Chapter 266 - Hayako and Aili's Great Strategy (Part 1)
A translucent, viscous red liquid glistens on top of a slice of bread.
"Did strawberries originally exist in this world too, I wonder?"
"Who knows? Maybe some transfer student brought them here."
If Fam were here, she’d probably proudly start talking about how Okita Soji, or someone claiming that name, brought them. As I pondered this, I noticed Hayako and Aili staring right at me. I cleared my throat.
I took the bread from Hayako and brought it to my mouth. The edges of the bread were hard and difficult to bite into, but the inside was moist and chewy. The jam had melted and blended in, spreading sweetness across my tongue. The crushed fruit pulp added a delightful texture. The tartness cleansed my palate with a refreshing aftertaste.
Hayako grinned from ear to ear while peering into my face.
"It’s delicious, right? But it’s often sold out when you go to buy it. It's a secret, okay?"
She said, plonking her own bread with jam and my share into her mouth. She lapped up the jam dripping down with her tongue. The contrast of the two red hues looked strangely alluring.
"Hayako…"
"What?"
"You’re kinda erotic, aren’t you?"
"Pervert!"
She called out before taking out a teapot and pouring the white liquid into a cup.
"This is also made by that bakery. I don't really like it much, though…"
"You don’t like yogurt?"
"I don’t really like the salty flavor… I wanted milk!"
Hayako lamented, and Aili shook her head.
"Milk was sold out."
Unlike in their original world, they rarely saw milk in this world. Milk that had been pasteurized and bottled to preserve freshness wasn’t available on the market. I figured it could be viable as a business if there were mages like Cecily or Marmie, but such mages were rare, and none were using their abilities for commerce.
"If you like it that much, you could have drunk it from the Wandering People."
"They’re goats! Also, it feels wild compared to milk, so I can’t bring myself to like it."
"Such a gourmet."
"Yeah, I want to eat a crêpe piled high with whipped cream and big strawberries!"
They chatted about trivial things as they drank ayran.
After wiping the white foam from her lips, she yawned widely. Perhaps because she had stayed up all night after yesterday’s battle, she felt slightly fuzzy-headed despite getting enough sleep. The chirping of birds could be heard from somewhere far away, just like when I was walking through the fortress city, but I wasn’t in the mood to look for them. The peaceful atmosphere of the park, surrounded by trees, seemed to amplify her drowsiness.
At that moment, Aili tapped on my knee.
"Mash, I’ll give you a lap cushion."
I wondered if I had misheard, and blinked as I looked at Aili. Then, she blinked back at me slowly.
"Didn’t you say you’d reward Mash today?"
Hayako said.
"A-are you sure about that…"
My shoulders trembled slightly.
"You don’t want it?"
"It’s not that I don’t. I’ve been dreaming of a day like this."
"Don’t lie to me!"
Hayako’s voice seemed distant. My consciousness was already focused on the warmth of Aili’s thighs. Though hidden by her jumperskirt, I could easily imagine its softness. I leaned closer to Aili’s thigh, almost being drawn in. It was as soft as I’d imagined. I buried my face deeper, pressing against her thigh and rubbing it against my cheek.
"H-hey! Upside down! Upside down! Face up!"
Aili hurriedly tried to pull me away, but I hugged her tightly, taking a deep breath through my nose.
"I can smell Aili’s scent… I want to sniff it forever."
"Idiot!"
Hayako, who was hugging me as well, pulled me away from Aili. Reluctantly, I lay on my back, placing the back of my head on Aili’s lap.
"Not heavy?"
Aili shook her head at my words. Her hand rested on my head, gently stroking it. The warm, comforting touch was soothing. And the softness of her thighs pressing against the back of my head. As I looked up, she peered down at me from beyond the gentle slopes of her chest. Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment, but her languid eyes remained fixed on me.
"What are you going to do now, Mash?"
Hayako asked, sitting with her legs folded in front of me. The hem of her skirt had risen, revealing her pink underwear. I tried not to look, so she wouldn’t notice, but I still caught sight of it out of the corner of my eye and etched it into my memory.
"I’m planning to go to Fam’s village."
"Fam again!"
"That’s… That wasn’t the original reason I came to this city. The goal was to remove the curse placed on her. But the church couldn’t remove the curse. I have to visit her village to find the cause."
"And then?"
"If her curse is lifted, I’ll go to the Demon Kingdom’s capital."
"Why?"
"The Wandering People’s prophecy. There’s a transfer student summoned by the goddess there. Also, I was originally told by Racshell to 'defeat the Demon King.' We need to confirm if the Demon King was actually defeated by Utanatsumun 100 years ago. And then there’s the staff said to be inside the Ark… Clovis called it the Staff of Domination… I’ll search for it. Plus…"
The five gods who opposed Racshell were Racshell, Rishal, Ruche, Renren, and Ronron. The transfer student summoned by Rishal was in the Demon Kingdom’s capital. According to legend, Rishar is the god who destroyed the 'Oil Flask,' the deity who established the current conditions of this world. However, just like us, the transfer student summoned by Rishal might also have been abandoned in this world with little information. The probability of getting proper information is extremely high.
"Anything else?"
Hayako sighed. I was the one who wanted to sigh. I explained everything once on the first night I met them. But now that the turmoil in Migul has settled, it’s a good opportunity to organize things in my head.
"Uta, who I mentioned earlier, was carrying a stone tablet. A transfer student named Isaac took it. I don’t know where he is, but I heard he was a pirate with a transfer student named Barbarossa. The Demon Kingdom is allowing pirate activities near Heilong. I think I can get information about them if I go to the Demon Kingdom."
Coming to this city, I met Clovis, who claimed to have a prophecy from the gods, learned about the world of Rishal, Racshell’s location, and obtained one stone tablet. But the mystery remained.
"What are you trying to do by gathering the contents of the Ark?"
"'I don’t know' is the honest answer. But, as a wild guess, the Fifty Gods say the Ark has the power to grant wishes. I’m thinking there might be a hint about why we came to this world, how to return, and how to remove the Shackle that only allows us to live ten years here."
After hearing my words, Hayako collapsed her legs and looked up at the sky. In doing so, her underwear disappeared from view.
"Ah!"
She exclaimed in surprise and turned to look at me in surprise.
"Huh? What’s wrong?"
"No, it’s nothing. Anyway, we’re going to the Demon Kingdom. Before that, there’s Shirazu, Iristerie, and Sam Eim."
As I muttered, she crawled closer to me, arranging her face next to Aili’s.
"So, have you decided which one you’ll choose, Mash?"
"What do you mean, 'which one'?"
"Which of me or Aili are you going to choose to be a member of Levante?"
My thoughts froze for a moment at her words.
"What does that even mean?"
"It means either me or Aili will follow you, Mash. You’re the closest to the truth out of all the transfer students summoned by the Five Goddesses. The Tigar-kun group is already out of the picture, and so are the Hyakka ones. Plus, we’ve only got two people left, so we need to help each other…"
Hayako bit her lip.
"It’s not like I made a deal with Hyakka."
"I know. But even if we ask you to take us into Levante, you wouldn’t kick anyone out to take both of us, right? So, Mash, choose one of us."
"Even if you say that, you’re both 'Ninjas,' so I have no idea what your abilities are."
"Eh? You were choosing based on ability? I thought you were just picking who you like…"
Hayako looked genuinely surprised, not joking.
"Did you really think I’d look at you like that…"
"Well, it’s not that different, is it? Pick the one you like."
I hadn’t intended to gather members like that. It just turned out that way. Still, Hayako pressed on without listening to my explanations.
"Is that okay in that sense? Are you saying you’re ready for that?"
"I don’t understand what you mean, but even if I get it on with another girl during the trip, I can’t be the only one left out…"
My brain completely cleared from the powerful sleepiness on my lap at Hayako’s words.
"You can do whatever you want… is that what you mean? Are you okay with me?"
"Only one of us. Take care of us! Make sure one of us falls in love!"
I reached for Hayako’s chest. Then, I pushed her with my fingertips.
"Uhn…"
Hayako closed her eyes and let out a high-pitched sound.
"I can’t choose between you two. Leaving someone out is bad, isn’t it?"
"We can’t both like the same person!"
"That’s not true. Fam and Moe, Yuki and Hyakka, they all like me, but they’re still friends."
"That’s before you started dating any of them, isn’t it? At least Yuki and Hyakka can’t be friends anymore."
"...What do you mean?"
I grabbed and squeezed Hayako’s breasts. They were actually hidden large breasts. I savored the soft sensation in the palm of my hand. I thought she’d push me away, but Hayako simply looked down at my fingers sinking into her chest, her cheeks flushed red.
"Yuki is arguing with Yuuki, isn’t she? I’m planning to leave Yuki’s treatment to the people of Migul City. But she doesn’t want to kill her. That’s Yuki’s wish, not Hyakka’s."
"That’s what I think, but not just because I heard Yuki’s words…"
"What does Hyakka think?"
"She’ll probably understand on the surface. But when romantic feelings enter the picture, she’ll feel like only Yuki’s feelings are prioritized. If that happens, they won’t be able to remain friends."
Hyakka used to call Yuki 'Yamase-san'. That was what they called each other when they were friends in their original world. But now, she’s trying to call her 'Yuki'. At first, I thought it was because we were calling her that way. But in reality, Hyakka likely felt that she had to become equal to Yuki after her relationship with me began. Similarly, Yuki is also trying to call Hyakka 'Hi-chan' instead of 'Hyakka'.
"I see…"
Could Fam acting colder towards Marmie now be the same thing? I continued to squeeze Hayako’s breasts.
"You two would also be fighting Yuki to avenge your comrades, wouldn’t you? Or do you think the same as Hyakka?"
Hayako and Aili exchanged glances at my words.
"At first, I wanted to kill her. But, now that we’ve captured her…"
"You were even enslaved by her, right?"
"Hmm, but she didn’t do anything to me because of that. Mash is the one trying to do something about it."
"Did your companions have different opinions about this?"
"Both Aili and I are the same in this matter."
Hayako glanced at Aili, who nodded slightly.
"First, make up with each other. Start from there."
"But we’re not fighting."
"Different from you two. I mean with your original party."
"..."
"Judging from your reactions, I take it you two want Yuki executed?"
"That’s true, but coming from him…"
Hayako frowned. This conversation must have been repeated many times within their party.
"Hasn’t it been a year since we came to this world? We’ve been together all that time. What about the dead members? But now you’re part of that party again, so just say whatever you want. It’s nonsense anyway, the party is done for Shirazu and Iristerie and Sam Eim."
"Mash…"
Hayako said in a slightly agitated tone.
"What?"
"Stop touching my chest when you’re trying to say something important. Confuses me on what kind of emotions to use while talking."
"You look surprisingly calm, so must be used to being groped."
"That’s not true at all! This is the first time I’ve been groped!"
Hayako tapped me on the forehead. So Hayako didn’t have a 'best friend' type of relationship.
"So, about choosing one of us…"
I raised my body and faced them, bringing our knees together. Under the big tree, there was no one else in sight on the grassy plain. The air was dry, and the wind ruffled my hair.
"Huh? That talk is off the table, right? There’s no more talk of entering Levante."
Aili said with undisguised exasperation.
"I think it’s a good idea for those summoned by the goddess to get along with each other."
"That…, we were foolish to think we could get along with Yuki to make this conversation invalid."
"Why! Women’s friendship is fleeting! You said that too just now!"
I shouted, raising my voice.
"It’s better than being used by Mash."
Hayako said coldly. I was speechless.
"Is that what you meant? Was that your plan?"
"Yes, but just to endure until we return to our original world."
Hayako muttered, averting her gaze.
"Endure…"
At that word, the faces of the two of them froze instantly. Hayako and Aili instinctively recoiled slightly.
"I didn’t think I was the one, since I only kissed Aili! Is it Hayako who’s more of a bargain since you haven’t done it with her yet? And she enjoyed you fondling her breasts!"
Aili was assertive. It was as if I was invisible.
"You were giving me a lap cushion so I’d pick you."
"That’s because I lost rock-paper-scissors…"
The two glared at each other, and a tense atmosphere filled the air.
I extended my arms in a mediating manner, grabbing their breasts.
"Kufun…"
Aili let out a small sound. Her face was bright red.
"I understand how you two feel. Let me choose between you!"
"Wait, even if you choose, you’re not entering Levante anymore, right? You’ll help us get back to our original party, right?"
Hayako retorted instantly.
"Of course. But it’ll be more convenient to have some sort of relationship with me. I want to have that kind of relationship with idols too!"
"Convenient? Why would we do that when you don’t even like us!"
Hayako frowned and shot me a harsh gaze.
"I’ve been in love with you since the first time I saw you! You were the ones who approached me with impure feelings!"
"Well, even if we didn’t like it, it’s just until we return to our original world."
Hayako sighed.
"Huh? It’s decided that it’ll be forever!"
My words made Hayako want to argue back, but Aili stopped her with her hand.
"...Are you serious?"
"Serious."
I stared into Aili’s eyes and nodded.
"Okay. To be honest, we don’t want to be your girlfriends. But we don’t dislike you. We’d prefer someone younger and cooler, but Levante looked like it was united. So we were talking about how we might as well take a chance on the kind personality and one of us become that person."
"I see. But that hurt me a lot with those words. I’ll never forgive you…"
Aili’s lips curved into a smile. I remembered touching those lips just last night. I swallowed my drool.
"Mash, please choose who you like."
Hayako was about to protest toward Aili, but she stopped her with her hand. Hayako sighed in defeat and turned her gaze to me. I observed them again. Both of them had refined features, having been idols in their original world. Hayako had sharp lines, Aili had plump lines. Hayako was a talented person who could play the 'tsukkomi' role that Levante had been hoping for, but it would probably never happen. Aili was a taciturn character, but she showed a strength that I liked in her earlier exchange with Hayako. Hayako was the type to lead from the front, while Aili was the type to support from the shadows, but she could also take on the role of leader when needed. The two of them were a great pair. Being childhood friends, they knew each other’s good and bad points and complemented each other.
"If I had childhood friends like you…"
"Eh?"
"No, never mind."
I coughed into my fist to cover it and refocused my thoughts. The compatibility of bodies is important after all. Honestly, I was confident that I could love either one of them for the rest of my life. Hayako has bigger breasts. The attribute of hidden large breasts on a slender body is irresistible. However, I couldn’t forget the sensation of Aili’s lap cushion earlier. The balance of her build and softness was exquisite. I wanted to sleep with her lap cushion from now on. As I stared strenuously, the two of them flushed and started fidgeting and swaying their bodies.
"H-hurry up and decide!"
Hayako cried out, unable to bear it anymore.
"I’ve decided!"
I shouted back, eyes wide. The two of them breathed in sharply and recoiled.
"Hayako…"
"Eep!"
Hayako’s eyes widened, and she let out a small scream. It was clear that she didn’t want me to choose yet. I was sure she was happy that I would eventually marry her after my time with Aili, and that was probably why she accepted the arrangement.
"B-but, Aili…"
"Ugh…"
Aili clenched her fist, her eyes welling up as she lowered her head. Was the two of them really here ready to become my girlfriend though? Or did they not care. Anyway, I was hurt, but I wasn't going to miss this big chance.
"Sorry, but I can’t decide. So, I’m asking for a trial period."
"W-what is that?"
Hayako asked with a pale face.
"I’m going to have sex with both of you from now on. I want to date the one who feels good."
"If you do that, it’s over, isn’t it? What happens to the one who gets dumped!"
Hayako shouted.
"I’ll set up a 'step-up' chance. This time, they can become my girlfriend if they try hard enough, even if there is no chance."
"Idiot! You just want to date both of us, right? You said you’d pick one!"
"That’s true, but I can’t choose… for me. Even if I don’t go all the way, will you let me try just the tip first? And then choose one."
This time, Hayako’s face suddenly flushed red. She was a girl of intense emotions.
"What are you talking about with 'just the tip'? Can’t you be more romantic since we… Aili might be hiding it, but we’re not that experienced… If you do that, it’s over, isn’t it?"
"It’s not over."
I was going to go all the way anyway, so it’s not over.
"I haven’t done it either."
Aili muttered quietly. Then, she looked up.
"Okay. Try doing it whatever way you want, Mash. But make sure the ending is good for us."
Thank you for reading. Those who have liked, bookmarked, and rated, are very encouraging. Thank you for the typo reports. They are very helpful.