The party had been proceeding in a lively and amiable manner.
Or rather, it was coming to an end.
By now, more people were engrossed in conversation than actually eating.
Thanks to Chiyu’s calming and healing magic, and the presence of an adult like Professor Luminas, the girls from Sehou’s party seemed to have finally regained their composure.
It wasn’t exactly because I was called over by Moko… but before long, all the members of our party had gathered together.
Even though I had only moved a little bit away, it felt somewhat nostalgic.
Perhaps spending time with my comrades had simply become second nature to me.
“Sou-suke, you’re really popular.”
Moko glanced at me with a sidelong look and nudged my ribs with her elbow.
Her gesture, laced with jealousy, was utterly adorable.
“I don’t think ‘popular’ is quite the right word…”
Since they had likely been watching me talking to Momo and Inukai, that was my answer.
The scene of Seppho kissing me should have been unseen by anyone else.
…No, Inui had shown signs of noticing.
“Honestly, I get it. You took down a huge guy like that, so everyone’s gotta be thinking Sōsuke is awesome.”
Junme said with a wry smile.
“I defeated Behemoth thanks to all of you.”
I couldn’t have taken down an elephant that size alone.
Besides, “Crafting Ability” isn’t even a combat-type ability in the first place.
“But it was Sōsuke-kun giving the orders, right? I think it’s only natural that the person in command gets the credit at times like this.”
Shion, who had finished her cooking, had just joined us a moment ago.
Her bangs stuck to her forehead, which was slightly damp with sweat. The sight of her having finished a task exuded coolness and sensuality. The latter part was likely largely due to Shion’s own charm.
“True. Individual people with abilities alone are just a ragtag group. Since Sōsuke-san is the general who ties us together, it’s natural he draws attention… That said, it would be a lie if I said I wasn’t jealous.”
Mihō, who had just been talking in the shadows with Tsumeine, the library committee member, said this with a voice laced equally with pride and loneliness.
Tossing the ends of her ponytail while glancing at us out of the corner of her eye, she looked utterly cute.
“I feel proud that my master’s standing has risen. I believe this matter further proves he is fit to rule the island. And while one might worry about fewer opportunities for his favor… in your case, Master, such concerns are entirely unnecessary.”
Loa, still in her maid’s attire, spoke with a calm composure.
Hearing words like “favor” delivered with that beautiful smile made my heart skip a beat.
“Hmm. The stamina issue is already resolved.
The real problem is that if we added the twenty-four women to the harem, I would only be able to give each one an hour of attention per day,” Chiyu stated flatly.
“There’s so much I want to critique about that… but by those calculations, my sleep time drops to zero.”
“I can stay up with you and cast ‘Basic Recovery’ on you.”
“Haha… that’s reassuring.”
The fact that Chiyu would actually do it was what made it equal parts reassuring and terrifying.
“Besides, we’re forcibly put to sleep around midnight and forced into dreams until morning. We can’t wake up early, so dividing 24 hours among 24 people doesn’t really work, does it?”
Yorina spoke with a serious expression.
“Ah, that was a blind spot I hadn’t considered.”
Prompted by Yorina’s observation, Chiyu wore a troubled look.
Though she maintained her usual expressionless face, that was how it seemed to me.
“B-but Kuno gets to choose as well…”
Genchu was the one murmuring, his face bright red.
She hunched her enviablely tall frame, shrinking back in embarrassment.
“Sensei, I was also asked to introduce Takano-kun to a few people. He really is quite a fine boy, though…”
Teacher Luminous wore a complex expression as well.
This wasn’t simply about listening to students’ romantic troubles; I actually had that kind of relationship with her too.
Even as a teacher, it wasn’t something she could easily agree to.
“It’s true that Momo and Inu-kai talked, but it wasn’t that cloyingly sweet sort of thing. I’d like to consult about that later, but before that, there’s something else I want to talk about.”
“The matter of Rika-san?”
I nodded in response to Chiya’s words.
Everyone seemed interested, waiting for my words with serious expressions.
Only Serina, who had heard the story about Junho alongside me, already knew the details and was shrugging.
Regarding Junho’s plan, many within her group were still unaware of it.
I took a moment to glance around the surroundings.
Perhaps out of consideration, the members of Junho’s party had kept themselves at a sufficient distance from us.
Considering how freely we had been interacting with the party until just now, she was probably thinking of ways to avoid getting in our way.
I appreciated her consideration at the moment.
And so, I told my companions about the consultation Juuhou had sought me for.
It was a proposal to sort out who would stay behind on this island.
“Eh, w-what…? Ryoka-chan is really serious with her thinking.”
“Like, no way. She’s working so hard to get her ‘Return Rights,’ and now she’s gonna distribute them?”
Miko and Junba, the gal duo, expressed their honest surprise, wearing expressions of utter confusion.
”…I guess I’m in favor. Plus, I think my ability could come in handy too.”
With Shiune’s “Power to Detect Lies,” it would be possible to tell whether the other party was genuinely willing to immediately exercise their ‘Return Rights.’
Strictly speaking, there was still the possibility of them changing their mind after the transfer, but such individuals would likely try to deceive us with lies even before the handover.
There was no doubt that her ability would be useful.
“Sad. Banishing all the guys except Sou-kun… that’s totally something I would’ve proposed.”
Chiyu seemed to be feeling a vague sense of regret.
Regardless, judging by her phrasing, she wasn’t opposed.
“As your teacher, I want to return all of you to your original lives as soon as possible… However, if it means supporting those who have reached a consensus in their effort to carry back the memories from this island, I will do so.
It would also be a noble act to prioritize sending home those who haven’t made that choice,” Teacher Luminous said, expressing his admiration.
Given her personality, she wouldn’t leave behind any of the students who had chosen to stay.
If their teacher would be with them until the very end, that was a relief.
“If it’s just about being in favor or against, I’m in favor. Though whether or how much I’ll cooperate with Seihou is a separate matter.”
“Mm… if that’s the case, then I suppose I’m in favor too.”
“I have no objections either. Rather, I think it is an excellent proposal.”
Serina, Genchu, and Roa also cast votes in favor.
“I am in favor as well. The monsters are a threat, but men can be… scary at times too. If we can resolve such anxiety, that would be appreciated,” Shinpou said.
Her words were filled with earnestness.
For someone who had once experienced the terror of being chased by a man, it was understandable that she would welcome the elimination of such threats.
Even if they had already reached a reconciliation, that fact alone would not erase the memories.
The best part about Seihou’s proposal is that it aligns with our original objective.
While there is never a zero chance we might end up on opposing sides in the future, we should be able to cooperate so they can return home with their memories and abilities intact.
“Then let’s proceed in that direction and consult with Seihou and the others again.”
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