57: Could it be that Eriri…

The two old… those two people only made contact with him through dreams.

What he did in the simulation game didn't affect reality.

This means he hasn't done anything to harm those two people.

But even so, this damn system should have told me about such a hidden mechanism earlier!

[It was stated from the beginning that the simulation game does not have any "substantial" impact on reality. Dreams are illusory and do not fall within the realm of "substantial" effects.]

Oh, playing word games, huh?

[...]

[...]

[Compensation granted for one simulation attempt. Remaining simulation attempts: two]

[Would you like to start a simulation now?]

Is this all the compensation?

What's the point of simulating? Everyone knows that the simulation process shares information with the real world. 

Now that they're both watching him, did he really need to continue simulating and invite more trouble?

Isn't it better to help patients like Gotoh Hitori come out of dark corners and return problem girls to healthy relationships, doing things that have no worries and make him happy?

Chisato lay on the bed as Dark Wing landed on his chest and began preening its feathers.

Watching it and stroking its head, Chisato's thoughts began to change.

Although the dark path of simulation has some side effects, the rewards are indeed quite nice.

Putting aside the confusing rewards related to horseback riding and vocal techniques,

Kasumigaoka's persistent writing practice has greatly improved his literary skills. Most notably, his writing has become excellent, and his handwriting is now very beautiful.

He hasn't tested the painting skills from Kashiwagi Eri yet, but it's likely very impressive.

Mastery of painting techniques also means he has more options when choosing a job in the future.

Not to mention Dark Wing…

It's not like a bird but more like a higher-level species. Just a day old and it has already developed skills to evade tracking and communicate with wild crow groups. 

If it continues to grow, he can only imagine what it will become.

By then, even if it carries a burning bomb to burn down that notorious shrine, it wouldn't be a problem, right?

His previously angry thoughts gradually calmed down.

Dark Wing had already fallen asleep under Chisato's gentle touch.

He carefully picked it up and placed it back in its little nest.

Dreams… if it's just a dream… Even if they have memories from the simulation, it doesn't really matter.

Looking at the night sky outside the window, Chisato's thoughts gradually formed.

After all, what they remember is that ruthless student council president with many subordinates and that seemingly harmless ranch owner.

What do those two people have to do with the honest and earnest student in reality?

Like the clouds parting to reveal the moon, Chisato's thoughts became clearer, and his perspective suddenly expanded.

[The personal routes for Kasumigaoka Utaha and Sawamura Eriri have both reached an A-level evaluation, triggering an additional hidden event—Three People Together.]

[In the next simulation involving either "Kasumigaoka Utaha" or "Sawamura Eriri," another female protagonist will automatically be introduced, and the starting talent selection will increase by one.]

Just as Chisato's anger subsided and his initial thoughts wavered, the Evil Path system displayed a notification.

Looking at the prompt, he remembered the enticing figures of Kasumigaoka Utaha and Sawamura Eriri, and their expressions when they loved him.

Three People Together means that if he handles this properly, he can win both of their hearts in one scenario.

If it comes to that, even seven times a night might not be enough; fourteen times might be needed to satisfy them.

Wait a minute, the lewd part is secondary…

Chisato suddenly thought of something.

In reality, Kasumigaoka Utaha and Sawamura Eriri were both tracking him today, which means they are currently allied.

If he conducts this simulation tonight, could it potentially break their alliance and reduce their focus on him, or even make them stop paying attention?

This sudden guess made Chisato's breathing grow rapid.

It seems worth a try.

...

The Sawamura family house is huge.

Even though it wasn't her first visit, the moment Utaha stepped through the door, she couldn't help but think this.

After all, that idiot's father is a British diplomat in Japan. A wealthy family living in such a big house is normal.

"I'm home."

Eriri took off her shoes at the entrance. 

Although she was dissatisfied with Utaha sneaking off, their relationship had softened a bit, and as a gesture of courtesy, she took out a pair of brand-new slippers for her guest.

"Thank you."

Utaha, brushing back her long hair, bent down to change into the slippers and placed her small leather shoes neatly at the entrance.

"It's been a while, Utaha."

Sawamura Saori, the hostess of the Sawamura family, saw Utaha in the living room and greeted her warmly.

Since her daughter had notified her in advance that there would be a guest, she didn't seem too surprised.

"Hello, Auntie. I'm sorry for coming so late. I brought a small gift."

"Oh, you're still a student; you don't need to bring anything."

"I bought some fresh fruits from the supermarket. They aren't very valuable."

"That's not necessary. Next time you come, don't bring anything. You're friends with Eriri; it feels too formal."

Eriri, watching Utaha chatting pleasantly with her mother, gave a faint snort.

This person has a special skill of always appearing like a perfect girl in front of elders, which makes them like her even more.

The fruits she brought were from earlier when she was planning to visit Chisato. Since she didn't give them to him, she used them at her own home.

Thinking about her true nature and seeing her now with that smile, Eriri's understanding of her hypocritical nature deepened.

"Why are you snorting, Eriri? I haven't heard your explanation for skipping class this afternoon."

Sawamura Saori heard her daughter's snort and turned with a kind smile.

Eriri's heart tightened; she couldn't escape this topic.

"Well, it was for a special reason."

"What reason?"

"Kasumigaoka had business at the editorial department this afternoon. I wanted to observe how they work there, so I went along."

"Oh, I see."

Sawamura Saori walked over slowly, looking directly at her daughter.

Eriri, with a slightly apologetic smile, said, "I know it's not good to use school time for this, but I heard there was a chance to meet my favorite light novel author, so I couldn't resist."

She held her beautiful, youthful face, which looked more like an older sister than a mother, and raised one hand in a promise,

"It won't happen again. I'll focus on my studies from now on, so please don't tell Dad. I don't want him nagging me."

Sawamura Saori pinched her nose,

"This is the first and last time, okay?"

"Yes!"

"Mom has one more question."

"Ah… what is it?"

"Did you meet the light novel author you like today?"

"No, unfortunately. But I asked Kasumigaoka to get an autograph if we meet her."

Sawamura Saori looked at her daughter's face, smiling,

"Alright, it's fine."

She then turned to Utaha, "Utaha, sorry for the trouble. If my daughter were as outstanding and well-behaved as you, I wouldn't worry so much. Have you had dinner?"

"Yes, we've already eaten."

"Then I'll prepare some fruit for you to eat later. Your room is ready. If you need anything, just let me know."

Eriri interrupted, "Mom, she's staying in my room tonight."

"Your bed is a bit small. It might be too crowded for both of you."

"It's okay. She can sleep in my bed, and I'll take the floor."

"Alright then. Do as you please. There are blankets in the cupboard; just spread them out before you sleep."

"Okay."

Sawamura Sayuri went to the kitchen.

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