«Looks like you two had quite the fun time, didn’t you?»
After we emerged from our long bath, it was Seihō waiting for us outside, standing like a statue with his arms crossed.
“I-I’m sorry…”
To put it another way, crashing at someone’s house and engaging in sexual acts with your partner in their bath… even by my own standards, that was incredibly lacking in common sense.
It was only natural that Seihō would be upset.
«I told everyone that you were in the middle of a discussion about Isogano Sōsuke’s party during your bath time. Since I asked for further cooperation, I said there was no need to discuss anything else regarding that matter, so they should understand.»
So, Seihō had explained it that way to her companions and managed to get them to accept the situation.
Some people know that I’m seeing multiple women, and while those who don’t know might be speculating about various things, the impression one gets from being consumed by lust is quite different from having a necessary conversation.
I was beyond grateful for Seihō’s consideration. «Hm.
Thanks for the excuse.»
«…You’re welcome. Honestly, you all got your skin so shiny and smooth after that bath…»
Shoyo, Fukuhō, Luminas-sensei, and Genchū flushed bright red and hung their heads in embarrassment.
Senju remained expressionless, Serina looked perfectly calm, Shiin and Roa smiled softly, and Junme started laughing heartily.
By the way, things did not progress to any such acts with Genchū.
It wasn’t as if I was being excluded; it seemed like a considerate decision made after ensuring I was mentally prepared, so that things could proceed one-on-one.
The somewhat forceful accompaniment to the bath also appeared to stem from a similar kind of consideration, given that if left alone, things likely wouldn’t progress any further for the time being.
At first, Gensoku often closed her eyes or acted reserved, but by the end, she seemed to have snapped out of it and was gawking openly.
I find myself on edge about how my future with her will unfold.
“Have the others already gone to bed?”
“Yes. Many girls wanted to talk to you, but I convinced them that we should save it for another opportunity.”
Having so many girls eager to talk to me was something unimaginable in my life before the transfer.
My abilities undoubtedly play a role, but I need to stop being so self-deprecating about thinking that’s all they’re interested in.
As Inukai, who possesses the ‘Tame’ ability, pointed out, I have to acknowledge my own track record to some degree; otherwise, it stops being humility and starts sounding like insincere flattery.
“That harem of yours knows no bounds.”
At Chiiru’s remark, a few members let their jealousy show.
“There must be some intent in that harem of yours to strengthen the party’s unity as well? My party is firmly under my control, so there’s no absolute necessity for me to overlap physically with Sou Sukezono… But still, yes. Girls who desire it, even without such a need, will surely appear.”
With Seihō’s remark, the undercurrent of jealousy among them intensified.
“W-wait, why did you wait for us?”
“What are you talking about? I’m the leader, so I need to hear the outcome of your ‘discussion,’ don’t I?”
He had a point.
Even if it was just a pretext, their cover story within the party was that they had stayed in the bath longer than usual to consult with each other.
“I understand that. But what exactly is this ‘deeper cooperation’ Seihō-san explained to her companions? She hasn’t shared the true objective with everyone yet, has she?”
Deep Law, having recovered from her shame, asked the question.
Her query was entirely reasonable.
“Yes. Considering the future, I’m worried about the security of our base, so I definitely need to borrow Mumenose Rina’s ‘Barrier Ability.’ But aren’t there constraints regarding distance and number? So I thought—what if we remain as separate parties but place our bases adjacent to each other?”
Several members reacted with a sudden jolt at that proposal.
”…So you want my base and their base to be next door, so I can cover both with a single barrier?”
Rina, who had made a similar suggestion before they joined the party, seemed to grasp it immediately.
“Exactly.”
“That is… as a teacher, I feel relieved…”
Master Luminous, whose intoxication was also beginning to wear off, murmured softly.
“Mm. It’s not bad, though. I’ll be able to see Sou-chan right away.”
“No, no, it’s not that simple. Living together within a single barrier… there are bound to be various difficulties involved, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Hmm. Relying on your power so casually, demanding the same treatment without contributing anything, feeling jealousy toward us. When you live together, friction inevitably arises.”
Runa’s opinion was countered by Shiune and Chiyu.
I knew they were speaking out of concern for me.
Seihou wore a faintly pleased expression.
“Those concerns are valid, but today we have secured the negotiating leverage needed to resolve the issues.”
”……’Plant Magic,’ you say?”
It was the new ability acquired by Nagahata, a gentle girl with an atmosphere distinct from Roa’s.
“That’s right. Honestly, just being able to provide a stable supply of rice should be a considerable help to your side, shouldn’t it?”
“Ugh……”
Shiune groaned in response.
At this point, I would not claim that we were the ones who provided the first grain of rice.
If they could mass-produce it, it was indeed more than sufficient trade material; settling scores would be an understatement.
Moreover, the remarkable aspect of Nagahata’s ability was that it was not limited to rice.
For as long as the bonus area continues, we can bring back any plants that aren’t placed and hand them to her to replicate them infinitely.
Essentially, the food problem is solved.
Moreover, knowing the abilities of the agents in Sumikaze Party has revealed just how useful they truly are.
Their combat strength is undeniable, and Momo’s [Clone Ability] along with Inui’s [Tame Ability] will be invaluable for reconnaissance and exploration.
With Sumikaze around, I shouldn’t have much trouble leading the group or ensuring I’m not just treated as a convenient tool. With her innate charisma bolstered by the [Charisma] ability she gained and subsequently strengthened as a reward from this event, it should be effortless.
“I get wanting to live next door just in case of an emergency. But even so, we’ll set up two barriers. Only you and a handful of authorized people can cross from their side to ours.
On those terms, I’m on board,” Terina proposes a compromise.
I see. Even if there are two barriers, living immediately adjacent means the distance restriction doesn’t apply.
And since they are separate barriers, it prevents anyone from peeking inside.
For instance, no one would get to see this large house, the solar panels, the electrical appliances, our abundant supplies, Shiomi’s cooking, or the lighting provided by Master Lumines’ magic.
We might not even need to hide any of that deliberately, but it’s a good thing we don’t end up flaunting it.
“That’s a brilliant plan. If anyone wants to visit Saburo Kuno’s base, they can do so once they’ve proven themselves capable enough. And if you’re willing, please feel free to drop by our base as well.”
If members from both groups come and go, it allows even those who can’t access the adjacent base to interact with them.
“Hm. It seems like we can control the harem expansion to a certain extent. Great idea.
Eventually, coming over here will be referred to as ‘entering the harem.’ Am I a king or what?”
No, well, Chiya and Roa do call him “King of the Island” or “Ruler of the Island” though…
“I see. To ensure everyone properly understands my master’s greatness, this kind of measure may indeed be necessary.”
Roa seemed to have accepted the idea.
“If that’s how it is, I’m fine with it.” “Yeah. I don’t mind either.”
“Mr. Teacher, being able to stay closer to more of the students? I’m in full support.”
“I don’t really get it, but if this means I can spend time with everyone here too, then okay!”
“I’m for it too. I know everyone here is amazing, but I was still worried.”
“If everyone else is happy with it, then I agree as well…”
Shion, Shinhou, Mr. Luminas, Junna, Moyoko, and Genchu seemed to be on board with the plan too.
And then, everyone turned their gaze toward me.
It seemed they were leaving the final judgment up to me, as the leader.
I gave a single nod before flashing a smile at Seihou.
「That’s what it sounds like, then.
So, take care of me, Sumuhou.’ Sumuhou offered a brief smile.
‘Yes, you too.’
With that, we were able to properly wrap up even the formalities-only side of the discussion.
“—By the way, it’s about time you got some sleep, okay? If you get forcibly pulled into a dream, everyone will end up waking up on the ground.”
“Ah”
It seems we had stayed in the bath for quite a long while.
Instead of using our usual home, I generated and placed a single-story house large enough to accommodate everyone.
Bedding was already set up inside, so all that remained was to go to bed.
“Um, just in case, I’ll sleep in the separate hut.”
As I started heading toward the hut I had placed before our bath, Chiiu tightly grabbed my hand.
“Sou-chan, that won’t do.”
“That’s right, Sou-ke. Some charismatic JK is going to eat you up.”
“Oh, Dream World Erina? Who on earth are you talking about?”
“It can only be you.”
There wasn’t even time for a back-and-forth, so I indulged in everyone’s kindness and decided to sleep in the same building.
I stowed the hut I had placed into my ‘Inventory’.
“Then, goodnight.”
Seihou, too, obediently made her way back to her own hut.
“Mr. Luminas was on duty today, right? It’s okay if we just shift it by a day?”
Yurina said.
They were talking about the night shift.
Mr. Luminas turned beet red.
But he didn’t remain silent; instead, he gave a meek ”…Yes,” nodding in agreement.
Needless to say, my heart skipped a beat.
And so, the twelve days of upheaval finally came to an end.
Upon checking, it seems I’ve missed six update cycles (every five days).
I plan to slowly catch up on them.
Yesterday’s update was on February 14th, and today’s is February 19th.
The next regular update is scheduled for March 16th.
I plan to post a make-up chapter on March 17th.
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