Once we decided to stay the night and finished our meal, Anima handled the logistics, swiftly dispatching a Hummingbird to check in. Her foresight and efficiency were as impressive as ever.
While she did that, I retrieved a specific magic tool from my Magic Box that I’d been itching to use and began setting it up.
It was a magic tool similar to the portable pet house I’d picked up at the Six Kings Festival auction. Its formal name was the Small Portable Temporary Housing Installation Magic Tool—specifically, the Log House Type.
True to its name, it was an incredible device that manifested an entire building once activated. I’d purchased it as a human-scale companion to the pet house, but I hadn't found the right opportunity to use it until today.
I later discovered that these portable housing units were actually quite common—or rather, they were a popular staple with a wide variety of models. They were considered essential gear for adventurers; apparently, once a seeker saved up enough coin, this was often their first major purchase.
Even when camping in the wild, they were far superior to tents, providing solid protection against the wind and rain with almost zero setup time. While the Log House Type I owned was quite expensive, the smaller Cottage Types were much more affordable for the average person. In fact, Luna-san, a former adventurer herself, mentioned that she owned a small house-type unit.
Of course, they were still significantly more expensive than a permanent home of the same size. They also had a limited duration for how long they could remain manifested, and unlike a Magic Box, they couldn't be used for extra storage. Their utility was specific, but in the right situation, they were indispensable.
The one I had—a highest-grade Log House Type—was a true luxury model. It featured two stories and a bath, and it could remain manifested for two consecutive days. The price tag? Four hundred Platinum Coins. That translated to roughly four billion yen back in Japan. Since I’d purchased it from Alice, it was more expensive than the market rate, but the quality was beyond reproach.
"Okay, I'll place this auxiliary magic tool where I want the house to go, and... activate."
"There seem to be no obstacles in the way," Anima noted.
The process involved activating a small auxiliary tool first, which scanned the surroundings to ensure there was enough clearing and no obstructions. Once the indicator changed from red to blue, the site was ready for installation.
"...Wait, for large units like this, don't I need to notify a government office to get a permit for the location and duration?"
"That is correct... However, Master, since you are legally exempt from the kingdom's laws, you should be fine. Still, it might be wise to send a Hummingbird to Ryze-dono just to keep him informed."
"Good point. I'll hold off on the final installation for now. I'll send Ryze-san a Hummingbird... and we can get back to fishing while we wait for his reply."
"Understood!"
I sent the Hummingbird off to Ryze-san and was about to cast my line again—Wait, that was fast! I already have a reply?
Before I could even resume fishing, Ryze-san’s Hummingbird came zooming back. To summarize his message: "Thank you for the notification. It isn’t a problem at all. To be honest, I’m quite envious; my status makes it difficult for me to slip away for a camping trip."
I sent a quick reply suggesting we go together sometime if the opportunity arose, then finally triggered the magic tool I’d been preparing.
"...Whoa, that’s incredible. I mean, I knew what to expect, but seeing a house just pop into existence like that... Magic really is something else."
"It is a magnificent log house... What are your orders, Master? Shall we inspect the interior first?"
"Let’s do that. We should decide on rooms and everything. Alice said it comes with basic furniture, but..."
"If Alice-dono made it, I am certain it will be perfect."
Anima really did seem to hold Alice in high regard; her tone was full of genuine trust.
At any rate, I stepped into the log house with Anima to look around. The scent of fresh wood was incredibly soothing. The first floor featured a spacious main room with an impressive kitchen and living area; it felt like it could easily accommodate a large group. The second floor was lined with private rooms that served as bedrooms.
With four rooms on the second floor and the expansive living area downstairs, you could probably fit ten people in here without any issues.
As for the bath... it looked like a Hinoki bath! As expected of Alice, she knew exactly what I liked.
"...I see. With a space like this... there should be no problem."
"Anima?"
"Ah, no! My apologies. I was just steeling my resolve a little."
"...Huh?"
For some reason, the intense, serious expression Anima wore when we checked the bath weighed on my mind. However, I was so caught up in the excitement of our first night in a log house that I didn't press her for details and moved on to the next room.
It was a fatal oversight. Perhaps I’d grown complacent because I was with the earnest, reliable Anima. I really should have looked back on my history then—specifically, what tends to happen whenever I underestimate the weight of the word "bath"...
??? : "And so, as the seasoned readers have surely guessed... yes, it’s the mixed bathing event that every one of Kaito’s lovers experiences!"
Sieg-san: "Wha—!?"
??? : "...Ah, now that you mention it, you’re the only one who hasn't had one yet. Well, I’m sure this event reminded the Author, so I expect you’ll have your turn soon enough."