Chapter 223

After resting at the teahouse until around 11:00, we began picking cherry blossoms.

"Basically, everyone should fix one petal, two of each kind.

If you are targeted by other players, please do not hesitate to target me and 'Companion'. You can get your opponent involved.

Gather at Sakura City in about 30 minutes. Okay?"

"Yes."

"All right, I understand.

... When escaping, I should probably not overuse my ability, right?"

"Of course.

As expected, it's not good to activate it while someone is watching you, is it?"

"Mm, yes."

I watched the three of them discussing silently. I was just tracking Uranus. There was no room for my mouth.... Hm? By the way.

"How do you check the time?"

Uranus looked at me in surprise,

"Hm? It's a Mobile Phone.

Oh, perhaps you are worried about the battery?"

"Is that so.

I often use it to check the time, so I thought it might run out soon.

It's all about recharging outside the game, right?"

"I have a spare battery, so it's fine.

It also has a Kamiji on it, so you can charge it with aura. Well, you can also recharge at an Inn in the game."

Kamiji are really convenient. I mean, is there an Inn that can charge batteries?... The town uses a lot of electrical appliances. Should I look for it?

As they walked deeper into the city, Uranus watched them for a while. On our side, we decided to check the city entrance where the player encounter rate might be high, but Uranus was not easy to move.

"... Those two have changed, too."

A single tweet. A glance at me.

"Up until now, you have barely tried to leave me.

... Before they met me, they might have managed to do something on their own. If I had tried to do this from the beginning, I could have done it."

This is not unpredictable.... But what do you think?

"I think the Meleorons are also looking for a way to live together."

Uranus lowered his gaze. A bit sad,

"That might be it.

... I don't mind. After clearing the game, you will live with me."

Uranus talked about difficult things without hesitation. In that case, Uranus himself would inevitably suffer. If things go on like this, those two will eventually leave him, trying their best not to cause trouble. Surely.

This is also something I learned from my own experience. —This society is cold to those who do not adapt. The Pitch Darkness cast occasionally by the bright Meleoron tells the story of how she has survived until now.

It is hypocritical for someone like me who has killed many Chimera Ants to think this way...

I want to do something. Just for these two.

We collected cherry blossom petals from the entrance of the city, while carefully observing so as not to miss them. This was unexpectedly difficult. Because I had to put the petals in my hand. The petals wouldn't keep falling, and even if they did, the Wind would blow them away, and you would have to chase after them.

"This is harder than I thought."

"It doesn't feel like sightseeing anymore. You have to concentrate."

Uranus looked somewhat dissatisfied. If you want to spend time sightseeing, I am sorry to bother you.

There were only 30 minutes, so I didn't have much free time. The relative dubbing was painful. "Oshima Cherry" was covered in large quantities. Because I could match the answers with the cards, I was already able to accurately distinguish the cherry blossoms.

Entering the city from the east side, then returning to Sakura City near the center. About 25 minutes have passed now.

The two of us looked at the Binder filled with cherry blossom petals.

"22 kinds...

This is dangerous. This is a free frame and katatsu. What happened to the Meleorons?"

"Do you want to wait for the two of us here?"

"Yes.

I will do my best to get through this step."

"Yeah, as long as you can see, it's safe."

Hm... is that so? I can see the two of them. Let's wait leisurely while looking at the cherry blossoms.

"Uranus.

Can I have tea with you?"

"... Are you still eating?"

"Oh, it's just tea.

You didn't say eat, did you?"

"Pfft."

Damn, you. It's terrible, I can't believe it. I really just wanted to drink some tea. I know what's wrong. This is my fault. Damn it!

While slightly pouting,

"Do I look like that kind of glutton?"

"Uh. What are you saying right now?"

Ah... no time, you've already made a straight face!

For some reason, I was startled and squatted down on the spot. Uranus looked very flustered.

"Waa, I'm sorry Aisha!

Uh... are you that concerned about it?

Don't worry. Gohan, eat as much as you want?"

"Please don't worry...

It's fine, I'm a glutton anyway."

"I didn't say that, I don't think that.

No, I used to eat a lot too, but I don't eat that much now.

I feel envious of you."

"…………"

"I'm sorry, I won't tease you about Gohan anymore.

If you're worried about me, I'm truly sorry."

"... It's okay.

I don't have to worry.

It's a bit ridiculous to be noticed like this."

Stand up. It's over.

It seems so. Eat what you like, and then be told what you like. You should get used to it. That way you won't be afraid of anything anymore—but that's not the case.

"I'll take you to a delicious place in Otania for lunch."

This is like fishing with bait!... Of course I'm looking forward to it, yes. You can't beat the taste of autumn.

A few minutes later, the melerons returned. There didn't seem to be any problems along the way, so we organized the extra cherry blossom cards and checked the situation.

<301: Red Pearl>

<302: Arashiyama>

<303: Whirlpool Cherry Blossom>

<304: Oshima Cherry>

<306: Kasumi Cherry>

<307: Chrysanthemum Cherry>

<308: Golden Dragon Cherry>

<309: Light Fragrance>

<312: Shizuka Cherry>

<313: Crystal>

<314: Taihaku>

<315: Takane Cherry>

<316: Temari>

"318: Hakusan Flag Cherry"

<319: Hanakasa>

<320: Chrysanthemum Cherry Tree>

<321: Red Starl>

<322: North Cherry>

<323: Dancing Princess>

<324: Polka Dot Cherry>

<325: Green Cherry>

<326: Bright Moon>

"327: Yaebeni Shidare"

<328: Mountain Cherry>

<329: Small Cherry Blossom>

<330: Hawk's Tail>

"26 types?

Are 305, 310, 311, and 317 missing? I think Uranus expected this to happen.

"Are the remaining four difficult?"

"It's a rare species that only grows a little bit.

Like the cherry blossoms here."

Uranus looked at the weeping cherry tree planted near the shop.

"This 'red shidare' only appeared when I was looking for it earlier.

The other weeping cherry tree growing should be 'Yaebeni Shidare'. Toko should have the remaining four types, outside the city's main street..."

"Hmm, where are you?"

Uranus scratched his nose.

"You don't look like...

Don't you remember?"

"I am trying to recall."

"Hmm, I vaguely remember where the cherry blossoms are, but I don't remember how I got there geographically."

... Hmm, remembering this much is indeed cruel. I am sure many others have mastered this knowledge. Unlike a monster's weakness, it is not life-threatening.

"Then the four of us will just have to wander around."

"What are the characteristics of the cherry blossoms?"

"Eh? Wait a moment..."

"Like a tall cherry tree. I don't remember anymore."

"Ah, I'm sorry... I should leave 【Analysis】 for a while. It might be easier if I could see the text."

Is that so? I'm sure...

"Uranus, don't you have a memo?"

"In the last play, you said you used 'Analysis' to look up cards that caught your eye."

When I asked this, Uranus closed one eye and made a pained expression.

"Uh, sorry..."

"I didn't make detailed notes on the serial numbers of the sakura. I didn't use 'Analysis' because it was too wasteful, but even after collecting 30 different cards, I felt it was embarrassing to write them down..."

Not good. Then I have no choice but to search steadily.

Uranus is frustrated. It was us who suddenly said we wanted to catch it, so it can't be helped that we are underprepared. This is not Uranus's fault.

When he feels uncomfortable, I pat him on the back.

"Then let's all go look for them."

"As far as I know, can you show me around this city?"

Uranus looked blank. Not long after, he smiled happily at us.

"Yeah. Let's go."

The four of us traveled through the city together. Thanks to looking for cards, everyone gained a certain understanding of the types of cherry blossoms, and topics like the most common Kasumi Cherry and Oshima Cherry made the conversation lively. I wonder if the producer expected this much and made the cherry blossom cards into a Collection.

"First of all, there aren't that many short cherry trees there."

"Yes."

"Even within the same variety, there are differences in the size of the trees, and if it's just a tall tree, you won't be able to find it at all."

"Aren't there marks on the trees?"

"Like the cherry blossom tea house near that shop."

"Hmm."

"It must be mixed with other cherry blossoms, or it should be separated from the facility."

"I feel like I'm going in the completely opposite direction. That impression is too strong, and I'm a little reluctant to look for cherry blossoms."

"It's okay."

"It's fun to be able to see the cherry blossoms."

He seemed to look up at the cherry blossoms eagerly. I guess he has his own thoughts. Depending on the viewer's mood, cherry blossoms look very different.

"Hmm..."

"I think it's around here."

In the middle of the road where cherry blossoms were in full bloom, Uranus groaned and threw a few cards.

There are many trees here, but surprisingly few varieties. Is this an unpleasant pattern where only one person is lost in a place they seem about to give up on? It's better to just know it exists, really.

I thought it might be an Oshima Cherry tree, but when I picked it up, something was wrong. It is impossible to perceive the subtle differences in varieties using symbols. I wish I could at least see the aura.

<324: Polka Dot Cherry>

Rank H Card Limit ∞

A tall cherry tree with a patch of white petals in bloom

Hmm... this one is... Oshima Cherry.

<304: Oshima Cherry>

Rank H Card Limit ∞

A tall cherry tree with a patch of white petals in bloom

Many cherry blossom varieties

This tree is also one.... Nonsense. I don't know.

<314: Taihaku>

Rank H Card Limit ∞

A tall cherry tree with a patch of large white petals in bloom

"Oh! I did it, I found it!"

Seam cheered. We, scattered in the woods, gathered there all at once.

"Hey hey, this one!"

"I haven't carried this one!"

"Oh, this is it, definitely the answer card for Coco."

"Seam, I understand."

"That's true. I wouldn't have noticed this unless you told me."

"For some reason, the way the flowers bloom is a bit different from the others, so I thought, 'What is that?'"

"The petals don't fall off easily, so I tried sticking to them."

Uranus and Meleoron praised. Making Seam happy. Seeing it makes me smile.

"311: Sakuya Princess"

Rank H Card restriction ∞

Half-petaled white blossoms bloom on the tall cherry tree.

Named after a princess from the Age of Gods.

I look up at the cherry blossoms. Indeed, its blooms are a bit different. Other cherry blossoms have single, Heavy, or chrysanthemum-like petals, but this one looks like a hybrid.

The petals have just started to drift down, so I catch them and check the card to Fixed the second one.

"What does this new Great Princess mean?"

Meleoron asks, pointing at the text on the card in Seam's hand. Uranus tilts his head slightly.

"Age of Gods means the Age of Gods.

So when I say princess, I mean Goddess. I think Sakuya Princess is the deity of the highest mountain in Japan."

"Really?"

"You should put it into the Binder as soon as possible; it takes a minute."

"Yes."

Hehe, that princess is someone like Uranus. As I imagine such a thing while putting the card into the Binder, it becomes a bit funny.

"Hm?

Aisha, why are you laughing?"

"No, nothing.

Shall we go look for the next cherry blossom then, Princess?"

Uranus is somewhat surprised; he understands the meaning behind it.

"Aisha!"

"Eh, what's wrong? Princess."

When I can't help but laugh,

"Ah, I see. Come to think of it."

"Hehe. Uranus-ohimesama."

"Look here, you Meleoron!"

I really hate it. It's funny.

"Hehe, let's hurry to the next one. Princess Uranus."

"Ah, Aisha! I beg you, please stop!"

Uranus shakes his head with tears in his eyes.

"It is disgusting for a princess to shout like that.

If you are a maiden, you should be more elegant."

"Meleoron, don't say that!"

"If you keep talking, the Sun will set. Please guide me, Squishy Princess."

"Who is Squishy Princess!!"

"Hey, this place or something."

A loud noise erupts when Uranus's Wing is touched.

"Hey!? Hey, I've told you many times not to touch it!

The way you stroke me is ticklish!"

Uranus and Seam are real jerks. I know what it feels like in a public bath.