[Morning — Eldoria City Gate]
The sun was shining, the sky clear, and birds chirped happily as the Truck Survivors gathered at the city gate with bags packed and spirits high. A pair of horse-drawn carriages waited to haul their luggage… but as usual, Takeshi had his own way.
Takeshi (revving the engine of his Fuso Shogun 510): "I'll carry my own stuff. You lot take the wagons."
The engine let out a deep, satisfying vroom, causing nearby merchants and passersby to jump in surprise.
Mari (sighing): "That thing still freaks me out."
Nobu (patting the truck's side): "It's a good girl."
Daichi: "Alright, let's move out! Our new home's waiting!"
They set off — two carriages, one truck, and twenty-six slightly insane isekai'd Japanese people.
[A Few Hours Later — Westhill Estates]
The estate was about an hour's travel west of Eldoria, nestled at the foot of forested hills. A white stone mansion stood proudly at the center, surrounded by vast fields, woodlands, a sparkling pond, and — as promised — a private hot spring.
As they arrived, the gates opened and several servants bowed in greeting. Apparently, the king had sent staff ahead to prepare.
Head Maid (curtsying): "Welcome home, Lord Takeshi, and honored guests."
Takeshi (awkwardly rubbing his neck): "Uh… yeah. Thanks. Guess I'm the lord now."
Usapyon (poking Takeshi's side): "You're rich and noble now. Buy me carrot cakes!"
Takeshi: "Earn your own gold, rabbit."
The clan disembarked, staring around in awe.
Aiko: "This place is huge!"
Hiroshi: "We could build a dojo over there!"
Rina (eyeing the pond): "Fishing spot."
Yumi: "It even has an orchard!"
They ran off in every direction, exploring their new territory like overgrown kids at a theme park.
[Mansion Interior Tour]
The head maid, whose name turned out to be Clarisse, guided them through the estate.
Clarisse: "This is the main hall… the dining room… the hot spring bathing area is through that hall… twenty-four guest rooms… a central ballroom… library…"
Miki (eyes sparkling): "A library?! Yes!"
Kaoru: "Wait, wait — did you say hot spring?"
Clarisse: "Of course, milady."
Everyone simultaneously looked at Ms. Sato.
Ms. Sato (sighing): "Fine. Hot springs after dinner."
Everyone: "Yay!"
[Estate Grounds]
Meanwhile, Takeshi inspected the estate's garage.
Takeshi: "Ohh… big enough for two trucks. Or one truck and one tank."
He grinned, already imagining upgrades.
Jun: "You're not building a tank."
Takeshi: "I might."
Jun: "No tanks."
Takeshi: "We'll see."
[Dinner Feast]
That evening, the mansion's kitchen staff prepared a feast. Roast boar, seasoned fish, fresh bread, mountain vegetables, and bottles of rich fruit wine.
Sho (tearing into a drumstick): "Best job ever."
Daichi (raising a glass): "To our new home — may it be a place of strength, friendship, and peace."
Everyone: "Cheers!"
[Hot Spring Chaos]
After dinner, as promised, they hit the hot springs. The guys on one side, the girls on the other — with a conveniently high wall between.
Takeshi (soaking, sighing): "This… is paradise."
Hiroshi: "Best day of my life."
Nobu (serious): "I'm never leaving."
On the other side:
Aiko: "Finally, a moment to relax."
Mari: "We should've taken more baths like this."
Ms. Sato (eyes closed): "You all better behave."
Of course, someone tried peeking — Jun — and got a sandal to the face from Ms. Sato without even looking up.
Ms. Sato: "I can sense sin."
Everyone laughed.
[That Night — Takeshi's Balcony]
Takeshi lit a cigarette, leaning on the balcony rail. The estate was peaceful, stars gleaming in the night sky.
Daichi (joining him): "Not bad, huh?"
Takeshi (grinning): "Could get used to this."
They clinked glasses of fruit wine.
Daichi: "But we can't forget our goal."
Takeshi: "Yeah. Beat that Demon Lord, go home."
Daichi: "And until then… live like kings."
Takeshi: "Damn right."
They both laughed.