The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 8

“Let’s go look for furniture and appliances that will suit this room!”

Standing in the center of the spacious living room, Riri surveyed the space with sparkling eyes as she made her suggestion.

Currently, only the bare minimum appliances and furniture were present: a table, chairs, a simple bed, and a TV. Considering this was a luxury apartment, it felt lacking. Hayato thought it was sufficient for living – with these, he could manage just fine. But Riri and Jōsuke shook their heads in unison. They both wanted to provide Hayato with a more comfortable life. That was their shared sentiment.

“Agreed, we definitely need new furniture and appliances. I’ll cover the cost,” Jōsuke said enthusiastically, his expression clearly showing he was looking forward to the shopping trip.

“Wait a second, you two. Any more charity than this…” Hayato felt a pang of guilt in his chest. They had already done so much for him. They’d provided him with this fine apartment, and now they wanted to buy him furniture and appliances too? Wasn’t this taking advantage of their kindness too much? However, his concerns seemed to be completely ignored by the other two.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. Just come along, Hayato!”
“Yes, exactly. Don’t worry about it, Hayato.”
“W-wait…”

In the end, Hayato was swept along by their enthusiasm, and it was decided the three of them would go shopping together.

Descending to the apartment’s underground parking garage, Jōsuke brought out a sleek black luxury car. Jōsuke took the driver’s seat, Hayato sat in the passenger seat, and Riri settled into the back seat.

Once seated, Riri pulled out her smartphone and began looking up their destination store.

“Hmm… First, we’ll go to the electronics store, then look at furniture. We need a proper bed and sofa… so he can get perfect sleep and relaxation… And then…”

As the car started moving and Riri meticulously planned, Hayato and Jōsuke in the front seats talked about the recent circumstances of their other companions.

“Celestia is overseas right now. We haven’t actually met her in person yet either.”
“Is that so? Overseas… sounds tough.”

Celestia, who had been an elven priestess in another world, was currently working as a researcher for a major pharmaceutical company and was on an overseas business trip for an important project. She was apparently hurrying to arrange her return to Japan.

“Then there’s Garett. He’s sorting out his family situation so he can meet Hayato without any problems. Until that’s settled, it’s hard for him to come see you.”
“Family situation?”
“Yeah. That guy is the young master of the Tetsumura Group. He’s being cautious to avoid causing Hayato, a regular person, any trouble by meeting him carelessly and drawing unwanted attention.”
“The Tetsumura Group? Ah, so Garett is…”

The top of a conglomerate group centered around metal, electrical, electronics, and chemical industries. One of Japan’s leading prestigious zaibatsu families. Hayato had heard of it. So Garett had become a figure from such a famous family?

“Garett seems to have it tough too.”
“Well, actually, it seems not so bad. Apparently, he has a surprising amount of freedom. Still, meeting a regular person requires careful preparation.”
“I see.”

It seemed other siblings were inheriting the family business, leaving Garett in a relatively free position. Even so, he was making meticulous preparations just to meet Hayato, taking extreme care to ensure Hayato wouldn’t be dragged into any commotion or trouble.

“By the way, Celestia goes by Morishita Seika here. Garett is named Tetsumura Gō.”
“Seika… and Gō…”

Hayato repeated the names Jōsuke added in his mind. The desire to see the two of them soon swelled within his chest.

“Alright, let’s start with appliances!”

They arrived at the large electronics store Riri had chosen. As soon as they entered the store, Riri took the lead like an excited child, her eyes gleaming. Jōsuke and Hayato followed behind her with wry smiles.

In the refrigerator section, Hayato pointed at a standard mid-sized model.
“This should be enough. I live alone, after all.”

However, Riri and Jōsuke shook their heads in unison.
“No, it has to be this large, energy-efficient model. Even living alone, it’s more convenient to be able to store lots of ingredients.”
“That’s right. Plus, this AI-equipped model can even manage ingredient expiration dates for you.”
“I really don’t need something that expensive…”

When choosing a TV, Hayato said, “I don’t need one this big,” but Jōsuke wouldn’t budge: “For watching movies, nothing beats a large screen.”

A large refrigerator, the latest air conditioner, a 4K TV, microwave, toaster, high-performance computer, vacuum cleaner, humidifier with air purification… the purchases were decided one after another. The total cost easily soared past 1 million yen before long.

Hayato, who had initially felt awkward, gradually started to enjoy himself as the shopping trip with the two progressed. He felt a joy in this peaceful daily life, something he hadn’t experienced in the other world. Especially Riri’s expression, her eyes sparkling with pure delight every time she found a new appliance, warmed his heart.

“Oh, Hayato. Since we’re here, let’s get you a new smartphone too.”
“A smartphone? But I already have one.”

Hayato was surprised as Jōsuke, pushing forward with purchases without hesitation, suggested replacing his phone too.

“Hayato, could I see the model you have?”
“Sure.”

Prompted by Riri, he pulled his smartphone from his pocket and handed it to her. With practiced hands, she began checking his phone. There shouldn’t be anything embarrassing on it, but the situation – having a high school girl examine his device – made him feel vaguely uneasy.

There shouldn’t be anything embarrassing on it.

“The specs on this are fine, but since we have the chance, I think you should get a higher-performance smartphone. The camera functions are better, and I want you to have the latest theft protection features too.”

As Riri returned the phone to Hayato and spoke, Jōsuke glanced at his wristwatch.
“Changing models will require paperwork and take time. Let’s do that another day.”
“That’s true.”
“Wait, changing models isn’t a problem, but…”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry.”
“Ugh…”

Once again, Hayato was overruled by the two of them, and it was decided his smartphone would be replaced another day. Riri was already excitedly saying she’d pick out the best value-for-money model for him.

“You really know your electronics, Riri. Didn’t you say you could program too?”
“Yes. I studied it.”
“Come to think of it, you said you wrote a program to find us all. That’s how you found Hayato too, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct!”

Riri answered Hayato’s question with confidence. Hearing this, Jōsuke also recalled the software that had been the catalyst for their reunion.

As they browsed the electronics store, the new Riri inspected computers and other gadgets with eyes full of curiosity, like someone examining magical artifacts. The sight offered a glimpse of her former self as the Sage from the other world.

“Next, let’s go buy some new clothes! Let’s find something that suits Hayato.”
“Ooh! Let’s go!”
“Alright. Let’s go.”

Jōsuke said energetically, Riri got excited, and Hayato followed along.

He decided to stop making unnecessary protests. He should simply accept their repayment with gratitude. Giving up resistance, Hayato resolved to follow them honestly.

Chatting happily, the three headed off for more shopping.