That 318: The Useless People

The next day.

As soon as the sky brightened, I naturally woke up and headed straight to the meeting to coordinate the evacuation of the refugees.

Arriving at the Starbucks near the bookstore, which usually serves as a gathering spot for everyone, I was surprised to learn that they'd been partying with drinks until just a little while ago.

Hamaoka-san, with a face that looked utterly defeated—like the representative of useless adults—mumbled,

"Wha... what?...Isn't the rescue supposed to be tomorrow...?"

Muttering drowsily, he radiates the smell of alcohol all over his body.

...Ugh. If I carry this guy right now, I'll probably get drunk just from him.

"Hey! It's already tomorrow!"

"...Huh? Today? Tomorrow...?...Can't make sense of it..."

"Look up, please!"

".................Pfuuuuuuuurrlllllllllll... Pfiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii..."

Oh no. He's really getting into deep sleep now.

I carried Ran-chan, who was sleeping soundly right there without a care, like a princess, to the bed, then called out to Mai-i, who was curled up like a rice ball for morning stretching.

"Uh... what should we do? Everyone seems to be suffering from hangovers."

"Oh my."

She was all curled up, her body folded into a limp mess, and she said, still in that same position,

"Well, we might as well evacuate everyone in order, starting with whoever can still move."

And said something perfectly reasonable.

Reluctantly, I wander through this unnecessarily spacious mall, speaking one by one with those who didn't join the drinking party yesterday...

Forgive me. I have made up my mind to live or die alongside the Dog-Biting Lord.

Even the sober ones—Koichi-kun and the two children—turned me down.

In the end, I wasted the morning and ended up returning to the furniture store that served as my makeshift room.

When I got back to the furniture store, I saw Nanami and Ran-chan fast asleep, while Mayi was still writhing about.

"Man, I'm in trouble."

As I sat there, lost in despair, Mayi burst into laughter.

"Come on now. You should take it easy once in a while. Think of it as a break."

"But doing this... it's such a waste of time."

"You're such a company slave. Things like that aren't trendy anymore, you know?"

I just want to finish my work quickly. Is this what they mean by being a company slave?

"Anyway, how about you, 'Nameless'—let's talk about something more girly for once?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like, who among these refugees do you find appealing, or something?"

"Eh... I don't really have the luxury to think about something like that..."

There aren't many guys around my age—just Kou-kun and that one guy who was completely naked.

"Oh? Are older men not your type?"

"Well, I didn't say they weren't— but if we're not close in age, we probably won't have much in common to talk about."

"Love can overcome even that, you know."

"But if there's a generational gap in the topics we're interested in, won't the relationship eventually become strained?"

"...Hmm. I suppose you're right. But still, adult men are usually more stable in their lives, aren't they?"

"Times have changed—saving money isn't what it used to be."

"Huh... Interesting. So you're not completely careless after all."

"Well, I suppose."

"Hey, Anonymous-chan. Since we're at it, I'd love to hear your take on love~?"

"Love outlook? I mean..."

And before they knew it, they were swept up in Mayi's rhythm.

Then—

Without realizing it, the sun had set once more.

▼

"So, then! To the escape mission from the 'Mirror Country,' starting tomorrow... Cheers!"

The refugees all shouted in unison, "Kanpai!"

Once again, a lavish drinking feast began.

Delicious dishes, though not particularly filling, were laid out, and everyone eagerly grabbed at them.

"Ahh-hyaha-haha-haha-haha-haha-haha-haha! Nuh-uh! Také-san, you're something else!"

In the center of the group of men, Nanami was laughing heartily once again, just as she had the day before.

Yet compared to last night, everyone seemed to be looking at her with an intense, almost glowing gaze. Probably, whoever had spent the night with her had been boasting about her light-hearted nature.

Most of the men appeared to be overexcited, trying too hard to please her.

Their behavior reminded one of monkeys fighting over territory.

"Hah…………"

Sipping my well-steeped tea, I feel disillusioned by every man in this world.

The same view as yesterday.

The same unfolding scene.

Could this possibly just repeat tomorrow…?

Still, I couldn’t stop this current flow.

I did warn Hamada-san thoroughly, but even that might be futile.

Perhaps everyone only realized, once they finally had a clear path to escape,

how invaluable this "Land of Mirrors" truly was as a place of refuge.

After all, supplies here were so abundant they were practically overflowing.

And yet, all of it was being monopolized by just a few dozen people.

Still, the idea of living here for too long felt—frankly—somewhat dangerous.

I understand this well, having spent half my high school years in a state of carefree indulgence.

If you get too used to this life, you'll lose your edge.

"Ah..."

The face that appeared there was the same as yesterday's.

Koyama Kōichi.

"Is Dogbite here again today?"

"Yes. He hasn't shown his face."

"I didn't see anyone who looked like him during the day."

"It's too wide open here, you know."

So he's hiding around stealthily, huh.

"...Hey, Kou-kun. Could you please tell the dog-biting guy to make everyone behave a bit better?"

If he gives orders to his companions, maybe everyone will take things more seriously.

"Actually... just between us..."

"?"

"The 'Hero' said, 'The tide will turn eventually.' Seems like it's still too early to act."

"Too early?"

I furrow my brow in disbelief.

"So, you're saying it's better to just linger here for a while longer?"

Yes, indeed.

Hmm...

I don't quite understand his thoughts, though...

"But tomorrow, I'll definitely be moving. Even if it's just one person carrying me."

However, Kyōichi remained silent.

He seemed to have been given some inside information from the "Hero."

I don't know what it is, but...

"Ha ha ha ha! You're kidding me—touching my butt way too much! My rear isn't a high school baseball player's head, you know!"

Nanami's loud laughter interrupts my thoughts.

In the end, that day too, we accomplished nothing and retreated into the bedroom.