Help Us Choose the Next Novel Again! 🐯

The day of the showdown.

The strong sunlight was pouring down, and a gentle breeze rustled the greenery.Bathed in the morning sunlight pouring through the window, Allen sat in the living room reading a newspaper.Of course, he wasn’t absorbing a single word.It was clear to see that he was extremely nervous... when the door to the living room gently opened."Ah. G-good morning..."“A-ah. Morning.”Peeking through the door was Charlotte.She was still in her pajamas, and her hair was messy. Allen's heart leapt at the sight of her defenseless appearance, as if she had just slipped out of bed.Although he had seen her like this many times since they started living together... ever since he realized his feelings for her, he had become extremely vulnerable to such casual moments.As Allen fidgeted awkwardly, Charlotte glanced around the room, tilting her head curiously."Um, Allen-san, do you know where Luu-chan and Gousetsu-san are? When I woke up, neither of them were in bed...""...There's no need to worry about those two."Allen folded up the newspaper and shrugged his shoulders."Apparently they're both going out today. They were saying they were going to train with other monsters in the Toa Cavern or something.""Ah, is that so?""Apparently they decided after you fell asleep. They left early in the morning."Allen said in as flat a voice as possible.Naturally, it was a complete lie. He was terrified she might see through it.But instead, Charlotte gave him a soft smile.“Th-then… that means…”"Huh?"“We’re… all alone, today…”"......That's right."Allen scratched his head and stood up. He looked straight into her slightly nervous eyes.“So, Charlotte.”“Y-yes?”"To be honest, I don't have much experience with this sort of thing. Dating and stuff is completely uncharted territory. So, well... you see."After hesitating for a while, Allen spoke with a sigh.“I’ll do my best to make it fun, but…it might end up being a disappointing date. If that ever happens, feel free to――”"...that's not going to happen."Charlotte smiled and gently held Allen's hand.Her hand was shaking slightly from nervousness, but... Allen felt a burning warmth from it, and his anxiety melted away.“I too, never thought...I'd fall in love with someone like this either. So just being able to be with you, Allen-san… that’s already enough to make me happy.”"Charlotte..."Stumbling over her words, blushing furiously, she spoke with all her heart.Allen nodded solemnly in response."I'm glad to hear you say that, too. But..."He grinned fearlessly and squeezed Charlotte's hand tightly in return.“A man can’t just rely on his girlfriend’s kindness. I'll put my whole heart and soul into making this date a success!""Fufu... I'm looking forward to it."Charlotte giggled at his determination.However, she quickly came to her senses and let go of Allen's hand.“Ah, I’ll go get ready to head out. Sorry to keep you waiting!”"Well, the shops aren't going to open early. Take your time. Let's go out after breakfast.""Yes!"With a dazzling smile, Charlotte dashed out of the living room.Allen watched her go with a warm smile――“She’s too damn cute, dammit!!”Allen collapsed to his knees, covering his face.Allen knew she was cute. But her existing "cuteness value" was being updated every second. It would be strange for him to be able to endure this.Thrashing about on the floor, Allen turned toward the window and screamed."Did you guys see that? My girlfriend is so, so earnest and cute!"“Yes, yes. We heard you.”『You’re really crying…』Peeking in was a stunningly beautiful woman and a white dog about the size of a medium-sized breed, Gousetsu and Luu, transformed by magic.They've been on standby since this morning, preparing for their date.Now, the two of them stared down at Allen with exasperated frowns as he made a mess of himself.『Can you really protect Mama like that?』"Of course."Allen instantly cut off his sobs at Lu’s teasing remark.Protect their first date.That promise, reaffirmed through his conversation with Charlotte, now burned even brighter in his heart.He rose to his feet and thrust his fist forward.In his eyes, a blazing fire of determination."Just watch me! I'll do everything perfectly, from my date to destroying the enemy! That's what a man is!"