In just a few more days, the year would end. We didn't have any particular plans, so we were just idling away the time at home... but honestly, I wondered if we were being a bit too lazy.
"Haaah... this thing called a kotatsu is incredible... it's so warm..."
"It really is. Amelia-chan is totally hooked on it too..."
"Ehehe. I suppose I am..."
Apparently, it was an item imported from The East. My parents had been keeping it for experimental use as a favor to some work connections, and now the girls were completely obsessed with it.
When I woke up this morning, I found Amelia and Stella already nestled inside the kotatsu, taking it easy. Seeing their hopelessly slack expressions, the warmth must have been divine. It had been getting particularly cold lately, after all.
"Come on, Ray, you get in too!"
Prompted by Amelia, I decided to join them. The inside was quite toasty, and I could certainly see why they’d surrendered to its charms.
"Oh. Everyone is lounging around so early in the morning, I see."
Rebecca-senpai joined us as well, sliding into an empty spot.
"Phew... this is wonderfully warm."
It seemed she took a liking to it as well. However, I knew this state of affairs wouldn't last long. That was because...
"Alright! So, let's all go outside and play today!"
Stella suddenly stood up, puffing out her small chest as she made the declaration. It was just like Stella to want to go out and play even in the dead of winter. I had already expected this.
"Alright. Let's go."
As I climbed out of the kotatsu, I immediately began to prepare. Rebecca-senpai followed suit to help, but...
Amelia alone remained still, resting her chin on the table and refusing to budge.
"Ehh... it's cold, so let's just stay here. I can't let go of this warmth. It's so cozy..."
Since she was being stubborn, I figured there was no helping it and intended for the three of us to go, but Rebecca-senpai moved a little closer to her.
"Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Amelia-san, you should stay in this kotatsu all by yourself. Right, Ray-san?"
Since she addressed me, I decided to agree for the time being.
"Well, I won't force you. Amelia, we'll see you later then."
But as I turned to leave, something gripped my sleeve tightly. Looking back, I saw Amelia—who had escaped the kotatsu before I even realized it—staring up at me.
"...I'm going. I'm going too!"
In the end, the four of us headed out. Outside, the accumulated snow was starting to thin out thanks to several days of clear weather. The dazzling sunlight made the melting snow sparkle brilliantly.
We started walking without any particular destination in mind, but Stella ran ahead, heading toward a familiar spot.
"Let's all go to the forest!"
Apparently, she wanted to visit the Dogma Forest. I knew Stella and I would be fine, but I wondered about the other two. Amelia could probably manage to keep up, barely, but for Rebecca-senpai, it might be a bit of a struggle. I supposed it would be fine as long as I stayed firmly by her side, though.
"I guess so. Shall we head there? Is that alright with you, Amelia and Rebecca-senpai?"
"I don't mind, but... you mean the Dogma Forest, right? Isn't it dangerous?"
"It's like a backyard to me and Stella. Besides, Amelia, you've completed the Ainsworth-style Boot Camp—even if it wasn't the full version. You're more than capable of keeping up."
"I see. Then it's fine."
Amelia gave her approval quickly enough, but I wondered if Rebecca-senpai would agree. Just as the thought crossed my mind, she gripped my sleeve.
"Ray-san... I'm a little scared."
She stared up at me with moist, upturned eyes.
"If you're frightened, Rebecca-senpai, it would be better if we didn't go."
"No! I couldn't possibly get in everyone's way! U-Um... if Ray-san will stay by my side and protect me, then I'll be okay..."
She gently pressed her soft body against mine. As she did, a faint, gentle scent unique to her wafted into my nostrils. It felt a bit like she was putting on an act, but I was probably overthinking it.
"Don't worry. Protecting you is an easy task, Rebecca-senpai."
"Ray-san...!"
Amelia and Stella stared coldly at the exchange.
"Hah... some things never change."
"Whoa. You really are a sinful man, Big Brother!"
Having obtained everyone's consent, we proceeded toward the Dogma Forest. Since Stella and I were locals, we were able to pass through almost entirely on recognition alone—though I made sure to properly record our names and license numbers on the paperwork.
"Wow... unlike the Kafka Forest, the greenery here is incredible."
"It is. Even though it's winter, it's very lush."
We moved in a formation with Amelia and Rebecca-senpai sandwiched between us. Stella took the lead, followed by the two girls, while I brought up the rear.
As we walked, we immediately encountered a monster.
"Oh! To think there'd be a Huge Snake active in the middle of winter! And it's huge! Is it a subspecies, Big Brother!?"
"It seems so. It's about half again as large as a normal one."
"Heh-heh! Then I'm going to turn it into a delicious meal!"
In an instant, Stella kicked off the ground with all her might, activating her Inside Code. By the time a dull thud echoed, she had already dropped the Huge Snake with a single punch. The giant body collapsed to the ground with a massive boom.
Hmm. As expected of Stella. A single blow to a vital spot. It seemed her skills had been polished even further.
"Eh...?"
"Huh...?"
The two girls stood there, dumbfounded. To a casual observer, Stella looked like nothing more than an adorable young girl, but having been trained by me and Master, she was a true thoroughbred. She was strong enough to handle the monsters of this forest entirely on her own.
"Hehe! How's that? Pretty great, right!"
She flashed a smile and a peace sign at us, so I gave her a firm thumbs-up to acknowledge the feat. As expected of my sister; her technique was truly impressive. It was clear she hadn't been neglecting her daily training.
"I heard she isn't related to Ray by blood, but..."
"Yes... she really is Ray-san's sister through and through."
They sounded a bit exasperated, but that was the standard reaction from anyone learning the extent of Stella's strength.
"Alright. Let's try eating it."
I took a knife out of my pouch and began to cook. I prepared it as kabayaki, just like always, and finished it off with the Ainsworth-style secret sauce.
"Yay! Down the hatch!"
Stella took a big bite and held her cheeks, trembling with delight.
"Mmm! It's delicious! As expected of Big Brother's cooking!"
"Fufu. Flattery will get you nowhere, you know."
I handed portions to Amelia and Rebecca-senpai, who stared at the meat hesitantly.
"...Gulp. S-Senpai. You go first."
"No, no. Amelia-san, after you."
"Ugh... but Stella makes it look so good... nom!"
Amelia worked up the courage to try it. I already knew how she would react.
"I-It's delicious! What is this? It's so good!"
"...! It's true! I've never eaten a wild monster before, but this is wonderful!"
Apparently, it suited their palates as well.
Afterward, we spent the rest of the day exploring the forest. Because it was winter, the ecosystem had shifted since the summer, but there were no monsters that Stella and I couldn't handle.
"Kyah...!"
While we were walking, Amelia tripped and nearly fell.
"Whoops. You okay?"
"Ah. Um, well... th-thanks, Ray. But, um... you're... you're touching me..."
"M-My apologies!"
I had caught her from behind to stop her fall, but my hands had accidentally brushed against her chest. I pulled away immediately. Amelia began twirling her hair, stealing glances at me. She was clearly embarrassed. Even if it was an accident, the fault was clearly mine.
"I am truly sorry."
As I apologized, Rebecca-senpai approached Amelia with a playful smirk.
"Hmm. You're quite bold, Amelia-san..."
"N-No! That wasn't on purpose!"
"Well, let's just leave it at that for now."
The two of them began bickering as usual. As I watched them, Stella tugged on the hem of my shirt.
"Hey, hey. Big Brother."
"What is it?"
"Amelia-chan and Rebecca-chan are really close, aren't they?"
"...I suppose so."
They say that those who fight are the closest of all. That certainly seemed to be the case for those two.
All in all, it was another fulfilling day.