Returnee from Another World - Chapter 39: Joy and Sorrow

Chapter 39: Joy and Sorrow

“Well, we’re heading back to Hokkaido, but take care of your health, okay? And since you’ve gotten so good at cooking, try to make your own meals as much as possible. The food you made was really delicious. Oh, and I thanked Ayano-chan and her mom properly, asking them to keep looking out for you. Also—”

“I get it, Mom. You don’t have to repeat yourself. I’ll manage.”

Selfish as it sounds, I couldn’t help it.

When my parents returned from their transfer, I nearly teared up at our reunion. But within weeks, I found their presence annoying.

Mentally, I’m a 33-year-old man.

Having lived alone in that other world for so long, I’m used to independence. My mother’s constant fussing feels stifling, though my pent-up libido—hard to satisfy with them around—probably doesn’t help.

“I know you can handle yourself, Shuu, but as a mother, I worry. We won’t be back for a while, so I’m nagging while I can. I know it’s annoying, but bear with me.”

“Fine, fine. Is that all?”

“Well, then, which girl is the one you’re serious about?”

“Huh?”

“You introduced Kyouka-chan as your girlfriend, but I can’t help thinking you might have feelings for Ayano-chan too.”

“What? I’ve explained Ayano a bunch of times. Her mom asked me to help because she was hanging out with delinquents.”

I’d spun that story for them.

It’s mostly true, mixed with a few lies.

When Ayano started high school, she got involved with Sakaki and his crowd, worrying her mom. I stepped in to set her straight, which caused some tension, but we eventually returned to our old dynamic. Now, she often comes over to help with chores—a story close enough to the truth.

With my parents back, I couldn’t satisfy my urges freely. I snuck Ayano over when they were out, but they returned early once, and Ayano ran into them at the house.

Christmas Eve was worse.

I introduced Kyouka as my girlfriend while unintentionally hinting at something with Ayano.

Facing their concerned looks, I had to play up the wholesome romance with Kyouka.

I’m not the type to panic over that, though. After walking Kyouka home late, I called Ayano over. Since it was Christmas Eve, with couples everywhere, we figured plain clothes would avoid attention and checked into a love hotel.

Constantly dodging my parents’ eyes is a hassle. I should’ve had Sayaka arrange a monthly apartment, but it’s too late for regrets.

I’m grateful for my parents but also find them bothersome—no surprise there.

“Hmm, that’s all?”

“What else would there be?”

“Nothing, just surprised. Ayano-chan’s grown into such a beautiful young lady, and Kyouka-chan’s adorable too. You’re quite the catch, Shuu.”

“I keep saying, Ayano’s just a close friend.”

“Really? I doubt you’re completely blind to the way Ayano-chan looks at you adoringly. I won’t say more, but be careful with protection.”

“That’s way too much meddling. Shouldn’t you get going? The taxi’s waiting.”

“Jeez, no need to brush us off. You’ve grown so mature. Your dad says to call if anything comes up.”

“Uh, yeah. Lock up properly. I’m off.”

“Oh, your father, always so curt. We’re leaving, Shuu, but call if anything happens.”

“Yeah, got it. Bye.”

I sent them off brusquely, watching their backs at the door.

My mother, arms full of luggage, waved from the taxi.

I raised a hand in return, secretly relieved to finally have freedom.

◇

The New Year was a wash.

With my parents around, I could only sneak sex with Ayano or date Kyouka occasionally. Once they left, I sprang into action.

Now, I’m sitting beside Sayaka in a hospital, listening to an elderly doctor with graying hair.

“Hmm, everything looks fine. Based on Kaede-chan’s recent tests, she’s in perfect health.”

“Doctor, really?!” Sayaka exclaimed.

“Yes, Kaede-chan is fully cured. The medication might’ve finally taken effect. As we discussed, this disease has no established cure; the drugs suppress symptoms but don’t typically lead to full recovery. Frankly, remission was plausible, but a complete cure is surprising.”

“Is there… a problem?” Sayaka asked.

“No, no. I’m just astonished by the result. Given what happened with Satou Yuuki-kun, I hesitate to say this, but it’s almost a miracle…”

“A miracle… If that’s what Dr. Sawai calls it, and Kaede can live a normal life, I’m grateful for it. Your efforts made this possible, Dr. Sawai. Thank you.”

“No, Kaede-chan’s the one who fought hard. She’ll need follow-up visits, but she can be discharged.”

Sayaka bowed deeply.

Her bow was to the doctor, but her gratitude—clear in her pink (【Affection】) aura—was mostly for me.

I’m satisfied too.

Sayaka’s loyalty is assured, and this confirms the Poison of Muleduel’s effectiveness.

There are people who’d pay anything to save themselves or their family. The challenge is marketing it discreetly to avoid tracing it back to me. I need to find such clients secretly.

That’s why I’m targeting Nishikuse and his group. I’ll have them spread rumors about the Healing Potion to draw in believers, then pitch the Poison of Muleduel when the time’s right.

It’s a rare drug, so I won’t hand it over without significant gain or a hefty sum.

Ignoring the doctor’s detailed instructions about Kaede’s care, my mind was elsewhere.

Speaking of Nishikuse, it’s about time to check on the aphrodisiac’s results. I should contact Ayano to say I’ll be late and wrap up this month’s deal with Yasunaga before school starts.

With so much to do, the doctor’s words went in one ear and out the other.

The conversation ended, and Sayaka stood. I followed, giving the doctor a slight nod before leaving the pediatric office.

Outside, Sayaka bowed deeply to me.

I did this for my own reasons, so her thanks weren’t necessary, but I accepted them with a neutral face, hiding my calculated motives. Together, we returned to Kaede’s hospital room.

◇

“So, Yuuki-kun’s not coming back?”

“Sorry, Kaede-chan. Yuuki really wanted to see you, but he’s been transferred to a hospital far from here.”

“Can I visit him when I’m better?”

“Well, that might be tough. His new hospital is very far away.”

The room held me, Sayaka, and Satou Yuuki’s young parents, who stopped by to greet the staff and visit.

“Will I be alone in this room?”

“No, Kaede. Dr. Sawai says you’re cured, so you can go to school now.”

“Really? No more bitter medicine?”

“Yes. Tomorrow, you’ll be discharged, and we’ll go home. Then we’ll prepare for school.”

“That’s great, Kaede-chan,” Yuuki’s mother said, her voice trembling as if holding back tears. She’d likely been briefed by the nurses to keep up the story.

“Okay! I’m excited to study at school in spring. Will I make lots of friends?”

“Yes, you will…”

“Kaede-chan, you’ll make tons of friends. I hope Yuuki gets better soon so he can visit you.”

A somber mood settled in.

Mixed with pink (【Affection】) and green (【Joy】), a gray (【Sorrow】) aura appeared from Yuuki’s parents and faintly from Sayaka.

“I’m going to talk with Yuuki-kun’s parents, so be good for a bit, Kaede.”

“Okay. I want pudding.”

“I’ll get some later.”

Sayaka led us out, likely to discuss things unfit for Kaede’s ears.

Honestly, I have no attachment to Yuuki or his parents. Sayaka seems close to them, though.

Still, I figured I should offer condolences and followed them out of the room.