Status Window Chapter 38 : Window Battle (2)

*38. Window Battle (2)*

Something has started!

Looking closely, a mysterious red bar is displayed above Mom's head. What on earth is this...?

But I have seen this sight before. It's a command-input style battle scene often seen in games.

In other words, this means I have to choose a command and win the argument with Mom. If so, that red bar must be something like Mom's HP. If I deplete it, I win this argument—no, this battle.

Hoho... So the Window turns even a mundane scene like this into a game. It feels strangely more game-like than a normal argument, and honestly, it's kinda fun.

But this is no time to be impressed. To prevent my tote bag from being taken, I absolutely must win this battle...

Then, Mom brings her hands together in a pleading gesture.

"I'll take good care of it, so please give me this bag."

A normal request, huh. But don't think I'll nod to such a request!

The chosen command is "Push back with logic!"

"That's a no."

"Eh?"

"Because I made this bag for myself to use."

Ooh!? When I select a command, the words come out on their own! This is automatic combat by command selection! Since I don't have to think for myself, it's easy and good!

"Choosing the fabric, deciding the shape, it's all so that it's easy for me to use."

When I appeal with a serious expression, Mom's face twists. Good, good, it's working!

"The length when worn on the shoulder, the size that doesn't get in the way even when running, it's all for my personal use. I didn't plan for it to hold Mom's things, not even a millimeter."

"S-such a way of putting it..."

"And also."

I took a step forward and raised one finger.

"This wasn't made to be used by someone else. I made it so that I, who worked hard on it, can use it properly."

Mom is at a loss for words. The red bar is visibly decreasing.

"If I had planned to give it to Mom from the start, I would have made it flashier, the handles longer, and added more inner pockets. But I didn't."

This is an explanation as clear as possible. With this, surely she'll understand.

"So this is my bag. I'll use it."

When I declared it firmly, the red bar continued to decrease until it was about a third left. Ho... so she's not down for the count yet.

Mom puts on a polite smile and continues to resist.

"But it's such an amazing bag, I want to carry it around. Besides, I want to boast that my daughter made it."

I see, so that's the next line... In that case, the command that fits those words is—"Appeal to emotion"!

"...Mom."

I first lowered my eyes sadly and opened my mouth. What, even facial expressions are automatic... This is easy!

"I'm happy you say you want to boast about it. Really."

Mom's gaze wavers slightly. The red bar moves just a little.

"But..."

I took a small breath.

"While I was making this bag, I was thinking the whole time. Like, when it's done, I'll go out with it, or what should I put in it."

I certainly was thinking that. Thinking about fun things gives me motivation, so the work progressed well.

"And then, to suddenly be asked for it... it feels like it's being taken away, and it's sad."

Mom becomes unable to say anything. The red bar slowly decreases.

"I know Mom will take good care of it. But still... this is something I made for myself."

My voice trembled just a little.

"Having someone else use something I worked so hard on for myself... I kinda don't like it."

Silence. After staring at me for a while, Mom slowly exhaled.

"...I'm sorry. I was being childish. This is Rio's to use, right?"

Oh? Is this victory? But the red bar is still slightly there. This means Mom's heart isn't knocked out yet.

Then, the command needed here is—"Secret Technique / Ultimate Move"! What kind of words will fly out!?

"...Mom."

I raised my face and smiled brightly.

"Because I love you, Mom, I'll teach you."

"Eh?"

"How to make this bag."

Mom's eyes widened. At that moment, the red bar twitched.

"How to choose the fabric, how to sew, the parts where it's easy to fail. I'll teach you everything properly."

I puffed out my chest.

"Then Mom can make a bag in her favorite color, favorite shape, and favorite size, right?"

"...!"

Mom looks at me with surprised eyes.

"Besides, I think a bag made that way would be much more gratifying. Not a bag made by her daughter, but a bag made with her daughter."

"Ah... you're right, a bag made with my daughter is much better than a bag made by my daughter!"

When Mom smiled, the red bar above her head instantly dropped to zero.

The next moment—.

*[Battle, Complete Victory!]*

From out of nowhere, tada-da-daaaan!, a very brave victory fanfare rang out.

Furthermore, behind Mom, flowers danced, sparkles flew, and for some reason, even crackers popped in a full-blown celebratory effect.

"...You're right. That's really wonderful."

Mom, unable to see such effects, smiled and gently patted my head.

"Then let's make one together next time. Teacher, please take care of me, okay?"

Then, notification sounds rang in succession.

*[Mirei Grande: Favorability +3]*

*[Argument with Mirei Grande, success! Bonus 500 points]*

Eeeeh!? Are you serious, 500 points!? Could this be an important event or something!? To get 500 just by selecting commands!

This event was a god-tier event! ...Amazing, if I can trigger this event frequently, I might become a point millionaire!

Damn God... to create such a good event! I have to send a feedback email later!

After this, when I sent a feedback email, God's favorability went up by 3, and Affection went up by 2.

...This game, surprisingly easy, might be fun.