In the outskirts of Kyoto in the late night, the entrance to the dark forest cave gave me a sense of cutting edge, even though it was windy and rainy. I wrapped my hands around my chest, exhaling hot air that liquefied into mist and scattered in front of me.

Inside the cave behind me, three young girls in their prime were sound asleep. Even though someone as versatile as Sō Ren Mankyōmah or "Ziongzong" couldn't produce three sleeping bags in such a sudden situation, so the girls had to huddle together, covering themselves with thin clothing and sleeping by the campfire for warmth.

Because of their sleeping arrangement, I couldn't join them, so I naturally became the one on night-watch duty. After all, as a man, you have to take responsibility.

I redirected my gaze from inside the cave to the pitch-black distance outside, a gust of wind came again, and raindrops hit my face, causing my body to shiver. It was really cold.

Fortunately, this body had experienced many nights enduring the cold when it was used by "Ziongzong" before, so I could bear it somewhat now. But enduring in such harsh conditions for too long can only be left to fate.

As the night went on, the rain lessened, but there were countless temporary "streams" of different sizes flowing down the mountain, making the sound even louder.

Accustomed to this scene and temperature, or perhaps it was because my body couldn't hold on any longer in the low temperature, I couldn't help but yawn, feeling drowsy.

I must admit that this kind of sleepy but not really sleepy state was very pleasant.

Just then, someone tapped my shoulder from behind.

"Go and sleep, I'll take over."

The person behind me was Sō Ren Mankyōmah.

Since only the two of us were awake at this time, her tone became casual and lost the deliberate official ice-cold tone, and instead, it became much softer.

"It's not good for you to sleep with them like this, right?"

I glanced at the cave, where Uesugi Yui and "Ziongzong" were sleeping face to face.

"Haha, you're taking advantage and pretending to be virtuous. I know who you are very well, so go already."

Sō Ren Mankyōmah pushed me.

But I still didn't go in and asked her,

"Although it's barely manageable, I can still hold on for the night without it affecting tomorrow's operation. But you, can you stand half the night like this?"

"I'm not pleased with being underestimated by you. We've already discussed it, 90 minutes for each person is fine. As for the differences between men and women, I know you're concerned about our feelings. Since we all said it is fine, you don't have to pretend to be reserved, inexperienced guy."

I found Sō Ren Mankyōmah's words pleasant at first, but in the end, she mercilessly stabbed me, causing the hurt to multiply instantly, just like when you eat something sweet and unexpectedly taste something bitter.

I could only force a smile and accept their kindness.

I lay down next to the warm campfire with a tired body, with no energy left to think about anything and quickly fell into a dream.

Waking up from insufficient sleep was uncomfortable, like taking a shower and stopping the water before washing off the foam.

The warm sunlight shone on my face, waking me up from fatigue. I looked around, Sō Ren Mankyōmah and "Ziongzong" were sleeping close to each other not far from me, while Uesugi Yui was watching at the entrance of the cave.

"Good morning, thanks for your hard work, Yui."

"Oh, good morning, Ziongzong."

Uesugi Yui turned around, and that was when I noticed how tired she looked. According to Sō Ren Mankyōmah, they didn't sleep much either, coupled with yesterday's turmoil, they must have been exhausted.

Upon further thought, Uesugi Yui was a member of the Kyudo club, and Sō Ren Mankyōmah and "Ziongzong" often exercised due to their special identities. If it wasn't for these three girls, it would be impossible to continue today.

"You should go back to sleep for a while, I'll stay awake and organize today's plan."

"Thank you."

Uesugi Yui smiled wearily, patting my shoulder before walking into the cave.

I had thought that Uesugi Yui would decline, so her "thank you" took me by surprise, and I was frozen when she patted my shoulder, unable to react. Although I don't understand why she didn't decline, can I interpret it as our relationship between Uesugi Yui and me has reduced some formalities, becoming closer to being true family?

The day has dawned, the rain has stopped, it is time to make a plan, and then set off with the girls.