Good Work, Everyone

It was a bit late for this, but I had to wonder—where exactly was Kagura’s house?

I’d heard the party was being held at the home of Kagura... or rather, Tsubaki Kanna. I’d heard that the house was somewhere on Mount Takao. The problem was, I’d completely forgotten to ask for the actual address. I’d been told it was on the mountain, but I’d failed to get any specifics.

"It's easy to find!" she’d told me. But there was no way I was going to find a single house in a place this vast.

...I guess I’ll just ask Shiki.

There was no point in agonizing over it. I gave up immediately and sent a message to Shiki, who informed me the place was right at the summit. I decided to have Luna carry me the rest of the way.

"Alright, we're here. Is everyone else... already inside?"

I sensed everyone’s presence in the plaza at the summit and headed toward them. As I approached, Kaiser—dressed in black casual clothes—spotted me and waved.

"Hm? Oh, my friend Reima! You’ve arrived safely, I see!"

"Goro, you’re too loud for this early in the day. Reima, I’m glad you made it. I was about to send someone to come get you."

"It hasn't even been five minutes since I said I was on my way," I noted. "Your wolf is way too fast, man."

"Luna is my pride and joy," I replied. "More importantly, where’s Tsubaki’s house?"

"Over there. See that huge thing?"

Shiki gestured with his chin. I looked, and my eyes widened. It was a samurai-style estate so massive I thought it was a theme park. I couldn't even guess how many normal houses could fit inside that footprint. To a commoner like me, it looked like the kind of place I’d be arrested just for looking at.

"Wait, we're going in there?"

"Well, yeah. That’s Tsubaki’s place."

...Really?

"Seriously. Come on, we’re keeping her waiting."

I am not prepared for this...

Despite my reservations, I knew it was rude to keep everyone waiting. I had Luna shift back into her human form and followed the group into the colossal mansion.

"Welcome, everyone! I hope you did not lose your way, degozaru!"

"Well, I’ve been here plenty of times. I was worried about Reima, but he seems to have managed."

"Hmm... is my friend perhaps directionally challenged?"

"It’s practically a talent," Shiki remarked. "He’ll head in the opposite direction as a matter of course."

"That is... quite impressive."

"The maps are just too complicated," I defended myself. "I can find my way fine once I’ve actually been to a place."

I should probably clarify: it wasn't that I was "bad" with directions; I just couldn't reach a new destination on the first try. I was just terrible at reading maps. Even in the other world, I’d relied entirely on my comrades. Once I’d visited a location, I had [Teleport], so I’d managed to get by.

"Regardless, the food is ready, so let us eat! I have much to tell you, and there is a childhood friend I wish for you to meet, degozaru."

"Oh, right. Who is this person you wanted us to meet? You were being pretty secretive about it."

"I apologize, but that was at her own request. She mentioned she would be a little late as she needed time to prepare, degozaru."

"Someone who actually wants to meet me... she must be an eccentric."

If she was an acquaintance of Tsubaki’s, I trusted her well enough, but I couldn’t imagine what business a stranger would have with me. I’d been told she was a foreigner, which made the connection even more baffling. Maybe she’s one of those people who refuses to acknowledge me as an S-Rank? No, Tsubaki wouldn't introduce me to someone like that.

Lost in thought, I walked down a hallway lined with decorations that looked far too expensive to touch. We eventually reached Tsubaki’s private room, where we were greeted by a spread of food that would make a Manchu Han Imperial Feast look like a light snack.

"Wait... we’re supposed to eat all this?"

"Is it not enough? I can have them prepare more, degozaru..."

As Tsubaki happily began introducing the various dishes, I leaned in and whispered to the others. They all looked back at me with dead eyes.

"Guys... isn't this a bit much?"

"Ah, I’m glad you still have some common sense, my friend," Kaiser muttered.

"Reima... after a meal with Tsubaki, you have to go on a strict diet," Shiki whispered.

"If Valkyria were not here, we would all be obese. And since she does this out of the goodness of her heart, it is incredibly difficult to refuse."

"Right... I think I’ll call Sol and the others."

Before us sat a table long enough to belong in a Hollywood movie, and it was piled high with mountains of food. It was far beyond what a normal group of humans could consume. I figured if I called out some of my [Summoned Beasts], we might stand a chance.

"[Summon]: Algol, Lycoris, Sol... and Behiko."

These four were relatively efficient with mana and had substantial appetites, so I figured they were the best choices. However, Shiki gave me a look as they appeared.

"You really do have nothing but beautiful girls, don't you? Aren't Summoned Beasts supposed to be, you know... beasts?"

"They’re a bit of an exception. Honestly, even I don't know why Behemoth looks like that."

"This is my original form," Behiko grumbled. "I only took the beast form because my mother told me to."

"I see... So, as your best friend, who’s the frontrunner?"

"There isn't one. Why would I look at my precious comrades that way?"

"Life is hard for you, isn't it, Luna-chan?" Shiki sighed.

"I wonder if this dense Master will ever change..." Lycoris added.

I felt like they were being unnecessarily harsh, but we sat down to eat regardless. Despite the overwhelming quantity, the food was spectacular. My Summons—who were used to the cuisine of another world—ate with sparkling eyes, which was a relief to see.

"Ah, I’m going to go grab some water."

"I shall get it for you, degozaru!"

"No, it’s fine. I can find the kitchen."

"If you insist... It is just down this hall and to the right, degozaru."

I thanked her and stepped out. It took me about six minutes to actually find the kitchen, which was fine—the problem was the return trip. The hallways were so identical that I was lost within seconds.

This is pathetic.

Deciding to "cheat" just this once, I used mana detection to locate the others and headed back to the room.

---

"Everyone, close your eyes, degozaru! Especially Goro and Shiki!"

"What happened, Laura?"

"Gah! Stop trying to stab my eyes! Who is that?!"

"Bandanas are the best... I’m so glad I had this on, seriously."

"F-Fueh... someone... kill... me..."

"Why are you here?!"

Just as I approached Tsubaki’s room, I felt the unmistakable ripple of teleportation magic. Suddenly, the air was filled with panicked shouting. Worried that something had gone wrong, I rushed inside.

The scene was pure chaos.

"Reima-dono, now is a bad—"

"Alright. I’m going to die. Thank you for everything, Tsubaki."

Kaiser was writhing as Algol’s snakes snapped at his eyes; Shiki was desperately pulling his bandana down to shield his vision. And there, standing in the middle of the room, was a former comrade I hadn't seen since my time in the other world.

She was wearing nothing but a single apron.

Her pure silver hair caught the light, and her deep crimson eyes were brimming with tears of pure humiliation. The moment she saw me, she seemed to accept her fate. She used her ability to manifest a blood-red dagger—and pressed it against her own throat.

"Wait, wait, wait! Hold on, Laura! Calm down! I didn't see anything, I swear!"

"That’s a blatant lie, Master," Luna said with dead eyes.

"Wow, this is chaotic! How fun!" Sol chirped, happily stuffing her face.

Sol and Luna were taking this very differently, but as for me, I just wanted someone—anyone—to explain what the hell was going on.