NOVEL NEXT Chapter 45.2
Stage 2-14. Academy Magic Competition
A gaze that seems to say, “How about this?” pierces me.
In response, I raise the corner of my mouth and slowly begin to clap.
“Heh heh heh… You’ve really gone to great lengths to get us, with no track record, into this tournament.”
“That’s how much value you both have.”
“Hmph, no fool would turn down such praise from the great student council president. Right, Mashiro?”
“Yeah! I want to help the president!”
“…Which means…”
“Yes, let’s show the world the path of domination of Ouga Vellet…!”
“And with Mashiro Riche walking by his side…!”
“Congratulations, Ouga-sama, Miss Riche!!”
I stand up and strike a pose, which Mashiro mimics.
Then, Alice lets loose another round of confetti.
“Thank you both… so much.”
Hearing our response, Reina sighs with relief, gently patting her flat chest.
The tension on her face completely fades away.
It seems our participation was extremely important to her.
“No need to thank us. But I imagine there’ll be some pushback against us being chosen as representatives.”
“I don’t think so. Everyone knows the rumors about you, Ouga-kun.”
“Rumors…? Heh heh heh… I see, so that’s it.”
When it comes to rumors about me, they’re all bad.
It seems the academy wants to make a mockery of me by having me as a representative.
I’m a noble by birth, but with zero magic aptitude, and infamous for my bad reputation.
Mashiro, on the other hand, is a commoner.
It’s the perfect recipe for a losing battle.
It’s like they’re willingly drawing the losing lottery. No wonder they’re satisfied.
Thinking that way, I start to feel fired up.
Winning and showing them that glory is something a villain like me might enjoy.
I’ll make them see with their own eyes.
“Well, whatever. Now that we’ve officially become a team with the shared goal of victory, today’s meeting had some meaning after all.”
“Yeah! If we’re going to team up, we need to get closer. I don’t know anything about the student council president.”
“Indeed. I didn’t realize the president had such a taste for cute brands either.”
“This is… well, it’s not something I usually wear, but, uh, let’s just say… I had my reasons today…”
“Could it be that you dressed up just for us!?”
“Uh… well, not exactly, but it’s not far off either, I suppose.”
“Hehe, that makes me happy!”
Overcome with emotion, Mashiro sits next to Reina and gives her a tight hug.
“…!? …!!?”
At that moment, Reina’s face turns into a look of utter shock.
For someone like Reina, who doesn’t have much, Mashiro’s hug must have been a bit too intense…
I get it… I understand. That’s like a drug.
Once you experience it, no ordinary hug will ever satisfy you again.
“Alright, the formal talk is over. I’ve prepared some snacks. Let’s enjoy ourselves. Reina, would you mind making some tea?”
“O-Of course, I’d be happy to.”
“That’s the spirit. Mashiro, let go now.”
“Okay! Oh, Ouga-kun, let me hug you too!”
“What—”
Just as I try to help, Mashiro’s chest comes crashing toward me.
“R-Riche-san!? No fair! I… I want to… take this!”
Suddenly, my face is enveloped from both sides by their breasts.
A soft and squishy heaven surrounds me—wait, hold on.
I appreciate it, but if you press in so tightly, I can’t… breathe…!
“P-Please, both of you, release Ouga-sama! He’s suffocating!”
“Aww, Alice-san, always making such funny jokes. Right, Ouga-kun…? Ouga-kun?”
“………”
“Ougaaa!?”
“…How could so much happen while I was just preparing tea…?”
Thus, a rowdy evening tea party began.