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Chapter 73
Chapter 2 — Expand, my world! • Episode 2-Leisure • Homework ☆
Translated by KaiesV
Edited by KaiesV
With the town of Sakira back and the extremists destroyed by Permafrost-san, this incident has come to a close. But there was one more problem that remained for Elephant-san’s group to be solved. That is the summer vacation homework.
「I’m sorry, Sylph-chan, sorry to have bothered you.」
「No, I don’t have anything to do anyway.」
Elephant-san’s group, who had spent most of their summer vacation in training, seemed to have hardly gotten around to their homework, and since they were not going to make it, they decided to handle it by teaching each other. Is this what people would call a study group?
Elephant-san, Blade-san, and Press-san are in the same grade but attend different schools, so their homework is not exactly the same. So they can’t do things like copy the answers. That’s why they teach each other. Well, when Blade-san was there in the first place, even if it had been the same problem, she wouldn’t have admitted to copying it in its entirety.
Elephant-san knows I never went to school, so of course she knows I don’t have any homework. But Blade-san and Press-san don’t know that, so I think they were just trying to make sure I didn’t become the hub.
I could have corrected the misunderstanding when I was asked for advice on where to hold the event, but since they’re so considerate, and since I wanted to be of service to Elephant-san and the others, I decided to pretend not to notice and offer the room. I can fool them by saying I have already finished my homework.
「I wish Shadow-san could have been here, but…」
「It’s a good thing she’s not. But what you said has a point.」
Shadow-san is the type of Magical Girl who doesn’t go to school, which Elephant-san and the others know, but I think they were thinking of a kind of study group cum social gathering. Shadow-san, who, like me, does not have any homework, did not originally have to participate, but even so, Elephant-san and her friends invited Shadow-san to join them.
However, Shadow-san seemed to prefer to be alone, and eventually refused, saying that she would protect the town while everyone else was studying. She was also working alone without coordinating with us in defeating Diests, and I wonder if she was not good at group activities.
「I’m curious about Shadow-san, but first let’s get this done!」
「It’s pure white…」
「Elephant… Are you seriously not working on anything…?」
As if to get her mind back on track, Elephant-san took her homework out of her bag and placed it on the desk with a thud. I don’t know how much homework is assigned at Elephant-san’s school, but from a quick glance, there is enough to make me think that it is all the homework that was assigned. Press-san who was flipping through the pages and taking a light look at the contents, muttered something unusually overwhelming. Seeing Press-san in such a state, Blade-san asked in a nervous voice as if she was shivering.
「Okay!」
「This was a tough time. It couldn’t be helped.」
Press-san and Blade-san seemed to expect a little progress, even though they were busy, but Elephant-san cheerfully declared with a cloudless smile that she had not done anything at all. But it happens. A lot has happened this year.
「Erm… Are you alright, Sylph-chan?」
「I’m already done. I have to finish what I have to do or I won’t feel comfortable.」
Seeing me following up on Elephant-san’s declaration, Blade-san asked me hesitantly, but I answered as I had thought of it. It would be a lie because I don’t have any homework, but it is true that I am restless unless I finish what I have to do. Even when I was their age, I never had any homework left to do until the second half of the vacation. I even thought that people who put things off were rather sloppy, but I also began to think that it can’t be helped a little. There may be some circumstances. Because even Elephant-san hasn’t been able to do anything yet.
「That’s good then. What about Press?」
「I’m almost done, you know. I think it’s just a book report and the math textbook.」
Blade-san, who seemed slightly relieved at my answer, now asked Press-san, who gave a surprising answer. However, Elephant-san and Blade-san don’t seem to be particularly surprised.
「Ahh, in case you didn’t know, Sylph-san. Press is a very studious person. As I recall, once she’d seen something, she never forgets it.」
「I think it’s pretty rude to say I look like this, don’t you think? Well, yes, but still—」
I didn’t mean to express my surprise so blatantly, but it seems to have been noticed. Press-san is deliberately puffing his cheeks out in angry appeal at Blade-san explanation, but everyone is going through the motions. It seems to be a standard exchange.
「I’m about halfway through. At any rate, each of us will proceed on our own, and if there is something we don’t understand, we will ask. Press is kind of assisting Elephant when she’s done with her own. Sylph-san is so bored watching us…」
「Then I wish she could help me with my homework!」
「What are you talking about! You’re insane to think that I’m going to let an elementary school kid do my homework!?」
「N–No, I’m not! I’m not asking her to do it for me, I’m asking her to watch me and tell me if I’m doing it wrong.」
「Either way, you’re saying great things, Ele-chan. You seem smart, Syl-chan, but you don’t know what’s going on in middle school, do you?」
「Fufuhn! Sylph is very intelligent! Right, Sylph-chan?」
「Ehh!? No, uhh…」
I was suddenly and unexpectedly upset by the recklessness of the situation and was at a loss for words.
It’s an exaggeration to say that I am very smart, but I can usually understand the contents of middle school.
When they asked me to help, I was honestly going to help, but Blade-san and the others are right, when thinking about it, it’s pretty strange to know what middle school is like at this apparent age, isn’t it?
Hmmm, I guess I should answer that I wouldn’t know if it were true…
「Sylph-chan…」
I can’t say I can’t with the way Elephant-san looks at me like she’s clinging to me.
「It’s a piece of cake. Actually, I’m a genius.」
「You don’t have to do this, Sylph-san. I’ll punish Elephant later.」
「Yeah–yeah.」
「If Sylph-chan says it’s okay, so it’s okay! Here we go!」
「Sylph-san, please let me know if you get tired of it. We’ve rented your place out, but you can go play and you don’t have to force yourself to stay with us.」
「Here we go! Let’s do it!」
While going through Elephant-san’s declaration of commencement, Blade-san speaks gently to me. If I were a real elementary school student, I wouldn’t know what middle school problems are, and I would probably get bored and bored out of my mind along the way, so I don’t think their concern is wrong.
I found out when we started working together that Blade-san is also a good person. At first glance, she may seem serious and inflexible, but she is a very considerate person. I don’t know what happened, but she seems to have made up with Blade-san after such a rough time, and she is a capable person.
After the study session began, everyone didn’t waste time talking, and the sounds of turning pages and writing with a mechanical pencil echoed regularly in the quiet room.
Even if I don’t understand a text for a memorized subject, I can usually find the answer in the textbook, so there is no need for me to teach them. Yet Elephant-san didn’t remember anything at all, either, and within an hour or less she had finished the social studies and science texts.
She continued to work on the math problems, but this is where she stumbled. In mathematics, the formulas are in the textbooks, but there are no clear answers. If you don’t learn how the equation works and apply it properly, you will never finish.
「The x in the above equation and the one below have the same number, right? So this equation can be subtracted without changing the numbers as it is to get the number y. Try to collect y on the left side and the numbers on the right side. Please change the sign when you move them.」
「Uhh… 3y-y is 2y and 8-2 is 6… Move the 6 to the right and change the sign… y = -3, I guess?」
「That’s great, Elephant-san. You're a quick learner. Then, if you substitute -3 for y, you can get x, too.」
「Errm, 3 multiplied by -3 is -9, and -9 + 8 is -8… 1… Move this to the right, x = 1!」
「That’s correct. In case you’re wondering, let’s check the other equation as well.」
「Okay! Sensei!」
It had been almost 15 years since I had last done middle school problems, so I wasn’t sure how much I would remember, but I was able to make it work. When was the last time I used simultaneous equations?
I circle Elephant-san, who has finished checking, and told her to solve the next problem on her own first. The content is the same, just the numbers are different. There will be no problem.
When I took a breath and looked up, my eyes met those of Blade-san and Press-san, who were staring at me with astonished expressions.
「I’m surprised… You really do understand.」
「Otherwise, it’s impossible to teach her～ Where did you learn that～? Ah, do you feel like maybe you’re aiming for middle school or something?」
「That’s about it. My parents were strict.」
I could see this was coming, so I uttered the excuses I had been thinking of while teaching. My real parents never looked at me, but I would be like a strict study-intensive test mom in the setting.
「I see… That’s tough. If you’re having a hard time, talk to me. I’ll help you.」
「Me too, me too! Let’s run away together from our houses! I’m used to it!」
「T–Thank you very much.」
Blade-san is at it again with her insane comments about Press-san, but I’ll thank her anyway. The two were both good people… I am sorry that this was a form of deception.
「Look guys! I told you! Sylph-chan, you’re so smart!」
「Why are you bragging? I’m still the same pathetic little schoolboy teaching you how to do it, okay?」
「Uuhh…」
「Sylph-chan? Did you hold your chest and move?」
「N–No, it was nothing.」
I can’t speak for others when it comes to the pettiness of being helped by younger people, so Blade-san’s words really hit home with me.
The study session continued, with damage being done in casual conversation, and when Press-san’s homework was finished and Blade-san’s was roughly completed, I realized that lunchtime was approaching.
「Sylph-chan, what would you like for lunch? We’ll cook today! I’ll borrow your kitchen!」
「Eh? What do you all like?」
「I’m asking you, Sylph-chan, not everyone! You’ve been a big help today and…」
「You’ve given us a place to study, and we’re returning the favor. Don’t worry, you can say whatever you want.」
「I–I’ll help you as much as I can. But please don’t make it too difficult.」
I–It’s hard to come up with a quick idea if they ask me so suddenly… I’ve never requested food from anyone before…
Ah, but when I was a child, curry was often served at the dinner table of the TV shows I used to watch. I didn’t know why my mom didn’t make it for me back then, but I did admire it a little bit. Curry and rice served together with family and friends. A bit childish, isn’t it? But now I’m a child in appearance, and a little bit, I guess it’s fine.
「I–I want to eat curry…」
「C–Curry it is then! We’ll get the ingredients right away!」
I was a little embarrassed and gradually lowered my voice, but Elephant-san didn’t make fun of my request and quickly left the room. I–I don’t think they need to rush so much…
「Wait! I’m worried about Elephant alone, so I’m going with her. Press please check the cookware. Wait for me, Elephant!」
「Got it! Ahaha, it’s so hectic. Help me out, Syl-chan!」
「Oh, okay. I understand.」
I don’t know what is always kept in my room either, since I usually don’t use it enough. I followed Blade-san’s words and checked the cooking utensils with Press-san, and we found a complete set of knives, pots, ladles, and chopsticks.
However, we did not have enough plates, spoons and cups for the number of people, so Press-san contacted them to ask them to buy those together. This is a course that will totally be a hangout in the future.
「You know, Sylph-chan, have you heard anything more about magic from the Magic Bureau?」
「N–No, I haven’t heard anything in particular.」
「Is that sooo? I wonder what magic is. It’s a mystery, isn’t it?」
I had just finished what I had to do and was feeling bored, when Press-san suddenly said something like that to me. It is indeed a mystery, or rather a mass of wonders, if you will, but I never really thought deeply about what magic was. The power to fight Diest, isn’t that what it is?
「I thought that if you were a Witch, you could teach me a few things, but I guess not.」
「Maybe it’s because I didn’t hear it from my end, but… Does Press-san really care that much about magic?」
「Of course I’m curious! The Magical World, Fairies, Magical Girls, Magic, everything is so unintelligible that it’s interesting in reverse. Everyone thinks that’s the way it is and accepts it, but you know, that’s the downside of creative works permeating the general public. I feel like people accept the name “Magical Girl” without having to explain it in detail, right?」
「…Are you trying to say that they dare to use the name “Magical Girl” in order not to raise questions?」
「Hmmm～ Syl-chan, you’re so perceptive. Are you really in elementary school? You are too smart for a child of today, like you were just studying.」
「I take pride in being exceptional.」
「Well, geniuses are surprisingly common around here. It’s more like Magical Girls. When people think of Magical Girls, they probably have many images in mind, one of which is fighting monsters, right? Just like us, you know.」
「That’s, you’re correct.」
The moment she asked me if I was really in elementary school, I was shivering, but I don’t think she was aware of it, she was just joking. The main topic of Press-san story is only about Magical Girls.
Certainly, Magical Girls have the image of using their magical powers to defeat evil people or monsters. With such a foundation in place, if I was told that I have the potential to be a Magical Girl and that I will use my magical powers to fight the Diests who are after this world, I will not have any serious doubts according to my preconceived notions.
Thinking about it again, the name “Magical Girl” is one thing, but perhaps the costumes and the verbal expressions also have more than practical significance. Magical Girl costumes are sturdier than they look and serve as protective gear, but if they are considered protective gear, nothing should have to look that unique. But it is that gorgeous and unique design that makes it more magical.
The same is true for the mouthpiece. Transformation and magic use require dictation, but is that really necessary? Is it possible that it was born out of the pursuit of transformational heroism?
The more I think about it, the more I feel that we Magical Girls are too close to Magical Girl-ness in our image.
「Just kidding, it’s all speculation, though. It would be interesting to know if there was some sort of conspiratorial reason or something like that.」
「Interesting, you say… You’ve given it some serious thought, haven’t you?」
「Sorry–sorry, Syl-chan is so serious～  You shouldn’t take everything so seriously. A half-tale, half-interesting is just right.」
「Haa…」
I know that Blade-san is a serious and good person, but I don’t know much about Press-san… I’m sure she has a good heart, but I’m not grasping it yet…
After about 20 minutes of listening to Press-san’s joking or serious story, I heard the front door open, with a “We’re back!” I heard the energetic voices of the two.
「Blade-san, Elephant-san, welcome back.」
「I kept you waiting! We’ll make it soon, so you just wait and watch TV, Sylph-chan!」
「No, I can help you.」
「We told you earlier. This is in return, so take your time, Sylph-san. It would make us happy. Press, can you cook?」
「They didn’t let me touch a knife in home economics class. I can at least cook rice.」
「…It can’t be helped then, after cooking rice, you and Sylph-san can watch TV together. I’ll make the curry, me and Elephant.」
「Okay.」
After being told to take it easy, I had no time to interject, and the division of roles was decided, and Elephant-san and Blade-san began to move briskly. This is the move of someone with regular cooking experience. In contrast, Press-san is going through the steps one by one, recalling them. I used to cook for myself, so I can do some simple cooking, but I’ll take her word for it and let myself take my time. The kitchen is also not designed to accommodate an infinite number of people, and it would be a distraction.
I sat on the sofa and bobbed around watching the noon variety, and after about ten minutes, Press-san came up next to me. More time passes, and the good smell of roasting vegetables and meat wafts through the air. The time is already around noon, and I am getting hungry. Then another little while passes, and now the aromatic aroma of curry tickles my nostrils. It seems to be nearing completion.
Then Elephant-san, Blade-san, and Press-san started taking turns going back and forth between the kitchen and the living room every few minutes. It looks like Press was summoned because all she have to do is stir with a ladle and simmer.
「Sylph-chan! It’s done!」
「Okay.」
I was so taken by Elephant-san’s joyful voice that I couldn’t help but respond to her in a good mood. This is just to match the tension of Elephant-san, not that I was looking forward to the curry or anxiously awaiting the completion of the dish. Please don’t misunderstand me.
「I guess every family has its own way of making curry.」
「Right. I got impatient when Blade-san tried to put instant coffee in it.」
「I talked to Elephant and this time I made a curry with no hidden flavors. I hope you’ll try my home-style next time.」
「Okay, I’m looking forward to it.」
Elephant-san and Blade-san are laughing happily as they serve the food. Maybe both of them were experienced cooks, or maybe they like cooking.
There is supposed to be a natural next time, but I don’t feel bad. I would rather have their help next time. It’s not comfortable for me to wait alone without doing anything.
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「The next talk is good, but eat it before it gets cold! Itadakima～su.」
「That’s true, too. Itadakimasu.」
「Here, Sylph-chan, sit down! Itadakimasu!」
「Excuse me then, Itadakimasu.」
The three of us followed the Press-san’s signal of “Itadakimasu” and began to eat. I too slowly take a mouthful of the glistening white rice placed in front of me and dip it in the thick roux. My smaller body naturally means a smaller mouth, and the amount of food that can be stuffed into the mouth at one time is much smaller, but that is why I have to taste it carefully so that I can savor the flavors.
「Nhnn, it’s delicious! That’s what I’m talking about, Ele-chan and Blade.」
「A simple curry with no hidden flavors would be delicious too.」
「I’m glad we were able to do it well. It’s delicious, right, Sylp—— Sylph-chan!?」
「Eh?」
It was really delicious, and I was tasting it in silence, forgetting to even say what I thought of it, when Elephant-san, well, not only Elephant-san, but everyone looked at me in surprise. What is it?
「It’s very delicious, you know?」
「Eh, ah, yeah, thank you… Wait, that’s not it! Sylph-chan, your tears!」
「A–Are you okay? Was it bad?」
「It’s not that bad. What’s up?」
It was only when Elephant-san told me this that I realized I was now shedding tears. But I was not aware of it at all. It’s not really spicy and it’s okay. It’s just really delicious and I can’t even describe it…
「Huh? This is strange, it’s very tasty. It’s not even spicy. Why, this…」
I was simply a little thrilled. To be dining at the table like this, enjoying a meal with someone close to me. They asked me what I wanted to eat, I can’t believe they made that for me, it’s like we’re all family, I just kind of thought so, it’s not that it makes me sad to remember the past, it wasn’t that I found it bad. I was rather extremely happy. So, why am I crying?