I like to think that it was my exceptional personal charm that made Hiyori stop crying.
First, we can rule out the possibility that she was just too scared to continue crying.
As for why, after I had her sit down, she obediently followed my instructions but sat so far away, hunched over, not daring to speak or even look at me. It's obviously because she had hopelessly fallen for me, too shy to do anything else.
Aigoo, don't you think my analysis is perfectly reasonable and convincing?
"Are you calm now?" I asked.
"Y-yes…"
"Then, is there anything you want to say?"
The moment I spoke, I expected her to flusteredly apologize, even though she hadn't done anything wrong. That flashbang from Suzumi earlier could only be considered my own misfortune at worst.
However, contrary to my expectations, Hiyori nervously swallowed and asked cautiously, "Um… sensei… the leader… that is, Saori… is she… okay?"
That made me look at this timid child with some respect.
She had just gathered courage and, instead of blurting something out in front of Suzumi, actively helped me smooth over the situation. It must have been mainly out of concern for Saori. Such heartfelt loyalty is truly touching.
It seems I've discovered Saori's "Achilles' heel," which Beatrice currently holds in her grasp.
I continued to maintain my air of mystery, bluffing: "Hehe, have you ever seen a master abuse the pet they raise?"
Hiyori replied in a small voice, "W-Where we come from... no one can afford to keep pets..."
I momentarily paused, glancing at Hiyori as she peeked at me, shrinking her neck in fright.
"…Fine. I'll put it more plainly."
After a brief consideration, I summarized simply: "All you need to know is that Saori is now acting on Beatrice's orders to work for me. I will treat her well."
Hearing that, Hiyori first looked relieved but immediately became anxious again: "Th-then… you came to see me… does the leader need something? Or… do you—"
"Relax. Saori hasn't mentioned you to me, and neither has Azusa," I said.
I examined the attractive girl with interest and candidly added, "I only became curious about your existence after investigating through my own channels."
Hiyori instinctively crossed her arms and shivered: "Eek…!"
Sure enough, making a young lady squeal in joy is a telltale sign of being secretly in love with me.
"Even if I directly asked Beatrice, she'd probably gladly gift you to me, all tied up with a ribbon, just like Saori. But I have no interest in her placing more pawns around me as favors owed."
Setting aside the risk of betrayal, what if some Arius student actually met the criteria for captured and Beatrice analyzed them? That would be troublesome.
I paused, then continued: "Besides, I prefer to get what I want myself rather than have others give it to me. Of course, I consider myself generous and kind, the final choice of whether to become mine lies with you."
That way, there are fewer hidden risks.
Hearing this, Hiyori's eyes welled up with tears again, clearly moved by my sincerity.
"By the way, Hiyori," I casually added, "if you tell Beatrice about my visit today, she'll have no hesitation in betraying you to curry favor with me, since she owes me. Understand?"
Hiyori didn't answer verbally, she just nodded vigorously, using strong body language to show her complete agreement…
…Am I really that intimidating?
I had been carefully planning my words to be safe and convincing, but I didn't expect things to go slightly overboard.
It must be Beatrice's fault.
With a helpless smirk, I followed the plan and stood up: "Then, come with me."
I pulled out my phone, checked the destination on a map app, and started walking alone.
Hiyori, intimidated by my words, hurriedly followed, staying right behind me and barely breathing.
Seeing her like this, I lost any urge to probe for more information.
So, we remained silent all the way to the destination.
The automatic doors opened, and bathed in clean white light, I felt a lot more at ease.
Hiyori, walking in with me, looked around nervously: "Th-this… is…"
It was just a branch of the Angel 24 convenience store, I thought.
"Welcome!"
Even though it was late at night, the robot clerk at the counter greeted us warmly.
"Hello," I replied politely, then asked, "Excuse me, where are the shelves with medicine?"
"Ah, please allow me to guide you!"
Even considering the late hour and the lack of other customers, Angel 24's service remained commendable as ever.
The robot clerk came around the counter and insisted on guiding me to the shelves, helping me select some common medicines.
During this, Hiyori just stood beside me, staring blankly.
Then I consulted the helpful clerk for suggestions, picked up some easy-to-carry snacks popular with Saint Trinity students, and a few new issues of popular magazines.
Once everything was packed, I looked at Hiyori, still gazing enviously at the magazines, and handed her two large shopping bags:
"Here, take them."
"Eh? Ah, okay."
She took the two full-sized bags, seeming to manage them without difficulty.
No wonder she could carry around something like that; if I could turn back time, I might have bought a few more things.
After we exited the store, I stepped in front of Hiyori and slipped a small note into the pocket at her waist, where she hadn't dared to dodge.
Then I stepped back a few paces, gazing into her eyes, which would surely be beautiful one day when she blossomed:
"This is my contact information. Keep it safe. When the time is right, contact me."
Hiyori nodded dumbly, then suddenly realized and said in disbelief:
"Eh!? Are all of these… for me!? Weren't I supposed to be just carrying things for you!?"
What on earth is this child thinking…
Well, I brought this on myself.
I said calmly, "Yes, consider it a small gift for the one who caught my interest. Until next time, then."
With that, having done what I intended, I turned and left, not looking back to see Hiyori's reaction.
Since she didn't call after me, it must mean she was willing to accept my gesture.
And that was only natural.
After all, I had told her from the start:
I am a person with ulterior motives toward her, and toward them all.
Yawning, I quickened my pace.