kscans

Chapter 260 - Final Chapter: Epilogue, Part Two

Several hours had passed since the 'Guivre' subjugation operation. Finally, I was able to return to my own room.

In the time since I escaped the dungeon, a lot has happened. The world is probably in an uproar over the news of the SDF's Otherworld Dispatch... and the hope that it will prevent any more dungeons from appearing.

As for the slaying of the red and white dragons, I doubt any station is covering that properly. To everyone except a few insiders, they were just a couple of powerful dragons, after all.

But well, I haven't had the luxury of worrying about what the world thinks.

Simple exhaustion. A non-disclosure request from the SDF and the Dungeon Agency concerning the operation. And on top of that, I was busy with discussions about the Dragonewt's drop items.

Honestly, I would have been fine just nodding along to whatever terms they offered for the non-disclosure and the drops.

Regarding the credit for defeating the Guivre, as long as I get a reward that justifies the expense, that's enough for me. Getting honored would just earn me a bunch of unnecessary jealousy and what-not, so I wouldn't have cared if they'd said, 'The SDF did everything.' It would've been a different story if one of my comrades had died in battle, though.

And the drop item was clearly nothing but trouble anyway.

[Dragon's Calling Flute]

As the name suggests, it's a flute that allows anyone who uses it to summon a dragon.

However, you can't control it, and since the dragon automatically connects to the leylines and mana, it won't just disappear on its own.

On top of that, the dragon summoned is random; you could get anything from a simple lizardman to an A-Rank dragon.

Frankly, it's the kind of thing that would make people suspect you were planning a terrorist attack just for owning it. The only other use for it is level-grinding, but it's far too unstable to be reliable.

Even if you tried to crush it for materials, the more powerful a magic tool's effect, the more precise its construction. If you mess with it and accidentally trigger an indiscriminate mass summoning over a wide area, it would be a complete catastrophe.

It's a powerful magic tool, but it's also astonishingly useless. Even trying to sell it would be a major hassle.

Besides, that victory wasn't ours alone. We may have been the ones to collect the drop items, but the reward for it should be shared among everyone who participated in that operation.

So, I was more than happy to let the Dungeon Agency handle the divvying up of the spoils. I was planning to get some rest, heal from the battle, and think about that thing.

"It's time for a special lesson, my dear son-in-law."

But then the professor, beaming, dragged me away to sit in on her 'discussion' with Director Akasaka.

I mean, yeah. Thinking about the future, I know it's a valuable experience. To see a former diplomat—or so I hear—and a professor of noble British birth engage in a battle of wits up close, and then get a full breakdown of the contents afterward...

My time as 'just a high school student' is probably running short. Or maybe some unbelievable trouble will land on my doorstep tomorrow.

Considering that, an experience like this will definitely be an asset in the future.

But you know? I'm seriously exhausted... If I'm being honest, I want to ditch this whole discussion and just collapse into my futon.

But I endured. I endured it with all my might. Why, you ask?

Because I got a girlfriend!!

"...Heh."

I let out a grin that I knew was creepy and flopped onto my bed.

Even as the professor was dragging me away, my girlfriend... yes, my girl! friend! Erina-san, had cheered me on. 'Do your best, Kyo-chan!' she'd said.

Thanks to that, I was able to maintain my focus during the negotiations between Director Akasaka and the professor, and my mind was sharper than ever. I think the director gave me a look like he was seeing something utterly disgusting at one point, but I'm sure it was just my imagination.

Because I! Have a girlfriend!!

I went straight home after the negotiations, so I didn't get to talk to Erina-san. But my parents gave me a warm hug and welcomed me home. Dinner was sushi. And not the cheap stuff from a pack, either.

This is truly the springtime of my life. Has my time finally come...?

---But there's just one thing I'm wondering about.

During and after the negotiations with Director Akasaka, the professor seemed strangely concerned about the time.

If it weren't for my [Spirit Eye], I would have missed it. She was using what was probably her unique skill just to sneak glances at the clock.

And then, as if it had slipped out, she muttered just once, so quietly, "I wonder if Erina managed to wrap things up nicely..."

Erina-san, wrapping something up? What?

I couldn't figure it out, so I asked the professor directly, but she just brushed me off with, "You'll find out soon enough, son-in-law."

Well, when she calls me 'son-in-law,' I guess I have no choice but to let it slide!

To be honest, the whole 'dating equals marriage' flow of things was a little startling. As expected of someone from a noble family.

But if you ask me if I'm unhappy about it, I'm not. Not in the slightest.

I'm sure that once I calm down, I'll start feeling all sorts of pressure. I never thought I'd have to think about married life at this age.

But right now, I can be with Erina-san forever. And that thought makes me unbearably happy.

When I think about it like that, it seems I'm completely head over heels for her.

Her strength, her smile—they've saved me so many times. It's because she was there, smiling by my side, that I can still live my life with such a cheerful spirit.

Instead of just running away in fear, I was able to choose for myself, to fight, and to win.

...And, this is a bit of a vulgar topic, but.

She's a blonde, twintailed, busty, beautiful girl. This is important, so I'll say it again. A blonde! Twintailed! Busty! Beautiful! Girl! is now my girlfriend.

If anyone knew what I was thinking, they might scorn me, saying it's all about her face and body. It's not that I fell for her just because of her looks, but it would be a lie to say they had nothing to do with it.

What do you expect...?! There's no way a healthy high school boy wouldn't be conscious of a beautiful, busty girl who's always so close to him, is there?!

As I come up with excuses aimed at no one in particular, I roll around uselessly on my bed.

...Ah. I'm being incredibly creepy right now.

I suddenly snap back to reality and freeze. How horrifying. Is this the post-battle high... the so-called 'Dragon's Curse'?

That Guivre, what a monster... I never want to fight it again. Apparently it won't be reviving, so at least that's a relief.

Anyway. Faced with the prospect of a rosy—no, a pink—youth ahead of me, I was aware that I was more elated than I had ever been before.

"Hah?!"

But wait, Yagawa Kyouta... there's something you need to think about. Something extremely important, a top priority...!

Our first date.

Up until now, we've had what you could call 'basically a date,' but I've never been on a real one.

I don't want to mess up my first date ever. I want to spend a super-sweet, lovey-dovey day with her. Oh, and if things go well... maybe a kiss on the way home...!

"Fwah-hwoy!"

There's no time to waste! I leap out of bed and grab my smartphone.

I have to come up with the perfect, ultimate date plan. No, wait. Is it okay for the guy to just decide everything unilaterally? I'm worried she might find it old-fashioned and get turned off.

Wh-what should I do? Should I ask her directly? No. What if that makes her think, 'Wow, this guy's so unreliable. I think we should break up.' Er, not that Erina-san would ever... b-but...!

"Nghh...!"

What is this? I have absolutely no idea what the right answer is. Is this it? Should I just take her to an amusement park... no, in her case, would she be more interested in something ninja-related? Or maybe a B-movie?

The art of dating. It seems it's much deeper than I thought.

I'll look into that, too. This is the age of the internet. For now, I'll just search on my phone...

---Chiriiin...

"?!"

I leap back like a cat seeing a cucumber for the first time at the sound coming from my desk drawer.

This is Telepathy. It seems to be from Aira-san.

It's a call from my future cousin. I quickly open the drawer and put the earring on.

"Yes! Yagawa Kyouta here! It's a lovely day today!"

"Oh my, Kyouta-san. How very polite of you♪ It's your ear's one true love, Aira-chan♡"

"Ugh, that's rough."

"I'm gonna knock you out, kid."

My honest feelings slipped out in response to the unfortunately cutesy university student's voice.

She looks great, and her voice is beautiful, but that was just plain creepy.

"Sorry. It just gave me the chills."

"How rude is that?! When Mia heard this voice, she pulled out a voice recorder while having a nosebleed!"

"Do you want me to have that kind of reaction too?"

"...Yeah. Sorry. I think one of her would be a bit much."

"Right?"

I can feel Aira-san staring off into the distance through the Telepathy.

Well, she's a good person at heart. Mia-san, I mean. She's kind, devoted, and full of love. It's just that said love is exclusively directed at one person and is currently overflowing like a broken dam.

"So, what did you need?"

"Right. I was thinking we should have a victory party tomorrow morning. I actually wanted to do it today, but you've been through a lot, right?"

"Well, yeah."

I glance at the smartphone in my hand. It's already past 8 PM. It's a bit too late to get together now.

More importantly, I'm not the only one who's tired. The others are probably too exhausted to be in a partying mood.

...Though my girlfriend, Erina-san, was full of energy.

I wonder if it's because my confession was a success? Man, my girlfriend is so cute!!

"...Heheh."

"Ew, gross."

"Excuse me. Could you please stop stabbing me with verbal knives out of nowhere?"

"My bad. I heard some kind of creepy voice all of a sudden, so I just reacted."

"Please refrain from stabbing me twice."

"My B. Anyway, just keep tomorrow free, okay? You've got the day off, right?"

"Yes. Understood."

"Later, then. ...You'd best look forward to tomorrow's party."

"? ...Okay."

With that cryptic remark, Aira-san ends the call. As I tilt my head in confusion, a message arrives on my phone.

It's from Erina-san.

"!"

I hurriedly check the message. It's a short text in her usual cheerful tone: 'Great job today! See you tomorrow!'

It's a perfectly normal message, but thinking of it as the first one from my girlfriend sends my excitement soaring.

And it goes without saying that I spent over thirty minutes trying to figure out how to reply.



"Well then, to celebrate the defeat of the Guivre, and the safe return of everyone..."

In the living room of the Arisugawa residence, the lady of the house, the professor, lightly raises her glass.

"Cheers."

"Cheers!"

"Cheers~!"

A chorus of mismatched voices replies to her toast.

Gathered here are the professor and Aira-san. Mia-san and the mismatched duo. And Erina-san and myself.

Even with this many people, the living room only feels a little crowded. This house is as spacious as ever.

"FOOO! Are we really allowed to drink Granny's private stock today!?"

"Yes, of course. You did well too, Aira. Drink as much as you like."

"You're the best, Granny! You thrill me, you electrify me!"

"Here, here. Have some more."

Looking as energetic as ever even with Aika-san and the others here, Aira-san enjoys her wine. For today, even the professor is smiling gently as she pours her another glass.

An Awakened Person can't get drunk on normal alcohol, but she's the type to get drunk on the atmosphere alone. It's not hard to imagine her getting completely plastered.

"Hehe, honestly, sis..."

"This is bad. I'm starting to feel weird about not cosplaying when I come to Erina's house."

"What a coincidence, so am I."

In the glasses of Mia-san, who's watching Aira-san with a fond smile, and Shizuku-san's group is, of course, just sparkling juice. Even if they can't get drunk, the professor would never allow minors to drink alcohol.

I mean, besides Aira-san and the professor, none of us here even know what real alcohol tastes like, aside from a sip of ceremonial sake on New Year's.

"Kyo-chan, Kyo-chan."

"Yes!"

Smoothly, Erina-san links her arm through mine.

The softness and warmth of her chest through the cherry-blossom-colored kimono, her own breathing, the faint floral scent that tickles my nose... my heart has begun to beat like a drum.

"Hehe. It's kind of exciting, being this close, isn't it?"

"Y-Yes, it is...!"

My ears are burning. My head feels like it's going to explode from the tension and excitement.

But when I sneak a glance at her, her pale skin is also tinged with a faint crimson.

Knowing that Erina-san is embarrassed too makes me ridiculously happy.

I can feel my face getting even redder, but I don't mind. In fact, it's a feeling of pure bliss.

As I'm savoring this quiet joy...

"Hey, Kyo-chan. We're a couple now, right?"

"Y-Yes! We are!"

"But I really love getting together with everyone like this, too."

"I agree! Me too!"

"But, I wonder if someday everyone will find their own special someone, get married, and drift away..."

"Y-You're right."

A dark emotion swirled in my chest for a moment.

No. This is a selfish, possessive feeling. My girlfriend is Erina-san and Erina-san alone, yet for a moment I thought, 'I don't want Aira-san or Mia-san, Aika-san or Shizuku-san to date anyone but me.'

Such a thought is disrespectful to everyone here. To Erina-san, of course, but to all the others as well.

Just having her alone is more than I deserve. I should cherish this happiness, not grind my teeth in one-sided jealousy.

Therefore, it's wrong for me to be remembering what the professor taught me about 'countries where polygamy still exists' or 'the pros and cons of polygamy.'

I will control myself, live faithfully, and dedicate myself to a single, devoted love...!

"Well, even if that happens, we can still get together like this. They say marriage is the grave of life, but it's not like you actually die. And it's not like the bonds we've built will just disappear."

"Number one! Aira's drinking!"

"Ooh. Is this one of those things where we should be chanting 'chug, chug, chug'?"

"No, no. That kind of thing isn't cool these days. Besides, no matter how high your alcohol tolerance is, binge drinking isn't a good idea..."

"That's right! What if you get too drunk and your clothes get all messy?! If you expose your body, that treasure trove of perversion, my reason will explode right here and now!"

"...And there are some people here I can't quite picture getting married."

"Ahahahaha!"

I can't help but smile wryly at the usual antics. Erina-san was laughing happily too.

I wish this moment could last forever. But it would be wrong of me to tie them down.

"So, what are your honest feelings?"

"Honestly, I've always dreamed of a harem... huh?!"

The question came at the perfect time, slipping through a gap in my thoughts. Before I knew it, I had blurted out my true feelings.

Erina-san's grip on my arm tightened slightly. I could feel the blood draining from my face.

"No, that's not it?! It's not that I'm unhappy with you, Erina-san, or that I'm a cheater or anything!"

I scramble to explain myself, but I realize that everyone's eyes are now fixed on me.

A cold sweat trickles down my back in the silent atmosphere.

I could be imagining it, but all of their faces look red. Does that mean they're angry? Even Aira-san has a deadly serious expression.

Ah, it's over. My social life is over.

"My, my. What's with the sudden silence on this joyous occasion?"

"P-Professor...!"

A savior has appeared. A true goddess. Her features are goddess-like, so she must be an actual god.

The professor places the wine bottle on the table and picks up the remote control instead.

"That's right. Perhaps there's some interesting news on. We might even hear something new about the dragon slaying or the other world."

With that, the professor turns on the television.

And for some reason, every gaze except mine simultaneously shifts to the screen.

Eh, what's going on? Isn't this weird?

As I stand there confused, a strange phrase reaches my ears.

"An official announcement has been made by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare that the system of polygamy will be reinstated in Japan."

"...Huh?"

Confused, I turn my gaze to the television.

On the screen, a Dark Elf news anchor I vaguely recognized was reading from a script with a dead-serious expression.

"The polygamy system was passed in the Diet yesterday. While there are several conditions, the revival of such a system in the modern era is exceedingly rare. At a press conference, the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare stated..."

"Well, what a surprise."

The professor says, smiling and placing a hand on her cheek.

...Hmm?

My [Spirit Eye] is telling me, 'This mana, it's the wavelength of a lie!' Professor, are you really surprised?

As if nothing had happened, Professor Arisugawa puts down the remote and glances at the clock.

"Oh, goodness me. I have a meeting with the SDF about the other world now. I'll be back in the evening, but I'll be taking a taxi, so there's no need to pick me up."

"Um, Professor?"

"Well then, 'son-in-law.' And my beloved 'family.' Please enjoy the party to your heart's content."

"No, wait—"

"Ohohohohoho."

With an all-too-obvious laugh, Professor Arisugawa exits the room, looking for all the world like she owns it, and heads for the entrance.

I instinctively try to follow her, but I can't escape Erina-san's firm grip on my hand.

"Ah, no. Um. Th-That's a strange bill, isn't... it?"

"Kyo-chan. You have harem aspirations, don't you?"

"Eh, um, all guys are like that. But just because polygamy became legal! I'll properly cherish you—"

"You know?"

With a bright smile, Erina-san turns her beaming face to me.

"There's no running away now, ZE!"

"You're kidding."

Could it be... that's what this is?

To be just my own convenient delusion, this presence, this atmosphere is just too strange.

Aira-san has already turned off the TV, and Mia-san is locking the door. Shizuku-san confirms that the curtains are tightly drawn, and Aika-san is taking deep breaths, her face looking like it might catch fire.

"Eh, no. No way."

"Kyouta-kun."

"Y-Yes!?"

"I love you."

Aira-san says, completely out of the blue.

With an uncharacteristically serious expression, she directs her sharp eyes towards me.

"To me, who was sulking about not being loved by anyone, you gave me 'love' from someone other than family. I want to be with you, forever. I want to love you for the rest of my life, and be loved by you."

"Me too," says Mia-san, a soft smile on her face.

"You're the one who made me special. The one who became my special someone. I want to walk through the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me, too?"

"Y-You're gonna say it in this situation...?"

After muttering that under her breath, Shizuku-san turns to glare at me, her face as red as her hair.

"I-I'm only gonna say this once! To be honest, I've looked up to you! But I also know you're not just some amazing guy. Your cool parts, your stupid and pervy parts... um... oh, geez! How can I explain what I like in words! Just be with me! Watch and you'll see! That's all!"

"My. You're the same as ever, Shizuku-san."

Aika-san smiles like she always does, but her face is just as crimson.

She places a hand on her chest, takes another deep breath, and then turns her teary eyes to me.

"I know it's obvious by now... but still, please let me put it into words. Yagawa Kyouta-san. I love you, too. I want to keep seeing all the different sides of you. And I want you to keep looking at me, too. Please, let me be with you. As a friend. And as a woman."

My brain can't keep up with the rapid-fire confessions.

Things I should say and want to say pop into my head and disappear. I don't know what to say.

Perhaps that's why, instead of reason, my true feelings came pouring out.

"I... love all of you, too."

That's got to be the worst response ever, I think to myself. What kind of group reply is that? Am I the worst man of the century?

Not yet. My orichalcum reason hasn't shattered yet. Regain your intelligence, now!

"B-But, you know? Um, even if a law like that passed in the Diet, that's—"

"Stop resisting and give it up!"

"Nwaaaah!?"

Erina-san suddenly throws me. No, isn't that a little too sudden?!

I'm slammed onto the long-piled, fluffy carpet, but strangely, there's no impact. I've heard that when a skilled person throws you, it doesn't hurt. Maybe this is it.

I instinctively break my fall and turn to face them from a kneeling position.

Sometime during all that, I've been surrounded, with Erina-san at the center.

"Time to pay the piper, Kyo-chan!"

"This is the first I'm hearing about this piper!?"

"Life is a series of sudden events. It's important to always drive defensively, thinking 'what if'."

"Anyone who thinks 'what if' about something like this needs a hospital before a driving school!"

" E M B R A C E M E "

"What is seriously wrong with you?! Should I call you a cab?! To the hospital!"

"Uh, um... shut up, idiot!"

"Aw, cute."

"Kyouta-kun. Um... are you... against it?"

"I'm not against it, but...! I'm not against it, but there's the whole issue of ethics and stuff—"

"Shut up! We're all going to be together forever from now on!!"

"Dammit, I'm about to lose to her sheer momentum! And this self-proclaimed ninja is so loud!"

There's Erina-san, hyper as usual. Aira-san, spouting nonsense with a beet-red face. Mia-san, acting towards me like she does towards Aira-san. Shizuku-san, who's turned into a cute creature. Aika-san, who's turned into a slyly seductive creature.

This is impossible, I can't keep up with the comebacks!

"Kyo-chan."

Once again, just as suddenly, Erina-san sits down formally in front of me and asks in a quiet voice.

"Do you really hate the idea? If you say it's absolutely impossible, we'll talk it out properly."

"............"

My inability to answer immediately is, I admit, the answer itself.

But I feel I should put it into words properly, so I manage to take a deep breath.

I steeled my resolve.

"I love all of you!"

That has to be the absolute worst confession of all time. I just broke my previous worst record. Both the content of the statement, and the fact that part of it was me dithering around, and the other part was pure momentum.

But, well.

"Alright, I've got your words on record! I recorded it, too, Kyouta-kun! Y-You'd better... take responsibility!"

"I love that about you, too, Kyouta-kun. You shameless monster! This calls for punishment, yes, punishment!"

"Ugh... s-so embarrassing...!"

"Fufu. It's good to be lively."

For us, maybe this much of a messy, jumbled mess is just right.

Erina-san flashes a brilliant smile. A full-blown smile, like the sun.

"Let's build a ninja village together, Kyo-chan!"

Her smile left me so captivated I couldn't say a word---so I guess that means I lost.