The Damn Family Is Back Again

241. Field Trip (4)

The first match prepared by Arshien, the magical dodgeball game, has come to an end.

She silently applauded and smiled to herself.

“Truly, what an astonishing comeback.”

When Karsein clumsily saved another noble lady, she thought it would end in a frostbitten finish, but that was not the case.

The scene witnessed by Harnié ignited a fire within her, raising her energy levels significantly, and the enraged woman’s emotions fiercely drove the opposing players to elimination.

The unexpected turnaround was brought about not by anything other than the insensitivity of a man.

“And to finish it so spectacularly! You truly are a player like no other.”

A crisis of elimination welcomed by carelessness.

A man who stood firm, blocking the incoming object with his whole body.

It was impossible to count how many women gasped at that sight.

With the hearts of the onlookers completely captivated, one couldn’t help but wonder how the man himself felt. Perhaps a rumor would start circulating in high society because of this.

Swoosh.

Arshien glanced over at the two while explaining the next match.

A knee pillow for the man, who was utterly exhausted after throwing himself to save the woman.

The man remained as dense as ever, but it was evident that the woman’s ears were subtly flushed.

Arshien grinned.

“Hmm. I think it might be nice to slightly change the match schedule?”

Seeing something like that just once would leave one wanting more.

“Don’t be disheartened by the low score you’ve earned. There are still many matches left. So, this time, we’ll play volleyball!”

Initially, a triathlon was prepared as an individual event, but they decided to tweak the match content a bit here.

***

▶ Emergency Mission I. The magical dodgeball game has concluded. ◀

▶ Victory points will be awarded. ◀

▶ You have earned the most defensive points and will receive additional points considering the time held. ◀

After the first event ended.

▶ Emergency Mission II. The magical volleyball game has concluded. ◀

▶ Victory points will be awarded. ◀

▶ You ranked first in contribution. Additional points will be awarded. ◀

The next event was designated as volleyball.

Since it was a volleyball game played with mana, it felt a bit different from what I knew, but as my body got used to it, I quickly adapted.

By chance, I ended up on the same team as Harnié, and we synchronized our breaths once again, recalling the contents I had seen in the physical education textbook before my possession as I navigated through the match.

▶ Emergency Mission III. Mana Tail Catch has ended. ◀

▶ Emergency Mission IV. Mana Sandcastle Battle has ended. ◀

▶ Emergency Mission V. Mana ─── has ended. ◀

…

…

Next match.

And the next match.

Several matches were held.

At first, I thought about just going through the motions, but since I kept ending up on the same team as Harnié, that was not an option.

For some reason, Harnié was burning with enthusiasm.

Anyway, the nobles, regardless of gender, were not particularly well-trained. Occasionally, aspiring knights or those who had received the title of active knights were a bit different, and when I encountered someone like Claire, Arina, or Flora, who had considerable strength, it became a nuisance due to magical interference.

As I repeated victories and defeats and finished the last match, I was finally able to draw a conclusion from the doubts that had spread.

‘Ah, they’re just outright frauds.’

– This match must be performed in pairs of two!

– Pairs of two?

– You mean… male and female?

– Yes. It can’t proceed unless there’s a male-female pair.

After the first match, I started to feel something strange about the volleyball.

During the tournament, it was said that we had to play volleyball in male-female pairs.

Sure. The originally designated event might have been like that.

Doesn’t the way a team is composed change the game in team events? In that regard, there was no problem at all. The maximum number of participants being small made sense.

But what about the next part?

– In tail catching, male-male or female-female pairs are prohibited due to imbalance.

They change the rules arbitrarily.

– It’s allowed to form teams with multiple people or participate individually, but it would be wise to consider how the mana sandcastle will react to your mana.

They deliberately set it up so that male-female couples would be the most effective.

These are all things that make you think they can’t be mere coincidences.

‘No, right. I suppose one could say that, after a hundred concessions, they established these rules with some consideration for fairness.’

But. The last part is just not right. Is it?

Why would they ask us to do a three-legged race while obstacles are flying at us?

As if it’s not enough to struggle alone on a steep hill, they want us to endure together?

Why would a man be asked to carry a woman up a mountain path?

No matter how you look at it, this was never meant to be a two-person, one-team setup. Absolutely not.

This was a blatant attempt to pin Harnié and me together.

“Oh? So, Prince Karsein is in first place? Well, he has been consistently scoring well. Not that surprising, really.”

No. Excuse me, Your Highness.

Is it reasonable to push us so overtly like that? Huh?

“Hmm, yes. Starting from the team event, regardless of the number of participants, he became the final champion in the two-person, one-team format. It’s only natural.”

Excuse me, Prince Florence?

You also suddenly changed the specific event to a two-person, one-team format, didn’t you? Huh?

– Smirk.

These people, really.

Seeing Arshien and Florence smiling contentedly, I let out a deep sigh.

‘…Well, it was quite fun, after all.’

I thought I had long forgotten the not-so-great memories associated with school trips, but it wasn’t entirely true.

Back then and now, those who didn’t perform well always shot us disdainful glances, but so what?

– It was fun. Right?

By chance, I ended up on the same team as Ji-eun, and we had a unique experience together.

“It was fun, wasn’t it?”

To that question, I found myself giving the same answer once again.

“Yes. It was fun.”

– Ding!

▶ All emergency missions have been completed. ◀

▶ Rewards will be distributed according to the rankings. ◀

***

Some nobles who were not pleased with the results immediately shot me disdainful looks.

It’s the same now as it was then.

I can hear everything, you brats. Huh? Even though you’re just sending your eyes this way, I can hear everything you’re thinking.

‘But what can you all do about it?’

They say it’s a competition prepared by the royal family.

I haven’t done anything wrong, and I haven’t interfered, so what are you going to do about it?

If you’re so upset, why don’t you all come live in Korea and possess someone!

“Phew. Can I expect a little?”

“Ah, yes.”

While I was glaring, Harnié leaned against my body.

But soon, their expressions twisted.

“Cheh!”

“Ugh, ptooey!”

“Really making a fuss. Just fussing.”

“Everyone’s competing, and some are just here to date. Tsk.”

…Huh.

Was that not what they meant?

Maybe I misunderstood something?

I scratched the back of my head and turned my gaze away.

“But there’s a tie for first place. Your Highness.”

Amidst this, a noble raised his hand to voice a question.

“They said the prizes would vary according to the rankings on this field trip… What will happen now?”

The nobles collectively pondered the question.

“That’s true. Since we have two tied scores… Shouldn’t we consider that there are two first places?”

“No! First and second places are distinctly different. Since neither reached the highest score, it’s correct to mark both as second place.”

“Then are you saying there’s no winner? Who receives the winner’s prize?”

“Can’t we just split the first and second prizes evenly?”

“Splitting the prizes? That’s nonsense!”

No. I already feel uneasy from the royal family’s schemes.

Why are you all suddenly making a fuss about dividing the rankings? What a mess this is!

– Clap!

At that moment, Arshien clapped his hands to draw the nobles’ attention.

—

“I understand your intentions well. Yes. There can’t be two first places, nor can there be two second places. The prize is something that cannot be divided either.”

“See!?” a group nods in agreement.

A clear conclusion has been reached. But at this moment, I feel a wave of exhaustion…

Because this was all part of Arshien and Florence’s scheme.

…Because the two of them.

Are smiling. Glancing back and forth between me and Harni.

‘I can’t just let this happen.’

If I keep playing along, I’ll end up being toyed with endlessly.

“Then shouldn’t we decide the first and second places right here?”

“That would be the best method, but…”

“How? Are the two of you going to show us a new game?”

“Clearly, there will be issues. One side can’t be too advantageous, and the other can’t be too disadvantaged.”

No. There’s no need to even have a competition in the first place. You folks.

“I’ll just take second place.”

***

And so, the commotion over first and second place came to an end.

Arshien and Florence didn’t get to steer things as they intended, but they wore satisfied smiles, as if my judgment had turned out to be quite pleasing, and wrapped up today’s agenda.

And the prize they mentioned was fishing.

“Uh… a campfire usage voucher.”

“A hotel resort usage voucher and a spa usage voucher…?”

“A camping tent and lighting usage voucher as a prize…?”

Things that clearly weren’t meant for solo use. Vouchers that could be shared without issue with others.

Well. It was roughly that kind of stuff.

Moreover, the first and second places received vouchers for a barbecue party, which was an atmosphere that absolutely shouldn’t be missed, along with various ingredients.

Each item was an essential element for the school trip, so it could be said that there was essentially no real prize at all.

“Disappointed? I believe that playing together, my brother and I, is the prize itself.”

The exam was an individual competition, but after all, boys and girls of similar ages are just friends, he gives quite a splendid speech.

It seems like the student council president and vice president also slipped away without giving out prizes with such words.

…I let it slide, thinking it must be just my mood.

Anyway, after everyone got the chance to joyfully wrap up the day, it became free time.

—

Red meat sizzling on the grill.

Preparations for a campfire that cannot be missed alongside the barbecue party.

Fireworks. Relaxation. Even small-scale recreation.

The night of the math trip was deepening in a form I was quite familiar with.

The blazing sun gradually descended, creating a crimson sunset.

The sea and the sandy beach, now beginning to glow red, had their own charm.

Listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, I found myself savoring a rare moment of leisure.

“Ahem! Karsein. You’re here, huh?”

As I turned around, I saw Harnié, her fist to her mouth, clearing her throat.

But that sight…

“Can I sit next to you?”

“Oh, sure.”

I shouldn’t be doing this.

In an instant, I had lost my focus, but I quickly gathered my thoughts and hastily changed the subject.

“I was just lost in thought for a moment.”

“…Is that so?”

Swoosh—

“Then shall we take a short walk? I have some things to say.”

“Um. Should we?”

And so, I began a brief walk with her.

Harnié asked me.

“Hey, why aren’t you asking me anything?”

“Excuse me?”

“You have something to ask me, don’t you?”

Something to ask?

From my side to Harnié?

‘Ah. Is that it?’

I remembered her saying she would give me a gift because I had owed her too much.

Right. That was it. I had forgotten.

“Are you seriously saying you forgot? That I said I would give you a gift?”

“Um…”

How did you know?

Harnie’s eyes narrowed slightly.

I need to say something else.

I really don’t want to take a spike to the back here after barely dodging it earlier today.

What should I say?

As my mind was anxiously spinning, it came up with a rather bizarre response.

“Sh-should I teach you how to swim?”

Ugh. You idiot.

Why is that coming out right now!

As I blamed my clueless brain and tried to come up with an excuse, Harnie suddenly grabbed my arm.

“Sure. Teach me.”

And then she started walking toward the sea as if she really wanted to learn how to swim.

…Huh?

Really? Is this actually working?

I’m relieved.

But… this isn’t right.

“Wait a minute, Harnie. You’re wearing a dress, not a swimsuit.”

I realized too late that we couldn’t learn like this, and I stopped as her thighs submerged in the seawater.

But at that moment.

My body tilted to one side.

“Eek!”

“Uh? Uh-oh!”

– Splash!

Salty seawater rushed into my mouth.

Puh! As I spat out the seawater that had entered my mouth, she, who had also doused herself in the ocean to knock me over, was soaked through.

“Did you forget that? It’s a penalty. Hmph.”

Harnie said with a haughty voice, as if this was the price to pay.

…But this isn’t right.

I quickly pulled her into an embrace, hoping no one would see.

—

“What, what are you doing?”

“Shh. Let’s quietly go outside.”

Goodness. For a moment, I didn’t know where to look.

Wearing a dress already made me uneasy, but I never thought she would go this far.

The seawater-soaked dress laid bare the underwear I was wearing underneath.

“First, let’s go outside and you can wear my clothes. This won’t be see-through.”

As I explained this, Harni flashed a fox-like smile.

“Oh, I see? So it was my clothes that were the problem?”

“…!”

Suddenly, she knocked me down again as I tried to escape onto the sand, making it seem like she was about to pounce on me.

…Up to this point, I had no idea what was going on. I couldn’t understand her intentions at all.

But then she did something even more absurd.

“W-why are you taking that off?”

“Why? You can’t handle this? If we’re engaged, we should see everything, right?”

“That’s not the same thing!”

You’re not really engaged to me; it’s just a contractual engagement!

Even after I shouted this, Harni calmly let her dress fall.

I truly had nowhere to look.

The collarbone visible beneath the choker and the black straps that began to reveal themselves.

The large curves that were barely concealed by the loose dress started to show far too clearly.

The same went for below.

The strap pressing against her firm thigh.

Above it, a flimsy piece of fabric with precarious strings barely covered the tiniest area.

It was clothing that served no purpose, revealing almost all of her bare skin.

Yet, Harni still wore a smile. As if nothing was wrong at all.

Thanks to that, I realized something.

That wasn’t underwear.

“What? You figured it out already?”

“Haah. I was wondering why you were so confident. So that’s what it was.”

“Aha! What a shame. I haven’t seen you make that face very often. Did you catch on to the fact that it’s a swimsuit too early?”

—

…Yes. In modern times, this is also considered a swimsuit.

Here, they usually wear a completely different type of swimsuit, but in the place where I lived, it was sold well under the name bikini.

But should I say it’s bold for that? Or perhaps a bit reckless?

The fox-like expression that used to tease me had vanished, replaced by a shy demeanor.

…But.

“T-this is a gift for you.”

With a bashful air, Harnié’s arms that had been covering her chest slipped away once again.