Magical Girl and Hot Pot
After leaving the tea party venue, I was teleported while being exposed to curious gazes.
Fortunately, no one approached me to talk, but the sound of cameras clicking a few times was concerning. All I can do is pray that my identity remains hidden.
It’s been a while since I’ve come back to Thalagong’s house.
Impressive as it may be, due to its remote mountain location, the snow here is quite intense, but staying inside should be fine.
“Is there anything you’d like to eat?”
“I wouldn’t mind anything warm.”
While battling as a magical girl might keep me warm, when not transformed, the cold really seeps into my bones. There’s heating inside the house, but I still crave something warm to eat.
Preferably, something slightly spicy would be ideal.
Though I’m not fond of holding hands with Thalagong, right now it feels comforting. It must be her ability; she has a high body temperature.
“Warm food… curry would take too long, and udon seems a bit bland, so how about hot pot?”
“I’ll leave it up to you.”
“Then, shall I cook it?”
As she spoke, someone appeared behind us.
Well, I could recognize who it was from her voice, but how did she get here?
When Thalagong turned around, I too was spun halfway around her.
Fleur stood there, bags hanging from both arms, revealing a large amount of ingredients.
“…It’s fine if you’re not busy, but are you okay with work?”
“Probably fine~ Due to the destruction-oriented faction, most of the designated extermination species we’ve seen have disappeared, and lately, we’ve had more guarding jobs anyway~”
I don’t know what the magical girls referred to as ‘designated extermination species’ are doing, but perhaps the monsters causing trouble are better than us causing trouble ourselves. Maybe they’re doing nothing, or possibly being culled by the destruction faction. Or maybe some have been captured and absorbed.
In any case, this quiet period feels like the calm before the storm.
“It’s fine if you’re not busy, but what did you buy?”
“I got various winter delicacies. It’s cold, so let me intrude for a bit, alright?”
“That makes sense. I’ll melt the snow around the house, so please go ahead and enter.”
Since I teleported onto a snowy surface and almost got buried, it’s best to let Thalagong handle melting the snow lest I accidentally damage the house.
The news had mentioned the heavy snowfall, but I had a small taste of it.
The path from the surroundings to the house was quickly melted, but everything else is still covered in snow, creating a wintry scene.
“Understood. Shall we go then?”
With Thalagong handling the snow removal, I parted ways with her and entered the house with Fleur. For some reason, it felt familiar, as if I knew her before transforming.
The house is as clean as ever, though I wonder if someone came to clean it amidst all this snow?
As Fleur placed the bags on the kitchen counter, her whole body glowed, and her transformation dissolved. In her transformed state, she had green hair tied into a ponytail, but now it’s black semi-long hair.
Her gentle and somewhat fluffy aura remains unchanged.
“Inie, you can also dissolve your transformation if you wish.”
Personally, I’d prefer to wait until the room warms up a bit more, but there’s nothing to be done.
“Oh, you’re wearing cute clothes!”
Now that she mentions it, I’m still wearing Tamake’s clothes. By the way, the hoodie I wore initially is still drying at Tamake’s house.
I’ll need to pick it up later.
Ideally, I’d like to change, but Acma is busy with chores, so it wouldn’t be fair to ask her.
Anyway, since I won’t be going out in public, this will suffice for now.
“Borrowed these from an acquaintance. I forgot my name.”
“Yes? And what’s your name?”
“For now, Haruna Hazawa.”
There are others like Shiro Hazama and Fūru, but here, I go by this name. The list of aliases grows, but there’s nothing to be done about it.
“Haruna, huh? I am Makoto’s… sister? Predecessor? Kozono Yao. Feel free to call me mom.”
…Where exactly is this casual?
“Understood. Ms. Kozono.”
“Oh, you’re naughty~”
This is yet another new type of person. From afar, she seems pleasant, but getting involved with her feels exhausting.
“Alright, I’m done. So, what are you planning to make?”
“Welcome back. How about sukiyaki?”
Sukiyaki, huh? The last time I ate it was three years ago when a client treated me. It’s delicious, but not something you eat alone, so it’s been a while.
“Is sukiyaki fine for Haruna?”
“It’s fine.”
“Good. Since Yao and I are cooking, why don’t you take a bath first?”
Hmm, that’s a good idea.
The “bath” here refers to a hot spring, and given how tired I am now, it will surely feel wonderful. With two people cooking dinner, there’s no worry about interruptions, and I can change clothes too.
Personally, I’d prefer eating first and then bathing, but I can always bathe again later.
“Understood. I’ll go in first.”
“The room should still be tidy, but please check once. Oh, this isn’t fairy realm cattle. Why didn’t you buy better meat?”
“Hmm? I thought I bought Akagi beef, but did I make a mistake? Sorry~”
“Well, there’s nothing to be done about it…”
…Among sisters, she seems to be the incompetent kind.
Following her advice, I’ll head to my room to fetch some clothes before entering the bath.
Upon entering the room, which hasn’t changed much since the last time I was here… no, the numbers indicating the quantity of clothes written on the drawers and wardrobes have increased. Did they keep buying clothes while I was away?
Since there’s no need to look, I rummage through the chest where I privately store the clothes I personally purchased.
If my memory serves, there should be a few hoodies and tracksuits, but something’s off.
“Ah, I’m exhausted. What are you doing?”
Apparently, she’s finished for now, but I’m currently preoccupied with finding clothes for the bath.
(I’m looking for the clothes I stored away for the bath, but I can’t find them.)
I briefly recount my return home to Acma.
(Fleur—forget about Yao for now—but were you set up somehow?)
—Indeed.
Thalagong, who usually tries every trick in the book to join me in the bath, wouldn’t suggest such a considerate thing.
I doubt she disposed of them, but it seems she hid the clothes I bought… well played.
Even after checking the closet and drawers thoroughly, all I find are cute outfits.
(You might as well give up. It’s not like you’re going to die or anything.)
True, but I still have reservations about wearing women’s clothing. Ideally, I’d prefer pants and a shirt, but Acma finds this bothersome too.
The compromise was hoodies and tracksuits.
At least searching for something normal, I found a single hoodie.
(…Are you going to wear that? If you’re going to wear that, regular clothes might be better, don’t you think?)
That settles it, but wearing this feels like a loss. Surely, wearing skirts or dresses would be less embarrassing than being mocked.
(Still, I’m wearing this. Being laughed at is better than smirks.)
‘If Haruna wants, that’s fine, but don’t forget to bring underwear too.’
(Acknowledged.)
This hoodie was chosen by Mika.
I bought it while acting as Ayame, but since no one knows about that, there’s no issue. It’s an animal-themed hoodie with bunny ears and a tail, but I’ll endure it this time.
Carrying the full set of clothes, I enter the changing area, quickly undress, and step into the bath.
As a precaution, I lock the door with ice.
Sitting on a chair before the shower, Acma emerges from within me and starts washing me.
Despite eating quite a bit, I haven’t grown at all due to blood loss and resting.
I feel my chest has slightly expanded, but I have no knowledge about adolescent girls and don’t intend to investigate.
It feels awkward for an adult to inquire about a girl’s development.
If Acma weren’t present, I might investigate, but I don’t know what she’d say if I did while she’s here.
Being washed like this reminds me of cars.
Back then, I often drove and always washed my car afterward.
I miss those days.
“I’m done washing.”
“Thank you very much.”
In exchange for being washed, I wash Acma.
Together, we soak in the bathtub.
Nothing beats a hot spring in winter.
“Ah, hot springs are great~”
Due to Acma floating in the hot spring, her hair spreads out like seaweed.
I’d love to float too, but I’m not a child anymore, so I refrain.
“Please be careful not to overheat.”
“I know.”
Though I have many things to say to Thalagong, being able to enjoy the hot spring whenever I want is certainly appreciated.
Before Acma overheats, we rise, thoroughly dry our hair and bodies, and try on the infamous hoodie.
It looks terrible, but being expensive, it feels exceptionally comfortable.
Wearing animal-themed clothing feels like childhood nostalgia. Women aside, men rarely wear such things.
Exiting the changing room, I’m greeted by the enticing aroma of food.
I stayed in the bath longer than usual, but it seems dinner is almost ready?
“I’m done.”
“You’re done. We’re just finishing up…”
Thalagong freezes upon seeing my outfit.
“My goodness, how adorable! Come on, Makoto, stop standing there and start serving already.”
“—Fine. Though the plan failed, I won the bet, so it’s alright. Haruna, please sit and wait.”
Avoiding the grinning pair, I sit down.
To be honest, outright laughter would be more relieving…
Everything is already prepared, including the hot pot and side dishes.
‘Sure enough, it seems like I was set up.’
(‘They mentioned a plan, so it seems so. I should be more skeptical of Thalagong.’)
Well, since I was allowed to use the hot spring, I forgive most things. Besides, they’ve even arranged my legal registration, so I owe them.
Drinking the juice casually placed by Yao, I await the meal as the pot begins to boil.
Bringing additional meats and small dishes, the two finally sit, completing the preparations.
“Let’s begin.”
“Itadakimasu.”
Mmm, the leeks are sweet and delicious. The spring chrysanthemum leaves are refreshing too.
“Eat some meat too, not just vegetables.”
“Yes.”
Of course, I’ll eat the meat, but I prefer starting with vegetables.
It allows me to taste the broth and is gentler on the stomach.
“How touching that Makoto became an older sister~”
“No, don’t say that, Yao?”
Despite living in such a rural area, Thalagong seems to have a wide social circle. As Makoto, she gets along well with the waterfolk, and as Thalagong, she maintains good relationships with various magical girls besides just top-tier ones.
She’s the complete opposite of me, who dislikes socializing.
By the way, so far, I’ve only eaten vegetables, Thalagong has balanced her intake, and Fleur is focused solely on the meat.
The meat is said to be from the Fairy Realm, but it tastes pretty standard.
Frankly, I don’t have strong preferences when it comes to meat, so as long as it’s edible, that’s fine.
Thalagong complained a bit, but probably because we’re close friends.
Fleur also showed a slightly troubled smile but didn’t seem displeased.
With three people present, dinner was livelier than usual, and we enjoyed coffee afterward.
“Really, you’re so scatterbrained. Next time, please check the names properly before buying.”
“Understood. I’ll be more careful next time.”
Though I didn’t contribute during the meal, I feel a slight sense of guilt. However, forcing myself to help would cause more inconvenience, so all I can do is sit and wait.
“By the way, what happened to the clothes I bought?”
“They’re in my room, so you can take them later.”
“Understood.”
If the clothes were in Thalagong’s room, there’s no way I would have found them no matter how much I searched…
“Still, you are such a good child~ It must be tough, but keep going.”
It is tough, but it’s a decision I made.
“Haruna’s restrictions have already been lifted, so you’re free to move around. But for now, take it easy. As your older sister, I’ll take care of your duties.”
While simulations are one thing, I must avoid real combat for a while. Although I don’t think witches will act immediately, it would be unwise to risk dying.
“Then I’ll take my leave. Let’s have dinner together again sometime.”
“Thanks for bringing the ingredients. Aren’t you meeting Blade next?”
“Yes. There’s still some time, but it’s safer to move early. See you again.”
With a light wave, Fleur transformed and teleported away.
While it’s convenient, I should inquire about that now.
“What’s your relationship with Ms. Kozono?”
“With Yao? Hmm… roughly speaking, she’s like a senior or an older sister?”
We’re saying the same thing, but Thalagong sounds reluctant.
“Is that so? What does she seem like from your perspective as an older sister?”
“Natural, perhaps stubborn, and despite seeming laid-back, actually quite reliable. Was something happening while I was gone?”
“No, I was just curious.”
Thinking about taking another bath, I suddenly feel sleepy. Talking more than usual and eating a full meal must be the cause.
I should be able to resist a little drowsiness, but this body makes it difficult. Before nodding off, I should head to bed.
“Do you look sleepy? Are you alright?”
“Sorry, I think I’ll sleep.”
“Don’t push yourself, rest well. I’ll be out tonight until the day after tomorrow, so eat casually. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Stumbling slightly, I head to Thalagong’s room, grab the suitcase with my clothes, and make my way back to my own room.
Somehow managing to return without collapsing, I flop onto the bed and immediately drift off to sleep.
“Good night, Haruna.”
(Yeah… good… night…)
Magical Girl Name: Inny Flowering
(Japan) Ranking: 15th
Age: 11 years
Weapon: Staff
Ability: Magic + Healing (Capable of entering barriers). Other details classified and removed.
Kill Count:
SS+: 1
S: 11
A: 4
B: 50
C: 70
D: 20
E and below: 0
Notes:
Falsely accused by the Magic Bureau and marked for extermination, but after the upper echelons of the bureau collapsed and the injustice was revealed, the designation was rescinded. The kills prior to the rescission are uncounted, but the results were reported, allowing for a ranking increase.
Details regarding her transformation abilities have been erased and remain classified, thus unknown. However, it is theorized that in her mysterious transformed state, she possesses capabilities worthy of a top-tier fighter.
She has been sighted walking hand-in-hand with her sister, Thalagong, leading to rumors that she may have been captured by Thalagong.
Though not Inny’s fault, due to resentment from certain magical girls, one can only hope her future endeavors remain unaffected.
