's not that! I just don't want to take everything for granted. You gave me shelter, and I'm grateful. But I need to stand on my own two feet."

Yusa Emi clenched her fists, her determination lighting up her eyes.

"Besides, the Demon King hasn't shown up. I might be stuck here a while. I need to earn my own rent and repay the kindness you've shown me!"

Frieren looked surprised at first, then smiled gently.

"You're a strange girl... but admirable."

She pulled out a small bottle filled with shimmering blue liquid.

"Here. This is a magic potion. Maybe it'll help you recover some of your power."

"And if you're really set on working, you should talk to Aoyama Nanami. She's the most experienced part-timer in this City."

"Thank you so much! But... isn't this potion important? Are you sure I can have it?"

Yusa Emi knew how rare magical resources were in this world.

Frieren waved a hand with a playful smile.

She remembered how both Frieren and Fern had arrived in this world without their magical essence, just like her. Surely, this kind of potion was rare and essential.

Frieren giggled, waving her hand casually. "It's okay. We have other... methods of replenishing magic. You'll need your strength if you're going to face the Demon King again, won't you?"

"I see... In that case, I'll accept it. Thank you so much, truly! I'll definitely repay your kindness one day!"

Then, after a beat, her curiosity slipped out. "Um, by the way... What are these other methods of magic replenishment?"

Frieren opened her mouth to answer—

—but was immediately cut off by Fern, whose cheeks turned an obvious pink as she lunged forward and clapped a hand over Frieren's lips.

"Lady Frieren! Y-You can't just say that kind of thing so casually!"

Flustered, Emi blinked. "S-Sorry! I didn't mean to pry!"

"Ahem, well... it's just not something to talk about casually, you'll find out in time... maybe," Fern muttered, glancing away.

"Understood... I won't ask anymore," Emi said with an apologetic bow.

After a moment of silence, she added with a smile, "Ah, right! My name is Yusa Emi now. Please call me that when there are others around, okay?"

With a polite bow and words of gratitude once more, Yusa Emi retreated to her room.

There, alone and thoughtful, she looked down at the glowing potion.

"Alright... here goes nothing."

With one breath, she downed it in a single gulp.

Almost instantly, a soft silver light bloomed from within her.

She gasped as the sacred power—warm and familiar—rushed through her veins.

Her eyes sparkled.

"My sacred power... it's returned, at least half of it! This is incredible!"

Her fists clenched with hope.

"But I'll have to conserve it. Who knows when I'll find another potion like that..."

She paused, a sudden thought crossing her mind.

"If I needed that potion to recover, then... how do Frieren and Fern replenish their magic?"

...

The answer was simple.

Frieren and Fern had... a special method.

That method?

It involved Nozomi.

...

Evening fell over Sakurasou.

Yusa Emi, now dressed in casual clothes, stood in front of Aoyama Nanami and gave a deep, formal bow.

"Miss Aoyama! Please help me find a part-time job!"

"E-Ehh?!" Nanami nearly dropped the laundry basket in her arms.

"Yusa Emi-san, you want to work part-time?"

"Yes. I used up all the money I brought with me. I... feel embarrassed just staying here without contributing."

Nanami's surprised expression melted into a warm, supportive smile. She reached out, taking Emi's hands in hers.

"Of course! You came to the right person. When it comes to part-time work, I'm the best in this City!"

Aoyama Nanami spoke with pride, her eyes gleaming. She was, after all, working hard to become a famous voice actress and supporting herself with countless jobs. Part-time work was her domain.

From behind a wall, Nozomi had overheard their conversation. When the timing felt right, he stepped into view and waved at Emi.

"Ah, Nozomi-san? Is something wrong?" Emi asked, blinking in surprise.

He smiled gently, the afternoon light catching in his eyes.

"Just wanted to let you know—if you're serious about working, you'll need some ID paperwork. That can only be processed starting tomorrow."

"I see. Thank you for reminding me."

Yusa Emi's expression turned resolute.

"Nozomi-san, I promise I'll earn enough money to pay for my rent and food. I won't let myself be a burden."

He chuckled softly. Part of him wanted to say, You don't need to worry, I can take care of you.

But he could see how strong her pride was—just like Nanami.

So instead, he placed a hand on her shoulder with quiet encouragement.

"Then do your best. There may be no demon lords or epic quests in this world, but it has its own kind of magic—found in the little joys of everyday life."

"Settle in first. Then, think about what's next."

"Yes! I will."

Yusa Emi watched as Nozomi walked away.

Her heart was light, her spirit lifted.

"Even in a different world... I'm lucky. The people I've met are all so kind."

She clenched her fist.

"Alright! A new world, a new challenge. I'm ready!"

************

I'm not sure whether I made all the necessary adjustments but holla if you see anything out of place.

See you on Sunday with the 4 bonus chapters.