Chapter 241

The first game prepared by Arshien, Magical Dodgeball, has ended.

She clapped her hands internally and chuckled.

“Really now. What a stunning comeback.”

When Carsein carelessly saved another young lady, she had rolled her eyes thinking it would be a frosty ending, but that wasn’t the case.

Seeing this scene with both eyes, Harnier’s fire was ignited, and she poured all her power into the game, pushing the opposing players out in a rage.

The unexpected turn of events was due to an oblivious man.

“Moreover, to end it so spectacularly. You’re really something else as a player.”

The risk of elimination due to carelessness.

A man blocking an incoming object with his whole body.

The number of women who gasped at the sight couldn’t be counted.

Even the hearts of those watching were completely captured, imagining how the person involved must feel. This might even spread as a rumor in the social circle.

Whoosh.

Arshien glanced at the two people while explaining the next game.

Throwing her body to save a woman, the man looked exhausted, but his ears were turning red.

Arshien grinned.

“Hmm. Perhaps changing the schedule a bit wouldn’t be bad?”

It’s a shame if you see it just once.

“The score may be low, but don’t be discouraged. There are still many games left. So, let’s have the next game be Magical Volleyball!”

Originally, they had planned for three individual events, but here they decided to change the content of the games.

***

▶Emergency Mission I. Magical Dodgeball has ended.◀

▶Victory points will be awarded.◀

▶You earned the most defensive points and additional points based on the time survived.◀

After the first event ended,

▶Emergency Mission II. Magical Volleyball has ended.◀

▶Victory points will be awarded.◀

▶You ranked first in contribution and earned additional points.◀

The next event was designated as Volleyball.

Since the volleyball used mana, it felt different from what I knew, but my body adapted quickly.

By some chance, I ended up on the same team as Harnier again, and we matched our rhythm. I played the game recalling the contents of the physical education textbook I read before possession.

▶Emergency Mission III. Magical Tail Tag has ended.◀

▶Emergency Mission IV. Magical Sandcastle Battle has ended.◀

▶Emergency Mission V. Magical ─── has ended.◀

…

The next game.

Another next game.

Several games were held.

Initially, I thought I could just rush through them, but since I kept ending up on the same team as Harnier, it wasn’t possible.

Somehow, Harnier seemed to be burning with enthusiasm.

Anyway, nobles, regardless of gender, weren’t well-trained. Occasionally, those aiming to become knights or those who already received knight titles were different, and meeting someone like Claire, Arina, or Flora, who were quite strong, was a bit annoying due to magical interference.

After repeating victories and defeats, I could finally confirm my suspicions after the last game.

“Ah. They’re all frauds.”

“This time, it must be done in pairs!”

“In pairs?”

“Are you saying…男女组合吗？”

“Yes. Only a pair of a man and a woman can proceed.”

After the first game, when volleyball started to feel strange,

In the tournament process, they had to play volleyball in mixed-gender pairs.

Yes. It might have been originally designated that way.

Team events vary depending on how teams are formed, right? That aspect is fine. The maximum number of participants rule makes sense for small-scale events.

But then, what about the next one?

“No mixed-gender pairs allowed in tail tag.”

They arbitrarily changed the rules.

“Although mixed-gender pairs or individuals are also allowed, it’s best to consider how your mana will react to the magical sandcastle.”

They deliberately made mixed-gender pairs the strongest.

Each thing seems not to be by coincidence.

“Actually, giving some consideration to fairness, they might have set these rules.”

But. The last one isn’t really fair, right?

Why ask us to do a three-legged race in a running obstacle course?

Why make two people hold their ground where one person barely manages?

Why make a man carry a woman up a mountain path?

No matter how you look at it, these events were never designed for 2-person teams. Absolutely not.

This was clearly meant to pit me against Harnier.

“Oh. Prince Carsein won first place. Indeed, he steadily scored points. Not surprising.”

Hey, Princess!

Isn’t it obvious that this is blatant favoritism? Right?

“Hmm. That’s true. From the group stage to the final, in every 2-person team, he became the ultimate winner. It’s a natural result.”

Prince Florence?

You also suddenly changed a certain event to a 2-person format, right?

-Cheeky grin-

This guy…

I sighed deeply seeing Arshien and Florence smiling contentedly.

“…Well, it was somewhat fun.”

I thought I had forgotten all the unpleasant memories of school trips, but it wasn’t entirely true.

Even though the results were unsatisfactory back then, they often sent me suspicious glances. So what?

“It was fun, right?”

Unexpectedly becoming teammates with Ji-eun, we experienced something new together.

“It was fun, wasn’t it?”

To this question, I gave the same answer again.

“Yes, it was fun.”

*Ding*

▶All emergency missions completed.◀

▶Rewards will be distributed according to rankings.◀

***

Some nobles who were dissatisfied with the results immediately sent me suspicious looks.

Nothing has changed between then and now.

I can hear everything you think, even if you only look this way.

“What can you do anyway?”

This is a competition organized by the royal family.

I didn’t do anything wrong, and there’s nothing I could do about it. What are you going to do?

If you’re upset, why don’t you reincarnate in Korea too!

“Phew. Can we expect anything?”

“Yes.”

While glaring at me, Harnier leaned against my body.

But immediately, their expressions twisted.

“Ouch!”

“Eh, spit it out!”

“How annoying. Annoying.”

“Why did someone come to date during a group activity? Tsk.”

…

Wait.

That’s not what I meant?

Did I misunderstand something?

Scratching my head, I turned my gaze.

“But, there are two first-place winners, Your Highness.”

During this, a noble raised his hand and questioned.

“You said the prizes would differ based on ranking during this math trip… How does this work?”

The nobles joined in with doubts.

“That’s right. Two people tied for first place… Shouldn’t both be considered first place?”

“No! First and second place are clearly different. Unless one of them gets the highest score, both should be marked as second place.”

“Then, doesn’t that mean there’s no winner? Who gets the prize?”

“Can’t they just split the first and second place prizes equally?”

“Splitting prizes? That’s ridiculous!”

I was already feeling uncomfortable being manipulated by the royal family.

Why are you guys suddenly talking about splitting ranks? What kind of mess is this?

*Clap*

At that moment, Arshien clapped her hands to catch the nobles’ attention.

“I understand your intentions. Yes. Even if there are two first places, or two second places, the prizes cannot be divided.”

Look! A group nodded in agreement.

A clear conclusion was reached. But at this moment, the energy drained away…

This was also a trick by Arshien and Florence.

Because those two…

Were laughing, looking at me and Harnier alternately.

“I can’t keep getting played like this.”

If I keep letting them play me, I’ll be toyed with endlessly.

“Then, can’t we decide the first and second place right here?”

“That would be the best method, but…”

“With what? Will they show us a new game?”

“There’s definitely a problem. One side can’t be too advantageous, and the other side can’t be too disadvantaged.”

No. There’s no need to have another game. You guys!

“I’ll just take second place.”

***

The dispute over first and second place ended there.

Though Arshien and Florence didn’t go as planned, I was satisfied with my judgment, and they smiled contentedly as they finished today’s schedule.

And the prize was just a bait.

“A camping fire usage right?”

“A hotel resort and spa usage right…?”

“Camping tent and lighting usage rights as prizes…?”

These were things that wouldn’t work alone, but were fine for multiple people.

Well, that’s how it was.

Even the first and second place winners got barbecue party usage rights and various ingredients.

Each one was an essential part of the math trip, so in essence, there were no real prizes.

“Disappointed? Having fun with everyone. That itself is the prize for me and my brother.”

Although the test was individual, it’s just that kids of similar ages are friends.

He gave quite a good speech.

The student council president and vice-president probably used the same excuse to avoid giving prizes.

…Let’s just move on.

Anyway, after everyone had a chance to enjoy the day, free time began.

Red-hot grill plates with bright red meat.

Barbecue parties and campfire preparations you can’t miss.

Fireworks, relaxation, and small-scale recreation.

The night of the math trip was deepening in a familiar form for me.

The scorching sun slowly descended, creating a red sunset.

The red waves and sandy beaches were quite picturesque.

Listening to the sound of waves pushing onto the beach, I enjoyed a rare moment of leisure.

“Hmm! Carsein. Found you here?”

Turning around, I saw Harnier coughing and covering her mouth with her fist.

But her expression was…

“Can I sit next to you?”

“Yeah, sure.”

This shouldn’t happen.

I snapped out of my daze and quickly changed the topic.

“I was just lost in thought for a moment.”

“…Really?”

Swoosh—

“Shall we take a walk? I have something to say.”

“Sure.”

So, I started a short walk with her.

Harnier asked me.

“Why don’t you ask?”

“Excuse me?”

“You have something to ask me, right?”

You have something to ask me?

My side asks Harnier?

“Oh, right.”

I remembered she said she’d give me a gift because I owed her a big debt.

Yeah, that was it. I had forgotten.

“Did you forget? I said I’d give you a gift, didn’t I?”

“Well…”

How did she know?

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

I need to say something else.

I don’t want to get hit by a backstab here.

What should I say?

My brain came up with a very bizarre answer.

“Would you like me to teach you swimming?”

Oh, you idiot.

Why did that come out now!

Blaming my brain for not reading the atmosphere, I tried to explain, but Harnier grabbed my arm.

“Sure. Teach me.”

And she walked toward the sea as if she really wanted to learn swimming.

…What?

For real? Is this working?

Fortunately.

But… this isn’t right.

“Wait, Harnier. You’re wearing a one-piece swimsuit, not a swimsuit.”

Realizing this too late, I stopped when I noticed her thighs were submerged in seawater.

But at that moment,

My body tilted to one side.

“Ouch!”

“Uh? Uhuh!”

*Splash*

Salty seawater entered my mouth.

Phew! Spitting out the seawater that entered my mouth, I noticed she was also soaking wet from trying to push me into the water.

“Forgetting that? That’s your punishment. Humph.”

Harnier said this as if it was a deserved consequence.

…But this isn’t right.

I quickly hugged her to prevent anyone from seeing.

“What are you doing?”

“Shh. Let’s get out of here quietly.”

Oh my god. For a moment, I wondered where to look.

With a one-piece swimsuit, there was already an element of danger, but I never expected this.

The wet one-piece swimsuit revealed everything underneath.

“Let’s go outside and put on some clothes. This won’t be seen.”

Explaining this, Harnier smiled like a fox.

“Oh? Is that so? The problem was my clothes?”

“…”

Suddenly, she pushed me back into the sand, making it seem like she was about to pounce.

…Up until now, I couldn’t figure out her intention.

But now, she did something even more absurd.

“Why are you taking off your clothes?”

“Why not? Can’t you see this? We’re engaged, so we can see everything.”

“That’s different!”

You’re not really engaged with me; it’s a contract!

Even though I shouted, Harnier calmly took off her one-piece swimsuit.

I had nowhere to look.

<Insert Image>

The collarbone visible below the choker and the black straps clearly visible.

The cleavage of her large breasts, which were barely hidden by the loose one-piece, became extremely visible.

The same goes for the lower half.

The strap pressing against her firm thigh.

Above that, a thin strap barely covered a tiny area.

The clothes were so revealing, they served no purpose.

Despite this, Harnier was still smiling, as if it was perfectly normal.

Thanks to this, I realized something.

She wasn’t wearing underwear.

“What? You figured it out already?”

“Haa. That explains your confidence. So that’s it.”

“Haha. Too bad. I don’t often see you make that face. Did you figure it out too early?”

…Right. In modern times, this is a swimsuit.

Here, they usually use a different type of swimsuit, but in my world, it’s sold under the name bikini.

But whether it’s bold or reckless, that playful smile disappeared, replaced by a shy expression.

…But.

“This is a gift for you.”

Harnier, who seemed embarrassed, extended her arms again.

***