The Boredom of Haruhi Suzumiya

unreasonable for the police to show up,
use a forensic investigation to identify th

As always, I have no idea what this g
“Oh, excuse me. To summarize, Su
involved in a situation out of a mystery.”
“And that requires an island?”
“Yes, a remote island. She may be
we’re trapped on the island and nobody c
mountain retreat during a blizzard and a
able to cancel out any potential intervent
“I can’t say I’m too thrilled about how
Haruhi’s tendency to run wild wasn’t
there wasn’t any need for you to cheer
because I wasn’t named deputy brigade c
“To be honest, I also happen to enjoy
I have no intention of criticizing som
thing. I don’t like this at all.
However, Koizumi paid no heed to
sounded like he was reading an essay.
“Let us consider famous detectives.
ordinary lives to become involved in biza
“Well, yeah.”
“However, the great detectives foun
up in one baffling case after the next. Wh
“There wouldn’t be a story otherwise
“Exactly. You are absolutely correc
exist in the unrealistic world of storytelli
say such metafictional things. After all,
into the world of fiction.”
Now that you mention it, that was
wasn’t it?
“One must travel to the appropriate
and mysterious happenings. For that is
become involved in cases. You could
relevant party in the case. Cases won’
there’s a relative that’s a police bigwig
or we’re dealing with a running series tha

Page118

since it wouldn’t be very interesting to
he culprit.”
guy is talking about.
uzumiya’s desired theme is to become
”

envisioning a serial murder case where
can escape. As far as closed circles go, a
a remote island are exceptional settings
tion by authorities.”
w you seem to be enjoying yourself.”
t limited to summertime or anything, but
r her on. And it’s not like I’m sulking
chief.
y such situations.”
mebody else’s tastes, but let me say one

my tastes and continued in a tone that

. It would be rare for people who live
arre murder cases, correct?”

nd in literary work are somehow caught
hy do you think that is?”
e.”
ct. Such incidents are fiction. They only
ing. However, it would be rather blunt to
, Suzumiya fully intends to cast herself

the reason she made the SOS Brigade,

e locations to encounter such unrealistic
s how the great detectives of literature
say that it is necessary to become a
’t come flying in by themselves unless
or the main character is a police officer
at’s gone through multiple books.”

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I see. I knew that Nagato was a scien
were a mystery lover. And I’m guessing

“For an amateur to play the role o
unintentionally dragged into an incident
case must be solved swiftly.”

“There’s no way that something is
conveniently.”

Koizumi nodded.
“Yes. Reality is unlike the world of f
interesting sealed room murder occurrin
go to a place with a higher likelihood of
be what Suzumiya is thinking.”
I was reminded of the phrase “the tail
“That would be the location of this tr
reason, but such a place is generally acc
for a murder.”
What society are you talking about? T
“Putting it another way, you coul
wherever a great detective goes. Human
supernatural ability to attract trouble ins
is the only explanation I can think of. C
detectives. Rather, the presence of a dete
I gave Koizumi a look as though I
slug.
“Are you sane?”
“I believe that my actions can alw
sanity. Everything I’ve said concerning d
not been a result of my own delibe
Suzumiya’s pattern of thinking. In other
be that she wants to be a detective. That i
How is she going to become a grea
whole case by playing both the culprit an
“Nevertheless, I believed this to b
tsuchinoko. All I did was mention to Su
villa on an island and was looking for
murders to occur, obviously.”
Koizumi’s cheerful smile pisses me

Page119

nce fiction fan, but I had no idea that you
that Haruhi loves both.
of detective, that person must first be
that has occurred in the vicinity and the

s just going to happen around you so

fiction. There is a minimal chance of an
ng in our school. In that case, we should
something occurring; at least, that must

l wagging the dog.”
rip, the remote island. I do not know the
cepted by society as an appropriate stage

That’s one narrow-minded society.
ld say that strange happenings occur
ns labeled as great detectives possess the
stead of merely happening upon it. That
Cases do not lead to the appearance of
ective leads to the birth of a case.”
had just accidentally stepped on a sea

ways be considered within the realm of
detectives, closed circles, and the ilk has
eration. Rather, I was merely tracing
r words, the simple way to put it would
is the purpose of this trip.”
at detective? I suppose she could fake a
nd the detective.
be a better alternative to hunting for
uzumiya that an acquaintance had built a
guests. I personally do not expect any

off every time I see it. And the way he

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shrugs too.
“I merely offered Suzumiya an oppor

who knows what she might come up wi
case, preparing a stage beforehand allow
measures.”

“Us, huh?”
Upon seeing my discouraged look,
over.
“The ‘Agency’ has nothing to do wi
be safe. I may be an esper, but at my co
wrong with going on a trip? What you w
student. A trip with some close friends w
Only if the reason Haruhi’s excited is
we were going to a normal hot spring
destination is a remote island, you know
might call in a couple hurricanes…
… Well, I’m pretty sure that she isn
else we’d have a pile of dead bodies in
feeling there was something else importa
A four-day three-night trip to the b
white sand and a blazing sun over our h
with this wretched heat a little longer. Sla
Okay, I need to start preparing to
swimsuit.

In a generous gesture, the lodging w
expenses for food either. All we had to p
directions.

And so, we were now on the boa
awaiting the boarding time for the ferry.

Haruhi must have been in a big rush
ended yesterday, which meant that today
Koizumi and his people told us that we
fact that Haruhi wanted to leave the seco
impatient personality, I’d say. I’d been p
having to see Haruhi’s face, but the perso

Page120

rtunity for a little entertainment. Or else,
ith to deal with her boredom? In which
ws for us to prepare a number of safety

, Koizumi attempted to smooth things

ith this affair. Though I filed a report to
ore, I am a high school student. What’s
would expect in the life of a high school
would be an exciting occasion, correct?”
s because she’s going on a trip. Maybe if
g or a beach on the mainland, but our
w? We’re talking about Haruhi here. She

n’t crazy enough to cause a murder. Or
n North High by now. Anyway, I had a
ant as I lost myself in deep thought.
beach in the summer. With beaches of
heads. In that case, I’m willing to put up
ave away, Mr. Sun.
drool over the sight of Asahina in a

would be provided free of charge. No
pay was the price of the ferry trip in both

arding platform in the harbor eagerly

h to go on a trip. The first semester had
y was the first day of summer vacation.
could go whenever we wanted, but the
ond vacation started says a lot about her
planning on spending a few days without
on known as Haruhi Suzumiya wouldn’t

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allow that to happen. You could call that
“I haven’t been on a ferry in a long ti
With a visor on her head at a slanted

wharf and gazed at the lead-colored sea
hair fluttering as we lined up at the front

“This is such a big boat. I wonder how
Asahina held a bag with both arms a
looked lovely in a white summer dress w
of the hat were even tied under her chi
Asahina. Her childlike eyes were shining
it were an ancient artifact that had been
don’t float on water in her time.
“…”
Nagato stood behind her in a daz
corporation written on the side of the
wearing her school uniform. She was w
holding a yellow-green umbrella, which
of a sickly girl who’d just been released
instant camera and take a picture. I c
something for a good price.
“It appears we’ve been blessed with
conditions are perfect for sailing. Thou
said Koizumi.
“That’s fair enough.”
We were in a large room without
partition. The voyage would take a nu
another ten years or so before we could
just a bunch of high schoolers going on a
The real problem here would be that
You can’t call a trip for the sake of
Besides, aren’t normal club trips suppos
SOS Brigade doesn’t even have one. We
the school so I’d be surprised if we did h
be considered a student association if y
hunch that even if we managed to find a
advisor, Haruhi would deem it unnece
needed one, she would have kidnapped s

Page121

t the purpose of her existence.
ime.”
d angle, Haruhi stood at the edge of the
a. The sticky sea breeze sent her black
of the boarding dock.
w it manages to stay afloat.”
as she admired the body of the boat. She
with a straw hat over her head. The laces
in in a manner you would expect from
g as she gazed at the old ferry as though
dug out of some ruins. Maybe the boats

ze as she stared at the name of the
e boat. Oddly enough, Nagato wasn’t
wearing a checkered sleeveless affair and
h provided some shade. She had the aura
from the hospital. I wanted to go buy an
could probably sell it to Taniguchi or

h clear weather. You could say that the
ugh we’ll be in the second-class cabin,”

t anything that could be considered a
umber of hours, but we’d have to live
d deserve private cabins. After all, we’re
a trip.
t this couldn’t be considered a club trip.
going on a trip a meaningful activity.
sed to have an advisor supervising? The
e’re a club that hasn’t been approved by
have one. At North High, you can’t even
you don’t have an advisor, and I have a
teacher willing to be the SOS Brigade’s
essary. If she actually thought that we
someone by now. The way she did us.

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I yawned as Asahina walked over t
than usual.

“How does such a big boat stay afloa
How? What reason could there be
science classes in Asahina’s time?
“Ah, I see. Buoyancy. Th-That’s ri
mean by being unable to see the forest fo
I have no idea why she was so excit
with a look on her face like she was a
eureka.
I decided to try asking a question. It c
“Say, Asahina. Do boats in the fut
method to float?”
“Hmm. Do you think I’m allowed
question.
I shook my head. I seriously doub
questioning.
“Are there oceans in the future?”
Asahina tugged slightly at the brim o
“Yes, there are. There are oceans.”
“That’s good to hear.”
I don’t know if she’s from the near f
that Earth hasn’t turned into a complete
composition of seawater has improved by
And right when I was getting enth
information out of the time traveler…
“Kyon! Mikuru! What are you doin
know that it was time to board the ship.

By the way, I had showed up after the m
this morning, I’d picked up my duffel b
opened it up to find that my clothes and
sister. Last night, I’d accidentally let i
Haruhi and the others, which led to my
too. It’d taken two whole hours to get he
up with a plan to smuggle herself along.

Page122

to me. Her wide eyes were even wider

at?”
besides buoyancy? Do they not have

ight. I get it. This would be what they
or the trees.”
ted, but Asahina was nodding to herself
about to run out of the bath screaming

couldn’t hurt to ask a question.
ture use some kind of ground-breaking

d to tell you?” she responded with a

bt it. I switched to a different line of

of her hat.

future or the distant future, but I’m glad
e desert. Though I have to hope that the
y then.
husiastic about prying some beneficial

ng? It’s time!” Haruhi yelled to let us

meeting time today. When I left the house
bag to find it oddly heavy. Suspicious, I
toiletries had been replaced by my little
it slip that I’d be going on a trip with
y sister screaming that she wanted to go
er calmed down, but I guess she’d come
. I dumped my sister out of the bag and

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asked her where she’d hidden my stuff. O
deal of time trying to coax and force the
buy you any souvenirs. Since that mone
box lunches on the ferry.

The members of the SOS Brigade w
class drawing room as we chatted while
to buy. Though Haruhi and Koizumi did

“How much longer until we get there
“The trip by ferry takes approxima
acquaintance to be waiting at our port o
private cruiser for approximately thirty m
manor await us at the voyage’s end. I’v
you how the location is.”
“I’m sure it’s a strange-looking bu
person who designed it?” Haruhi asked
with excitement.
“I didn’t inquire about that. I belie
commissioned for the job.”
“I can’t wait to see it.”
“I hope it meets your expectations, b
wouldn’t know. However, it was built by
villa on a deserted island, so I would as
least, I hope so.”
Koizumi might hope so, but I sure d
satisfy Haruhi’s expectations. It would
by an inebriated Gaudi who had just p
don’t want to stay in such a freaky-loo
ordinary inn. A traditional Japanese-styl
raw eggs for breakfast. And if it was a sp
and make a case happen?
“Island! Manor! You couldn’t find a
summer camp. This is the perfect way to
As Haruhi celebrated, the rest of the
silence.

As there was nothing to do besides be

Page123

Once she took the fifth, I wasted a good
information out of her. I’m not going to
ey’s being used to buy the SOS Brigade

were gathered in a corner of the second-
e eating the box lunches I’d been forced
most of the talking.
e?”
ately six hours. I have arranged for an
of arrival. From there, we’ll be taking a
minutes. The remote island and towering
ve never been there before so I can’t tell

uilding. Do you know the name of the
as she practically jumped up and down

eve a somewhat famous architect was

but I didn’t see the place beforehand so I
y a person who wanted to erect a private
ssume that it’s special in some way. At

don’t. Let us picture a design that would
probably look like something designed
pulled three straight all-nighters. I sure
oking mansion. I’d prefer to stay in an
led one that serves roasted seaweed and
pecial house, could Haruhi kill someone

a better location for the SOS Brigade’s
o start off our summer vacation.”
e brigade members stood around her in

e rocked by the waves, we went with

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Koizumi’s idea of playing Old Maid. Ko
for the rest of us, which we drank in silen

I couldn’t help feeling uneasy abou
with a manor and all the other obscure
the sentiment.

Haruhi finished her juice in two gulp
“Mikuru, you look pale. Are you seas
“No… Um… Ah, that may be it,” A
again.
“That’s no good. You should go outs
out on the deck and breathing in the sea a
And with that, she took Asahina’s ha
“There’s no need to worry. I won’t
doesn’t sound bad. The sudden disappear
“Eek.”
Asahina froze and Haruhi slapped he
“I’m joking. Just kidding. That wou
run into an iceberg or be attacked by a m
a serious incident.”
I’ll check where the lifeboats are l
floating around the coastal waters of Jap
see some unknown water-dwelling crea
look in an attempt to tell them to take
Koizumi merely smiled at me and Nagato
Haruhi was still talking by herself.
“Incidents are supposed to happen o
disappointed, right?!”
“There are no significant events sch
also wish for this to be a pleasant trip.”
Koizumi smiled the ambiguous sm
things. Though I suppose that was the u
the stupid esper in an attempt to break
gave up. His smile, just like Nagato’
Seriously, can’t you people show some
Haruhi, please.
Haruhi hummed a random tune as she
kept looking back at me like she was hop

Page124

oizumi, the loser, was forced to buy juice
nce.
ut our destination being a remote island
details. It appeared that Asahina shared

ps.
sick?”
Asahina responded before Haruhi spoke

side. You’ll feel much better once you’re
air. Come on, let’s go.”
and and grinned.
t push you into the ocean. Hmm… that
rance of a female passenger on a boat.”

er shoulder.
uldn’t be any fun at all. This boat has to
monster squid before I could classify it as

located later. I doubt any icebergs are
pan in the middle of summer, but I could
ature popping out of nowhere. I shot a
e out the monster if it showed up, but
o continued staring at the wall.

on remote islands! Koizumi, I won’t be

heduled,” Koizumi responded mildly. “I

mile typical of people saying insincere
usual expression on his face, I stared at
through that smiling mask, but I soon
’s poker face, reveals no information.
e human emotion? Just not as much as

e led Asahina outside the cabin. Asahina
ping I’d come along, but that could have

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just been a wrong assumption on my p
mood by tagging along so I didn’t.

I’m pretty sure that Haruhi would s
ocean. I looked up at the ceiling and p
sideways with my bag as a pillow. I’d w
I’d get some sleep for now.

I had a feeling that my dream had invo
before I could remember any details
directive transmission from Haruhi.

“What are you sleeping for, stupid? G
serious about this trip? How much use w
ride there?”

It appeared that we had arrived at the
I felt as though I’d lost something irrepla

“The first step is key. You don’t hav
how those eyes are shining with exciteme

Haruhi was pointing at the three ser
their belongings.

One of them was a smiling boy.
“Now, now, Suzumiya. I’m sure tha
the trip. He probably intends to stay aw
ways to entertain us.”
As I listened to Koizumi’s unne
automaton-like face for these so-called
Asahina’s eyes, which resembled those o
“We’re already there?” I muttered.
A multihour trip. With the members
less about the other people. I had given
opportunity to spend quality time with A
Whoa. I’d already jinxed myself. Sh
vacation like this? The only memory I’d
Old Maid. What happened to the two o
sea breeze?
I felt like grabbing the me who had fa
him a few times.

Page125

part, and I didn’t want to ruin Haruhi’s

still save Asahina from falling into the
prayed that was true before lying down
woken up early this morning, so I figured

olved something of a fantasy nature, but
I was slapped awake and receiving a

Get up already. Do you even intend to be
will you be if you’re like this on the boat

e stopover island while I was asleep, and
aceable.
ve the mentality to enjoy things. Look at
ent about this trip.”
rvants disembarking from the ship with

at he’s saving his energy for the rest of
wake the whole night to come up with

eeded follow-up, I searched Nagato’s
d shining eyes and I also glanced at
of a small animal.

s of the SOS Brigade. No, I could care
n into my desire to sleep and killed an
Asahina inside the cabin.
hould I really be spending my summer
have of this day so far would be playing
of us chatting while standing in the cool

allen asleep a few hours ago and kicking

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Click.
I was blinded by a sudden flash.
I turned toward the source of the so
The child-faced angel had a lovely smile
“He-he. I took a picture of you wakin
She looked like a preschooler who ha
“I also took a picture of you while yo
I instantly cheered up. I wonder why
me. Could it be that she actually wanted
frame and place by her bed for her to
sounds nice. Let’s go with that.
Man, if you’d told me that you wan
happy to give you as many as you wante
figure out where they’re tucked away.
However, I was about to voice tha
instant camera to Haruhi.
“Kyon, what are you grinning abou
you’d better stop.”
As she put the camera in her bag, Ha
planning on selling exclusive photos of a
“Mikuru is serving as the temporary
We aren’t taking pictures for fun. Thes
leaving a record of our club activities fo
to take pictures of whatever she wants, so
And how are pictures of me sleepin
materials?
“The pictures of you sleeping with
concern about this trip will serve a
Understood? An underling snoring away
morals, natural order, and brigade code!”
I couldn’t tell if Haruhi was angry
appeared that it would be futile to ask wh
probably wasn’t anything in writing, so I
“Got it. So if I don’t want my face d
do? But in that case, if I wake up befo
mustache on your face.”
“What’s that? You want to do someth

Page126

ound to find Asahina holding a camera.
e.
ng up.”
ad just pulled off a prank.
ou were sleeping. Did you sleep well?”
y Asahina was secretly taking pictures of
d a picture of me? One to slip into a cute

say good night to every evening? That

nted a picture, I’d have been more than
ed. I’ll even show you my albums once I

at sentiment when Asahina handed the

ut? It makes you look like an idiot so

aruhi had a look on her face like she was
an accident scene to some newspaper.
SOS Brigade photographer for this trip.
se will serve as important materials for
or posterity. But we can’t allow this girl
o I’ll be instructing her.”
ng and waking up considered important

h a stupid face completely free of any
as a warning to future generations!
y when the chief is awake goes against
”
y or laughing as she glared at me. It
hen a brigade code had been made up. It
I’ll just let it slide like an Egyptian.
drawn on, I can’t go to sleep before you
ore you, I should be allowed to draw a

hing that childish? Just so you know, my

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senses are so sharp that I even hit bac
committing such offenses against the brig

You know, Haruhi, the majority of
anymore. What do you have to say about

“Why do I have to comment on the
trouble isn’t going to happen in a f
mysterious island we’re headed for!”

As I adjusted my bag, I prayed that
“make.”

The boat rocked back and forth. It a
at the wharf. The other passengers were h

“A mysterious island, huh…”
Are we headed for Panorama Island
won’t suddenly rise out of the water or st
“It’ll be fine.”
Koizumi nodded, appearing to have r
“It’s simply a small, removed islan
won’t find any monsters or crazy scientis
This guy’s word hasn’t been very de
pale face.
“…”
Nagato silently looked back. I suppo
to that. I’m counting on you, E.T.
The boat rocked again.
“Eek.”
Asahina lost her balance, but Nagato
We disembarked from the ferry to fin
“Hello, Arakawa. It’s been quite som
Koizumi cheerfully waved one hand.
“And you, Mori. Thank you for comi
Koizumi then turned back to us, stan
in an exaggerated motion like a stage act
the nosebleed section can see what he’s
wider than usual.
“Allow me to introduce you. These
manor we will be staying in, Arakawa a
butler and maid. Ah, I suppose you can s

Page127

ck in my sleep. And a brigade member
gade chief would lead to heads rolling.”
modern countries don’t behead people
t that?
penal practices of other countries? The
foreign country. We’ll find it on the

t her “find” wasn’t going to turn into a

appeared that we were preparing to dock
headed toward the vicinity of the exit.

or something? I just hope that the island
tart moving.

read my mind.
nd with nothing unusual about it. You
sts there. You have my word.”
ependable. I silently looked at Nagato’s

ose that she can slay monsters if it comes

was there to silently hold her up.
nd a butler and maid waiting for us.
me time.”
.
ing to meet us. Sorry to trouble you.”
nding dumbfounded, and spread his arms
tor focused on making sure the people in
s doing. His usual smile was four times

e are the two people who manage the
and Mori. Their respective positions are
see that.”

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No kidding. I took another look a
bowed. You couldn’t help staring at them

“We have been awaiting your arrival.
An old tuxedo-clad gentleman with
greeted us and bowed again.
“My name is Sonoh Mori. I serve as t
The woman next to him lowered her
straightened together with timing so exa
they’d practiced this.
Arakawa appeared to be fairly old, b
age was. It was also difficult to gauge
appeared young enough to be our age,
makeup, or she simply had a baby face.
“A butler and maid?” Haruhi murmur
I felt the same way. I had no idea t
Japan. I figured that the concept had beco
I see. The two people standing be
butler and maid. At the very least, if the
have no choice but to nod and agree. Es
looked like a maid in every possible w
outfit. I’ve spent every day looking at A
literary club room, so I know what I’m
Arakawa and Mori hadn’t come from H
That was the necessary dress for their act
“Wah…”
In a daze Asahina gazed at the two
surprised look on her face. Though I sup
percent confusion. Who knows what
considered? There may have been some
developed a desire to become a real maid
As for Nagato, she hadn’t made a si
twitched. She stared at the two professi
eyes like obsidian barbs from the Old Sto
“Now then, everyone,” Arakawa cal
opera singer.
“I have prepared a boat over here. I
reach my master’s island. I hope you c

Page128

at the two peculiarities who remained
m.
. I am the butler, Arakawa.”
h white hair, eyebrows, and mustache

the maid. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
r head at the same angle. Then they both
act you had to wonder how many times

but it was hard to judge what his actual
the age of the maid, Sonoh Mori. She
but that could have been a product of

red in surprise.
that such professions actually existed in
ome a relic of the past.
ehind Koizumi definitely looked like a
ey introduced themselves as such, you’d
specially the maid, Mori, I believe. She
way. Because she was wearing a maid
Asahina wearing her maid outfit in the
talking about. And the outfits worn by
Haruhi’s need for pointless costume play.
tual professions.

of them—Mori, to be specific—with a
ppose it was half surprise and around 30
the remaining 20 percent would be
e envy mixed in. Perhaps she’d actually
d after Haruhi kept forcing it on her.
ingle comment and her face hadn’t even
ionals who made up our reception with
one Age.
lled to us in a rich tenor like that of an

It will be a half-hour voyage by boat to
can forgive the inconvenience of being

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located on a remote island.”
He and Mori bowed again. I was fe

tell them we didn’t warrant such courteo
some rich family? I figured that his spe
maybe his family was rich enough for him

“It’s totally not a problem!”
Haruhi shouted in a voice that insta
my mind. I turned to find that Haruhi had
producer who had just squeezed a large s
“That’s what makes it a remote island
as many hours as you want. After all,
middle of the ocean. Kyon, Mikuru, you
remote island with a manor and there’
maid. You could search all of Japan and
There isn’t a second one.
“W-Wow. So amazing… I can’t wait
Moving past Asahina’s failed attemp
to a new level when she’s calling people
Well, this whole situation is pretty sh
isn’t any less suspicious so we aren’t rea
I don’t see why events had to play out i
high.
As I watched Koizumi chat with A
standing by with her hands clasped, I ha
waves and clear skies. No sign of an imp
Will we ever step foot on the mainlan
Nagato’s cool poker face looked very

Arakawa and Mori led us to a small w
expecting a pop-pop boat, but instead, a
Mediterranean was rocking in the waves.
ask how much it cost, though I could to
riding this thing.

I was too careless. While ignoring H
Koizumi helped the timid Asahina and
should have been my job, but groaning a

Page129

eeling pretty uncomfortable. I wanted to
ous treatment. Or is Koizumi the son of
ecialty was being an irregular esper, but
m to be called “young master” at home.

antly scattered all the question marks in
d a smile on her face like a bogus movie
sum of money from a stupid sponsor.
d! Half an hour is nothing. You can take
I’m looking for a remote island in the
should be happier about this. We have a
’s even a suspicious-looking butler and
only find two islands like this!”

t.”
pt to sound excited, Haruhi is taking rude
“suspicious-looking” to their face.
hady, and quite frankly, the SOS Brigade
ally in a position to talk about others, but
in a way that left Haruhi on a perpetual

Arakawa the butler and Mori the maid
ad an urge to look out into the sea. Calm
pending hurricane so far.
nd again?
y reassuring. Pathetic, huh?

wharf near the ferry dock. I had been
a private cruiser out of a picture of the
. It looked so fancy I didn’t even want to
otally picture catching a swordfish while

Haruhi, who just jumped onboard herself,
indifferent Nagato onto the ship. That
about it failed to turn the clock back.

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We were led into the cabin, and be
such a fancy Western-style reception roo
set off. So it appears that butlers have
was the one at the helm.

Incidentally, Sonoh Mori was sitting
she was a fixture on this ship. Her maid a
I had a feeling that it wasn’t as stimula
wear in the club room, but since I wasn’t
maid outfits, I wasn’t really sure.

I wasn’t the only person feeling une
at the maid’s garb. Maybe she wants to a
on the job as a reference for how to be
serious about the oddest things.

Nagato was sitting rigidly in a forw
composed with the usual smile on his fac

“This is a nice boat. Perhaps we sh
proposed to no one in particular.

And as for Haruhi—
“So what do you call that building?”
“What do you mean?”
“Does it have a name along the lin
Mansion, Lolac Villa, or Koketsu Castle?
“No, not particularly.”
“Are there any terrifying stories ab
architect dying an unnatural death or a
night will die?”
“None that I am aware of.”
“In that case, does the master of the m
his three sisters inside his head, and then
“Not at all.”
The butler chimed in.“Nothing like th
“Then there’s a pretty high chance th
right?”
“That may be the case.”
This butler is just telling her what she
As soon as the boat had set off, Haru
boat and engaged in the above conversa

Page130

efore I could even start wondering why
om was inside a boat, the cruiser gently
boat permits these days since Arakawa

across from me with a gentle smile, like
attire was chic and fundamentally sound.
ating as the outfit Haruhi made Asahina
t particularly well versed in the world of

easy, as Asahina had been glancing over
ask about the experiences of a real maid
ehave in the club room. She tends to be

ward position while Koizumi remained
ce.
hould add fishing to the schedule?” he

nes of House of Black Death, Crooked
?”

bout strange hidden mechanisms or the
room where any person who spends a

manor wear a mask or hear the voices of
n there were none?”

hat at the moment.”
hat something will happen in the future,

e wants to hear.
uhi had climbed up to the cockpit of the
ation with Arakawa. From what I could

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hear of their conversation over the soun
seemed that Haruhi was expecting way
island. In any case, why does she insis
simply because it’s removed from land?
eating good food, lying around, and str
home happily? I sincerely hope she can.

Though it may already be too late.
The appearance of a butler and maid
shark showing up in a public pool, so at
surprised if the master of the manor wore
behaved in a suspicious manner. Damn K
up your sleeve?
“Wow! I can see it! Is that the villa?”
“That would be the manor,” Haruhi
boomed through the air, stabbing my hea

The villa or whatever actually looked pre
The sun was on its way down, bu

sunlight fell upon the manor, I almost th
never dreamed that I’d ever set foot in so

The building enshrined atop a vertic
what you’d expect from a manor constru
though it didn’t appear to be based on
brick-colored house entwined in vine
attached, and it didn’t seem to conceal a
find in a ninja house.

As expected, Haruhi had a look on h
after expecting pork chops as she gazed a
in the distance.

“Hmm. This isn’t quite what I was ex
a critical element. I wonder if the archi
process.”

I stood next to Haruhi on the deck as
out of the cabin by her.

“What do you think about that, K
normal for something on a remote island

Page131

nd of the engine and splashing waves, it
too much from this manor on a remote
st that the island have a bizarre nature
Can’t she be satisfied by taking a swim,
rengthening our friendship before going

d had been more unexpected than a blue
t this point, I wouldn’t really have been
e a mask or there were other guests who
Koizumi. What other tricks do you have

”
i’s conspicuously loud and lovely voice
art like thunder.

etty normal.
ut there was still time before dusk. As
hought that it was shining. After all, I’d
omething like a villa.
cal cliff didn’t appear any different from
ucted as a rich person’s summer getaway,
an old castle from Europe, it wasn’t a
es, it didn’t have any strange towers
any funny gimmicks like the ones you’d

her face like someone served onion rings
at the villa (manor, according to Haruhi)

xpecting. I believe that the appearance is
itect referenced older documents in the

s I took in the scenery. I’d been dragged

Kyon? The building looks surprisingly
d. Don’t you find that a waste?”

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I sure do. Why do you need to build
round trip by private cruiser just to go t
go if you’re feeling hungry in the middle
vending machines around.

“I’m talking about the atmosphere. I
be more eerie-looking. This is what I’d
We aren’t here to have fun at a rich frien

I brushed away the strands of Haruh
and prickling my face.

“That’s right. This is supposed to be
do you have planned? Are we going to p
would happen if we were stranded on a d

“Ah, that’s a good idea. I’ll add islan
can discover a new species.”

Not good. I just said something to m
don’t let anything unneeded show up, isla

I directed that thought in the direction
“It appears that the islands in th
underwater volcanoes erupted,” Koizumi
“New species aside, there is a poss
earthenware left by ancient tribes. Or t
their voyage across the sea. Isn’t it roman
I don’t see any connection between
newly built villa, but I definitely don’t w
or digging holes. We can split into two g
the island while Asahina, Nagato, and I p
“Oh? I see somebody over there.”
Haruhi pointed to a small wharf th
constructed. Apparently, the harbor wa
there were no other boats in sight. A
breakwater-like structure and waved to u
Haruhi reflexively waved back.
“Koizumi, is that man the master of t
Koizumi was also waving.
“No, that isn’t him. He’s also an inv
owner of the manor. I’ve met him once b
“Koizumi,” I interjected. “Tell us th

Page132

d a villa in this place? It’s an hour-long
to the convenience store. Where do you
e of the night? And I doubt there are any

I’d been convinced that the place would
expect from a quiet tourist destination.
nd’s summer home.”
hi’s hair that were blowing in the wind

a summer camp. What kind of activities
pretend to be adventurers? Simulate what
deserted island?”
nd exploration to the agenda. Maybe we

make Haruhi’s eyes shine brighter. Please
and.
n of the island covered in green.
his area were formed long ago when
i said as he slowly walked out.
sibility that we may discover shards of
traces left by the proto-Japanese during
ntic?”
n the romance of archaeology and this
want to go around looking for tsuchinoko
groups. Haruhi and Koizumi can explore
play on the beach. Nice idea.

hat I would expect to have been newly
as specifically meant for the cruiser as
single figure stood at the end of the
us. It appeared to be a man.

the manor? He looks awfully young.”

vited guest. The younger brother of the
before.”
hese things earlier. This is the first I’ve

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heard about any other guests.”
“I just found out about him now.” K

there is no need to worry. He is a very n
said of the owner of the manor, Keiichi T

I’d heard that this Keiichi Tamaru w
remote place as a summer residence. He
his mother’s cousin or something along
hit the jackpot in biotechnology and was
probably had more money than he knew
able to understand why he built this thing

The cruiser slowed down as it approa
for me to make out the features of the ma
in youthful attire and looked to be in h
younger brother, apparently.

Arakawa was the butler and Sonoh M
That left the star, the master of the m
Was it safe to assume that we’d co
showing up?

Thinking back, I’d spent hours on shaki
like the ground was shaking right now.

Once we’d disembarked from the c
young man greeted us with a cheerful sm

“Hey, Itsuki. It’s been a long time.”
“Indeed, Yutaka. Thank you for comi
Koizumi nodded before introducing u
“These are the people who look after
Not that I remember ever looking af
the line, point to each of us one by one.
“This lovely young lady is Haruhi Su
in an open and natural manner, somethin
What kind of introduction is that? I
You too, Haruhi. Come on. Why are you
Did your brain get jumbled up from bein
However, Haruhi smiled a blindingly
“I am Suzumiya. Koizumi is an inva

Page133

Koizumi casually shrugged me off. “But
nice person. Of course, the same can be
Tamaru.”
was crazy enough to build a villa in this
was a distant relative of Koizumi’s, like
those lines. I’m not really sure, but he’d
s now living a very comfortable life. He
w how to spend. Or else I wouldn’t be
g.
ached the harbor. We were close enough
an standing on the dock. He was dressed
his twenties. This was Keiichi Tamaru’s

Mori was the maid.
manor, Keiichi Tamaru.
overed all the characters who would be

ing boats today… Which was why I felt

cruiser and stepped onto firm land, the
mile.

ing to meet us.”
us.
r me at school.”
fter him. Koizumi began working down

uzumiya. A rare friend. She always acts
ng I would love to learn to do.”
can feel sweat dripping down my back.
u pretending to act all refined and polite?
ng seasick?
y brilliant smile.
aluable member of my brigade… I mean,

Goldenagato | mp4directs.com

student association. Koizumi was the o
always serves as a reliable deputy brigad

Koizumi ignored the frosty look I w
introductions.

“This is Mikuru Asahina. As you c
considered the lovely and beautiful ido
world peace to fruition.”

There’s one.
“This is Yuki Nagato. She’s a verita
be found in our textbooks. She’s soft-spo
of her endearing qualities.”
And there was another profile that se
given introductions riddled with embelli
find in a personal ad, but I’ll skip over th
Yutaka flashed a brilliant smile befitt
“Welcome. I’m Yutaka Tamaru. I’ve
company. I’ve heard much about you a
suddenly had to transfer, but I’m glad he
“Everybody,” Arakawa’s melodiousl
I turned to find the butler, carrying
getting off the boat.
“We’re exposed to the sun here. Why
Yutaka nodded in response to Arakaw
“You have a point. My brother’s also
I’ll help out.”
“We should be fine. Please assist A
bought a large amount of groceries on the
Yutaka returned Koizumi’s smile wit
“That gives me something to look for
And once the harmless chitchat was
the villa on the cliff.
Looking back, this was when I started
Though as they say, hindsight is 20/2

To reach the villa we climbed our way u
up to the eighth station on Mount Fuji. M

Page134

one who invited us to this island. He
de… I mean, vice president. Ahem.”
was sending him and continued with his

can see, she’s an upperclassman who’s
ol of our school. Her smile could bring

able gold mine of information that can’t
oken, but that could be considered as one

et my teeth on edge. Naturally, I was also
ished compliments like something you’d
hat part.
ting a relative of Koizumi’s.
e been hired to help out at my brother’s
all from Itsuki. I was worried when he
e’s made such wonderful friends.”
ly gruff voice came from behind.
a fairly large burden, and Sonoh Mori

y don’t we move to the villa?”
wa’s suggestion.
o waiting. Let’s take the luggage with us.

Arakawa and Mori. It appears that they
e main island.”
th a smile of his own.
rward to.”
over with, we followed Koizumi toward

d to have a funny feeling about things.
20.

up a staircase resembling the one leading
My condolences to Haruhi, but this place

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was definitely a villa and not a manor or
The white structure was three stories

took up a ridiculous amount of space. I a
there were. You could probably have h
place. A portion of the thick foliage had
how had they managed to ship all the
That would have required a fairly la
understand rich people.

“This way, please.”
Koizumi led us to the entrance like a
in a row. We were finally about to me
wracking moment.
Haruhi was standing in front of the re
herd. I could see that she was having a
she licked her lips. Asahina was fussing
she would make a good first impression.
without any visible signs of sweating, lik
Koizumi looked back at us before
button on the intercom next to the door.
Someone answered and Koizumi resp
for about half a minute, the door slowly o

Needless to say, the man standing in fro
a ski mask with sunglasses and he did
gibberish to confuse us. He was just a no

“Welcome.”
The man who was supposed to be Ke
millionaire, but he looked to be a norma
as he beckoned us over with one hand.
“We’ve been waiting for you, Itsuki.
this is a terribly boring place. You’ll be s
person who accepted my invitation was Y
Keiichi’s gaze glided past me to rea
order.
“Well, well. You have some lovely
beautiful as I’ve heard. They’ll add som

Page135

mansion.
s high yet it felt flat, probably because it
almost wanted to count how many rooms
housed two whole soccer teams in this
d been cleared off to build the villa, but
necessary construction materials here?
arge-scale heliborne operation. I don’t

a butler-in-training. Everybody lined up
eet the master of the manor. A nerve-

est of us like a horse racing ahead of the
hard time containing her anticipation as
g over her hair in an adorable fashion so
. Nagato, as usual, stood completely still
ke one of those lucky cat statues.
smiling thinly and coolly pressing the

ponded with a greeting. After we waited
opened.

ont of us wasn’t wearing an iron mask or
dn’t suddenly attack us or yell obscure
ormal-looking middle-aged man.

eiichi Tamaru was allegedly a self-made
al old guy in a golf shirt and cargo pants

And your friends as well. Quite frankly,
sick of it by the third day. The only other
Yutaka. Oh!”
ach Asahina, Haruhi, and Nagato in that

y friends, Itsuki, I see. They’re just as
me color to this dreary island. That’s just

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splendid.”
Haruhi smiled, Asahina bowed, and

reacted in different ways as they looked a
way you would look at a music teacher s
Haruhi stepped forward.

“I would like to express my sincere g
appreciate the opportunity to stay in su
everyone here, I offer our thanks.”

She sounded like she was reading
normal voice. Does she intend to keep p
the trip? She should drop that flimsy act

Keiichi Tamaru apparently agreed.
“Are you Suzumiya? My, you sur
According to Itsuki, you were… Uh, wha
Everyone’s attention suddenly turne
any sign of losing his composure.
“A frank person, I believe. That’s wh
“We’ll go with that then. Yes, I’d hea
“Oh, really?”
Haruhi promptly dropped the invisib
brilliant smile she rarely showed outside
“Nice to meet ya, big guy! Moving
happened in this mansion? And do the lo
or any ominous legends about the place?
stuff.”
Don’t reveal your eccentric tastes to
time. And yeah, you shouldn’t be telling
something bad to happen. What if he turn
However, Keiichi Tamaru merely lau
“I happen to share your interests, b
building was only completed a few days
the history of the island. Though I have
about the place. After all, it was a deserte
And after that magnanimous gesture
inside.
“Let’s not stand here and talk. Pleas
house so feel free to leave your shoes on

Page136

d Nagato stood still. The three of them
at Keiichi offering a warm welcome, the
showing up for history class. Eventually,

gratitude for your invitation today. I truly
uch a wonderful mansion. On behalf of

off a script an octave higher than her
pretending to be a nice girl for the rest of
before she lets her true nature slip.

re are different from what I’ve heard.
at was it again, Itsuki?”
ed to Koizumi, who responded without

hat I remember telling you.”
ard that you were more of a frank girl.”

ble good girl mask. Then she flashed that
the club room.
right along, have any strange incidents
ocals have a special name for the island
? I happen to be interested in that kind of

o somebody you’re meeting for the first
g the owner of the house that you want
ns us away?
ughed generously.
but nothing has happened yet, since the
s ago. And I don’t know anything about
en’t heard anything particularly sinister
ed island.”
e of kindness, he motioned for us to go

se come inside. This is a Western-style
n. I suppose we should start by showing

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you to your rooms. Normally, I would a
he appears to be busy carrying stuff in. G

And with that, Keiichi led us inside.

Well, I’d like to provide a diagram of th
assignments, but I learned that I had no
years of grade school, so I’ll refrain. Sim
on the second floor while Keiichi’s bedr
the third floor. Perhaps that tells you ho
and Mori the maid were staying in smalle

And that should cover everyone.
“Does this house have a name of som
Keiichi smiled wryly in response to H
“It was just completed so we haven’
good ideas.”
“Yes. How does House of Tragedy
name each room with names like Bloods
“Oh, that sounds great. I’ll have nam
I really don’t want to sleep in a room
Our group passed through the lobby
wood to reach the second floor. The hall
were a hotel.
“The rooms should all be the same si
rooms. Feel free to use whichever one yo
Well, what to do? I wouldn’t mind
somebody’s going to be left over, and l
odd one out. Of course, I could offer to b
wouldn’t mind, but I’d end up instantly d
“Well, we can each stay in our own r
That was Koizumi’s final conclusion
“Since we’ll only be in our rooms w
free to move between rooms. By the way
“Of course.”
Keiichi Tamaru smiled as he nodded.
“The keys are on the sideboard
automatically so you won’t be locked ou

Page137

ask Arakawa to serve as your guide, but
Guess I’ll have to do it myself.”

he interior of the villa that showed room
talent for drawing back during the early
mply put, the rooms were staying in were
room and Yutaka’s guest room were on
ow close they were. Arakawa the butler
er rooms on the first floor…

me sort?”
Haruhi’s question.
’t thought of one yet. We’re open to any

or House of Fear sound? And you can
sucking Hall or Cursed Room.”
meplates made up for next time.”
m with a name that’ll give me nightmares.
y and up the stairs made of high-grade
lway was lined with doors as though this

ize, though. There are single and double
ou want.”
sharing a room, though with five of us,
logic dictates that Nagato would be the
be Nagato’s roommate and she probably
dying from an offhand punch by Haruhi.
room.”
n.
when we’re sleeping anyway. And we’re
y, do the doors lock?”

.
in each room. The doors don’t lock
ut of your room if you forget the key, but

Goldenagato | mp4directs.com

I’d appreciate it if you didn’t lose it.”
I won’t even need a key. I’ll leave

Since Asahina might sneak in for some
asleep. And I don’t have anything wort
commit theft in a situation with such a sh
would obviously be Haruhi.

“Then I’ll go check on Arakawa and
to explore the premises. Don’t forget to
located. I’ll be going then.”

And with that, Keiichi returned down

Here was Haruhi’s impression of Keiichi
“The absence of anything suspiciou

character.”
“Then what if he looked suspicious?”
“There you go. He’d obviously be a s
So as far as she’s concerned, nothing

suspicion. Standards so strict the Interna
would be surprised. She should wor
Organization, Inc., in the future. She’d be

We randomly chose rooms and unloade
the double room Haruhi had taken. O
definitely fell into the category of Har
personality doesn’t allow for any restrain

The three girls were sitting on the b
and Koizumi was calmly leaning against

“I’ve figured it out!”
Haruhi shouted all of a sudden an
fashion.
“Figured what out?”
“The culprit.”
Haruhi’s face as she made her procl
kind of mysterious conviction.
I reluctantly voiced what the other th
“What culprit? Nothing’s happened y

Page138

the door unlocked when I’m sleeping.
e reason after everybody else has fallen
th stealing with me. Nobody’s going to
hort suspect list. And if somebody did, it

d Mori. Feel free to use this opportunity
o check where the emergency exits are

nstairs.

i Tamaru.
us about him makes him a suspicious

”
suspicious character.”
g in this world can be considered free of
ational Organization for Standardization
rk for the Japan Advertising Review
e busy with work every day.

ed our belongings before meeting up in
Occupying a double room by herself
ruhi-like behavior. In other words, her
nt or modesty.
bed, I was parked on the dressing table,
the wall with his arms crossed.

nd I reflexively responded in the usual

lamation seemed to be filled with some

hree were thinking.
yet. We just got here.”

Goldenagato | mp4directs.com

“My gut tells me that the culprit is t
will probably be Mikuru.”

“Eek!”
Asahina was really scared. She tre
flapping of a hawk’s wings and clutched
her. Nagato didn’t say anything.
“…”
She just silently stared at a fixed poin
“Like I said, what culprit?” I asked
crime do you intend to blame Keiichi Tam
“How am I supposed to know that? H
plotting something. My gut is usually ri
some kind of big surprise.”
I hoped that she was just talking ab
wasn’t expecting a cheap birthday party w
Just imagine. Keiichi suddenly dro
crazy look in his eyes as he starts slashi
guy beating at the door to use us as sac
ancient spirit after stumbling upon an old
“That’s ridiculous.”
I waved one hand in a horizontal mot
There’s no way that an acquaintance
that. The “Agency” can’t be made up o
investigated the site beforehand. Koizum
his face. Arakawa the butler, Sonoh Mo
nothing in common with the residents
looking for a detective mystery, not a spl
If anything were to happen, it’d be a
doubt it’s going to happen so convenient
issued a high seas warning. This island h
Besides, Haruhi wouldn’t truly wish
kind of a person, I’d have run out of patie
Haruhi, paying no heed to my worr
voice. “Let’s start by taking a swim. It w
come to the beach for the sole purpose o
swim. We can have a contest to see who
Sure, but you better have a search and

Page139

the master of this place. His first victim

embled like a little rabbit hearing the
d at the skirt of Nagato, standing next to

nt in the air.
one more time. “Or should I say, what
maru for?”
He just had a look in his eyes like he was
ight. I’m sure that we’ll be involved in

bout a simple surprise party, but Haruhi
with a lame catch.
opping the friendly smile and getting a
ing guests with a kitchen knife. The old
crifices because he was possessed by an
d dolmen deep in the forest of the island.

tion as I shot myself down.
e of Koizumi’s would do something like
of a bunch of idiots. They should have
mi still has that usual harmless smile on
ori, and Yutaka Tamaru have absolutely
from horror stories. Besides, Haruhi is
latter film.
a serial murder or two, right? Though I
tly. The skies are clear and they haven’t
hasn’t become an isolated space.
for someone to die. If Haruhi were that
ence after dealing with her for so long.
ries, spoke up in an innocent-sounding
wouldn’t be a stretch to say that people
of swimming. Let’s see how far we can
gets carried away by the waves first!”
d rescue team standing by.

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Still, we just got here and we’re a
considered taking a short break after the
that Haruhi wasn’t tired, but she could
herself as the standard for everyone else.

“What are you talking about? You c
Apollo, but that isn’t going to stop the su
’cause time’s a-wasting.”

Haruhi wrapped her arms around Asa
“Wah,” went Asahina as she blinke
from Nagato.
“Swimsuits. Swimsuits. Get changed
I chose the swimsuits these girls will be
aren’t you?”
Haruhi bared her white teeth with a c
what I was thinking.
“You’re absolutely right.”
I puffed my chest up in defiance. Tha
I won’t let anyone rain on my parade.
“Koizumi, the private beach is reserv
“Yes, that’s right. Our only compan
the shore. It’s an unexplored beach. B
shouldn’t get too far away from the co
having a contest.”
“As if. It was just a joke. Someone
after getting swept away by the Kuroshi
Don’t get all excited and swim too far ou
Should Haruhi be acting as the guar
one? Maybe I should suck it up and play
to let Asahina out of my sight for longer
“Over there! Kyon!”
Haruhi pointed her finger at the tip of
“Get that creepy smile off your face.
open in a grimace. I won’t be letting you
The high-flying and audacious Haruh
“Okay, let’s go!”

Page140

already on the move? Hasn’t she even
long voyage? Of course, it was possible
at least occasionally refrain from using
.
could take an offering to the Temple of
un. We have to move before the sun sets

ahina and Nagato’s necks.
ed, while “…” was the silent response

d and meet up in the lobby. Heh-heh-heh.
e wearing. Kyon, you’re getting excited,

creepy smirk in a look that said she knew

at was my primary objective for this trip.

ved for us, right?!”
ny will be a few seashells washed up on
But the tide comes in quickly so you
oast. Assuming you were serious about

like Mikuru would end up as fish food
io Current in no time. Okay, everybody?
ut. Stay where I can see you.”
rdian here when she’s the most excited
y that role. In any case, I’ll take care not
than two seconds.

f my nose.
. You look better with your mouth half-
u have the camera!”
hi Express smiled.

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And so, here we are.
Here was a coastal beach of sand. T

you’d expect of summer. The advancing
clouds puffy like cotton candy slowly f
sharp sea breeze rustled our hair and slow

The words “private beach” have a
wasn’t any need to book a reservation fo
so far removed from civilization that no
swim, with the exception of foreign tou
magazine. Needless to say, there wasn’t
the five of us. There weren’t even any bir

Which meant that the only witnesse
other girls in their swimsuits were the
don’t count Koizumi and me.

I had spread a blanket under the be
who looked all embarrassed, when Haruh

“Mikuru, swimming at the beach is
It’s unhealthy to stay out of the sunlight!

“Wait, but my skin gets sunburned re
Haruhi paid no heed to Asahin
upperclassman to the edge of the water a
“Wah, it’s salty.”
Asahina was surprised by the obvious
As for Nagato.
“…”
She was kneeling on the blanket with
she read a paperback in silence.
“Each person has a different method
Koizumi stopped blowing up the beac
“People should spend their leisure ti
that would defeat the point of going on a
and savor this four-day three-night trip?”
Isn’t Haruhi the only one enjoying he
relaxed when Haruhi’s toying with her.
“Hey, Kyon! Koizumi! You guys get
We stood up in response to Haruh
didn’t go reluctantly. Haruhi aside, my

Page141

The intense sunlight was definitely what
g waves washed over the sand as white
floated across a canvas of deep blue. A
wly beckoned us to the water.
nice ring, but the truth was that there
or this beach because it was on an island
obody would ever bother coming here to
urists who’d been fooled by some travel
t any sign of human life around besides
rds flying around.
es lucky enough to see Haruhi and the
barnacles attached to the rocks. If you

each umbrella and squinted at Asahina,
hi ran up to block my view.
a rule of this world. Come on, let’s go.
!”
eally easily…”
na’s cowering as she led the pale
and dove in.

s as she splashed in the water.

h her back straight, also in a swimsuit, as

of having fun.”
ch ball to smile at me.
ime doing activities they enjoy. Or else,
a vacation. Shouldn’t we attempt to relax
”
erself? I doubt that Asahina’s feeling too

t over here too!”
hi’s sirenlike shouting. Truth be told, I
heart’s desire was to be near Asahina.

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Koizumi passed the blown-up beach bal
hot sand.

Upon returning to the villa feeling mode
before returning to our rooms for a brief
with stars and Mori was leading us to the

It was dinnertime.
Dinner that night was an extravagant
wanted to eat seafood, but there was a p
make a person destined to live in pove
getting free room and board? Is this reall
“Absolutely.”
Keiichi Tamaru assured us with a sm
of showing my appreciation for coming
bored. Well, I don’t mean that I woul
Itsuki’s friends are more than welcome h
Keiichi was now dressed formally, u
wore a dark suit with a necktie in a Win
mix of Japanese and European cuisin
meuniere, and some kind of steamed dis
only one eating with a knife and fork. T
the whole time.
“The food is absolutely delicious. W
displayed an appetite worthy of considera
“The butler, Arakawa, also serves
Keiichi.
“I’d love to offer my appreciation. Pl
Haruhi was putting on the airs of a pe
Asahina’s eyes widened every time s
like a big eater, was keeping up a su
chatting with Yutaka and the others.

Page142

ll to me and I began walking across the

erately fatigued, we took quick showers
f rest, after which time the sky was filled
e dining hall.

t affair. I doubt Asahina had particularly
plateful in front of each of us, enough to
erty like me sit up straight. And we’re
ly okay?

mile on his face. “Just think of it as a way
g all the way out here. After all, I was
ld have invited anybody available. But
here.”
unlike when he came out to greet us. He
ndsor knot. The food being served was a
ne with a menu including carpaccio,
sh among others, though Keiichi was the
The rest of us had been using chopsticks

Who made this?” Haruhi asked as she
ation for an eating contest.
as the chef. Impressive, isn’t it?” said

lease call him over later.”
erson at a fancy restaurant.
she took a bite. Nagato, who didn’t seem
urprising pace. Koizumi was cheerfully

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