I rarely frequent establishments like this, even though I brought him here. The instructors, though, probably use places like this on a daily basis.
Considering that, I can understand Kaido’s reaction now.
“Senpai, you’ve become a Senpai I no longer know.”
Kaido gazed around the restaurant with a distant expression, then his eyes fell on the glass in his hand.
“Why are you drinking and looking so melancholy?”
Although it was mostly for work, instructors who enjoy drinking often take you to places like this, so I brought him here with that same spirit.
“Kaido, don’t the instructors take you to places like this too?”
“Never a place this expensive. They seem to favor me as a student, but it’s not like they treat me as an equal, like you do, Senpai.”
“Ah, I see.”
I thought Kaido, being a student of those instructors, would also be taken to places like this. Apparently, even they have their boundaries.
Come to think of it, the only reason I was taken to a high-class establishment like this was after I beat Instructor Kio.
“Why don’t you just beat your instructor?”
“My odds of winning are lower than hitting the lottery jackpot right now. I think it would be faster to ask Amili-chan to bring me.”
We both had our third drinks. Neither of us had any issues with the bill.
However, since it felt inappropriate to guzzle down expensive sake like we would at a regular izakaya, we were drinking at a leisurely pace.
“That’s true. Speaking of which, the topic changes, but how is Amili-san’s condition progressing?”
“Yes, like I said earlier, we’re having her regularly checked at the hospital, so there are no problems. How about Evia-san, Senpai?”
“Her condition is also progressing smoothly. It’s a big help that she’s been taking it easy with work since her pregnancy was discovered.”
“Amili-chan is similar. Though she’s been a bit busy lately.”
We were drinking in a way that was different from our usual habits. Back in the day, after work, we’d just chug beer and complain about our jobs. Now, we’re discussing worries about our families, and I feel the swift passage of time.
“With all the chaos piling up, every general is busy these days. The fact that our physical condition doesn’t need much attention because our physical abilities are enhanced might be a factor in our black-market work.”
“Still, the fact that you make sure to secure time with your family is amazing.”
“They are my solace, you know? I’m confident I’d collapse from stress if I didn’t have my time with Suella and the others.”
“Ah, I think I understand that feeling. I remember a colleague from my previous company talking about how his girlfriend was bothersome. But you don’t seem to feel any of that, do you? It’s more like, the feeling of having someone there when you get home is incredible.”
“Exactly.”
It’s clear we both dote on our families.
My hand, holding my glass, instinctively raised a finger in agreement. Yet, not a drop of the wine in my glass spilled.
Kaido vigorously nodded in agreement, as if to show his empathy by unnecessarily utilizing his physical abilities.
“Is this because we worked at a terribly demanding company?”
“A bachelor’s room with a lingering sense of domesticity after a tiring return.”
“A bathroom with piled-up laundry, and a slightly dusty private room.”
“A room where no one answers when you say ‘I’m home.'”
“A refrigerator with nothing but alcohol or energy drinks inside.”
“……”
“Shall we stop?”
“Yes, it really makes delicious sake taste bad.”
Recalling our past living conditions, I realized we really hadn’t led fulfilling lives. Even thinking back, my desolate room, where I only went to sleep, could be considered a dark history in a way.
“Let’s talk about something more enjoyable.”
“…Enjoyable topics, huh. Well, lately, we haven’t been going out much, and movies are all streamed. We’re pretty out of touch with current trends, and when two men talk, it usually veers towards topics about women.”
“Are you going to bring that up? In the past, we could have brushed it off as fantasies about the kind of women we wanted to date, but if we talk about it now, only serious topics come up.”
“That’s right.”
To forget about it, I took a sip of my drink, resetting my mood. While the suggestion to change the subject was welcome, for two men of our age drinking and talking, the topics inevitably turn to work or slightly risqué subjects.
“But, you’re curious, aren’t you?”
“…Of course, I’m curious.”
Is it the alcohol, or the fact that we’re having a proper conversation between men of our age after so long, that’s steering the conversation in that direction? I can’t say anything too carelessly, but there’s a palpable atmosphere of wanting to answer each other’s questions.
“I’m dating three women, but Senpai, you’re even more impressive. Suella-san, Himik-san, Memoria-san, Evia-san, and Keiri-san – that’s five people. Isn’t that a lot? Moreover, isn’t it difficult to satisfy that many women?”
Counting on his fingers, Kaido listed the names of the women I’m currently dating. Hearing that I’m dating five beautiful women, it’s understandable if men wanted to stab me in the back. However, it’s not that I don’t struggle.
“It’s not that difficult. Since I’ve gained this body, I don’t have to worry about getting tired, so I can manage all-nighters pretty well. In fact, if I get serious, they’re the ones who get exhausted first.”
I believe the most crucial aspect of dating multiple women is the balance of affection. If you treat one person specially, you have to treat the others equally, or the scales will tip too far, leading to serious problems. It’s the same in both worlds. Therefore, I always give my all to them. Kaido, that guy, recoiled again and took a step back, as if I were merely stating a fact.
“That’s strange. I always fall asleep at the very end, but Senpai, you’re hopping from one beauty to another.”
“Don’t be so disgusted, and watch your phrasing. Besides, the reason for that is simply a difference in physical abilities. I don’t need to hold back, so I can do it. Your partners are General Amili-san and the Twin Seraphs, you know?”
Irritated by his attitude, I glared at him and explained the reason behind it. Kaido has trained considerably, but it’s likely that the difference in stats is reflected in their nighttime activities as well.
“Ugh, I kind of suspected that, but is this the disparity in magic power aptitude? It’s not just combat abilities, but also that aspect where there’s a difference?”
“Visually speaking, I’m in a precarious situation, and you’re in a similar one.”
“That’s something we’re supposed to not say. It’s surprisingly shocking since I’m aware of it.”
It’s common knowledge in this world that having higher stats is advantageous. Whether it’s in combat, work, or sports, those with lower stats need considerable ingenuity to overcome those with higher stats. Even with that awareness, it’s undeniable that both Kaido and I love our women.
“But after Amili-chan got pregnant, Shiik-chan and Miik-chan also started making meals that are, how should I put it…”
“Nourishing meals?”
“Yes, they primarily make those kinds of dishes.”
“Rest assured, it’s the same at my place. Memoria and Himik, in particular, have formed an incredible partnership.”
And we are aware that we are loved. To give a concrete example: “Memoria utilizes her family connections to purchase ingredients that boost stamina, and Himik uses her honed culinary skills. Suella and Keiri also join in. Evia supports them, so our meals at home primarily consist of such dishes.”
“It seems my home hasn’t established such a perfect system yet.”
“That’s unfortunate, Kaido. I’m aware that Himik’s recipes are being shared with the twin angels over there. It’s probably their next move?”
It’s not a subtle approach, it’s an appeal. In my household, the main forms of appeal are through cooking and clothing. They understand that I get tired from work. They provide nutritional replenishment through cooking, offer massages in the bath, and then combine it with physical recovery – a complete combo in my home.
“Ah, that explains why the food keeps getting more delicious. And why you’ve been interacting with me more often.”
It seems that sequence is also being implemented in Kaido’s home; the thoughtfulness to ensure he doesn’t feel tired the next day makes it all the more indescribable.
“At this rate, I feel like the day the nursery in my house is ready won’t be far off.”
“I wonder if I should move to a new place soon? It’s not that it’s too small, but considering future developments, I feel like a slightly larger house would be better.”
The day will come when unused rooms in the mansion will become rooms for children. Following Suella, Evia also became pregnant. I don’t think it’s my imagination that Himik, Memoria, and then Keiri will follow suit.
“To think we’re discussing this kind of topic, we’ve really calmed down.”
“Indeed. They say that settling down with a family makes you calmer, and it’s true.”
“My surroundings aren’t calming down at all, though. Do you know that there are actually many women who are after you, Senpai?”
“I know. That includes those who don’t harbor romantic feelings.”
And alcohol tends to make one very talkative.
“No, no, not in that way. There are a few girls among the Testers who you’ve helped out, and some shopkeepers in the shopping street.”
“What do you intend to gain by telling me this information?”
“I thought you’d be pleased.”
“Even though you have five wives?”
“You’re a devoted husband.”
“That’s right. At least I have no complaints in that regard.”
However, even with his garrulous tongue, there are some topics he can accept and some he cannot. If it were in the past, I might have been swayed by topics that would have slightly stirred my heart, but now, the feeling of wanting to decline is stronger, and I pass them over easily. Besides, I was already weary of being introduced to aristocratic daughters.
“Hmm, any other interesting stories?”
“Isn’t something mundane just about right for this kind of thing?”
“Mundane stories? For example?”
Therefore, my attitude has become that enjoying romance is something I can do with Suella and the others. That’s why I’m looking for topics other than romance.
“Let’s see, like how much I spent privately this month?”
“Oh, that’s surprisingly interesting.”
“Three thousand yen.”
“Eh?”
“I said, three thousand yen. Buying a canned coffee, some snacks, that kind of miscellaneous expense. It’s about that much.”
“You’re joking, right? I spend more than that.”
For the sake of providing that topic, I told a story that was like a lie, and this time, I was met with a skeptical gaze.
“Unfortunately, it’s true. Most of it falls under business expenses. I haven’t personally shopped for anything in recent times.”
“Like games or magazines?”
“Lately, my daily routine involves looking at reports from the dark side more than the newspaper. When it comes to games, with real combat happening right before my eyes, I haven’t touched them at all since joining this company.”
To be clear, my monthly allowance isn’t just three thousand yen. It’s not like my income is low either. In fact, it’s quite high. Yet, the amount I spend is significantly less than before.
“Senpai, you should find a hobby other than fighting.”
In the end, I was even worried about by my kouhai.
Today’s phrase:
When two men gather, the direction of their conversation is generally decided.
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I am currently serializing another work: Pandora Pandemic Panic. The Pandora’s Box has opened again, but we’re fighting back with various activities in our secret base! Please check it out as well!
