Short Story 1 Ceres' childhood

My name is Ceres.

Right now, I’m a five-year-old reincarnator.

Pretty impressive, right?

Actually, in this world, it’s not impressive at all.

Apparently, until recently, reincarnators and transmigrators were quite common, so they’re not exactly rare.

In Jimna Village, where I live, there aren’t any reincarnators or transmigrators at the moment, but many villagers have them in their ancestry.

Take Zect’s mom, Shizuko-san, for example.

With her black eyes and black hair, she looks Japanese to me, but I hear it’s a case of atavism.

According to her, one of her ancestors, a few generations back, was a Japanese reincarnator.

There are others too—like Kazuma-niisan, Haruka-neesan, Misaki-san, and Sayo-san—whose names strongly suggest some connection to Japan, hinting that reincarnators or transmigrators were common here in the past.

The fact that I’m a reincarnator is a secret kept between my parents and Najim-sama.

In this world, past reincarnators have already spread a fair amount of knowledge, so unless you have exceptional expertise, your knowledge isn’t worth much. While we don’t see it in Jimna Village, I hear they have soy sauce and rice in the capital or the imperial city.

On top of that, I’m what they call a “fragmented” reincarnator—my memories from my previous life aren’t complete. They’re just vague impressions.

“They say some people out there hate reincarnators and transmigrators. There’s no need to go around advertising it in this village.”

That’s what Najim-sama said, so now that I’ve lost both my parents, he’s the only one who knows I’m a reincarnator.

Well, in my previous life, I was a forty-two-year-old man working at a trading company.

I have memories of a wife and daughter.

“They were precious to me.”

That feeling lingers deep in my memory.

But because of my reincarnation, I can’t even recall their faces.

That’s just how it is.

What remains from my past life is the sense that I’m an adult and my sense of taste.

◆◆◆

The food in Jimna Village is what you’d call rustic cuisine in my previous life.

It’s delicious in its own way, but with memories of the flavors from my past life, I crave Western dishes.

Hamburgers, omurice, Neapolitan spaghetti.

Oh, how I want to eat them.

In the capital, the imperial city, or more developed towns, you can probably find them, but not in this village.

My parents are gone, but they left me a house, so I live alone.

I have a kitchen, so I tried cooking, but it was a failure.

I know the recipes, but the vegetables and fruits here taste slightly different.

No matter what I did, I couldn’t get it right.

◆◆◆

There’s one other thing that stayed with me.

The feeling that I’m an adult.

“Ceres-kun, you don’t have to keep helping out like this. You can go play with the others, you know.”

Right now, I’m at Shizuko-san and Sectol-ojisan’s field, helping harvest vegetables.

Shizuko-san and other adults often tell me this, but I don’t feel like playing.

With the heart of a forty-two-year-old man, I can’t help but look at things with a detached perspective.

Catching bugs or playing tag at this point… it’s just not for me.

Still, playing with bamboo dragonflies or stilts stirs a nostalgic feeling, a sense of “fond memories.”

That’s about the extent of it.

“No, helping Shizuko-san is more fun, so don’t worry about it.”

“Ceres-kun, you really don’t have to worry, okay?”

Everyone is kind and tells me it’s fine to play, but the reason a kid like me can survive in this village is because I “help out.”

They’re taking care of me, an orphan.

They even choose tasks a child can handle when giving me work.

That’s the kindness of this village.

As a villager, I don’t have the option to shirk my duty to “help out.”

Besides, with my adult heart, I find it much more enjoyable to be with Zect’s parents than with kids like him.

It’s a shame they’re all married, but Shizuko-san and all my friends’ mothers are beautiful.

To my adult heart, helping out here is far more fun than playing with kids my age.

“Shizuko-san is really beautiful, and just being around you is so much fun, so don’t worry.”

If only she weren’t married, it’d be perfect.

“Oh my, that’s so sweet of you. It makes me so happy. These days, even my husband, Sectol, doesn’t say things like that. You’re the only one who does, Ceres-kun. My son Zect just calls me an old hag.”

She says this with a smile, opening her arms.

It’s an invitation to come for a hug.

As an adult at heart, it’s a bit embarrassing, but I can’t resist the allure of a beautiful woman’s embrace.

I step closer, and Shizuko-san hugs me tightly.

I catch a faint, pleasant scent from a mature woman.

Unlike my previous life, she’s not wearing cologne or perfume.

Yet, somehow, she smells wonderful.

Just this makes me feel like helping out was totally worth it.

“Shizuko-san, you smell really nice. I’m jealous of Sectol-ojisan.”

“Oh my, you’re jealous of Sectol instead of Zect? You’re so mature! But thank you, that makes me happy. Oh, isn’t it about time for you to go help at Haruka’s shop? We’re done here, so you can go.”

“Then, Shizuko-san, see you tomorrow.”

They must think I’m lonely since my mother passed away, because everyone hugs me often.

It’s really nice, but thinking they see me as a child makes it complicated.

“See you tomorrow, Ceres-kun.”

With Shizuko-san’s smiling send-off, I leave the field.

◆◆◆

When I arrive at Kazuma’s diner, Haruka-neesan is wiping down tables.

“Ceres, good to see you! Kazuma-kun’s in the kitchen, so can you pop in there first?”

“Got it.”

Haruka-neesan is so vibrant and sexy.

She’s wearing a black tank top, brown hot pants, black knee-high socks, and an apron.

“Hey, Ceres, why do you always stare at me like that whenever we meet?”

“No, it’s just… Haruka-neesan, you’re so sexy and beautiful.”

“Yeah, yeah, enough of that. Just hurry to the kitchen. Geez, don’t tease an old lady like me.”

In this world, she might be considered old, but at around twenty, she’s plenty young by my previous life’s standards.

As a reincarnator, she looks almost too young.

Her slightly flushed face is adorable.

“I’ll head to the kitchen then.”

But if I keep talking, I might get a knuckle to the head, so I quickly make my way to the kitchen.

“Glad you’re here, Ceres. Check this out! I made this ‘Napoli’ based on what you told me. Try it!”

It looks like Neapolitan spaghetti, though the noodles are closer to udon.

“Here goes…!”

The noodles aren’t quite right, but the sauce is almost pure ketchup.

It’s got vegetables that look like onions and bell peppers, plus orc meat.

It’s delicious…

Maybe because my body and memories recognize it, tears well up.

“What’s wrong, Ceres?! Was it bad?”

“Kazuma-niisan, this is amazing! It’s perfect!”

“Really? Awesome! Then I’ll add it to the menu starting tomorrow! Sorry, but the curry’s still a work in progress. Give me a bit more time.”

“It’s not something you can perfect easily, so no worries! Kazuma-niisan, you’re a genius! I never thought you’d actually make it.”

“No, I should be thanking you! To think I’d get hints for dishes you’d have to go to the capital to learn about… I’ll write up the recipe and give it to you later, as promised.”

“Thanks, Kazuma-niisan.”

“No, thank you…”

Kazuma-niisan probably knows I’m a reincarnator.

There’s no way a kid who’s barely left the village would know about dishes like this.

He’s not dumb enough to miss that.

But he never asks about it, and I’m really grateful for that.

“Hey! It’s great you’re caught up in your talk, but we’re opening soon! Hurry up, or we won’t be ready!”

Haruka-neesan calls out, sounding a bit annoyed.

“Whoops, my bad. I’ll get to it.”

“I’ll handle the prep, Kazuma-niisan.”

I start silently chopping vegetables and meat.

Once prep is done, I join Haruka-neesan to help in the dining area.

“Four lunches over here.”

“Right away! Kazuma-niisan, four recommended lunches!”

“Got it, they’re ready over there.”

“Understood. Here are two recommended lunches, sorry for the wait.”

“Ceres, I’ll clear the dishes. Wipe the tables and seat the customers.”

“Got it, Haruka-neesan!”

As the only diner in the village, lunchtime is insanely busy.

The rush keeps us moving nonstop.

◆◆◆

After the hectic lunch hour, I’m eating a staff meal with Haruka-neesan.

Kazuma-niisan is in the kitchen prepping for dinner.

“Man, Ceres, you really love cooking, don’t you? I don’t get it.”

Haruka-neesan is sitting across from me, legs crossed.

I know I shouldn’t look, but her long, beautiful legs draw my eyes, and my face flushes.

Trying to play it cool, I respond casually.

“Do I? I just study it because I want to eat delicious food.”

“I like tasty food too, but I don’t get this passionate about making it. I can’t imagine holing up in the kitchen with Kazuma-kun.”

It’s not just the food—coming here means I get to see Haruka-neesan.

That’s a big part of it.

I don’t know her exact age since she gets mad when I ask, but she’s probably around twenty.

In this world, that’s considered old, but to me, she’s “incredibly young.”

Here, fifteen is adulthood, and most people are engaged or married by then, starting families.

To my forty-two-year-old past self, someone Haruka-neesan’s age is just barely a romantic possibility.

Even though I’m five, teens still feel like “kids” to me.

“When I make the food I want, it feels so rewarding and joyful.”

“Really? You sound just like Kazuma-kun. But, Ceres, aren’t you holding back because of us? Rida only comes home for lunch and then runs off to play!”

“Seriously, she bolts in, scarfs down her food, and leaves. It’s omurice, for crying out loud—she should savor it…”

“That’s just how kids are, you know? Plus, Rida’s obsessed with Zect right now, so she’s busy competing with Maria.”

It’s obvious if you watch them.

Kids’ romance.

It’s kind of heartwarming.

“Yeah, it does look tough.”

“You’re so mature about it. Don’t you have someone you like, Ceres?”

Sure, I do, but they’re all married.

As a former forty-two-year-old, I can’t see anyone under my past life’s adult age as a romantic interest.

Even Haruka-neesan feels a bit young.

Still, women in this world seem more mature than in my previous one, maybe because life is tougher here, so we get along fine in conversation.

“It’s a secret.”

I answer while sipping my soup.

“Oh? Why don’t you tell your big sister?”

“I can’t.”

“Can’t tell me? That means there is someone, right? Who is it?”

“It’s a secret.”

“Maybe someone mature, like Maria?”

“Nope.”

“Meru’s pretty cute, right?”

“Nope.”

“Oh, I got it! It’s our Rida!”

“Nope!”

“Ugh, there aren’t any other girls your age in the village!”

“There aren’t. Can we drop this now?”

Thinking it’s someone my age means she’ll never guess.

“Wait… could it be me?!”

“Uh… well, Haruka-neesan, you’re totally my type.”

“W-What?! Well, I am pretty gorgeous! But, Ceres, if we’d met ten years earlier…”

“Haruka, even ten years younger, you’d still be five years older than Ceres. Five years is too much, right?”

“No, I don’t mind…”

“Kazuma-kun, shut up!”

“Ceres, I get wanting a mother figure after losing yours, but trust me, you’ll regret this mindset…”

“Kazuma-kun! Are you saying I’m past my prime? We need to have a talk!”

“Oh, I’m still prepping. Ceres, catch you later!”

“Ceres, you’re heading to Misaki’s next, right? We’re good here, and I’ll clean the dishes, so go ahead.”

“Kazuma-niisan, Haruka-neesan, see you later!”

Next, I’m off to Shoot-san’s place.

◆◆◆

In the afternoon, I head to help at Shoot-san’s general store.

Helping Shoot-san is way easier than other jobs.

“Shoot-san, hello.”

“Ceres-kun, glad you’re here. Can I ask you to mind the store?”

“Of course.”

Helping at Shoot-san’s store means shopkeeping.

The customers are familiar villagers, and there aren’t many, so it’s really easy.

“Then it’s all yours. I left some books you might like on the counter, so feel free to read if you’re free.”

Shoot-san doesn’t like being disturbed while reading, so when I show up, he retreats to the back.

As long as I don’t bother him until it’s time to leave, he’s fine.

“By the way, where’s Misaki-san?”

“Misaki’s out shopping, but she should be back soon.”

“I see.”

“Alright, I’ll be in the back reading. It’s all yours.”

“Got it.”

Work at Shoot-san’s store is a breeze.

Since most customers are villagers, there’s no theft, and it’s just a matter of selling to shoppers.

As long as you can do basic math and read, it’s simple.

When there are no customers, I get to read rare books that Shoot-san lends me.

To me, this is less work and more like half-fun.

Shoot-san’s retreated to the back, so I start reading a book he picked out.

Today, it’s a romance novel.

But…

“This is so boring.”

Unlike my previous life, goods are precious here, repaired and rarely thrown out, so they don’t sell much.

Today, I sold one wooden washbasin.

Just one basin, but it cost seven copper coins (about 7,000 yen).

Like old Japan, things are expensive, so this is probably enough to get by.

“Ceres-chan, thanks for watching the store.”

As I’m zoning out, Misaki-san’s voice comes from the entrance.

She handles all the store’s inventory.

“Misaki-san, welcome back. I’ll unload the goods and stock the shelves.”

“That’s a big help. I’ll take the horse to the stable.”

With that, Misaki-san unhitches the horse and leads it to the stable.

The goods aren’t like a convenience store’s massive inventory from my previous life.

I quickly bring them into the store, arranging older items in front and newer ones in the back.

Honestly, it takes less than thirty minutes.

I finish before Misaki-san returns.

“Ceres-chan, you’re as efficient as ever. It’s hard to believe you’re only five. I’ll make some tea.”

A little later, Misaki-san comes back.

She sets two cups of tea on a table in the corner and sits across from me.

“Ceres-chan, you’re not tired? You okay?”

“Not at all. Honestly, I mostly just read, so it felt like playing.”

“Really? But isn’t it tough being stuck inside the store all day? Our Maria always complains and sneaks off.”

“I love reading, and Shoot-san lends me books for watching the store, so it’s fun.”

“Really? I’m not much for books.”

Misaki-san is tall with long hair.

In my previous life, she’d be a model type, perfect for a bodycon dress.

Yet, she wears glasses, giving her an intellectual look.

“Wearing glasses,” yet Shizuko-san and Haruka-neesan say she loves physical activity and struggles with reading and writing.

Despite all the books in this house, I’ve never seen Misaki-san read.

Maybe I’ll ask.

“But, Misaki-san, you wear glasses, right? Did you used to read a lot?”

“Fufu, since we’ve gotten close, Ceres-chan, I’ll let you in on a secret!”

When a beauty like Misaki-san smiles and says “I’ll let you in,” I can’t help but gulp, even knowing it’s not that kind of secret.

Gulp “Is there some secret?”

“Ceres-chan, these are actually…”

“Actually…?”

“Fake glasses! They don’t even have lenses.”

“Really? But why wear fake glasses?”

“Fufu, don’t I look smarter this way? Only Shizuko and a few others know, so keep it a secret!”

“Got it.”

Glasses are a luxury in this world.

If her eyes are fine, why wear fakes?

Since it’s a secret, I’d better not ask.

I chat with Misaki-san for a while.

There’s something nice about her listening to my idle talk, resting her cheek on her hand.

Every time Misaki-san, with her long legs and short skirt, crosses them, my eyes can’t help but wander. It’s just a guy thing, right?

“Ceres-chan, you like my legs, don’t you?”

Crap, I stared too long.

Stay calm… stay calm, me.

“Misaki-san, your legs are so long, like a capital city actress. I couldn’t help but stare.”

That should be fine, right?

“Fufu, I’m flattered. Thank you. So, Ceres-chan, did you read that in a book too?”

A five-year-old saying this to a twenty-year-old woman is weird, right?

Plus, Misaki-san is married.

No matter how beautiful, there’s no chance for me.

Better leave it at that.

“You caught me. I actually copied it from a story I read recently.”

“I knew it! No wonder you’re so mature. Oh no, look at the time! You’re good here, so head to Sayo’s.”

“Then, Misaki-san, see you tomorrow.”

“See you, Ceres-chan.”

Misaki-san sees me off at the door, and I head to Kaito-san’s house.

◆◆◆

Next, I’m helping at Kaito-san’s place.

“Hey, Ceres, good to see you. Can you do the usual and maintain the hoes and farm tools?”

“Got it.”

Kaito-san looks like a warrior with his build, but he’s actually a farmer.

Unlike Shizuko-san’s husband, Sectol, he’s hardworking but incredibly stubborn.

“Ceres-san… welcome.”

As usual, Sayo-san looks downcast.

She’s very beautiful, but the mole under her eye and her teary gaze make her look sad.

A tragic beauty, that’s the vibe.

“Sayo, enough with the greetings. Hurry up and make dinner and heat the bath!”

“Yes, right away.”

“Then I’ll start on the maintenance.”

I know it’s their usual husband-wife exchange, but it’s hard to watch, so I quickly escape to the shed where the tools are kept.

After a while, Sayo-san appears.

“Ceres-san, you’re such a hard worker. You’re always working whenever I see you.”

“Well, I have to work hard to survive on my own. But if we’re talking about that, Sayo-san, Misaki-san, and Shizuko-san are the same, right?”

“Well… we’re adults. You’re still a child, Ceres-san. Our Meru doesn’t help with anything at home.”

I don’t know how to respond.

That’s normal for a five-year-old, right?

I only feel this way because of my past life’s memories. I just can’t get into kids’ games anymore.

“For me, work is fun. It’s like playing.”

“Working from morning to evening is fun?”

“Yes, it’s fun.”

“Ceres-san, if it’s tough, you can tell me. Don’t you ever want to play with the others?”

Everyone says that, but I don’t want to play.

Honestly, being with them is exhausting.

I’d rather work than play with Zect and the others—it’s less stressful.

“I don’t know why, but I enjoy talking with adults more than with Zect or Meru. I really don’t know the reason.”

“I see. But, Ceres-san, this is a village. It’s better to get along with kids your age now, especially the girls.”

“I know, but I’m just not good with them.”

“I get it, but there are only three girls your age in the village: Maria, Rida, and my daughter, Meru. Normally, you’d end up marrying one of them. It’s better to get along with girls, like Zect does.”

I’m only five.

But in this world, fifteen is adulthood, and most people marry soon after.

That’s ten years from now.

I have to think that way.

Since marrying someone close is the norm, there’s a high chance I’ll marry one of those three.

Zect’s into Maria, so that leaves Rida or Meru, maybe.

That’s just for now, though.

Still, marrying one of them is highly likely.

My fragmented past-life memories get in the way.

“Lolicon.”

That word pops into my head.

“…”

“What’s wrong? Lost in thought? Oh, I know—you’re thinking about who you like, right? Who came to mind?”

“Well, if I had to pick… maybe Sayo-san?”

“W-What?! Me?!”

Sayo-san looks shocked.

Crap, I blurted it out.

I’d better rephrase.

“Oh, sorry! I meant I like older women in general. Like Sayo-san, Shizuko-san, Haruka-neesan, or Misaki-san—mature women. That’s what I meant. Please don’t misunderstand. You’re all married, so it’s just a preference, nothing more.”

“Oh, that’s what you meant. Haha, you startled me.”

“Sorry for scaring you.”

“It’s fine…”

“Ceres! The bath’s ready. If you’re done with the tools, come take a dip.”

Kaito-san’s voice calls from the house.

“Ceres-san, you’re already done? Go take a bath.”

“Right. Kaito-san, I’m coming!”

As thanks for letting me use their bath, I scrub Kaito-san’s back, and he’s delighted.

“You’re so thoughtful. You don’t seem like a kid.”

“Am I?”

“Whatever. Since you’re here, stay for dinner.”

“No, I couldn’t impose.”

“Kids don’t need to hold back. Sayo’s already made your portion. Eat.”

“Then I’ll take you up on that.”

“That’s right, kids should be straightforward.”

I enjoy Sayo-san’s cooking and head home.

◆◆◆

Working was fine, but because I’m a kid, they force me to take three days off a week.

If it was just a break, that’d be great, but…

“Come on, Ceres, let’s go fishing!”

“My wife asked me to take you fishing.”

On my days off, someone always drags me out to play.

Probably Najim-sama’s idea, thinking I’m lonely or something.

Today, it’s apparently Sectol-ojisan and Zect’s turn.

It’s pushy, but I know they mean well, so I can’t say no.

“I’ll get ready.”

I reply and open the door.

◆◆◆

An hour into fishing at the nearby river, Zect’s gone.

I know, “look who’s talking,” but for Zect, love trumps friendship.

That’s just who he is.

He slipped away when Sectol-ojisan wasn’t looking.

Probably off to see Maria or Rida.

“Geez, that kid’s always chasing girls. Who does he take after…?”

Sectol-ojisan, obviously.

“Probably you, Sectol-ojisan?”

“Me? I never chased girls! They chased me!”

Here comes his usual boasting about his popularity.

“Yeah, Sectol-ojisan’s so cool, I bet you were super popular.”

“Even a kid like you can tell? That’s how it was.”

Unlike Kaito-san, Sectol-ojisan eats up flattery, so he’s easy to deal with.

“I can tell. Zect’s so popular with girls, so his dad, Sectol-ojisan, must’ve been even more so.”

Why’s he making that face?

Did I say something wrong?

“Ceres, my popularity was on a whole other level compared to Zect! Every woman in the village was crazy about me.”

Sectol-ojisan is such a sore loser.

But… no way.

The most popular guy in the village is obviously Kazuma-niisan.

No need to say that out loud, though.

“You’re right. You landed a beauty like Shizuko-san, after all.”

“Shizuko, huh? She’s naggy and not that great.”

That’s a bit irritating, but arguing won’t help.

“Sectol-ojisan, you’ve got a bite.”

“Oh, this is a big one!”

We catch ten fish, and the day’s fishing ends.

◆◆◆

After fishing, Sectol-ojisan invites me to his house, and I tag along.

When he opens the door, Shizuko-san greets us with a smile.

So enviable.

“Welcome back. Oh? Zect’s not with you?”

“He ditched us halfway through. Probably off playing with Maria or Rida.”

“What a handful. I’ll have to punish him when he gets back.”

“No need for that. Kids his age are like that. Anyway, we caught some fish. Can you grill them for me and Ceres?”

“I can eat too?”

“Of course! We caught these together, so don’t hold back.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll grill them right away. You’ll have ale, right? Fruit water for Ceres-kun?”

“Yes.”

Shizuko-san quickly brings ale and fruit water.

“Keep my husband company for a bit, okay?”

With that, she heads to the kitchen.

◆◆◆

Sectol-ojisan takes a big gulp of ale and suddenly asks,

“So, Ceres, who do you like?”

“Uh, what do you mean?”

“Zect ran off to see a girl, but you didn’t care and kept fishing with me. A normal boy would be curious about which girl he went to, right? You didn’t seem to care at all.”

Yeah, my behavior is odd.

In a village, the competition for brides starts young.

By ten, it’s not unusual to have a fiancée.

Even at five, it’s normal to have a girlfriend.

Zect’s already actively hanging out with girls.

“Sectol-ojisan, maybe I’m still a kid? I don’t find girls my age appealing.”

“I see. Then it doesn’t have to be someone your age. If you had to pick one woman you like, who would it be?”

“One person?”

“Anyone. You’ve got someone you like, right?”

Who would it be?

I think Shizuko-san, Haruka-neesan, Sayo-san, and Misaki-san are beautiful.

They’re all wonderful and gorgeous, but if I had to pick one… probably Shizuko-san.

“If I had to choose, maybe Shizuko-san? If Sectol-ojisan weren’t around, I’d want to marry her.”

“My Shizuko? She’s already twenty, an old maid! Oh, right, I forgot—you lost both your parents. That’s why you’re into older women.”

“It’s not like that…”

“Ceres, look at Shizuko in the kitchen. All I see is an old maid.”

To my past-life self, she’s young and beautiful.

“No, to me, she’s incredibly beautiful.”

“Really? By the time you’re fifteen, she’ll be an old hag. I’ll let you have her for one gold coin.”

Let me have her?

Can you even do that with someone who’s not a slave?

“There’s no way…”

“There is. This village has a ‘wife-selling’ system.”

“Selling your wife? She’s not a slave, so that’s impossible, right?”

“No, it’s not what you think. Long ago, there was a gender imbalance and a shortage of brides. That’s when the system was created. Older couples could separate, and the husband could sell his wife to a younger man. That’s the deal.”

Is that really a thing?

“Is that actually real?”

“It exists, but it’s an old custom no one uses anymore.”

“Why not?”

“Think about it, Ceres! These days, the area’s developed, and there are towns nearby. If you have money, you can buy a slave instead of bothering with an old hag. It’s a relic from when people stayed in the village their whole lives.”

“I see… um…”

“It’s common for kids without mothers to long for one. If you’re still into Shizuko when you’re fifteen—if your thing for older women doesn’t fade—I’ll let you have her…”

Shizuko-san, carrying a plate of grilled fish, is standing beside us.

Her face is smiling, so she didn’t hear.

Thank goodness.

“Oh my, what are you two so engrossed in?”

“Nothing. Ceres, the fish is ready. Let’s eat.”

“Here goes.”

Good thing she didn’t hear.

But was Sectol-ojisan serious about that?

◆◆◆

Ten years have passed since then.

Now, Shizuko-san and I are traveling to Jimna Village.

I never imagined I’d actually end up with Shizuko-san.