Officer Jenny also glanced at Misty's retreating figure in confusion.
When Officer Jenny looked back at Kazuki, with Misty no longer nearby, her heart inexplicably started to race.
Also… Kazuki seems kind of handsome, doesn't he? I was feeling so drained before, but now I'm actually looking forward to the patrol!
What is happening to me?
Suppressing the strange emotions bubbling up, Officer Jenny smiled at Kazuki and said, "Well... let me show you around first, Kazuki!"
"Sure! Please lead the way."
Kazuki studied the Officer Jenny standing in front of him. She didn't seem as lively and energetic as before.
Instead, she gave off a more easygoing, laid-back vibe—which made sense, considering this was a sparsely populated area of Maiden's Peak.
Every now and then, Officer Jenny would steal glances at Kazuki, as if she had something she wanted to say. But perhaps because there were too many people around, she stuck to talking about work.
"Kazuki, our general duty here is to patrol Maiden's Peak and maintain public order," she explained. "Mainly, we prevent tourist brawls or petty theft."
"But based on the past few years, those incidents only happen a few times over three days."
"So that's not our main concern during patrols."
"Oh? If that's not the main concern, does that mean there's something special we need to watch for?" Kazuki asked curiously.
"Uh... yes! Usually, our patrols are from the afternoon until sunset. But we also have a special patrol shift," Officer Jenny said, her voice dropping a little.
"Our special patrol is scheduled for the second night. It might get a little dark and a little cold then."
"But don't worry, we provide late-night snacks and an extra stipend!"
Asking Kazuki to accompany her on the night patrol made her feel a little embarrassed.
Hearing her bring up the topic of the Gastly, Kazuki pursued further, "That's fine. I've trained on the road for a long time—I've slept in forests at night plenty of times. Darkness and cold aren't a problem."
"But I want to ask... is there another reason you arrange night patrols?"
"Well, about that..." Officer Jenny hesitated for a moment before deciding to tell him, "Since you're going to patrol with me, I can't keep it from you."
"Let me tell you a story about Maiden's Peak."
"Two thousand years ago, a beautiful girl died here."
"She had a lover who set sail for war overseas."
"She waited and waited, endlessly waiting for his return."
"But in the end, the man never came back."
"Her endless waiting turned her into stone—or so the legend says. They say even now, the girl still waits here for her lost love."
Kazuki nodded slightly after hearing this. As expected, it's connected to Gastly.
"So the ghost of that girl returns around these days?" he asked.
"Eek—" Officer Jenny trembled slightly and pressed closer to Kazuki's arm. "Yes!"
"When I first got assigned here, I didn't believe such a ridiculous story either!"
"But for the past two years during the festival, there have been cases of missing tourists."
"Although they eventually reappear, randomly in different corners of Maiden's Peak, they always look pale and shaken."
"Still, it's something we want to avoid as much as possible!"
"After all, if someone goes missing for too long and can't be found... it could become life-threatening."
"In past years, when I had to patrol alone, honestly, I was a little scared."
"But this year, with you by my side, Kazuki, I feel so much safer!"
Blushing, Officer Jenny glanced at Kazuki's chest. "You really look strong and dependable!"
Kazuki had been contemplating ways to prevent missing persons this year when he heard her comment—and realized there might be a new opportunity to progress some personal missions too.
Glancing around, he noticed they had already reached a less populated area.
No wonder Officer Jenny's conversation started to drift into more personal territory.
Since my Justice Reputation is boosting influence, I can't waste the chance!
Following her lead, Kazuki continued the topic casually, "Officer Jenny, do you prefer strong and muscular types?"
"Huh? Hahaha! Well, that's one of my preferences, I guess! Mainly because I'm pretty strong-willed myself... I like someone even stronger!" Officer Jenny adjusted her white gloves and naturally fell into a more personal tone.
Strong-willed? Kazuki glanced at the slightly shy Officer Jenny. Doesn't look strong at all right now...
Wait, but she dared to patrol Maiden's Peak alone at night despite the Gastly legends—that counts as strong, doesn't it?
Maybe it's a contrast thing? She only shows this soft side around people she likes.
If there's a chance to conquer this little crush... I'll probably have to take a more assertive approach.
Perfect! Delia is soft and delicate, but Officer Jenny, who trains often, should be able to handle something more... vigorous!
Officer Jenny fiddled with her fingertips, glancing around the environment. Seeing that there weren't many people nearby, she pursed her lips and continued to chat more freely.
"I am pretty strong-willed... but that's mostly toward evil!"
"Oh, right... Misty—is she your partner? Or your sister?" she asked, almost dancing lightly on her feet like a shy fangirl.
Kazuki noticed her fidgeting and answered honestly.
In this world, it was normal for strong men to have multiple wives and companions. Being upfront would make it easier later.
If I hide it and she finds out, it could backfire terribly given how righteous Officer Jenny's family tends to be. No Justice Reputation would save me then.
"Ah? You... you two are lovers?" Officer Jenny's excited expression visibly dimmed.
"Well... you really do look perfect together," she said softly, then quickly regained her enthusiasm. "Then—then the 'riding her' part... was it what I'm thinking?"
Her eyes darted away as she subconsciously wiggled her hips beneath her fitted uniform skirt.
"Oh, that? She doesn't mind."
"She doesn't... mind?" Officer Jenny grew excited again, tugging at her uniform's tight fabric until her chest strained against it.
Seeing her reaction, Kazuki confirmed that the opportunity was still alive and decided to push a little further.
"That's right. She thinks it's normal for a strong man to have several companions."
"She even keeps telling me to find her a sister sooner!"
"R-Really?" Officer Jenny hopped two steps closer to him, her big sparkling eyes full of anticipation.
"Really. What do you think about it, Officer Jenny?" Kazuki asked warmly.
"M-Me?" Officer Jenny bit her lower lip shyly, then twisted toward Kazuki's shoulder. "I actually think... it's reasonable."
"After all..."
Her eyes flicked up and down Kazuki's chest and abs. "A strong man's body is sturdy! One companion alone might not be able to handle all that energy!"
"Having more would keep things balanced!"
"It would even let the wives take turns resting!" she said seriously. "And the husband would be fully satisfied!"
Her bold answer genuinely surprised Kazuki.
I didn't expect Officer Jenny to be a supporter of the strong-should-have-many philosophy...
And apparently, besides my Justice Reputation boost, my physique is scoring me serious points too.
"I completely agree with you, Officer Jenny," Kazuki said.
Upon hearing his agreement, Officer Jenny's pupils instantly widened.
The patrol had now reached the area near the Maiden's Statue, one of the quietest, most remote places in Maiden's Peak.
The peaceful atmosphere and Kazuki's approval made Officer Jenny's mind begin to wander uncontrollably.
I didn't expect Kazuki to agree with my thinking too!
Misty even supports him having multiple companions!
If Misty's already been with him... maybe she couldn't handle it all herself!
Thinking along those lines, Officer Jenny snuck another glance at Kazuki while he was surveying the surroundings.
Kazuki must be... very well-endowed too!
I wonder... if I can handle it?
Ah! Ahhh! What am I even thinking?!
We're still on patrol!
Ugh, so embarrassing! It's all because I usually have too much free time and end up thinking about these kinds of things!
But I can't really blame myself either, right? I'm already past the age for marriage. It's only natural to think about it!
Even if my mom were here, I could defend myself! I'm not some innocent schoolgirl anymore!
Kazuki, watching her fiddle nervously with her white gloves—putting them on, pulling them off—knew she was battling with herself internally.
So he chose not to interrupt her, instead continuing to observe the surroundings and contemplate strategies to handle the Gastly's hypnotic tricks.
As they walked, Kazuki suddenly spotted the legendary Maiden's Statue—and not far off, a small hut that was clearly bustling with visitors.
That's the mysterious old woman's hut where Gastly sells protective charms!
Looks like I might have a plan!
"Officer Jenny!"
"Eh? I—I'm not thinking anything weird!" Officer Jenny's face flushed bright red, thankfully hidden by the setting sun.
"Thinking about what?" Kazuki looked at her strangely.
"N-Nothing!" Officer Jenny quickly turned toward the nearby forest. "What's up?"
"Oh, nothing! I just saw a restroom near that hut. I'm gonna go for a quick bathroom break! Wait here for me!"
With that casual excuse, Kazuki quickly made his way toward the small wooden house—ready to face the Gastly head-on.
"Bathroom...?" Officer Jenny tilted her head, blushing as she watched Kazuki's retreating figure.
She hadn't even fully climbed out of her earlier massive fantasies yet... and now it felt like she was falling right back in.
---
New Goal:- 500PS
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