Translated by Jyzciel

The 37th day into my life in the countryside, I suddenly found myself back in the real world.

"Huh? Whaaat?!"

How did I know this? It was because Kinako, my loyal dog, had accidentally stepped on the TV remote, turning it on.

The morning show was even featuring the latest Christmas date spots. From still groggy being half-asleep while brushing my teeth, this made me suddenly wide awake.

"No way. What should I do?"

I had promised Chronos and the others that I would join them for a Christmas party.

Well, even if something happens... I had already explained the situation. I don't think Chronos would start leaning toward darkness like last time, but I'm still worried.

"..."

I hesitated for a moment but decided that since I was back in the real world, I might as well buy Christmas presents for everyone.

As soon as I made up my mind, I headed out to the city.

A few hours later, I returned home with a bunch of packages. I ended up buying quite a lot of things and even got some new clothes for myself. I also bought a Christmas tree that I planned to decorate later.

I was tired from all the shopping, so I went to bed early that day.

And now is the 38th day of my rural life.

"..."

Schnappy and Kuro-mame were playing a game of chase, which looked somewhat surreal. Being chased by plants felt a bit like a horror movie. But the fact that they seemed to be having a great time was the only consolation.

As I watched their antics, I sat on the veranda, contemplating my return yet again. (Chronus world)

What on earth was that? It felt like a small, unplanned trip back to the city.

Did I go back to buy Christmas presents? That's about the only logical explanation I could come up with.

Isekai-san, did you read the room again?

Thanks to that, I got to enjoy the Christmas-themed menu at a certain coffee shop and some cakes, but that's not the point...

Well, never mind. Let's start decorating the Christmas tree I bought.

I immediately opened the box I had brought back. It was a 150-centimeter Nordic-style tree, complete with ornaments.

I know a real pine tree would have been lovely, but they tend to be expensive, and I wouldn't know what to do with it after Christmas.

"These ball-shaped ornaments are so cute. They have Christmas tree decorations on them."

In addition to those, there were various other ornaments like pine cones, reindeer, and snowflakes. I spent quite a bit of time decorating, considering the placement and arrangement of ornaments on the Christmas tree.

"All that's left is to put the star on top. But I can't reach it like this. I need a small step ladder."

I climbed to the top of the step ladder and was about to place the star at the very tip of the tree when something unexpected happened.

I suppose they had gotten caught up in their game of chase. Out of the blue, Kinako leaped right at my feet.

She collided with the step ladder I was on.

I was holding the star as I lost my balance and slipped from the ladder. Oh no, am I seriously falling?

It happened so suddenly that I couldn't react in time. I closed my eyes tightly, bracing for the pain, but-

Something warm enveloped me tightly.

Huh? It doesn't hurt!?

"Um... are you okay?" I heard a voice near my ear.

And, perhaps it was instinct, but I found myself instinctively clinging to that whoever it was, desperate for support.

At that moment, I felt a soft, fluffy sensation under my fingertips.

"..."

Gaining some composure, and to confirm the situation, I looked at what I was holding onto. Right in front of me was a worried-looking Chronos.

Did Chronos save me?!

I must have gained a little composure.

I was torn between feeling moved and embarrassed when suddenly, I heard a loud voice.

"You guys, that was dangerous!" Chronos held me while giving a stern reprimand to Schnappy, who was the ringleader, and the two dogs.

"If you want to play, do it in a larger area!"

The two dogs and one... creature that seemed a bit downcast were punished with no snacks for the day.

"Are you okay, Rinsakura-san?" Chronos looked down at me with a concerned expression.

"Uhm."

Despite turning bright red with a mix of relief and embarrassment, I managed to nod.

"Rinsakura..."

With a somewhat troubled expression, Chronos continued, "Sorry, but can you let go of my ears for now?"

"Huh?" My right hand was tightly gripping Chronos's animal ear.

Oh, that's what felt soft!

"I...I'm sorry." Panicking, I let go, and the animal ear twitched.

"No... it's about the ears, well..." Chronos blushed slightly and looked embarrassed.

He gently placed me on the sofa.

"Thank you for saving me."

"I'm glad I was nearby. I saw you falling from the garden. By the way, what's that star-shaped thing you've been holding onto?"

"Oh, this?" I took Chronos over to the Christmas tree.

"I mentioned earlier that one of the ways to enjoy Christmas is by decorating this thing called a Christmas tree."

"Wow... it's beautiful. Is this a sapin tree?"

"Sapin... I wonder? In my country, we use a type of fir tree. Oh, but this one is an imitation that looks just like the real thing."

Chronos looked at the Christmas tree with great interest, examining it from top to bottom and touching both the decorations and the tree itself.

"Definitely fir, I'd have hunted one for you."

"Huh? Are fir trees also available in this world?"

"No, you have to hunt them, capture them with a rope."

"..." I widened my eyes in astonishment.

I had assumed they were buying them, but they were hunting them!

"They're fast runners, especially the big ones. You usually need a team to catch them."

He placed his hand on his chin and seemed to be simulating something in his head for some reason.

"Chronos, about the sapin tree... Is it somewhat like Schnappy?" I decided to double-check.

"No, it's more antique and plant-like. Schnappy is more like a magical beast. The sapin tree looks like the Christmas tree itself."

Schnappy being more of a magical beast... Then, it wasn't a plant at all. Schnappy, perhaps shocked from the scolding, looked a bit wilted in his usual spot.

"I should get Carl and the others to hunt them... or maybe some of the younger ones for practice."Aing brightly colored, glowing fruit."

So, it might be a homemade LED lighted tree. You can't underestimate the other world.

"With such beautiful decorations, they'd probably be delighted to wear them."

"No, this time I'll stick with this tree." I politely declined.

"Is that so?"

Chronos looked a little disappointed, his animal ears drooping slightly.

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