Perspective: Hachiman
"Noooooo! No, no, no! You can't go, Hachiman! Absolutely not! If I say no, it means no!"
Squeeze.
"It's a little late to be saying that now..." I muttered, trying to pry myself free.
"Why does it have to be you in the first place!?" Mr. C.B. wailed, tightening her grip around my waist. "Let someone else handle it! The Chairman is the highest ranking, right? Let her go! I literally can't believe this is happening!!"
"I can't believe you're using words like 'literally'... Anyway, look, it's time. I have to go, so let me—"
"Absolutely not!!"
"—Look, it is time. If I'm late, I'm the one getting yelled at."
"And that's just because the other side requested you specifically, right!?" She looked up at me with teary, defiant eyes. "Just tell them you're too busy and can't make it! Who is more important to you: the King of Ireland's welcome party, or us!?"
Squeeze!!
...We have a problem. I am currently being physically detained by C.B.
Today, the King and Queen of Ireland, along with Pilsudski, are scheduled to arrive in Japan. For reasons I still don't fully grasp, a request came from their side specifically asking me to handle the reception. I didn't particularly mind the job, but I was currently facing desperate resistance from within my own camp.
Click.
The clubroom door opened.
"Trainer, it's about time to leave," Fine Motion said, poking her head in. "We could hear you all the way outside. It's quite lively in here, isn't it?"
"Tell me about it," I sighed. "You guys could help me stop her, you know."
"We would very much like to," Air Groove replied, looking apologetic. "However... every time we try, she glares at us."
"It... it was kind of scary..." Rice Shower added timidly.
"Haa..." I let out a long breath. "It can't be helped. Fine, this is too much of a hassle. I'm taking her with us."
"Eh?" The three of them froze. "Eh?"
The Airport
"I apologize for making such a selfish request amidst your busy schedule," the King said, offering a warm smile. "I am truly happy you came to welcome us, Trainer Hikigaya. And it seems Fine is living quite happily here as well."
"I am delighted by your visit to Japan, Your Majesty," I replied, bowing respectfully. "It is an honor to be entrusted with your reception."
"Yep! Every day is super fun!" Fine beamed.
"That is wonderful to hear," the Queen said gently. Then, she turned her gaze to my side. "And I am also pleased that Mr. C.B., who helped move the history of Ireland, has come as well."
"Yes," C.B. replied, her earlier tantrum completely gone as she bowed with perfect grace. "I was indebted to you during those times."
"Bwahahaha!!" A boisterous laugh cut through the air. "Oh, C.B.! You can just be your usual self! Seeing you act this way makes me feel itchy all over!!"
"...I'll do just that, Pilsudski," C.B. deadpanned.
"Come now, Father, Mother! Let's go!" Fine urged them forward. "To Tracen Academy!"
"Let us do exactly that!!" Pilsudski shouted, pumping a fist. "My beloved Empress is waiting for me, after all!!"
Yeah, she is definitely not waiting. There is a strong possibility she will flee the moment she spots him.
Tracen Academy
"Hmm... It truly is a fine establishment," the King mused, looking around the campus. "I envy the Japanese Uma Musume who can train and learn in such an environment with these facilities. There is much we should emulate."
"Father! Mother!!" Pilsudski suddenly declared. "I shall excuse myself for a moment to go meet Her Majesty the Empress!!"
"Good heavens, that child..." The Queen sighed, watching him dash off. "I am so sorry, Trainer-san. It seems Air Groove is a particular favorite of his."
"No, please do not worry about it," I said. "However, excuse me while I check my phone for a moment. I will send a mail to let Air Groove know His Highness is heading her way."
"In that case, Trainer Hikigaya," the King interjected, "It would probably be best if you headed there yourself. Fine is here to act as our guide, so we will be quite alright. You have our thanks for the welcome."
"...If Your Majesty suggests it, then I shall go," I nodded. "Well then... C.B., let's go."
"Okay."
Outside the Clubroom
"Phew~!! That was so nerve-wracking!!" C.B. exhaled loudly, slumping her shoulders. "Geez, I can't believe you actually dragged me along!"
"If I had left you there, we would still be arguing," I pointed out. "More importantly, I wonder if Air Groove is safe? She hasn't been ambushed, has she?"
"Well, that depends entirely on Air Groove, doesn't it?"
Click.
I opened the door.
"I'm back—Whoa!?"
"Ha-Hachiman!" Air Groove scrambled toward me, eyes wide. "D-Don't tell me you brought Lord Pilsudski here!?"
"O-Oh... No, I didn't, so calm down," I reassured her. "Seriously though, you really are bad with him, aren't you?"
"You are the only one I can rely on!" she cried, grabbing onto my arm. "When that man comes, I am begging you, do something!!"
"Hey, Air Groove," C.B. interjected, eyeing the arm-grab. "Is it really okay for you to be hugging Hachiman like that?"
"Right now, it is fine!!"
"You're one to talk," I sighed, looking at C.B. "You were clinging to me right before we left."
"T-Then..." Rice Shower stepped forward tentatively. "Rice will take the other side..."
"No, you don't," C.B. pouted. "Because I am the one who—"
"You, let go already, you idiot."
Chop.
"Ouch!?"
I delivered a light chop to C.B.'s head.
"Anyway, let's sit on the sofa," I directed. "Air Groove and Rice, you two sit next to me."
"U-Umu..." Air Groove nodded.
"I-Is it okay?" Rice asked.
"It's fine, it's fine."
Pilsudski must be searching the entire academy right now. He likely wouldn't dream that we were hiding out in a place like this. Still, having Air Groove—who is usually so composed—clinging to my arm felt surprisingly fresh. Rice rarely did this sort of thing either, so that was equally novel.
"Hachimaaan," C.B. whined from the side. "Isn't a spot open yet?"
"Nope. Not opening up for a while," I replied calmly. "I'd say... not for another two hours or so."
"That long!?"
"We stay like this until Pilsudski is gone."
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