Update 2

It was warm inside the mansion. To an extent where they finally noticed that the temperature outside was considerably low.

A fire was dancing in the fireplace. Empty tea utensils were lined up on the table. Upon touching the cup, a faint warmth could be felt. Just to be sure, they touched the side that wasn’t facing the fireplace and discovered that it wasn’t warm due to the radiant heat. It seemed that the cup had been emptied just a short while ago.

And yet, there was no one there. Tatsuya looked in all of the rooms in the mansion, but in the end, he couldn't find any inhabitants. As if this was the reproduction of the Mary Celeste(3) legend (not the incident). If there was a rational explanation anyway―― in a fictional world constructed inside a dream, there is neither rationality, nor irrationality――

“It seems we’re the inhabitants of this mansion.”

Miyuki nodded at Tatsuya’s opinion.

“It should be fine for us to wait here.”

“You’re right. If we move carelessly, it will only drag it on unnecessarily.”

In front of Miyuki who looked happy for some reason, Tatsuya gave a deep sigh.

The inside of the mansion, as could be seen from the outside, was a living space inconveniently located in a place with absolutely no relation to civilization. However, Miyuki seemed to be enjoying the current state of affairs.

This was largely because they were able to use magic, although limited. They were able to use temperature interference magic, so lighting a fire and boiling water wasn’t an inconvenience. There was no water supply, but there was a well in the middle of the mansion. With this, just some physical labor was enough to prevent cold. Of course, it was Tatsuya’s duty to draw water from the well.

The mansion was also stocked with food. As the ground was very cold, the food cellar was a natural refrigerator full of fresh meat and vegetables. What made Miyuki especially happy was the abundantly stacked, huge variety of herb tea.

“With this, we don’t need to worry about your tea, Onii-sama.”, when Tatsuya saw his sister muttering that with a truly delightful smile, a “let’s worry about different things” line left his throat.

Last time――in other words, one year ago――this had also happened, but no physiological phenomena occurred in this world. And yet, it was irritating when one’s throat would feel thirsty and one’s stomach would feel empty, so they appreciated being able to eat and drink without worrying about other things…… Though, they did not appreciate the fact that they were dragged into this world in the first place .

Leaving behind Miyuki, who took out new tea utensils and was happily preparing tea, Tatsuya continued his investigation of the mansion. He had already figured out why there were no people, but he thought that there should at least be clues on what they were supposed to do.

The results of the search was that Tatsuya found something, or perhaps, a pattern that looked like a clue. The clue was that diamond-shaped markings were engraved on the furniture and accessories, as well as the decoration on the mansion's walls and on its ornaments. The pattern was very simple. Weren’t they runes that represented 「Yngvi」, one of the three chief gods in Norse mythology, also known as the harvest god Frey?

Speaking of Frey, the most well-known myth about him was probably「Skírnismál」, an episode where he proposed to the most beautiful female Gerðr, a giantess. Frey, who fell in love with Gerðr at first sight, sent his servant Skírnir to the realm of giants, Jötunheimr, as the messenger delivering his marriage proposal. Skírnir struggled to reach the home of Gerðr’s father, Gymir, and after struggling through the trouble ―― perhaps a battle with Gymir’s subordinates――that occurred in front of Gymir’s home, Skírnir safely reached Gerðr and passed on the words of his lord. At first, Gerðr rejected the proposal, but thanks to Skírnir’s ingenious persuasion (threats?), she agreed to meet with Frey. After that, Gerðr became Frey’s wife.

……That was the episode, but is the scenario of this 「drama」 written using the motifs of this myth? It’s probably true that there weren’t many players that were suitably appropriate to play the part of Gerðr compared to Miyuki. After all it’s the role of 「the prettiest girl」.

However, if that’s the case, what could be his part? There is a theory that Gerðr’s brother was killed by Frey. At that time, Frey did not have his prized sword , the「Sword of Victory」, so this episode should take place before his wedding with Gerðr. If we assumed that, could his role be to challenge Frey who would come to take his sister?

Or, is his role to be Gymir, the father who opposed the marriage? Gymir seemed to be a hot-headed person, or should I say giant. Could the troubles that Skírnir faced, as he struggled to reach Gymir’s home, been a clash with Gymir, whom he defeated with the 「Sword of Victory」 that he borrowed from Frey? Or was Tatsuya himself assigned the role of hindering that messenger?

There’s also a theory that Gymir left a ferocious watchdog to guard Gerðr’s room. Could Tatsuya be that watchdog?

(……At any rate, if Miyuki’s role is to be Gerðr, then it should be fine for me to hinder the marriage proposal.)

The role he was given in the dream world one year ago was nothing but trouble. At that time, Tatsuya’s motivation was at the lowest point. However, this time Tatsuya felt a simmering eagerness well up within.

The sky was covered by thick clouds, so it was impossible to know the time based on the position of the sun. Therefore there was the possibility that it was already forenoon, instead of 「early in the morning」, but Tatsuya was in a inimitable