"Sousuke-sama." "Ginkan? What's wrong?"

He had just tried to have Miyo transform when someone addressed him.

"Um... please look at this."

What Ginkan held out was a mask he recognized.

"Hm? Is that the mask of that golem? Why would you—ah, I see."

Unique individuals yield a subjugation reward.

Until now, it had been some sort of right or privilege, but perhaps there were other circumstances as well.

"Ginkan, when you obtained that, did you not get called into a white space?"

"Yes. Apparently this is called the 'Mask of the Mechanical Maiden,' and it allows the bearer to summon and control that golem at will."

"Heh, that's quite impressive!"

It would be a reliable asset with its durability—so much so that Miyo couldn't break it even in her dragon form—and that reflective ability alone.

"Please, take it."

"No, no, you should use it."

"I beg you to keep it, Sousuke-sama. Should your power be lost as it was just now, the Mechanical Maiden will be of service."

"T-that is certainly... But are you sure that's alright?"

"Yes. I was never the one meant to fill that role in the first place. Sōsuke-sama is truly the most worthy candidate."

"Hmm... Well then, thank you. It feels a bit awkward accepting it for free, though, so if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

"Well, thank you very much."

Kamizono smiled with visible delight.

I hope I didn't make any hasty promises. But I guess I didn't say no, either.

"By the way, how do you use this?"

"The bearer is supposed to cast it into the air with the intent to summon, which brings forth the Golem."

"You mean that same Golem appears? Is that... okay?"

The sensei seemed uneasy.

He probably still has some lingering trauma from the last incident.

"If it becomes hostile again, Senryu and Shinhō are here now, so we should be able to take it down much more easily."

"Mm.

I'm going to pay a visit to the face of that Golem that hurt our So-kun." Face... huh.

"I've also heard about its reflection ability. Be careful with direction and angles when you attack it."

"If anything happens, don't hesitate to turn back into a dragon and coil around us again, alright?"

「U, understood. If everyone says it’s so...」

So, without further ado, I casually tossed the mask into the air.

The mask glowed, and in the next instant, the female golem from earlier appeared.

I remained on guard for a moment, but there was no sign it would attack.

「Umm... try bowing」

The golem slowly lowered its head.

「Ohh. Speaking of which, does it understand me?」

「My Lord Sōsuke. This golem can be controlled simply by will, even if one merely concentrates internally. It isn’t that words are understood, but rather that intent is conveyed.」

I see. Even if we don't share a language, as long as my mental imagery gets through, it can understand the movements I ask for.

"That guy, lewd commands are forbidden."

"Who's gonna be the one!"

But it was an exquisitely beautiful golem—so much so that it wouldn't be surprising if a man felt compelled to issue such orders.

It is currently wrapped in rags, but what lies beneath them...?

No, I’m just out of simple curiosity...

"But, but, they have a very human-like appearance, so it's not exactly strange that some people would think about things like that, is it?"

"To the point of deep law..."

Seeing me look troubled, Fukaho let out a snicker.

It seemed like she was joking.

"Anyway, they really do seem to listen to what I say."

"Should we give them a name?"

At Miyao's suggestion, everyone pondered for a moment.

"Since we fought in the mine, how about 'Mine'?"

We decided to adopt the teacher's proposal.

"Well then, Mine.

Nice to meet you."

We had gained a new comrade. ◇

When we returned to the base, everyone was waiting to greet us.

Just as the mood of relief and joy peaked, everyone's gaze turned toward Mine.

"Looks like everyone is safe and sound. As expected. Now then, Iku..."

"Ahh, that's right. If I were to explain—"

Since Seihou mentioned Mine's presence, he explained the situation so everyone could hear.

"So, you're just doing what Souke tells you?"

"Looks like it."

Junsai's understanding was correct.

"So-suke-kun!"

Just then, Momo burst in.

Before she could touch me, the disc appeared and knocked Momo back.

"Fu-becch!!"

"Momo!?"

"...Did Mine judge that it was a threat to So-suke-kun?"

As Seiju applied [Basic Healing] to Momo, she muttered under her breath.

"Ugh, what is with this!?"

"Sorry, Momo. Mine, everyone here is not an enemy, so there's no need to be on guard."

It was unclear whether it understood or not; Mine remained standing straight, its face motionless.

"Why does things only go wrong for Momo~"

Momo stamped her foot in frustration. Even that sight was adorable—a feat of Momo's specific atmosphere.

"So-suke-kun! Let me stay by your side as an apology!"

I imagined that refusing this would have been simply too cruel, and the other girls remained silent in agreement.

Momo clung to my arm, looking utterly pleased with herself.

Momo was a remarkably charming girl, so having her so close made my heart race.

"Your air of dignity... you seem to have the makings of a maid."

Loa muttered something while watching Maine.

"In any case, well done. I had my doubts, but even without that specific ability, you carried out your duties as leader with distinction."

Junhou watched me with a look that seemed tinged with unexpected softness.

Her demeanor had shifted somewhat after the Battle of Stymparides, so I was glad she was willing to speak normally again... It was then that our eyes met.

Her face flushed red.

"I-is something wrong? Are you just staring at my face?"

"No, I'm sorry..."

"There's no need to apologize. Keep looking as long as you like."

"Sousuke, is that true?"

Yoko shot me a poutful glance.

"Also, Sousuke, what's up with the hole in your left shoulder?"

Serina asked, her gaze filled with concern.

"This is... I'll talk about it later. Anyway, the quest is cleared."

Everyone was clearly curious. The couple in particular couldn't keep their eyes off us, staring intently.

Amidst that, Shiine clapped her hands lightly together and offered a smile. "That's a relief."

"As expected, I knew it when it came to you, Sōsuke. My end was fine too, no problems at all. Oh right, we decided to eat lunch with Raka’s team. Would that be okay?"

"Ah, of course."

I nodded in response to Shiine's words.

Though she seemed concerned about my left shoulder, having heard that I would explain later, she chose not to press the matter for now.

Sensing Shiine's intent, everyone decided to drop it there as well.

"So then, what shall we have for lunch?"

"Um. There were lots of different opinions, but how about pasta?"

"Sounds good!"

With pasta, you can enjoy a variety of flavors depending on the sauce. With Shiine and Roa there, plus any members who could cook, we’d likely end up with dishes that suited everyone’s preferences.

The pasta noodles were handmade; apparently, all you needed was low-gluten flour, eggs, oil, and salt to make them.

It seemed they had been figuring out what they could prepare with the ingredients currently on hand while getting the noodles ready.

Items that didn't spoil easily were stored in the base's pantry, and since the chicken coop was intact, there was no problem regarding basic materials.

"I'd like to use fish for the meal, but since we have to catch them ourselves, I'm caught in a dilemma... I really want sweetfish or rainbow trout..."

As the chef, Shiine might just need a bit more variety in her menu options.

"In that case, let's use the 'Right of Return' we acquired this time as a trade and go catch some fish."

"Eh? Ah, I didn't mean it to be like th—"

"I know, I know. It's really just something we're doing on our way anyway."

I looked at Miyoo.

"Miyoo, can I ask you for a favor again?" "Yeah, of course." "I-I'm going too, Sensei!" "Mm. I'm essential."

"I want to be taken along too."

With the phantasmals asleep, Miyoo handled high-speed travel. Lumius-sensei acted as both teacher and mediator. Chiyu could use 'Soothing.' And Shiine had the ability to see through men's lies.

The members in that vicinity were indeed necessary. "I... I want to come too..."

"Yotzou, I'm sorry, but would you mind yielding this spot?"

It was Ichizaki, a white-haired ponytailed girl from the Kendo Club, who stepped forward.

"Eh?"

"It's not that I don't understand Yotzou wanting to stay by the side of his beloved Sojusama. But I would also like the opportunity to deepen my bond with Sojusama."

Fukaho agonized for a solid ten seconds or more before she finally yielded her seat. "W-well then... I'll entrust your protection to Katsuki-kun."

"I'm grateful, Yonbō!"

If they'd decided it themselves, I wouldn't have said a word.

But I'd make a note of Fukaho's kindness just now.

Under normal circumstances, we could have gone out in a large group, but today our barrier abilities were sealed off.

We couldn't afford to deplete the combat power at our base either.

We could have pushed the transfer of the 'Return Rights' until tomorrow, but I wanted to settle this kind of thing as soon as possible.

First and foremost, we should give it to Toda from the "Airplane" who cooperated with us in the raid.

His airplane had been destroyed during the process of slaying the Behemoth.

For the remaining three spots, we just needed to choose males who hadn't caused any trouble for the women.

And so, having just returned, I boarded Akiryou Miyao's back with Senyuu, Shiin, Professor Luminous, Ichisa, and Main, and departed while everyone saw us off.

・Volume 3 signed copies are in stock at Gamers mail-order! (As of the 24th)

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・Volume 1 manga is scheduled for release next February!

Please check out all of this if you can...!

Next episode should be updated on the 31st too!

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「Sōsuke-sama」 "Kami no Son? What's up?"

When I tried to transform into Miyoe, she called out to me. "Um, here."

Kami no Son handed me a mask that I recognized.

"Hmm? That's the Golem's mask, right? Why would you have it--oh, I get it."

If it's a unique individual, there's a reward for defeating it.

Up until now, it's been some kind of right, but there might be other patterns too.

"Kami no Son, didn't you get called to the white space when you got this?"

"Yes. This is apparently called the 'Mechanical Maiden Mask,' and it allows the owner to summon and control that Golem according to their will." "Wow, that's amazing!"

It's got durability that even Miyoe in dragon form can't destroy, and that reflection ability alone is something to rely on. "Please, take it."

"No, no, you should use it."

"No, please, Sōsuke-sama, take it. In situations like this, the Mechanical Maiden will be useful."

"T-that's true... but, are you sure?"

「Yes. I don't think my work is worth that much. I believe you are the most suitable person.」

「Hmm... Well, thank you. But I feel bad taking something for free, so if there's anything I can do for you, let me know.」

「Well, thank you.」 Shizume smiled happily.

Did I make a rash promise? But I should thank her.

「By the way, how do I use this?」

「The user needs to release it into the air with the intention of summoning, and a golem will appear.」

「Ah, the golem will appear? Is that okay?」 She looked worried.

She might still be traumatized.

「If it attacks again, this time with Senyuu and Shinpo, it will be much easier to defeat.」

「Hmm. I want to see the face of the golem that hurt my So-kun.」 Face...?

「I also asked about its reflective abilities. Be careful of the direction and angle when attacking.」

「If anything happens, I'll turn into a dragon and wrap around it again.」

「O-Okay. If you say so...」

So, I immediately toss the mask into the air.

Then, the mask glows, and in the next moment, the female golem that appeared before appears again.

I instantly become wary, but it doesn't seem like it's going to attack.

「Well... Bow for me.」

The golem slowly bows its head.

「Wow. By the way, does it understand what I'm saying?」

「Sousuke-sama. This golem can be controlled even if you just think about it in your heart. It's not that words are understood, but rather, thoughts are understood.」

I see. Even if it doesn't understand words, as long as my mental image can be conveyed, it should be able to understand the movements I'm asking for.

「Sousuke, no dirty commands.」 「Who says I would?」

But it's not surprising that someone would want to give such commands, considering how exquisite and beautiful this golem is.

Right now, it's wrapped in rags, but I wonder what's underneath...

No, it's just simple curiosity...

"Still, she looks very human-like, so it's not surprising that people would wonder." "Even about Shinpo..."

When I made a troubled face, Shinpo chuckled. It seems she was just joking.

"Anyway, she really does seem to listen to what we say."

"Should I give her a name?"

Everyone pondered over Miyose's question for a while.

「Since we fought in the mine, how about calling her Mine?」

I decided to adopt the teacher's suggestion.

「So, Mine. Nice to meet you.」 Our group has a new member. ◇

When we returned to the base, everyone welcomed us.

Right after the excitement of being happy, everyone's eyes turned to Mine.

「Everyone seems to be safe. Impressive. By the way, Kouya... can you explain?」

「Oh, right. Let me explain――」

Since Shuuko mentioned Mina, I'll explain it to everyone.

"So you're going to listen to Soukesh?" "That's right." Rinbe understood correctly. "Sou-kun!"

Just then, Momo rushed in.

Right before she could touch me, a disk appeared and Momo was repelled. "Fufu!!" "Momo!?"

"...Did Mina judge that I'm in danger?"

While casting 'Basic Healing' on Momo, Senyuu muttered. "What's going on!?"

"I'm sorry, Momo. Mina, the people here aren't enemies, so you don't need to be on guard."

Whether she understood or not, Mina remained standing straight and didn't move her face.

"Why can't I ever do anything right~"

Momo stomped her foot. Even that was cute, thanks to her aura.

"Sou-kun! Let me apologize by clinging to you!"

I guess they felt bad about turning me down, because the other girls didn't say anything either.

Momo is clinging to my arm, delighted.

Since Momo is such an attractive girl, I can't help but feel a little excited.

"Your demeanor... you seem to have the qualities of a maid."

Loa is muttering something to herself while looking at Main.

"Anyway, you really did well. I didn't doubt you, but even without any abilities, you've done a great job as a leader."

Shuuko looked at me with a kind of gentle gaze.

Since the atmosphere had changed a little after the Stumpalides battle, I was glad that she could talk to me normally again... Then our eyes met, and her face turned red.

"Wh-what is it? Are you staring at my face?" "No, sorry..."

"There's no need to apologize. You can stare at me all you want." "Souma, is that so?" She looked at me with a sulky gaze.

"By the way, Sou-suke, what's that hole on your left shoulder?"

She asked with a concerned look.

「This is something I'll explain later. Anyway, the quest is clear.」

Everyone was probably wondering about it. Especially the couples gave me a long look.

In the midst of this, Shion clapped her hands lightly together and smiled, saying, "Good job."

「I knew you'd do it, Kousuke. Everything was fine on my end too. By the way, we're going to eat lunch with Ryouka's team. Is that okay?」 「Of course.」

I nodded to Shion's words. She seemed concerned about my left shoulder, but after hearing that I would explain later, she didn't touch it.

Everyone seemed to have decided to back off, sensing Shion's intentions.

「So, what are we having for lunch?」

「Hmm. A lot of people had different ideas, but how about pasta?」 「Sounds good!」

Pasta could be enjoyed in many different flavors depending on the sauce. With Shion and Roa, and the members who could cook, we could make something that suited everyone's tastes.

The pasta noodles were made by hand, and apparently could be made with all-purpose flour, eggs, oil, and salt.

While preparing the noodles, they seemed to be discussing what could be made with the materials they had.

The food that could be stored was kept in the base's food storage, and since the chicken coop was fine, the basic ingredients weren't a problem.

「I'd like to use fish too, but I have to go fishing to get them, so I'm struggling... I want some sweetfish and trout...」

As the head chef, Shion probably wants a bit more variety in the menu.

「Then, I'll use the 'return right' I got this time to go fishing and bring them back.」

「Huh? Oh, I didn't mean...」

「I know, I know. It's just a side trip.」 I look at Miyoe.

「Miyoe, can I ask for your help again?」 「Sure, of course.」 「S-Teacher, you're coming too!」 「Yeah. I'm coming too.」

「I'd like to come along too.」

Miyoe, who can handle high-speed movement while the phantoms are asleep. Lumina, the teacher and mediator. Senyuu, who can use 'Silence'. Shion, who can tell if a boy is lying.

These members are definitely necessary. 「W- Me too...」

「Four Rods, would you mind letting me take a turn?」

And stepping forward was the ponytailed white-haired girl from the kendo club, Isaki. 「Huh?」

「No, I understand that Four Rods wants to be by your side, Saiga. But I also want a chance to deepen my connection with you.」

Deep Ho finally decided after a good ten seconds, "O-Okay... I'll leave the escort to Sword Tree." She gave up her seat. "Thank you, Four Staves!"

If they made the decision themselves, I wouldn't say anything.

But I'll remember how kind Deep Ho was.

Usually, we could have gone out with a large group, but today the barrier abilities are sealed. We can't afford to reduce the strength of our base.

I could have postponed the transfer of the "Return Right" to tomorrow, but I'd like to get it done early.

First, I should give it to Hida, who flew us in the Raid.

His plane was destroyed in the process of defeating the Behemoth.

The remaining three should be chosen from boys who have never caused any trouble for the girls.

So, we set off, with me, Senyuu, Shion, Ms. Lumina, Ikkaku, and Main aboard the Scarlet Dragon Palace, as everyone sees us off.

・Volume 3 signed books available at Gamers online store! (as of the 24th)

・Ebook volumes 1 and 2 on sale at Book Walker until the 28th!

・Volume 1 of the manga to be published next February! If you're interested...! I'll be updating next week on the 31st as well!

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