“I didn’t know this facility existed. Seriously, what’s going on with this company?”
“Fufu, there are rumors of rooms that have been kept locked, you know. What you know might only be a small part of the company, Jiro-san?”
It was the fourth day of Golden Week.
Suela had told me she wanted to go somewhere today, and I casually agreed, only to be overwhelmed by the sight before me.
It was natural that the place she wanted to go was somewhere I didn’t know, but my first thought upon being brought here was, “Did such a place still exist?”
Suela, being pregnant, was in her stable period, so some exercise was fine.
So, if she wanted to go, Humik prepared a picnic lunch for us, and we set out with it in hand.
Just one year, or perhaps you could say it’s been a year, but this company still has so much I don’t know.
This time too, I thought if we were going anywhere, it would be some kind of in-company recreational facility.
Something I had been to before.
So, I expected it to be an area with a relaxing hot spring inn, but that wasn’t the case.
The place we arrived at was once again a lakeside that looked like a tourist spot.
As expected from a Dark Elf like Suella choosing the location, it felt more like a summer resort than a place for fun, a place rich in nature.
Of course, if it’s related to confidential matters, it’s natural I wouldn’t know, but it’s more than just surprising that there are so many “recreational facilities” I don’t know about.
Satisfied with the success of her prank, she smiled and, gently supporting her belly, headed towards a boat.
Seeing the chosen boat among the several lined up at the port, I somehow knew what kind of boat it was.
“Is it a sightseeing boat?”
“Yes, it’s a boat that’s automatically piloted by water and wind spirits.”
“The shipbuilding engineers in Japan would probably faint if they heard about this system.”
“We have technology here that’s no match for yours either.”
“I apologize for underestimating you.”
It was a large boat, the kind you often see on TV that wealthy people might use for home parties.
It might be a bit large for just two people, but if there were other crew members, it would be a suitable size.
Suela boarded the boat without hesitation, so I followed her. As I crossed the gangway and stepped aboard, I noticed the elegance characteristic of wood, and a softly floating wind spirit gracefully bowed to greet us.
Suela responded by saying, “Please take care of us.”
I also bowed my head, and the wind spirit, seemingly satisfied, nodded and let out a finger whistle.
It echoed in the air like a departing ship’s horn, the sails were lowered, the gangway was raised, and the mooring lines were untied.
Then, a gentle breeze pushed the ship out onto the lake.
As the single sailboat slowly departed from the shore, I, on board, couldn’t hide my surprise as the boat, piloted by spirits, glided smoothly across the waveless water.
“I wasn’t underestimating it, but I think I should abandon the idea that it can’t get any better.”
“Yes, I think that would be for the best.”
We sat down on a pair of chairs set up on the deck, savoring the iced tea brought by the serving spirits, and I commented on the pleasant cruise, which was more comfortable than many luxurious cruises.
Surrounded by mountains, it was a comfortable space, neither too cold nor too hot, yet the lush green scenery felt natural.
For Japanese people accustomed to being surrounded by artificial objects, it was a warm scene, vastly different from the colors of their everyday lives.
Suela watched me with a giggle as I marveled at the fact that this scenery was artificial.
I had assumed that this company, being comprised of dungeons, would naturally contain things like a lake, as it held worlds beyond what could be imagined from the outside. However, considering it as an organization run by a company, an area that protects a Dungeon Core, and other recreational spaces, I couldn’t help but feel that there was no more capacity for anything else.
Yet, I was now experiencing a facility on a scale that shattered my naive assumptions.
“When we get back, I’ll have to look into what other facilities there are.”
“There are also facilities currently under construction, so you might not be able to find out about everything by searching.”
“Really? I know it’s a bit late to ask, but how much effort are they putting in? Our company is too focused on employee benefits.”
“Even if the person themselves says they’re fine, stress can build up without them realizing it. It’s better to have facilities like this.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“Still, they can’t be making any profit, can they?”
“By building them inside the dungeon, we can reduce certain production and maintenance costs, so it’s more eco-friendly than you might think.”
“The owners of amusement facilities run on Earth would surely want this.”
And when Suella told me that all these recreational facilities were prepared for us testers, I naturally reaffirmed how much we were expected.
It was a pressure that felt like it could turn into physical weight, but it didn’t cause my stomach to hurt with tension.
Rather.
“Then, if I don’t enjoy it thoroughly, it would practically be a sin.”
“Please do. Jiro-san has been working too hard lately. No one would complain if you rested a bit more.”
“Haha, that hits home.”
“Oh, you.”
I leaned back against the comfortable chair, savoring its benefits.
Though water should naturally make things unstable, the hull barely swayed, and the ship glided across the lake as if flowing.
The scenery changed, creating a truly relaxing space.
This was a cruise without seasickness.
The breeze generated by the moving ship was pleasantly cool, adjusted by the spirits.
I thought about inviting Kaido and the others later; coming with friends would be nice too, but for now, I was enjoying this holiday.
Suela also seemed to be enjoying herself, holding back her wind-tossed hair as she gazed at the scenery.
As I found myself mesmerized by her, my gaze drifted lower, towards her belly.
“Baby.”
“Huh?”
“No, I wonder when the baby will be born. Then we could see this view together.”
“I agree.”
And it seemed I had some paternal feelings after all.
At home, I sat next to Suella, growing impatient, and even started reading childcare books.
In fact, it might have become a hobby recently.
She smiled happily at my murmuring and gently stroked her belly.
“I want to meet them soon too. But please wait a little longer.”
“There’s nothing we can do about that.”
No matter how much we tell the life growing inside her to come out quickly, it won’t be born.
We can’t go against the natural order, so all we can do is wait with anticipation.
“Have you been in contact with Muil-san and the others?”
“Yes, rather than me contacting them, I receive letters from them faster than I can contact them, so it’s become a matter of me replying.”
And we weren’t the only ones eagerly awaiting it.
“My mother too. The other day, she emailed saying she found a wooden tiger statue that’s good for easy delivery and is sending it.”
“Oh my.”
Suela’s parents, my parents.
They seemed more excited about their grandchild than we were.
Wondering why a tiger, she showed me a photograph of my mother holding a wooden tiger with both hands, and Suella smiled, saying it was magnificent.
And perhaps not in return, but.
“My parents are also sending a sapling of a spirit tree that has finished being prayed over, as a charm for an easy delivery, according to their letter.”
Suela’s parents, Mait and Smilasta, are sending a spirit tree.
Unlike my parents, how peaceful their gift is.
“The problem is that the sapling won’t fit in the room.”
Correction, Mait and his wife are also going all out.
Suela, with a wry smile, and I also wondered what to do.
My current room is like a spacious apartment.
If it were a detached house, there would be the option of planting it in the garden.
“Hmm, should I buy a detached house?”
However, unfortunately, that option is not available.
If that’s the case, the best course of action would be to make that option possible.
Fortunately, I have income.
Building a mansion might be difficult, but I could build a spacious house.
Calculating the balance in my passbook, I thought it might be a good time to switch from renting to owning a detached house if the family expands.
“But considering the commute… What do you think, Suella?”
“I think it’s not a bad idea, but let me see.”
However, the more I thought about it, the more problems arose.
The disadvantages of moving one’s living base.
Mainly, commuting.
This applied not only to me but also to Evia, Memoria, Humik, and Suella, who would be living with me.
Finding a residence in Japan is out of the question due to the presence of magic.
If it were in Suella’s world, even if we found a residence there, the commute would be ridiculously long.
Starting with the desire not to waste Mait-san’s feelings, I thought about it, but as a man, owning a home is something to aspire to.
Buying a house without planning is naturally not advisable, but if we discuss it with them, there should be no problem.
As if agreeing with my thoughts, she began to think about a good solution.
“In that case, why don’t we go and see the residential facilities that are being prepared within the company next time?”
“…Should I be surprised? That such a thing exists?”
I thought we’d be buying land, but Suella said there were residential facilities within the company.
The phrasing is a bit odd in Japanese, but my heart was filled with a sense of understanding, thinking, “Ah, they have that too.”
“You’re getting used to it.”
“Rather, when it comes to buildings, I think the word ‘dungeon’ is usually enough to explain it.”
Suela, after a brief laugh at my reaction, began to explain the residential facilities.
“There are various kinds of Dungeon Testers. Some prefer detached houses rather than apartments or condos. Some among the Demon Lord’s Army have also expressed such desires, so this facility is for them.”
I nodded at her usual explanation and urged her to continue.
“Currently, there are three residential facilities, and two of them are available for occupancy. That said, one is primarily for species who came from other worlds like us, so naturally, Dungeon Testers would settle in the other one.”
I didn’t retort about them creating three residential areas.
Creating them means there’s demand, and I accepted that they would probably build residential areas with the same casualness as they build these tourist facilities.
“Well, I don’t mind either way, but I think we would likely end up in the residential area for the Demon Lord’s Army employees.”
“Yes, in our case, it would probably be that one. So, I’ll explain that one.”
It’s common to go house hunting on a day off, but I never thought I’d be discussing a new home while riding a sightseeing boat like this. But it was interesting, so it was good.
On a boat piloted by spirits, Suella explained things.
It was enjoyable to leisurely discuss a new house.
Perhaps it’s odd to call it “otherworldly.”
In Japan, there are residential areas for the wealthy and for commoners.
The land is zoned according to the size of the residence, and the land prices are very cheap, so only construction costs are required.
“Perhaps I should try building a traditional samurai residence in that residential area?”
“Raidou-sama is already doing that.”
“The instructor, huh? That suits him.”
And when we started talking about such things, we naturally moved on to what kind of houses we might like.
As a Japanese person, a large house would evoke a traditional image like a samurai residence.
However, that’s just an image, and there would be houses that are simply mansions, as well as houses incorporating modern construction technology.
Not only my and Suella’s opinions but also those of Memoria, Humik, and Evia would be needed.
However, only Suella and I were present.
“What kind of house do you want to live in, Suella?”
“I like my current room, but I’d like to live in a house made of wood. Since I’ve lived in such places since I was young, I think I’d feel more at ease there.”
“I see. We’ll have to consider the issue of species as well.”
The exchange of opinions on our future homes was pleasant and peaceful.
Time passed slowly.
However, time passed quickly, and as we felt we hadn’t talked enough, the rumbling of our stomachs signaled the passage of time.
“Let’s have lunch.”
“Yeah.”
Triggered by the sound of my stomach, we laughed together and enjoyed the bento Humik had prepared.
And then we continued our discussion.
Flowing leisurely on the lake.
Today’s Word:
It’s good to experience things you normally wouldn’t.
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*The first volume of this novel has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.
It was released on October 18, 2018.
The e-book version was also released on October 31 of the same year.
Volume 2 was released on December 19.
The third volume was released on February 20, 2019.
The content has been revised and expanded from the original serialization on “Shousetsuka ni Narou” with the addition of unpublished interlude chapters.
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The manga adaptation is being serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.”
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