In crossover anime, who isn't a childhood friend?

As for now...

"The beef, chicken wings, corn, and pineapple are all grilled. You can take them over first," Yuan Qianye changed the subject.

"how about you?"

"The oven is a bit small, so we'll have to grill it in several batches. Don't worry, I'll try to finish quickly. Eat it while it's hot."

Shiyu did as she was told, while Gen Chiyo kept a large grilled meat skewer for himself and called out into the distance, summoning Eriri and Rikka back as well.

"Dude, this is amazing! But I think the chicken wings could have been grilled a little longer; they would taste even better with a crispier skin." Rikka offered her opinion while happily munching on the wings.

"Understood! Any other requests?"

Miyoko raised her hand: "There's not enough meat, boss! Please speed things up."

"okay!"

Rikka spoke up again: "Brother, why don't you put the ingredients out and come eat with us when you have time? Eriri said she has no appetite without you!"

"What!... You idiot Rikka, I never said anything like that!" Eriri instantly bristled.

"How dare Eriri call me an idiot? You're just as stupid."

"Damn it, it provoked me!"

"Hmph, I knew you'd launch a sneak attack. Watch out for my tickling attack!"

Eriri was tackled onto the cushion by Rikka, and the two started playing around.

The playful antics of beautiful girls are always a delight to behold.

At that moment, Miyoko walked over with a drink cup: "Boss, let me take over."

"No need. You usually serve me, but today it's just my turn to serve you. Just enjoy it."

Although there was no ambiguity in Gen Chiya's words, they caused Miyoko to have all sorts of wild thoughts, her mind becoming extremely skewed.

You can't do that! You're a professional career woman!

Miyoko mentally slapped her face to calm herself down: "Don't be so polite with me, boss. Barbecue isn't that difficult. Besides, you specially invited them out today, so you obviously have other more important things to do."

Their eyes met, and Yuan Qianye took the drink from her hand: "Then I'll leave it to you."

“Yes, leave it to me, leave it to me.” Miyoko nodded vigorously.

Gen Chiya turned around and went to the dining table.

…………

Chapter 025: Two People Who Don't Get Along

Actually, with Saeko present today, the actual situation is much better than Chiya Minamoto had imagined.

Not to mention Rikka is there to help create a lively atmosphere. Whenever she sees someone's expression is off or the topic is about to ignite a powder keg, she immediately cracks a joke, either by deliberately letting out an exaggerated and cheerful laugh or by directing her black wings to perform a special skill for everyone.

For example, by flying at low altitude and doing a four-and-a-half-turn, or by simply making a few calls, one can summon nearby birds to fly over and circle around as if paying homage to a king, drawing gasps of amazement from everyone.

In short, it broadened everyone's horizons and also made her feel proud and honored.

The atmosphere, which had been subtly antagonistic, did indeed soften strangely because of her.

Taking advantage of the brief silence after a burst of laughter, Gen Chiya took a deep breath and carefully looked at Yukino in turn before turning to Eriri.

His voice was lower than usual, carrying an obvious solemnity.

"For some time now, I have kept this from you... I am very sorry about this, and I formally apologize to you here today."

He paused for a moment, as if considering his words. His eyes no longer held their usual nonchalance, but instead showed a sincerity that was quite rare to him before, almost clumsy.

"However, I still want to say that whether it's Saeko and Utaha, or Yukino and Eriri, each of you is very important to me. I still want to walk with you in the future, and this feeling has never changed from beginning to end."

"Huh?" Rikka asked in surprise, "What about me?"

She deliberately acted innocent and naive, and when she hugged the black wings and leaned close to her sworn brother, her eyes looked pitiful.

The atmosphere, which had just been quiet because of Yuan Qianye's words, suddenly became lively again.

Eriri couldn't help but chuckle, and Yukino Utaha's tightly furrowed brows relaxed and her expression eased considerably because of her reaction.

"As expected, I'm still not very good at saying these serious things."

During the digestive break after the barbecue, Yuan Qianye sighed softly.

His somewhat sentimental remarks just now were indeed not in line with his usual style.

He felt he preferred to express himself through actions rather than words.

However, if some things are not fully explained, others will not be able to see the true thoughts at all, so there is no other way but to bite the bullet and go for it.

"I think you did a great job today, Chiyo, and you spoke very well," Saeko replied gently.

She sat on a camping chair under the shade of a tree, just like Qianye, at a convenient distance from him.

Considering the mood of some people today, she has intentionally avoided being too intimate with him since they met.

"The truly amazing one is Rikka. How should I put it? We certainly didn't spoil her for nothing. If she weren't here today, I feel like Yukino and Utaha combined wouldn't have said more than ten sentences during the entire event."

"Rikka was indeed a great help today, Chiyo, remember to reward her properly when you get back."

"Okay, I'll help her empty her shopping cart."

"I think it would be better to acknowledge her efforts more than to give her material rewards. How about praising her a lot?"

Saeko gazed into the distance, holding Utaha's hand as they walked among the pigeons. Rikka, who was having Miyoko take photos, wore a nostalgic expression.

“In the past, I preferred spending time with my father face-to-face, seeing his pleased and satisfied eyes, and hearing his praise that I had indeed made progress, rather than the expensive gifts he would send back from abroad from time to time. That made me happier.”

"Saeko is starting to look more and more like a mother."

"Huh? Why do you say that?"

"Because this inclusive and gentle thought, which always considers others, is full of maternal radiance."

"That's a strange way of putting it...it's a little embarrassing."

“But it’s definitely a compliment, Saeko, so you can accept it more readily.” Gen Chiya smiled. “I feel like if things continue like this, I’ll become more and more dependent on you in the future. So, let’s not overthink things anymore. If we get regular checkups and take care of our health, there won’t be any accidents.”

Saeko was taken aback for a moment, then understood, and smiled nonchalantly: "Let me guess, did Yukino tell you?"

Yuan Qianye nodded without denying it: "To be precise, it was when we were cleaning up after the barbecue that the two of them told me together. They wanted me to persuade you not to have such pessimistic thoughts."

The two people he pointed out were splashing water on each other by the artificial stream.

The glistening water vapor created a hazy rainbow around them, as if a filter had been added, making the scene so beautiful that it was enchanting and made one want to join in.

Saeko sighed softly, "Whether it's Yukino or Eriri, they're both good kids."

"Yeah, you too. I really want to hug you right now."

"Not now, let's talk about it when it's just the two of us."

“I think so too… Alright, it’s about time to move on to the next activity. We can’t keep having everyone split into two groups and act independently.”

"Indeed, if you really want to build closer relationships, group activities with common goals are essential."

Saeko wholeheartedly agreed with this.

This is the main reason why schools have school festivals and training camps, and why companies and corporations have team building activities and company-funded trips.

Around 2 PM, Yuan Qianye returned the rented barbecue equipment, and when she came back, she had two badminton rackets in her hands.

The weather was sunny today. Although a slight breeze might have affected the flight path of the badminton shuttlecock, this level of influence was negligible for their activity, which was simply for their own enjoyment and to foster camaraderie.

"Everyone! You've probably digested most of it by now. How about we get some exercise together?"

Saeko gathered everyone together and shared her thoughts.

Even though when they first met today, Rikka mysteriously told Yukino and Eriri that there was a very exciting event to look forward to today.

In reality, since it was a last-minute decision without any prior preparation, it was already quite an achievement for Yuan Qianye to find this campsite with a good environment and not many people. As for more exciting extra activities, there was no way to force it.

However, no one was disappointed.

"Badminton? I'm really good at it, Eriri, you better watch out!" Rikka swung her racket a few times in the air, creating a whooshing sound, her chin slightly raised, looking confident of victory.

"I'm really good at it too. My mom often takes me with her when she goes to the badminton hall to play." Eriri said defiantly, spreading her legs and adjusting her grip on the racket, looking quite professional.

Watching the two of them make their childish pre-match vows, Shi Yu, standing to the side, covered her mouth with her hand, looking uninterested, and lazily yawned.

The warm sunshine made her feel sleepy. Normally, at school, this would be the time for her to enjoy a peaceful nap on her desk.

Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, Saeko clapped her hands.

"Considering we have four rackets and seven people, I'll step aside for now and act as the referee. The remaining six of you can then pair up for doubles matches."

Yuan Qianye shook his head and said, "Considering the difference in physical strength, I'll be the referee. You have fun."

Saeko paused slightly, then smiled and nodded: "Alright."

The atmosphere instantly became awkward once the topic of team formation came up.

Yukino, Eriri, and Shiha all naturally turned their gazes to the person they knew best.

"Ahem!" Yuan Qianye, having his own ideas, naturally wouldn't let them form teams freely: "To make the competition more interesting and to motivate everyone, I think we should set up a reward for the final winning team. Does anyone have any good suggestions?"

"Hmm... well... can the final winner decide where we'll be dining tonight?" Saeko tentatively began.

"Saeko, things that are insignificant don't really qualify as rewards," Utaha complained helplessly, offering her opinion: "Why not just give them cash rewards?"

Yuan Qianye shook his head: "That's too materialistic, and none of you here are short of money."

Of course we're short of them!

Upon hearing these words, Miyoko felt an overwhelming sadness welling up inside her.

The housing prices in slightly better areas of Tokyo are terrifying. She is still renting and doesn't have her own place to live yet!

Rikka raised her hand high: "How about the final winner gets that star projector that recently collaborated with Magical Girl Nanako!"

"That's just what you personally want, isn't it?" Yuan Qianye pressed her head down.

“Compared to material rewards, I think the kind of privilege that Saeko-senpai mentioned at the beginning would be more appropriate, but we just need to change our approach a little,” Yukino thoughtfully offered her opinion.

Yuan Qianye looked at her with encouraging eyes: "You can speak your mind directly."

"For example... the final winner can plan the specific arrangements for the next event, or... as the ultimate victor, you can issue a command to someone that you are capable of fulfilling."

Shiyu glanced at her and said, "Isn't this just the rule of the King's Game?"