Chapter 321

Uranus announced: "I am going to sleep now!"

Ah... there are four people staying the night, so I wanted to chat and play more. I was too engrossed in being Together with Uranus.

I fell asleep while thinking about my dissatisfaction...

Suddenly, when I woke up in the middle of the night—

Uranus was not by his side. The futon was empty.

... I wonder if it was the restroom. I will go too.

I walked through the cold hallway. There are no restrooms in any of the rooms here...

I checked the path as I walked, and there were signs that someone had come from across the street. Is it Uranus?

"What is wrong, Aisha?"

"Ah, wait a moment..."

"... Oh, it ended just like that. I went too."

Saying this, Uranus passed by. Hmm...

When I finished my business and returned to the room, Uranus was sitting under the Kotatsu, with only a faint light on.

"What is wrong? Are you not sleeping?"

"Hmm...

Somehow, I cannot sleep."

Uranus responded hesitantly. This is like a small animal...

With that thought, let me enter the Kotatsu as well. Oh, it is warm.

"What is wrong, Aisha?

Are you okay not sleeping?"

"It is a bit cold, so I thought I would use the Kotatsu to warm up."

"I see."

"... Did you disturb me?"

"No."

Under the dim light, we silently shut ourselves under the Kotatsu.

"Hmm..."

"What is wrong?"

While asking Uranus, who had sighed, I placed the can on the cotton and the Kotatsu.

"Ah. Give me that kind of thing."

Saying this, Uranus likewise placed the can on the Kotatsu.

"You bought grape juice too, didn't you?"

"No, I am tired, so please give me some replenishment...

Is Aisha too Heavy for Shiroko in the middle of the night?"

"This is just right for me."

Uranus stared at my chest.

"Wait. Where are you looking?"

"That is a place that looks very nutritious."

"Rude."

Damn it. They are all saying the same thing... I used it correctly during Training.

"This is really inconvenient.

You won't get anything by getting bigger. Even if it is like that, it is just an Obstacle."

"Oh, I see."

"What?

After all, what is that?"

"No, Meleoron said so.

Perhaps Aisha is frustrated. Some children are just like that.

For those who want to act actively, it might be an Obstacle."

"..."

No need to rush to answer... If it weren't said by a pervert, I would honestly nod. But, is that so? Biscuit also pointed out that this would cause the trunk to collapse. So annoying...

"Well, you don't ask for anything.

I really don't understand why Aisha wants to be a man, but it is not that good either.

Do you envy me or Seam?"

"... I don't envy you or Seam, but...

There is no reason to be jealous of you or anything like that."

"Then why?

I can't help but envy Aisha."

"... I am begging for what I do not have."

"Perhaps."

After Uranus finished speaking, he fell silent, opened the canned juice, and drank it.

I also did not continue speaking, and brought my mouth to the oshiruko.... It can't be helped, because it is canned, but the flavor is weak after all. The store is already closed, so I cannot call it a luxury.

"In the end, what is my diagnosis?"

"One.

Ah, um."

"A little.

It can't be helped, I didn't examine it properly..."

"No, no, no, I checked it very clearly.

Someone suddenly asked me, so I wanted to know how it was going. Uh.

... The conclusion is not much different from when soaking in the Hot Spring.

It's not that there's any problem, but I feel very weak overall."

"I understand. I think I was tired after all."

"House...

I don't know your original condition, so I can't compare and judge, but aren't you very weak?

In my view, your physical functions are too low to imagine from the athletic ability you displayed."

"..."

"I said it before, it's true.

I myself cannot predict to what extent I will be weak next time.

I'm moving a bit now."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"For now.

If there is danger, I will consult with you in advance."

"... Will you promise me?"

"Yes, I promise."

Hmm.... No.

"Fine, I still can't believe it...

I think regular check-ups are a good idea."

"I am in the future, so please forgive me...

This is really, really hard."

"... Hmm."

"You think how embarrassing a massage is!

Manipulating my body everywhere!"

Hehe, can't hear any human voices.

"Don't get excited, be quiet.

I will wake you two up in bed."

"..."

He puffed out his cheeks, silently protesting. Is this a jungle Snake?

"I admit I went too far. I am sorry.

I didn't expect you to hate it to the point of crying."

"That's why tickling is bad...

Even Aisha wouldn't like being massaged like this, right?"

Oh yeah. It's fine.

"I politely decline..."

"Then why did you do this to me?"

"It seems what you did was even worse than I imagined.

Sorry..."

"I also never thought I would be forced to cry.

I am ashamed of my life, and even more..."

Didn't expect you to actually cry. Guilt is amazing.

"But the massage itself didn't work?

I am quite confident."

"..."

"I think the massage itself was good. I think the situation has improved."

"Then—"

"Although I feel terrible.

I am sorry again."

"Well, I will apologize. I am sorry.

If you don't like a forceful massage, I will be lighter next time."

"No, why do you have to massage so much?"

"Well...

Is it mushy? I won't be angry if I touch you."

"..."

"What I mean is, I've had physical contact with many people since a long time ago, so I think this is strange, but... is that the reason?"

Uranos scratched his head, feeling fragile. "Don't you realize..."

"Isn't this great? Is Puni-Niyanko the best?"

"Yamate-kun, don't you think I'm the same as Sakura?"

"I shouldn't have called you that... it's too embarrassing."

Uranos helplessly covered his face with his hands.

"Something."

"Ever since entering this game, I've felt like I've been awkward the whole time..."

"I'm the same way."

"The fact that I have no aura is a big factor, but things haven't gone according to plan."

"Yes, yes."

"... I have never acted this clingy toward anyone other than my family."

"I can't hide anything, so I'm always being watched by Tonko, and what kind of disgraceful things is he messing around with..."

"You're doing just fine."

"I promise."

"... I want to do a little better, but..."

Uranos sighed. It seemed better to change the subject on this matter.

"By the way, have you talked to Lord Maochi and the others?"

"Hm? What are you talking about?"

"Other than checking in our luggage—"

"That's right."

"About taking the two of you out."

"Peh!?"

"... Oh no. Time is tight, it's too late."

"We argued a lot about the issue of leaving them in our care, but if we talked about this, we wouldn't be able to return before the cherry blossoms disappear."

"... Now that I think about it, so that's how it is."

"I was in a hurry because I felt the timing was terrible, so I completely forgot."

"But well, I'll be seeing them many times from now on, so it doesn't matter if I have time."

"I also want to send those two home."

"Yeah, you're right..."

We continued chatting while eating oranges on the Kotatsu and drinking beverages.

"Well, I'm going to sleep early..."

Looking at the dimly lit wall clock, it pointed to 2:00 AM.

"Do you think you can sleep?"

"... That's why my eyes are clear. What should I do?"

"Me too."

I wonder if it's bad to sleep under the Kotatsu for a while.... No, that's not enough. I really want to play with the four of them.

Mmm...

"Can we enter the Hot Spring at this time?"

"... I'll put it in."

"24 hours, the Hot Spring here."

"Then why don't you go in quietly?"

Uranos looked suspicious.

"Can I interpret that as you going in alone?"

"... House."

"Do you want to challenge the designated Pocket Card?"

"The day has changed; if we enter the Mixed Bath, who knows what might happen."

"... Then I'll go to the Mixed Bath alone."

"Aisha should go to the women's bath."

"Let's go in together."

"Do you understand what I mean?"

Uranos looked suspicious. I was a bit wary.

"I just want to change the pace."

"Mainly to check if an event occurs."

"I won't do anything else."

"..."

"Let me think."

Uranos closed his eyes and fell into silence.

Frankly, I already realized it wasn't worth being vigilant.... Uranos is shyer than me. I've already gotten a bit used to it.

"Mmm..."

…………

Ha……

Okay. Is it really just a little bit?

Two people Together is safer, safer……

And if I enter now and no event occurs, I can stay at another Hot Spring Inn next time.

That makes sense."

Uranus came out from the Kotatsu and stood up. As I looked up at that expression,

"Aren't you quite dissatisfied?

Even though I'm in a Mixed Bath alone with such a pretty girl."

"I don't care if I say so myself."

Saying this, he with a cute face laughed amusingly.

Just finding some change of clothes and a Towel might wake up the two people sleeping, so we went to the changing room one by one.

Buying a Towel and Bath Towel from the vending machine. Just a light touch is enough.

So, I am in the changing room now...

……Hmm, don't be nervous. ……I don't know if the other person is the same, I don't feel like I'm taking off.

Hmm…… I said it out of thin air, but in the end, I couldn't make a decision. There's no need to be nervous, and no need to be nervous…… yes.

The sound of clothes falling over there. Is it this early? I untied the belt of my yukata. ……Oh, I forgot to brush…… hmm, alright. My winter clothes are a mess, so I think I took the bra I wanted to wear to the laundry.

Uranus seemed to have taken off his clothes quickly, perhaps because he was only wearing a skirt and socks. Along with the sound of the door opening, I heard a sigh of relief.

Wrapped my body with a Bath Towel and wrapped my hair up with a Towel.

Opened the frosted glass door,

"Come on!?"

A gust of cold Wind blew, and I cried out unconsciously. It was much colder than expected. I heard an "ahahaha" sound from the bathtub.

The snow was falling nicely. Due to the heat of the Hot Spring, it didn't pile up, but it seemed to be melting and slippery underfoot.

I carefully hurried toward the bathtub, almost jumping in.

"Hmm……"

Ah. Soaking up to the shoulders, enjoying the Hot Spring to the fullest. Uranus was similar.

"It's cold."

"It really is...

It will be very cold at night."

"Because it is Snow City."

It is. I felt the temperature in the Inn corridor drop, but I let my guard down.

"Speaking of which, is there a time for this event to happen?"

"It takes about five minutes to soak in the bathtub.

You should relax. I was the first one to make the decision, so I will also participate in this event."

……I see. Then were you the first one to soak in the bathtub?

"But if I do that, will an event for me happen after Uranus?"

"Hmm, what do you think?

Maybe it's a judgment of the Phantom Troupe, so it only happens to me.

You can only challenge this event once a day."

Having such a conversation in the snow.

"……"

We suddenly fell silent. ……After I calmed down, the situation was really that bad…… yeah.

I need to talk about something and distract myself. Uh……

"Uranus, why did you want to be a girl?"

──Hmm?

Oh, wait a minute. What did I hear? It was too precise and too Heavy.

Uranus blushed slightly,

"... Why are you asking me this?"

Uh, Ugu. He seemed embarrassed to ask…… hmm.

"Ki....... are you curious?"

I barely answered yes. Maybe my face was red too……

Uranus looked away slightly,

"But even Aisha wouldn't tell me, right?

The reason I want to be a boy."

Ah, aha. That's right…… it's not fair if I don't tell.

But I can't say nothing.

"Excuse me……"

"Thinking back.

But I've said it before. Even Gender Identity Disorder. Can't this convince you?"

"……"

I can understand it, but as an explanation, isn't it a bit fluffy?

I want to know if you can do a more detailed self-analysis."

"…………"

"No, I'm sorry.

It's okay if you don't want to talk..."

The atmosphere became very awkward. I messed up...

"……

I told you before that the Hormone Cookie works on me, didn't I?"

"Yes..."

"Unlike Aisha, I am able to become a woman.

Even so, I was still not convinced.

What can I say... I wonder if I'm saying this is too forced. I just turned into a brute-force woman. I think this is no different from becoming a woman through surgery.

This is not what I am looking for."

"……"

"I don't want to forcibly change my gender to become a woman; I want to properly become a woman.

However, I know that being a woman all the time is very inconvenient...

An item that allows you to change into any gender you like, anytime, anywhere, according to your own purpose. I want to make something like that."

──Zing!

"Isn't that great!

That's right! I want one too!"

"No.

After all, that's how it is. Calm down, I know. Hey?"

I inadvertently got close to him, so I kept my distance. I was too excited about the Bingo... you know, Uranus. That's right, otherwise it would be very inconvenient.

But that's how it is. Initially, Meleoron's Prediction about using the Hormone Cookie might have been correct. It's just 24 hours... there might be curiosity or admiration for the opposite sex, but that seems to be the primary goal. You are human.

Well, what about Uranus? I know you want a decent woman, but what are you looking for?

I don't care... maybe, maybe I will. Do you want to search on a useless source?

"Uranus is...

When you become a girl, is there anything you want to do or have done?"

When I asked, Uranus's gaze wandered around. Hahaha, you're kidding.

"... A lot of things.

But rather than saying I want to do something, as far as I'm concerned, I feel like I don't like men."

Ho. You definitely said something like that.

"You hate yourself as a man, don't you?"

"This... to say a bit more, I don't know if other people dislike men."

"Really?

However, she doesn't seem to hate Seam."

Uranus lowered his eyes, as if dejected.

"……

I don't dislike him because he is a man.

At least I don't hate innocent types like Shim and Gon.

But what are you saying...

I wonder if it's the eyes that see women as women. I really hate the feeling of men looking at women like that.

... There is a little bit inside me, that feeling is unbearable.

That's why when I look at Aisha like that, I feel sorry and self-loathing."

"……"

Ah, right...

Is that how it's summarized?... This person isn't good at being naughty.

When I gave her a massage, I cried a lot... I see. Are you that kind of person?

... I want to turn back into a man, but I'm far from that feeling right now. I don't know.

Uranus looked down at me with an expression that was neither male nor female,

"……

Sorry for saying strange things. I'm glad you forgot.

... You've been telling me, but what about Aisha?

Is there anything you want to do after becoming a man?"

"Hmm?

Well..."

Bad. After telling the truth, it's hard to lie. And we are getting closer to the Root. Uh...

"Aisha doesn't hate being a woman, right?

But he seems to have wanted to use the Hormone Cookie for a long time...

I just want to know if there is anything you want to do."

"Ancestor..."

"This is correct. There are many things, and I don't know what to say."

"Haa. I understand."

It's a good thing it's running well. Sigh...

... But that's just how it is. Think about it, is that so?

It's not good for my parents, so I can't give up being a woman right now, and I can't help but want to be a man for a while.... Because I want to fall in love with the person I've fallen in love with.

If I just work hard to complete my ultimate goal, then my mother will look down on me... I can't stand that kind of thing. I don't like it either.

Uranus... He seems to be very repulsed by that kind of thing, so he might not be able to target it. I also don't want my friends to hate me.

Ha.... I can confirm it for now, so it should be fine for the time being.

They stopped talking and just looked at each other.

Uh... so awkward. The topic I mentioned a while ago was also this. Something...

--A sign appeared in the changing room. This is it.

"It's here! Aisha, something big has happened!"

"And then..."

"Game character enters."

I saw a silhouette behind the frosted glass, and it opened.

A young female character appeared.

She probably didn't feel cold; she calmly poured hot water over herself and slowly approached the bathtub. Uranus looked away.

Soaking in the bathtub, closing her eyes, and then walking to the back as if she weren't there.

He had his back to me and stopped moving behind the bathtub.

Uranus approached me and whispered.

"If you talk to me about this, the event will begin.

However, it seems difficult to talk between people of the same sex. The conversation ends immediately.

The event judgment only targets the opposite sex; in this case, unless it's me, the event will not progress."

"This is a Mixed Bath event, isn't it?"

I mean, the kind of event held at aiai.... If only it could be left to him. You look confident.

"Hmm, I will clean it up as soon as possible."

Uranus approached the game character,

"Do you want a minute?"

"... What should we do?"

With Uranus's faint tone, the conversation event began.

A game character and Uranus continued to chase the ups and downs of the conversation.

It sounds like this woman is an actress. It is said that when he arrived at this Hot Spring Inn, he seemed to have lost his confidence and ran out. As for why he came to the Mixed Bath, he said he didn't want to get close to people of the same sex because the reason he was depressed was that he was involved with an actress.

Mixed Bath.... This is mandatory. I cannot speak for humans.

"In any case, that kind of tense atmosphere is difficult...

Every time something strange happens, I can't stand suspecting that I'm being subjected to Harassment."

"We are classmates, so if possible, I want to get along well.

As long as we support each other, there is no problem."

"That is correct...

I don't want to look down on someone and show off my sense of superiority."

"I know, I know.

... In the end, this is a problem between the two of us.

Aren't you going to be brave and discuss it frankly?"

"If I could do that, I would..."

Uranus continued to encourage a depressed woman. I stared at him; his tone was light, but gentle.

Hmm...

There shouldn't be anything to worry about, but I will do my best. The parts that are unclear.

I don't know why... maybe it's because I've been in the Hot Spring for too long...

"--Thank you. Thank you."

When I suddenly realized, Uranus was about to receive something like an egg.

Boom! And crack.

"Alright then, I will do it this way."

A woman moved the bathtub and tried to get up. Uranus, holding the card in his hand, showed signs of looking away.

Only the actress's setting, compared to other game characters, she looks beautiful and the art style is good too. Hmm, I think so.

The frosted glass door opened and closed.

"Book."

When I turned around, Uranus approached me holding a card in a Binder.

"Wait, do you want to see this card?"

"Yes."

"44: Egg of the Great Actor"

B-Rank Card limit 30

Keep your hands warm for three hours every day,

hatches into a real egg after 1 to 10 years

The stronger the wish felt while warming it, the faster it hatches.

Just as expected.... Pah.

"What's wrong, Aisha? I don't feel well.

Maybe you drowned?"

"No, it's nothing...

Shall we get up early?"

"Yes...

Then go first."

Saying this, Uranus turned around.

Without a word, I got out of the bathtub, slowly took off the Bath Towel wrapped around my body, and squeezed it hard. Hot water came out, I heard a cracking sound, and I hurriedly relaxed.

Hmm... I'm going crazy.

After changing clothes in the dressing room, I didn't wait for Uranus and continued walking.

I walked straight to the vending machine over there, vaguely wanting to drink something to change the pace.

... Ah. What is this feeling?

I rubbed my unclean chest. I should have wiped it clean... I'm sweating, it's disgusting.

For now, I'll just buy a drink.

"Aisha...

Eh? Why did you buy so many?"

Uranus walked over and asked.

When I was told, and when I lowered my gaze, cards were piled up like a mountain in the delivery slot. Pressing the Fugura button,

"Ah, no...

I bought too many by mistake. I was spacing out."

"Are you sure you're okay?

You feel a bit hot."

Gu... That's right. I can understand it to some extent, it's this person's eyes, that kind of thing.

"Maybe I'm just a little dazed.

I'm going back to the room to rest."

"Yeah. Tell me if you're tired?"

Ha. I want to return these words as they are.

Usually, drinking and earning money is fast, but I can't drink this much, nor can I take it away, so I put the cards I bought away once. Collect the change and use "Book" to erase the Binder.

Then the two of them returned to the room without a word, in an awkward atmosphere.

Uranus tried to open the door quietly and said "Hmm?".

A voice came from inside the room. Are you all awake?... Hm? Crying?

When we made a sound and entered the room, the two people inside also noticed us. The bedroom door opened.

"Come to think of it.

You two were in a Mixed Bath, right?"

Uranus nodded at Meleoron's confident question.... Why did he find out?

"Look, that's the reason I said.

He'll be back soon."

"Because..."

Crying Seam. Why are you crying? I feel like Meleoron didn't make me cry.

Temporarily close the room door and go find Seam and the others.

Seam looked at us, tearing up with ragged tears.

"What's wrong, Seam?"

"Sinking, what's wrong?"

"Uh."

Seam didn't tell you why, just rubbed his face.

We looked at Meleoron,

"Eh...

Seam. Can I speak first?"

"No!"

What is it? This doesn't seem like an emergency, but...

Meleoron looked embarrassed and wiped Seam's face with a tissue.

Uranus knelt in front of Seam,

"What on earth happened, Seam?

Did you cry while we were away?... Calm down."

"Ugh, ugh, ugh."

The posture is the opposite of when I was getting a massage... I have a bad feeling about this.

"Ah, I bought you some drinks, let's have one and calm down.

Book."

Take out the Binder, take out the drink cards.

Except for Seam and Uranus,

"Please take what you like from here."

"Why did you buy so many?"

"Ah, that...

I accidentally..."

"... You two, didn't you do something strange in the Mixed Bath?"

"I didn't!"

"Don't be like that!... What are you talking about?"

"This is correct.

I thought something might happen, so I checked it with the two of us."

"... Is that so?"

She seemed to ask in a hoarse voice.

"Yeah. Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing this in the middle of the night.

Come on, have a drink and take a break."

"Yes..."

Everyone takes a card, and everyone "obtains" one. I still left one card in the Binder and kept the remaining cards as "Buff" items.

"So it's just like I said, right?"

"No..."

A conversation between sisters that I don't understand. I know Meleoron said we were in the Mixed Bath, but...

"Seam.

Calm down and tell me why you're crying. What?"

"..."

She isn't crying now, but her eyes and face are bright red, and Seam isn't speaking. She looked at me and Uranus in turns, then gulped down her canned juice and set it beside her.

"I'll say it now...

When I woke up, Uranus and Aisha had left the futon without me noticing...

I woke her up because even though I waited, she didn't come back at all.

Where did you go? If you say the bathroom took too long, isn't it the Mixed Bath? What?

But Uranus doesn't like the Mixed Bath, and she was still angry during the massage...

Shut up and go somewhere... didn't you leave...?

I might not be able to come back..."

... Ah...

This thought is taking a Leap, but I can't say it's Absolutely impossible...

In short?... Is it my fault again?

"I'm sorry, Seam. I snuck out in the middle of the night.

I invited Uranus to the Mixed Bath. I'm sorry for making you uneasy..."

"... You're silly.

There's no way we would just shut up and disappear, right?"

"But...!"

Uranus gently held Seam's head against her chest.

"I'm the one who was worried.

I don't know if one day the two of them will silently go somewhere."

Seam recoiled. When I looked at Meleoron, she gave me a troubled look.

Uranus stroked Seam's hair and said:

"I won't abandon you just because I'm angry.

At least it won't disappear without a word. I need to do something.

That is why you two should never leave silently.

That's because it's more annoying.... Are you in such a hurry?"

"Yes, yes."

"Promise me too, Meleoron."

"..."

Ha...

I get it.... I won't disappear silently. I promise."

"Anyway, I'm more worried about you.

You definitely don't want to leave your brother behind, do you?"

"With this expression, you know I will keep looking for you after you leave, right?"

".... Okay."

"Wuu wuu..."

As a repeat offender of keeping silent, I feel uncomfortable. Once again, I know how worried I am about everyone...

"... Uranus."

"Yes..."

We all stayed up late, so let's postpone our Departure until tomorrow.

You don't have to rush to get ready in the morning. Let's head to the Snow Mountain with some leeway."

"... Yes, I understand."

"Hatsu.

So get a good night's sleep.

I promise you won't disappear, so rest in peace."

"Uh...!"