Being showered with affection from Kenki, and receiving such a passionate gaze from Kami-sono, who I was supposed to be meeting for the first time—it felt like I was in my prime.
If being “in one’s prime” is the right term, it had been a while since that feeling last hit me.
Even someone as self-aware as me could see that I was a rarity in this desert island.
It’s certainly pleasant to be accepted, and given how unique this situation is, I’d like to embrace the affection offered to me.
“Well done! You’ve all done wonderfully!”
After we checked on those back in the living room, the rest of our group gathered up.
Sipping the tea Shiin had brewed for us, we shared information regarding our next move.
I also made sure to let them know that after breakfast tomorrow, I was planning to visit the Serufuu Party’s base camp.
The reason Mr. Ruminas was so moved was because of the ‘Return Rights’ transfer matter.
It was a bit complicated since transfers had already occurred within the party, but at this point, all my companions possessed a ‘Return Right’.
Specifically, I, Chiyu, and Fumipou each held two.
Therefore, there were a total of three left to distribute.
Both agreed that the transfer was acceptable.
“But how will we decide who gets to receive them?”
Shinhō frowned, deep in thought.
“I’ve given it some thought myself, but considering what lies ahead, I think it would be better to present them as ‘rewards.’”
“Hmm. If it’s for future governance, that sounds like the right call.”
“Governance, you say?”
“Your Highness is truly exceptional.”
I wanted to argue with Chiyu, but Roa chimed in from behind me, her tone brimming with pride.
As a maid, she felt it was her duty to stand by and support everyone.
“That sounds right. It’s easier for the other boys to accept it that way, and they might keep up their good work in the future too.”
Shion voiced her agreement as well.
I had considered prioritizing those who had wronged the girls, but…
While that would certainly eliminate the threat, it carried too strong a connotation of banishment.
I judged that framing it as a reward for doing good was better for everyone involved—the giver, the receiver, and even those who might still harbor desires.
“Besides, aside from Sousuke, all the other guys are pretty much the same anyway.”
“I get it. The guys were really annoying when I was staying with Ryoaka, you know.”
At Seina’s cold remark, Junmei agreed with a look of utter disgust.
The members of the Sumika party had been victims of persistent harassment from some of the male students.
That was why they were disappointed in men, and that was likely why they treated me, who was different from the others, with such favor.
“Hmm, I see. So, is it not possible to let the girls from Ryoaka’s group go back?”
Moshiko tilted her head, voicing a simple question.
“I did ask about that, but for some reason, apparently there were no volunteers.”
When I first spoke with Sumika, she mentioned that some of the kids couldn’t adapt to life on the desert island.
But when I consulted with them just a moment ago, I was told there were zero applicants for return.
Perhaps it was due to changes in their environment: talking with Professor Luminous, receiving Chiyu’s healing magic, and feeling secure by establishing our base next to our party’s camp.
”…I think they probably changed their minds after actually seeing the Kunou.”
Genchuu said this while looking at me.
That expression was soft, radiating a sense of trust that made my skin tingle.
“Maybe it helped everyone relax knowing just how well Sōsuke-kun treats the girls.”
Shion smiled softly.
“…I guess that’s probably right.”
“Hmm. If I can feel at ease, this desert island environment is acceptable.”
“Aaah… Well, when I look at it logically, there are perks. My lifespan extends, I can study and train without limits, and events offer rewards. It makes sense to see those benefits now that I’ve calmed down.”
For every day survived, their lifespan increased by one day.
Furthermore, provided they were able to bring their memories back with them, every single experience from the desert island could be carried over into reality without omission.
As long as safety was secured, it wasn’t out of the question for them to want to stay.
“As long as Sōsuke-kun is here, I can spend my time comfortably and safely. No downsides.”
“It’s not that simple. Besides, the comfort is thanks to everyone else.”
Thanks to Serina’s barrier, they were able to prevent attacks from regular monsters.
If you’re talking about safety, isn’t the advantage provided by the barrier ability far greater?
“Very much like you to say so.”
Chiya gave a faint smile.
“As a teacher, I am fortunate to have such distinguished students.”
Professor Luminous looked around at us, tears glistening in her eyes.
“For starters, let’s go hand out ‘Return Rights’ to the boys who haven’t caused any trouble with the girls.”
The discussion was over, and we began our preparations.
“What about the members? I’m definitely coming with you.”
Given that Yurina’s barrier-creation ability had become essential, I had no objections either.
“Yeah, that works. Also, Shion, after handing over the ‘Return Rights,’ could you check if they can use them immediately using your ability?”
“Yesss! I’m happy to be useful outside of cooking, too!”
Shion smiled with genuine joy.
“I have Healing, Enhancement, and Sedation as well.”
“Haha, I was planning to bring Chiyu along too.”
“I… can come along too… if you need me?”
The fact that she couldn’t push her own way in like Yurina or Chiyu was very much in character for Fuka.
“Ah, right. And what about the Phantoms and…? May I ask Professor Luminous to join us as well?”
“Of course!”
I figured that hearing the terms of the transfer from a teacher would be easier for them to accept than hearing it from a classmate.
“Um, uhh… could I go in Hyarou’s place? Instead of him… is that… okay?”
Magenaka’s voice dropped with each word toward the end of her sentence.
After finishing speaking, she buried her face, which had turned beet red, and hung her head low.
She must have squeezed out every bit of courage to make that suggestion. “I’m counting on you, Magenaka.” ”…! Y-yes!”
Magenaka lifted her face and nodded vigorously.
“That’s great, nya. Oh, speaking of which, Sousuke, aren’t you the only one left without a nickname?”
At Shoushi’s remark, Magenaka’s shoulders jumped in surprise.
“I’d been thinking about it too, but I never got a good opening to ask…”
“Well then, let’s change it now. How about you, nya?”
“M-miya… if Kono is happy with it…”
“Of course. Then, nice to meet you, Miyao.”
“Umm… Y-yes… Right, Suke.”
Miyo blushed a beet-red color, but her expression remained soft, tinged with a bashful smile.
“Hehe, it feels like such a long time ago. We used to call each other by our surnames at first too, you know.”
“No way! Shi-chan started using So-suke’s given name right away after we started talking. I definitely remember that clearly!”
It seemed like repeating the last word of a sentence had become a trend among Shouko’s friends, similar to their chubby, full-bellied state.
“That’s true. Since we swapped first names before you did, Shouko-chan got all flustered. It was quite cute.”
Shi turned to me, looking for my agreement, so I nodded exaggeratedly in response.
“Yeah. A flustered and frantic Shouko was certainly cute.”
“You guys are terrible! Are you both just teasing me together!?”
Meanwhile, I had been wiping the milky white fluid from my childhood friend.
Indeed, on the first night, Chiyu gave me a handjob with her hand.
Shouko and Shi had burst in just as things were about to proceed further.
I was the one who greeted her, but right behind me, inside the hut, Chi-iru was wiping herself down.
Even though it hadn’t been that long since then, it felt like a thing from a year and a half ago.
”…Hehe, so Chi-iru-chan took a while to come out. I see, so that’s what you two were up to.”
“Since day one of the teleport… Sousuke, that’s way too dirty.”
Shion looked at me with a smile, while Moushiku shot me a deadpan glare.
Dammit, I was the one teasing Moushiku, yet somehow I was put in a tough spot instead.
“Alright, now that the member selection is done, let’s get going!”
It was a sloppy deflection, but luckily everyone went with it.
They all stood up from their seats.
I walked over to Fuhou and leaned in close, bringing my lips near her ear.
“I haven’t forgotten about the ‘training’. When we get back, can you make some time for me?”
Fuhou leapt away from me, covered her ears with her hands, and turned her red face toward me.
”…I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Hearing that said in such a shy voice made my anticipation rise as well.
To make time for Shinhou, I’ll first be transferring the ‘Reincarnation Rights’.
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