The party was going smoothly.
More accurately, it was nearing its end.
Now, more people were chatting than eating.
Thanks to Chiyu’s calming presence, the healing magic, and the presence of the adult, Lumina, the girls in the Seiou party seemed to have regained their composure.
Not that it was triggered by me being called by Shouko, but eventually all the party members gathered.
Even though we were only slightly apart, it felt nostalgic.
That’s probably because the time I spend with my friends has become so normal.
“Souza, you’re quite the ladies’ man, aren’t you?”
Shouko looks at me with a glare and nudges my side with her elbow.
The gesture, filled with jealousy, is quite cute.
“I don’t think I’m exactly popular though…”
I answer, since the people watching me were probably just Mom and Inugai.
The scene of Shouga kissing me shouldn’t have been seen by anyone but Seirine.
…Well, I think Inugai noticed it.
“Seriously, I get where you’re coming from, but everyone thinks you’re amazing for taking down something that big.” Rinmei says with a wry smile.
“But I wouldn’t have been able to do it without everyone’s help.”
I couldn’t have taken down something that huge alone.
Besides, ‘Crafting Abilities’ aren’t combat abilities.
“But you gave the orders, right? It’s only natural that the person in charge gets the credit.”
Shion, who had just finished cooking, had joined us.
Her bangs were sticking to her forehead, which was slightly sweaty. She looked like she had just finished a job, exuding both coolness and allure. The latter was probably mostly due to her own charm.
“That’s true. If it were just a bunch of individuals with abilities, they’d be a disorganized mob. But Shouga-kun is like the general, so it’s only natural that he gets the attention. …That said, I can’t say I don’t feel jealous.”
Deepo, who had been talking to the grim-looking Shizumi from the library committee, spoke with a voice that was equally proud and lonely.
Fiddling with her ponytail and looking at me with a sidelong glance, she looked so cute.
「I feel proud that my lord’s reputation has improved. This incident should also be a worthy achievement for one who governs the island. I doubt that my lord would be concerned about receiving less affection.」
Loa, in her maid outfit, said that calmly.
When she says something like “affection” with a pretty smile, it makes my heart skip a beat.
“hn. The problem with my stamina has been resolved. The issue is that with twenty-four women in my harem, I only get one hour per person per day.” Chiyu said emotionlessly.
“I have a lot of things to comment on… If you go by that estimate, my sleep time would be zero.”
“I’ll get up with you and cast ‘Basic Healing’ on you.” “Haha… That’s reassuring.”
The fact that Chiyu would really do that is both reassuring and scary.
“We all get forced to sleep at midnight and have dreams shown to us, right? We can’t wake up until morning, so it’s impossible to divide twenty-four hours among twenty-four people.”
Serina said seriously. “hn, a blind spot.”
Chiyu made a troubled face at Serina’s observation.
No, she was still expressionless, but that’s how I felt.
“K, Kouno also has the right to choose…”
It was Genchu who muttered with a bright red face.
She was shrinking herself, as if in embarrassment, despite having an enviable tall stature.
“…A few people asked me to introduce you to some people. Indeed, you are a very fine young man, but…”
Luminas-sensei had a complex expression on her face.
It wasn’t just about giving advice on student relationships; I was also involved with her in such matters.
It wouldn’t be an easy thing for her to agree to.
“I did talk to Momo and Inugai, but it wasn’t as sweetly sour as you think. I’ll talk about that later, but there’s something I want to say first.” “Ryoka-chan’s case?” Chiyou’s words made me nod.
Everyone seemed interested and waited seriously for my words.
Only Seirina, who had heard about Shoukou’s story with me, shrugged her shoulders.
There were still many of Shoukou’s friends who didn’t know about her plan.
I looked around me once.
It seemed that the Shoukou Party members were giving us some space, as if they were being considerate.
Considering how we were just socializing with everyone regardless of party earlier, they probably think they shouldn’t interfere.
Right now, I appreciate their consideration.
And so, I tell my comrades about the matter that Seiho consulted me on.
It’s about selecting who will remain on the island.
“Eh, eh…? Y-You’re thinking of something big, Seika-chan.”
“Seriously. We’re all working hard to earn our return rights, and you want to hand them out…”
Shouko and Minato’s gal duo are honestly surprised and bewildered.
”…I think I’m in favor of it. And I think my ability could be useful.”
If Shion has the ability to tell when someone is lying, she could tell whether the person would use their return right immediately.
Strictly speaking, there’s still a chance they might change their mind after giving it away, but such a person would likely lie to us before giving it away.
Her ability is definitely useful.
“Unlucky. Something like expelling all the guys except Soku is something I would propose.”
Chiyu seems to be upset about something she doesn’t quite understand.
Anyway, it doesn’t seem like she’s against the idea.
“Teacher wants to get everyone back to their normal lives as soon as possible, but… If the kids who agree to this effort to keep their memories of the island, I think I’ll support them. It’s also a very noble act to prioritize those who don’t agree and send them back.” Lumina-sensei is impressed.
Given her personality, she wouldn’t leave the students who chose to stay behind.
It’s nice to know the teacher will be with us until the end.
“I’m in favor of this. Whether or not I cooperate with Seikou is a different matter.”
“Yeah… If that’s the case, I’m in favor too.”
“I have no objections. In fact, I think it’s a wonderful proposal.”
Seina, Genjuu, and Roa also cast their votes in favor.
“I’m in favor too. The monsters are scary, but sometimes the boys are scary too. If we can alleviate such worries, it’s a relief.” Fukami’s words were sincere.
For someone who had once been chased by boys and had a terrifying experience, it would be a relief to no longer have to worry about such things.
Even though they had already reconciled, their memories would not disappear.
The good thing about Suzuou’s proposal is that it aligns with our original objective.
While there’s still a possibility that we might end up opposing them in the future, they should be able to cooperate with us to return with their memories and abilities intact.
“Then let’s talk to Suzuou and the others again in that direction.”
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