Using Gacha to Increase My Companions and to Create the Strongest Girls' Army Corps

Leaving the jewelry store behind, we realized it had gotten quite late as we wandered around Queres for a long time. The sun had already set. We moved to a secluded spot and used the beacon to return home.

"Welcome back. You're quite late today."

"Ahaha... a lot happened."

"So, it's already time for Runa to wake up."

When I got home, I was greeted by Runa, who was sitting in the living room chair, petting Mofuto. Mofuto, perched on her lap, squeaked at us as well. Recently, Sisuha and I have been going hunting together, so Runa's wake-up time was around sunset. Normally, we returned before she woke up, but we got a bit carried away with the store search today.

It's unusual for Runa to be alone. Usually, Estel is in the living room to greet us. Noru is probably in the kitchen, making dinner.

"Where's Estel?"

"She's cooking with Noru."

"Estel? That's unusual."

It's surprising that Estel is cooking. She often helps with laundry and cleaning using magic, but she hasn't really gotten involved in cooking. I wonder what's going on. As I pondered, Runa fell silent and stared at me.

"Is something wrong?"

"Recently, you two have been getting along well."

"Eh... no, not really. Right?"

"Y-Yes, it's not much different from usual."

"...I see."

Sisuha and I exchanged glances and responded, but Runa gave a brief reply and started petting Mofuto again. Hmm, she didn't press the issue, but she might be suspicious. If Runa thinks so, Estel might be even more... We can't take too long with the present plan. After resting in the chair for a while, Noru came out from the kitchen.

"Oh, welcome back. You're home already."

"Yeah, I'm back."

Wearing a blue apron, she was fully in cooking mode. Last time we cooked together, she was humming while handling the knife, so she must really enjoy cooking. Though, I did think it was odd that she kept sneaking bites of the ingredients.

"You're getting more and more used to that outfit, Noru."

"Indeed. The apron suits you very well."

"Mufufu, no matter how much you compliment me, it just means more side dishes!"

Oh, they increase. Her tied hair swayed side to side, looking very happy. She's really simple... but I like that about her. Following her, Estel appeared, wearing a black apron.

"Oh, you're back. Would you like a bath? Dinner? Or perhaps... me?"

"Dinner, please!"

"Geez, you're no fun."

Estel pouted at my response. I didn't expect her to use such a classic line...

"Are you cooking too, Estel?"

"Yes, I'm helping Noru and learning a lot. Since you haven't been paying attention to me, I had some free time."

"O-Oh... sorry."

"You don't have to apologize. Right, Sisuha?"

"Even if you ask me..."

Estel smiled at me and then called out to Sisuha. That smile is a bit scary... I've been paying attention to her since I got back, though.

After that little commotion, we finished eating and took a bath. Later, Sisuha and I discussed the jewelry over the transceiver. It would be too suspicious to go to each other's rooms and talk.

"So, what should we do about the gift?"

"Hmm, what to do..."

"If this continues, we'll have to act quickly. Even Runa seems suspicious."

"Yeah..."

Following Estel, even Runa was starting to notice. We haven't come up with a solution yet, but if we don't decide soon, they might catch on. Ideally, we should act by tomorrow... but can we come up with a solution that quickly?

"Even if it's not a ring, we should probably incorporate their preferences into the design, right?"

"Yes. If it's just a matter of size, there are ways to handle it..."

"But if they secretly wanted something else, that would be disappointing."

"Ugh, that would be sad..."

Even if Estel and Runa didn't like it, they would probably still appreciate it as a gift from us. But if we're giving a present, we want it to be something they'll love. So...

"We've already chosen the gemstones, so why don't we let Estel and the others decide the final design?"

"Giving them raw stones seems a bit... Let's think of a better way."

"Easier said than done."

Necklaces, for example, might be more universally accepted despite some differences in taste. Surprises are still possible if we give up on rings... but is that really the best idea? After discussing with Sisuha for a while, I had a thought.

"Ah, I have an idea."

"Really?"

"Wait, it's just an idea, and I'm not sure if it'll work. Plus, we need to consult the jeweler..."

"Ookura-san, you really lack confidence. You occasionally have good ideas, so say it with confidence."

"Are you picking a fight? Anyway, I'll tell you."

Sisuha always says things that make me wonder if she's complimenting or provoking me... though it's true I lack confidence. After sharing my idea, Sisuha agreed it was a good one. Okay, let's go to the jewelry store tomorrow and discuss it.

---

The next day, after consulting with Sisuha, we went to the jewelry store and shared my idea. They assured us it was feasible, so we left the ruby and topaz with them for processing. It would take three days, and we arranged to pick them up on the fourth day, ensuring the process was complete. For the next three days, we went about our usual hunts with Noru to avoid suspicion, and finally, the day arrived. Today, Sisuha and I went hunting alone again.

"Alright, it should be ready by now. Let's go pick it up after the hunt."

"Finally, the day has come! I'm so excited I hunted with extra vigor today!"

"Hey, don't swing that around!"

After finishing the hunt, it was time to pick up the jewelry. Sisuha was excitedly swinging her magic blade. That's dangerous! The tree it grazed is nearly split in half! Calming Sisuha down, we teleported to Queres and headed to the jewelry store.

"Excuse me."

"Ah, Ookura-sama, we've been expecting you."

"Thank you for using our store."

When we entered the store, there was a man with the woman who had helped us before. He looked about the same age as her. Maybe he wasn't around last time?

"Here's the ruby, and here's the topaz. Please check them."

"Thank you."

The man handed us small black boxes. I opened the box, and inside was a brilliantly shining gem. It was oval-shaped, with countless facets cut into it. Even in the modest light of the store, it glittered so much that it was hard to believe it was the same raw stone.

Wow... It's amazing. I can't believe it turned out this well. Maybe it's because I found it, but it looks even better than the ones in the store.

My idea, which I shared with Sisuha, was to have the gemstones processed and give them to Estel and the others, letting them decide on the final design. The jeweler confirmed that the cut stones could be used in any design they wished, so we went with this plan.

"Wow, look at this, Ookura-san!"

"Don't shout! Calm down!"

"But it's so beautiful! I can't stay calm!"

Next to me, Sisuha was shouting in excitement. Her topaz was also stunning, cut into a slender rectangular shape with facets parallel to the sides. Each facet was intricately cut, shining as brightly as my ruby. It's no wonder she's excited... this is incredible. The raw stones were beautiful, but this is on another level.

"Sorry for the noise."

"No, we're delighted to see you so happy with our work."

"So, you did the gem processing?"

This man was the one who processed the gems... Maybe he came today because it's the delivery day?

"I heard from my wife about the high-quality raw stones. They were indeed excellent."

"Oh, you run the store as a couple."

"Yes. I handle the metalwork, and my husband handles the gems."

Oh, they're a couple. Both seem like mages, specializing in different areas. I thought the woman did everything herself. Satisfied with the gem's quality, we had them wrapped in paper and tied with ribbons.

"We look forward to your next visit. Good luck!"

"Ahaha... thank you."

The shopkeeper saw us off as we left the store. Good luck... it's not like we're confessing or anything. It's just a thank you gift, though I'm a bit nervous.

"Hehe, it's so beautifully done... they'll definitely love it!"

"I hope so..."

"Ookura-san, you're such a worrywart. As a man, you should be more confident at times like this. Here!"

"Ugh! Sisuha, you're too confident! It's normal to be anxious about this!"

"Well, well, we're giving it to them anyway, so let's think positively."

Sisuha, in an unusually high spirits, skipped along and patted me on the back. I don't know why she's so confident. I wish I could borrow some of that positive thinking. Sisuha never gives up, even if she fails... I really respect that.

As we returned home, I thought about giving the gems right away, but...

"Huh...?"

There was no one in the living room. Not even Noru was in the kitchen; maybe it's still early.

"No one's here

. I'll go check on Runa."

"Wait a minute—"

"Ookura-san, you go to Estel's room. Good luck!"

Sisuha hurried off to Runa's room. Oh man... I was hoping to give them together in the living room. Estel is probably in her room, but giving it one-on-one makes me really nervous.

Still, Sisuha was already gone, so I steeled myself and headed to Estel's room. I knocked on the door.

"It's open."

"...I'm coming in."

As expected, she was in her room and responded immediately.

"Welcome back, brother."

"Yeah, I'm back."

When I entered, Estel was sitting on the bed reading a book. Her room had a bookshelf filled with various books, some thick ones from my gacha, and others bought in town. Compared to Noru's room, which was full of stuffed animals, it had a neat impression.

"Noru wasn't in the living room. Did she go out?"

"She's playing in Mofuto's kennel. She said it's always a pleasant grassy field in there."

"I see..."

So she's playing in Mofuto's kennel. It's a perfect space for that, but... More importantly, I need to think about how to give this gem. I came in without thinking, but should I just hand it over? Or say something appropriate while giving it? I don't know! I have no experience in this!

"...Why are you so nervous? Is something wrong?"

"Eh? No, I'm not nervous."

"Hehe, do you think I, who watch you closely, wouldn't notice?"

Closing her book, Estel smiled at me. I'd appreciate it if you didn't use that keen observation. How did she read my mind without me saying anything?

"So, what brings you to my room?"

"Um, well... this."

In the end, with no idea what to say, I pulled the box from my bag and handed it to Estel, my mind nearly blank.

"Such a cute box. What's it for? Is it a gift for me... or something?"

"Yeah, it is."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

I answered her jokingly, and Estel's smile disappeared. She stared at the box, wide-eyed.

"Can I open it?"

"Sure."

Hearing my response, Estel carefully unwrapped the gift box. When she opened the box containing the ruby, she froze, staring at it.

"Um, that's a ruby. At first, I thought about giving you a finished piece, but I didn't know your preferences. But I chose the gem myself and visited several stores..."

I started to explain quickly, but noticed Estel wasn't responding. She was trembling, moving her upper body back and forth. I waved my hand in front of her face, but there was no reaction. What's going on? I've never seen Estel like this.

"Hey, Estel."

"Oh... sorry..."

When I put my hand on her shoulder, she finally reacted, her body jumping slightly. Even then, she seemed a bit dazed.

"So, you've been sneaking around with Sisuha because of this?"

"Yeah. Sisuha probably gave Runa hers by now. When we went to Rugen Valley, Sisuha suggested giving a necklace as a return gift."

"I see... Sisuha suggested that."

I managed to give mine, but I wonder if Sisuha is okay. Well, I should worry about myself. Estel's reaction is hard to read. Did she not like it...?

"Um... is this gem not good?"

"No, it's a gem you chose for me. How could I not be happy?"

"I see... that's good."

It seems she likes it. I thought she'd tease me more if she liked it, but her quietness made me think otherwise.

"I'm just so happy that I might explode, so I need to calm down."

"...Yes, it's better to calm down."

Oh... what's going to explode? Was that gesture to calm herself down? If Estel goes berserk, it could be bad, so I'll avoid provoking her. Maybe the way I gave it was correct.

"I forgot to say, but thank you, brother. I'll treasure it."

"O-Oh. But it's not complete yet. You can choose the final design. I've already arranged it at the jewelry store, so let's go together."

"So that's why it was just the gem. Even just this makes me so happy I could faint, hehe..."

Estel held her cheek and stared at the gem with an intense gaze. I'm glad she's happy, but this atmosphere feels dangerous.

"So, don't be too harsh on Sisuha. She helped a lot."

"Yes, I understand. I should apologize and thank her instead."

"Yeah, do that. I'll head back to my room."

With Estel now understanding why I'd been out with Sisuha, I felt relieved. Having achieved my goal, I left Estel's room. As I was about to close the door...

"Wait."

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

Estel got off the bed and ran towards me.

"Can you bend down a little?"

"Sure..."

As soon as I bent down, Estel wrapped her arms around my neck. Before I knew it, something warm and soft touched my left cheek.

"Mm..."

"Eh..."

"Hehe, I did it. Brother, I'm really happy. Thank you."

After the soft sensation left my cheek, Estel released her arms and, blushing, put a hand to her lips and smiled at me before returning to her room and closing the door.

...Eh? What just happened? That soft sensation... was it her lips... eh!?

[TL notes: I would be happy if you gave `The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology` a read pretty fun story :D]