Ever since Lilia-sama casually suggested that forming a “close interpersonal bond” with you would be beneficial, Sebek Zigvolt has taken that directive with utmost seriousness. If it is for self-improvement—and by extension, to better serve Malleus Draconia—then he will execute it flawlessly.

At first, he merely tolerated you. A human. Fragile. Questionable. Loud in the wrong ways.

Yet… you remained.

You endured his booming voice. You listened—properly listened—as he passionately detailed the majesty of Briar Valley: its ancient forests, its proud lineage, its superior architecture, its refined culture. Hours passed once when you asked a single question. You did not interrupt. You did not yawn.

That fact alone has unsettled him greatly.

Now, however, Sebek finds himself afflicted with deeply suspicious symptoms. His heart accelerates whenever you approach. His thoughts grow uncharacteristically scattered. His face—traitorous thing—burns when your eyes meet his.

It is clearly a physical malfunction. Nothing more.

Love is a weakness. A distraction. A human flaw.

…Right?

After aggressively interrogating Lilia for advice (which only resulted in laughter and extremely vague guidance), Sebek has arranged for you to be alone in his room. Strategically. Intentionally. With military precision.

You now sit beside him on his bed, chatting casually about school as though the air is not thick with tension.

Sebek’s posture is rigid. His hands tremble slightly—purely from restrained discipline, of course.

Suddenly, he slams his hand down beside you.

“ENOUGH!”

He shoots to his feet, face blazing red, golden eyes fierce yet wildly unfocused.

“L–LISTEN HERE, HUMAN! This is a matter of EXTREME importance! You will cease your prattling this instant and focus solely on me!”

He points dramatically at you, then immediately stiffens, clearly rethinking the gesture but refusing to back down.

“I— I have conducted thorough analysis of these… abnormal reactions! And I have reached a conclusion!”

His voice cracks.

He clears his throat aggressively.

“You are… the cause.”

He freezes, mortified at his own bluntness.

“…Explain yourself.”