Chapter 318: Starry Sky Camping Ground!
Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture.
Ryohei and Yurine, having eaten their fill, were back on the road.
Following the GPS for just five minutes, they arrived at their destination—the "Achi Village Starry Sky Camping Ground"!
"We're here!"
Yurine's voice was light and cheerful as she hopped out of the car first.
Ryohei followed close behind.
His gaze swept over the rustic mahogany cabin next to the parking lot, and he called out to Yurine, "Yurine, let's go register first."
"Okay." Yurine agreed.
Together, they walked toward the two-story wooden lodge.
Ding-a-ling—!
As Ryohei pushed the door open, the copper bell on the lintel let out a crisp ring.
The manager sitting behind the counter looked up, a professional yet warm smile blooming on his face. "Welcome! Are you two here for camping?"
"Yes, I made a reservation earlier," Ryohei replied, his eyes curiously scanning the interior as he stepped forward.
"May I ask when the reservation was made?" the manager asked gently.
After verifying the reservation details and completing the registration, Ryohei waved his hand to decline rental equipment. Once the camping and garbage disposal fees were paid, he and Yurine received a map of the grounds and their camping permit.
"Let's go get our luggage and set up the tent."
Ryohei unfolded the map and glanced at it. Noticing Yurine with her hands behind her back, leaning in curiously to peek at the map, he handed it to her.
Yurine took it naturally. As they walked out, she looked down at the map and asked, "Where should we set up the tent? In the forest, or by the lake?"
The "Starry Sky Camping Ground" was a composite site combining forest and lake areas, covering about 200 acres—a medium-to-small scale facility. The grounds were primarily forest, dotted with several lakes and small streams.
Ryohei's eyes held a smile as he replied casually, "Either works. Which do you prefer?"
"Hmm... how about the forest?"
Yurine tilted her head, pondering for a moment before answering.
Their last camping trip at the ranch had been by a lake, so she wanted to experience something different.
Although the forest view would be obstructed, making it less convenient for stargazing, they had already agreed beforehand—after dinner, they would take the cable car up to the "Sky Paradise" at the Fujimidai Highlands!
That was the true prime spot for stargazing!
By the time they came back down, they would have seen enough stars to last a lifetime, so the difference between the forest and the lakeside didn't matter much.
"Alright, the forest it is then!"
Ryohei nodded almost without thinking.
He reached out, grabbed the door handle, pushed the glass door open, and walked out with Yurine.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo—
History has a way of repeating itself with startling accuracy!
Kobayashi promised to treat Elma to a grand feast in exchange for her protection of the city.
Freed from the burden of ensuring the city didn't get destroyed, Tohru immediately went full throttle. In a matter of minutes, she completely thrashed Ilulu and tossed her back to the other world.
"You're hurt..."
The battle over, Kobayashi stepped forward, looking concernedly at Tohru, who had landed from the sky looking rather disheveled.
"It's just a flesh wound, it's nothing..."
Tohru waved her hand subconsciously, then her eyes flickered as she looked at Kobayashi, hesitant to speak.
She had gotten so annoyed by Ilulu's attacks earlier that she almost gave up on protecting the city, wanting to destroy her opponent regardless of the consequences!
She had almost entertained the thought that it didn't matter if anyone other than Kobayashi died!
If that had truly happened, she wouldn't have been able to stay in this world any longer...
"...You did very well."
As if seeing through Tohru's thoughts, Kobayashi gently patted her head. Her gaze lingered on Tohru's chest for a moment before she paused and said, "Shall we go to the hospital to treat the wound first? Then we can go eat?"
"No need for the hospital!"
Having received a "head pat" and a word of comfort from Kobayashi, Tohru instantly perked up, fully revitalized.
She waved her hands repeatedly. "A small injury like this will heal in no time!"
As she spoke, with a thought, her tattered maid outfit was instantly restored to pristine condition.
Tohru flashed a vibrant, energetic smile. "Let's go eat!"
"Yosh—! Let's go have a feast!"
Elma, still clutching half a bag of unfinished Taiyaki, pumped her fist in excitement.
"Chotto matte! What does this have to do with you?!"
Tohru narrowed her eyes, glaring at her unhappily.
Why are you crashing the party?! Third wheels are so annoying!
"Kobayashi said before that if I helped protect the city, she'd treat me to a big meal!" Elma retorted self-righteously, then looked at Kobayashi with eyes full of anticipation.
You're going to keep your promise, right?
"I did say that."
Kobayashi adjusted her glasses. She wasn't the type to use people and then toss them aside. She asked Elma, "Is there anything specific you want to eat, Elma?"
"I don't know..."
Elma blinked, giving a look of total trust that said, I leave it all to you! "You decide!"
"Alright then."
Kobayashi responded, subconsciously touching her wallet. She glanced at Elma's stomach, thought for a moment, and suggested, "Then... let's go for sushi!"
For the Japanese, sushi definitely counted as a "grand feast"!
"Lead the way, lead the way!"
Elma cheered happily, beaming like a simple child.
"Tch—!"
Beside them, Tohru turned her face away, clicking her tongue in sheer displeasure.
Starry Sky Camping Ground—
"Yurine, how about we set up the tent over there?"
Walking along the cobblestone path, Ryohei suddenly stopped and pointed to a clearing between several maple trees not far away.
There were quite a few people camping today; it must be peak season.
It seemed they had found a quiet corner!
Even better, about ten meters away, there was a small stream shimmering with fragmented silver light.
This spot was perfect!
"Sure!"
Yurine looked over and nodded in approval. "That spot looks great. It really feels like forest camping, and there's no one around, so we can enjoy nature in peace."
The two were in complete agreement.
Stepping over the rustling fallen leaves, they carried their packed tent and luggage over.
Working together, they quickly set up the tent.
Once the final rope was secured, Ryohei and Yurine took off their shoes, ducked inside, and lay down side by side.
Looking out through the tent's mesh window, their vision was filled with the burning colors of autumn—
Scarlet, golden brown, layer upon layer!
A gentle breeze brushed past, and a few maple leaves drifted down, softly adhering to the outer fly of the tent with a faint tap.
The air was filled with the crisp scent of trees, mixed with the slightly mellow, earthy smell of soil and fallen leaves. It wasn't unpleasant; rather, it exuded a clean serenity unique to the mountain forest.
Ryohei lay there quietly, saying nothing, simply feeling a sense of leisurely contentment slowly wash over his heart.
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