Chapter 45: It's Time for Dinner Again  

Megumin and Yunyun had been glued together all day for the past two days, whispering and scheming about something. Zunzun felt... left out.

Not jealous. Definitely not jealous.

Just suspicious. Deeply suspicious.

It wasn't until the following evening—when he saw Sister Soketto return looking a little worse for wear—that he learned the full story.

The culprit?

Bukkororii.

That damn, trashy NEET had a crush on Sister Soketto, but he was too cowardly to confess like a normal person. So, naturally, he turned to bribing Megumin and Yunyun, hoping they could come up with a plan for him.

Except… those two had never been in love before. Why in the world would they have any idea what to do?

As expected, their "advice" was a mess, which led to Sister Soketto suffering all kinds of ridiculous situations.

According to her, Bukkororii had just wanted to "tell her fortune." So she generously forgave him.

But Zunzun had overheard what that creep was muttering in the pit.

He knew what that stalker meant.

Silently, he set down his chopsticks, stood up, and grabbed the hatchet by the door.

Sister Soketto blinked in surprise.

"Zunzun? Where are you going?"

"I'm going to pick some mushrooms… for tonight's snack."

That night, strange howling echoed from the Crimson Demon Village cemetery. Villagers claimed the ghosts were restless, and the adults started preparations for a mass exorcism.

The next day.

Zunzun walked into school and confronted the duo with visible irritation.

"Can you please stop making trouble? That damn NEET isn't even worthy of being Sister Soketto's shoelace!"

"Don't say that," Yunyun mumbled. "Bukkororii has some good points…"

"Oh? Then tell me one," Zunzun said with a raised eyebrow.

"Uhh… um… hmm…"

Yunyun strained, but couldn't think of a single redeeming quality.

Megumin had already given up entirely. She figured a hot meal was enough of a reward—she'd done her part. Honestly, that NEET didn't have any selling points.

Great magician?

Maybe impressive in the outside world, but in the Crimson Demon Village, that was barely average.

Famous shoe store heir?

There's only one shoe store in the village!

Zunzun crossed his arms. "So. From now on, no more interfering. Got it?"

"…Yes. I know."

"…I know."

Yunyun lowered her head in shame, and Megumin puffed her cheeks.

Just then, Nerimaki bounded over with excitement.

"Hey, did you hear? A hero arrived in the village!"

Hero?

Zunzun remembered reading about them—foreigners summoned by that dumb goddess. Also known as "traversers."

"I know, I know!" Dodonko jumped in eagerly. "I met him yesterday! He's this sunny, handsome guy! I heard he came here looking for companions to help him defeat the Demon King!"

Companions?

Zunzun's mind lit up.

Crimson Demons may be a bit eccentric, but their strength was undeniable. Every one of them was a magical powerhouse.

No one understands magic better than the Crimson Demons.

"Ahhh… why'd he have to show up now? If only he came after I learned magic, maybe I could've joined him…" Dodonko sighed.

Apparently, her type was sunny and handsome.

Wait.

A summoned hero?

Sunny and handsome?

Zunzun narrowed his eyes. "What kind of guy is he? Does he look strong?"

"He brought two girls with him," Dodonko said. "You could feel the magical energy radiating from his weapons. He looked really gentle, and I think he's a Swordsmanship Master or something? His name was… Kyo… Tsu?"

Kyouya Mitsurugi!

Zunzun remembered.

A bit narcissistic, sure. But he had a strong sense of justice. He was just tragically in love with that hopeless goddess and got dragged into chaos because of it.

Still, being able to reach the Crimson Demon Village—surrounded as it was by dangerous monsters—meant his strength was genuine.

(Although… he was defeated by Satou Kazuma. Twice.)

Nerimaki's eyes sparkled. "Do you know how long he's staying? If he's around a bit longer, I want to follow him after I learn magic!"

Dodonko shook her head. "He said he's leaving in a few days. If he stayed longer, I'd totally treat him as a backup plan too."

What a shame.

The girls looked visibly disappointed.

After all, reserve heroes are usually strong, and the companions they recruit tend to rise in fame quickly. The chance to become famous and adored was extremely tempting for the Crimson Demons.

Even Zunzun considered it.

Compared to a certain garbage NEET, Kyouya Mitsurugi was a hundred times better.

"Zunzun? Zunzun! Are you even listening?"

"…Sorry. Zoned out."

Megumin tugged him back to reality.

Nerimaki and Dodonko had already switched topics, chattering away. Yunyun did her best to follow the conversation and, thankfully, wasn't ignored.

Zunzun glanced at Megumin.

The little loli suddenly lowered her head, tugged at his sleeve, and whispered shyly:

"Um… Zunzun… can I come over to your house tonight?"

Heartbeat—!!

Wait, wait, wait. A girl saying that? That could only mean that, right!?

How many boys could stay calm in this situation!?

And it was Megumin who said it!

If Nerimaki or Dodonko heard this, they'd definitely lose it. The icy, distant Megumin saying something this bold!?

Zunzun coughed, trying to keep his cool.

"I understand. I'll be waiting."

"Thank you." Megumin smiled sweetly.

That evening, after school—

Zunzun headed to the wishing pond for his usual training. Megumin said she had "something to do" and left early, but Yunyun stuck around to help him practice.

After half a month of trial and error, he could now barely stand on water.

It was a good start. Even Yunyun praised him for it.

But just standing wasn't enough. He needed to be able to run and maneuver freely—like walking on flat ground. The path of water-walking was long.

Evening.

Megumin showed up at Zunzun's house… with an even smaller loli in tow.

Megumin put on a pitiful face and said:

"I'm sorry. Our parents went to the market, and we haven't had any real food in three days. Could you take pity on us?"

I knew it!

"Please pity Komekko, Onii-chan!"

Komekko blinked her big, innocent eyes.

When she needs something, she calls him 'brother.' When she doesn't, it's 'hey, you.' This little loli knew exactly how to tug heartstrings.

Zunzun sighed.

"Come in. Dinner's ready."

"Yay! It's time for dinner again!" said the two sisters, with synchronized clapping.

Megumin grinned. "From today on, you may call Komekko the popular one!"

"I am Komekko! As head of the household, I'm one of the most popular little sister in the Crimson Demon Clan!"

Komekko struck a strange pose, hand over her forehead like a future superstar.

She would definitely be a big shot someday!

-End Chapter-

Visit the Patreon!!

Read 30 chapters ahead, more on the way!

P@treon.com/TrashProspector