Half an hour.
As the girls began heading into the kitchen to fend for themselves.
Tsubaki rubbed her bleary eyes and came down the stairs, yawning.
She spotted the green figure silently holding a broom, sweeping the floor in a corner of the hall.
"Hmm?"
Puzzled, Tsubaki swept her lone eye around the room.
Finally, her gaze landed on the tray beside the dining table that had yet to be cleared away.
A little black powder still remained on it.
"?"
Tsubaki walked over, pinched up some of the black ash, and held it beneath her nose for a sniff.
The familiar bitter, burnt smell made her frown.
"What's this?"
"Where did this charcoal ash come from?"
"This early in the morning..."
"Who's got so much time on their hands that they're burning charcoal at home for fun?"
"..."
At those words.
Ryuu, who was sweeping in the corner, stiffened.
In the end.
Today's breakfast fiasco finally settled down after a crowd of girls bustled into the kitchen and got to work.
It was hardly a gourmet feast.
But at least it looked more like human food than the plate Ryuu had served, which had been roasted directly over an open flame until it turned to charcoal.
"It's simple."
Haimo turned around.
"Zan Zan."
"Have you had enough to eat?"
"Yes."
Sasamori Aya put down her napkin and raised her head slightly, her ink-black eyes looking calmly at Haimo.
"Since you're full."
Haimo smiled, turned sideways, and pointed toward the spacious hall ahead.
"Perfect."
"Not moving around a little after a meal isn't good for digestion."
At those words.
Sasamori Aya seemed to realize something, and a ripple instantly stirred within her.
Excitement spread from her slender body, like a beast catching the scent of blood.
"You mean..."
Sasamori