Chapter 78: Safari Jacket

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Translator: Soafp

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Shiori: “Good morning. I’ll head out first and get everything ready.”

Hajime Toumachi: “Wait, are you sure?”

Shiori: “I’ve been helping with this stuff since I was a kid. Just let me know when you get to the entrance of the mountain.”

Hajime Toumachi: “Thanks. Got it!”

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10 AM.

To get to the mountain, I took a train, then a bus, and after walking for about 30 minutes, I finally arrived.

I was a bit rushed because I was working on some ‘preparations,’ but I managed to make it on time.

“It’s a mountain…”

I muttered like an elementary schooler and eagerly started walking into it.

The mountain, though, was well-maintained, with a parking lot nearby.

As Momiji-san said, there weren’t many people around.

Perfect for an introvert.

“I’m here—”

I sent the message with a tap of my finger. And then—

“…Toumachi-kun.”

“?!”

She was there.

Hidden by a large rock, blending in.

I hadn’t even noticed. Could she be more adept at blending in than me? (stealth level: expert).

“Shall we go?”

“Yeah. Still… you’re pretty serious about this, huh?”

I looked at Momiji-san as I spoke.

I couldn’t blame myself for not noticing her (defensive justification).

It was all due to her outfit.

“This is something I’ve had since a long time ago… I thought, why not wear it today.”

“It does look well-used.”

She smiled shyly.

Her outfit was mostly green, with a jacket full of pockets and a cowboy-like hat.

A safari jacket, maybe?

Dressed like that, she looked like an explorer blending into the forest (stealth +50).

…I felt embarrassed standing next to her in just my tracksuit (weakling).

“Does it not look good?”

“No, it really suits you.”

“…Thank you.”

She looked like someone who belonged in the forest (?). Jokes aside, it seemed like she had way more experience in the mountains than I did—

“Toumachi-kun. Did your hair get another color?”

“Yeah, two new colors. Good eye.”

“It looks warm and beautiful.”

“Thanks.”

“…You’re welcome.”

She looked down, perhaps dazzled by the color of my hair.

Her already small frame seemed even smaller, like a tiny animal…

If she starts darting through the forest, she’ll basically be a squirrel (pardon my rudeness).

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“(Speechless)”

“I’ve already taken care of the camp setup, gathered deadwood and fallen leaves… and also borrowed some other things.”

I stood there, stunned by the sight before me (obvious situational explanation).

After taking care of the mountain entrance procedures and following Momiji-san further into the mountain, we reached what was likely a camping spot—a clearing.

And this is what I saw.

“You did all of this yourself? Even setting up the camp?”

“? Yes.”

Piles upon piles of deadwood and fallen leaves, presumably for fuel.

A relatively large tent already set up.

Peeking inside, I saw chairs and a table neatly arranged as well.

And in front of it all was Momiji-san, with a face that seemed to ask, ‘Is something wrong?’

Is this what it’s like to be one of those overpowered protagonists from popular web novels? (It’s not).

“Wasn't it exhausting…?”

“I used to do this a lot, so it’s no problem.”

“I see (much respect).”

“When I was a kid, I spent most of my time in the mountains. I'm pretty good at starting fires and setting up tents.”

“For real? (speech breakdown)”

The difference in experience between us is like that of a slime and a dragon.

Now I just feel embarrassed…

I shouldn't compare them?

Yeah, right (I’m microscopic).

“…So, how about we go exploring a bit first? We’ll be back before lunch…”

“Sounds good (immediate decision).”

“! Let’s go. Oh, but we should leave our stuff here. Be sure to take any valuables with you.”

Her sparkling eyes were dazzling. Also, she was more articulate than usual—no need for notes. It seems the mountain brings out a different side of Momiji-san.

…I feel ashamed for assuming she was an indoor person. I never expected her to say the word ‘explore.’

You really can’t judge people by appearances (lesson learned).