To be honest, when that information was brought to me by Caraway……. I just thought “It really was as I thought”. Anima had been working energetically on the launch of the new brand, but I have a feeling that she was over-motivated.
I can understand why. It may not be that much, but unlike her usual work, I was involved in the launch of this brand, so it was inevitable that Anima, who has a strong desire to do something for me, would be so enthusiastic about it.
I was worried that with her enthusiasm, she might get too anxious that she’d make a blunder around the actual launch date or around that time, so I’ve told Caraway to let me know in advance if there seem to be any issues with Anima.
Despite having grown quite mentally, there’s still a part of her that’s impulsive, tending to charge forward, so I had anticipated that she might go a bit out of control at some point…… and it really was as I thought.
Anima herself seemed to be aware that she had done something I didn’t like, as when I brought her to my room, she despondently sat in a seiza.No, of course, I understand that Anima has been working hard for my sake, but allowing her to go to extremes is troubling, as she might really end up working tirelessly without rest.
[……So, Anima?]
[Uuu, ahh, yes…… U- Umm, I haven’t slept for a while now.]
[What about breaks?]
[……T- Three times a day…… or so…… umm……]
[Are those enough breaks?]
[……Yes.]What’s even more troubling is that Anima has grown to Count-rank level, which made her even more inclined to be reckless than before.
In the past, when we first met Eta and Theta, she was clearly out of shape after a few days of sleepless nights, but she now seems to be fine with the same amount of activity, which makes it difficult for me to notice.
However, since Anima was originally a Black Bear, unlike some high-ranking Demons, she still requires regular sleep and meals. Well, as Anima herself said, she could potentially go without sleep or food for several months without issues, but that doesn’t mean she won’t get sleepy or hungry during that time.
[Anima, what about sleepiness?]
[There’s no problem at all.]
[……Anima?]
[Ah, umm…… If I get distracted…… I- I can get a bit sleepy…… yes.]
In reality, it seems that Anima’s overwhelming enthusiasm led her to ignore her drowsiness and hunger, but in any case, now that I know this, I have no intention of overlooking this.
[I’m glad that Anima is trying to do your best for me, and it’s possible that I’ve come to rely on you for various tasks, which lead to an increase in your workload. However, I’ve told you about sleep and rest…… many times before already, didn’t I?]
[…………Yes. M- My apologies.]
No, it’s not like Anima is intentionally ignoring what I say, but it seems that when her enthusiasm is overflowing, some things might slip her mind. I mean, she’s already done this a few times in the past…… Seriously, someone being too earnest and hardworking can also be a problem.
After I scolded her for a bit after that, Anima dejectedly listened but…… for the time being, my main concern was Anima’s well-being, so without giving a lengthy scolding, I decided to wrap things up at an appropriate point.
[……For the time being, let’s have you get a good rest first.]
[Y- Yes!]
[However, if I take my eyes off you for a moment, I feel like you’re going to start worrying about something and work again……]
[Ugh…… Ahh……]
[For now, I’ve decided I’ll physically distance you from work and have you take a break…… Well then, let’s go.]
[Haehh? Go? G- Go where?]
I have no intention of lecturing Anima any further, but I also don’t want to leave her here on her own. The new brand is launching today, and there’s a possibility that she won’t be able to relax due to feeling concerned about how things will unfold.
[For the time being, I’m concerned if I don’t keep an eye on you, and being at home might make you worry about work…… so let’s go out. I’ve asked Alice to enter our destination into my teleportation gate, so we’ll arrive there immediately…… but once we arrive, the first thing Anima should do is take a nap, okay?]
[……Y- Yes. Ah, errr…… does that mean…… I’ll be going there with Master?]
[Unnn. I intend to make sure Anima gets a proper rest for the time being…… but well, I guess you could say this is kind of like a date, isn’t it?]
[ ! ? ]
Having heard my words, Anima lifted her lowered face, and her expression brightened up instantly. Her ears twitching happily looks quite adorable, and I kinda feel like I’m seeing a puppy wagging its tail in joy.
Well, even though I wasn’t that busy either, I had been moving here and there lately, so let’s take a break and spend some time relaxing together.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [……Huh? A date? Wait…… Wait, wait! This isn’t what I heard! DIDN’T YOU SAY THE SUGAR RUSH ENDED ALREADY!!!?]
? ? ? : [No one said that though…… Isn’t it just Senpai thinking as you please that things have already settled down?]
