Cheppie

Camus: That’s no problem either. There are other staff members here who are always in costume. He’ll serve as both a cleaner and a performer. The guests will be entertained.
MC: I see…
(Still, cleaning the entire ceiling of this massive casino… with tied-up hands and feet? That seems... no, that’s definitely a crazy order.)
Cheppie: Ahh, what a magnificent command! I will fulfill it without fail…!
With practice ease, Cheppie picked up a cloth, then sprang up the wall like a cat—graceful and agile.
He stuck himself to the ceiling, using decorations and pipes for footholds, and began to wipe down the dusty surfaces.
Guest A: Whoa, is that guy amazing or what?!
Guest B: Wait, what is that…? Is he cleaning the ceiling? With shackles on?
Guest C: Haha, he looks like he’s having fun. Is this part of the show or something?
MC: Wow… they’re actually applauding him.
Camus: …Hmm. He’s proving to be more useful than I expected.

Chapter 3 - Cheppie, Currently At Your Service
Following his impressive acrobatic cleaning performance the other day, Cheppie started receiving various “orders”—which were essentially jobs.
Camus: It seems a guest spilled their drink. Cheppie, please clean the floor.
Cheppie: Yes, gladly! I shall crawl on all fours and lick it up!
Camus: That would make it dirtier. Use a mop.
Cheppie: Aaah~! Right away!
...
Camus: It looks like that guest needs help. Cheppie, show them the way.
Cheppie: Yes, of course! I shall drop to all fours and carry them on my back to their destination!
Camus: No. Just walk and guide them like a normal person.
Cheppie: Ahh~! With pleasure!
...
Thanks to his cheerfulness, Cheppie was now trusted even with customer service. He was working tirelessly as always.
MC: Wait… isn't Cheppie already doing as much work as I am—and it’s only been a few days?
Camus: Indeed. He works longer hours than anyone else, barely taking breaks.
MC: Don’t tell me… he hasn’t been sleeping at all?
Camus: Most likely not. But so far, he seems perfectly fine. He even says things like ‘Orders are happiness, obedience is joy’—and looks genuinely happy while working.
MC: ...Maybe that’s why the other staff treat him like any other temporary hire. Since he acts so naturally and works with a smile, they talk to him like he’s one of them.
Camus: That’s because he puts in the effort. He works hard, communicates well, and fits in with the team. He’s proven himself to be quite capable.
MC: Still… it’s hard to believe. Staying materialized like that for so long must put a serious strain on his body. I can’t help but worry he’s pushing himself too far.
Camus: Of course, if his performance starts to suffer, I’ll make him stop. But for now, he’s clearly in top form. Understanding a teammate’s skills and preferences, and managing them accordingly—that, too, is a way of showing care.
MC: …Yeah. That makes sense.
(Maybe the reason I don’t like giving orders is just my own personal issue…)
Camus: Still, you are his master. If you’re worried, you could always order him to take a break.
MC: You're right. But looking at him now, he really does seem okay. Maybe it's time I start respecting how he feels. Up until now, I’ve been dismissing everything Cheppie’s asked for without much thought… I haven’t agreed to a single thing he’s wanted.
Camus: Then let’s go with that approach. …By the way, MC. Would you care for a drink?
MC: Ah, yes, please.
Camus gave a slight nod, raising his hand smoothly to shoulder height. With a quick snap of his fingers, a sharp click echoed across the casino floor—
Cheppie: Your drinks have arrived~!
MC: !?
Cheppie appeared without a sound, holding two drinks.
Camus: Hm… decent response time.
Cheppie: Thank youuuu~!
MC: C-Camus? This is—
Camus: He’s a fast learner. Very useful.
Cheppie: Fufuuu~! Ready for your next command!
(Wait a minute… Camus has completely trained him!!)

Chapter 4 - Be On Guard Against Intruders
Some time had passed, and seeing Cheppie hard at work had become an everyday sight...
Ymir: Wow, you two really work hard.
Victor: So impressive! Looks like we’ve got some reliable teammates now♪
MC: Really? That makes me happy to hear.
Cheppie: Being rewarded with more orders just for following orders? This is truly a wonderful work environment!
Camus: …Indeed. Both of you are now full-fledged members of the Primus Club.
MC: Thank you so much!
Cheppie: The pleasant exhaustion from labor under command… Mmm~, I could get used to this. Please, feel free to overwork me as much as you want!
MC: …Let’s not go that far.
Len: Hah. The only thing you’re good for is being a meat shield.
Cheppie: A meat shield!? Oh, that sends chills down my spine!
Len: You idiot! That was an insult!
As we continued our cheerful banter, Camus cleared his throat with a sharp cough.
Camus: I hate to dampen the mood, but everyone—please stay alert.
Cheppie: Yes, sir! Snapping right back to attention!
Victor: What’s up? If you’re this serious, something’s definitely going on.

Camus: Indeed. According to certain sources… There’s a well-known assassin—someone from the underworld—lurking around this area.
(An assassin…?)
Camus: We don’t know their objective yet, but it’s better to be cautious.
Len: Heard they’re a master of disguise. So don’t let your guard down.
MC: A master of disguise… Got it. I’ll keep a close watch.
Just as we were discussing this, a sudden commotion began near the entrance.
A flustered staff member hurried over, and Camus turned his gaze toward them.
Camus: What’s the matter?
Staff: There’s a strange smell near the entrance, but we can’t figure out the cause…
Ymir: Len, your time to shine♪
Len: I’m not a damn bloodhound!
Despite grumbling, Len headed off with the staff. Watching him go, I turned back to Camus.
MC: Camus, about that assassin…
Camus: They’re not uncommon in the world of night business.
Cheppie: Uncommon? Like… water boiling or something?
Victor: That’s the wrong kind of ‘boil,’ sweetie.
Camus: …Cheppie. In case of emergency, will you be able to protect me and MC?
Cheppie: Hmm…? If it’s just a request, I’m not so sure...
Camus: Ah, yes. I nearly forgot. Then, it’s an order. Cheppie, if anything happens, protect us.
Cheppie: Yes! Happily obeying~!
(Does he really understand what that means…?)
Just then, Len returned from checking the entrance.
Len: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Everyone: !!!
As soon as he spoke, everyone’s expressions stiffened.
Len: …What? What’s with those looks?
MC: Well...
Victor: Don’t you see it?
Ymir: Ahaha, he doesn’t even realize. Hilarious.
“Len”: …!?
Cheppie: ???
Camus: Heh… Len, you saying ‘sorry’? That’s the worst joke I’ve ever heard all day.
“Len”: Tch—
Before Camus could act, gunshots rang out in the hall.
Camus: …!
The imposter Len instantly turned and sprinted through the casino.
Still stunned by the sudden turn of events, I froze—
Len: Hey! Where’s the guy who fired!?
MC: Len!? The real one!?
Len: Huh!? What the hell are you talking about!? Are you out of your damn mind!?
Victor: Yep, that’s the real one.
MC: If the intruder ran off, they went that way…!
Len: Damn it! That way, huh!?
(That person… they looked exactly like Len. That must’ve been the assassin we were warned about.)
MC: Ah—Camus! Are you okay!? Are you hurt!?
Camus: I’m fine. However…
Just as I felt relieved, I followed Camus’s gaze and gasped.
MC: Cheppie…?
There he was—collapsed on the ground, completely still…

Chapter 5 - Forbidden Fruit
The moment the trigger was pulled, Cheppie threw himself in front of Camus, just as he was ordered to.
Even now, when I recall his collapsed figure, a cold chill runs down my spine.
But as for Cheppie himself—
Cheppie: Ugh… uuuh… ahhhoooo~n…
(He's squirming… and looking happy about it…)
Himmel: …It seems there’s no major problem.
MC: Thank you, Himmel. I appreciate you checking on him.
Himmel: Don’t mention it. Though I’m no specialist, so my abilities are limited… Actually, if he was shot, wouldn’t it be better for him to de-manifest and return to his key form? That would likely heal him faster.
Cheppie: This pain is an honorable reward for fulfilling my duty! I couldn’t bear to miss a moment of it…!
Himmel: I shouldn’t be the one to say this… but this really is abnormal.
MC: Haha… Well, at least he seems energetic, I guess.
Himmel: Well then, I’ll take my leave.
...
MC: I’m just glad you're okay. I was really worried.
Cheppie: No need to worry. A wound like this is nothing to me.
MC: I see… Cheppie, thank you for protecting Camus.
Cheppie: No thanks necessary—it was an order, after all.
MC: Hey… I’ve been wondering for a while. Why do you want to be ordered around so much? And also… it looks like you enjoy pain and suffering. I mean—That worries me.
Cheppie: ......
Cheppie: ...You’re right. If I make my master worry, they may hesitate to give me orders. And you’re always so kind, MC.
MC: Cheppie…
Cheppie: It’s only a vague memory now, but… back then, I was watching over someone…
...
That man had been trapped by an organization—Endlessly suffering in a place he could never escape from.
Man: Why… Why is this happening to me…?
No matter what he did, there was no escape.
There were orders that never ended, pain that never stopped.
And if he failed, he was whipped.
His spirit was broken to its limits.
Man: My body aches… Day after day after day… I can’t take it anymore! How do I get away from this? How can I break free from a life filled with nothing but suffering? If there’s really no escape… then maybe I should just…!
From the beatings, the man came down with a high fever and was delirious for three days and nights.
But when he finally awoke—
Man: Ahh… the joy of serving fills me to the core! Hehehe… Please, give me more orders! I’m so sorry… I’ll never make the same mistake again. Please, punish me with the whip!
The man had rewritten his own thoughts.
He truly began to desire endless commands—believing they were his ultimate joy.
...

Cheppie: Orders are both hope and despair. Sweet and irresistible—so pleasant they steal both body and soul. I was completely consumed by those overwhelming feelings… and that’s how I became a dark fairy. But even so, I’m grateful to him. This joy—this delight—was something I could never have experienced as just a regular fairy. Yes… it was like tasting the forbidden fruit.
Such a tragic past…
The kind of agony that could rewrite one’s very sense of self—how terrible must it have been?
MC: …Thanks for telling me, Cheppie. I feel like I understand you a little better now.
Cheppie: I’m glad to hear that. So please, don’t hold back. Give me all the orders you like!
MC: Hmm… I’m not so sure about that.
As we talked, a knock came at the door, and Camus entered the room.
Camus: Pardon the intrusion.
MC: Ah, Camus.
Cheppie: Do you have an order for me!?
Camus: If I do, it’s this. Rest, Cheppie.
Cheppie: So cruel… At least tie me up with rope while I lie here…!
Camus stopped at the foot of the bed, looking directly down at Cheppie.
Camus: Cheppie, you did well protecting us this time. But… you’re an important worker at Primus Club. We can’t have you getting injured so carelessly.
Cheppie: Ah! That’s true—if I’m stuck in bed, I can’t receive as many orders…!
Camus: You need to recover quickly. We have more work coming in.
Cheppie: …! Is that a new order!?
Camus: Yes, it is. We’re going to discipline the mangy dog that dared trespass in our territory.
At his words, Cheppie and I exchanged looks, both slightly tilting our heads in confusion…

Chapter 6 - First Order
The next day—
Cheppie, Camus, Len, and I visited an old, run-down clinic in the neighborhood.
(This is where that intruder’s hiding…)
On the day of the shooting, the intruder ultimately got away. But afterward—
Len used every method he could to track him down. Through sheer persistence, he uncovered the man’s hideout.

~Yesterday~
Len: I’ve been staking the place out. Just like the rumors said, he doesn’t hang out with anyone—always acts alone.
Camus: Hmm. Makes sense. He’s the type who prides himself on blending into everyday life. He’s unlikely to set up traps or anything elaborate.
Len: Tch. That bastard humiliated me... I’m gonna wipe the floor with him and make him cry.
Camus: We can’t let an insult like that go unanswered. I’ll come along too.
He then turned to me and Cheppie.
Camus: MC, Cheppie. I know you were only dragged into this... but what will you do?
Cheppie: Hehe, I’ll follow whatever orders I’m given.
(…It’s a dangerous enemy. But if something happens, I can have Cheppie possess me so we can fight together.)
MC: We’re coming too.
~Yesterday~

Inside the clinic, a man in a white coat greeted us with a gentle smile.
Doctor: Good afternoon. How can I help you today?
Camus: Hello. It’s been a while.
Doctor: Oh? Have we met before? I’m quite sure this is your first visit here.
Len: Heh! Pretending you don’t know us, huh, doc? That’s a pathetic act.
Doctor: …I’m afraid you’ve mistaken me for someone else.
Len: Don’t bother denying it. We’ve got the whole story. You were hired by some rival casino to come shoot us with lead bullets, weren’t you? Bet they paid you plenty too. And then you botched the job. What a joke.
At those words, a flicker of irritation passed across the doctor’s once-calm face—his pride clearly wounded.
Doctor: …I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Len: Save the excuses. You slipped up, got careless, and now they’ve tossed you aside. Sounds about right, doesn’t it?
Doctor: …No way… They sold me out…?
Camus: Ah… so they promised you rewards to feed them information, then turned on you the moment you failed. How predictable.
Doctor: Tch… damn those bastards!
Camus: Fame has its downsides. The higher the expectations, the harsher the fall. One failure can cost you everything.
Doctor: Shut up! If that freak hadn’t interfered, I would’ve nailed it in one shot like always!
Cheppie: That freak… could you be talking about me, perhaps?
Doctor: Damn right I am! How are you still able to walk around!?
Cheppie: Ah, thank you for that wonderful bullet back then! I hardly know how to repay you!
Doctor: Huh?
Cheppie: You gave me a glorious opportunity to carry out my orders. I’m truly grateful!
Doctor: What the hell are you talking about!?
MC: !
Suddenly, the doctor, now enraged, reached into his coat and pulled out a gun.
At the same time, Len swiftly raised his weapon in response. The air instantly turned tense.
Camus: ...Well, since we’re here, let’s make full use of our resources. Cheppie, I order you—possess me. Lend me all your power.
Cheppie: Yeeees, sir~!
Cheppie cheerfully dissolved into light and flew into Camus.
Doctor: H-He disappeared!?
Camus: Len, do you mind if I test this out a bit?
Len: Tch… fine. Go ahead.
Camus: Much appreciated. Then—
Doctor: Don’t get cocky! This time I’ll take you down!
A gunshot rang out.
Camus swung a playing card in his hand and threw it—knocking the bullet out of the air.
MC: No way…!?
Doctor: Wha—!? What are you!?
Camus: Hmm… not bad at all.
Cheppie: Hehe. I’m honored. Though, truthfully, I wouldn’t mind taking a bullet or two…
Camus: MC, since Cheppie’s so eager, why don’t you try giving him an order too?
MC: An order…?
Camus: Yes. Didn’t I say so?

~Flashbacks~
Camus: Understanding a teammate’s skills and preferences, and managing them accordingly—that, too, is a way of showing care.
~Flashbacks~

MC: …Alright.
I thought carefully—about what Cheppie wanted, and what I wanted. Then, I spoke.
MC: Cheppie. This is an order. Work with Camus and capture that man. But don’t get hurt, okay?
Cheppie: Kuhuhu~!! MC-sama’s very first order…! Wonderful! Glorious! I’m trembling with joy! Understood! You can count on me!!
Overjoyed, Cheppie’s voice rang out from within Camus, who raised his playing cards and prepared to strike.

Last Chapter - Enigmatic Allure
Camus: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Primus Club. This dazzling world exists to fulfill your every desire... Please, enjoy a night that stirs your very soul.
(I'm really glad things are back to normal.)
The hitman we confronted at the clinic was safely captured thanks to Cheppie’s efforts. We all returned unharmed.

~A Few Moments Ago~
MC: That casino that hired the hitman… I noticed it was shut down the other day. Did something happen?
Len: Ha! Who knows? They were always up to shady stuff. Guess karma finally caught up to them.
Camus: In any case, there’s nothing you need to worry about anymore. Just focus on your work with peace of mind.
~A Few Moments Ago~

(I’m not sure what exactly happened after that... but maybe Camus and the others took care of it behind the scenes.)
Camus: Now then, to conclude the evening, we have a special show prepared by the Primus Club for your enjoyment.
He gestures to the center of the hall—
A towering champagne tower sparkles under the lights.
Camus: Watch as this magnificent tower of delicate glasses is filled with champagne through an impressive performance. Let’s welcome the performer. Please give them a warm round of applause!
...
Cheppie: …Here I go!
(Huh!? Cheppie!? Did Camus put him up to this again!?)
Cheppie nimbly climbs a ladder beside the tower and activates a device at the top.
Several champagne bottles suspended in the air uncork all at once. With crisp pops, the champagne flows smoothly, pouring into the glasses below.
(So beautiful…)
Guest A: Oh wow, this is incredible!
Guest B: What an elegant performance!
Guest C: Only at the Primus Club could you see entertainment like this.
Cheppie: Everyone! Please enjoy yourselves to the fullest!
...
Amid thunderous applause, Cheppie gracefully descends the ladder and returns to us alongside Camus, who has just set down his microphone.
Cheppie: Master! Did I fulfill the command to “entertain the guests” properly?
MC: You totally did! Even I had a great time. You’re still as quick on your feet as ever.
Camus: You were wonderful. Even better than I expected. In fact… Cheppie has been impressing me more and more lately.
Cheppie: I’m honored!
Camus: And good work should always be rewarded. Cheppie, I’ll grant you something you wish for. Do you have any requests?
Cheppie’s face lights up, and he kneels with anticipation.
Cheppie: Then… I’d like another command!
Camus: ...Fufu.
Overcome with eagerness, he interrupts before Camus can finish. For once, Camus lets out a genuine laugh.
Camus: Very well. If that’s what you want, I’ll prepare as many commands as you like—endless, if need to.
Cheppie: Ahh… what a blessing…! Lady MC, if you have any commands, please don’t hesitate to give them! If it’s your command, I’ll gladly jump into fire or storms—arrows, bullets, cannons—bring it on!!
MC: I-I’ll think about it…
Cheppie: Thank you…! That you’d even consider it for my sake…! Ah… I’m truly the luckiest servant alive—I can’t even express it in words! For such kind and wonderful masters as you, I will serve faithfully, always and forever!
...
Commands can be both hope and despair. They once supported my heart—while slowly consuming it.
Cheppie: (And yet... something’s strange. It doesn’t hurt. It’s not painful at all. The commands I receive here at the Primus Club… feel completely different. There’s a strange sense of pleasure in them.)
I look at Camus and MC standing before me.
Even without being commanded yet, a soft, warm joy swells inside me—so comforting, it’s almost ticklish.
Camus: We’re counting on you, all right?
Cheppie: Of course! Leave it to me!
MC: Cheppie, just promise me—don’t push yourself too hard, okay?
Cheppie: Fufu, if that’s your command…
Camus: Hmm, how about this—what if we replaced Cheppie’s name with “Command” instead?
MC: Uh… So that means instead of saying “Cheppie, take a break,” it’d be like “Command, take a break”…?
Cheppie: Yes! With pleasure!
MC: Wait, no, that’s not what I meant!
Cheppie: So you’re saying… don’t take a break? Understood!
MC: No! I do want you to take a break!!
Camus can’t help but chuckle, and soon, MC bursts out laughing too.
Cheppie: (No pain, no suffering… just comfort. No one’s ever given me commands like these before.)
If he were here now… what would he say?
The one who convinced himself that unbearable pain was just another form of pleasure, just to keep going…
Cheppie: (If commands—and relationships—like this really exist…)
With a bittersweet yet gentle feeling in my heart, I smiled alongside Lady MC and Camus.