It’s Friday. With the stalker issue resolved, I’m planning to visit the other world again after today’s classes.

Last time, I explored Luxeria thoroughly, so perhaps it’s time to check out a different city. My top choices are: heading to a seaside town to savor some otherworldly seafood or venturing to a mountainous region to hunt dragons. My ultimate dream? Dragon steak.

What’s that? You think it’s all about food? Of course! If you can travel to another world, shouldn’t enjoying the cuisine be a top priority? Sure, there are other options like visiting the blacksmith city where dwarves compete in craftsmanship or exploring the beastman town filled with adorable animal-eared folks. But first, let’s satisfy the stomach!

For today, I’ll stop by the mansion of Sara and her family to check on them and gather intel for tomorrow’s travels. I can hardly wait for the end of school!

During Lunch Break

"Thank you so much for everything yesterday, Tachihara-kun," Kawabata said, calling me out to the courtyard.

I had already informed her over the phone that the stalker issue was resolved.

"It all worked out because the guy was willing to listen."

Honestly, compared to Mogi, he was much easier to reason with. Mogi might be a handsome, skilled idol costume designer with martial arts expertise, but his personality leaves much to be desired.

"I didn’t expect you to resolve it so quickly. I’m really glad I asked for your help!"

"It’s nice to hear you say that. By the way, with everything that happened, Abe, Watanabe, Iijima (the former stalker), and I are going to Sayama concert. Would you like to join us?"

"Wait, Iijima? The stalker guy? Is that really okay?"

"Yeah, he wasn’t trying to harm anyone, and if he tries anything, I’ll protect everyone. I promise."

No way I’ll let a comrade turn into a criminal.

"... …"

"Or is it weird being the only girl in a group of four guys?"

Come to think of it, she’d be the only girl, and idol concerts might not attract many female attendees.

"N-No, that’s fine! I’ll join you!"

"Great! I’ll let you know the details once we finalize them."

After School

I rushed home, stepped through the portal in my ceiling, and returned to the other world. I teleported to a forest near Luxeria and jogged toward the city.

The gate guards waved me through without checking thanks to the pass I received last time. That pass is seriously a lifesaver.

I arrived at Sara’s mansion, but…

"What’s going on here?"

The mansion was surrounded by an unusual number of soldiers. Previously, only a couple of guards were stationed at the gates, but now there were soldiers every few meters around the walls.

"Could something have happened to Sara and her family?"

Such a heavy security presence couldn’t mean anything good.

"Stop! Who are you?"

The guards at the gate intercepted me. Honestly, I should be asking who they are.

"I’m Masayoshi, someone who’s been helped by Lady Sara before. Did something happen to her?"

"Masayoshi… Lady Sara mentioned you! Someone fetch the gatekeeper inside! Master Masayoshi, we’ll need to confirm your identity. Could you wait here for a moment?"

"Ah, sure."

Soon, the gatekeeper I recognized from before appeared.

"Yes, it’s definitely him, Master Masayoshi."

"Understood. My apologies for the delay, Master Masayoshi. Please, come in."

"Thank you."

"Stay sharp, everyone! Don’t let even a rat slip by!"

"Yes, sir!"

... What’s going on here?

Inside the mansion, I ran into the previous gatekeeper.

"Could you tell me what happened?" I asked.

"Even I’m not entirely sure… perhaps you could speak directly with Captain Darga?"

"Alright."

"Out of the blue, the first and second princes requested that Lady Sara move back to the castle for safety. After what happened last time—with the assassination attempt—it felt like a trap, so we declined. Then they offered to fund additional security around the mansion, even letting us choose the guards ourselves. Given how advantageous it was, we accepted."

… Figures. I might have “encouraged” the princes to protect Sara during our last encounter.

"And then there’s this…"

"Master Masayoshi!"

Sara and Gina entered the room and interrupted my conversation with Darga.

"Ms Sara,Ms Gina, it’s been a while."

"It’s been too long, Master Masayoshi!" Sara said, a hint of reproach in her voice.

"Sorry, I’ve been busy with… things. But wait, that bracelet—is that the ‘Divine Thunder Bracelet’?"

"This? Yes, it’s a national treasure—a magical artifact that can store and release immense power. My eldest brother suddenly decided to lend it to me for protection."

… That explains a lot. Last time, the first prince was wearing this, and it’s powerful enough to break through advanced magical barriers.

I might have gone too far… convincing both princes to go to such lengths. But I guess it’s better for Sara to have strong protection.

"Did… Master Masayoshi have something to do with this?" Sara asked, narrowing her eyes.

Gulp. No way I can admit to sneaking into the castle and pressuring the princes.

"Not at all."

No evidence, no crime. Ha, take that, detective!

"I see…"

"By the way, I brought souvenirs for everyone!"

Time to change the subject before she gets too suspicious. Nothing distracts better than gifts!