And that’s why I brought Kuguri here.

It is much appreciated. I had a feeling Domeki-san had an extraordinary talent for leisuring. I’d be honored to receive your instruction.

I suppose I’ll listen to your story in exchange for the tea Yukikaze gave me.

That’s great news, Muneuji.

So what is it you’d like to know?

I’ve been participating in various leisuring activities following this agenda…

But none of them have had much of an effect, so I was considering making amendments to the plan.

…I assume you’ve researched many methods.

But if you’re asking for my help, you should forget about that.

What…?

I’ll take you to a state of mind that pathetic little agenda could never show you.

Hmm… Nothing beats a good forest walk!

Don’t you think breathing in the forest air helps clear your mind?

Yeah…

(He’s finally responding to me, but he’s still walking slowly, and his eyes are glazed over.)

Try taking some deep breaths, Tao. Stand under the trees and inhale deeply…

That tree…would make for some good firewood…

(…This plan might be backfiring.)

…Hm?

……

Oh, were you two resting in the hammocks? You look like bagworms⁠—it must be comfortable!

Alright, now that we’re here, allow us to join you.

This is…the ultimate…leisuring… I’m in paradise… Mrmhrmm…

We made it here…together… Hmmrhmm…

Hm…?

Muneuji? Yukikaze…?

Heehee… Eheheheh… Heh…

(There’s clearly something wrong with them. What happened here, exactly?)

(They’re not hurt. Their eyes are unfocused, but they don’t look scared of anything. On the contrary, their smiles are full of love and harmony…)

No… Don’t tell me they’ve been taken over by the fifth-dimension aliens, the Arcturians?!

I think they’re just sleeptalking… Oh, this branch looks good…

The shtudy of leisuring is alsho…the schtudy of oneself… Mrahhm…

A hand empty…is a hand full… Muneuji… Kuguri… I’fe made it…

(A zen saying…?¹ Does that mean they’ve reached the peak of leisuring?)

(Then maybe I don’t need to bring them back to their senses. But still, something doesn’t feel right…)

I pray you don’t do anything boorish.

Kuguri…?!

Poor little maci, having to accompany such incompetence. Come here.

Ah…

Tao!!

Ahaha, my third victim…

Third…? *gasp* Did you do something to Muneuji and Yukikaze…?!

People will only see what they wish to see. You’ll never reach the truth with eyes so clouded.

Nor will you reach the highest state of leisuring we’re searching for.

Kh…! So you took advantage of their pure-hearted passion for leisuring?!

(Why is this turning into an evil villain boss fight all of a sudden?)

(And whose side am I supposed to be on…?)

(…Is what I’d say if I wasn’t straight out of my mind right now.)

(But I’m at Kuguri-san’s beck-and-call at the moment. Which is…really unfortunate…)

Now, maci, come and let my little lamb give you a massage. After you eat this, that is.

Ahhh…?

Stop! What’d you just give him?!

Oh, just a healing pork bun candy from Netaro.

Wait… Did you give the same candy to Muneuji and Yukikaze?

Come here, maci. Falling asleep in the swaying hammocks is quite pleasurable.

Hwah… It is… Paradise… I’m in paradise… Ehehee…

No… TAOOOO!!

And before you ask, I don’t have any for you. Leave us so we can enjoy our comfort in peace, won’t you?

Damn it, what now…?!

*gasp*

Muneuji, Yukikaze! You’re finally awake…! Are you feeling okay?

That feeling just now… That must have been the pinnacle of leisuring.

I finally understand. This is leisuring, this is the peak of relaxation.

Huh…?

It seems I’ve taught you well.

Yes… But was that all a side effect of the candy?

Perhaps. I haven’t taken it myself, so I couldn’t tell you. According to Netaro, it contains “healing music”… In other words, hypnosis-inducing soundwaves.

But I fail to understand the theory behind it.

So you haven’t tried it yet.

Although I haven’t, my little lambs confirmed its effects to me. Even the more inept ones were able to fall into a deep rest, so I knew it was relatively potent.

But I thought it would be especially strong on maci and the two of you.

I see now… So it essentially forces their minds to shut down. But are the two of you okay? You don’t feel sick at all?

I’m fine. If anything, I would say my mind is even clearer than it was before. I now understand the state of being I must reach towards.

And with that comes my next goal.

Your next goal…?

Even though you’ve already reached your ideal state?

Can’t you just take one of these candies whenever you need a break in the future?

No. I want to reach that state of mind through my own efforts.

I must start my revisions of the agenda immediately.

I didn’t expect you to be this adamant. I suppose I have nothing else to teach you.

You’re aiming for an even higher peak… I think I might have underestimated my little brother once again.

You’ve grown past me, past Kuguri… How much farther are you going to fly? I have to see for myself…!

Mrahh… Hrmmaah… Massage… Isso good… I’m in paradise…