Because of the limitations imposed by the Grand Mission on my Possible Queen, the best-case scenario was finding a Tier 8 Waifu with a low enough trauma level that I could acquire her for the price of a Tier 7.
Although it was possible to obtain further discounts with higher trauma levels, I wasn't equipped to deal with anything beyond first-level trauma.
The second caveat was that when buying a used companion, you typically received three random versions to choose from, with the only distinguishing feature being their price.
By combining the Open Rolls Perk to reveal the hidden trauma level and any tier variation among the three purchase options, I could select the version that closely matched my desired outcome, or if necessary, I could explore other Tier 8 Waifus.
My hope lay in using a combination of communication talent, my lures, and the standard loyalty effects of the company stamp to persuade her to join my peerage and help her manage her trauma.
Instead of relying solely on chance, with 165 credits to my name, I had enough to increase the long-term chances of my plan succeeding by making the right purchase before summoning my possible queen.
While I held a deep affection for Rias, my newfound perspective on the setting's plot and the realization that traumas don't vanish by ignoring them prompted my first order of business: acquiring a therapist.
The lady who came to mind was not only a perfect fit but also from the same world setting as both my ideal queen choice and a couple of my secondary choices.
The fact she was sexy as sin and that purchasing a full-price company clone might increase my chances of romantic involvement in this life was purely coincidental.
That was my original plan.
[0000]
With a moment of truth approaching, I quickly typed the name of my target into the search feature of the catalogue and paid the 10 credits for the only version of the beautiful lady that wouldn't lead to my likely demise by snu snu, without acquiring nearly every possible defence in the catalogue.
As I confirmed the transaction, a new magical signature materialized in one of the second-floor rooms, briefly diverting my attention from the notification on my device screen.
Concentrating on my supernatural senses, I discerned soft breathing emanating from the second floor and the calmness of the signature's energy, indicating that my first companion was deeply asleep.
Thinking, 'There's no rush; I might as well let her sleep for a bit while I prepare breakfast for both of us.
We can get to know each other and discuss our strategy over a meal,' I pocketed my device after checking the purchase notification and proceeded to the connected kitchen.
After a quick inventory check of the pantry and the refrigerator to assess available ingredients, I decided to prepare Japanese-style pancakes and brew a pot of tea.
Almost immediately, I sensed the Faerie Feast Perk guiding my actions with a level of finesse and technical expertise that exceeded anything I had previously demonstrated in either life.
Granted, growing up in a manor with an army of maids hadn't provided me with much hands-on experience in this realm, but the difference brought about by the perk was astounding.
Thirty minutes later, I sat down at the table with the hope of savouring the best pancakes I'd ever had when the sound of clicking heels reached my ears.
I turned to look across the living room at the stairs leading to the second floor, and my breath was taken away.
Long, raven-black locks cascaded gracefully from her head, beautifully contrasting with her fair complexion.
The pink sweater and white jeans she wore did little to conceal her curvaceous figure. However, it was her amber eyes and the captivating smile on her soft lips that truly left an impression.
Her expression radiated kindness and compassion, illuminating the room.
I had been surrounded by supernatural beauty all my life and was related to some of the most attractive women in the underworld, but seeing Sesshouin Kiara left me speechless.
"Good day, sir. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said in a velvety voice, her amusement at my reaction evident in her tone. Finally emerging from my stupor, I crossed the room to greet her properly.
Taking her hand with my own, I effortlessly lifted it to my lips, planting a gentle kiss on the back of her hand while offering a warm smile. I regarded the faint pink blush that appeared on her cheeks as a small victory.
"I can assure you, Kiara, the pleasure is all mine," I smoothly replied.
"Let's sit down and eat while we chat and get to know each other." With a nod of her head, she followed me to the table, expressing a soft thank you when I pulled out her chair before taking my seat opposite hers.
"Tell me, Kiara, how much do you know about our current situation?" I asked as I handled the teapot, pouring tea into both our cups.
"Only the general outline, to be honest. You are a new contractor who was given a grand mission and sent to this world to complete said task as part of your contract,"
she replied, nodding her head in thanks before taking a sip of tea. A pleased sigh escaped her lips as she savoured the flavour before continuing.
"Other than that, I lack knowledge about the world we are in or how the setting typically develops.
All the information company clones usually have access to is our personal history and general information about the company that we gain as part of our creation.
Objectively speaking, there is little difference in my capabilities and knowledge compared to what you would find in an original version of my template brought to your world through your means."
"So, about as much as I expected," I remarked, reviewing my options in my mind.
The best course of action appeared to be explaining the mission and my plans to her. I retrieved my device from my pocket and slid it over to her with a flick of my hand, opening the mission for her to review.