Chapter 46

The meal was enjoyable. It seems they brought proper kimchi stew from a decent restaurant. As expected, food tastes better when someone else makes it.

Doyugeon likewise ate with satisfaction, but his mood was downcast. It appeared he was upset about being kicked out just as things were about to get serious due to being a minor.

Thanks to this, I felt like I was sitting on thorns while eating, but the meal was indeed delicious. I’m seriously worried about my conscience.

I tried to awkwardly console him since he needed some words of comfort. Unfortunately, by the time we returned home, I hadn’t managed to say anything substantial because I couldn’t grasp how to comfort him. Since he was excluded due to being a minor, what kind of comfort could there be? “You’ll grow up soon, don’t worry.” Something like that? What is that? Isn’t that a curse?

After pacing around the room for a while and sighing, I gave up on worrying and decided to rather get some work done.

“Login.”

I’m concerned about Doyugeon, but that’s a different matter. Due to him not logging in, I have the leisure to log in first and look around. Since I was given permission, let’s log in. How much will have changed with the open beta?

The unpleasant sensation of space shifting came, and the scenery changed. As usual, it was the preparation room. There were various weapons in the corner, the hunting grounds’ door was ahead, and there was a gacha machine to the side.

The gacha machine was splendidly decorated with an open commemorative discount event, but ignoring it, not much had significantly changed. Several doors reduced to one, and the overall design became a bit more refined. But, considering the transition from the closed beta to the open beta, there aren’t any particularly large changes visible.

By chance, I looked behind and saw a door whose use I didn’t know. What’s this?

“Schrödinger, come out and take a look.”

I called out, waited for a moment, but the white cat didn’t even show the tip of its nose. Recently, it hasn’t been coming even when called. What’s it doing? I had planned to interrogate why Yumina became a magical girl, but still haven’t put it into action. You’re around when unnecessary, and not around when needed. Useless.

When I imagine what’s on the other side of the door, there are notions like lava spouting out or it leading to outer space and getting sucked in. But since imagination is one thing and there haven’t been such incidents according to Doyugeon thus far, there’s no need to worry about such trivial matters. Productivity is dropping. Honestly speaking, opening this door might lead to something typical for a game like an auction house or training grounds. Sounds reasonable.

This door is quite different in design compared to the one that leads to the hunting grounds. It feels more refined. Hmm…

I discarded useless thoughts and opened the door to walk inside.

The first thing I saw was a dragon curled up and sleeping. Although its size was large, it wasn’t overwhelming enough to dominate the colossal chamber. There was a strong feeling that waking it wouldn’t end well.

In front of the dragon was what looked like a small lake, but calling it a lake felt strange since it was a pool of red liquid.

As I moved my gaze to the ceiling where changes appeared, I saw letters.

[Connection confirmed with Gratitude Officer #109. Please proceed with gratitude.]

What…? What is this place? I seem to have come to the wrong spot. It feels as if I’ve turned into the cat in the proverb “Curiosity killed the cat.”

―Hello Master! Would you like an explanation?

When I looked down, there was Schrödinger. I don’t know when it appeared. It was nowhere to be seen earlier when I called.

“No.”

―I knew you would say that!

The voice was cheerful.

I’m not exactly sure what this place is, but I should return. When I turned around to leave, there was neither a door nor any passage. What is this? It’s quite perplexing.

“How do I—”

Above the red expanse, which seemed more like a lake, a magic circle formed, and a person sprang out. I thought it might be a magical girl due to the déjà vu, but the person instantly fell into the lake after the teleportation. Air bubbles rose to the surface of the lake and disappeared.

I’ve definitely come to the wrong place.

―Would you like an explanation?

“No.”

―About how to leave?

“That would be helpful.”

―It’s simple. Log out!

What is that? That’s easy. I thought I had to escape from a room puzzle or something.

“Since I have many things to ask, follow me.”

―That thing?

Schrödinger pointed with its paw to the lake. Just then, a magic circle emerged again, and someone who appeared was covered in blood and fell into the lake. Hmm, uh…

“No. I want to know why Yumina became a magical girl and if this door to enter only exists for me.”

―Then let me explain it here. I’m busy right now.

“Were you busy earlier when I couldn’t call you no matter what?”

―It’s obvious! Unlike you, I’m a busy being. I can’t keep being bothered by trivial requests.

“It’s not trivial for Yumina to become a magical girl. The last time I asked people around her if there were any issues, they said there weren’t any.”

―It was unavoidable. It’s impossible to always protect Yumina when she wanders at night. I am truly a busy body.

“So, it was safer to let her use magic as a magical girl?”

―Yes!

What does that mean?

“Being a magical girl is more dangerous, isn’t it.”

―But there’s a separate countermeasure in place. One of Yumina’s fellow magical girls uses space-time magic. Through an agreement, I’ve secretly entrusted her with protecting Yumina!

As I waited for a supplementary explanation, Schrödinger just silently stared at me. Amidst the silence, the sound of someone falling into the lake echoed.

“And more?”

―Oh? I missed that explanation. That magical girl pays a price but can rewind time. Even if Yumina dies, we can turn it into something that never happened, once.

What? That’s a cheat!

“Seriously?”

―Yes!

If such magic exists, shouldn’t you be the God of capitalism?

“Are you serious?”

―Do you really think I’m that untrustworthy?

I nodded.

―That’s too harsh.

…

The sound of writing was scribble-scribble. Today, I’m studying with Doyugeon at the library. Strictly speaking, it’s only Doyugeon studying. I, on the other hand, am aimlessly thumbing through random books.

Doyugeon has been seriously solving problems since a while ago without any jokes. I keep staring to see how long his concentration will last, but he is still solely focused on the problems. This is a good situation.

But why is he studying so hard? Even though it might sound too harsh to evaluate him, normally Doyugeon starts studying when exams approach. He doesn’t completely ignore studying, but only starts properly studying when it gets urgent.

Yet, summer vacation is just around the corner, and I heard there are no academy exams coming soon. Still, Doyugeon suggested studying at the library today. Why?

Doyugeon must have noticed my gaze because he looked up.

“Why?”

“What are you planning to do this summer vacation?”

“Summer vacation…”

The boy tapped his pen as he continued speaking.

“Catching up on overdue studies?”

Why?

“Why does it have to be studying?”

“It’s summer vacation.”

“Studying is good though.”

“But even during summer vacation, taking some rest is necessary too. What if burnout sets in?”

Doyugeon chuckled.

“It’s unnecessary worry.”

No, it’s legitimate concern.

He’s lost it.

I guess I need to provide him with some kind of break.

Yumina face-planted on her desk and slapped the coffee cup. After checking the picture taken, she smiled contentedly.

“Done! This is new and fantastical!”

“You’re working hard for nothing.”

What gratification does someone get from posting such things on social media?

She lifted the espresso and gently blew on it before carefully sipping it.

“How is it? Isn’t the coffee good?”

Yumina asked with high expectations. Even with such an eye-catching gaze, I have nothing to comment on. After sipping the coffee again, I started to savor the taste. Hmm.

“Not really…”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“If I had to pick something, the coffee lacks milk.”

“Of course! It’s espresso, you know!”

“That’s what I’m saying. Why is it espresso?”

“Taste it in terms of coffee. The beans here are from the latest trendy brand.”

Yumina pointed out different places around the cafe. Everywhere she pointed had stickers or products with the same character. According to her, this character isn’t for the cafe itself, but for the brand selling the coffee beans.

“That’s interesting. Even though it’s not a chain cafe, they have managed to dominate the space with brand recognition.”

“That’s not the point!”

“But still, why do you expect me to evaluate something when I don’t know much about coffee flavors?”

“You drink coffee every day and claim you don’t know coffee? That’s a lie. You do.”

I sighed.

“Alright, caught me. Let me evaluate it properly.”

“Really? You were lying?”

After appreciating the coffee’s aroma, I took another serious sip.

“Hmm. The coffee is quite good, but in the homogenized coffee bean market, there is something missing here.”

“What’s missing?”

“Milk! Why is it espresso? Where’s the cappuccino?”

Yumina drank the coffee with a cold expression.

“Young lady needs to enjoy coffee more.”

“I already have caffeine addiction.”

“That’s not what I meant…”

We exchanged casual banter.

Then, Yumina casually threw a question.

“So, why did we meet today?”

“If someone hears that, they might think we only meet when we need each other for something.”

“I don’t, but you do.”

“What does that make me to you?”

“Positively expressed, you’re a strange young lady.”

“Really, is that a positive expression? Oh well, I guess it is. Anyway, I have something to consult about.”

“You see? You fit the description.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Well, I have something to consult. Doyugeon seems lacking in energy lately.”

“Hmm, that doesn’t seem true to me?”

“It looks that way, but precisely because he seems fine on the outside, he seems to lack energy.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means he looks fine, but he’s not fine. He suddenly started studying, you know.”

“That’s good though, right?”

“It happened suddenly, so that’s why. A good action should move by good motives, but if it’s out of despair, what then?”

“Seriously, you overthink things.”

“So, I feel I should help him change moods. Any suggestions?”

Yumina clapped her hands.

“It’s simple! Let’s go out together!”

“I dislike going out.”

Walking around would be tiring. Moreover, popular tourist spots would be crowded, making it doubly exhausting.

“Well, give me a fresh proposal.”

“Alright, announce in front of Doyugeon that you will start a romance. It’ll be a definite mood changer.”

“That’s a terrible idea.”

Yumina sipped her coffee, puffing her cheeks out.

“Young lady. I’m not a genie. What exactly are you asking for?”

To be honest, I had something in mind.

“I’m not into going out, but places we frequently visit might be okay.”

“Where do you frequently visit?”

“During the vacation, my parents drag me to a villa. It’s quiet and peaceful, great for rest. Better than home, but not bad if it’s there.”

“Oh, haven’t you been thinking of mentioning it?”

“Because it’s an island.”

“So, what? Did you guess wrong?”

Yumina came closer and giggled.

“No, it’s different. It’s my privately-owned island. How should I bring it up?”

“Whoa… I didn’t expect that. Hmm… Just invite him. He can adapt to such situations easily. After all, we’ve been childhood friends for years, haven’t we?”

“No, not really.”

“Why are you hesitant at this point?”

“I need a graceful excuse.”

“You mean an excuse? Instead, what about a situation where no excuse is needed?”

“How does that look?”

“If you invite someone to spontaneously join an unplanned trip, you might need a reason, but if it’s an already-planned trip, there’s no need for any reason. If you say we were preparing to go with friends but decided to invite Doyugeon this time, would a reason even be needed?”

Wow, this is the advice from someone who has many friends and travels often.

“I don’t have friends.”

This isn’t helpful at all.

“Our young lady, what are you saying? We’re here. Let’s take this opportunity to show off the island.”

“Alright.”

Yumina looked surprised.

“Sorry, the response was too quick. This feels manipulated.”

“If you caught onto it, it’d probably be better not to dwell on it.”

“You look graceful but inside you’re not at all, are you?”

“Is there anything new about that? Bring anyone you want when you come.”

“Anyone?”

“Someone who won’t hurt my feelings.”

“That’s too demanding…”

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