"Let's go."
Amamiya stood up and began walking out of the shop.
Following closely behind were Chika, Tsubame, the silly young lady, and Rikka Takanashi—the Chūnibyō girl who had traveled a great distance just to deliver props.
Under the envious and curious gazes of the cold drink shop's customers, Amamiya left the shop accompanied by the girls.
"Rikka-chan, are you hungry? Would you like to eat something?" asked Chika, eager to play the role of host.
"I'm not hungry," Rikka replied, shaking her head.
The single strand of hair on her head swayed gently in the evening breeze.
"Come on, you should eat a little," Chika persisted, raising a finger as if delivering a proclamation. "I know a small shop that sells takoyaki. They use whole octopus pieces—it's super delicious! Highly recommended, and it's just a little way ahead."
Rikka clutched her stomach and said, "I ate a bag of cookies on the way here."
"That's a shame," Chika said, her disappointment evident.
It seemed clear to everyone else—Chika probably just wanted an excuse to eat takoyaki herself.
"I'm hungry," Amamiya interjected. "I'll get some of that takoyaki you mentioned."
Tsubame smiled brightly. "I'm feeling a bit hungry too. Let's go together."
Chika's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Alright! Follow me. I'll show you the way!" She confidently placed her hand on her hip before leading the group.
Chika's infamous "food radar" seemed to guide them effortlessly through the maze of streets. Soon, they arrived at a bustling shopping street lit by neon signs.
"This is it," Chika declared, tilting her chin with pride. "I've tried all the food here. Most of it's delicious."
Amamiya glanced at his watch. "Let's meet back here in fifteen minutes."
"Rikka-chan, come with me," Chika said, taking Rikka by the hand and steering her toward a takoyaki stand.
"I'm going to grab a crepe," Tsubame said with a wave, walking off on her own.
Amamiya turned to find only Kaguya still by his side. He asked, "Kaguya, what would you like to eat?"
"Me..." Kaguya trailed off, her pink lips pursed as her gaze flitted between the brightly lit shops. It was clear she was overwhelmed by the options.
Amamiya raised an eyebrow. "You've never been to a shopping street at night, have you?"
"…" Kaguya crossed her arms defensively, biting her lower lip before turning her head away.
"Is it really so strange?" she muttered to herself. "There must be plenty of people like me!"
Before she could stew further, Amamiya's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Good. It's even better if it's your first time."
"Huh?" Kaguya turned to him, startled.
"It makes it more exciting," Amamiya explained with a small smile. "Every new experience feels special. So... what do you say? Want to try eating your way down the street?"
"How could I possibly finish that much food?" Kaguya protested. "I'd get sick!"
"Then let's try a few dishes tonight," Amamiya suggested. "We can come back after clearing the dungeon to sample more."
Kaguya's wine-red eyes sparkled with subtle delight as she tilted her head slightly. Her voice was soft as she replied, "…Alright."
Amamiya approached a nearby stall. "Five orders of takoyaki, please."
Kaguya blinked. "But Chika and the others already bought some."
"These aren't for them," Amamiya clarified, pointing toward the shopkeeper. "We'll each have one, and the rest are for Umi, Miko, and the maid of yours back at home. It works out perfectly."
Kaguya tilted her head, watching him. A soft smile graced her face, and her tone held a teasing note as she said, "The president is really diligent, isn't he?"
Amamiya replied with mock seriousness, "Serving my comrades is my duty."
"Snob," Kaguya muttered, hiding a small laugh.
Once the takoyaki was purchased, Hayasaka reappeared from the shadows as if she'd never left.
"Hayasaka, here's your takoyaki," Amamiya said, handing her a portion.
Hayasaka accepted it with a calm expression, blinking as she replied, "Thank you."
The group regrouped at the street's entrance before continuing their journey home.
The walk back was quiet, with no further conversation exchanged.
Arriving at the door, Amamiya rang the doorbell. The door opened quickly, revealing the blonde girl who peeked out with half her face visible, her voice bright and cheerful:
"You're back?"
On the way home, Amamiya had sent a message to Umi to give her a heads-up. Experience told him that without warning, she might greet them while lounging on the sofa in a shirt—an undeniably awkward scenario.
Thankfully, the succubus girl had taken the hint and was now properly dressed in her school uniform.
"Umi-chan, we're back!" Chika greeted enthusiastically, waving as she stepped inside.
Amamiya walked in behind her, handing over the food. "I bought takoyaki, crepes, and yakitori skewers for you."
Umi frowned slightly, looking conflicted. "What if I gain weight from eating all this?"
"Gaining weight is tomorrow's problem. It has nothing to do with you today," Amamiya replied flatly.
"…That makes sense!" Umi clenched her fist, nodding as if enlightened.
"Rikka-chan, change into these slippers," Chika said, opening the shoe cabinet and pulling out a pair of rabbit-themed slippers. "Make yourself at home."
Rikka, already familiar with the place after staying over during Golden Week, accepted them with a polite nod. "Thank you."
Tsubame, on the other hand, walked in with a casual air. It was her first time visiting, yet she seemed completely at ease.
"Senpai, would you like these slippers?" Chika offered another pair, always ready to entertain.
"Thank you, Chika-chan," Tsubame replied with a gracious smile.
Chika then turned her attention to Kaguya. "Kaguya-chan, which slippers would you like?"
Kaguya stared at her silently, a mix of disbelief and irritation on her face.
What?! This isn't my first time here—I don't need you treating me like a guest! Why are you acting like the hostess all of a sudden?
She crossed her arms and turned to Amamiya. "President, is there anything you'd like me to do?"
Amamiya shook his head. "No."
He couldn't imagine a young lady who had likely never done housework offering any meaningful help.
Kaguya's lips curved into a smile, her tone turning teasing. "President, are you sure? Think carefully."
Amamiya coughed lightly. "Well, now that you mention it... ask everyone what they want to drink and get it from the fridge."
"Leave it to me, President."
Kaguya headed toward the fridge with a brisk stride, determined to fulfill her self-appointed task.
Once the girls had settled in, Amamiya pulled out his phone to message Miko, inviting her to join them for food.
A short while later, there was a knock at the door.
Opening it, Amamiya was greeted by Miko who bit her lower lip nervously. She knew about the dungeon they were entering that night and had already expressed her concern earlier. Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do to stop him.
"Good evening, Miko," Umi greeted with a wave.
"Good evening," Miko replied with a polite nod, stepping inside.
Everyone gathered around the table, talking and eating while sipping iced juice and herbal tea. If not for the looming dungeon, it could have been a peaceful, happy evening.
Buzz, buzz, buzz.
A phone vibrated on the table, breaking the calm.
"I'll check it," Chika said, setting down her yakitori skewer to grab her phone. Her eyes lit up immediately. "Hey, hey, hey! Someone else just got a dungeon invitation!"
Amamiya picked up his phone to confirm. Sure enough, it was true. A passerby player had drawn one, fresh and still glowing.
"I want the invitation!" Umi exclaimed, eagerly raising her hand.
Amamiya glanced at the details and shook his head. "The distance is pretty far. I don't think we'll make it in time."
With their dungeon scheduled for midnight, time wasn't on their side.
Meanwhile, Hayasaka had silently retreated to the corner, her expression calm as she pulled out her phone. With a quiet intensity, she began calculating, half-closing her eyes as she worked through the possibilities.
"It's quite far, but theoretically, I can make it in time," Hayasaka muttered, her tone calm yet confident.
For someone as resourceful as her, distance was never an issue—especially when money could solve the problem. The perks of being a personal maid with a generous salary included a level of wealth that many could only dream of. Buying an invitation was hardly a challenge.
She opened her private messages without a word, sent an irresistible offer to the player holding the invitation, and transferred half the payment as a deposit, with the promise to pay the remainder upon delivery.
"Don't worry, Master Hanamori," came the reply from the other party. "I'll deliver it before midnight!"
"Remember to keep this a secret," Hayasaka instructed.
"Understood!"
With that, the transaction was settled.
Meanwhile, back in the living room, Amamiya and the others noticed a sudden update from the player who had drawn the invitation.
"I'm sorry, but the invitation has already been purchased by someone else," the player announced.
Chika puffed out her cheeks in frustration. "What?! That's outrageous—it was bought so quickly!"
"Who stole my invitation?" Umi huffed, placing her hands on her hips and glaring in mock outrage.
Amamiya glanced at Hayasaka, who had just emerged from the bathroom, her expression as composed as ever. He quickly pieced together what had likely happened but chose to stay silent, instead saying casually:
"Since it's already been bought, there's nothing we can do. Let's just keep eating."
After supper.
Tsubame and Umi began tidying up the living room, while Chika led Rikka to the bathroom for a bath.
Amamiya, meanwhile, held Miko's hand gently, using the moment to copy her ability.
"Are you staying here tonight or heading back?" he asked in a low voice.
"Of course I'm going back," Miko replied, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, exposing her delicate, crystal-like earlobe. "I already told my mother I'd be home tonight. How could I not go back?"
With so many people in the house, staying over wasn't an option like it usually was.
The copying process completed.
"Got it," Amamiya said with a nod.
Miko stood up, preparing to leave. "Come over for dinner tomorrow," she added softly, biting her lower lip.
"See you tomorrow," Amamiya replied.
Chika and Rikka returned from the bath, their expressions refreshed.
"There are plenty of empty rooms upstairs," Amamiya told Rikka, pointing toward the staircase. "You can take the first one."
After ensuring Rikka was settled, he turned to Tsubame.
"Senpai," he said with a smile, "why don't you take a shower too?"
"Sounds good." Tsubame stretched and stood up, her movements graceful. "I'm all sweaty; a shower sounds perfect."
With the dungeon scheduled to open at midnight and the clock only striking ten, there was no sense in sitting around idly for two hours.
Amamiya suggested that everyone take advantage of the time to freshen up. Afterward, they could rest in the empty rooms upstairs to recharge, ensuring they were in peak condition when the dungeon challenge began.
Amamiya turned to Kaguya and said, "There's another bathroom upstairs you can use."
Kaguya nodded slightly before heading upstairs, with Hayasaka naturally following close behind.
The now-empty living room brought a sigh of relief from Amamiya.
"Finally, some peace and quiet," he muttered to himself.
When alone, he often found the living room a bit too quiet. But now, after experiencing the boisterous energy of so many people, he realized how overwhelming a lively atmosphere could be.
"I won't sleep," Umi said, sitting on the sofa with her knees hugged to her chest. "Amamiya, go upstairs and rest for a while. I'll wake you up at 11:30."
"Alright," Amamiya agreed.
After ensuring everyone was taken care of, Amamiya took a quick shower and returned to his room upstairs for a short nap.
Remaining composed in the face of significant events was vital. The more critical the situation, the calmer one needed to be. Despite knowing the impending challenge of the forced dungeon, Amamiya maintained his composure and allowed himself to rest.
Sometime later.
A gentle knock on the door woke Amamiya. He got up, opened the door, and saw the succubus girl standing there in her school uniform. Her voice was soft as she informed him, "It's 11:25. You have five minutes before heading downstairs."
Amamiya nodded. "I'll get dressed."
"Wait," Umi said suddenly, extending her hand to stop the door.
"Hmm?" Amamiya turned to her, slightly puzzled.
"Um…" Umi looked away, her cheeks faintly pink under the corridor's soft lighting. She hesitated for a moment before clearing her throat. "It's not… impossible to, you know, spend it in advance."
"What?" Amamiya blinked, not quite following.
"I said… pre-consumption!" Umi quickly clarified, avoiding his gaze. Then, with a slight huff, she added, "Forget it if you didn't hear me clearly."
"I hear you now." Amamiya grabbed her wrist before she could retreat. Pulling her gently into the room, he said with a teasing smile, "The Kitagawa family motto is to keep its promises."
"I've never heard of such a motto," Umi retorted, placing a hand on her waist as she tried to appear composed.
"Well, it exists now."
With the door closed behind them, Umi sat nervously on the edge of the bed, her cheeks flushed. "Hurry up," she urged, her voice barely above a whisper. "Everyone will be up soon."
"Are you sure about this?" Amamiya's gaze lowered to her exposed thigh, a delicate area framed by the hem of her skirt.
"Stop hesitating, boys shouldn't dawdle—ah!" Umi squeaked as his hand brushed her skin. Her face turned scarlet as she stammered, "There! You can take it now!"
Amamiya's fingers grazed her skin, soft and smooth like cream. The sensation was mesmerizing, and it took all his restraint to pull his hand away. "Didn't you say a minute?" he teased.
"I said a moment, not a minute!" Umi exclaimed, tugging her skirt down in embarrassment.
"My bad," Amamiya said, feigning innocence. "Guess I misheard."
"Well, now that you know, move your hand already!" she huffed, her face buried in her hands.
With great effort, Amamiya removed his hand, got to his feet, and left the room, heading downstairs.
As Amamiya descended the stairs, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the house. Opening the door, he was greeted by the sight of a cheerful schoolgirl standing outside.
"Good evening, senpai!"
Hayasaka flashed a bright smile, striking a playful scissors gesture with her fingers.
"Hanamori-chan, what are you doing here so late?" Umi asked in surprise, tilting her head in curiosity.
Hayasaka responded with practiced calmness, her tone steady, "I was just about to head to bed when I realized I hadn't opened today's blind box yet. Then, out of nowhere, I got a dungeon invitation. So, I figured I'd come over and join senpai for the dungeon."
Amamiya observed the spy maid's impeccable performance. Her serious demeanor and effortless delivery earned her a silent thumbs-up from him.
Excellent acting.
When she lied, she didn't so much as blink—far more convincing than those overly dramatic TV stars whose every move seemed rehearsed.