After defeating the Afancs, we decided to return to the base for now.

I had not felt anything when we left, but when entering the barrier, there was a sensation like sinking into water.

I watched the companions who had never experienced it before react in surprise, and we returned inside the barrier.

“Man, Serina’s barrier was amazing!”

As she climbed down from Mashiro, Shouko looked back on the battle from earlier.

“...From my perspective, Shouko, who can command phantasmal beasts, and Shijo, who can use magic like that, are amazing too.”

“Thank you, Yumekai. But this battle was much easier because of you. I believe that is what Shouko was impressed by as well.”

Minori said that.

“...Oh. Then praise Kuno for coming up with the plan.”

“Mm. One daily ‘as expected, Sousuke.’”

Don’t say it like “one good deed a day.”

“Actually, Sousuke is really good at bringing out people’s strengths. Even if I like cooking, I can’t show what I’m capable of unless Sousuke prepares all sorts of things for me.”

Shion joined in too.

“I believe Lady Shion is correct. I had thought of my own ability as something meant only to help me provide higher-quality service, but by combining it with his own ability, Master elevated it into a means of delighting his companions.”

Roa followed.

“That is true. Sousuke was the one who taught me that my power could be useful for gathering as well.”

“I get it, I get it. I never would’ve imagined summoning sheep and then getting wool from them either.”

Even Minori and Shouko...

No matter how many times I experienced it, being praised made me happy, but it also embarrassed me.

“...Mm. Me too... I... I don’t think I would’ve learned Energy Up if I’d been alone. That was thanks to So-kun.”

Chiyu, yours is kind of different from everyone else’s.

For one thing, that spell was one you only used on me.

“Chiyu, you don’t have to force something out.”

“I’m not forcing it. I’ve known for a long time that So-kun is good at finding the best parts of people.”

Chiyu said it in a serious tone, which left me with no choice but to accept it.

“R-right... Thank you.”

Micron rubbed her cheek against me too, as if trying to tell me something.

“She says Sousuke’s ‘head-patting skill’ is high too.”

Shouko translated for her.

“Ahaha, I see. Good girl, good girl. Thanks again this morning.”

I gave Micron plenty of petting.

After that, we went back inside the house, and free time began.

Shion and Roa went to the kitchen, Minori to her room to study, Shouko to the living room to come up with ideas for the next fluffy creature, and Chiyu and I played games in the living room.

I had assumed Yumekai would either stay near Shouko or hole up in her room, but apparently # Nоvеlight # she was going to sit on the sofa and watch me play.

I was a little curious about that, but I started playing right away.

“This healer’s breasts are way too big.”

After I had made some progress and the healer joined the party, Chiyu said that.

They certainly were huge, but Chiyu was not losing either.

“Think she’ll give you any ideas for Healing Magic?”

“Maybe. I’ll remember it. While I’m at it, I’ll learn the big-breasted mage’s magic too and teach it to Mino.”

“That sounds good too.”

After her first time with me, Chiyu had learned Painkiller.

In other words, separately from magic proficiency, some spells were unlocked through experience.

Though maybe I should have realized that back when she learned Energy Up.

Maybe they unlocked in response to need, or maybe prior knowledge could help.

On this deserted island, touching games like this had practical benefits beyond just being fun.

“...That path on the right. There’s a treasure chest.”

Soon after I entered a dungeon, Yumekai muttered that.

“Oh, thanks.”

“...Not that it matters.”

“Do you like games too, Yumekai?”

I spoke to Yumekai while keeping my eyes on the screen.

“...Sometimes. Ones I can play alone.”

“Ah, I get that. There are a lot of them these days, but I’m not good with games that have player-versus-player elements either. The moment I sense a ‘person’ on the other side of the screen, I just can’t deal with it.”

“...I get that. Win or lose, they talk trash, and the second they find out you’re a girl, their attitude changes. Lots of them are annoying.”

I see. Girls had that kind of thing to deal with too.

Of course, there were probably plenty of people who enjoyed those games in a healthy way, but once competition got involved, it was also true that many people got heated.

Some people could fit into that kind of mood, and some people could not.

“But So-kun likes Persimmon Rail.”

“Games you play with friends only are the exception. If it’s with people I know well, even some trash talk and insults can be funny. Actually, just hearing the title makes me want to play it.”

“Want to bring it back today? We can use my selection and get more controllers.”

If we went to the bonus area, that would be possible.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. Of coursity-course.”

“...That’s Shouko’s thing. The one that completely failed to catch on in class.”

Yumekai reacted in a low voice.

“It’s starting to catch on a little here.”

“You’re kidding...”

“Hey, Serina? Don’t say it didn’t catch on.”

Apparently Shouko, who had been thinking up fluffy creatures, heard us and came over.

“No, everyone just let it slide because you were the one saying it. They were all thinking, ‘What is she talking about?’”

“N-no they weren’t...!”

“Ah, yeah. There are people who can suddenly say weird things and get away with it, and people who can’t.” 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

For example, if I said “of coursity-course” in the classroom, the mood would absolutely turn strange.

When Shouko said it, it created a small laugh, or a warm atmosphere, or the conversation just kept going.

It was not about unfairness. It probably had to do with all sorts of factors, like the atmosphere the person created and the relationship with the other person.

“Shouko is definitely on the side that gets away with it.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“What is that supposed to mean? Are you praising me...?”

Shouko gave Yumekai and me a flat stare.

“We are, we are. This party runs smoothly because you’re here, Shouko.”

Chiyu had actively promoted the harem in an effort to strengthen the party’s unity.

Shouko, with her bright personality, lifted the mood inside the party, while her broad connections and approachability helped new companions settle in smoothly.

Both were people the party could not do without.

After all, Shion opening up to me and Yumekai agreeing to the deal both had a great deal to do with their relationships with Shouko.

“Hmm...? Well, if you say so, fine.”

Shouko looked as if she did not entirely mind.

“More importantly, something smells good.”

Just as Chiyu said, a sweet scent was definitely drifting in.

“Sniff, sniff... These are cookies!”

Shouko reacted with startling speed.

“Hehe, they’re fresh from the oven.”

“I shall go call Lady Minori.”

Shion came into the living room, and Roa went to call Minori.

I saved the game, paused it, and stood up.

“Oh, right. Yumekai, you can play too, if you want.”

“...I’ll just accept the thought.”

For a moment, she seemed to waver, but Yumekai declined.

—Ah, she’s thinking about debts again.

I wanted to respect the way she thought, but it also seemed like she was being too reserved.

Well, this might be something we could not do anything about until we became a little closer.

“Serina, you have to eat the cookies, okay? Snacks are treated the same as meals.”

“Mm. Basic treatment for party members.”

“Yes. I want you to eat them too.”

“...Fine.”

“I see. Then games are basic treatment for party members too.”

“No, those were obtained using Kuno’s right.”

Hmm. This was pretty difficult.