The Warmth of Camping

Eastwood Campground has 23 single-family campsites located in a wooded setting next to the Mondeaux Flowage within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The campsites are suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (no hookups); each site also has a table, fire ring, and grate. The Campground amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, and trash recycling. A dump station is also located nearby in the picnic area.

If someone was talking about area recreation and info, Eastwood Campground allows visitors to access the Mondeaux Flowage from the campground and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The lake is famous for fishing, boating, kayaking/canoeing, and swimming. Other activities include biking, hunting, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

There is also some amenities in the Eastwood, such as BBQ Grills, Boat Ramp, Campground Host, Campsite Tables, Drinking Water, Dump Station, Fire Pit, Fire Rings, Firewood Available, Grills, Pets OK, Picnic Tables, Recycling Center, and Restrooms (Vault Toilets).

Also, many activities happen in the Eastwood, but mainly it's used as campsite or camping by people. Eleonora, who came to this place with Nadeshiko and her friends, felt amazed by the camp. It's so beautiful, and the air is very fresh; she can breathe fresh air and feel the nature atmosphere here. It's only taking them several minutes, approximately 30 minutes walking, and they're glad that the group arrived right on the schedule.

'I'm glad we arrived on time. Haha… Eleonora-san was really helpful. Had we lazed around comfortably because of the onsen and the fried onsen egg, we would arrive late, and night would come. I don't really want that to happen.'

Thought Chiaki with sweatdrop and smile weakly along with Aoi who did the same while Eleonora and Nadeshiko just smiled. Eleonora smiled. She believes it's really worth walking to visit such a campsite. At the same time, Nadeshiko smiled happily and was full of anticipation because she wondered what would happen during the camping she went through this time. It's considered her second camping and her unofficial first camping with a group.

But she, Oogaki Chiaki, rubs her chin and thinks again.

'Although we would go earlier than we've expected if we use the teleportation magic that Eleonora-san has. Well, I think this is also fine since we arrived on time and not late also not causing trouble to the manager of this campsite.'

Then she felt something touch her shoulder and startled her as to who was doing that as she turned around and found Eleonora smiled at her. Her face flushed as she gained a good look at Eleonora's smile and her face; she was really enthralled by her beautiful and elegant face, which also showed Chiaki the 'gentleness' of Eleonora.

"E-Eleonora-san, wha-what's wrong?"

"Chiaki-san, don't just stand in here; let's set up the tent, or it would be night already when we do that."

Hearing that, Chiaki flushed in embarrassment and nodded her head quickly as in her mind that she was really embarrassed.

"Y-Yes! Come on, guys. Let's set up the tent! Inuko, help me carry the firewood, and Kagamihara, go found us a good spot."

"Yeah!"

As Chiaki instructed Aoi and Nadeshiko, she went with Aoi to carry the firewood. Eleonora just goes with Nadeshiko as she already takes their luggage since she has [Inventory] on her. It's effortless, and she doesn't have to rely on brute strength to carry all of it. Because generally, in terms of brute force, women or girls are weaker than men.

While Eleonora and Nadeshiko are busy with their work, on the other hand, we move to Chiaki and Aoi. They are currently about to carry the firewoods that they would need to start a campfire or barbequing their meats if they have it.

The glasses-bluish purple hair just sighed as she carried some firewood, which made the chest-length brown-haired girl with a kansai accent a bit confused confusion at her face as she slightly tilted her head and opened her mouth as she wanted to ask her.

"Aki, what's wrong? You seem a bit troubled."

Hearing her close and best friend say that, Chiaki turned her head and looked at her with a tired face.

"Inuko, why does Eleonora-san seems so… handsome! Even though she's a woman… I mean, she's younger than us, yet she has that wonderful body and looks! Isn't it unfair to me who's flat as a board? And I'm not that cute or beautiful like her either. On top of that, she's rich as heaven, and her sexual preferences are really… something…."

For Aoi, hearing her best friend rant is like a daily occurrence, and she doesn't have any problem with it, but sometimes she finds her rant a bit annoying and amazed by it. She is occasionally surprised, but today she is totally surprised by her friend ranting about Eleonora Pendragon, a young girl who has the appearance and acts like an adult.

Then, Aoi responds to it while tapping her chin with her finger as she was also wondering.

"Mhm… honestly Aki, I don't know much about Eleonora-san since we only know her today, but I agreed with you that she's a really unusual girl. Although there's a case where some people have an unusual body that doesn't match their age. But she is Nadeshiko-chan's sister-in-law, so maybe we can know more about her if she somehow tells us about herself? By doing that, we may know her more later."

"Umh… you're right, Inuko. She's really someone I've never met. I mean, I have never seen someone like her. Young, charismatic, beautiful, elegant, seems intelligent, calm, mature, and has a same-sex relationship. She is also rich and powerful since she knew about magic."

Chiaki went depressed again as she hung her head and looked down and sighed.

"But… really, is it fair for someone like her to appear? I mean, I do not actually hate her, or it's not her fault too, but… you know my feeling! Aren't you, Inuko?!"

Aoi just smiled weakly and went awkward when being asked like that by her bluish-haired glasses girl, who went in frustration. Although it indicates that Chiaki is always in her usual self, what she said earlier about getting to know more about Eleonora causes the tooth-fang girl to blush slightly.

'We already got her number, and next would be sending her message… maybe I should do that. But it's not like I have an ulterior motive. Yeah, it's just to make a new friend! Although… it's not bad if I become her girlfriend later.'

She smiled as she thought of that and couldn't hear what her friend was saying while they were still carrying the firewoods as they walked to the place chosen as their site to set up the tent since she quickly checked the sent message by Nadeshiko earlier.

Meanwhile, Eleonora and Nadeshiko…

"Nadeshiko-chan, is there anything I can help with?"

"No problem, Leo-nee-chan! I can do this! And look, this spot is perfect and we can see a beautiful view from there. Oh, and the ground is soft enough. There's no rock or anything that might cause harm when we set up a sleeping bag."

Eleonora just smiled at Nadeshiko's enthusiasm and energy; she opened her [Inventory] and took out all the luggage and belongings prepared for the camping. She also stores hers inside; let's not forget about some snacks if they want to, although Nadeshiko insisted on cooking curry for today's camping.

"Alright, then let me help you set up the tent. Here, Nadeshiko-chan."

"Um! Thank you, Leo-nee-chan! Ah, mine with Aki-chan and Aoi-chan's colors is really a match. How about yours, Leo-nee-chan?"

"It's something I order from Amazon. Only ¥14,000 with the shipping cost."

Nadeshiko's mouth opened wide as she went in shock when she heard the amount of money that had been told by Eleonora to her. Her mind completely froze and tried to assimilate the word that was said since it made her into a shock because she couldn't handle it well enough. And after a few minutes, she went normal and snapped back her consciousness.

"Leo-nee-chan, that's really expensive! With that much money, how much food can I get? But… with that much money, I can also get that cute lamp…."

She mumbled to herself and left Eleonora alone to sweatdrop as she tried to set up the tent. Luckily, Eleonora also already reads a few books of camping and tent before going camping with the three of them, so she at least knows how to handle the tent. Like how to set it up, and since she's genius, she knew it already without someone telling her what she had to do.

"Hm… how about next time I buy you a new sleeping bag? And keep it secret from Sakura-nee if you want it. How's that, Nadeshiko-chan?"

"Really?! Uhm! I will keep it a secret from onee-chan. Thank you, Leo-nee-chan!"

"Good. Let's finish setting up the tent and others before they come back carrying the firewoods we need."

"Yeah! I want to make a dish that is suitable for camper. Look forward to it, Leo-nee-chan!"

"Of course, your cooking is always good. You would be a great wife someday."

Nadeshiko blushed slightly at the praise she got from Eleonora and smiled happily as she helped Eleonora finish the tent. A few minutes later, they see Chiaki and Aoi, who's back carrying the firewoods they need for fire, and maybe some cooking if the gas stove is out and they don't bring another gas.

A few minutes later, after they had prepared everything, they went chill and comfortable viewing the beautiful landscape together with some warm and hot drink accompanying them. They also talked about anything that crossed their heads.

Eleonora was happy to learn some stuff about Nadeshiko and her friends' high school life; she also knew something about Chiaki and Aoi.

'Hm… so their club is so small as they don't have that many members to receive an upgrade? That's… seems a flawed system as they didn't see the potential of outdoor activity such as camping. But well, even if I interfered and did some change on the school, it will add some works for me and make people who care about me worried since they always seem uncomfortable with how much work I handle.'

She just sighed mentally. Eleonora doesn't want to worry them and maybe have to lessen her worklist when going home, or they would be mad if the long bluish-haired chairman still kept the same habit. She really needs to change herself to become better than her past self.

Nadeshiko's friends also got some benefits by talking with Eleonora. They can get some new information about the young chairman, especially Aoi, who has a crush on Eleonora and want to know more about her. Well, Chiaki is also the same, but she still doesn't realize it, and she has to wait by realizing it herself or letting others or her friends tell her about it.

It's not like their fault that they got enthralled and suddenly fell in love with how beautiful and gentle Eleonora is. From their point of view, Eleonora could be a perfect boyfriend (?) or girlfriend material that can take care of themselves, yet they still don't know all about the girl and they would be surprised more if they dug more the information about her.

But both of them, at least right now, can confirm that Eleonora is a kind and good person. They can also ensure that Eleonora is a person who will achieve great deeds or achievements in the future. She can aim higher than anyone else and do it flawlessly; her name might even be recorded in history if she kept pursuing the top and becoming the greatest.

And Aoi thinks of this deep in her mind and heart.

'I'm not wrong to fall in love with someone like Eleonora-san. Although I didn't expect anything from it, women are always trying to find someone with good potential to be their lover, ensuring the future of my family and others.'

She just flashed a small happy smile on her lips.

------

Lastation is a country that is full of smoke. It has the steam-punk theme and is rather dark other than any landmasses or countries beside it. That condition is before the continent changes and makes it less smoky and a little cleaner; also, more modern buildings are there. The citizen happiness is increased and less disappointed than before. It took the CPU of this country a few years to develop this into what it currently is since the support she got previously isn't that much, and her landmass is not forming an alliance with other continents.

Although the time was too long, the result didn't betray the effort they made. The economy, industrial, citizens, and others have already been stable and haven't shown any serious problem that might cause the landmass to be in a bad state.

Black Heart, the CPU of Lastation, somehow has to be satisfied with this kind of result even though she would expect more since she's a bit perfectionist about almost everything. But in doing that, she needs the help of many talented people to manage the landmass or help her do it like giving any advice or tips.

Although she has an Oracle, someone who did the job when the goddess can't do that and took over the CPU's role for a while. Her Oracle still couldn't run over the entire landmass like she did since she's known as a workaholic and always works whenever possible. Her main goal is to make Lastation the top and high-ranked landmass in Gamindustri.

The pale-skinned girl with very long black hair about waist length that was styled in twin-tail just sighed tiredly and pinched her nose as if she's tired while she currently sorted out some documents piled in the desk in front of her right now. She shakes her head in frustration as she is just now about to have a thought to abandon it and let her Oracle, Jinguji Kei, a short girl that has boyish-cut silver hair, has worried expression on her face seeing her boss in trouble.

Both the CPU and Oracle are workaholics and dedicated to their work. But the Oracle cannot bear to see a person she looks the most in a troubled state like this. Trying to be brave and gather some courage, the boyish-cut silver hair girl decided to confront and ask her.

"U-Um, Black Heart-sama… can you share most of your work with me? I've seen you sorted out most of it and are still not finished. I'm worried if you overwork yourself, Black Heart-sama."

The Black Heart, commonly known as Noire in her human form, blinked when she heard it, then looked up and saw her Oracle saying that with a worried expression. However, Noire could also know that she was trying to be polite as possible since the one who she asked is a goddess and has highest-ranked than her.

Seeing this, Noire put on a small smile and felt awkward since she got a person than Uni or her friends worried about her.

"A-Ah… Kei, sorry about that. I can't trouble you with this, it's my job, and you already helped me so much. It's okay. This is normal since our land is still growing and becoming better at the time. I'm the one who wants to do it anyway."

Kei's request was rejected and made the boyish girl feel down for a moment, but then she brightened up a little and said something to Noire.

"Then Black Heart-sama, how about you take a break? It's not only me who worries about you; even Black Sister always told you to take a break sometimes. You already holed up in your office for a month and still care for paperwork."

"Really?! A whole month…? I… didn't notice it."

Kei sighed in relief and coughed as she continued.

"Then, I suggest you stop working for now. How about we go to other landmass and play with them? It's good to see one of your friends and pay them a visit."

Noire instantly flustered in embarrassment as her cheeks went red when she heard the word 'friend' from someone other than Kei, who hardly knew the meaning and how bad she was at getting a friend, just like how Noire she is.

"F-F-F-Friend?! T-They're not friends…! Yeah, they're not… my friend. But since you said that… t-then I wouldn't mind paying them a visit. I mean, ahem, most of this paperwork doesn't have to be finished right away since the deadline is still far."

Jinguji Kei smiled and nodded at Noire, happy since her Oracle heard her advice.

"Then, how about Planeptune? I heard that Purple Heart-sama currently has something interesting in there."

This made Noire slightly tilt her head in confusion.

"Something interesting…? I hope it's not something weird. She always has the habit of being weird, and not anything she has is good. But well, it's not that hurt to see it. What's so interesting about it anyway?"

Noire said that with her usual tone as she brushed her hair. Kei then takes out her phone and begins to read some message on it containing what currently happened in Planeptune, or specifically, it's a message directly from Neptune that told her about it.

"Apparently, it's something akin to a teleportation device that goes through an alternate reality. Purple Heart-sama is currently lacking some parts or ingredients to complete it, but the machine seems worked enough even though it's dubbed incomplete."

…

"WHAT?! TELEPORTATION DEVICE?!"

Kei just quickly nodded as she was a bit startled by the sudden outburst from Noire. The twin-tail-haired girl took a deep breath and let it out as she pinched her nose again.

"Ah… that stupid Neptune. Looks like I have to worry about one more thing. Come on, Kei. Let's go to Planeptune. Neptune isn't that smart enough to handle such an important device, and it will turn out bad if she is involved."

"Y-Yes!"

With that, both of them immediately set off their destination. Noire and Kei decided to visit Planeptune as they heard the news that Neptune owned a teleportation device that allows someone to go through alternate reality or another world.

------

After setting up a tent and chatting to each other, the sky became dark, and night came, allowing the people who are camper and settle to camp in Eastwood Campground to watch the beautiful landscape given to them by the sky. The night sky full of stars became a feast to the eyes of people under it, including Eleonora, Nadeshiko, Chiaki, and Aoi, who is currently watching from their tent; the three girls even decided to take a photo of the sky since it's beautiful.

"It's wonderful…."

Said Nadeshiko as she was mesmerized by it. Eleonora just nodded and patted her head slowly yet gently. They both decided to stay in a single tent since Eleonora's tent was wide enough and could fill two people in it. The other reason is that Nadeshiko becomes spoiled and wants to sleep with her beloved sister-in-law, but Eleonora isn't heartless, so she accepts that and allows the pink-haired girl to sleep with her.

The long bluish-haired girl just nodded at Nadeshiko.

"It is. How about you send one of your friends about this? The solo camping girl, I think. She's alone today, right?"

Nadeshiko bobbed her head in agreement about what Eleonora said and immediately got back into the tent as she quickly sent the captured night sky photo. The thirteen-year-old girl just snorted and was amused at that girl's behavior, which has not changed. She is still the same glutton, energetic, and bubbly kind girl who has the aura to make people pamper and spoils her a lot.

Eleonora is the one who got affected by that, and honestly, she didn't think it was wrong. Instead, she enjoys it. Because Nadeshiko is kind and polite, even though sometimes she can be bothersome and annoy someone, although only some would feel that. Someone like Sakura, Nadeshiko's sister, sometimes always worries about how immature the pink-haired girl is and how Nadeshiko could cause some trouble.

As Nadeshiko busies herself with her things, Eleonora gets out of the tent and tries to take the fresh air that is surprisingly still around in this modern society, but she could expect it in a place like this camp site has some nature in it. Although not much, she can breathe some fresh air and relax; time like this is somehow cherished by the thirteen-year-old girl.

While enjoying herself, Eleonora noticed a chest-length brown-haired with kansai accent girl that she knew came out too from her tent. Their eyes met, and Aoi blushed slightly until she showed Eleonora a warm and polite smile while Eleonora responded with nods and smiles as she tried to walk closer to Aoi.

"Out to get a fresh air, Aoi-san?"

Aoi nodded.

"Yes, it's felt refreshing and kinda good, Eleonora-san. I've never gotten bored of this."

Eleonora let out a hearty laugh. Aoi, who saw it, just smiled warmly at Eleonora. The gaze she throws at the long bluish-haired girl is similar to how a girl to her lover does. When Eleonora stopped laughing, she noticed the look given to her by Aoi and smiled widely. It's really obvious to her.

'Aoi-san really has a crush on me, and she showed some sign without realizing it. Well… I can't take advantage of it without permission from Sakura-nee. She could be the one who manages the girls in my harem, even though Sonoka-nee is the one who met with me first.'

She scratched her cheeks when thinking of that. The reason why Kagamihara Sakura is the one who is the alpha of her harem is. Why was she chosen to be the alpha? Because it's only her who can manage it so well, Eleonora already agreed to it. And the other harem members did not utter any complaint about it since they also agreed with the proposal and rules.

Yeah, they even set up some rules, but it didn't restrict Eleonora that much since they knew that their lesbian lover also needed some freedom and didn't mind it. After all, Eleonora isn't the type who seeks girls or harem like any protagonist who did that. She was only lucky that some girls/women she encountered were captivated by her and willingly to be her lovers.

Opened her [Inventory], she took out some hot coffee she made yesterday. Incredibly, anything she stored inside it won't rot and stay in its original condition, although she felt it's time to upgrade the [Inventory] to store living beings too; a perfect [Inventory] could give her some good benefits.

She then gives one cup of coffee to Aoi.

"Here, Aoi-san. Must be cold."

She said that while Aoi nodded and accepted that.

"Thank you, Eleonora-san. It's still amazing that I found magic is real. I thought it's only happened in fiction."

"Well, I too pretty much think it like that, but I don't know without trying it. So that's why I'm trying to unlock it on a whim, and surprisingly, I have the potential to wield an amazing power such as magic. It's also pretty easy for to use."

Eleonora said that while she materialized a purple hairband with a wing shape. Aoi, who watched it, became amazed since this was probably her third time to witness such thing as magic. She couldn't hide her expression of it, which made Eleonora find it cute.

The long bluish-haired girl then spoke.

"Aoi-san, here it is. For you."

Aoi, of course, was surprised by it and dumbfounded.

"Eh…? Is this okay, Eleonora-san?"

"Yes, I made it for you. Please take it, I insist."

"T-Then, thank you very much."

And then Aoi took the purple hairband created by Eleonora and smiled while looking at it. This is probably becoming the day that she will never forget in her entire life.