Chapter 8 …
Just then, the system popped up a notification.
‘Holy Breeder’ effect activated! (Probability: 9.8%)
The target obeys your command.
‘…Huh?’
So there was a bonus effect like this?
That must have been why Lysian snapped straight to attention the moment I spoke.
9.8%… It’s a low probability, but in an emergency, it could be incredibly useful.
I decided to test it and gave Lysian a command.
“Lysian, relax and go sit on the bed.”
Lysian stood there blankly for a moment, then loosened up and nodded.
He obediently went and sat on the bed, but this time there was no system notification.
‘When there’s no notification, that probably means the effect didn’t activate.’
Now calmer, Lysian looked up at me with a puzzled expression and spoke.
“Just now… something felt strange. When you said ‘Attention,’ Master, it felt like invisible chains wrapped around me, or something like that….”
His cheeks flushed red, and he lowered his eyes shyly.
“But… I liked it.”
Ding!
The target’s affection toward you has increased!
????♥
…I’m speechless.
Isn’t this guy a total pervert?
Maybe Ninabel really does have a good eye for people. Though I’m not even sure he counts as a person.
‘He’s definitely a pervert.’
And I went and picked one up….
I gave the pervert another command.
“Stand up and say ‘I’m sorry for teasing you’ to Nini.”
“…!”
Lysian flinched slightly, then stood up with a flustered expression. Turning toward Ninabel, he awkwardly spoke.
“I’m sorry for teasing you?”
It was phrased like a question, but still—technically an apology.
‘Holy Breeder’ effect activated! (Probability: 9.8%)
The target obeys your command.
As expected.
‘So the effect really did activate just now.’
When Lysian isn’t acting of his own free will, his words and actions feel noticeably unnatural.
“Is that an apology? You call that an apology?! Apologize properly, you jerk!!”
“I’m really sorry for teasing you?”
“That’s still a question!”
After that, I tried giving commands about ten more times, but only the first two worked. The probability really was too low.
Even if it was only temporary protection, once I decided to take Lysian in as a member of our farm, there were a few things I needed to prepare.
First of all: establish rules of conduct.
After all, a madman on a leash is far easier to control than a madman running loose.
I sat Lysian down in front of me, planted my hands on my hips, and spoke firmly.
“If you’re going to keep living on our farm, there are a few rules you need to follow.”
“Yes. Please tell me, Master.”
“…Could you stop calling me ‘Master’?”
“That would be difficult…. How could I possibly address Master by name?”
“Haa….”
Talking to this lunatic makes my head go fuzzy.
Still, times like this are exactly when I need to stay sharp. The guy in front of me is as sly as a fox.
I cleared my throat and continued.
“First, you must obey my commands unconditionally.”
“Ah, that’s….”
Lysian smiled softly and tilted his head slightly.
“Of course. Whose commands do you think they are?”
His cotton-candy-like platinum hair swayed gently.
“…Second, don’t cause trouble where I can’t see you.”
“So… does that mean it’s fine as long as you’re watching, Master?”
“No! Just don’t cause trouble at all. Don’t make a mess!”
“Understood, Master. Don’t worry. I’m very obedient.”
“…….”
I trust him exactly zero percent. I’d rather trust a rabbit that can’t even speak.
Letting out a deep sigh, I went on.
“Third, you must never cause me physical harm or try to kill me.”
“…?”
Lysian blinked blankly, as if he didn’t understand what I meant.
After a few seconds, he finally spoke.
“There’s no way I’d ever harm you, Master. Do you really not trust me?”
“…….”
Would you?
A suspicious man who suddenly appeared in the middle of a contaminated zone, claimed he’d lost his memory, and immediately started calling you ‘Master.’
On top of that, the irrational affection and submissive attitude Lysian showed toward me were all the result of the Breeding skill being applied.
Which meant that once that skill was removed, there was no telling what might happen.
Right now, he looked at me with the eyes of a fanatic—but once he came to his senses, his attitude could do a complete 180 and turn ice-cold.
So… I’m not going to get attached to this guy.
I don’t want to get hurt by giving my heart away for nothing.
“Lysian. You said you lost your memory, right? You don’t remember who you are, or why you collapsed in a contaminated zone?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“So don’t rely on me too much… Try thinking for yourself. Do what you can to recover your memories as soon as possible.”
At that, Lysian immediately looked crestfallen.
“That’s… kind of hurtful.”
“You’re just— I mean, ha….”
How was I supposed to explain that he wasn’t thinking straight because he was under the influence of a skill?
Even that sense of hurt you’re feeling is fake, you know?
“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, Master.”
“…….”
“So if you want, I’m fine sleeping in the storage shed. This house is small for two people anyway.”
“No, that’s not—.”
I stopped myself mid-protest.
…Thinking about it, he wasn’t wrong. There was only one single bed, and living together would make things awkward when changing clothes or washing up.
‘But still, making someone sleep in a shed is a human rights violation!’
Ding!
A new perk has arrived!
Tap to check
‘…Huh?’
The timing was suspiciously perfect. I was kind of busy right now….
But my curiosity about the new perk won out. Pretending to hesitate for a moment, I turned away and tapped the screen.
Fireworks exploded across the display, and a popup appeared.
Congratulations!
You have acquired the ☆My Sweet Home☆ perk!
You can now upgrade your living space with the help of the system.
The 〈Tomorrow’s Home〉 shop has been unlocked.
Collect coins and purchase a variety of furniture♡
“…Wow.”
The admiration slipped out on its own.
At this point, at least one thing was clear.
The system is seriously spoiling me…!
‘You really want me to change fate that badly?’
(ﾉ´∩｡• ᵕ •｡∩)ﾉ
‘Is that a yes?’
It’s a smiling emoticon, so I’ll take it as one.
‘So, how exactly do I upgrade the house?’
When I asked internally, the system immediately brought up another screen.
Quest Generated! <Upgrade Your Living Space!>
Your current home is far too cramped to live in with a new member.
Secure more space and place new furniture.
Required resources: Uncontaminated firewood (0/100)
Success reward: 3,000 coins
Failure penalty: None
‘Three thousand coins?’
My heart started pounding at the number I’d never seen before. With that much money, I could finally splurge on all those shop items I’d only been eyeing because they were too expensive—!
Secure more space and place new furniture!
“…….”
Oh. I have to buy furniture?
My excitement instantly deflated. …Right, furniture. I’d need another bed, a table, chairs….
‘So I can live comfortably with this mysterious nuisance of a guy…!’
…Wait, nuisance?
I whipped around to look at Lysian. No—scratch that. I examined him from head to toe.
“Um, Master…?”
Standing there demurely with his hands neatly folded, he looked very much like—
‘A solid, strong build. An overwhelming physique that would make even the male lead cry.’
That’s right.
Required resources: Uncontaminated firewood (0/100)
He was the perfect candidate for farming…!
I strode straight over to Lysian. Stopping in front of him, I placed a hand firmly on his broad, sturdy shoulder and spoke seriously.
“You said you’d pay me back with your body, right?”
“Yes, but… it’s bright morning right now…. Of course, if you wish, Master, I’m always ready—.”
“What are you talking about? Cut the nonsense and let’s go to the forest.”
“…Pardon?”
“Put those muscles to work.”
Chop some wood for me.
