Now, how should I describe my current state of mind... Was the being before me a turtle that had retracted its head and limbs into its shell, or perhaps a hedgehog threatening me with its fur standing up like needles? One thing was clear: she had no intention of opening up to me at the moment.
I had to think. Given Fate-san’s personality, there was no way she would listen if I just told her to get back to work point-blank. Ideally, I wanted to make her feel like she wanted to work of her own accord, but that seemed incredibly difficult.
Still, if I didn't say anything, I wouldn't find a way through. First, I would try calling out softly, so as not to provoke her...
“...Fate-san, are you okay?”
“U-Uuu... Kai-chan...”
When I called out as gently as possible, Fate-san peeked at me with teary eyes from a gap in the futon.
I could safely say her guard was still at its maximum. My first mission was to get Fate-san’s face out of that futon.
“...Kai-chan, you won’t torture me anymore, right? I... I worked hard, you know!”
“Y-Yes, I think you’ve been working very hard, Fate-san.”
“Right?! I mean, I’ve already worked for two days in a row! That’s my longest record ever! I’ve done enough!”
The bar for her personal best was that low?! Just how little did this person usually work? She’d talked about wanting to be a NEET, but I was pretty sure she already was one.
No, that wouldn't do... if I said anything negative, the mission would fail immediately. I had to swallow my words and focus on praising her.
“That’s true. You really were working hard, Fate-san. I didn’t get to see you while you were at it, but you looked so cool when we entered the city!”
“...R-Really? I was... cool?”
“Yes, absolutely. Your usual self is cute and wonderful, of course, but I thought a serious Fate-san had a different kind of charm.”
“I-Is that so? Ehehe... I see~”
Honestly, I thought I might have overdone the flattery, but she seemed genuinely happy. A bashful smile appeared as she finally poked her face out of the futon.
Alright! The first hurdle was cleared. I’d managed to get her to show her face, and it felt like her guard was lowering.
But I couldn't stop yet. If I got carried away and pushed too hard, it would backfire. It wasn't time to go on the offensive quite yet... I had to slowly lure her into my range.
“I think you’re wonderful when you’re working, Fate-san, but... I take it you really don't want to work anymore?”
“Yeah. I hate it already. I just want to lounge around. Work is so boring...”
“I suppose so. You’re a Supreme God, Fate-san, so you naturally have a lot of work. To have it drag on like this... it’s a terrible situation, isn't it?”
“It really is! It was supposed to end yesterday! I absolutely loathe the word ‘overtime’!”
As I continued to affirm her feelings and appeal to her as an ally, she gradually began to engage with the conversation. The momentum was good, but I needed one more push.
First, I had to restore her mood to the point where she thought it might be okay to work.
Fate-san generally seemed to have zero interest in others, so I doubted her heart would be moved by the fact that the assemblymen, Shia-san, or Heart-san were in trouble.
If that was the case, what should I do? I’d bring up something she actually considered fun!
“However, Fate-san. There’s one thing I’d like you to remember.”
“...What?”
“Once this job is over, you’re going on a date with me, right?”
“Y-Yeah. That’s true, but...?”
At this point, I had to accept the date. To be blunt, she wasn't the type of person who moved without bait, and this level of concession was a necessary business expense.
“Naturally, if we’re going on a date, we want to enjoy it, right?”
“Well, of course...”
“But I’m just a tiny human... I’m sure I’ll end up worrying about it.”
“...Eh?”
Careful not to make it sound like it was her fault, I continued in a slightly downcast voice.
“I’ll be worried that you might get scolded by Chronoa-san because you didn't finish your work... I’m sure I’d end up thinking about that during our entire date. It would be fine if I could switch my mindset as well as you can, Fate-san, but that’s hard for me.”
“...Kai-chan.”
“That’s why I’m a little scared. I was looking forward to it so much. I was truly excited about our date, and I’m worried I won’t be able to enjoy it from the bottom of my heart...”
“...”
I wasn't lying. I was exaggerating a bit, but going out with Fate-san did seem like it would be fun, and it was true that I was looking forward to it. It was also a fact that if she didn't do her job, I’d be the one feeling guilty and stressed.
“K-Kai-chan... were you really looking forward to our date that much?”
As I performed my exaggerated distress, Fate-san slowly sat up, emerging halfway from the futon.
This was it! My chance! It was time to strike! I had to press on all at once!
“Yes... actually, I even prepared a present to give you during our date, Fate-san.”
“A present?! For me? From you, Kai-chan?!”
...Forgive me, that was a lie. But if I dashed off to buy something the moment she went to work, it wouldn't be a lie anymore, so there was no problem.
“Yes. I want to have the perfect date with you, Fate-san. One where we can both enjoy ourselves from the bottom of our hearts...”
“...U-Uuu...”
“So, Fate-san. For today only, won't you work just a little harder for my sake?”
“U-Uuumm... what should I do...?”
She was wavering! Excellent. One more push—I needed one final, decisive card.
I couldn't really ramp up the date talk any further, so was there anything else? Anything at all?
Oh, right!
“If you come back tired from work, Fate-san... well, if a massage is okay with you, I’ll give you one.”
“A massage?! Kai-chan... touching my body?!”
“Y-Yes, well... it’s just a massage, but...”
I felt like my words were being translated into something strange in her head, but my proposal to reward her hard work with a massage seemed to pique her interest even more than expected. She kicked the futon aside and sprang to her feet.
“...I-I guess it can't be helped! In order to be kept by Kai-chan in the future, I have to make a solid prior investment! If it’s for Kai-chan’s sake, I suppose I can work a little harder!”
“T-Thank you very much!”
“Fufufu, alright, I’m motivated! I’ll go finish this up real quick!”
“Ah, yes. Take care.”
It seemed I had successfully flipped Fate-san’s motivation switch. She flew out of the room at incredible speed.
I couldn't help but feel I’d exaggerated a few things too much, but for now... mission accomplished, I guess?
As I stood there watching her leave, hands were suddenly placed on both my shoulders from behind.
“...Eh? Shia-san? Heart-san?”
“...How much do you want? I’ll pay whatever salary you ask for. I’ll guarantee your treatment and status.”
“...To make the God of Fate-sama actually want to work... what a rare and magnificent talent. We cannot allow such a gift to go to waste!”
“Huh? What?”
Gripping my shoulders firmly, Shia-san and Heart-san stared at me with eyes full of terrifying intensity. For that matter, this was the first time Shia-san had even made eye contact with me.
“...I wouldn't even mind if you became the No. 2 among the God of Fate's subordinates.”
“Yes! We will welcome you with the absolute best treatment! Please, come to the God Realm!!”
“...”
It was a plea filled with such desperate sincerity and sorrow... Fate-san... just how much work do you normally dump on them? Shia-san’s eyes were actually bloodshot.
Dear Mother, Father—I feel like something like this has happened before. Specifically, I remember being told something similar by another Supreme God. It seems everyone is really suffering because of Fate-san.
I was recruited by the God Realm again.
Serious-senpai: “You just seduced her, didn’t you?! Hurry up and explode already!!”