"So, in the end, you couldn't find any method other than injecting bodily fluids?"
Milfi-san let out a small sigh and said regretfully. The three of us were facing each other at the table in Eclair-san's house.
"After all that embarrassment we went through...it's all for nothing, really."
"S-Sorry..."
"It's not something for you to apologize for, Theo-kun."
Milfi-san gently shook her head at me as I hunched my shoulders. Goddess... "In reality, if that's the only method, there's no helping it."
"B-But... d-doing something like that, absolutely no way!"
"I understand. So, let's think together. For example, how about a kiss?"
"K-Kiss!?"
Eclair-san's cat ears twitched up sharply. "Because saliva is a type of bodily fluid too, right? Right, Theo-kun?"
"Ah, um, y-yeah... that's right."
Indeed, previously when I kissed Milfi-san――just a little, but the color of the curse mark faded.
"But the effect is weak."
"Even dust accumulates to become a mountain or something. ...What do you think, Eclair? Of course, I won't force you."
"U... um, and... but..."
Eclair-san was darting her eyes around while clenching her fists tightly. Her fingertips, tightly clasped on her knees, were trembling slightly.
From that reaction, I somehow understood. She probably has never kissed anyone before.
Her precious first time, of all people with me whom she hates――of course she'd resist. Unable to bear seeing Eclair-san struggling for a reply, I quietly opened my mouth.
"No. Let's look for other options still."
"Eh?" I heard Eclair-san's small voice leak out. "The reason we couldn't find a way to lift the curse through physical examination might be because I was inexperienced. If so, it's my responsibility."
"Theo-kun..."
"Besides, I can't force Eclair-san to do something she hates."
Because I was staring straight into Milfi-san's eyes, I didn't know what kind of face Eclair-san was making.
But what was floating in my head was her figure from that time. Alone in the house, unable to call for anyone's help, comforting herself.
Unable to even go shopping, standing stock-still in the shadow of a tree. I don't want to corner her even more, the her who couldn't rely on anyone.
Absolutely, I didn't want to make her do it. Milfi-san made a face like she was surprised for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"That's right. It's too early to give up."
"That's right! Ah, that's it, I'll go to the library and check every book related to curses!"
Once decided, there's no time to dawdle. As I was about to stand up―― "...Fine."
Eclair-san gently pulled my sleeve. "Eh?"
I turned my face blankly. Her cheeks, still looking down, were red like apples.
In a voice that seemed to fade away, she said. "...It's fine. You can kiss me."