落とし穴８７堀：家族 (Part2)
The wind blows, the trees sway, and the sounds of nature drift through the air.
It’s a leisurely, peaceful time.
Even though this base was built in a rush, it’s functioning quite well. I didn’t have the luxury of checking such things right after being sent here by Faide.
The breeze is real, and the pleasant sunlight feels wonderful on my skin.
Well, I did load it with so many unnecessary features that the mana consumption rate hit 5,000 times the norm, leading to a total depletion. I’ll have to plan for a more restricted, efficient base design in the future.
Wait, no, that’s not it.
...*Sigh*. I was supposed to be resting.
I shouldn't be thinking about work; I should just relax.
That said, with Tori sitting on my lap, there isn't much to do. I’ve grown a bit tired of playing with her beastman ears, so I just stare blankly at the garden, wondering what to do with myself.
*Bong, bong, bong...*
"Oh my. Is it already this time?"
"...Time for lunch."
Before I knew it, the clock had ticked past twelve. It seems I really was spacing out.
"Mmm. That felt good. Hey, Yuki-san, who’s making lunch today?"
Tori stretches her body, sits up, and asks about our meal.
"Let me see. Today is..."
"It's Hiiro and the others!"
Before I can answer, Hiiro pops into the room.
"Though, Kirue-nee and Aslin-nee are helping us out."
"That makes sense. It would be tough for just Vilía, Dressa, and Hiiro to cook for everyone."
"...Wait, by 'Kirue-nee,' do you mean Kirue?"
"Yup."
"Hiiro, you have such a unique way of shortening names."
"Saying three syllables is a pain. Plus, it’s my way of showing affection."
It’s a bit odd that the affection comes after the laziness, but that’s Hiiro for you.
"Anyway, it’s almost ready, so everyone, assemble! I’m going to go tell the others, see ya!"
"Take care."
"Yup! See you later, Brother!"
With that, Hiiro trots off, her footsteps pattering away.
"She could have just used a call spell."
"She wanted to invite us in person. Don't be such a wet blanket. If you say that to Hiiro, she’ll get mad."
"My apologies. Well, shall we go?"
I apologize to Seraria and start to stand up, but Milly and Riel don't move.
"Milly? Riel?"
"Oh, sorry. Please tell them we’ll be a little late."
"What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell...?"
Tori peers at the two of them, and her words trail off.
"...What is it?"
"Oh my?"
Kaya and Seraria lean in to look at Milly and Riel, mirroring Tori’s expression. Curious, I lean in to look as well...
"She’s really out like a light."
"Yes. She fell asleep the moment I started stroking her hair."
Milly looks happy but slightly troubled, while Riel sleeps soundly on her lap, looking perfectly content.
"So, please go ahead. I want to let Riel sleep a little longer."
"...Mmm. Mother... hehehe..."
It seems she’s dreaming of her mother. It would be incredibly insensitive to wake her up now. We nod without a word and quietly slip out of the room.
"If she were as small as Sakura and the others, we could have carried her along."
"...Riel is big and pregnant. Impossible."
"True. Besides, she’d wake up the moment we tried to lift her."
"Well, we can just save some food for them."
We chat as we head to the dining hall. As we’re eating, we hear the sound of frantic footsteps in the hallway, and the door bursts open.
"Aaaah!? Everyone’s already eating!! And it’s simmered mackerel in miso!!"
"Hey, Riel!! Don't run!"
Milly comes chasing after her from behind.
"Muu!! You should have woken me up!!"
"You were sleeping so soundly, I didn't have the heart to. Besides, it’s your fault for being a heavy sleeper, Riel."
"Mumu. It’s Milly’s lap that’s at fault. It felt just like my mother’s."
"Is that a complaint or a compliment?"
"Uuu... both!! Anyway, let’s eat, Milly!!"
"Hey, don't pull on me so suddenly!"
Hmm. It really does feel like Milly is the mother and Riel is the child. It’s strange, considering they’re both pregnant, but it’s not an unpleasant sight at all. Everyone watches them with a smile.
"Itadakimasu!"
"Haha, itadakimasu."
The two of them start their lunch, and the room fills with the lively, familiar warmth of a family gathering.
A little break.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a "pitfall" moment like this.
I really like these kinds of stories.