落とし穴外伝：思い出の初恋 (Part2)
Jessica nodded in agreement with Samantha’s words, and the rest of the group followed suit.
*That’s the takeaway?*
"Is that really where you're going with this?"
Taiki-kun voiced my exact thoughts.
"I was surprised at first, too. But I think it’s a good game for understanding the thoughts and emotions of others. If you consider that Yuki was playing it to study how other people think, it makes sense."
"I see."
Are they seriously satisfied with that?
Am I really that inhuman?
"Wait, Yuki-san, was that really the vibe?"
"No, no, you know that’s not it."
"Ah—well, I can tell from that reaction, but honestly, I didn't expect this kind of response from your wives. Just how cold were you to them?"
"Taiki-kun, you’ll understand once you increase the number of your own wives. Want to try surpassing me while you're at it?"
"Ah, my apologies. I understand."
Taiki-kun, seemingly grasping what I was getting at, apologized immediately.
It’s fine for a game protagonist to build a harem.
They only show the fun parts, after all.
But here, it’s all the bitter and the sweet.
In fact, since this is a harem intertwined with the politics of nations and the like, it’s a constant source of heartburn.
While we were whispering back and forth, Cleena continued her explanation.
"So, the concern Taiki had was that the characters in these romance games are cute. Since it’s called a 'romance' game, it implies ending up with those cute characters. Unlike Yuki or Taiki, whose vessels and environments aren't exactly suited for a harem, you can basically only choose one. In other words, there’s a risk that Yuki or Taiki’s preferred type of woman might be exposed."
"!? "
Well, it’s strange that I feel relieved they were properly shocked by the point I was most concerned about.
"That said, these types of romance games—or 'gal games,' as they’re shortened—often unlock different routes after you complete all the others, so it’s a waste to stop at just one. And since there’s value in viewing a story from multiple perspectives, playing the game is also about seeing those different narratives."
"Is that so? I suppose I didn't understand the purpose of having multiple routes. If playing through everything changes your perspective and reveals a different story, then it stands to reason that one should play it all."
Fiora seemed convinced by Cleena’s explanation.
No, she’s not wrong, but...
Why is my credibility so high with them?
Or, conversely, are they actually looking down on me?
"…Regardless, the character you choose to read about first when starting the game is a matter of personal taste. Which is to say, it reflects the player’s preferences. In short, it reveals Yuki’s taste in women."
"!? "
They finally seemed to grasp the implication, turning their gazes toward me once again.
"I mean, I’ve played plenty of gal games up until now."
"Are you the type to clear the ones you don't like first? Saving the best for last?"
"Who knows? It depends on my mood at the time. If you try a variety, you realize that, in the end, every character has their own charm. Taiki-kun, you understand, right?"
"I do. Once you play, you find yourself thinking, 'Oh, this girl is surprisingly great, too.' Oh, Cleena-san, do you understand as well?"
"I do. I learned that someone like Dressa—a *tsundere*—is a good thing."
Oh, so Cleena likes *tsundere* types.
Personally, I find actual *tsundere* behavior to be a hassle.
I didn't pay much mind to Dressa, as it just looked like a child’s bravado.
Anyway, I need to summarize my preferences. Everyone is watching.
"In short, I don't have a specific 'type'."
"You don't?"
"Yeah. To say you build it over time isn't quite right, but it’s something you create by spending time together. It’s common to end up liking someone you initially disliked. Or, if I had to say, it’s definitely not true that I disliked the women who approached me."
"Ah."
They seemed incredibly convinced by that.
"So, my wives, as well as Prof, Orelia, Hobis, and Yayui—they are my preference."
"Oh, is that how you’re going to wrap it up?"
"I don't rank anyone as 'number one' because they are *all* number one. There is no hierarchy to my love. Though, there is a priority."
"Hmm. Who is the highest priority?"
Cleena pounced on that immediately.
It feels like a spark that could ignite a conflict.
Well, I expected them to ask, so the answer is simple.
"That would be the children. They can't protect themselves well yet, after all. The wives and Prof and the others can handle themselves, right?"
"Understood."
And so, we continued to chat away, with the topic of gal games taking center stage.
It was released on June 26th—the legendary game, *To Heart* by Leaf.
I love it dearly and have played it countless times.
Oh, and yes, I bought it.
Naturally.