Chapter 13 Interlude
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The next morning dawned crisp and clear.
What a fine, invigorating morning! On a day like this, I couldn’t help but crave a hearty breakfast.
I flung open the curtains, letting sunlight flood in, and breathed deeply, welcoming the fresh air. I had hoped for a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs, golden toast, baked beans, and mushrooms—a true king’s breakfast. But reality hit as I muttered,
”Ugh, just rations and water again today.”
I could dream of that feast all I wanted, but it wasn’t happening.
Staring at the cardboard-like ration in my hand, I took a reluctant bite. Well, I suppose cardboard’s practically a staple of British cuisine, served up as a plate… right?
The lodging staff, considerate of Kujukuri’s residents, had prepared these rations with familiarity in mind. Stored for who-knows-how-long, they tasted even worse than usual. I forced down a second serving, partly out of appreciation for their effort and partly to avoid starting the morning with sarcasm.
Waking up, I realized I was starving. And sore. My young body reacted to everything so quickly—muscle aches were a hassle, but kind of satisfying. I could only hope it meant I’d grow stronger and taller soon.
”Young Master, today’s schedule is… well, I don’t know!” Vocal-chan chirped. “But I’ll be your attendant no matter where we go!”
”Yay, Vocal-chan! Gimme a piggyback ride!”
”No way, that’s dangerous! Get ready for departure properly!”
This morning, the Imperial Guards handled paperwork and communications. By afternoon, we’d move to the dormitory. Not that I had much to do—everything was handled for me. I just needed to show up. The trip from the lodging to town and the dormitory was by rickshaw. With nothing else to occupy me, I gazed out at Ichihara’s streets, soaking in the sightseeing vibe.
Ichihara was a town of brick.
Concrete dominated many buildings and factories, but the roads, though paved, alternated between stone and block, making for a surprisingly bumpy ride.
I didn’t have the cultural savvy to gauge the town’s sophistication, but it felt like a blend of Meiji and Taisho eras—a retro-modern city that embraced both Japanese and Western influences without fully surrendering to industrialization’s uniformity. Unlike towns packed with cookie-cutter asphalt and identical houses, each building here had its own character.
The journey from the hillside lodging to the central government district was a long descent. The road was wide, bustling with all sorts of traffic.
The city split roughly into two parts: the brick-built port district and the wooden residences nestled in the hills. Near the sea, factories churned out gray smoke that trailed into the sky. From the coastline, I could see massive iron ships unloading cargo and people in a constant stream.
Every so often, a foghorn’s wail or the boom of a ship’s cannon echoed through the town. When a salty breeze swept in from the sea, it carried the distinct smell of burning oil-soaked timber.
”Wow, this place screams money,” I said under my breath.
As we reached the narrow flatland between the port and the hillside, grand buildings loomed. A four-story government office, its concrete walls clad in baked brick, exuded both elegance and an imposing, almost prison-like sturdiness.
According to the guards, these were the works of renowned architects—government offices, banks, and noble estates. They were symbols of Kazusa Province’s wealth and authority. Most men born here dreamed of marrying into the lives of those who dwelled in these buildings.
”Hmm… but this is more interesting,” I murmured.
The refined charm of those buildings was nice, but my attention wandered elsewhere. Scattered throughout the town were futuristic touches—metallic streetlights and glowing, neon vending machines that looked like they’d skipped a century.
The women’s fashion was just as varied, reflecting the diverse crowds drawn to Kazusa Province. Some wore outfits reminiscent of postwar elevator girls, others sported American hippie styles. I’d assumed Japan’s Imperial Government would lean conservative, but the streets were lined with signs in languages from all over the world.
Kazusa Province was far more cosmopolitan than I’d expected. It made me oddly happy.
Even our Imperial Guards’ strange mix of jinbei and white uniforms blended into the town’s eclectic vibe.
”…Got it. That smell—it’s coal. They’re still using coal for fuel. That’s wild. I want to take a walk,” I said to myself.
This place was a chaotic stew of Japan’s last century of culture, packed tight and brimming with life. If I could drag Vocal-chan along as a tour guide, shopping and learning about the town’s history would be a blast.
But men couldn’t just wander freely in a place like this. Like most towns, there were designated areas for men to shop or stroll.
”Bye-bye, Ichihara!”
The rickshaw rolled along a peaceful riverside path. Soon, a cluster of single-story wooden dormitories came into view by a cool, serene lakeside.
This was the dormitory where the boys and Imperial Guards lived.
It housed about forty boys, spanning six elementary school grades, plus their Imperial Guards and faculty—nearly five hundred people in all. The dormitory encircled an elementary school, forming a self-contained, elite academy city, like a resort and school fused together. The residential area functioned like a small town, with its own economy and a deliberate distance from the surrounding women’s world.
The land was leveled despite the nearby mountains, creating a gentle, flat expanse. Trees surrounded the grounds, lending a tranquil air. But beyond the idyllic setting, multiple layers of moats and uniformed women stood guard, watching vigilantly.
Is this an academy or a prison? Depends on who you ask. But I was too busy admiring the cute, crisp uniforms of the female guards to care. There’s just something about a woman in a sharp uniform, right?
We passed through the entrance.
I was let off the rickshaw inside the grounds, where I faced eight Imperial Guards in a plaza near the perimeter.
Head Imperial Guard Sow-san took charge. Up until now, Temporary Liaison Maggot-san had been in charge, but Sow-san was the true commander.
”We’ll head to the Kujukuri Town dormitory from here,” Sow-san announced. “Young Master, Vocal-chan and I will attend you. Unless something extraordinary happens, we’ll always be by your side within the grounds. The other guards will handle luggage and tasks.”
She issued orders, and everyone sprang into action, unloading bags and bustling about. I stood there, vaguely watching the guards encircle me protectively.
”Hey, is there anything I can help with?” I asked.
Everyone paused and turned to me with warm, gentle smiles. Being short, I had to crane my neck to meet their eyes. Seeing them all working while I stood idle made me fidget.
”Uh… what? Why’re you all staring?”
Their expressions softened, like they were charmed. Apparently, my offer to help was sweet but unnecessary.
Yeah, I figured as much.
Being a male, I’m treated like some kind of noble. My only job is to stay out of the way and not cause trouble.
I was ushered into a wooden inn-like building and tucked away in the deepest room. This must be my room.
I plopped onto the simple bed, lazily flipping through a book from my meager belongings. About an hour later, a knock came at the door.
”Come in!” I called out.
”Pardon the intrusion,” Sow-san said, opening the door.
I looked up from my book to respond.
”How are you settling in, Young Master? Is there anything causing you discomfort?”
”Nah, I’m good for now.”
Sow-san gave me a sharp, respectful nod, her almond-shaped eyes glinting.
Looking at her closely, I couldn’t help but notice her refined beauty, like a finely honed blade. I’d seen the strength hidden in her slender frame during that scuffle with the town gatekeepers. Despite her polite demeanor, she was terrifyingly capable—someone who wouldn’t hesitate to use force if needed.
But that piercing gaze softened when directed at me. If needed meant to protect me, of course. Nothing scary about that. Well, except maybe yesterday’s rib-cracking incident—that was a bit much…
I waved her in, noticing her hesitation at the threshold.
”Come on, come inside! It’s pretty empty in here, but still.”
”My apologies,” she said. “Normally, women aren’t permitted in the men’s residence, but we’re short-staffed, so even summoning someone is a challenge. Rest assured, we’ll arrange for an older female caretaker soon.”
”Thanks, but no rush. I mean, I’m the only guy in this male dormitory, so they probably figured they didn’t need much staff, right?”
Sow-san’s expression softened, like she was relieved.
Ordinarily, a dormitory is split into two buildings: a luxurious single-story residence for the boys and a crowded complex for the caretakers and Imperial Guards. Each student has their own regional area within the academy city, where they live alongside peers and guards from their hometown.
And each dormitory—each town, really—competes fiercely at the central school. That’s where the power gaps between regions are forged, shaping their futures.
”It’s not your fault, Young Master,” Sow-san said gently. “This situation is… unavoidable.”
”Yeah, I get it. I wasn’t blaming anyone. But seeing it with my own eyes, I can understand Maggot-san’s concerns. This setup does feel a bit rough.”
Our dormitory was, to put it kindly, run-down. No, it was falling apart. Signs of sabotage were obvious.
Typically, a dormitory houses several boys at once, with furniture and interiors swapped out as generations rotate, and regular maintenance keeps things in shape. But Kujukuri hadn’t had a single resident in years. The dormitory was practically an abandoned ruin, left to rot without even a caretaker to manage it.
This wasn’t a dormitory—it was a crumbling old manor.
Sow-san tried to smooth things over.
”We cleaned it last night, but with no residents, other regions’ boys have damaged it in jest or stolen furnishings. It’s not as comfortable as it should be… I’m ashamed to admit this.”
”Don’t worry about it. Feels like a rustic sleepover. Kinda fun, honestly.”
No wonder the window glass is cracked. It was clearly the result of vandalism. Less a matter of low civility and more the school system encouraging this cutthroat rivalry.
I wasn’t mad about it. Without the Imperial Guard title, no one could even enter the grounds, so repairs were probably impossible until now.
”Hmm,” I mused, glancing at Sow-san.
She was striking. If no one’s watching, why not all bunk together? Going from that sterile white room to this cozy wooden house felt like a refreshing change.
Living with eight older sisters in this creaky old manor? That sounded like a blast. Sure, the dorms were separate, but couldn’t we bend the rules a bit and stay together?
Sensing something in my gaze, Sow-san straightened up.
”Once you’ve changed, we’ll visit the principal for a greeting. I’ll wait outside.”
In the end, she bowed and left without stepping inside, as stiff as her demeanor suggested. Talk about a straight-laced lady…
The meeting with the principal was brief and uneventful. She was… well, exhausted. An older woman with a kind air, but worn down by the constant power struggles she had to mediate. Her face looked like a wrung-out rag. Was she chosen just to avoid ruffling feathers? She gave me a standard welcome, offered some encouraging words about my transfer, and that was it.
Is this like someone who dreamed of a glamorous job in the AV industry only to end up burned out? I couldn’t help but respect her weary resilience.
The principal led us on a tour of the school. She walked ahead, followed by Sow-san, me, and Vocal-chan bringing up the rear. My eyes wandered, occasionally lingering on the principal’s slight figure ahead, her form conveniently at my eye level. Gotta say, this height has its perks.
The school’s interior was wooden with carpeted floors, blending Japanese and Western styles. The hallways were wide enough for ten people to walk side by side—a place that felt more like a hotel or resort than a school.
I peeked into a classroom as we passed.
”Whoa! Boys my age! First time seeing them!”
”Right? They look like they’re having fun in class!” Vocal-chan chimed in.
To the women, this must be like peeking backstage at an idol concert. Kids my age sat at desks, scribbling away.
The principal gave us a tired smile as Vocal-chan and I got excited.
”You get along so well with your Imperial Guards… Please, stay just as you are.”
”Uh, yeah, sure.”
Why’s she looking at me with those exhausted eyes? Should I offer to rub her shoulders or something?
We passed other facilities—an audiovisual room, a mystery room, a gymnasium, even a tea room. The decor was striking, with intricate ornaments adorning every corner. Another standout feature was the obsessive accessibility—handrails and ramps everywhere, designed to keep the boys injury-free. We were treated like endangered animals.
But there was more to it. As boys progressed through elementary school, some would gradually lose sensation in their fingers’ nerves. This was a big deal for me, too, and I’d need to discuss it with the Imperial Guards later.
We thanked the principal and cut the tour short to return to the dormitory. She looked genuinely pleased by my gratitude, and Sow-san and Vocal-chan beamed with pride.
Their reactions made me happy, but also a little uneasy. There’s a real divide between males and females here. How harshly were the boys treating the women? I couldn’t help but wonder what my new classmates would be like.
Back at the Kujukuri manor, all the guards were hard at work on repairs.
The guards were bustling about, replacing cracked glass and mending the dormitory’s perimeter fence.
While everyone sweated and toiled, I had nothing to do but wander nearby, watching them work.
”Young Master, it’s not safe to linger so close,” Vocal-chan said, her tall frame towering over me as she guided me to sit on a nearby pile of firewood.
She must be at least 190 centimeters tall—three heads taller than me—but somehow, her gaze always felt close, like we were on the same wavelength. Maybe it’s because our mental ages aren’t so far apart.
”Is that firewood?” I asked, pointing.
”Yup!” she chirped.
”Can I help out? Just a little?”
”Hmm… maybe? Alright, sure! Life’s all about trying new things!”
Sweet, permission granted.
I shuffled over to where the active division was working. As I approached my target, Trash-san paused, her hatchet still in hand.
”Well, Young Master, it’s dangerous here,” she said. “If you’re curious about wood-chopping, I can explain it from a safer distance.”
”No, I got the okay to help out. Let me do something. I haven’t had much exercise lately, so this could double as training, right?”
Is that how it works? Probably. Vocal-chan’s deep thoughts were a mystery to everyone, including herself.
Trash-san shot a pointed look at Vocal-chan, who stood with her arms crossed, nodding confidently. Yup, my rehab coach backs me up.
Lately, my muscle aches had been weirdly satisfying, and I was itching to move.
Trash-san shook her head, as if giving up, then smiled at me.
Her smile was graceful, like always, the kind that made it seem like flowers were blooming behind her. Still can’t believe that secret moment we shared… felt like a dream.
”Very well, but males can’t handle blades,” she said. “Could you tie the chopped firewood into bundles instead?”
”Got it.”
She showed me how it’s done.
First, lay two hemp ropes on the ground. Stack firewood—each piece about the length of an adult’s elbow—neatly on top. The logs, cut into quarter-cone shapes, stack cleanly if you alternate their direction. With winter coming, each bundle is sized for a night’s use. In Trash-san’s hands, the logs came together like magic.
Man, her DIY skills are top-notch. Watching her is satisfying.
I gave it a try.
”Whoops, it fell apart.”
”Heh, the trick is to use logs of the same thickness,” Trash-san advised.
”Okay, okay, I’m getting the hang of it. It’s like tricky building blocks.”
”You’re a natural, Young Master. Quite deft.”
After a few collapses, I started getting better, stacking the bundles neatly to the side.
Soon, I was drenched in sweat. Wood is heavy. I kept up a steady pace, chatting with Trash-san, who worked with a cool, composed air.
”So, are there no carpenters or anything? Is it normal for Imperial Guards to handle all the prep?”
”There are, but they can’t enter the grounds. Ordinary women aren’t allowed in the academy.”
”Huh… Oh, and I noticed coal in town, but we don’t use it here?”
”Coal’s for factory fuel. It’s no good for hearths—it smells too much.”
”Oh, yeah, it’s kinda stinky.”
”This wood is fragrant timber, favored by males. It gives off a pleasant scent when burned—a luxury item.”
She ran her fingers lightly over a log and sniffed it. I copied her, catching a faint, gentle woodsy aroma. Apparently, even the firewood in male facilities was high-end.
Trash-san kept talking, and I listened, genuinely impressed.
”Coal’s imported from the homeland. Did you see Ichihara’s port?”
”Yeah, it looked super busy. All those people—who were they?”
”The ships are foreign steamers, so likely foreigners. I love watching ships from different countries dock at the port…”
”I kinda get that. Made me want to wander the town myself.”
”Sharing that feeling… it means a lot to me,” she said warmly. “Any other questions? Ask me anything.”
Trash-san wasn’t loud, but she was surprisingly talkative. Her job collecting mystical objects gave her a wealth of fun trivia to share.
I decided to dig deeper into the fuel situation, and what I learned was fascinating.
In this world, the shift from coal to oil failed. In my previous life, oil drilling took off around the Second World War, but here, around that time, mysterious resources started popping up everywhere. Oil lost out to these mystical objects.
Well, duh. If you could hold a stone up to the sun and use it as a light fixture for months, who’d bother building a power plant? Coal and mystical objects from the land became humanity’s dominant energy sources.
Those mystical objects come from places called dungeons—Trash-san’s workplace. I tend to ignore it, but this world’s fantasy elements are alive and well. Still, I’m living in an R-18 game-like world, so I plan to keep sidelining that stuff. Sorry, dungeon mysteries.
But the rise of these new resources didn’t stop the Second World War from happening. Humanity will probably keep fighting until its last day. What a mess.
While Trash-san and I chatted animatedly, the other Imperial Guards were sneaking glances from a distance, whispering among themselves.
”Ugh… our Young Master is too cute!”
”Look at him sweating… poor thing. I need to wipe him down… bet he smells amazing…”
”Wait, when did Trash get so close to him? Since when?!”
They were getting worked up, like my effort was some sacred spectacle to them.
I pretended not to hear, focusing on carrying firewood bundles while eavesdropping. Beautiful women huddling and gushing—what a vibrant scene.
”Since that night watch, they’ve been weirdly close!”
”No fair! Ugh, I want to take pictures…”
”So earnest… I just want to hug him!”
…Sometimes my Imperial Guards act like women in a reverse-harem world, losing it over a guy’s charm. Which, well, makes sense, I guess.
One-on-one, they’re pretty normal, but as a group, their youthful energy makes them excitable. Talking about the opposite sex at that age is just fun, right? They’ve got the vibe of high school boys from my previous life.
Okay, but hold up. Those gorgeous older sisters were eyeing me with slightly wicked looks, breathing heavily. I felt my mood shift rapidly.
Would it be bad to dive into that crowd? Getting swarmed and overwhelmed sounds like it could count as part of my exercise training…
Ugh, I can’t hold back anymore.
”Hey, Trash-san, we need to haul this firewood to the back. Wanna come with?”
”…? Yes, let’s. Young Master, could you manage one bundle?”
”Sure thing. Let’s go.”
I shot Trash-san a meaningful glance. She looked puzzled but followed me quietly to the storage shed behind the building. She effortlessly carried eight bundles—each probably five kilos—like it was nothing. Impressive strength.
”Phew, no one’s watching,” I said.
”Young Master… what is it?”
”Hey, Trash-san, can you come here for a moment?”
I said, leading her to a quieter corner of the warehouse. As we stood close, I felt a surge of emotion and gently pressed my lips to hers, her beautiful eyes widening in surprise.
”…!”
Our sweaty scents mingled in a slightly humid kiss.
I savored the feeling for about five seconds before slowly pulling away.
”T-That was sudden,” Trash-san stammered, her cheeks flushing.
I lingered on the aftertaste, watching her. She averted her gaze, lowering her face, and stayed still for a moment.
”Didn’t like it?”
Something felt off, so I asked. She lifted her head, cheeks still pink, and murmured,
”No, I was savoring it.”
Her eyes trembled with emotion, her expression delicate like a girl in love.
”Confirming that the other day wasn’t a dream. To receive kisses from a male multiple times… I’m overflowing with happiness.”
Hearing that eased my mind.
”I’d love to go again, but we might start something more intense, so let’s head back.”
”More intense…? Ah, yes… we shouldn’t keep the others waiting.”
”Let’s go before anyone spots us. It’s our secret.”
The dusty warehouse was dimly lit. Remembering Maggot-san’s example, I’d been anxious about holding back, but I managed—lightly brushing Trash-san’s breasts on the way out, like a casual shoulder pat.
It’s a relief these don’t carry sexual weight here… just a light touch, nothing more.
I doubted this would fully quench my urges, but it was a decent recharge. Tonight, I’d reminisce while handling my resource development. Sorry for wasting energy resources… I hate squandering them too.
We slipped back inside before dusk fell, then headed to the bath and dinner. Eating alone in my private room felt kinda lonely.
But at bedtime, one night watch guard stayed in the room. They rotated a few times, with traces of fierce competition over the role—it was a bit heartbreaking. Why not all watch together? Though I probably wouldn’t sleep then.
The surveillance lasted all night, but I’d prepared in the bath, leaving no openings.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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