The Matter of My Party Members Being Aware of My Desire to Be Banished - Chapter 4

Taking advantage of the rare holiday, I had planned to wander the town while perhaps carrying one of my party members’ baggage, as being alone felt too lonesome. However, by the time I finished preparing, everyone had already left the house.

And so, there I was, strolling through the town alone.

“Well, having some time to myself to think things through isn’t so bad, right?”

Indeed. I was contemplating how I might get myself banished.

With everyone being so kind, being deemed useless and getting banished seemed unlikely, and as for a peaceful banishment, it seemed impossible since I couldn’t get a girlfriend…

And when it comes to banishment…

“Ah… come to think of it, that’s also a form of banishment, huh? Not exactly banishment, but… a bad ending.”

───There exists something called the NTR banishment.

“All the women in the party belong to me. In the end, you can’t beat me in anything. Nobody needs you anymore. You’re banished.”

Before I realized it, the development unfolded where all the members I thought I had a good relationship with, including my fiancée, were stolen away by the handsome guy.

In the worst-case scenario, not only would I be banished, but I might also be subjected to false accusations and suffer unjust treatment as a criminal.

This would lead to a humiliation banishment…

“I really don’t want to experience a humiliation banishment. After all, once I go through the process of being banished, my abilities should awaken!”

Besides, I don’t want to do anything like humiliation to the party members who have taken care of me.

In that case, my options are either being banished as useless or being banished amicably. As for the other possibilities…

“Oh, the crowd is huge.”

As I continued walking, the area became bustling with people.

There were many stores set up like festival food stalls. Just looking at them was enjoyable.

Among them, I found a place that was particularly crowded.

It wasn’t the line for a popular sweets shop, nor was it people gathering for a bargain sale…

“Shion-sama! How about having some tea with us?”

“That’s unfair~! Shion-sama, let’s go on a shopping date together~”

At the center of the gathered crowd, mostly consisting of women, was a gender-neutral handsome individual, with a blend of a beautiful boy’s short navy-blue hair and a beautiful woman’s features.

Even from a distance, his appearance was eye-catching.

He was flashing a refreshing smile.

“Sorry, but I have a prior engagement.”

And he looked familiar.

It’s only natural since I know him.

Shion… That person is the leader of our party.

“Eh~~, really~~?”

“Shion-sama, you always say that but never hang out with us~”

“I’m busy too, you know.”

Come to think of it, that person, despite being popular, I’ve never heard any stories about him dating a girl or being in a relationship with someone. I wonder why?

“Oops, looks like my appointment has arrived.”

When Shion said that, disappointed voices rose from the women surrounding him.

Shion’s acquaintance must be a real beauty.

I wish he would introduce me to someone too───

“Hey! Rokuto!”

“…Yes?”

A voice called out my name. When I looked in the direction of the voice… Shion was there.

Moreover, Shion was waving at me.

As there was still a possibility of mistaken identity, I tried waving back slightly.

Shion returned the gesture with a handsome smile.

I was also one of the party members, and my face was somewhat known since everyone was strong.

As a result, the gazes of the women quickly gathered on me.

“Eh… calling me here of all places…”

The gazes were painfully intense…

Well, he probably got tired of dealing with the girls and called me over as a deterrent to their advances.

“It can’t be helped…”

I walked towards Shion with heavy steps.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, Shion.”

I’ll pretend to play along.

“I’m the one who wanted to see you and waited for you. Don’t worry about it.”

At this point, excited cheers erupted from the women.

Shion’s somewhat cheesy behavior also boasted immense popularity among women.

Damn it! Handsome guys get all the attention no matter what they do!!

Shion serves as the leader of our party, is incredibly strong, and has a good appearance. His behavior may be somewhat cheesy, but he is essentially a humble, kind, and perfect person.

There must be some kind of weakness!!

“Let’s go, Rokuto.”

This smile is somehow endearing too.

Shion grabbed my arm, and we escaped from the circle of women.

After some time, when the number of people passing by had decreased, Shion let go of my arm.

“Thanks, Rokuto. It was tough shaking off those girls, so you were a big help.”

“I’m glad I could be of assistance. Well, see you later.”

“Wait a minute.”

My arm was suddenly grabbed again.

“Since we’re here, why don’t you join me?”

“For what?”

“Of course… It’s obvious we’re going to soak in the hot springs together.”

Shion is a huge fan of hot springs.

On days off like today, he almost always goes to a hot spring.

I think it’s a good hobby, but for some reason, I often have to accompany him.

In this other world, hot springs are not like in Japan, where you share the bath with many strangers. Instead, you rent the entire bath.

In other words, it’s just Shion and me alone in the hot springs every time.

I always wonder what’s so enjoyable about just two guys soaking in a hot spring together.

“Well, instead of me, you should just go with a girl, Shion. You’re so popular.”

If Shion invited the girls to join him in the hot springs, it would undoubtedly turn into a fierce competition.

I want to go to the hot springs with a cute girl with big breasts too!!

In contrast to me, who was sending envious gazes, Shion let out a heavy sigh.

“What do you think I’m refusing those girls’ advances for, Rokuto?”

“Eh, to show off to an unpopular guy like me?”

“What kind of impression do you have of me? Seriously… I just want to avoid troublesome situations. Don’t you think things would get complicated if I did something other than talking with those girls?”

“Is that so?”

I don’t understand the troubles of a handsome guy.

“Seriously, Rokuto… I wish you’d realize something when I show no interest in girls. Besides, Honoka and Marun are more than enough if it’s about girls.”

“More than enough? Are you… in that kind of relationship with those two?!”

Eh, is there a possibility of NTR banishment!?

I don’t want NTR banishment because it would be mentally devastating!?

Besides, I hate NTR!!

“Come on! If you’re in that kind of relationship, you should’ve told me sooner! And let me off the hook already!!!”

“What are you talking about? I only think of those two as good friends, seriously… Come on, let’s go to the hot spring.”

Shion grabbed my arm. This time, he intertwined his arm with mine, as if to say he wouldn’t let go.

Shion was always grabbing my arm, getting clingy, and maintaining a very close distance.

Well, I guess he’s using me as a deterrent to keep people from hitting on him.

“I’d rather go to the hot springs with a beautiful girl.”

“Heh, that’s a luxurious problem to have when I’m around.”

No, it’s just that Shion is too handsome, making me look even less attractive… Well, whatever.

I should be grateful that NTR hasn’t happened yet.

◆◆

“Then I’ll go in first.”

“Alright, I’ll join you soon.”

Without any embarrassment, Rokuto quickly undressed and headed to the hot spring.

That’s because he believed Shion was a man.

He never considered the possibility that Shion might be a woman.

“Seriously… Rokuto still seems to think I’m a guy.”

After making sure Rokuto had left the changing room, Shion finally started to undress.

And then, she wrapped a bath towel around her body.

The reason for that was… to hide her body.

Since she was going to share a mixed bath with Rokuto, a man, she needed to cover up.

Because Shion was actually a woman.

“I’m glad that we can take a bath together without raising any suspicions, but I wish he’d realize the truth soon.”

Rokuto never seemed to question why Shion wore a bath towel when entering the hot spring.

That’s why it was even harder for him to realize the truth.

“Or is it that I’m not considered a girl because of my small chest? He doesn’t notice even when I’m clinging to his arm like that. I see… In that case, I have to thoroughly teach him the charm of small breasts.”

The reason why Rokuto didn’t seem to be in danger of getting banished.

No.

The reason why Rokuto was becoming more dense.

It seemed that Shion was becoming one of the causes.