Multiple updates today.

Here is the second part.

"That's it...!"

"I'm not letting you."

Meko aims her chopsticks at a single point, launching them like a thrust.

Just before reaching the target, someone jumps in from the side, snatching the prize with their own chopsticks.

"W-Wha...!? Chi-yu-chan, is that you...!?"

"You're still too naive, Shouko-chan."

Chi-Yu looked down at the defeated Meko while munching on the food she had secured.

"Ugh, I won't lose next time..."

"Feel free to challenge me anytime."

By the way, this is about yakiniku (Japanese-style BBQ).

They set a small stove on the ground and placed a circular stone slab on top of it to grill the meat.

Yakiniku usually carries a strong impression of sauce, but since there was none available, they ate it with salt.

It was absolutely exquisite.

The meat and fat exploded in his mouth, driving the shockwave of umami straight into his brainstem.

As a male high school student, he really wanted some white rice to shovel down alongside it.

"Mmm, the stuffed meat is delicious too. Dukai-san, you're quite good at cooking."

"Thanks, Sorimune-san. Ah... would it be okay if I called you by your first name, Fukamitsu-chan?"

Shion said with a smile.

"I— Of course, that's perfectly fine."

"Great. Please call me Shion."

"G-Got it. S-Shion-san."

Sorimune seemed genuinely pleased.

"Mino's all blushing~! You can use my first name too, by the way!"

"Mino-chan, you can call me Chiyu as well."

"If we're doing that, then you can just call me Sōsuke. Nice to meet you properly, Fukamitsu."

By the way, we were using a campfire set in a stone basket on a wooden platform as our light source.

Perhaps due to the firelight, Sorimune's face appeared flushed red.

"P-Please take care of me too. Shousi-n, Chiyu-san... a-a-and...

Kujino-kun" "Wait, is it just me who stayed with my formal name?"

"Fufu, it's just girl heart, Sōsuke-kun."

Shion grinned mischievously.

Well, I had been feeling self-conscious about using Shousi and Shion by their first names yesterday too.

I get that kind of hesitation when it's with someone of the opposite sex.

"Haaah~! Shii-chan's cooking is the best! The meat loaf is amazing with all the umami from the meat and the texture of the mushrooms, and the soup has such a gentle flavor." "Mm. Our head chef."

"Haha, I'm glad you're happy. I'll keep contributing to everyone through my cooking."

Over a pleasant meal, we also talked about the new house.

Shinhou and I had already worked out the rough layout, so I let them know about it.

"The living room sounds great! Even if I get my own private room, I want to gather for meals and chats anyway."

Typical of the chatty Mushiyo.

"It's also nice that the kitchen will be indoors. It gets windy out there sometimes, and since it goes into our mouths, I'd rather keep sand and dust out."

Shion, who had taken on the role of chef, requested two stoves in the kitchen, so that was the plan.

If it's indoors, it probably made sense to install a vent for the smoke.

"We've got more people now, so maybe it's time to get a new bath? Something hot-spring style with a larger tub."

Hearing my childhood friend's suggestion, I crossed my arms.

I did want a spacious bathroom for sure.

A barrel-style outdoor bath was nice too, but a place where you could fully stretch out your legs would be even better.

"Heating water in that kind of setup is a hassle, though. It's not impossible... but..."

I spoke up, and Fukami raised a hand.

"In that regard, there's something I'd like to try." "Oh? What's that?"

"Well, I once accidentally fired a fireball without aiming it properly, hitting a tree instead. At the time, the flames just flickered out after a moment, so the tree didn't catch fire. But—there were scorch marks left behind."

"What do you mean?"

Shuko tilted her head in confusion.

"So, while the flame itself vanished once the magic power ran out, the fact that the object had been 'heated' did not disappear?"

Fukami nodded at my words.

"Yes. It wouldn't be much use if it were just me, but if I combined it with Takano-kun's abilities..."

"That sounds great! How about this: first, fill the stone bath tub with water. Then have you fire a fireball into it to bring it to a boil instantly. We can adjust the water temperature by adding more cold water as needed. So basically, we could easily heat up the bath in even a large communal bathhouse."

"Yes. In that case, since casting inside would be dangerous, I and Takano-kun would need to go outside."

"If it heats up instantly, it's no trouble at all. Besides, my 'Inventory' doesn't account for the passage of time, so couldn't we just make a large amount of hot water when we have some free time, store it away, and simply place only the hot water into the bath tub every day?"

"Oh, that's right. Then we wouldn't have to go outside every time, and even on rainy days, we wouldn't need to get wet while trying to heat the water."

Fukami offered a fleeting smile.

Besides, Fukami's magic was amazing not just for combat, but for practical applications as well.

It was good news that getting into a bath every day would be no more of a hassle than it was during our time on Earth.

"That was a nice save, Sou-kun."

"And also, 'Nice save, Fukami-chan.'"

Chiiyu says her usual line, and Shiine goes along with it.

"A girls' only bath? That sounds great!"

Tsumugi seems to have caught on to the joke, looking pleased.

Well, let's continue discussing the floor plan.

Someone requests that we place chairs and tables in the changing room connected to the bathroom.

That's the kind of spot you see at public baths or ryokans, even in the men's section—a space to sit and dry your hair.

For the girls, they might want a spot to do their skin care too.

If that's the case, I'd like to put in a mirror, but we couldn't accommodate it just yet.

Various small requests come up, but the conversation proceeds without any major friction.

By the way, I had told them to feel free to voice their opinions openly.

The crew seems worried about putting a burden on me, but I don't want to end up with a house where anyone feels resentful.

Then, the moment the topic turned to the second floor and everyone's bedrooms—the air among the girls grew tense.

"I won't give up the spot next to Sousuke."

"I'd like to be next to Sousuke-kun too, if possible."

"Uhh, what about me?"

「I’m not saying I mind... but it’s just more convenient to be near Kunoo's room in case we need to keep an eye on things so they don't get too lewd...」

Chiya stood up straight and said this:

"We'll settle it in the bath."

Hearing this, the other three nodded.

"Ah... well then, I suppose I should heat up the bath first. While you all get in, I'll go ahead and generate the new dwelling."

I was actually hoping to set it up as a surprise, arranging the furniture and curating the living space, so this timing works out perfectly.

Since we decided to settle for an outdoor bath today, I used my 『Craft』 ability to generate a large stone bathing tub.

"Wow—onsen size!"

Shouko was already amazed just by the sight of the tub itself.

I proceeded to place water inside it.

"The water might splash and it's dangerous, so everyone stay back. Fukamori, please."

"Yes, leave it to me—Fireball!"

Fukamori's staff pointed at the bath tub, a fireball coalesced, and it slammed into the target location.

With a hissing sound of water evaporating, a massive cloud of steam rose up.

Once that cleared away, all that remained was the completed bath, gently releasing a thin veil of steam.

I dipped a finger in just to test it—hot!

I added some water from my 『Inventory』.

Just prepare a large barrel filled with water on a stand, so whoever goes in can adjust the water level as needed.

Surround these with screens, and you’re done.

"Eh!? The bath is already up? That was lightning fast!"

"You turned the image into reality instantly. 'Just as expected of you, Sou-kun'"

"Magic that enriches our lives. 'Just as expected of you, Fukumi-chan'"

Chia and Shion once again praised me and Fukumi.

"Well then, everyone have fun."

"This is due to Oono-kun's great power, so how about he takes the first soak?"

At Fukumi's suggestion, everyone nodded in agreement.

"No, I actually want to build the house first."

Hearing this, Fukumi seemed to accept his reasoning.

"Then I suppose I'll take my turn with the hot water first."

"Don't worry, Mio-chan. The leftover bath water of four beauties is the true gratitude owed to Sou-kun."

"Stop trying to fill serious Shinpou's head with strange nonsense."

After calling out my childhood friend, I headed toward the hut.

The women disappeared behind the futon enclosure, still in high spirits.

"It was only a one-night stay, but thank you."

It was also a place full of memories where things had progressed between me and Chiyu, so I decided not to deconstruct it.

I stored it in my [Inventory], clearing up the land.

And so, I generated a new base—a house.

We managed to maintain first place until the end of today as well!!!!!!

The acquired points were increasing for some reason... Ah, it was a holiday.

I guess I was working on a holiday too...

Thank you all for your new support!!!!!

I think I'll try to update one more chapter today.

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Here's the second update for today. "There it is...!" "I won't let you!"

Shouko's chopsticks aim for a single point and strike like a thrust.

But just before reaching their target, they're intercepted by someone else's chopsticks, which leap out from the side.

"N-what!?! It's you, Chiyu...!?"

"You're still too naive, Shouko-chan."

Chiyu, having claimed the prize, looks down at the defeated Shouko while munching on it.

"Kuh, I won't lose next time...!" "You can try as many times as you want." By the way, they're having barbecue.

They've set up a small fireplace on the ground and are grilling meat on a circular stone plate.

When you think of barbecue, the impression of sauce is strong, but there's none of that here; they eat it with salt. And it was delicious.

The meat and fat exploded in my mouth, delivering a shock of flavor to my brain.

As a high school boy, I'd like to eat it with white rice.

"Mmm, the meat is delicious too. You're good at cooking, Yomai-san."

「Thank you, Yashiro-san. Oh, is it okay if I call you Minori-chan...?」 Shion said with a smile. 「O-of course, it's fine.」

「I'm glad. Call me Shion.」

「O-okay. Shion-san.」 Yashiro looked pretty happy.

「Minorin's blushing. You can call me by my first name too!」

「Min-chan, you can call me Senyuu too.」

「If that's the case, you can call me Sohjiro too. Nice to meet you, Minori.」

By the way, we're using a bonfire with a stone basket on a wooden platform as lighting.

Maybe because of the light, Yashiro's face looked red.

「T-thank you too. Shokushi-san, Senyuu-san... S-s-s... Kouno-kun.」 「Huh? Why am I the only one who hasn't changed...?」 「Hehe, it's a maiden's heart, Sohjiro-kun.」 Shion was smirking.

Well, I was also a little embarrassed to call Shokushi and Shion by their first names yesterday.

I can understand feeling a bit uncomfortable when addressing someone of the opposite gender.

「Haa~. Shi-chan's cooking is the best! The meat stuffing is delicious with the meat flavor and the texture of the mushrooms, and the soup is mild.」 「Mm. Our chef.」

「Ahaha, I'm glad you're happy. I'll contribute to everyone's meals.」

We talked about our new home while having a nice meal.

First, Mifune and I had already thought about the general layout, so I told them about it.

「The living room sounds great! Even if we get our own rooms, I'd like to gather for meals and chats.」 That's a typical opinion from the talkative Shouko.

「I'm glad the kitchen will be indoors. Right now, it's hard to avoid wind, and I don't really want sand getting into the food.」

Since Shion had become the head chef, we decided to put two hearths in the kitchen.

Since it's indoors, it might be a good idea to make a hole to vent the smoke.

「With more people, maybe it's time to get a new bath? A big bathtub like a hot spring would be nice.」

I rubbed my chin, considering my childhood friend's suggestion.

A spacious bath would definitely be nice.

A drum-type bath would be good, but a bath where you can stretch your legs would be even better.

「But it would be a lot of work to heat it up. It's not impossible, but...」

Deepfo lifted her hand at my words.

"Actually, I want to try something regarding that." "Oh, what's up?"

"Well, there was this time when I accidentally hit a tree with a fireball instead of the target. The fire went out after a while, so the tree didn't catch fire, but..." "What happened?" Shokushu tilted her head.

"So, the fire itself went out when the mana ran out, but the fact that it was heated didn't disappear?" Deepfo nodded at my words.

"Yes. It wouldn't mean much if it was just me, but if I combine it with Kouno-kun's power..."

"Great idea! First, fill a stone bathtub with water and place it somewhere. Then, shoot a fireball into it to make it boil instantly. We can adjust the water temperature by adding more water. This way, we can easily heat up the bath in the big bathhouse, right?"

"Yes. In that case, it would be dangerous to shoot it indoors, so Deepfo and I would need to go outside."

"If it boils instantly, it's not a hassle. Actually, my 'Inventory' doesn't have a time limit, so I could make a large amount of hot water at a time and store it, then just place it in the bath every day."

"Oh, that's true. Then we wouldn't have to go outside every time, and even if it's raining, we could avoid getting wet and heating water." Deepfo smiled.

Still, Deepfo's magic has wonderful applications beyond combat.

Being able to take a bath every day with the same effort as on Earth was great news. "‘Well done, Saku-kun’"

"Plus, ‘Well done, Deepfo-chan’"

Chiyu said what she usually says, and Shion agreed with her.

"Are we all going to take a bath together? That sounds great!"

Sumiko seemed to understand the conversation and was happy about it. Now, let's continue talking about the layout.

There was a request to put chairs and tables in the dressing room that connects to the bathroom.

This is something you see in public baths or inns, even for men's baths. It's a place to sit and dry your hair.

For women, they might want to do skin care as well.

If that's the case, they might want a mirror, but we haven't been able to make one yet.

There were other requests here and there, but the conversation proceeded without any major disagreements.

By the way, I told everyone to feel free to give their opinions.

It seems my friends are trying not to burden me, but I don't want to end up with a house that leaves anyone unsatisfied.

And then, when the topic turned to everyone's bedroom on the second floor--the atmosphere among the women tightened. "Souchan's next to me is non-negotiable."

"I'd like to be next to Souta-kun too, if possible." "U-uh, me too."

「I don’t really mind, but… Well, it’s more convenient to be near Kouno-kun’s room so I can keep an eye on things and make sure nothing too lewd happens…」

Chiyu stood up and said, "Let’s decide it in the bath." The other three nodded when they heard this.

「Ah… Well, I’ll start heating up the water. I’ll generate the new house while you’re all in the bath.」

Actually, I wanted to set up some furniture as a surprise to make the living space look nice, so this is perfect.

Today, I decided to have them bathe outdoors, and used my ‘Crafting Ability’ to generate a large stone bathtub. 「Ooh, hot spring size!」

Shouzi was impressed by the bathtub. I filled it with water.

「The water might splash if we get too close, so everyone stay back. Shenpo, you’re up.」 「Yes, leave it to me—Fireball!」

Shenpo’s staff pointed at the bathtub, and a fireball appeared, shooting towards its target.

With a hiss, steam rose as the water boiled.

Once the steam cleared, the bath was complete, with only a faint mist rising.

I stuck my finger in—hot!

I added some water from my ‘Inventory’.

All that's left is to prepare large barrels filled with water, placed on stands, so that whoever enters can adjust them. Once these are surrounded by screens, it'll be done.

"Wow!? The bath is already ready!? That was quick!"

"You make your ideas a reality so quickly. 'Well done, Saku.'"

"Magic makes life so much easier. 'Well done, Shinpo.'"

Thousand Heals and Shion praise me and Shinpo again.

"Then, everyone, have fun."

"Since you've done so much work, why don't you be the first to go in?"

Everyone nods in agreement with Shinpo's words.

"No, I want to make the house first."

Shinpo seems to agree with my words.

"Well then, I'll take the first bath."

"Don't worry, Shinpo. The leftover bathwater from four beautiful girls will be our thanks to Saku."

"Don't feed Deep Law nonsense."

After scolding my childhood friend, I headed back to the hut.

The women had already disappeared behind the tent.

"Thanks for a night of fun."

Since it's a place with fond memories of my relationship with Senyuu, I'll leave it as is and not break it down.

I put it in my 'Inventory' and the land becomes free.

And then, I created my new base--my home.

I managed to stay in first place all day!!!!

I thought my points had increased for some reason... but it was a holiday. I worked even on the holiday...

Thank you to everyone who has started supporting me!!!!

I hope I can update another chapter today.

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