Garesto was a world that was made up of just one continent.
Understandably, that came as a major shock to the Earthlings, as it was common knowledge for a planet to be spherical.
Yet not only was Garesto not a sphere, it wasn’t even a planet in the traditional sense.
Perhaps, it was because of that that there was a revival of the Flat Earth Theory back on Earth.
But of course, Garesto wasn’t quite flat either.
It was much more radical–a massive floating island adrift in the sea of dimensions.
“…Now that I’m seeing it for myself, it really is a strange world.”
A tunnel connected Earth and Garesto, and through it glided smoothly a dimensional ship.
When they departed from Kutoria, it was just a large VTOL aircraft, but the moment it entered this space, it transformed without so much as a vibration and began quietly moving, carrying with it the passengers from Earth to ferry across the dimensions.
This was nothing like the science fictions of old that the boy once dreamed of seeing in the future.
No. This was not a spaceship but a giant bobsled, or at least, it looked like one.
It was curious if he was being honest, indifferent, or just dispassionate, but while seated in the VIP section under the pretense of being needed to be watched over closely by the presiding teacher, he looked out through the small window to gaze at the ‘world’ with a surprisingly indifferent expression.
“Huh?”
But then he tilted his head.
Perhaps it was because of the faint golden glow that emanated from the tunnel, but the bizarre hues of the dimensional space were actually easier to see.
Within that expanse, there were only two anomalies that caught his eye.
One was that massive object wrapped in a membrane of light that the transport craft just passed through, and the other was a vast continent shrouded in a faint layer up ahead.
While both could be described as massive, the latter, Garesto, was less than even a tenth of the size of Earth.
Of course, if the materials available at the academy were to be believed, then any size difference became irrelevant once one crossed worlds.
Because what they left behind was not merely just Earth but the world of Earth altogether. In other words, they left the space surrounding it too.
If anything, it was stranger how close Garesto was in scale to Earth.
Though perhaps it was precisely that nuance in perception that made this dimensional space so mysterious.
Anyway, the size of each world was irrelevant, what really mattered was–
“Something is off. Is that really a world? Could it be a fragment? A box? No…”
It might’ve been due to that presence or sensation that he felt as he gazed at the world of Garesto, or it could’ve been due to his knowledge of divine realms, but almost intuitively, he knew the answer.
Despite that, he shook his head.
This was not something he should judge on a mere hunch.
This was land that had sustained human civilization for hundreds of years.
So, he did not want to give voice to any ominous speculations.
It was enough for him to keep that sensation tucked away in the corners of his mind.
“I can feel where it is, but I can’t see it.”
After a while, he realized there was no point in staring any longer, so he looked away to the rest of the strange world to that space where 2D and 3D colors seemed to mingle.
Other than Earth and Garesto, there were no other anomalies or rather ‘worlds’.
That being said, he could still feel the position of ‘Falandia’s coordinates.’
So, he knew it was out there, but the distance was substantial. It was such a long way away that he almost found himself admiring himself for making it back.
But it was also only now that he could feel the distance so clearly that he understood why he needed so much mana that he had to use the demon race’s treasured artifact, the Demon King’s Eye.
“Nakamura, you know what, I’m just going to pretend I didn’t hear you mumbling something dangerous just now.”
As the boy focused his consciousness on that artifact stored away in his dimensional pocket, a voice full of frustration fell on him from above.
He couldn’t see her face due to their respective positions, but the emotional tone in the voice revealed her state of mind.
He couldn’t blame her. After all, even his offhand comment just before departure where he said, ‘It’s my first time in Garesto’ was enough to give her a headache.
What more now where despite being unable to fully grasp what he was saying, it was clear that he was referencing matters beyond the two worlds; hence, the female teacher, Frire, was understandably at her wits’ end.
Of course, Shinichi actually muttered out loud on purpose to get her to react, although he only did so half-intentionally.
Frire soon reached her breaking point, however, and despite enduring it this whole time frozen, she finally had enough and blew up.
“Nakamura. Tell me. J-Just why in the world are you using my thighs as a pillow? What’s more so casually?”
“Huh?”
The boy, however, responded with a bewildered look, as if to say–‘That’s what you were bothered about?’
After passing through the dimensional wall via the Dimension Gate, and once the onboard announcement had declared the craft stabilized, Shinichi naturally took his place without warning and laid his head on Frire’s thigh, using her fair skin peeping through her black tight miniskirt as his very own pillow.
Such an envious position would have been difficult to pull off in a regular seat, but in this VIP room – with its excessively over-engineered otherworldly tech that had no need for visible safety devices like seat belts – the seating was basically a large sofa.
That’s why even if he were to lay down like that on Frire, they still had plenty of room.
“…Didn’t you tell me to rest?”
“In bed! I told you there’s a nap room available!”
Ironically, it was Frire, the pillow, who lost her composure.
It was just his head resting on her lap.
In fact, she’d been in a similar position before, though it was her resting on his.
Yet here she was blushing like a young girl, frozen with her thoughts.
“Even though you turned me down when I said to sleep together.”
Not one to miss the chance to tease, Shinichi brought up their earlier exchange.
His tone sounded accusatory, but the expression on him was clearly that of amusement.
But of course, Frire’s response to that couldn’t be further from the mark.
“I still have work to do. Besides, you’re not a kid anymore who can’t sleep alone, are you?”
“…”
Was that really the only reason she couldn’t sleep with him?
Shinichi understandably doubted her, but the look on her was so serious that he found himself speechless.
On one hand, she was so pure, on the other hand, her reasoning seemed too easy to topple.
Despite the temptation scratching at him, he continued along his original trajectory.
But of course, objectively, it wasn’t much better.
“Ehhh? You’re really telling me to warm up that big bed all on my own even though there’s a perfectly warm bed here? No way, that’s just too cruel.”
Grumbling with dissatisfaction, Shinichi took her hand, the same one that had been nervously fidgeting since he’d laid his head on her lap, and he flashed a naughty grin.
“W-What are you doing–Kyaa!!!”
With the kind of delicate care one might show when handling fine glass, yet at the same time, with unrelenting speed, the boy pressed a warm kiss to the palm of this older teacher’s hand.
In that instant, electricity surged throughout her whole body, and her skin turned red in an instant.
It was curious if it was from shock or acceptance that she didn’t pull her hand back, but with her heart pounding uncontrollably, the only thing she could clearly understand was that–She didn’t dislike it.
“…I just realized. I can’t see your face from this angle.”
Perhaps sensing her reaction from where he lay with his head in her lap, he muttered those words as though in genuine regret, but of course, the tone behind them was teasing.
Because of an obstruction in his field of vision, he couldn’t see her expression from his current position.
Of course, he could sit up to get a better look, but then she might leave him and run.
So in his mind, a fierce internal battle raged:
Should he stay and savor the lap pillow, or should he sit up and savor her blushing expression?
It was a war of priorities so intense it was nearly of epic proportions.
It lasted only for about a second in real time, but in the end, that intense struggle ended in favor of the lap pillow.
After all—
“Well, it’s a scenic view, after all. I almost feel like I understand all those mountaineers seeing these peaks from up close.”
Shinichi nodded as though coming to an understanding all on his own.
Before him were the pair of beautiful peaks that obstructed his vision, but rather than be angry, he appreciated them instead.
Just above his head were those pair of bountiful peaks that seemed to be bursting from inside Frire’s suit.
No skin was shown beyond the sheer volume of them behind the fabric.
Just that alone would have been plenty a blessing, but Frire kept fidgeting about and breathing hard such that they bounced about right in front.
As it turns out, there was a secret weapon responsible for the victory of the lap pillow.
“Mm…”
Of course, there was no way for Frire to see through this boy’s naughty mind, but he looked like he was about to prostrate himself, and the shock from his words also began to wear off, so she coughed and asked in an authoritative-sounding voice that one would expect from a teacher.
“Ahem. Nakamura, just where are you looking while saying that?”
“But of course, I’m looking at my teacher’s lovely peaks.”
Shinichi responded so casually it was as though he were questioning if there was anything wrong with that.
And Frire, unsure how to respond, found herself coming down with a headache.
“That manner of talking is too perverted, Nakamura. At this point, it’s just sexual harassment!”
“Well, do you not like it?”
“Huh?”
“If you don’t, then I won’t do it anymore.”
She’d said those words thinking he’d just laugh them off, but to her dismay, what she got instead was a calm response.
When she looked past her peaks to meet those eyes directly beneath her, what greeted her was a serious gaze.
The moment she saw those eyes, she knew–That the boy was serious.
That’s why despite protesting against this sort of dirty talk, her next words were–
“…Just don’t do it where others can see.”
“…Wow. I wasn’t expecting to get permission.”
At Frire’s surprisingly bold remark, Shinichi’s eyes opened wide in genuine surprise, and Frire finally realized the implication behind her own words.
“I-I’m not particularly telling you to look as much as you like, you know. I mean, I just find it hard to refuse you when you make a face like that, so…”
Maybe just a little bit is fine.
She muttered to herself those last words so quietly it begged the question if even Shinichi could hear her despite their proximity.
But of course, this was Shinichi we were talking about–Of course, he heard every single word.
“…For sure. This girl is going to be played with by some guy.”
Well, the only one who had the balls to do that was him though.
He kept those words to himself, but what he was thinking was written clearly on his face.
It was curious if it was to her advantage or not, but int his case, Frire’s bountiful peaks prevented her from seeing that.
“Hmm?”
Evidently, fate must’ve thought that Shinichi was having too much fun, what with him grinning so much to himself.
So, out of the blue, something vibrated, and Shinichi had no choice but to sit up and check who it was.
When he looked at it, it hit him.
“Wait a moment, you mean to tell me the phones work here?”
For some reason, Shinichi was suddenly sat up straight formally in seiza as he peered down at his own Foster.
Sensing his urgency, Frire quickly explained.
“Yeah, that’s right. Reception is pretty good in the interdimensional tunnel. Go ahead and answer it.”
“Seriously!? Ah, yes, answering now! Hello, this is Shinichi! I’m sorry for picking up late! We’re currently on the move.”
Seated in perfect seiza, Shinichi pressed the Foster to his ear.
His posture was upright, and his voice was rushed as though he were picking up a superior’s call.
There was a tension to him too, and his face was so serious that a bead of sweat could even be seen.
It was such an unusual expression to find on him that Frire found herself blinking in surprise.
But Shinichi didn’t have the luxury to notice her reaction.
Because the person on the other end was someone very important.
“…That’s fine, Shinichi-kun. But don’t you think there’s something you should be telling this big sister of yours first? Or don’t tell me–You forgot?”
Yes, it was none other than Rinko Nakamura–his stepmother, and his father’s second wife.
Her voice while seemingly cheerful was laced with a note of threat that made Shinichi’s face tighten and his mind scream–What is it? Was I supposed to do something? Did I promise something?
“Erm, R-Rinko-san, are you perhaps angry right now?”
He knew that vague excuses and any attempt to dodge the question was a bad idea in the situation, and yet that was exactly what came out of his mouth.
He realized it almost as soon as he said it, but it was already too late.
Rikno’s tone dropped.
“Ahaha, of course not! I totally understand. Even if you didn’t contact me for days despite promising to, and even if you didn’t respond to my messages at all–I’m not bothered one bit. Really.”
——Lies.
He instinctively retorted as such in his head.
Digging through his memory, he realized the last time he had contacted her was before the exams.
He’d told her he might be unreachable for a few days due to the practical tests, but it has already been more than two weeks.
Not once had he reached out to the Nakamura household.
When he realized just how long it had been, Shinichi couldn’t help but turn pale.
“I, uh, I have no excuses! I am so sorry! A lot’s been going on, and I’ve been completely overwhelmed just trying to keep up with everything! I completely forgot!”
His panicked brain couldn’t come up with a clever line or even a decent excuse, so not knowing what to say or how to properly apologize, he started throwing one line after another out of pure panic.
Still, the fact that he didn’t lie was a testament to who Shinichi really was at heart, and how much trust and respect he held for Rinko. Unfortunately, that was also the very reason why he was suffering now.
“Even now, actually! I’m on a school trip that was suddenly decided right after the exams! I got swamped with prep work and–And there were all these concerns, and…”
Where had that ever composed trickster gone? That trickster who could make kids and adults into clowns? That trickster who could charm men and women alike? In that trickster’s place was only a desperate boy, sweat pouring down his face like a waterfall, as he babbled one worthless excuse after another.
But for Rinko, the sound of that panicked, desperate voice that was almost practically begging for forgiveness only made her voice perk up more.
“Wow, you really are his son, huh. The way you panic, you’re the spitting image of your father. Ha ha, I’m just messing with you, Shinichi-kun.”
“H-Huh? Messing with me?”
Surprisingly, Shinichi failed to see through that, then Rinko, tone now deliberately calm, continued as if nothing had happened, only to hit him with an even bigger surprise.
“Given my work, I’ve heard bits and pieces about what’s been going on over there, and I’ve heard a certain someone may have gotten involved, but I won’t ask.”
“T-Thank you for your discretion.”
Sharp.
While her understanding of the extent of his involvement was likely off, she probably believed that Shinichi had played a part.
Despite that she didn’t press him about it.
She was so considerate that Shinichi found himself both humbled and rattled, only able to awkwardly smile.
“Fufu… but the real issue is that you didn’t contact me. That’s the real problem here, you know.”
“Eh?”
It was curious if she could see right through his expression or not, but Rinko teased him then chuckled, clearly enjoying herself, before finally getting to the reason behind the call.
“Would you happen to know why Amaryllis-chan is staying at our house?”
“Ah.”
Of course, it was Shinichi who returned Youko to the Nakamura residence.
But he didn’t tell anyone about it, then he completely forgot about the matter altogether.
Of course, it was hard to blame him given how many major events he was caught up in, but still.
“I knew it! Oh, don’t worry. That ah of yours told me everything I needed to know.”
Just one word and Shinichi found himself awkwardly silent as though to silently scream–I messed up.
Rinko, despite not having known Shinichi for very long, instantly saw through the situation.
As for how she could do that, his father probably reacted similarly in the past.
Meanwhile, Rinko was all chuckles on the other end of the line.
From her perspective, it was a cute similarity between father and son.
But From Shinichi’s, it was a deeply embarrassing moment made worse by his own mistake.
“I-I’m so sorry! It was during the busiest stretch, and it just completely skipped my mind to call…”
“Ha ha, yeah, I figured. Since it’s a school trip, I assume you’re heading to Garesto? Honestly, taking Amaryllis around one of their cities would probably cause more chaos than if a celebrity walked through the middle of the street. You made the right call.”
“Yes, so if you could just keep her at the house until I return–And uh, she’s really just fine. You don’t have to worry about her. She doesn’t need any looking after, and she’s great for security! Even if missiles rained down there, you’ll be fine with her around, so don’t worry.”
“…If missiles started raining down, wouldn’t that be a cause of worry on its own?”
“Y-You’re absolutely right.”
Rinko’s voice gently but firmly scolded, and Shinichi folded right away.
“Okay, okay, don’t beat yourself up too much. That was just a little payback for making me worry and going dark on us.”
Whether she could somehow sense his mood or not, her cheerful tone brightened further, making it clear there was no deeper malice behind her words.
All Shinichi could do was be grateful and go along with it.
“It was very effective. I couldn’t even say a word in response.”
“Ha ha. Yeah, I figured. You’re just like your dad. You don’t have to worry about us too. Shinji is happy, and having Amaryllis-chan around is quite helpful too. Though I do have to wonder how she feels about the way she’s being treated right now.”
“Kyuiii!?”
“Ah, he bit her ear!”
The cry of an animal could be heard through the phone followed by Rinko’s startled yelp.
Shinichi immediately realized what had happened and calmly said.
“She keeps herself very clean, so there should be no hygiene concerns even if he bit her ear. Her fur doesn’t shed easily either, so it’s unlikely he would’ve ingested anything.”
Shinichi delivered that with such sincerity that Rinko was just speechless.
“…You know, I used to think it was just your environment, but now I’m starting to wonder if this is just how you are.”
“I’m not sure what you mean?”
“Listen, Shinichi-kun. I appreciate that you’re thinking about Shinji’s health first. But even I, despite acclimating to her, still get chills whenever I see him biting her or handling her roughly!”
“I, uh, I see.”
In the first place, the reason Shinichi decided to leave Youko on Earth was to keep her from scaring everyone.
Yet, despite knowing that in his head, Shinichi still didn’t really get it.
He nodded and sounded like he understood, but in reality…
“Umm. Anyway, she wouldn’t raise a hand against a baby. And if there’s ever any concern, she understands speech–so please feel free to talk to her directly. If it’s you, Rinko-san, she’ll probably treat you with the utmost care.”
“…So it is just who you are.”
“Rinko-san?”
“Oh, no, it’s nothing, really. But are you sure? It would be a huge help if so. Still, why would she be so careful with me specifically?”
Despite having heard her mutter, Shinichi was characteristically slow when it came to matters involving himself, so he completely missed the deeper meaning behind Rinko’s words.
Meanwhile, Rinko seemed to have decided that this wasn’t the time to dig into the matter.
Instead, she asked why the Amaryllis (Youko) would treat her with such respect despite their limited connection.
Shinichi responded instantly, as though it were the most natural thing in the world, and with a casual voice and words free of affectation, he said–
“Because she shows respect to the people I respect.”
“…”
“…Um, Rinko-san? Is something wrong? Did I say something weird again?”
And then, while completely unaware of the significance of his own words, Shinichi innocently asked that question.
Just what did Rinko feel when he said those words?
For a while, there was silence, then the answer came suddenly, loudly as though to bark rather than speak.
“Aha! You’re exactly the same!” She told him.
“W-What?” Shinichi exclaimed.
Keeping up with Rinko was like trying to keep up with the weather in the tropics.
One moment she was frustrated, then in the next, she was warm, and then there was bitterness beginning to boil.
At first Shinichi could only blink in confusion, but then the next words came, and he could only twitch in response.
“You really are Nobuhiko-san’s son, aren’t you! That way of talking! That is so him!”
Gone was the gentle doting stepmother.
In her place was the heat of someone who knew exactly why he talked the way he did.
One festering with some bitterness, and before long, Rinko’s irritation boiled over.
“You know that father of yours and I would be talking about something completely unrelated, then before I know it, he’s either complimenting me or flirting with me.
You are the spitting image of him. You talk exactly the same.
Ugh, this father and son pair. The two of you just love to naturally blindside people like that, don’t you?”
“Erm, sorry?”
Shinichi was understandably confused, but sensing that this might be her venting, he found it hard to deny anything and so tried to play it safe with a mild apology instead, but due to his inherently honest nature, his voice came out sounding more like a question.
And that, unfortunately, was the final straw.
“You’re both completely oblivious to it, too!! Hey, don’t tell me–Have you been doing the same thing to the girls at school? Helping them out when they’re in trouble like it’s nothing? Racking up points with quiet little gestures as if it’s just basic manners? Accidentally charming the hearts of delicate maidens just to enjoy their reactions!?”
Three shots. Three bulls-eye. A perfect score.
Especially that last one, which he was literally guilty of doing just a moment ago.
Shinichi froze.
“Ahem. No comment.”
“I knew it!”
The way Shinichi awkwardly laughed, the way he dodged the question, all of it pointed to the picturesque image of a clumsy but honest boy, and Rinko’s heavy sighs sounded just like someone who knew that sort of person very well–Too well.
Shinichi cringed. Just what in the world had his father done to this poor woman?
But when he thought of his own behavior, he realized–It was too easy to imagine.
“…Shinichi-kun. When you get back, we’re going to have a long talk about this.”
The seriousness in her voice made it sound less like a suggestion and more like a declaration.
“Wait a moment–Is that what you wanted to talk about!? Not the whole ‘me getting involved’ thing!?”
When Shinichi imagined Rinko smiling scarily, he couldn’t help but shiver all over.
It was so scary that he even tried to redirect the conversation back to what he was supposed to be keeping quiet, but Rinko’s priorities were firmly focused on family.
“That’s right! Because if you keep this up, you’re going to end up as the enemy of all women! As Shinji’s big brother, I need you to live an honest and upright life!”
“Gah!”
A critical hit.
Shinichi didn’t care much about other people’s opinions, but when it came to family–he did want to be seen as respectable, or at least a decent person.
And that made Rinko’s words all the more painful.
She was right too.
After all, he had been shamelessly flirting with his teacher just now, so evidently, he had long since strayed from any upright path.
Verbally eviscerated, Shinichi broke out in cold sweat, his throat producing a dry but audible gulp.
It was a good thing he used his Foster like an old phone, where he pressed it against his ear.
He had no idea what face he was making right now, but he was pretty sure it wasn’t the sort of face he wanted anyone to see.
“So, Shinichi-kun…”
“Y-Yes?”
Shinichi braced himself for one last scolding, but what came instead was–
“Just make sure you come back safe, okay?”
“…”
Speechless.
How many times was this woman going to take him by surprise?
There was a genuine warmth behind her gentle voice, such that he found himself wanting to cling to it.
It was so comforting, so kind.
For a moment, he hesitated, but in the end, he gave his answer.
Not loudly.
But certainly.
“Yeah.”
“Good–Now go on, off with you!”
“R-Right, I’m going!”
And with that, their family exchange that was filled with scolding, warmth, and affection came to an end.
Still flustered, Shinichi fumbled to hang the phone, then finally, he let his arms drop.
Sitting back, his legs sprawled out, and he collapsed against the seat’s backrest.
The finally, a long, deep sigh escaped through his lips. Half weary, half relieved.
“Haaaaaaaahhh… I’m done for. There’s no way I’ll ever win against her.”
As he covered his face with his free hand, he looked up at the ceiling and laughed with disbelief yet at the same time contentment.
But then, just as he was having a moment to himself, something sounded from right beside him—
“Pfft.”
Right.
There was someone else here with him, wasn’t there?
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