Tactical Embarrassment

The dining hall hummed with excitement as we continued celebrating our successful chassis race. My fingers absently traced the outline of Miyako's ring in my pocket, a constant reminder of my plans for tonight. I'd been waiting for the perfect moment, and somehow, after today's triumphant race and the camaraderie that followed, it felt right.

"So, we're absolutely settled on the timeline?" Hina asked, consulting her ever-present clipboard. "Engine tuning tomorrow on Day 72, body attachment on Days 73 and 74, final testing on Day 75, and departure on Day 76?"

"Correct," Hitomi confirmed, still glowing from the race despite narrowly losing. "The extra day for traditional clothing preparation is definitely worth it. We'll make a much better impression on the Takejin that way."

Kazuki nodded, pushing his glasses up his nose. "Their cultural expectations are extremely traditional. Appearing in proper attire will help smooth initial interactions."

I watched as Haruka beamed with pride. Her clothing initiative had quickly transformed from a simple practical concern into a significant cultural bridge. The conversation flowed around me, vehicle specs, cultural protocols, travel logistics, but my mind kept returning to the weight of the ring in my pocket and what I was about to do. No pressure, just planning to propose in front of everyone while divine entities potentially watch. Totally normal Thursday night.

Around us, the sanctuary buzzed with energy. The gyaru girls were showing some of the Voluptarians how to pose for smartphone photos, the jocks were animatedly recreating moments from the race with dramatic hand gestures, and the Kimochi sisters were in deep conversation with Noel about traditional clothing designs. Across the table, Ruri was laughing at something Airi had said, her rabbit ears twitching happily as she spoke.

As dinner began winding down and dessert plates were being cleared, I felt my heart rate accelerate. The moment I'd been planning had arrived. I caught Miyako's eye across the table, and something in my expression must have tipped her off because her eyebrow raised slightly in question.

Before I could second-guess myself, I stood up. The sudden movement drew eyes around the table, conversations tapering off as people noticed my unusual behaviour.

"Everyone," I began, my voice coming out steadier than I expected. "I have something I'd like to say."

The remaining conversations died away, and all eyes turned toward me. Miyako looked surprised, a faint blush already colouring her cheeks as if she sensed what was coming.

"Since arriving in Voluptaria, we've all been through incredible challenges together," I continued, finding my rhythm. "We've faced dangers, lost friends, built a new home, and discovered parts of ourselves we never knew existed."

I looked around at the gathered faces, my classmates, our Voluptarian friends, everyone who had become family over these past months.

"But the truth is, some of our connections began long before we came here." I turned toward Miyako, who was now watching me with wide eyes. "Miyako, do you remember when we first met?"

She nodded slowly, her lips parting in surprise that I was bringing this up.

"It was middle school. I was behind the gymnasium, feeding stray cats," I said, smiling at the memory. "I was so worried someone would make fun of me, but instead, you just pulled out a bag of cat treats from your backpack and joined me. You didn't say much, just sat there helping me feed them."

A collective "aww" rippled through the female side of the room. Miyako's eyes were already beginning to glisten.

"And then there was the time I caught you playing Champions of Eternity on your gaming laptop in the empty classroom," I continued. "You looked so panicked when I walked in, but I was just curious about the game."

Across the table, Airi visibly facepalmed. "Oh gods, I remember that disaster," she groaned dramatically.

Miyako's blush deepened. "You remembered," she whispered, her voice catching.

"Of course I did. That's when we started gaming together, you, me, Airi, Kazuki, Hiroko, Sakura, Yuto, and Sora." As I said each name, they raised their hands in acknowledgment, smiling at the shared memories.

"Throughout all those years, you kept 'accidentally' getting paired with me for projects," I continued, making air quotes with my fingers. "You were always in my online raids, always calling on weekends with 'urgent questions' about homework that somehow turned into three-hour gaming sessions."

Miyako covered her face with her hands, but I could see her smiling through her fingers.

"And the way you used to rope Hiroko, Sakura, and sometimes even Airi into those silly competitions in MMORPGs, always fighting to see who'd get to marry my character in-game." I chuckled as Airi, Hiroko, and Sakura all blushed simultaneously.

"Even after becoming the gyaru queen from senior high until junior college, you never stopped trying to be part of my life, whether through games or real life. I was just too dense to see it." I glanced briefly at the Kimochi sisters. "I thought you were just being friendly. I thought you were out of my league. But no matter how oblivious I was, you never gave up."

The room had fallen completely silent now, everyone captivated by this unexpected public declaration.

"That day when I saw you in Voluptaria, when you tackled me at the riverside and then later confessed your feelings in the bath, it opened my eyes to everything I'd been blind to for so long."

Miyako was openly crying now, but her smile was radiant.

"And then, during my time in the Rubicon, that space between life and death, I saw a world where you didn't know me." I paused, the memory still painful. "Where you looked at me with disgust, where I was called a creep by your partner."

Kazuki immediately tried to hide his face, and nervous laughter rippled through the room.

"Being called unworthy of even getting punched by you... it broke something in me," I admitted. "In that moment, I knew I had to make it back to reality, to Voluptaria, to you. I would have crawled my way back if necessary."

I stepped away from the table, moving to stand directly in front of Miyako. My hand slipped into my pocket, fingers closing around the ring.

"We're young, just eighteen, but what we've experienced together, both before and here in Voluptaria, feels like a lifetime. And I don't want to wait any longer to do this."

A collective gasp went up as I dropped to one knee before her. The Concordium ring caught the light as I held it up, its intricate patterns seeming to shift and flow with an inner light.

"Miyako," I said, my voice thick with emotion, "I promised I wouldn't make you cry again... but somehow I've broken that promise again."

She laughed through her tears, wiping at her eyes. "Idiot!" she exclaimed, but the affection in her voice was unmistakable.

"Miyako Yukihana, will you be my Player 2?" I asked, the words coming from the deepest part of my heart. "In gaming, in leadership, in life, in everything we were then, everything we are now, and everything we'll be forever, moving forward?"

The room seemed to hold its breath as everyone waited for her answer. Miyako's amber eyes locked with mine, tears streaming freely down her face.

"Yes, you impossible, dense, wonderful idiot! Yes!" she cried, her voice breaking with emotion.

The room erupted in cheers as I slid the ring onto her finger. I barely had time to stand before she threw her arms around me, nearly knocking me over. I could hear Hitomi whooping, Airi crying, and what sounded like several of the guys whistling. But for a moment, all I could focus on was Miyako's warm weight in my arms and the feeling that everything in the universe had finally clicked into place.

Our lips met in a kiss that silenced the room for a heartbeat before the cheers doubled in volume.

When we finally separated, both breathless and grinning, Miyako turned to face everyone. Her expression was one of pure joy, yet there was something determined in her eyes as she raised her hand to admire the ring.

"Thank you all," she said, her voice steady despite the tears still shining in her eyes. "This means more to me than I can possibly express." She paused, then added, "This is the first and won't be the last."

The room fell suddenly silent, confusion written across many faces. I blinked, not entirely sure I'd heard her correctly.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

The Kimochi sisters exchanged interested glances, suddenly paying close attention. Miyuki's eyebrows rose in surprise, while Mochi covered her mouth to hide a smile.

"What I mean," Miyako continued calmly into the silence, "is that in Voluptaria, one plus one doesn't always equal two."

She turned to look at me, her expression open and honest. "I know that Seven gave you enough material for fifty-one rings, Andie. The deities don't provide things like that just for fun, even in this world. There's a purpose to it."

Whispers erupted around the room. I felt heat rising to my face as I realised what she was implying. Of all the isekai tropes I'd expected to live through, this was not how I thought "public harem acknowledgement" would play out.

"What happens in Voluptaria, stays in Voluptaria," Miyako continued, her voice growing more confident. "When in Voluptaria, do as the Voluptarians do."

Her gaze swept meaningfully toward where Ruri and Noel had been sitting, but I noticed with a start that their seats were now empty.

"The cultures here are different from Earth," she said. "And after everything we've been through, I think we've all learned that some of those differences make sense in this world."

Ryota let out a theatrical groan. "Leave some for us, Andie!" he called out, earning laughter from several of the jocks.

"As if you had a chance anyway," Hitomi retorted, rolling her eyes.

"She's right though," Fryevia added, her cat ears twitching thoughtfully. "In many of our cultures, especially among the long-lived races, sharing partners is common practice."

"It's basically expected," Mediena chimed in with a nod. "Particularly when someone has... certain qualities." She shot me a meaningful look that made me want to sink into the floor.

Miyako squeezed my hand. "But enough about that for now," she said, redirecting attention to the ring itself. "Look at how it's glowing!"

The ring on her finger had begun to emit a soft light, the intricate patterns I'd inscribed brightening until they seemed to float just above the metal's surface. A gentle warmth radiated from it, and I could feel a resonance with the matching ring hidden in my pocket.

"It's beautiful," Miyuki breathed, leaning closer to examine it. "What kind of enchantment is that?"

Before I could explain, a new round of cheers erupted from behind us.

"Well done, Andie Ryuu! Splendid proposal!"

We all turned in shock to find all twelve Aspects standing at the far end of the dining hall, clapping enthusiastically. Despite having seen them only days ago in the Divine Nexus, their sudden appearance was still jarring.

"What are you all doing here?" I blurted out, earning more laughter from the divine beings. Seriously, don't these cosmic entities have anything better to do than crash my proposal?

"It certainly feels better when we're at the scene!" Five exclaimed, her form shimmering with barely contained excitement.

"This is the second time in such a short period," Keiko onee-chan observed, her voice careful but curious. "Is that... normal?"

"Significant bonding rituals are worth attending in person," Eleven explained with a dignified nod. "Especially the first formal coupling ritual for our current entertainment, I mean, champions."

Seven stepped forward, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "And we couldn't miss the opportunity to present wedding gifts, could we?"

I tensed slightly, remembering the last "gifts" they'd bestowed. Divine presents tended to come with unexpected complications.

"Don't look so worried," Seven laughed, correctly reading my expression. "These are purely beneficial. In honour of your commitment ceremony, we grant you two new Selections."

She waved her hand in an elaborate gesture, and I felt the familiar sensation of new abilities being downloaded directly into my consciousness.

"Transmute," Seven announced. "The ability to convert materials from one to another, more advanced than your Transform ability. And Transfusion, the ability to fuse different materials together, creating something greater than the sum of its parts."

The system notifications appeared in my vision:

[Selection Acquired: Transmute]
[Transmute allows conversion between material while preserving core properties]
[Base efficiency: 200%]
[Current range: Materials within 5 meters]

[Selection Acquired: Transfusion]
[Transfusion enables the harmonious fusion of different materials]
[Base efficiency: 200%]
[Current range: Materials in direct contact]

"These should prove particularly useful for your upcoming vehicle projects and travels," Seven added with a wink.

"Thank you," I managed, genuinely impressed by the practical nature of these gifts. "These will be extremely helpful."

"Of course they will," Eight chimed in. "We're not completely capricious, you know. Sometimes we give useful things."

"Sometimes," Nine emphasized with a laugh.

The atmosphere in the room had shifted from shocked silence to a kind of bemused acceptance. After everything we'd been through, perhaps even divine visitations were becoming just another unusual day in Voluptaria.

Fryevia's cat ears suddenly perked up as she noticed the astronomical chart pinned to the wall. "Oh! Tomorrow's full moon will be perfect for celebrations!" she exclaimed. "In Hestashi culture, commitments made under the full moon are blessed with particular strength."

"We should have a BBQ outside for dinner tomorrow and enjoy the full moon!" Emi suggested enthusiastically. "I could prepare special dishes, and we could all celebrate properly!"

The idea caught on immediately, with various groups beginning to plan their contributions to the feast. I noticed the Aspects exchanging knowing glances.

"A splendid idea," Six commented. "Full moons in Voluptaria often bring... interesting developments."

"Particularly for those with certain connections," Twelve added cryptically, her gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd.

Before I could ask what she meant, the Aspects began to shimmer with light.

"We must be going," Seven announced. "Other entertainments to observe, you understand."

"But we'll be watching with great interest," Five added with a wink.

In a flash of light that momentarily blinded everyone, the twelve Aspects vanished as suddenly as they had appeared, leaving behind only a faint scent of ozone and scattered sparkles that slowly faded into the air.

"Do they always make that dramatic an exit?" Vinera asked, her amber eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"Pretty much," I confirmed.

As conversations resumed and people began discussing tomorrow's celebration, Miyako gave me a concerned look.

"Are you worried about Ruri and Noel?" she asked quietly.

I nodded, glancing at their empty seats. "They left without saying anything."

Airi overheard and moved closer to us. "They slipped out right when you got down on one knee," she explained in a low voice. "Ruri tried to play it off, saying something about too much dessert making her feel unwell, but her ears were completely drooped. And Noel..." She shook her head. "Noel called me 'Airi-san' when they excused themselves. I've never heard her use that kind of formality before."

"I should go find them," I said, but Miyako gently placed her hand on my arm.

"They needed some space," she said gently. "This is a big change, even with their cultural differences."

"But will they come back?" I asked, feeling a pang of concern.

"Of course they will," Miyako replied with quiet confidence. "They care about you too much to stay away for long."

Airi nodded in agreement. "Trust me, I've seen how they look at you. Just give them time to process this."

I sighed. "When did you get so wise about all this?"

"I've had time to think about it," Miyako said. "Ever since that night in your sanctuary. The world has changed, Andie. We've changed. Some Earth rules don't make sense here, and some Voluptarian customs actually fit us better than we might have thought."

Around us, the celebration continued, though many people were now discussing tomorrow's full moon festival with growing excitement. Haruka was already sketching designs for special yukata to wear for the occasion, while Hitomi and the engineering team were debating whether to bring one of the chassis out for a moonlight demonstration run.

As the evening progressed, guests gradually began to drift away to their rooms, many pausing to offer congratulations or examine Miyako's ring more closely. Miyuki and Mochi both hugged us warmly before departing, their eyes communicating something wordless but supportive.

Eventually, only Miyako and I remained in the great hall, sitting close together at the now-empty table.

"Want to try out the ring's powers?" I suggested, pulling out my own matching ring from my pocket.

Miyako's eyes widened. "You have one too?"

"Of course. They're designed to work as pairs." I slipped mine onto my finger, and immediately both rings glowed brighter, their patterns synchronising with a pulse of light.

Miyako gasped as she lifted a nearby water pitcher with one hand, a pitcher I knew from experience was extremely heavy. She lifted it as easily as if it were made of paper, her eyes wide with amazement.

"I can feel your strength," she whispered, setting the pitcher down gently. "It's like your power is flowing into me."

She stared at her hand, flexing her fingers. "It's incredible. I feel like I could lift the entire table."

"Try not to test that theory indoors," I chuckled. "There are other abilities too."

Miyako closed her eyes, her brow furrowing slightly in concentration. Suddenly, she vanished with a soft pop of displaced air. I spun around, searching for her, only to find her standing behind me with a delighted expression.

"I just thought about being behind you, and..." She vanished again, reappearing instantly at the far end of the hall, then back at my side in another flash. "This is amazing!"

She stared at her ring in wonder, then held out her hand. A translucent shield of energy formed around her arm, a perfect replica of my Counterspell ability.

"I can use your abilities," she said, watching the shield shimmer before fading away. The excitement in her eyes reminded me of when we'd discovered rare items in our MMO adventures.

Miyako looked at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. She didn't speak, but suddenly I heard her voice clearly in my mind.

Can you hear me thinking to you?

Perfectly, I replied the same way, watching her eyes widen in delight.

This is incredible! It's like you're right inside my thoughts!

Careful what you think about, I teased mentally. I can hear everything.

A blush spread across her cheeks as she laughed out loud. "That could get embarrassing quickly."

I focused on her again, concentrating on not just the words but the feeling behind them. I love you, I projected the thought with all the warmth I could muster.

Tears sprang to her eyes immediately. "Oh, that's... that's so much more intense than just hearing words. I can feel everything behind the thought, all your emotions, your sincerity..."

She took my hands in hers, her amber eyes shimmering with emotion. "It's like I can feel your heart directly connecting with mine."

She turned the ring on her finger, watching as it caught the light. "Andie, will you promise me something?"

"Anything," I replied.

Her eyes met mine, serious despite her smile. "Promise I'll always be your Player 2. No matter what happens or who else might join the party later... I'm always Player 2."

I understood immediately what she meant. In our gaming days, Player 2 was always the main partner, the constant companion. Any additional players would be Player 3, Player 4, and so on.

"I promise," I said solemnly, taking her hand in mine. "You'll always be my Player 2. Always."

She leaned forward to kiss me, her lips soft against mine. When she pulled back, her amber eyes were bright with happiness.

"We should get some rest," she said finally. "Tomorrow's going to be busy with the full moon celebration and everything else."

I nodded, feeling my own fatigue setting in. As we walked hand in hand back toward our rooms, the rings on our fingers pulsed with synchronised light, illuminating our path through the dimmed corridors of the sanctuary.

Behind us, the astronomical chart on the wall showed tomorrow's full moon in perfect alignment, an omen of possibilities to come.

The long race was indeed just beginning.