Episode 301: Full-Scale Launch

「Um… sorry, I caused a lot of trouble.」

My stomach’s finally settled down, so first I apologize to everyone.

It’s not like we’re actually running late, but it’s a fact that we were all waiting for me to recover.

「Kazunari isn’t to blame. I should’ve made the portions a bit smaller.」

「No, if anything, it’s my fault for not managing Kazunari-san’s pace better.」

「Look, it was my fault for pushing too hard at the end, so you two really don’t…」

Truth is, if it’d just been their two bentos, I could’ve managed. The real cause was me overdoing it during that final rush.

Sara-san and Hanako-san definitely aren’t the ones to blame.

「Alright, alright, if we’re going there, then we’re also responsible for letting Takanashi-san push himself. So let’s just agree that nobody’s at fault.」

「I’m in~」

「You’re right. Takanashi-kun, I’m sorry…」

「I get it. But as Kazunari’s Big sister, I’ve got more responsibility than the rest of you.」

「If you’re gonna put it that way, then as Kazunari-san’s fiancée, I’m the one who…」

「Daaah, stop bringing it back up!!」

「「Sorry…」」

Seeing Sara-san and Hanako-san both looking dejected like that is a rare sight.

But no matter what anyone says, I’m the one to blame here. I don’t want Sara-san and Hanako-san making faces like that…

「See? If you two look like that, Takanashi-san’s just gonna keep blaming himself.」

「U!? Kazunari-san, I am so sorry. For me to act like this…」

「Kazunari, sorry. I won’t say it again.」

「Yeah. Let’s go with what Nishikawa-san said. Nobody’s at fault.」

If that makes them feel better, I’ll leave it at that for now.

It’s not like I don’t still think it was me, but there’s nothing to gain by dragging out the blame game forever.

「Kazunari-san…」

Sara-san gave me a bit of a meaningful look and gently took my right hand.

She cupped it in both of hers, squeezing softly.

In the end… she probably read my mind again…

「Come on, I get that you’re close, so let’s get moving soon. Daichi, what are you gonna do?」

「My assignment’s different, so I’ll take my leave here.」

He looked a little… well, a lot?

He looked reluctant to leave, but unfortunately, there’s no official reason for him to stay with us.

Uesaka-san was only a special guest for lunch, and this is still part of our job… so I guess it can’t be helped.

「Nishikawa-san, it was really fun getting to talk so much after all this time.」

「No, thank you as well.」

Was Nishikawa-san’s thanks for the backup that saved her from falling into dark mode?

From where I’m standing, she at least wasn’t giving him the polite, stranger smile she had when they first met at the tent.

I hope your rating went up even a little bit… Uesaka-san.

「It’s not like this is the end, right? We might meet up again later, and there’s always tomorrow. Right… Daichi?」

Natsumi-senpai cut into their conversation with a nasty, teasing smirk.

She’s weak when it comes to her own life, but she’s as proactive as ever when it comes to other people’s romance.

「True. If the chance comes up… and if it’s not a bother, I’d be happy to join you all again.」

But Uesaka-san responded with actual composure.

He looks like a different person compared to how flustered he was at first. Plus, he’s actually glancing over at Nishikawa-san.

「Yes. If our schedules align tomorrow, let’s have lunch together again.」

「Thanks. I’m happy to hear that.」

「We were so busy today that we didn’t get to talk much, so next time I definitely want to hear some stories from you, about Natsumi-san.」

「Haha, true. I’d like to talk with Tachibana-kun too. About all sorts of things regarding Natsumi…」

「Argh, geez, you guys are so loud!! Just get going already!!!」

Natsumi-senpai finally snapped after being turned into the target.

Against these two, even Natsumi-senpai doesn’t stand a chance.

But… for my part, I want to get along with Uesaka-san in various ways, so I’m purely welcoming this kind of opportunity.

「Well then, I’ll clear out before Natsumi gets any louder. If the timing works, see you later.」

Leaving those words behind, Uesaka-san walked away while waving.

I stole a glance at Nishikawa-san to see how she was doing…

Hmm… she still looks normal, I guess.

「Now then, I’m sorry, but before we head out…」

「Yes. I’m sure these little ones will be happy if Eri looks after them.」

「I hope so. Well then…」

Of course, none of us had forgotten what Nishikawa-san was about to do.

This is one of our important daily routines, after all.

And so…

Along with a happily smiling Nishikawa-san, we spent every last minute before our scheduled time taking even more care of the flowerbed than usual.

「Okay, let’s go!!」

「You’re really fired up, Marina.」

「Ehehe, I mean, we get to walk around the festival together, you know? I was so excited yesterday that I stayed up a bit late.」

「I was the same way last night.」

「Really? I knew we’d be the same!?」

「Yeah.」

Hayato and Todo-san looked at each other and laughed. Their exchange was so heartwarming it made me smile too.

「Natsumi-san, if you’d like…」

「No, rejected!」

「…I haven’t even said anything yet.」

「I know what you’re thinking, so I’m rejecting it! Um, that kind of thing… wait until we’re alone.」

「Fufu… understood.」

「Ugh, that smug face is so annoying!!」

Things over there seem to be the same as always.

But… to be honest, it felt like an unexpected dynamic for Yuji to be the one taking the initiative. Considering how things were when the four of us went to the pool, I could only imagine him being led around by the nose.

Well, I guess the cause is Natsumi-senpai being more of a maiden than expected, and Yuji being more of a sadist…

「Now then, shall we head out?」

「Yeah. For now, Sara should lead.」

「No, I’ve already decided that I’ll walk beside Kazunari-san.」

「Haa… of course you have.」

No need to sound so exhausted by it…

But walking beside me, huh.

Thinking back, Sara-san used to always position herself slightly behind me. I asked her to walk next to me because it was hard to talk, but looking back now, I wonder what that was all about?

「Then the choice is easy. We’ll just put Kazunari in front.」

「Right, that works for me~」

「The leader’s in front~」

「Yeah, good luck, Takanashi-kun.」

「Kazunari, I’m counting on you.」

「Let’s go for it, Takanashi-kun.」

「I’m leaving it to you, Kazunari.」

I couldn’t help but think they were making too big a deal out of the walking order.

Plus, I feel like they’re putting unnecessary pressure on me, or maybe just teasing me.

But this isn’t about who the leader is… I can’t quite put it into words, but I’m just really happy that I can laugh with everyone like this.

So…

「Now then, Kazunari-san, it’s time for work♪」

「Kazunari, let’s go.」

「Alright… let’s go, everyone.」

「「「 YEAH! 」」」

Okay… let’s do this!

The time has finally come, it’s time for us to dive into the school festival together!

「…Wait, what the hell is with this group!?」

「…The President and Vice President, both Angels…」

「…Yokogawa from the tennis club, and Yuzuki-senpai…」

「…Who is that other person? She’s on par with Satsukawa-senpai…」

「…Whoaaa, the Three Princesses are all here!!!!」

「…Hello!! Get down to the first floor right now!! Even Nishikawa-san’s here!!」

Hmm… this is a bit, how should I put it…

「U-Um…」

「This is a bit much, even for us…」

「It’s hard to stay calm like this…」

I’d expected a reaction, of course, but the commotion seemed to grow louder the further we went. No, it wasn’t just「seemed,」it was definitely getting bigger.

The regular guests looked completely blank, probably because they didn’t understand why everyone was making such a fuss.

「Aah… I guess I’m the only plain one here.」

「No, I’m pretty much in the same boat. I’m not a student at this school to begin with, so it can’t be helped, right?」

「I guess so when you put it that way. But this is incredible… and wait, Marina, are you really being called an Angel?」

「I-I don’t know anything about that…」

The shy Todo-san was already turning bright red… she was subtly trying to hide behind Hayato. Hayato looked like he was enjoying the sight… he looks way too happy about it.

「Man, it’s been a while since people made this much of a scene.」

「Since it’s been a while, does that mean it’s happened before?」

「Yeah. When the three of us, Sara, Eririn, and I, went to a festival together, it turned out exactly like this.」

I’d heard that story before, but seeing how much of a stir we’re causing at the school festival… I started to think it might’ve been an even bigger deal than I’d heard.

「Haa… it’s so noisy. I can’t even enjoy the festival with Kazunari-san like this.」

「Wife, don’t forget we’re working.」

「I know that. But that’s a separate matter. Kazunari-san, which classroom shall we start with?」

「We’ve gotta check the empty classrooms too, so let’s just go through them one by one. If we find something interesting, we’ll stop by.」

「No objections!」

「We should probably be selective, considering the time.」

「Personally, I’d like to see my former classmates.」

Right, since Nishikawa-san used to go to this school, it makes sense that she has old friends and former classmates here. In that case, we should probably plan to spend a bit of time there.

Whenever I walk through the school with Sara-san, we attract a lot of attention. That’s something I’ve already gotten used to (though I didn’t want to). But the current situation is on a different level… no, it’s not just that, it’s way more intense.

Right now, we’re in the third-floor area of the classroom building, where the third-year classes are.

And the third-years have been at this school the longest… which means they「know」a lot of things.

「…Whoa, crap, Nishikawa-san’s gotten way more mature.」

「…For real. The rankings just got a major shake-up.」

「…It’s no joke when she’s standing next to Satsukawa-san…」

「…Phew… I never thought I’d see the Three Princesses together again…」

「…Wait, what’s with the other guys? I get the Vice President, but.」

Word that Nishikawa-san’s returned to the school for the first time in a while seems to have already spread. As soon as we started walking down the third-floor hallway, groups of guys… I mean, seniors (all guys) came bursting out of their classrooms. Plenty of them were opening windows to check us out, making it look a bit like a scene from a horror movie.

「Haa… this is looking like it’ll be more of a pain than I thought.」

「Yeah… it’s a bit beyond my expectations.」

Sara-san usually doesn’t give a damn no matter how many nobodies swarm around her, but even she looks fed up now.

She’s gazing at the creepy scene before her with the same look she’d give a pile of trash.

「Why are there so many idiots…」

Hanako-san, who muttered that right behind me, probably has the same look in her eyes as Sara-san…

「Kazunari-san, for the places we only need to check, let’s just finish them quickly. I am prepared for a certain amount of trouble.」

「You’re right. Everyone, let’s go through this in one go.」

「「「 Roger that~ 」」」

I called out to everyone and deliberately adjusted my armband to make it visible, emphasizing that I was here as part of my job.

It was a way of warning them,「I’m on Student Council business, so don’t bother us with unnecessary talk,」but I wondered if it’d actually work.

I stole a glance to the side and saw Sara-san adjusting her armband just like I did. The rustling sound behind me meant Hanako-san was probably doing the same.

Well, here goes nothing…

「This stuffed animal’s cute.」

「Right? We made them by hand, you know?」

「Uu, I might feel bad shooting it.」

「Ahaha, hearing that makes me feel both happy and a bit conflicted.」

As long as we don’t mind the crowd, the patrol’s going smoothly for now.

Maybe because we’re emphasizing that we’re「Student Council」more than necessary, we’ve luckily managed to avoid any weirdos calling out to us so far.

Right now, we’ve stopped at one classroom.

「Would you guys like to give it a try? We’ll give you a ‘thanks for your hard work for the Student Council’ service.」

「I’ll take care of Satsukawa-san…」

「Wait, it’s my turn right now!?」

「Nishikawa-san, p-please, this way…」

「「「…………」」」

「Hey, you guys get back over there!!」

A combined attack from Sara-san, Nishikawa-san, and Hanako-san!

A「Cold Gaze Stream Attack」exploded!

The panicked girls dragged all the idiots back!

「S-Sorry about that. Anyway, how about it… I mean, we’d really love for you to try it!!」

For some reason, she was practically praying for us to play. We all looked at each other.

I thought she was being a bit dramatic, but when I followed the senior’s gaze… I see. For better or worse, the crowd was massive, and they really wanted to use this chance to show off.

「I want to try!」

「Me too, it looks fun, so I’ll join in.」

Once Natsumi-senpai showed interest, Nishikawa-san followed suit.

But I know the truth. Nishikawa-san wanted to do this from the start… after all, she was the one who stopped here first.

「I shall…」

Sara-san gave me a look as if to ask「May I as well?」so I nodded. We’re technically working, but I’ve already made a valid excuse in my head that this is「cooperating with customer attraction,」so it’s fine.

「Then, I shall as well.」

「Wha, Satsukawa-san’s playing too!?」

「Yes! I’m taking a photo and posting the promo right now!!」

「…Hey, they said all Three Princesses are playing together!」

「…Wait, move out of the way, I can’t see!!」

「…You guys in front, get your heads down!!!」

「…Quiet down!!」

The second it was decided that Sara-san and the others would try, shouts and cheers erupted from the hallway. It was so loud it looked like the regular guests couldn’t even get close.

But looking closely, there were students in uniforms from other schools mixed in too.

「Okay, each of you three take one of the guns on the table.」

「Got it~」

「Yes.」

「Understood.」

So, what Sara-san and the others are about to try is this. A shooting gallery.

The shelves set up inside the classroom were lined with prizes that everyone must’ve brought in, including those handmade stuffed animals they mentioned.

A long table was placed in front of us, and on top of it were three cork guns, the ones you always see at festivals.

「Five shots each, good luck~」

The senior at the reception(?) said a line that sounded familiar, and small plates with cork bullets were brought out and placed in front of each of them.

It looks surprisingly authentic…

「Alright, I’m definitely getting one!」

Natsumi-senpai was the first to move. She grabbed the gun with a practiced hand and cocked the lever first… she knows what she’s doing.

One of the tricks to a shooting gallery is that you shouldn’t load the cork first.

You’ve gotta pull the lever first.

「Then I shall as well…」

Nishikawa-san seemed to know too and started prepping the gun… unfortunately, she loaded the cork first. But that’s part of the fun, so I won’t be uncool and point it out.

And as for the important Sara-san…

「Um…」

She was holding the gun but looked a bit troubled, not doing anything.

Could it be she’s never done a shooting gallery before?

「S-Satsukawa-san, you don’t know how to…」

「I’ll teach you…」

「Wait, I’m the one who…」

「No thank you.」

The seniors (men) who’d been waiting for their turn by the side jumped out happily… but they couldn’t even finish a sentence before they were all flatly rejected.

Sara-san didn’t even look at their faces, acting like she had zero interest.

「Kazunari-san…」

Then, completely ignoring the three men who’d frozen in front of her, she turned toward me and called my name in a low voice with a slightly troubled expression.

Making a face like that is just too cute, it’s unfair…

「…Hmm? Kazunari-san?」

I thought I heard the older girl at the reception mutter something, but right now, my focus’s on Sara-san.

I moved to Sara-san’s side and took the gun from her for a second.

「It’s not hard. First, pull this lever, and when you hear a click, take this cork bullet and…」

While explaining the movements to Sara-san, I casually checked the cork bullets. They looked new, with no chips. There’s nothing to worry about.

「After that, aim like this… and use one eye to line up your shot.」

「Eh, is it alright to lean that far forward?」

「It’s fine. As long as your feet stay behind the counter, there’s no problem.」

「I, I see. I’ll do my best!」

Sara-san’s expression completely changed, and she gave me a happy smile.

I could’ve told her to push a bit further, but even though it’s long, Sara-san’s wearing a skirt. Plus, there’s nothing but guys behind us, and I don’t want to leave even a hint of that kind of element.

「…S-Satsukawa-san… laughed!?」

「…Whoa, she’s too cute!!」

「…Wait, wait, isn’t the Vice President way too close to her!?」

「…Hey, that rumor… it isn’t real, right?」

「…I heard they’re closer than anyone else because they’re on Student Council together?」

「Okay… so, pull this…」

As if confirming what I’d taught her, Sara-san spoke out loud while preparing each step. I hope she’ll forgive me for watching her with bated breath.

Just as she finished loading the cork and was about to take aim, Sara-san noticed the three men still frozen on the other side of the counter.

「You are in the way. Move.」

「「「 Y-Yes!!! 」」」

Being told just that with an extremely annoyed look, the three of them slumped their shoulders and retreated.

Sara-san ignored them and aimed the gun.

It looked like she was checking the sights while shifting the angle.

「Sara, Eririn, are you ready?」

「I’m ready.」

「I am ready as well.」

The three of them looked at each other and nodded… and a cheer rose from the spectators in the hallway.

「Satsukawa-san, good luck!!」

「N-Nishikawa-san, I’m rooting for you!!」

「Goddess~!!」

「Yuzuki-saaan!!」

「Natsumi-chan, go for it!」

I know they’re just cheering, and they probably don’t mean any harm.

But to be blunt, they’re just loud and a total nuisance.

Besides, the three of them can’t concentrate with all that noise… so I have to…

「Excuse me, could you be quiet…」

「You are being loud! Can you not even watch in silence!?」

Stop!!

……Silence.

Sharp… Sara-san’s words were far too sharp, and they silenced the idiots in the hallway instantly.

It seemed she silenced the seniors inside the classroom too, and a strange quiet settled over the space.

And… once again, I failed to be useful…

「Uhihi, Sara, you’re really fired up, aren’t you?」

「It’s only natural. Since Kazunari-san taught me how, I’ll go all out regardless of what it is.」

There was no smile or composure left on Sara-san’s face as she aimed the gun. Like a professional sniper focused solely on taking down her target… she didn’t look like an amateur at all.

But… she’s still so cute!!

「…Hey… just now.」

「…Shh!」

「…No, I know, but just now…」

「…Keep quiet. You’ll get in the way.」

「…You’re right, calling him by his first name isn’t that big of a deal…」

「「「…………… Eh??? 」」」

「Alright, let’s try again… on the count of three.」

「Understood.」

「Got it.」

The three of them nodded and aimed their guns at their respective targets.

Sara-san followed my advice and didn’t aim for the big prizes. Her barrel was pointed at a small mascot… it was a cat.

「Here we go~」

「「「 One, two, three!! 」」」

Bang!! Bang!! Cork bullets flew out all at once, pushed by compressed air.

Unfortunately, it seemed none of the three managed to get a prize, but it was only their first shot.

Besides… the distance from the counter to the prizes here looks a bit long, so it might be a bit difficult for girls.

「Hmm… maybe a little higher.」

「The force of the bullet was weak… come to think of it, Takanashi-san said earlier…」

「I see, so at that angle and around there… then, next is…」

Sara-san and the others seemed to be calculating their next adjustments based on the first shot. They might be getting serious about this.

「Um… are the seniors getting serious?」

「Y-Yeah, it looks like it.」

「It’s just a shooting gallery, right?」

「The only ones who should shoot are those who are prepared to be shot…」

「Stop, Hanako-san. You shouldn’t go any further.」

Um… for some reason, I couldn’t help but quip.

Well, my own mysterious behavior doesn’t matter. More importantly, Sara-san and the others.