Chapter 117
Clael and Reina walked down the hallway, heading toward the sanctuary located within the academy.
Until just moments ago, Reina had been leading Clael by the hand... but perhaps Eric's interruption had calmed her down, as she now simply walked beside him without holding hands.
"Uh... are you close with Prince Eric?"
As they walked side by side, Clael asked hesitantly.
Clael generally respected Reina's wishes and hoped for her happiness.
He intended to support her no matter who she ended up with... but the prince route—Eric—was a different matter.
If Reina chose the route where she ended up with Eric, the rival character Carrot Laurel would fall into darkness and cause massive damage.
(If that's what Reina truly wants, I don't want to get in her way... but if it comes to it, I'll have to be ready.)
"Not at all."
But what came back from Reina was a curt response.
"Prince Eric sometimes talks to me at the academy... but that's all. I don't even think we're friends."
"I-I see..."
Judging by her demeanor earlier and what happened at the beach... it really seemed like there was nothing between her and Eric.
He didn't know how Eric felt, but Reina's affection level was clearly at its default setting.
(Prince Eric obviously has feelings for Reina, so seeing her act this indifferent is kind of pitiful...)
"By the way, Sir Clael. This is a bit sudden, but during today's lunch break..."
"O... found you! Reina Laurel!"
Reina was about to say something when, once again, a third party's voice interrupted.
A male student suddenly appeared from the end of the hallway and ran toward them.
A tall, ruggedly handsome guy—one of the romanceable characters, Vincent Flame.
"The new term starts today! Let's make the most of it again, yeah!?"
"Wha...!?"
Vincent kicked off the hallway floor and lunged straight at Reina.
Clael was shocked by the sudden event... but still dove in front of Reina to shield her.
He never expected Vincent to resort to such direct violence. This kind of development wasn't even in the game.
"Oraah!"
Vincent's fist was about to slam into Clael's face... but just before it did, someone blew Vincent away.
"Ponpokorin"
"Tch... not bad!"
The one who kicked Vincent away and saved Clael was a small tanuki plushie.
The plushie, about the size of a keychain, stood in their path and guarded Clael and Reina.
"Ponpokorin"
"Looks like you haven't lost your edge... That's what makes you my soul rival!"
"Ponpokorin"
"During summer break, I trained hard—now I'll show you the results... Let's go!"
"Wha... huh... What is this development?"
It made no sense.
Clael was dumbfounded by the utterly unexpected turn of events, but Reina tugged on the sleeve of his priest robe.
"Sir Clael, shall we go?"
"Go... huh? We're just leaving this?"
Vincent, one of the romanceable characters, and the tanuki plushie had begun an intense battle in the hallway.
It felt like a pretty big incident... but Reina didn't seem to care and started walking down the hall.
"It's fine. This happens all the time."
"A-all the time..."
What kind of school life was Reina even living?
Getting attacked by a romanceable character, only for a tanuki plushie to intercept... When did this game's world turn into a comedy?
"Come on now, let's go."
"Ah, okay..."
Clael stiffly followed along as Reina urged him forward.
"Meteor Flame Slash!"
"Tanu-poooon!"
Behind Clael, Vincent was unleashing a rather serious special move at the tanuki plushie.