The Isekai Bunch That’s a Bit Bad at Reading the Room
“Just for example, nobles usually have political marriages between families, right? So they end up having children without love, while also having kids with someone they actually love. In other words, love and children aren’t necessarily the same thing.”
“Yeah, totally. What Riena’s saying lines up with how the nobles were in Orphermaus.”
I remember thinking how wildly different that was from Japan, where even royalty, despite their elevated status, could fall in love freely, marry who they wanted, and even move overseas.
“Exactly. That’s the point I was making.”
Riena declared proudly, wearing that signature smug look of hers.
“No, no! That’s not the point! This is Japan! We have monogamy here! But, but… if we go by that, Riena-chan would end up all alone in this world and… I mean, um, so… let’s just table this whole topic for now! There’s no way a first-year in high school could possibly have the answer to something like this!”
Hasumin summed it all up with a tone that was a little irritated, but still calm and collected.
Since this wasn’t a problem that could be wrapped up with a simple “love triangle,” it looked like we were shelving it for the time being.
“Yeah, I agree with Hasumin. And who knows, maybe someone wonderful will come along for Riena before too long.”
“…Yes, maybe so.”
“Right?”
“Yes… And I’m sorry, Hasumin-san, I may be a burden for a while.”
“No, not at all. Not even a little. You’re my lifesaver, Riena-san. If you hadn’t come to this world, I probably would’ve become the Demon King for real. And then… I would’ve ended up killing someone I cared about.”
“Exactly, Riena. Because you came here, we were able to confirm that Demon King Kanan had escaped into this world—and defeat him. You’re the greatest hero this world’s ever had.”
“Hasumin-san, Hero-sama… Thank you for your kind words. For now, I think I’ll focus on getting used to this world.”
“I’ll help, too. Though, I mean, I’m just an ordinary high schooler, so there’s only so much I can do.”
“Of course I’ll help. But honestly, knowing you, Riena, I bet you’ll adjust in no time.”
After all, Riena was called a once-in-a-century genius for a reason—her mind worked on a completely different level from the rest of us.
For example, back in Orphermaus, I used my hero privileges to have someone make me a custom pair of chopsticks, and I used them all the time.
Curious, Riena decided to try using chopsticks herself.
And before I knew it, she was handling them better than I ever could—it was honestly kind of a shock.
The first time, I barely showed her how they worked, just a quick demo—
“I see. So the principle is to hold the bottom one steady while only moving the top chopstick. With just that, you can perform so many tasks—what an incredibly useful tool.”
—was what she said, totally matter-of-fact.
Just as I was chatting with Hasumin and Riena—
Knock, knock. The door opened and my mother stepped inside.
She was carrying a tray with a pot of tea and a few fancy-looking macarons.
Whoa, Mom—trying to show off a little, huh?
No way those are the kind of treats you serve to kids.
I mean, come on—I’ve lived here my whole life, and I don’t ever remember getting snacks that looked that expensive.
She’s probably got a secret stash of luxury sweets hidden somewhere in the house just for herself.
“Fufu, I was a little worried, but it sounds like you’re all having a great time. So here—enjoy some sweets and relax, okay?”
With just that, my mother left the room.
She was probably checking to see if I could actually hold a conversation with a girl.
“Anyway, now that we’ve had a good talk, let’s drink the tea before it gets cold.”
“Agreed!”
“Yes, let’s.”
The three of us sipped tea and nibbled on macarons together.
Most of the time, I was telling Hasumin stories about my days in the other world.