The fresh scent of nature…

A gentle breeze brushing past our faces…

No I think I was right the wind speed stops changing after 80 hours so if I add more wood I can max out the fire strength and then by the time the thunderstorm comes in at hour 150 I’d be able to minimize the damage I think my strat was right⁠—

Tao, you’re imagining things. You should instead focus on the beautiful, idyllic reality in front of you!

The ranch is already very large, even at first glance. Is that a barn over there?

Yes, this used to be a farm, after all. It was recently restored, and new cottages and restaurants were built to turn it into a resort.

There are other people walking around. They don’t seem to be employees.

It hasn’t officially opened yet, but it seems there are a number of guests here for the pre-opening.

I’ll introduce what they offer while we head to our cottage. Oh, and there’s a place I think you’ll be interested in, Muneuji!

I didn’t expect them to be equipped with a riding arena.

Horseback riding is one of the activities they offer. I heard you can even sign up for full-fledged equestrian lessons here.

Since they’ll be opening the resort to the public, I’m sure many people will come to participate.

The horses must be very comfortable here too.

I’d like to inspect the stable later as well. Is that possible?

Sure. We have plenty of time, so we can come back here once we put our luggage away.

Is this a campsite?

If you’d prefer to stay in a tent or an RV rather than a cottage, they allow that here too.

You can rent all sorts of camping tools, and you’re free to use the equipment they provide.

Then perhaps Kinouchi-san can create the bonfire he’s been dreaming of.

Bonfire… Bonfire!! Woah, I didn’t know they could be that big…!!

Haha, I guess he’s so excited to make one that he’s hallucinating them.

You can make them to your heart’s content here. But we don’t want Tao’s symptoms to worsen, so we’ll have to keep an eye on him if we end up doing it.

Alright, next is⁠—

……

Hm? Is that…

Kuguri?!

Kuguri! We haven’t been able to contact you at all. Nayuki and the others were all worried. What have you been up to?

Lord… I was trying to enjoy my alone time, and of all people I had to run into…

*sigh* How awful.

Oh, he ignored me…

Shouldn’t we go after him? Especially since you’ve been unable to get in touch.

Haha, no, that’s just how he is.

I’m glad to see he’s safe. I’ll let the others know.

(So Domeki-san is both a professional on fitness and relaxation…)

(…It seemed like he wanted to be left alone, but he’s certainly someone I’d like to inquire about leisuring when I have the chance.)

This is the cottage we’re going to be staying in! You can all choose where you’d like to sleep.

Muneuji, you can choose first.

No, you’re my leisuring superior, so please, be my guest.

I couldn’t. This is part of the leisuring experience, after all. You can’t neglect the foundation of rest that is sleep, right? You should pick the best place for yourself, Muneuji.

*gasp*

You’re right. Then I shall… I’ll use the bed that’s up against the wall.

What about you, Tao?

My firewood… Wha, huh…? Where… Where am I…? What am I doing here…?

What’d you do to my firewood?!

Kinouchi-san, we are indoors. Creating a bonfire here would be unsafe.

Not only would the building catch on fire, but we’d also die from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Bellows… If you don’t have bellows, the fire’s gonna go out…! Someone do something…!

I’m sorry, I didn’t bring any. I’ll make sure to put it on my list next time we take a group trip.

Then what am I supposed to do?! Is anyone gonna take responsibility for this?!

Okay, let’s calm down now. I’m sure your passion is more than hot enough to rebuild the fire later.

I’ll keep an eye on Tao. Muneuji, since you have your own agenda, feel free to leave and do some leisuring with Yukikaze.

Thank you very much. We’ll be sure to find a method that will help alleviate Kinouchi-san’s symptoms.

Here starts step one of our leisuring plan. I’ll make sure to rest enough to pass onto Raito-san and Kinouchi-san as well.

What are we trying first?

We’ll start with activities pertaining to sunlight while it’s still noon. They’re detailed on page 29 of the report.

However, with the rest of the agenda and the remaining daylight hours in consideration, we’ll have to complete each activity within 15 minutes.

Only 15 minutes?

I calculated the number in advance to fit all of the ideas into our schedule. I also want to search for the most effective leisuring method to thank Raito-san for allowing us to be here today.

…Got it. I’ll work hard to keep up.

Our first method is “scalp sun charging.”

Sun charging… So we allow the sunlight to hit our scalps?

Yes. It’s a folk custom derived from the well-known sunbathing method, and it’s been quickly gaining popularity on dazzle as of late. As a side note, there is no scientific basis behind it.

But resting is equally about the feeling as it is the science behind each tactic, so it’s worth a try. Don’t be afraid to expose your scalp to the sun.

Alright, I’ll give it a try. The very top of my head is… Around here…

……

(…What are those two doing?)

How did that feel?

I don’t feel too much of an effect after only 15 minutes, but it was an interesting experience.

My scalp is warm now, so it’s definitely not an unpleasant feeling.

I see… Then we’ll move onto “clear sky yodeling.” Repeat after me as I sing.

“Scalp sun charging,” “clear sky yodeling,” “sunlight power napping,” “handstand sunbathing”…

It felt nice to warm up under the sun. I had fun.

But… None of the methods seem to have had an effect.

I don’t think the methods are broken. It might just be that we didn’t have enough time to dedicate to each one.

Maybe so…

(Is it possible the agenda is too full?)

(It’s difficult for me to prioritize some methods over others, but perhaps it’s best to eliminate some of them so we can spend more time testing each one.)

(But I want to find a tactic that will prove itself immediately effective in order to help Kinouchi-san.)

……

Muneuji, I admire your commitment, but don’t push yourself. Should we take a break?

Hm…

Raito told us we can use the equipment on the campgrounds, so I’ll go get us some tea. I’ll be back soon.

Oh, they have such a wide selection of tea leaves.

I should probably go with Gyokuro, since it’s Muneuji’s favorite… But the grass tea they have is also interesting.

I’d prefer this one.

Kuguri?

Oh, you’re here for some tea too. I was having a hard time deciding, so thank you for choosing for me.

What were you doing with Muneuji earlier?

I thought you two were just sitting still, but you were breaking out into song and doing handstands… Although I will admit it was amusing to watch.

We were testing out different methods of relaxation to find the most efficient one, but none of the ones we tried had any effects.

I thought we could have some tea as a break.

Hah, you keep saying all these strange things.

…?

Reflect on what you just said.

Why are you resting from trying to find a way to rest? Are you not putting your cart ahead of your horse?

*gasp*

You’re right. We are.

(Going into this, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to provide the best support… And my fears have been confirmed.)

(It hurts to admit it…but I have to. I’m not the right person to guide Muneuji…)

(The best person would be a professional on relaxation…)

…Kuguri, I need your help. Would you hear me out?