Several days passed, and Makoto and his followers were busy with the things they wanted to do. Shiki, with Hakuren's help, assembled a supercomputer to assist with his research. With Tomoe's support, they were able to easily obtain components that were normally accessible only to governments. After completing the supercomputer, Shiki planned to integrate it with magic once they returned to Eryndal.
Tomoe, who had initially only wanted to see what kind of weapons existed in this world, ended up helping Shiki gather components and secret research data from various countries. Meanwhile, Mio spent most of her time shopping and trying different foods she came across. As for Koyuki, she was often taken out by Yukiko or played video games with Mari.
Before they realized it, Saturday morning had arrived. They had all gathered at Makoto's house, ready to depart for Eryndal. Not long after, the doorbell rang.
"Yes, just a moment!" Mari said as she stood up and opened the door. When she did, she saw Makoto's archery teacher and a beautiful girl who looked slightly confused and shy standing in front of her.
"Sensei, welcome. You must be the friend Onii-chan said would be coming with us. Please, come in," Mari said.
"Excuse us," Makoto's teacher and Nukumi said together.
"Oh, Sensei, Nukumi, welcome," Makoto greeted them, then introduced the two of them to everyone present.
"By the way, Sensei, how did the two of you end up coming together?" Makoto asked.
"When I arrived at your house, I saw Nukumi standing in front of it looking confused," his teacher replied.
"I was just embarrassed… It's my first time visiting a male friend's house," Nukumi said shyly.
"Hm, I feel like your relationship with Makoto isn't just that of ordinary friends," Yukiko teased.
"Stop teasing Nukumi, Onee-chan," Makoto said.
"Alright, alright," Yukiko replied playfully.
"Now that everyone is here, let's go to the front yard. I'll open a portal to Eryndal," Makoto said.
They all stepped outside and gathered in the yard. Only Nukumi still looked confused about what Makoto had meant and why they had gathered there.
Then, standing before them, Makoto opened a mysterious portal. Nukumi was stunned and left speechless at the sight before her.
Makoto's teacher, standing beside her, was also surprised, but since Makoto had already explained where they were going, she wasn't too shocked.
"Let's go to the world of Eryndal," Makoto said as he stepped into the portal.
"Otou-sama, Okaa-sama, let's go," Mio said to Makoto's parents.
"I'll go first!" Mari exclaimed excitedly before jumping into the portal. One by one, they all entered, including Nukumi, who was still trying to process what was happening.
When they emerged from the portal, they saw a beautiful and elegant woman together with a young girl wearing a gentle smile.
"Otou-sama, Okaa-sama, and everyone, welcome to the world of Eryndal. My name is Selena," Selena said politely with a smile.
"Welcome, everyone. My name is Erin," Erin said softly.
After Makoto introduced everyone to each other, he noticed Nukumi standing there, confused and unsure what to say.
"You all go ahead and look around the city first. I'd like to speak with Nukumi for a moment," Makoto said.
Makoto's mother looked at him, then at Nukumi, who seemed to have questions for Makoto.
"Selena, would you show us around the city?" his mother asked.
"Of course, Okaa-sama. With pleasure," Selena replied.
Under Selena's guidance, they headed toward the city. Makoto watched them leave.
"It seems you have a lot of questions. How about we go inside and have some tea first?" Makoto said, gesturing toward his residence.
"Alright, Makoto-senpai," Nukumi replied.
They entered the house and sat in the living room. After placing the tea down and sitting across from her, Makoto spoke.
"I know you have many questions, Nukumi, but I'll tell you my story first. Do you want to hear it?"
"Yes, Makoto-senpai. I'll listen to your story first," Nukumi said.
Makoto then told her everything—from the moment he first went to another world to how he managed to return. After hearing it all, Nukumi fell silent and lowered her head. After a moment, she looked up at Makoto with determined eyes.
"Makoto-senpai, from your story… Tomoe, Mio, and Selena are your lovers, aren't they?" she asked.
"Yes, that's right," Makoto replied.
"In that case, I won't give up on my feelings for you, Makoto-senpai," Nukumi said earnestly.
"Are you sure you're okay with that?" Makoto asked.
"Of course I still feel jealous. I was the first one to confess my love to you, Makoto-senpai. Why wasn't I your first girlfriend?" Nukumi said in frustration.
"Then please take care of me from now on, Nukumi," Makoto said gently.
"Yes, Makoto-senpai. Please take care of me as well. That means… I've become your girlfriend now," she said.
"In that case, let's head to the city. They're probably waiting for us," Makoto said.
"Yes, Makoto-senpai."
They walked toward the city hand in hand. After asking Selena via telepathy where they were, Makoto led Nukumi to the Elder Dwarf's workshop.
When they arrived, Makoto saw Mari testing a sword and his teacher trying out a bow. His parents were examining equipment displayed on the walls, while Yukiko seemed more interested in accessories than weapons.
"Waka-sama, welcome to our place," Eld said upon seeing Makoto.
"How is it? They aren't troubling you, are they?" Makoto asked.
"No, not at all. We are honored by Waka-sama's family's visit. Though it seems only Mari-sama and Reiko-sama are truly interested in the weapons," Eld said.
(By the way, Makoto's teacher's name is Akira Reiko.)
"How is the development of the storage equipment? Any progress?" Makoto asked.
"Thanks to the materials Waka-sama provided, we successfully replicated the ring you gave me. We're now researching how to utilize the other materials you gave us. Earlier, Shiki-sama also showed us something called a supercomputer and provided data on its components. After seeing it, we couldn't resist wanting to build one ourselves," Eld said excitedly.
"I'm glad you're motivated. I can't wait to see what you'll create," Makoto said.
"Leave it to us, Waka-sama," Eld replied.
"Makoto, how did your conversation with Nukumi go? Did it go well?" his mother asked.
Makoto didn't answer. Instead, he raised the hand he had been holding since leaving the house—Nukumi's hand. Nukumi lowered her head shyly.
"Oh my, it seems I'll have even more grandchildren in the future," his mother said happily.
"Auntie, isn't it too soon to talk about grandchildren?" Nukumi blurted out shyly.
"Hm? Don't call me Auntie. Call me Okaa-san," Makoto's mother corrected her.
"Um… alright, Okaa-san," Nukumi said, embarrassed.
"Waka, does that mean Nukumi is now our sister?" Tomoe asked.
"You could say that," Makoto replied.
"In that case, Nukumi, come with me for a moment," Tomoe said, pulling her toward Mio and Selena. Soon, quiet laughter could be heard as Nukumi blushed while talking with them.
Makoto turned to his mother. "Mom, is there any equipment or accessories you'd like?"
"I'm not very interested in powerful equipment or flashy accessories," she replied.
"Then is there anywhere you'd like to visit?" Makoto asked.
"We've visited almost everywhere. How about we look for a place to have lunch?" she suggested.
"Lunch? How about a picnic at Erin's place? I'll ask Mio to prepare barbecue ingredients," Makoto said.
"Barbecue? Alright then," she agreed.
"Mio, can you prepare the barbecue ingredients? We're having it at Erin's place," Makoto called.
"Understood, Waka-sama. I'll prepare it right away," Mio replied before leaving to gather the ingredients.
Soon after, they all headed to Erin's place.
"Woah! Erin-chan, your true form is huge!" Mari exclaimed upon seeing Erin's main body.
"What an impressive sight. I can't believe I'm seeing something this magnificent," Yukiko said.
"Alright, let's prepare for the barbecue," Makoto's mother said.
They all worked together to prepare the barbecue. Lunch was lively and joyful. After eating, Erin, Mari, Koyuki, and Yukiko went off to explore around the World Tree. Makoto's parents and his teacher relaxed under the World Tree, drinking tea and occasionally chatting with Tomoe, Mio, and Shiki.
Before long, evening approached, and the others returned from their exploration.
"The trees around here grow incredibly tall," Mari said happily.
"That's because the life energy Erin releases strengthens the plants here, making them grow more powerfully than those in other parts of this world," Makoto explained.
"It's getting late. Where would you like to stay? My house or the onsen inn in the city?" Makoto asked.
"We'd prefer staying at the onsen inn," his mother said.
Makoto arranged accommodations for everyone. After dinner at the inn, Makoto returned home with his followers. Nukumi did not stay at the inn but was persuaded by Tomoe and Mio to stay at Makoto's house with them.
As Makoto was preparing for bed, he heard a knock at his door. When he opened it, he saw Nukumi standing there in her nightwear, looking shy.
"Is something wrong, Nukumi?" he asked.
"Um… Tomoe-san told me to come and keep you company, Makoto-senpai," Nukumi said bashfully.
Makoto sighed. "Honestly, Tomoe… You don't have to take her words seriously, Nukumi."
"No, Makoto-senpai. Before, I missed my chance to be with you. Even though we just became a couple today, I don't want to miss another opportunity because I'm too shy to express my feelings. Ever since you left, I've thought about you every night. The longing I kept inside felt like it would explode when I finally saw you again," Nukumi said seriously.
After hearing her words, Makoto looked at her gently. "After hearing that, how could I not respond to your feelings? So, Nukumi… will you stay with me tonight?"
Nukumi, blushing deeply, could only nod.
After that, she stepped into Makoto's room nervously, her heart racing as she wondered what would happen next.