––––––I found myself sitting on the toilet lid.
Apparently, I was in a full-blown panic.
My memory was completely blank from the moment I escaped Ludi and Claris.
“Somehow, I ended up doing something terrible in the end…”
Why am I acting like an eroge protagonist?
An eroge protagonist is supposed to trip and accidentally grope the girls’ boobs and butts.
What a third-rate mob character like Takioto Kousuke is supposed to do is sexually harass the heroines, only to get beaten up or kicked.
And even when he gets kicked, he’s the kind of guy who uses the opportunity to look up her skirt.
That was supposed to be Takioto Kousuke.
No, what am I even thinking?
I need to change my mindset.
I’m just glad I was able to help them, or at least that’s what I tell myself.
It seems like things are going to be difficult from here on out, but I don’t regret stepping in.
If I hadn’t acted back there, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.
But still…
“The scenario is going to change quite a bit…”
If you apply the current situation to the game, the story hasn’t even begun yet.
The plot kicks off a day before the entrance ceremony, so there’s still over a week left.
But the modifications I made this time could cause a massive divergence.
First of all, Ludi originally made her first appearance shortly after the school term started.
Right after arriving at the school, she triggers an incident and gets into a fight with the main characters… Will she end up enrolling late now?
In the original game, the reason for her late enrollment was due to her parents’ circumstances, but it’s almost certain that it’s tied to the incident from earlier.
The incident itself actually happened this time, so it’s highly possible her entrance will be delayed.
“The fact that I helped her might have some strange ripple effects… It’s entirely possible.”
In the game, Ludi adores Hanamura Marino.
There’s no doubt that has to do with Marino helping her out in the original storyline.
It might not be the direct cause, but it was definitely a contributing factor.
So what happens now that I’m the one who helped her this time?
In the worst-case scenario, there’s a possibility she returns to her home country without ever enrolling in the school.
Ludi is an incredibly strong character—she was the main heroine and one of the developers’ favorites.
She was always a reliable asset to have in a party.
“Well, it can’t be helped… Instead of worrying about that, it’s more constructive to think about what I need to do next…”
I learned a lot from that battle.
The first thing I need to address is my own weakness.
When I went on the defensive, I couldn’t see the situation around me at all.
It was like trying to block attacks from every direction with a flimsy cloth umbrella.
Isn’t there a way to guarantee visibility while still building a defensive wall?
“It’s impossible if you think about it normally, but this is a world of magic…”
If the skills exist, Mind’s Eye or Clairvoyance could be useful.
Mind’s Eye should be available at that specific location, guided by my Senpai, so I’ll have to give it a try.
…Wait, if I’m lucky, could I run into her?
That Senpai.
Next on the list is long-range attacks.
My abilities are incredibly weak at a distance.
Way too weak.
I originally knew it was a weak point, but in actual combat, I truly realized the importance of long-range capabilities.
It might be better to get a weapon like a bow, a handgun, or some shurikens.
I want to see what suits me once I get to school and then focus on developing it.
I should just master the Third and Fourth Hands to a certain extent before moving on to another weapon.
It makes no sense to leave things half-finished.
Money is the other major concern.
“Money, huh… I really messed up…”
I’ve already spent most of my funds, but I left my most expensive shawl with Ludi.
And I really don’t want to go back to retrieve it.
“Maybe my identity hasn’t been blown yet…”
They shouldn’t have been able to see my face since I had a scarf wrapped around it.
Could I just play dumb and pretend I know nothing about the incident?
No, that’s impossible.
Once Ludi enrolls in the school, it’s only a matter of time before I’m exposed.
My fighting style is far too unique.
“I just won’t fight in front of Ludi so I don’t get exposed for as long as possible.
That’s the only way.
I’ll just have to think about how to act in case I am discovered…”
Dogeza?
Well, I guess I’ll just grovel and get my shawl back.
Thinking about it now, I left my shawl for her to use in place of her skirt, but there was a tablecloth right there, so I guess wrapping her in that would have been fine.
Though it’s a bit late to be thinking about that now.
Well, my spare shawl was sent to my new house, so I’ll figure something out.
Whoops.
“Ah, this is bad.
What time is it?
It’s time for my meeting with Marino-san!”
I rush out, grab my smartphone, and check the screen.
But I can’t see the time.
“H-huh?
Whaaat…?
How strange…”
The screen of the smartphone I had just bought was heavily cracked, and the LCD showed absolutely no response when I pressed the power button.
It had been quite a while since the incident.
Thanks to the hotel staff, we managed to reunite and were currently cruising through the city in a limousine the hotel provided to head out for dinner.
Apparently, she had been incredibly worried; when we met up, she gave me a tight hug.
It was quite something.
“Hey, Kousuke-kun.”
I pull my gaze away from the window and look at Marino-san.
She was touching her bracelet—a magical catalyst—with a serious expression.
It seems magic is always active in situations like this.
“What is it?”
“You said you were near the place where the explosion happened, right?”
“I did.”
I haven’t told her about what actually went down in the hotel yet, just that much.
If I told her everything, I’d have to admit that I touched their boobs and butts.
“Today, there was a terrorist attack at our hotel, not just the one that exploded… you know about that, right?”
I know that, of course.
After all, I was there.
“There were several perpetrators, but did you know that one of them is still missing?”
“Eh?
Didn’t I defeat all of them…?”
That’s a lie, right?
I didn’t catch everyone?
There’s still one that wasn’t caught… Does that mean he was hiding somewhere?
I left the girls there and fled the scene.
“Are the two of them okay!?”
Marino-san closes her eyes and shakes her head.
“…Unfortunately, it seems a suspicious person groped their breasts and butts…”
That’s a lie, right?
Right after they escaped, they were attacked by some pervert…?
…Huh?
Wait, why do I still have the sensation lingering on my hands?
Marino-san, who was chuckling softly, gave me her usual smile.
“I heard you tripped, but one wrong move and you would have been the one sexually harassed, you know?”
“I’m sorry.”
When I apologized, Marino-san laughed, but when she added, “But…”, her smile vanished.
“One of the perpetrators still hasn’t been found.
Of course, it’s not you, Kousuke-kun, it’s one of the ones who attacked them.”
“That’s…”
“Please be careful.
Anyway… why didn’t you explain the details about what happened at the hotel, Kousuke-kun?”
“…I chased a suspicious person without permission, and fought without making any contact… I went out of my way to stick my neck into danger… I thought you’d be mad.”
“You know me too well…”
As she pulls me into a hug while smiling, my head spins in her hands.
It didn’t hurt at all.
“Don’t be reckless, and contact me next time!
…But you did really well.”
Saying that, she gently hugs me this time and strokes my head.
To be honest, it’s embarrassing.
“It was a really good move.
Did you know the girl you helped is the second daughter of Emperor Trefke?”
“Huh…?!
Whaaaaat, you’re lyiiing?!”
I feign surprise as I pull away from her.
Of course I know that.
How many times do you think I’ve played through to the ending?
I already know she loves pickles, that she always sprinkles salt and pepper on her fried eggs, and above all, I even know her fetishes.
“Fufu, surprised?”
“I am surprised, but is it really okay to tell me something so important?”
Disclosing the private information of the female victims.
Since I was there, it probably isn’t a problem to tell me.
But it’s also information she doesn’t strictly need to share.
I didn’t want to hear it, nor would I spread it; I would have just kept it locked in my chest.
But it’s something that would be discovered eventually anyway.
“Actually, I was debating whether or not to tell you, but… thinking about the future, I decided to speak up.”
The future, huh.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s not finalized yet, so I’ll explain in detail a little later… It looks like we’ve arrived.”
The car stops, and a muscular man opens the door.
I thank him and step out of the car with Marino-san.
After entering the building, we were greeted by a lavish and wonderful spread of food.
While eating, I explain why I was there and how the fight went down.
“Hmm, I see.
So, after seeing Ludivine-chan in a rather indecent state, you even grabbed her boobs.
You’re quite lucky, huh.”
“Yeah, really… Wait, what are you making me say?!”
“…You really didn’t do it on purpose, did you?”
“No!”
Though, if you ask me whether I wanted to touch them or not, of course I did.
And if I could get away with it just by doing dogeza, I’d grovel in a heartbeat.
But it was an accident.
And I don’t like forcing myself on others in the first place.
“…It really wasn’t intentional, was it?”
“No!”
When I say that, Marino-san’s stiff expression melts, and she returns to her smiling self.
“That’s good.
Well, she—Ludivine-chan and the other girl—want to thank you.”
“The other girl?”
“The elf whose buttocks you grabbed.”
It’s true, but I wish you’d stop saying it like that.
“…It’s hard to face them in person.
How about we just say I’ve received their gratitude?”
“It won’t be that easy, you know?
After all, Ludivine-chan plans to enroll in our academy!”
“Eeeeh, no way?!”
I know.
Because of her breathtaking beauty and her unique wind magic, she’s known as the Wind Princess, and a fan club called the LLL was formed for her.
Honestly, if it hadn’t been Ludi, I might not have even gone to save them.
…No, I would have gone regardless.
“That’s right.
What do you think?
Surprised?”
Apparently, my acting was top-notch.
Marino-san nods in deep satisfaction.
“I’m surprised… To think we’ll be at the same school.
What should I do?
I touched all sorts of things.
It’s going to be so awkward to see her face-to-face…”
“It’s fine.
They’re probably worried about it too, but they didn’t seem angry.
They specifically told me to thank you first.”
Well, if that’s the case, it’s going to be troublesome for me.
What if the other side actually is furious and demands I take responsibility?
The person on the other side is a princess; that would be on the level of me having to commit seppuku… Now I’m actually getting scared.
The next time I meet her, should I address her as ‘Your Highness’?
Well, the earliest I’ll have to face her is when classes start.
I still have a few days.
It’s just a matter of thinking up some countermeasures by then.
Nothing beats procrastinating on a problem.
Yeah, yeah, I nod to myself while sipping my soup.
“With that in mind, I think Ludivine-chan and Claris will be coming over to our house soon, so please keep that in mind.”
Haaah?!
“Cough, cough, cough…”
As I choke on my soup, Marino-san’s words echo in my mind.
Um, that’s a lie, right?
Problems usually boil down to money or relationships.
That’s what most people say, and above all, surveys and statistics make it clear.
You’d think the same thing even if you were playing a game.
Especially when it comes to eroge, the main character’s primary concern is usually how to get along with the beautiful girls.
It’s natural, since it’s a romance game.
And, curiously enough, us gentlemen Eroge Players also struggle with money and human relationships.
Eroge is incredibly expensive in the first place.
It’s not easy to drop nearly 10,000 yen on a single piece of software, and you can’t buy much on an average salaryman’s wage.
You have to make the agonizing choice of which one to buy.
After deciding what to buy, it becomes a human problem.
When buying the first press edition of an eroge, you get store bonuses like tapestries and clear figure sets.
However, the store bonuses don’t feature all the heroines together; usually, you have to choose merchandise that features only one specific heroine.
In other words, you have to select a specific heroine’s merchandise before you’ve even played the game.
Of course, you could just buy all of them, but it’s incredibly difficult for a salaryman who already has to make tough choices to buy a 10,000 yen game just to secure one heroine.
We, the gentleman Eroge Players, have to choose the heroine that seems best for us before the game is even released.
Furthermore, even after you start the game, you run into human relationship problems.
Namely, who to romance.
You compare the various beautiful girls lined up on the box art and decide the order of your conquests.
What a luxurious worry!
Occasionally, there are transcendental landmines that plant trauma so deep it makes it impossible to move on to other heroines.
Well, those are mostly in the god-tier games anyway.
By the way, although it wasn’t explicitly shown in the game, Takioto Kousuke had way more problems than the protagonist.
His personal history, his unique skill, and there’s no doubt he had massive issues with his new family dynamics.
“Hrm…”
“…”
She doesn’t make a single move, just stares at me.
Her hair and eyes are exactly like her mother’s, Marino-san.
However, she isn’t nearly as sociable as Marino.
Well, ever since the game, she was established as a silent, expressionless character.
And wait, Marino-san.
I know you have work, but I wish you wouldn’t just leave us alone out of nowhere.
While I’m wondering what to do, Hanamura Hatsumi suddenly opens her mouth.
“…I heard about your situation.”
“Y-yes.”
“…”
“H-hrm… Hatsumi-san?”
“…”
She doesn’t say anything.
Is she just in a bad mood?
Looking at me with that face.
Perhaps this is one of the reasons Takioto Kousuke didn’t stay with the Hanamura family in the game.
He couldn’t stand Hanamura Hatsumi.
Of course, she’s the daughter of the beautiful witch Marino-san, and while she’s very pretty herself, you can’t tell what she’s thinking.
On top of that, she’s so gloomy, and I have no idea how to talk to her.
On the other hand, Takioto Kousuke is a totally ‘normie’ character if you look at him without knowing his background.
Inside, he must have been completely broken.
The conclusion is that Takioto Kousuke and Hanamura Hatsumi are like oil and water.
Wasn’t it inevitable that he chose to live in the dorms?
If I didn’t know this was the world of MagiEx, I might have chosen the dorms just like Takioto did in the game.
Of course, I can’t deny the appeal of living with a beautiful mother and daughter.
However, I am a perverted gentleman Eroge Player who knows the ins and outs of MagiEx.
“Hatsumi-san, I’ll be in your care starting today.
I’m sorry to ask this so suddenly, but I’d like to borrow a grimoire, or to be frank, a book on spatial magic.”
This house belongs to the Witch of Tsukuyomi, Hanamura Marino, and the academy teacher, Hanamura Hatsumi.
It’s only natural that there are grimoires here, as well as a research facility for the two of them.
It’s also confirmed that there’s an enchantment magic facility here.
Of course, the school has enchantment facilities too.
However, the school has restricted hours, and the dorms have a curfew.
It might be a bit uncomfortable living here.
But this is the absolute best environment for a mage.
So why would I even bother leaving?
You have to use the resources available to you.
I just shouldn’t be too much of a nuisance.
“…This way.”
Hatsumi-san turns and walks down the hallway.
She leads me to a massive library that you wouldn’t normally find in a regular house.
“Over here.”
I’m guided to a corner of the library.
Among the many lined-up grimoires, there were magical tools I didn’t understand, and things that could only be described as unbound stacks of paper.
“Is it okay if I look without permission?
There’s research data here, isn’t there?”
I know.
Her research topic is a rather special type of magic, one that is eventually taught to the protagonist of the game.
There might be important books for my studies here.
If a stack of paper contains vital statistical data or research findings… is it really okay to show it to someone else so easily?
“…You know about my research?”
“You’re taking over your late father’s research, right?”
Hearing this, Hatsumi-san nods.
Her father seems to have been killed, though it wasn’t elaborated on in the game.
I don’t know the details because the developer’s blog on the official site just said: “We thought really hard about the scenarios for this, but for adult convenience reasons, it was all cut lol.”
“There’s nothing really important here.”
Since she said that, I nod in agreement.
“Thank you very much, then.
I’ll read a bit right here.”
I turn my back to her and start walking.
Maybe I should have talked to her to build some intimacy.
But even if I try to talk to her, I can’t foresee a future where the conversation flows excitedly, and it would be hard for her to open up to me.
We just seem incompatible.
I pull a few books from the shelf and set them on the table.
Then, to practice manipulating my magic power while reading, I use my Third and Fourth Hands to turn the pages.
It’s a confirmed fact after a few days of experimentation: the larger the area, the more magic power is required, and the longer the distance, the harder it is to make delicate movements.
However, as I practice every day, I’m gradually becoming more dexterous, even if just a little.
After I read a few pages, I hear a lot of luggage being set down on the floor.
When I turn around, Hatsumi-san has dropped a large bag.
“…You don’t need to bother with me.”
What did you come here for?
While I’m curious about Hatsumi-san, I continue reading.
However, there’s no sign of her leaving.
When I look away from the book and glance at Hatsumi-san, she’s preparing coffee for some reason.
When our eyes meet, she quickly stands up and approaches.
“Nn.”
“T-thank you very much.”
Saying that, she gives a small nod, returns to her corner, and starts working.
…Why did she start working right here?
“Ah, this is delicious.”
It had a unique flavor, slightly different from regular coffee.
It had low acidity and a rich bitterness, leaving a lingering aftertaste.
Because it’s such a strong coffee, people who hate bitter coffee would definitely hate it.
However, if you enjoy a coffee with low acidity, you’d undoubtedly be charmed by it.
I steal a glance at Hatsumi-san.
She seems to be silently writing something on paper.
I’ll ask her about the coffee later.
I flip through the book held in my Third Hand.
I wonder how many hours have passed since then, when Hatsumi-san suddenly stands up and approaches me.
“Let’s eat?”
Looking at my smartphone, it’s already past noon; in the working or schooling world, it’s almost time for the lunch break.
“Did I make you wait?”
“No.
If I go at this time, it’s usually not crowded.”
Apparently, she’s planning to eat out.
By the way, doesn’t the Hanamura family hire a housekeeper?
It’s a smaller house than I imagined, but it’s still far too large for just three people to live in.
Marino-san seems busy, too, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they had staff to clean and cook.
“I’d like to show you around this area on the way back, if that’s alright.”
I shake my head reflexively.
“Ah, it’s fine… Marino-san already showed me around.”
The moment I say that, her expression changes, albeit slightly.
It was so minute that it might have been my imagination.
“I see.
Then let’s go.”
The shop she brings me to is a small café about a five-minute walk away.
It isn’t very large, with just a few tables and some counter seating for a handful of people.
Hatsumi-san and I sit at an empty table and look at the menu.
“Do you have any recommendations, Hatsumi-san?”
“…Everything is delicious.
If I had to choose one, the Bloodhorn Rabbit Karaage.”
You might laugh at me, but isn’t the Bloodhorn Rabbit a monster?
I remember hunting them to grind levels and find rare items early in the game.
It seems monster meat is on the menu here.
“Then I’ll try that.”
We order the same thing and wait for the food to arrive.
And soon, silence falls.
What should I talk about?
In the library, reading a book keeps the peace, but now we’re sitting face-to-face, and it would be rude to just read.
I’ll bring up something that seems like a safe, common topic.
“Um, Hatsumi-san graduated from the Tsukuyomi Magic Academy, right?
How was it?
Like, what kind of people were there?
Were they all elites like the rumors say?”
She averts her gaze from me.
“…There were a lot of amazing people… But I had very few friends at school.”
“Ha, hahaha.”
I feel the air grow even heavier.
I think to myself after hearing her; yeah, that’s entirely possible.
“However, if you’re looking for power and academic prowess, it’s the best environment.
That much can be said for certain.”
“I’ll do my best in my studies.”
As I reply properly, the food is brought out.
The air between us is cold, but the food is hot.
I continue talking while we eat, and this time, we transition to discussing the class structure.
“Eh, so the higher your rank, the more classes you can attend, right?”
“Yes.
First, there are basic subjects and basic magic classes.
The additional afternoon classes you can attend will depend on the subjects in which you’ve achieved sufficient mastery.”
I see, I nod.
It’s almost the same as in the game.
In the game, if you raise your stats, you unlock more classes.
Here, too, if you improve your skills, you can take more classes.
The more classes you take, the more you learn about magic.
But if what you get from the lessons is equivalent to what you get from the game’s lesson commands, the actual classes might not be worth the time.
Especially for Takioto Kousuke.
“So that’s how it is… By the way, are there a lot of attack magic spells in the additional classes?”
“…That’s right.
I learned high-rank attack magic there.”
Mhm.
I knew it.
I probably won’t be able to master them.
To be detailed, I might be able to cast the spells, but it’s useless because they won’t be very powerful.
Well, I don’t need to worry about my grades as long as I can graduate.
I’ll dedicate that time to other disciplines or dungeon clearing.
And just like that, I easily draft a schedule in my head for the time being.
For a while after enrollment, I’ll focus on basic physical training, strengthening magic, and long-range countermeasures.
Those will be my main priorities.
Huh, isn’t that exactly what I’m doing right now?
“…I can teach you.”
Hatsumi-san says to me.
I tilt my head, wondering what she’s talking about, but I immediately realize she means the additional magic classes.
“I’ll tell you the truth, Hatsumi-san.
I actually can’t use most magic well because of my physical constitution.
So, even if you teach me practical magic, I don’t know if I’ll be able to master it.”
When I say this, she murmurs, “I see,” sadly.
She even stops eating and just stares at the food in front of her.
“Instead, I’d like to consult with you about this constitution of mine… I was wondering if you’d be willing to help me.”
Hearing this, Hatsumi-san raises her head.
And gives me a thumbs-up.
“Leave it to me.”
She doesn’t talk much, and I don’t know what she’s thinking, but she isn’t a bad person.
I vaguely think to myself.
The monster meat was indescribably delicious.
The benefits of living in the Hanamura household aren’t limited to the magic taught by the mother and daughter.
The same goes for the enchantment magic facilities, and there’s no annoying curfew.
And most importantly, the accessibility to various locations.
“Oh, that waterfall, right?
That’s fine.
Huh?
…Why do you know there’s a waterfall?”
I hang up before the conversation turns into an interrogation.
The owner’s permission was easily granted.
Immediately after, I go to Hatsumi-san’s room and knock on the door.
“Hatsumi-san, I’m going to practice magic while jogging.
I’ll be back before dinner.”
“…Understood.”
Leaving Hatsumi-san’s room, I change into running shoes that I bought with my leftover money.
“Alright!”
Somehow, I end up jogging down a road I still don’t quite remember.
For the first half, Hatsumi-san gave me some directions, but she didn’t guide me all the way to my destination.
For the second half, I’ll just have to proceed on instinct.
“Haa… Haa… Haa…”
Avoiding people and running down the road at a steady pace.
At first, it was concrete, but eventually, I passed the paved scaffolding and it turned into dirt and grass.
Then, I entered the forest to reach my destination.
After entering the forest and running for a few minutes, there’s first a change in sound.
From the rustling of the trees to the sound of water crashing.
And the further I go, the louder the crashing becomes.
The place I arrive at is a waterfall.
It’s about fifteen meters high and thirty meters wide.
The water of the waterfall, stretching thin and long, reflects the light of the sky and shines brilliantly.
There’s a beauty that catches my eye and leaves my mouth slightly agape.
Is this what they call understated beauty?
In the basin, the water crashing from a great height creates a white mist that looks like a small fog.
I notice as I get closer to the waterfall that, depending on the angle, a rainbow can be seen here.
A small rainbow that I couldn’t see before stretches like a ribbon wrapping around the falls.
I follow a slightly rough path and step behind the waterfall.
“Tsu…”
No words come out.
If I had to use an analogy, it would be a curtain of water.
The waterfall seen from behind is far too beautiful.
A pale curtain of water hangs down, and beyond it, the lush forest shines.
When the wind blows, the trees sway as if swimming, and light green leaves flutter down.
The scene is incredibly beautiful.
Just looking at it seems to wash my heart clean.
It was so beautiful I wanted to watch it forever.
But there was something even more beautiful there.
Hyuu, Hyuu, Hyuu, Hyuu.
In this place, filled with the roaring sound of the waterfall, you can hear the sound of the wind being sliced.
A woman with a naginata right before my eyes.
The woman must have noticed me.
However, she doesn’t stop swinging her naginata.
She stares at the curtain of water, completely focused on wielding her weapon.
To be honest, I thought she might be here.
Because the protagonist is guided by her to come to this exact spot.
To tell the truth, I was hoping she would be here.
After all, she’s the heroine I wanted to meet the most.
Droplets fly off her cheeks every time she swings her weapon.
How long has she been swinging her naginata?
If you look closely, you’ll see beads of sweat on her beautiful face.
I can’t take my eyes off her, even with the magnificent view surrounding us.
Beautiful, shiny black hair like polished onyx, a symmetrical face as if reflected in a mirror.
Charming, piercing eyes like a blade.
The expression makes me feel a sense of fleetingness, making me feel as though I’m being sucked in.
If a goddess exists in this world, she is standing right in front of me.
I’m still standing there staring fixedly at her, but she doesn’t react or care.
To her, my existence is just a tiny, strange speck not even worth considering.
I’ve been excluded from her consciousness and am naturally ignored as if I were just part of the scenery.
Black hair dances every time she swings her naginata.
The naginata is swung at an incredible speed by the slender, pale arms extending from her dogi.
I realize my body is trembling as I try to wipe the sweat stinging my eyelids.
Is it from fear?
Is it from excitement?
Or is it from joy?
Probably all of them.
However, the strongest feeling is the joy of seeing her.
I keep watching her as she continues to wield her naginata.
There’s no way I wouldn’t be overjoyed.
Because I can confidently say she is the character I cared for and trained with all my heart and soul in the game.
The character I trusted the most, whom I almost never removed from my party, using her no matter how unfavorable the conditions were, and she slaughtered countless powerful bosses.
And she is right in front of me.
Yes, it exists.
It’s reality.
One of the Super Magical Trio, the Vice President of the Public Morals Committee, Mizumori Yukine.
Because she uses Water Magic, she is also known as the Water Dragon Princess, and she is right in front of me.
Suddenly, she interrupts her repeated swings.
She drops her high guard and shifts the weapon to her side.
“Fuh.”
As she exhales, something flashes for a moment.
When I realize what happened, her naginata was thrust outward, and the curtain of water was split vertically in two.
I couldn’t follow the attack with my eyes.
The naginata dance isn’t over yet.
Upward strike, downward strike, and lateral sweep.
Looking at the beautiful combination, I realize the inside of my body is getting hotter and hotter.
I feel like I can’t stay still.
I want to start running immediately.
I’m attacked by such an urge.
I soon find the cause of it.
I turn my back to Mizumori Yukine, who is still wielding her naginata, and step out from behind the waterfall.
And I start running, focusing all my strength into my legs.
My heart heats up.
Blood and magic power flow like a river overflowing from a typhoon, and my body is terribly hot.
Ah, shit, I curse in my heart.
A beauty that steals the heart, an envy that makes me want to scream, and a jealousy that burns through my body.
They all mix together and catch fire.
I want to swing a weapon just as beautifully as that.
I want to be just as strong.
No, I want to be stronger than that.
My entire body is screaming it.
I climb a mountain a little distance away from the waterfall and enter an open clearing.
There, I circulate all my magic power and start running with all my might.
As if trying to extinguish the flame burning my body, I keep running.
How long did I run?
The sun that was shining is now setting, and the area is growing dark.
It would be impossible to practice any more here.
There’s no light, and above all, I promised to go home before dinner.
“I’m heading back…”
I mutter and start running toward my house.
The only thing on my mind is Mizumori Yukine.
It’s truly ridiculous that I couldn’t see the movement of the naginata.
I couldn’t see a thing, even from that distance.
How can you swing your weapon that fast?
And how do I counter that speed?
What if I move before she moves?
If my initial movement interferes with her action, maybe.
Otherwise, should I make a massive shield out of my shawl?
I take off my shoes and enter the house.
Then I think things over as I head straight for the bath.
First, I want to train my eyes.
And I want to be able to move my shawl, reacting reflexively to that speed.
I take off my scarf and pull off my sweaty shirt.
Athletes seem to train to improve their eyesight and hone their reflexes.
Why don’t I do that too?
And it would be great to acquire some Skills…!
The moment I try to touch the doorknob, I hear the sound of the door opening.
“…”
What appears is Hatsumi-san, her pale white skin tinged slightly pink like cherry blossoms.
Probably because she just got out of the bath.
Droplets run down her face and body, through her wet hair that clings to her skin.
You can see steam rising slightly from her entire body, radiating heat.
I had noticed before, but she has quite a voluminous chest, with a beautiful pink hue that makes me want to suck on them.
And her body, which isn’t too fleshy but not too skinny either, has the kind of hips built for childbearing.
She managed to hide the most important parts with a towel, but… It’s already over for me in this situation, isn’t it?
I permanently record the sight in my head and quickly shut the door.
I want to back up this image right now if possible.
“aaaaAAh!!”
Hatsumi-san screams in a voice I’ve never heard before, and I feel guilty to the core of my being.
“I’m sooooo sorryyy!!”
At that moment, I hear footsteps coming from the hallway.
“What happened!?”
Apparently, Marino-san just got home.
She immediately runs over, sees my completely naked body, and smiles a massive smile.
“Kyaaaaa♪”
It’s a scream that sounds like she’s having fun for some reason.
Wait, she screamed?
Eh, why?
Suddenly, I look down at my body.
A healthy body that I’m proud is muscular.
I also want to show off my beautifully ripped chest and abs.
But I won’t.
And below that, there’s something considerably larger than it was on Earth: my little brother.
I get it.
I’m naked, huh?
My clothes were left in the changing room.
I don’t have a single piece of cloth to hide myself.
“UeeEEEEEEEeeeeEEI!”
I hurriedly cover my crotch with both hands.
Who would have imagined a secondary disaster would strike!
“Kousuke-kun, you’re rushing things way too faaast♪”
What is this woman saying?
Marino-san covers her face with both hands, but stares firmly at my body through the gaps between her fingers.
Ah, what should I do, what should I do?
Oh no, inside my head is a total mess and I can’t think of anything.
Suddenly, the door opens and Hatsumi-san steps out in just her panties and bra.
And magic is unleashed from her hand.
There’s definitely no time to defend.
Or rather, I don’t have my scarf.
“Ah, I’m going to die.”
My vision fills with light.
I’ve had a lot of first experiences since coming to this world.
I used magic and rode in a magic-powered car.
And today is the first dogeza of my life.
Although I’m planning to do one for a certain imperial family member, too.
Hatsumi-san is staring fixedly at me.
It’s unlikely her line of sight will waver.
All I can do is rub my forehead against the floor.
Is there really nothing I can do to earn her forgiveness?
I know.
I should learn from eroge.
If it were an eroge, there would be a peeping-in-the-bath scene.
Even if they’re living together, I wonder if an eroge without a bath scene is really an eroge.
How do they beg for forgiveness in those?
Yes.
What should I reference from the protagonist who even gets permission to join them in the bath?
And they have protagonist plot armor, right?
“…”
The silence is agonizing.
But I’m the one at fault.
I’m the only one to blame here.
I entered the changing room without checking if anyone was inside.
Because I was lost in thought, I walked in without thinking.
“Dinner is ready.”
A carefree voice can be heard from the kitchen.
Of course, I don’t stand up; I keep rubbing my head on the floor.
My bangs are probably balding by now, but I have no choice.
“Haa… Kousuke, raise your head.”
She calls out to me, and I slowly lift my head.
She isn’t glaring at me anymore.
“Come on, let’s eat.”
It seems I’ve been forgiven for now.
When I go to the dining room, the table is set with mushroom soup, hamburg steak, rice, and other dishes that kids would love.
Once everyone is seated, we start eating.
Hatsumi-san doesn’t seem angry.
She’s silently eating her hamburg steak.
I eat my food while keeping an eye on her.
Surprisingly, Marino-san is a great cook.
When I honestly told her, “It’s even more delicious than the food I had at the hotel restaurant,” she happily replied with, “Nn, moo♪”.
Delicious.
The hamburg steak is especially amazing.
The handmade patty overflows with gravy, and when you put it in your mouth, it causes a massive flood of flavor.
“Actually, I was thinking of making Kousuke-kun’s favorite food, but… You said you eat everything, didn’t you?
That’s why I loaded the table with things Hatsumi likes.
Did you know?
Hatsumi’s palate is totally childish.”
Hearing this, Hatsumi-san shakes her head in a panic.
“Speaking of which, yesterday Hatsumi-san ate… karaage and omurice.”
Now that she mentions it, both of those are kids’ favorite dishes.
“Tsu!?”
Hatsumi-san glares at Marino-san, her face turning slightly red.
In the game, Hatsumi-san didn’t seem human at all, but she’s nothing like that in reality.
“But I love this kind of stuff too.
Hatsumi-san, if you have any recommended spots around here, please take me.”
“…”
Hatsumi-san eats without saying a word.
Well, she’ll probably take me along.
I’ll believe in that.
While I’m savoring the soup and feeling a bit better, Marino-san says, “Ah.” It seems she suddenly remembered something.
“That’s right.
Ludivine-chan is coming over tomorrow.”
“Heeh, really?
…Haaah?”
What did you just say?
“Probably after noon, so stay home, okay?”
Hold on, didn’t you just drop a bombshell with the same casual tone as saying, “I’ll be a little late tomorrow because of work”?
After dinner, I return to my room, deeply worried about tomorrow.
I certainly knew this day would come sooner or later, but I still haven’t been able to think of a single thing to do about it.
Let’s organize the situation for now.
Ludivine Marie-Ange De La Trefke, the second daughter of the Emperor of the Trefke Empire.
To that noblewoman, after saving her, I looked up her panties and touched her chest.
“…Death penalty.”
For now, I’ll do dogeza.
I would like to sincerely apologize to Her Imperial Highness Ludivine for all my disrespect.
If she doesn’t forgive me, there is no future for me.
Will she really forgive me with just that?
Let’s say.
Suppose a random woman suddenly touched my privates.
Could I forgive her?
In some cases, it’s a reward.
Unexpectedly, I might be forgiven, pow.
“As if that’s possible.”
While I’m thinking of various countermeasures, there’s a sudden knock on the door.
“Kousuke.”
“Hatsumi-san?
Come in.”
Hatsumi-san looks around the room and takes a deep breath.
I left out everything that seemed unnecessary, so I think the room is quite clean.
Naturally, I don’t have anything dangerous in here.
“What’s wrong?”
I call out to Hatsumi-san, who is staring fixedly at the room.
“No, nothing.
I just have something to ask you, Kousuke.”
“What?”
“…Kousuke, do you like older women?”
“Ha?”
“Does Kousuke like mature women?”
Well, what is she saying all of a sudden?
“Marino-san is basically an old lady, you know?”
“Can you explain in detail why you reached that conclusion?”
Well, I want you to sit down here.
And I want you to talk from the beginning.
“Because you seem very close to her.
I was wondering if you wanted to apply for the position of my new father.”
There’s no way that’s true.
And do you really think Marino-san would like her close relative’s son?
What kind of eroge is that?
If there is one, please let me know.
Of course, Marino-san is well within my strike zone, so there are various things… No, what am I even thinking?
“For now, that’s impossible.
And I think the way I interact with Marino-san is almost the same as how I interact with you, Hatsumi-san…”
“Because your words to me are so formal.”
Now that she mentions it, that might be true.
However.
“Marino-san gave me strict orders not to use keigo with her… Keigo is like a habit, it just slips out of my mouth on its own.”
If I use keigo with Marino-san, she puffs out her cheeks, so I have no choice.
Puffs out her cheeks?
Wait, how old is this woman again?
But it’s cute…
“You don’t need to use keigo with me either.
I want you to call me more familiarly.
You can call me Onee-chan.”
You want to be called Onee-chan?
I didn’t know why there were no events of you getting close to the protagonist in the game, but it seems you’re the type to break your established character, huh.
Well, leaving that aside.
I’d prefer to call you Nee-san.
‘Chan’ is embarrassing.
No, I’ll call you that.
“Uh… Understood.
Hatsumi-Nee-san.”
She nods with a fervent look, as if a fishbone were stuck in her throat.
I thought she would leave the room, but that wasn’t the case.
She just sat inside the room, we had a casual conversation, and the day ended.
Naturally, I didn’t prepare a single countermeasure for Ludi.