Riddel liked Naoki.
This was a fact.
But not entirely liked.
Only if she considered him as a [suitable future husband] did she [like] him.
His looks were quite handsome; if given a score out of a hundred, he could get an 85. His personality also matched her taste. His demeanor, due to constantly being forced to receive the El-Melloi family's noble education, could be considered elegant, though a bit forced.
If Naoki were thrown into a pile of seductive women, he would definitely immediately become the one being chased.
This was also basically half the reason why Riddel liked him.
And the other half was about his abilities as a Magus. Superior magic circuits, increasingly prominent Magecraft abilities, able to connect with the El-Melloi family network, great power... a quite excellent ideal husband. If she could marry him and have children, the issue of the Archelot family's future generations wouldn't need to be worried about anymore.
Based on the above, Riddel specifically moved into this apartment, initially thinking that with the accumulated feelings of the previous two or three years, conquering such an innocent man should be easy.
"Turns out the first battle failed."
In the dining room, seeing Riddel with an annoyed expression, Merlin couldn't help but laugh, "Well, don't rush, it's only the first day. There's still plenty of time in the future, just relax. I'll also give you some appropriate advice."
"Besides, seeing him run away like that, at least this shy attack was effective. Make this a routine in your attack list. I'll try to create situations where he asks you to wake him up; slowly but surely, there will be a successful time."
"Hmm, for now, let's just decide on that." Riddel said while sipping milk, "But just that isn't enough; I have to attack specifically. Mary, do you know what kind of woman Naoki likes? What are his views on love?"
The right medicine for the right disease.
Merlin thought carefully.
'Come to think of it, I've never heard Naoki mention his ideal type. Even when I give him 'service,' he ends up hitting me... why?'
This bastard is completely unaware of her own behavior.
"Let me think. His demands for women shouldn't be high. There's absolutely no need to worry about your looks and body; your level can already dance on top of his XP. What he cares about is personality."
"His personality has to be good?"
"At least not prone to getting angry for no reason. He might prefer the type of person who can silently support him—like Gray!"
'A personality like Gray? Hmm...'
"It's a bit difficult for me." Riddel said, lying down with a gloomy face, "Should I find the maids at my house to learn how to clean and cook? Or ask Gray?"
"That seems unlikely. Their situation has been formed over many years; you won't be able to learn it in a short time."
Merlin waved her hand.
"But, it turns out you were lying."
"Eh? Lying? Where did I lie?"
"The point about not entirely liking Naoki." Merlin said with a laugh, "You said you only liked him because of various considerations and your own interests, but in reality, you're willing to learn things you wouldn't normally do for him, adapting to his living habits."
"Really?" Riddel frowned, then sighed, "Well, whether I really like him or not, I'm not sure either. It's just that when my family urged me to marry before, I unconsciously thought of him."
Because she was a Lord, considering various situations, Naoki only became an object of her liking.
Or because she liked Naoki, that's why she wanted to turn his abilities into help for her as a Lord.
Which side she was actually on, Riddel wasn't sure either.
"Just liking is enough. You can accurately recognize that you like him; isn't that enough? At most, ride first, pay later."
"What kind of rotten ideas are those..." Riddel sighed helplessly, "By the way, because I was too nervous last night, I forgot, only remembered today—do you mind?"
"Hmm? Mind what?"
"Me and Naoki."
"Oh~ that."
Merlin supported her chin with her hand while looking out the window, "I really don't mind at all. Who he will like in the future, who he will marry, and how he will eventually end up, honestly, I don't care. I was just entrusted here to take care of him, and also to fulfill my own desires. I did the same thing in the past."
"I see, I thought you would be my toughest opponent."
"Then I'll attack him right now!"
"You wait right there!"
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
After using a lot of strength, almost tearing Merlin's skirt before finally stopping her, Riddel panted a few times, "Since you came to help me, don't cause trouble for me. I've seen too many cases of good friends helping with advice, only for the good friend to fall in love and become a rival. Don't you dare imitate a similar scene on me."
"I won't~"
Seeing Merlin's wandering gaze and mysterious smile, Riddel was certain that if she hadn't held her back, Merlin would have already run to Naoki's room and attacked directly.
Sighing heavily, Riddel said, "Anyway, as long as I'm staying here, I'll be waiting for your help. This is an official order from the Lord of the Department of Botany! I'll give you the reward after I succeed!"
"Agreed!"
Merlin very cleanly and neatly sold out her own King.
"Then don't delay. It just so happens to be Saturday today. How about you two go on a date?"
"A date... then wait a moment, I'll go back to my room to put on some light makeup."
"Besides, stay calm." Merlin reminded, "Don't lose control in front of him because of what happened earlier. Remember how your mentality was when you came back and went out with him before? Just like that; calmness is the most important thing."
"Who do you think I am?"
Riddel smiled confidently.
"Don't underestimate the qualities of a professional idol."
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
At the same time.
In the corner outside the dining room door, Gray leaned against the wall, a surprised expression covering her mouth.
"A date... Miss Riddel and big brother?"
[Hoho, it seems that Idol Miss is staying with a certain intention. A big crisis, foolish Gray, it's your own fault for acting slowly]
"Ssh... lower your voice, Add." Gray hurriedly silenced Add, looking left and right several times, making sure no one saw before she felt relieved, "But, it turns out Miss Riddel likes big brother; it's really unexpected."
[Then what's your plan?]
"Plan?"
[Hah, a child is indeed a child, doesn't understand]
"Hmm..."
'Big brother is going on a date with Miss Riddel, and Miss Riddel also likes big brother.'
'This means...'
'Later, I'll have to call Miss Riddel Big Sister, right?'
'It feels... unpleasant.'
[I told you, Gray, how about we stalk them?]
"Eh? S-stalk? No way, that's something important for Miss Riddel; we can't do bad things that would disturb her."
[You're really a good kid...]