We made it back to base unscathed.
As always, Rowa greeted us at the entrance, “Welcome home.”
When Micro noticed me, he darted over, and I gave him a good head pat.
“I’m home. By the way, what’s with that pile out there?”
I pointed to a specific spot in the yard.
“Yes. My master instructed us to stay behind to guard the place, but thinking it might be best to make good use of our time, I took everyone out to forage. Was it an inconvenience?”
It seemed they had decided to go on an expedition on their own initiative.
“No, not at all. Thanks a lot.”
I moved closer and began stowing the loot from several baskets into our storage.
Most of it was fruit, but there appeared to be some mushrooms and herbs as well.
You can never have too much food, so this is very welcome.
With the salvage complete, I headed inside with the rest of the group.
“By the way, what about the trade?”
Rowa glanced over at us inquiringly.
“We’ve located nine boys today, and successfully closed deals with all of them.”
“As expected of you, sir.”
She seemed pleased to hear my response.
“Mm. While I was at it, I also stopped by Ryoka’s place and made a bunch of huts. Sou-kun did that.”
Chiiku added.
“Well then. Truly worthy of our Master, possessing the compassionate heart befitting an island ruler.”
Loa’s face lit up with even more joy than before.
Since Loa’s friends are part of the Seio Party, she must be happy that they now have proper places to sleep.
The Seio Party is a large group, so we could have gifted them big houses like ours, but after much discussion with everyone, we decided to hold off on that.
Considering the strict nature of our trade, the Seio Party wouldn’t be able to pay off the price for a large house anytime soon.
Plus, starting from huts would serve as motivation for them to work harder toward a better life, it was decided.
Since we also expect them to provide maps and gather materials on their end, it’s in our best interest for them to be motivated.
There is also the point that without drawing this minimum line, we wouldn’t be able to distinguish between them and our own crew.
“Yay! I’ve paired Kaiser Monshi with Seina!”
「……This debt will absolutely be repaid, you know that?»
“S-sorina… there’s a murderous aura coming off you. It’s just a game, so let’s have some fun, okay?”
When I stepped into the living room, Shōbu, Yumakai, and Genchū were in the middle of a video game session.
It was a party-style board game with a Japanese setting, something like a modernized sugoroku.
It seems that, by the hand of Shōbu, an uninvited character has been possessed within the Dream Realm.
“Ahh, welcome back, everyone~”
”…Welcome back.”
“W-welcome home.”
Shōbu greeted them with a smile, Yumakai looked slightly awkward, and Genchū seemed embarrassed, each reacting in their own way.
Yumakai’s awkwardness was probably because she felt guilty for playing games while we were working.
But I was the one who asked them to stay put, and on top of that, they had gone out of their way to gather materials, so I didn’t have a single complaint.
“Ah, it’s fine if you keep playing.”
“Roa-chan, we thought you’d vanished without a word, but turns out you were out greeting people. You could’ve just told us, you know~”
“I apologize for my lack of notice. It appeared that everyone was deeply engrossed in the game.”
”…No, you were playing right up until just now, weren’t you?”
“Mm, it’s Roa’s turn next…”
Since the game allows up to four players in a battle, it seemed the group of four left behind had been having a good time with it.
Among the stay-behinds, only Roa belonged to a different group within the class, but she seemed to have fit in well. “Hehe, you look like you’re having fun.” “Oh? Are you playing too, Shion?”
“Nope. I think it’s about time I started prepping dinner.”
Shion turned down Mabue’s invitation.
“May I help out?”
“Then I’ll take Roa-chan’s place.”
Meneko sat in front of the television and gripped the controller.
“Sousuke-kun, is there something you could fetch for me? Would that be okay?”
“Ah, of course.”
Heading to the kitchen, I arranged the items Shion had asked for.
Hearing today’s menu, I was already looking forward to eating.
“I’ll do my best in making it.”
“I look forward to it.”
That said, there were still things left unfinished.
“Shinpo, before dinner is ready, would you mind helping me gather a few materials for a bit?”
It was a rather rough estimate, but Shinhō reacted sharply.
“Oh, yes. You can never have too much wood or stone.”
“Ah, with your magic, Shin-hō, it will be gathered up in no time.”
“Leave it to me.”
“We can’t just let the students work alone… Shall we come along, Sensei?”
“No. Sensei, please handle the lighting arrangement today as well. Once that’s done, here you go.”
I lined up wine bottles on the desk.
“——W-wait, this much…!”
The teacher’s eyes sparkled.
“Since Chiyu is here too, it’s fine if you drink as much as you want.”
“N-no. I’ll wait until the Kunou-kun group comes back.”
Is the thought that one cannot drink alcohol while students are working?
So typical of Lumines-sensei.
Before departure, Chiyu somehow came to see us off at the entrance.
”…『Stamina Enhancement』”
Apparently, my childhood friend had seen through everything.
My vitality was enhanced, and the rod between my legs strengthened as well.
“K-Kitagura… what is this…”
Shinpo’s face flushed red.
“I know. Mino-chan is the only one who couldn’t have her morning time. Go enjoy yourself thoroughly.”
Shinpo was the only one denied the next morning after her first experience due to the event.
I had promised to make up for it later, but between going to the river and persuading the other guys, I got so busy that I ended up keeping her waiting until this hour.
“Oh… thank you. Is it really alright?”
“Ah… um, I’m going to head out then.”
“Mm.”
I stepped outside with Shinpo.
The phantom beasts reacted to us, but I assured them, “We’ll be fine on our own,” and moved beyond the barrier.
After confirming there was no water source nearby and sensing no signs of wild animals, we locked eyes.
Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes shimmering with a bewitching glow.
“…I’m glad you didn’t forget.”
“How could I possibly forget?”
Forgetting a promise with a charming woman like Shinpo would be impossible for any boy in his pubescence.
“I’m happy…”
In the heart of the forest, pierced by the slanting rays of the setting sun, Fukaho and I exchange a kiss.
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