We pulled off another impressive win in our second event.
Having cleared the grueling requirement of a perfect record, we ended up with no less than five “Return Rights.”
Combined with the one we got last time, that brings our total to six.
“Waah! I knew it! You guys are amazing…”
When I told them about the victory in the living room, Shiin clapped her hands in delight.
“Congrats! This party is literally the strongest!”
After celebrating the win, Shoube high-fives Moyoko.
”…This side was a breeze.”
Mukagai acted nonchalant, but since she waited in the living room the whole time, she was probably worried her own way about us.
Near Roa, who wore a proud expression, stood Professor Luminous, looking far from happy.
“It’s all good, Professor. The settings for this event made sure no one got hurt.”
“Y-Yes, of course… Since we’ve secured the rights to return to Japan for five students, it is a matter of celebration, isn’t it? Congratulations, everyone.”
I probably had my doubts about the fighting between students, but since the chance of injury was zero, it was actually a safer event than the sports day.
The girls’ team with Sumuho seemed likely to build a good relationship through trade, so that side shouldn’t fall apart either.
As for the men I fought this time, they might stubbornly refuse if we proposed a deal, but it’s not something to worry about right now.
“Oh, wait. Your teacher’s words reminded me. My ‘Return Right’ is duplicated, so I’ll transfer one to someone. We didn’t specifically discuss it, but would there be any problem with transferring it based on party entry order?”
He looked around at everyone.
The four who had already obtained a ‘Return Right’ seemed to avoid speaking up.
“Of course.”
“Moi!”
”…Wow, Takano-kun! I was moved by your kindness in not hesitating to lend a hand to your friends!”
“I… it’s okay with me too.”
Loa, Shoube, Mr. Luminous, and Genchu agreed.
“It’s yours, so sure you can keep it. But is it really okay? If you return to Japan holding multiple, there must be some bonuses or perks, right?”
Yume said, as if confirming.
That’s right. The specification was such that duplicated ‘Return Rights’ are converted into bonus points.
Given the difficulty of acquisition, it might be exchangeable for quite a significant perk.
For instance, you might even be able to change your nature to something like being beautiful, intellectually sharp, or having outstanding athletic ability.
“Oh, no problem.
I’m transferring one ‘Return Right’ to ‘Doumi Shiine.’” “Sou-suke-k…”
For an instant, Shiine froze.
“Whoa, it’s just like the time with Sōsuke!”
Shōko’s face lit up in shock.
“It sure is, boy. Turn around over there. You’ve got that same look you got when Shio-chan was only showing one eye in photos—pure mortification.”
“Ah… ah…”
I see, so this is what it feels like…
During the first event, I alone was summoned into a pitch-white void and asked if I wanted to use my ‘Right of Return.’
It seems my consciousness took a bit longer to snap back at the base that time, leaving me standing there in a daze while everyone worried about me.
Because I transferred my right, Shion must have been summoned as well—her mind alone.
”…Hah. Right now, it’s just me in this white classroom… wait, why is Sōsuke-kun turning his back on me?”
“Don’t worry. We’ve died defending your pure maidenly heart.”
”…? N-no way, did I make some weird face?”
“Sōsuke didn’t see it, so no worries, none!”
“Ugh…”
“Ah, is it okay for me to turn around now?” “Y-yes. Of course.”
When I turned back, there was Shion’s usual endearing face.
“If you’re here, that means he decided to hold off on the ritual.”
“Hehe, naturally. I want to go home with Sōsuke and everyone else.”
Shion smiled, walked up to me, and threw her arms around me in a tight hug from the front. “S-S… Shion?!”
“Thank you, Sōsuke-kun. I’m truly happy about this.”
Tears welled up in Shion’s eyes.
“I know! I’m happy too!”
Just then, Yoruko came over and hugged him as well.
“Mm. Knowing that I can go home anytime makes a huge difference mentally.”
Chiyu followed suit.
“Wha—hold on, wait! I’m about to pass out here!”
As I started to topple backward, someone embraced me from behind to support me.
“Yeah… it goes without saying that we should all go home together, but realizing for myself that I can actually return is a big deal.”
Fukuhō pressed her cheek and chest against my back as she spoke.
“Um… um, well, I’m the new one here, but you let me participate in such an important event right after I joined, and you’ve accepted me as a team member. That makes me really happy.”
Was it Genchu? She placed her hands gently on my shoulders, supporting me.
“I see… so be it.”
I felt like I understood the joy in the expressions of the five of them.
They had moved from days where returning home was a possibility of unknown timing to days where returning home was always an option.
Of course, I have no intention of leaving my comrades behind, and there are still many things I want to bring back with me.
But the psychological burden is vastly different depending on whether one has the certainty that they can return or not.
Even if they didn’t show it outwardly, maybe everyone was anxious.
“Aah, I’ll work together with everyone to get shares for the four of you too, so don’t worry.”
I told Roa, Mugen, Shoube, and Professor Luminas as well, making sure not to give the impression that they were being left out.
“I will do everything within my power.”
”…………Mm-hmm”
“I really need to step up my game with all sorts of things too. Please tell me anything, seriously.”
“Thank you very much. However, Teacher, we cannot leave the other students behind and go back…”
Each person likely has their own thoughts, but I want to avoid any jealousy toward those who have already obtained the “Right of Return” disrupting our unity.
Well, I think it’s safe to say we’re in good shape with this crew.
Besides, the fact that I transferred my rights to Shiina should have been valid, too.
With a party like this one, they must have understood that even if they couldn’t obtain the ‘Right of Return’ directly themselves, it would eventually be passed down to them once their turn came up.
I hadn’t intended it as such, but looking back on it now, I suppose that effect could also be expected.
At that moment, Shouko’s stomach let out a loud rumble.
“Ah, ahaha… I guess I was starving.”
“Heehee, I’ll go make breakfast right away.” “Hmm. I’ll help out too.”
“I shall assist as well.”
Shiina, Sanae, and Roa headed toward the kitchen.
“After we’re done eating, let’s go catch some of those newly added river fish, and when that’s over, maybe track down the remaining males and pitch them a trade.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea! I’ll work hard to catch lots of fish myself to increase our trading stock!”
Professor Luminas was fired up.
He really is a good teacher who cares about his students.
“Kunono…”
Before I knew it, Yumekai had come right up beside me.
“What’s up?”
“You’re amazing, you know that?”
That gaze is tinged with a sense of respect.
“Hm? Ah, you mean the ‘Right of Return’? Well, it’s just part of that arrangement.”
”…Hey. Say I made a promise to give half of my winnings if I hit first prize on the lottery. If I actually won, how many people do you think would really go through with giving up half?”
“Oh… You’re implying that most people would let greed get the better of them and renege on their word?”
“Mm. Or maybe they’d demand a corresponding price for it. I think that feels more human to me. But you didn’t hesitate to hand it over to Shion.”
“The terms of transfer specify it must be done without compensation, after all.”
“It’s not about that. You weighed the benefits and chose Shion. That just shows how much she means to you.” “Hm… Well, I suppose so, I guess.”
It felt embarrassing being reminded of it again, but perhaps Dream Realm was right.
No matter how I looked at it, I couldn’t have handed it over to just anyone.
“That’s so cool.”
“Ah, thanks.”
If complimented sincerely, modestly declining would likely be rude.
Yet I felt a flush of embarrassment heat up my face.
“Well, I did make sure to pass the proper share to Dream Realm, though.”
”…”
I said it to brush off the awkwardness, but Yumezai opened her eyes wide in surprise.
“Y-Yumezai?”
”…It’s nothing. Ah, I’ll go help with the cooking too.”
Yumezai hurried out of the living room.
Her ears looked all red…
“Soji, you went and did it, didn’t you?”
Mekako, who had been sitting at the table waiting for the meal to be served, shot me a withering look.
“W-What do you mean?”
“You gave Seon your ‘Return Right’ because she’s important to you, right? So does that mean you’re giving it to Seirina too?”
“—Ah.”
It must have sounded to Yumezai like, “You are just as important to me as my lover, Seon.”
“I didn’t lie or anything, so let’s call it a day. In fact, any further explanation is forbidden. You’ll only hurt Seirina’s feelings.”
”…So does that make me the guy who suddenly started spouting cheesy lines?”
“Wouldn’t that be better?”
Trying to explain myself and risk hurting Yumezai might not be worth it; leaving things as they are is probably for the best.
Because it was true—I did intend to give Yumezai the ‘Return Right’. “Yeah, you’re right. Let’s leave it at that.”
“That’s the way to go. Just make sure to take proper responsibility for it, okay?”
”…Hm?”
“Nah, nothing!”
Mekako flopped her arms onto the table with a heavy thud.
Like Chiyu, did he become a proponent of the harem setup?
Or was it just him giving up?
Either way, life on the desert island would continue for quite some while longer.
Today was still just halfway through Day Ten.
And with that, Part Two is complete!!!
If you enjoyed reading this far,
please consider adding it to your bookmarks and leaving a review.
To those who have already done so, thank you!
Part Three begins tomorrow!
In Part Three, I plan to depict the progression of relationships with the additional heroines introduced in Part Two!