I was still sitting with my back against the wall with a sleeping Giana resting her head on my shoulder.

  Time to confront my feelings, something I’ve been avoiding since I met Giana.

  So, the problem is… would I prioritize her opinion and wellbeing over the rest if I bond with her and would this become a problem?

  It’s easy to say ‘That won’t happen’ But is that the truth?

  Would I put the team in danger in the off chance something happens to her?

  But is that fair or realistic? To bond with someone means that you will give that person unfair treatment, in the good sense.

  I would steal Raishin’s food if he is inattentive and not guarding it during means, but I probably won’t do that to Giana. I would give her the ‘unfair’ treatment of teaming up with her to steal Raishin and Greg’s food.

  That one should be fine, but how far do I draw the line?

  Then there are 9t specific things those are quite embarrassing.

  Do I adjust or stay the same? She likes me for me and not for what I will adjust to.

  Countless similar thoughts tormented me and I wondered if Raishin thinks of these or am I overthinking?

  He doesn’t seem to treat ‘getting a girlfriend’ as something special.

  My head hurt, and I would go for the simplest solution which made the most sense. I would continue to be me.

  I sighed and glanced at Giana. All those mental gymnastics to conclude that I won't be changing much.

  Giana was still sleeping. How am I going to tell her this? Although she probably already knows. Vixens often get what they want.

  She is still sleeping, isn’t she? I gently lifted her head, brought my face close to hers, and she reacted.

  I knew it!

  “Aww, can’t we stay like this a bit longer?”

  We need to be on the boat in 40 minutes...

  “Oh, I’m not good at this, but I have a solution!” Giana used some sloppy illusions which made it appear to time getting stretched.

  “Now we have 2 hours!” She grabbed my arm and snuggled up to me. “You don’t know what to do eh? That’s fine, just let me be selfish for a bit.”

  I decided to go for the path of least resistance, moreover, I could use some more sleep. I woke up again. We had yet again 40 minutes left.

  I will let you change. I’m going to raid the canteen and see if I can bring some food for you.

  “Sure, don’t you need to change, though?”

  I whirled water around my body to freshen myself up and swapped my clothes with a new set.

  Fast and easy, now go get ready, I will get us some food!

  I swiftly moved toward the door because Giana already started undressing. When I opened Giana’s door, I encountered a grinning Noelle in front of Raishin’s hotel room door. I ignored her and got the food.

  This can’t go unpunished! I need to think of a revenge plan!

  The canteen just opened, and I grabbed some food but halted. I have no idea what Giana likes. I only know she loves fish. I took every fish dish I would eat, and brought it back upstairs.

  “How was your night's rest?”

  I tried to ignore Noelle but she insisted on knowing how my night was.

  How long do you think Giana needs to finish changing?

  “Does it matter? Just go in, she wouldn't mind. Certainly not after spending a night together.” She said as she grinned again.

  Talking to Noelle was useless…

  How did things go with Raishin?

  “Ugh, that idiot still doesn’t trust me…”

  Wow, that’s rough.

  “I will be fine, but this doesn’t concern you, get your ass back in the room with Giana!” She opened the door to their room, pushed me inside and closed the door.

  Noelle has it out for me…

  “How do I look?”

  Uhm, you look great but we're going on a potentially dangerous fishing adventure with a potential storm I’m not sure a summer dress would be a good idea…

  “That’s fine, I can always [Transform] later on. Ohh fish! Let's dig in!”

  We devoured the fish. Giana was talking, but I was lost in thought again. How pink am I currently? I might think that I got away with it, but that might not be the case.

  “Agnis?”

  Yes?

  “What were you thinking about?”

  My mind was slow and foggy, and I started to see pink.

  “Ohh! I’m so sorry!”

  She did something and removed my strange affliction.

  I… was thinking about you… I mean about how vixens are dangerous. Let’s go…

  [Blood and Thunder] got activated, I grabbed Giana by her waist and teleported to the port. There I saw a huge piece of armor. No, it was a living armor! What is a monster like that doing here?! It noticed us and waved!

  Let's make this a great adventure! And whoa! You’re pink! So, Giana caught you!

  I knew it… What are you doing?

  I’m prepared for adventure!

  … You are to stay behind with Greg, Noelle and Yvonne, also since when do you ever wear this heavy armor to an adventure? And a sea adventure nonetheless! And wait… how much did you pay for this armor?

  I appraised the armor he was wearing, and my estimate put it close to 50 gold. Not because he is rich now means that he should waste it on a useless piece of junk.

  This thing is purely for decoration… it is as defensive as…

  My eyes fell on Giana in her summer dress.

  Armor as defensive as a summer dress, eh?

  Nonsense! I am perfectly protected from the elements now! The seller guaranteed it!

  I walked over to him and kicked him into the water.

  Ha! This is nothing! My armor will keep me dry… hey wait, why can’t I swim in this? And I’m getting wet!

  Raishin trashed about briefly before he started sinking like a rock.

  … protection against the elements… sure…

  I made a fishing pole out of frost, connected some of my wires to it, and fished up Raishin.

  I think I caught a sardine in a can!

  Ugh, you’re such a bully! Now I need to take another shower! I smell weird! How am I supposed to pick up chicks stinking like this?! Any chance you can freshen me up Agnis?

  Not a chance! Go take a shower and go talk to Noelle!

  Raishin walked off in his bulky wet armor, still trying to pick up chicks while walking to the hotel in his armor.

  “It seems Noelle has her work cut out for her. Raishin doesn't seem like an easy person to deal with.”

  Something tells me she’ll do just fine, let's get on the boat before Raishin comes back with more weird ideas. Who goes on a ship fully clad in armor…

  “Hey there lass, this is a fishing adventure, being dressed in a summer dress is uhh… It won't protect you from gazes and danger alike!” A sailor shouted at Giana, rightfully so.

  Thinking about it you’re just as bad as Raishin!

  “Normal attacks can't hurt me.” I wanted to respond but she had a point.

  So can you get this pink energy off me? it’s going to look weird.

  Giana gave me a typical vixen smile. “Only if you make sure to not be too reckless!”

  Deal!

  I don’t know what she did, but my head became clear. I escorted Giana on to the ship and tried to stay professional. She is an idol after all, and I’m an adventurer.

  Giana was gazing at the clouds on deck in a summer dress, while everyone had protective gear on. We would go with 2 ships. Interestingly enough, I still didn't know much about this salmon.

  Hey Giana, I have reason to believe that this salmon that we’re hunting is a spirit salmon.

  Giana’s expression changed and it looked dreamy. “That’s great news, then!”

  Well, debatable. It’s only a good thing if we can catch it. The small ones aren't that strong but this one they're talking about is 10 meters long, it’s going to be stupidly strong, and it so happens that only spirits can attack spirits, right? So, we might as well have gone there with the 2 of us because the other people here can't interact with it.

  “Hmm, so that means we’re the only ones that can catch it, meaning that we will be entitled to the biggest portion!”

  Exactly! This salmon will be mostly ours!

  We both flashed malicious smiles and looked at the others in pity. Imagine going through a tournament and all the bullshit that’s to come, to be unable to do anything and watch how 2 foxes take all the loot. Being a human surely must suck. But do we care? Not really.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  “You guys seem to be getting along so well it’s scary… what's up with those smiles.” An aging man with a captain’s hat asked as he approached us. “I’m Lars and I will be the captain of this vessel.”

  “Ehh, we just had a nice talk, and I’m Giana!”

  Yeah! What she said.

  “Well, I got a message to relay to you Silver Torrent, there is reason to believe that someone might try something with Giana so however possible, please keep an eye out for her.”

  Oh, I know, I will.

  Giana locked her arm with mine. “Don’t worry, I won't leave his side!”

  You surely don't miss an opportunity to take advantage of, do you?

  “Of course not!”

  2 guys were giving me a stink eye. A lot of people had unfavorable looks, but these two weren’t hiding it. I stuck out my tongue to them, and it pissed them off. I would keep an eye out for them and maybe taunt them. It would be better if they attempted something now rather than when we’re busy.

  The ship left for who knows where. But this time I know [Boat Magic]! So, if this ship is somehow a mimic, or sinks, it will be no problem!

  I was feeling adventurous, so I activated [Bossmusic] with a pirate theme. Most people seemed to love the music, and Giana [Transformed] into something more suitable and improvised on the music. The people I kept an eye out on were getting increasingly annoyed but didn't do anything. Just a little push to send them over the edge so I offered to dance with Giana.

  She looked a bit confused because she knew I can't dance, but I’m willing to make a fool of myself in exchange for avoiding a pain in the ass situation later.

  I didn't do as bad as I thought I would, but I was still terrible. Most of the people that were watching were laughing at my expense, but the 2 guys were not happy. I could feel their anger from here.

  Now all I needed to do was pretend to rest somewhere alone or something, and they would take the bait. That was my plan, at least, Giana had other plans. She made me dance longer than I planned to.

  It did make them extra pissed; their heads looked like tomato goddess and she let me go after 5 songs.

  “Go get them, I’m satisfied”

  I don’t know what Giana is planning, but it’s working. I went to rest in a quiet place below deck, strung some wires along with me that connected to a [Boss music] speaker on deck. I will make this as painful as possible If they have malicious intent.

  The 2 followed me at a distance. I found my spot and waited; for them to take the bait. 5 minutes later, the 2 appeared.

  Good day gentlemen, how can I help you? I hope it’s not too intensive, I got quite tired of dancing with Giana you see, hahaha.

  “How about you fall dead!” One guy said as he shot a [Fireball] at me.

  I was planning to cancel his attack, but since it was fire, I could let it slide.

  Whoa, there is no need to attack, why the hostility?

  “You might be a famous A-rank adventurer but that doesn't matter if you're outnumbered, tired, and in a cramped space! Now die!”

  Wait wait! If I’m going to die anyway, can you at least tell me why I deserve to die?! And could you also be clear in your motivations and methods while you’re at it? I will be able to rest in peace if I find out before I die!

  Always gets them, some taunting here an illusion to make me look weaker there, and they always reveal their plans.

  “You've been taking up precious time and space from Giana! You even put your filthy hands on the pure Giana! Unacceptable! “

  And this deserves death, why?

  I asked as I started to take notes as I might have to impersonate a situation like this one day.

  “You are not worth being in the presence of her! She’s, our goddess! If anyone is worthy of touching her, it's me! Those round buttocks, those wide hips, those succulent breasts, those glossy lips, and that silky voice is mine! I won't let anyone have her!” The Fireball dude said, seemingly extremely attracted to Giana, can’t blame him.

  “Hey, don't forget about me! She's mine too! But you act all friendly with her as if you know her! What do you know about her? She lost her home when she was young and all that she has left is her 2 friends, there is no way that someone like you who is a successful A-rank can relate to!” This guy seems less shallow, but he’s making an awful lot of assumptions and also… I didn’t choose to become an A-rank adventurer!

  “Yeah, it's disgusting how you think you're on the same level or even above her, we will kill you and chop you into pieces and feed them to the fishes! That's what you deserve and when that happens, I can get close to her and make her mine!” Fireball dude said with a passion that could fuel a [Fireball].

  “Hey, asshole! Are you mocking us?!” The other dude said as he pointed at my notepad.

  Oh no I'm not mocking you; I’m just taking notes. Look!

  I showed them what I had written down. They were all the lines that they had said.

  “Ha! Trying to create evidence? Nobody would believe you! You are just a random adventurer. We have lived in this city for ages. Jehyrat and I have lived here for over 10 years. They will believe us over you!”

  So, the other dude is called Jay Rat?

  “Yeah, nobody is even going to bother reading that and if they do, they won’t believe it! We have a record of exceptional behavior.”

  Wait, wait not so fast, how do you spell ‘Jay Rat’?

  “Its Jehyrat! I had enough of your time to die!”

  I made the gesture for them to stop which they did, luckily.

  Hey at least let me defend myself but first a summary, I want to make sure I understand your problem well.

  “Wha.. what is this guy insane?” They threw attacks at me that were low profile but could still do damage.

  So, you guys are upset that I spend time with Giana and even touch her and that I don't understand her, correct?

  I kept dodging their attacks while providing a summary and asking for clarification on some of the lines they spouted out.

  So, in conclusion, you're just whiny bitches screaming ‘Me me me!’

  I blocked a fire punch with my palm, shifted his center of gravity and threw him to the ground while looking at my notes.

  Nowhere in your rambling have you considered a perspective outside your own. What does she actually want? Ever considered?

  “She loves us! We’re her fans! You’re overrated!” fireball guy said as his mana flared.

  Oh really? I’d rather be overrated than be you. Do you even see her as a person? Or as a possession? You sounded quite possessive as if she’s a thing, that's not what fans do and even so, fans need to realize one thing.

  I canceled some dodgy fire magic this idiot was casting. [Wildfire] on a ship? Does he want to burn this ship to the ground? Well technically we're on the sea but same thing.

  Fans need to realize that the idols are not their friends. The idols have no connection to you besides that you love their music. They're not your friends or family. They don't have the time and energy to interact with every fan out there, which is unrealistic and even hurts their career and persona. Get this through your skull. You're not special!

  “Lies! She keeps telling us she loves us!” Jay Rat exclaimed in defiance.

  I’m going to give you a reality check. She loves you as fans. It's impossible to love someone you don't know the face of or don't personally know. Love has context, this situation has the context of ‘I love how you support us and cheer us on, and you're wonderful people for doing so’. If you know her personally that one can be debated but if you don’t then it's going to be something like that.

  One of the lunatic fans collapsed. I guess I KOed him with emotional damage. Fireball guy stayed defiant. “Lies! I will kill you and give your corpse as a present to her and tell her how I saved her from your attempts to defile her!”

  I sighed at his ignorance.

  Alright I’ve heard enough; you guys are long gone. But it’s not my job to give judgment, the others will do so.

  The guy that took emotional damage woke up.“You still can't prove anything, it's your word against ours!”

  Unfortunately for you, it's your words against your own. Can someone pick up these clowns before they actually start becoming dangerous?

  5 people appeared and dragged the 2 on deck.

  “Hey, what's wrong guys why are you so rough?” He heard his voice coming from the speaker on deck and his face changed to despair.

  Right, everyone heard what you said, I would just say, you might want to apologize to Giana while you are at it.

  Giana had a complicated look of anger, disgust and disappointment on her face. Because she was normally so cheery and always smiling, this expression was extremely powerful. I knew I didn't do anything wrong, but this look did some emotional damage to me and everyone on the deck seemed to be feeling it too.

  The 2 lunatics got destroyed by this look though. Giana’s look did more emotional damage to them than any word I spoke to them. “I am disgusted and disappointed; I have no words for you two…”

  She walked over to me and grabbed my arm. These words seemed to have finished them off because these 2 grown men started crying. The others were keeping an eye on them. Others came to us, and we discussed what to do, and I had a suggestion.

  Right, you 2 can choose, apologize to Giana and get sent back to shore or not apologize and get sent overboard.

  I suggested this because if they refused to apologize, they will be sent overboard and the people here would have to collectively put in effort to save the two, which would completely shatter any respect anyone here has for them.

  “Why should we apologize for wanting the best for Giana!”

  The captain gestures with his head and 2 people launched the lunatics into the water. One guy kept blocking their mana so they couldn't get out themselves. We waited for 5 minutes before bringing them back.

  Most of the people here knew my goal of this idea, and they were fine with it. I suggested waiting 2 minutes, but they went with 5 to make them suffer longer and make it harder for themselves so that they would properly lose respect for them.

  I wanted to help too, but Giana pulled on my shirt, suggesting that I should stay. “Thank you.”

  Don't worry about it, this is probably not the last time something will happen.

  The 2 idiots got hauled on deck. 9 of the 12 ‘tournament winners’ and some of the ship's crew did all they could to make the rescue as much of a pain as possible, and it was quite clear on their faces that they lost all respect for these 2.

  The lunatics would now have to spend the rest of the trip like this. Nobody would respect them for the whole trip, and possibly longer. Now that the idiots are dealt with, I will have to focus more on the real person that wants to mess with Giana.

  There is no way these idiots could do anything meaningful. If something is planned, even hastily, they wouldn't out themselves so easily. What I did was a double-edged sword, the real problem person would either be extra careful or assume that I think I dealt with the problem.

  Unfortunately for him, I wasn't born yesterday and have an assassin background. It would be nice if his intention was as innocent as these idiots, but the whole continent knows Giana is a 9t so can't be too sure…

  “Are there more? Your face is so serious.” I forgot that Giana was skilled at reading shallow thoughts or emotions due to her overpowered [Empathic Bond]. I definitely wasn't covering up the look on my face.

  Nobody that has really planned anything would be this hasty and stupid if someone was after you, he’s still at large. I’m telling you this to stop worrying about me, I hope you won't start worrying about this now though.

  Her face brightened up. “Oh, I’m not worried about that at all as long as you’re fine, they can do to me whatever.”

  Well, you should be concerned about what they want to do to you, but I guess that's a good stance to take. But if that's the case, why did you look so disgusted and disappointed? You didn't get affected by them wanting to keep you for themselves and talk as if you're an object?

  Giana looked me in the eyes and smiled. “You don’t know me at all, do you? Well, we only got close quite recently so that's not odd, but I don't care about all that. What disgusted me was that they thought that killing you and presenting your corpse as a prize would please me. I’m not big on violence, but I would personally see to it that they would be wiped off the face of the planet if they messed with people I deeply care about.”

  Hmm, I can relate.

  “Great! We’re not so different after all!” She walked to the center of the boat and started to sing again. It improved the mood of everyone on the boat while I kept an eye out for the mystery asshole.

  Giana's words also gave me food for thought, do our personalities just match or is this a nine tail-specific trait. I don't know the exact reason why Gramps went to war with the gods, self-defense sure, but what's the underlying reason? I should ask Hisui next time I meet her, although I don't really want to meet her...

  My mother had gotten into deep shit multiple times when someone messed with her friends but when it was about herself others would have to put in the work. I sat down. Reckless and only stepping in when others get into trouble. If I didn't know any better, I would say this is a recipe for disaster.

  I tried to simulate scenarios where I got into deep shit and my friends would have to help, vs one of my friends would get into trouble. I compared the amount of effort I would put into both scenarios. I found out that I resembled my mother in that I would almost become passive if I got into trouble but very active if my friends would get into trouble. Some of Hisui’s brag stories and what Giana just said suggest the same.

  Oof was our race doomed from the start? My friends would certainly work their asses off if they were in my situation and had to get saved. Negative traits of strong races get often ignored, maybe this got ignored for too long and this is the result. 6t are quite hyperactive and have short attention spans but nobody hardly ever talks about that. Same with the inability of shadowcats to be physically fast. I'm sure my friends have more of those but because nobody really focuses on them, including me, they might be flying under the radar.

  9t were seen as reckless, but that's not necessarily a bad trait, it got more seen as unpredictable to the frustration of anyone fighting them. The more I learn about my race the more I understand why we’re going extinct. I don't think there is a race that balances out the 9t as a whole. 7t comes the closest, but they are also going extinct, instead of keeping each other stable we're dragging each other down because we’re too reliant on them and vice versa.

  If lots of 9t die off the same will happen with 7t and because a lot of 7t die more 9t will die. Although 9t have more causes of death. There aren't many things that can kill a 7t realistically. Unfortunately, this means that if I kick the bucket, I will probably drag Giana and Noelle with me. And if Noelle kicks the bucket, she will drag Giana and me with her. Same for if Giana dies but I'm the most likely to die of the 3. What a pain in the ass.

  The seas became rowdier and wilder. A storm seemed imminent, and we were nowhere near our destination.