"Um, Master Masayoshi, what is this?"

"This is called ice cream. It's a cold dessert."

And it's the slightly pricey "Hagen" kind. There are all sorts of ice cream, but this one gives off the most luxurious vibe, doesn't it?

Since I was able to visit the seaside town and brought back plenty of fish, the meals at the Tachihara family table have become more abundant. So, I decided to splurge a little and buy some expensive ice cream today. Next time, though, it might be back to cheaper ice cream.

This time, I bought vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, cookies & cream, rum raisin, and green tea flavors. Personally, I like cookies & cream and the seasonal pumpkin flavor.

Of course, the distinctive "Hagen" packaging stands out too much, so I've transferred it into different bowls.

"What is this!? It's cold and sweet!?"

"Oh, a chilled dessert? How fascinating. To think such a treat exists."

"It's sweet and delicious! It also has a fruity flavor!"

Lady Sara seems to have gone for the strawberry flavor. That unique, grainy texture of strawberry flavor is lovely, isn't it?

"Hoo!!"

Look at that—Fūsuke is sneakily eating ice cream too! A regular owl probably wouldn't be able to eat ice cream, but Fūsuke is a summoned beast, so his diet must be different from that of a normal owl.

Also, don't worry, Fara; there's some for you too, so you don't need to stare at me like that. But unlike cakes, ice cream would be hard to make in this world without access to ice to keep it cold. Perhaps if someone could use ice magic, it might be possible.

"Hoo, hoo♪"

"Oh my, Fūsuke is absolutely adorable! His feathers are so fluffy and soft—it feels amazing."

After enjoying the meal and the ice cream, I let Lady Sara hold Fūsuke, as I had promised earlier. Fūsuke seemed very happy to be cradled by the charming Lady Sara.

It’s just too precious—this moment where the adorable elven beauty Lady Sara is petting and cuddling the equally adorable Fūsuke!

When Sara gently strokes Fūsuke's neck, he tilts his head back in contentment—it’s the cutest thing ever. I wish I could record this moment as a video. If I uploaded it online, it would definitely trend in the rankings!

I bet this scene is emitting some kind of healing energy or vibes or something. Just watching it is incredibly soothing.

While Lady Sara played with Fūsuke, I used the opportunity to gather information from Darga and Gina, as usual. Since I’ve already been to the seaside town, I’m pondering where to go next. Maybe after visiting a few more towns, I could consider exploring another country.

"Thank you so much for the feast today, Master Masayoshi. Please come again anytime—we’ll be waiting for you!"

"Thank you as well for always letting me use the kitchen and for all the information you provide. I’ll definitely visit again!"

"Yes!"

Leaving Sara’s mansion, I thought about how there was still time in the day, but I had eaten way too much. I might as well head home and take it easy. It’s like how you always overeat at a barbecue.

"Master Masayoshi—"

Just as I stepped out of the mansion, Darga called out to me. Did I forget something?

"Oh, is something the matter?"

"Master Masayoshi, um, if it’s not too much trouble, could you come by again in a few days?"

"Sure, I can come four or five days from now. Is there something specific you’d like me to cook, or is it some kind of emergency?"

"It’s likely nothing serious, but there’s something that’s been concerning me. It’s not a matter of life or death, but in the worst-case scenario, we might have to relocate from this mansion in about a week."

"That sounds like a serious emergency!"

What could possibly force the Third Princess to move out of her mansion? And with only a week’s notice?

"It’s not a matter of danger, and the possibility is quite low, so please don’t worry too much. I just wanted to let you know in case we had to move to another location without your knowledge."

If it’s not dangerous, that’s good, but... Could it be some kind of political issue requiring a sudden move? Or maybe the First or Second Prince is up to something again?

"...Understood. I’ll come by again in four days. If there’s anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask."

"Thank you for your consideration. But this will probably end up being nothing more than a needless worry. Ha ha ha!"

...That kind of statement sounds like a major flag in this world.

Curious about what Darga had said, I stopped by Luxeria City after school each day. However, everything seemed normal, so I figured things were probably fine.

Then, four days later on Saturday, I arrived in the other world again. As usual, I teleported to the forest just outside Luxeria City, but something seemed a little off about the city.

There were far more people outside the city than usual. Many were carrying large loads or pulling wagons.

"Um, did something happen?"

I asked the gate guard as I showed him my pass.

"It was just announced this morning—a state of emergency has been declared in this city. There’s still some time, but you may want to consider evacuating soon. It seems that the Calamity is heading for this city."

"The Calamity?"