As I listened to the song sung by the boatman over the gently flowing river, the scenery of the Hakgwiyaeng Autonomous District around me… Honestly, there was no need for words. I’m not some Noah, so why would I bother to express this sentiment and ruin it?

Living a long life, I guess I’ll get the chance to show others around here once in a while. Just me and Nagisa. And then just me and Hina.

As for Noah and Haruna… Well.

If it’s Haruna, maybe she wouldn’t mind, but Noah seems to prefer three over two right now.

After finishing our boat ride, we headed toward the mountains on the outskirts of the Hakgwiyaeng Autonomous District. It wasn’t particularly late, but since our accommodation provided dinner, it wouldn’t hurt to arrive a little early to unpack.

This time, the place we would stay at in Hakgwiyaeng was a ryokan. Hakgwiyaeng is originally famous as an academy known for its hot springs, so it was only natural to choose a ryokan as our lodging.

After completing our check-in at the ryokan, which resembled a manor in the mountain village, we followed the owner to our room.

Given the money spent, it was the finest room, featuring a tatami mat room with a clear view outside, along with a private hot spring.

Unlike Noah, who began to happily admire the outside scenery after dropping off her luggage, Haruna shot me a peculiar glance upon confirming the existence of the outdoor bath.

Heueng…

That meaningful smile of hers clearly indicated what she was thinking.

She must be considering something related to the ultimate cuisine, probably preparing to taste the main course.

…Was she originally planning to devour me regardless of how things went with Noah? Or did she intend to take a bite out of me while Noah was asleep?

Ah, no… That’s not it. Get out of my head, Shimoe Koharu…!

“Are the meals going to be brought directly here?”

“Yep, if I remember correctly. First, let’s organize the luggage a bit… Should we change clothes first?”

“Oh my, now that you mention it. It’s customary to wear yukata in a ryokan like this. Fufu, I’m looking forward to both of your yukata outfits.”

Heueng… Is that so? I’m more curious about Noah-chan’s appearance. Right, Haruna-chan, wouldn’t you think so too?

“…Not really? I’m actually most curious about Mika-san in a yukata.”

“Fuhuhut. That’s just how it is, right?”

“Wow—oh…?”

No, Haruna! You’re supposed to support me here! Why are you teaming up with her?

“Then, shall we change first?”

With a gentle smile, Noah said this as she took off her outer coat and hung it on a hanger. Then she removed that Millennium headgear? Hair accessory? I still don’t understand what it is.

Clearly, her natural hair looks prettier without that decoration, but I don’t quite get why she insists on wearing it. If she likes it, I guess I should respect that.

Naturally, Haruna also took off her coat and hung it up, while I neatly folded my cloak. As I shifted my gaze slightly to the side, I was startled and closed my eyes.

No way, these two… Why are they like that in their underwear? Was I the only one unaware? Is this trip some sort of AV plan called “Devour Misono Mika at the Hot Spring Inn!” or something?

Fufu. You’re so cute♪

Wow… I can’t help but feel that Noah and I have incredible chemistry. My body is already almost overheating from the anticipation.

Lately, I’ve been feeling that Nagisa has definitely led me down a very dangerous path.

At this level, it’s not Hanako who should be afraid of her true identity being revealed, but me who should be careful about revealing my true nature.

“Mika-san, why aren’t you changing? If you need help… feel free to ask anytime. Fufut.”

No, it wasn’t just Noah.

Both Haruna and Noah, these two have clearly been a perfect combo since ancient times to devour me.

…Maybe I can look forward to this.

*

Just changing into yukata brought a level of sexual tension to the room that was absurd. If dinner wasn’t being served at the inn, the atmosphere might have taken a very odd turn.

“Actually, to perfect this type of kaiseki, it has to come with sake. Fufu, it seems I might have a reason to come back next year.”

“…Heueng, that’s true. As long as I’m with you two, I’m welcome at any time whether this year, next year, or the year after.”

“Oh my, that was rather thrilling just now. Should I make sure to remember that promise?”

As the staff placed the tableware, the first dish brought out was a simple appetizer. It was called Sakizuke, the starter of the kaiseki meal.

Shrimp, avocado, tofu, and simmered bamboo shoots. Seeing this, Haruna opened her mouth.

Fufu. “In the case of this Sakizuke, etiquette dictates starting from the lightest to the most flavorful. So we should begin with the tofu… Mmm~!”

Haruna took a bite-sized piece of tofu and let out a soft sound. Noah and I followed suit and nodded in agreement. It was light, yet there was a subtle aroma; it melted in my mouth and disappeared in an instant.

After tasting the avocado, shrimp, and simmered bamboo shoots in order, one by one, we expressed our thoughts.

“Personally, I think the tofu was the best. After that, maybe the simmered bamboo shoots? I really enjoyed the unique crunchiness!”

“I feel similarly. Especially the simmered bamboo shoots were so good; they made me feel like spring was blooming with each bite. Plus, the shrimp had this popping flavor that felt so lively.”

“I also favored the tofu the most. It was mild, yet I didn’t feel any disappointment from that. Avocado, on the other hand, I personally didn’t like much. I get that the taste varies with how ripe it is but… I can’t help but wonder if they could have brought something else instead.”

Once Haruna finished her thoughts, surprisingly, Noah didn’t jot down any of it in her notebook. I thought she would surely want to publish this in their food column.

“Noah-chan, aren’t you taking notes today?”

Fufu. “I remember both of your impressions perfectly, so it’s fine. I want to enjoy this meal to the fullest today.”

“Ahh.”

So, it seems she wants to focus a bit more on enjoying the meal today while still remembering everything. Typical Noah.

…If I had such a memory, I would pass any memorization subject in exams without a hitch. It’s a dream ability for any student.

Following the Sakizuke, the next dish was Wanmono, a Japanese soup dish.

The staff, while explaining, said that today’s serving was a clear soup of salt-seasoned sea bream. Knowing that all ingredients were prepared separately, I thought it must have taken quite a lot of effort.

“Wanmono is traditionally categorized into Suimono and Shirumono, depending on whether it’s enjoyed with alcohol or rice. In this case, it’s Suimono, but technically it’s a non-alcoholic Suimono.”

“…Haruna-chan, could you stop with the alcohol talk?”

Fufu. “I think Mika-san seems like someone who enjoys alcohol but would have a low tolerance. What do you think?”

“Well, you only know once you’ve tried. Until then, it’s all still unknown.”

Before my reincarnation, I could handle about three bottles of soju. But considering how ridiculously sturdy this body is, I wouldn’t be surprised if my tolerance was much higher now. That said, I have no intention of forcing myself to drink.

Taking Haruna’s advice, I cautiously slid the lid of the bowl aside and lifted it with both hands to savor the aroma. The scent of shiitake mushrooms rose up, increasing my anticipation.

After enjoying the aroma, I moved on to tasting the broth and solid ingredients.

The sea bream Wanmono was met with rave reviews. Perhaps it tasted even better due to the effort that went into making it.

“The harmony of the shiitake mushroom’s aroma and the salty flavor of the grilled sea bream is truly amazing… would it be correct to call it a symphony that maximizes each other’s strengths?”

“Heueng. The shiitake mushrooms are indeed excellent. Not only the aroma but the texture is delightful; every time I chew, it releases the broth.”

After covering the bowl again, I waited for the next dish to arrive.

The next serving was Otsukuri, which means sashimi platter. Instead of focusing on a specific fish, various types of sashimi were simply arranged on small plates, each with one or two pieces.

The method known as Matsukawa had slices of boiled sea bream around the belly and back. According to Haruna, there’s also etiquette to eat the white fish first.

Even without knowing such etiquette, my eyes were immediately drawn to the belly piece of the sea bream. Placing wasabi on top, I dipped it naturally into soy sauce and brought it to my mouth.

The spiciness of the wasabi combined with the savory taste of the sea bream’s tender meat and the subtle juiciness released an involuntary Mmm sound. I might just get addicted to that chewy texture.

After swiftly finishing off the sea bream’s back piece, I was greeted by the treasures of scallops, abalone, and tuna. All were delicious enough that it didn’t require much explanation, but even so, I felt the tuna at the specialty shop I visited earlier had a slightly better taste.

…But suddenly, a little worry creeps in.

Following this, there’s supposed to be grilled dishes, fried dishes, steamed dishes, and even dessert. While the portions were adjusted properly, I couldn’t help but wonder if both Haruna and Noah would be able to finish it all…