Volume 1 Chapter 31 With The Oath Of The Three, Another Mystery Flag Has Been Raised
"──So, that's how it all happened," I finished telling the story of how the merchant guild Torneko came to be, right there in the boys' dormitory dining hall.
"Since then, it's been like that. Sometimes someone sits next to me, and we talk. Mostly it's the Z guys, though. Everyone seemed to notice something during that open water swimming tournament," Ran said, nodding.
Ran and Margrethe both nodded thoughtfully.
"Mobu, you're attractive even from a boy's perspective, huh?" Ran added, looking genuinely happy.
"But, you know, Blaze seems to be getting recognized too," Margrethe said.
"R-Really?" I asked, surprised by her eyebrows shooting up.
"I mean, he was the only student who ate at the same table as the principal and the teachers," Margrethe explained.
"Ah, that..." I said as she hesitated for a moment, then exhaled deeply, giving me a meaningful look. "Hey Mobu, Blaze's really stubborn about his principles, right?" she asked.
"Yeah, probably," I answered.
He's the main character, after all—the classic type.
"So he ended up kind of isolated from the class, but the other day... you know," she continued.
"What happened the other day?" I asked.
"During the open water swimming tournament, SSS followed Blaze's plan and challenged the course without using magic. He insisted that since he would win, the class victory was guaranteed, so they shouldn't do anything dishonorable like using magic," Margrethe said.
"I heard about that," I said. She had told me about it during the sleepover.
"In the end, they lost. And to make it worse, the top spot went to Z—the lowest-ranked class," Margrethe said.
"Yeah..." I muttered.
Blaze worked so hard to reach his goal, but I remember the look on his face when he saw Ran and me lounging on the deck chairs at the finisher's area, sipping drinks. He looked like he couldn't believe it. His eyes were about to pop out, sitting on the beach, breathing heavily.
"If it had just been Mobu and RanRan's special skills, it might've been excused, but losing to the low-ranked S class and coming in third? That was clearly a strategic mistake," Ran said.
"Well, you could say that," I replied.
It was a total tactical blunder. They overestimated their own abilities—or rather, Blaze's abilities—and ignored the class's overall strategy. Because of that, they were soundly defeated by S, who had a well-planned team approach.
"And yet Blaze keeps claiming his plan was perfect and that Mobu cheating with shortcuts was unfair," Margrethe added.
"Sounds like him," I said. Still jealous that Ran has a crush on me? Typical classic protagonist.
"So the class is in chaos. Basically, Blaze is left alone now. At mealtime, no one sits at his table. He sits alone at a big round table, scowling, eating in silence. This happens every meal, every day. The principal, unable to watch anymore, finally has Blaze sit at their table," Margrethe said.
"Wow, the principal's really kind," Ran said.
"RanRan thinks so too, right? But Blaze, thinking he's there because of his exceptional skills, has gotten arrogant in class," Margrethe explained.
I see. He's gathering hate all by himself. What an idiot. No matter how skilled the protagonist is, he's bound to get tripped up eventually. He's not my problem anymore, but we went through the early events together. It's a little sad. He should just drop his stubbornness and act like a classic protagonist—be considerate of others.
"He should take a moment and calmly think about how others see him," I thought.
I considered giving him advice, but it's useless. He sees me as the Great Demon King and would never listen. Even if Ran told him, he'd probably misunderstand and resist, saying something like, "Ran, who abandoned me for Mobu, now wants to get back together? Don't be ridiculous." Besides, Ran never abandoned him. They were just friends.
"That's right. I'm exasperated too..." Margrethe sighed.
At that moment, a bearded gentleman appeared gallantly. He exchanged a glance with Margrethe. When she nodded, he signaled to the back, and a server appeared carrying an especially luxurious silver platter. On it were three small red cakes, each about the size of an orange.
"This is Sir Mobu's birthday cake," the bearded gentleman announced.
The server placed the plates before us.
"Well, Mobu?" Margrethe prompted.
"Looks delicious," I said honestly. ...But it was kind of small. I expected a birthday cake in the VIP dining hall to be grand and enormous, like those giant wedding cakes you see at countryside venues.
"This cake contains a special artifact mixed into the batter that enhances the luck of those who eat it. It's a royal secret artifact," the bearded gentleman explained matter-of-factly. This must be incredibly precious. Is it really okay for an Instant Death Mob with no backstory to eat this?
"Please, enjoy," he said with a smile and a nod. Ran and Margrethe watched me but didn't touch their cakes.
"Well then, I'll go first," I said.
When I put my fork in, the cake was unbelievably fluffy. The fork sank effortlessly, followed by a trickle of syrup. Ah, it's a sponge cake with cream and sauce. Just from looking at it, it seemed like an ordinary, modest petite cake without any flashy gimmicks...
The moment it entered my mouth, a fragrant aroma of luscious fruits spread. Sweet, with a hint of acidity. It tasted like the finest strawberries, cherries, and a blend of grapes. This was wrapped in a rich, creamy vanilla scent, balanced perfectly with the moist and slightly chewy sponge. Even though it was fluffy, it had an unusual texture—like high-quality Japanese sweets that are soft yet chewy.
"...Amazing," I said, barely able to speak.
That was all I could say. I'd never tasted such a cake, not even in my past life. Not even the desserts from hotel meals during business trips.
Seeing me like that, the bearded man smiled.
"You both should try it. This... is truly amazing," he said.
"Yeah," Ran agreed.
"That's right," Margrethe added.
As if waiting for that moment, they picked up their forks. Ten seconds later, both of them smiled as if they'd been blessed by angels.
"This is truly extraordinary," Margrethe said.
"It's delicious. Maybe because it's Mobu's birthday cake," Ran said.
"Sir Mobu, despite being in Class Z, is said to possess top-tier abilities at the academy," the bearded gentleman said, straightening his back.
"No, that's not true. I just happen to win sometimes," I hurriedly denied. I didn't want to stand out too much. This was an adventurer training academy. Being royal, the palace must be watching closely. If I gained a strange reputation, I might get tangled with the royal family after graduation. I wanted to avoid that.
"You're being modest. I admire your character. So..." The bearded gentleman made a face like he had something more to say. "I was instructed by the principal to serve this special item to Sir Mobu."
Ah. So that's why the cake. Instead of using the precious artifact in the cooking, they saved it for the final dessert. That's impressive. They built the meal with a sense of rhythm, creating a climax. And it was a cake to celebrate my birthday. As expected of a top-class chef.
Still...
The principal must be that half-elf. He laughed heartily watching my methods during the long-distance swimming competition. Did he actually like my style? I thought he was just laughing at me for being a fool.
"Mobu, happy birthday!" Ran said.
"Mobu, happy birthday!" Margrethe said in unison.
"Thank you both... So, we're having a sleepover tonight, right?" I asked.
"Of course, Mobu. Right, Margrethe?" Ran replied.
"Uh, yes..." Margrethe answered hesitantly.
Margrethe seemed worried about the staff, but there was no need. They all quickly vanished as soon as they sensed the topic. Honestly, the staff here were incredible at respecting privacy.
"Then, let's all sleep naked tonight," I said.
"Huh..." Margrethe was silent, clearly caught off guard.
"That sounds nice," Ran said happily. "Sleeping next to Mobu as a body pillow, skin against skin—that's the best. It might get cold at night this late in September, so we can keep each other warm."
* * *
"I've always wanted to try sleeping naked next to someone," Ran said softly. "I'm sure I'd be fine with it anytime, but Margrethe... well, special occasions like birthdays feel like the right time to suggest it."
"I-I can't be naked with a man..." Margrethe gripped her napkin tightly, eyes shifting nervously.
"Lately, at sleepovers, I usually just sleep naked," Ran added.
"I-I wear clothes," Margrethe insisted.
"But you're naked in the bath," Ran pointed out.
"Yes, but I've never shown my body to Mobu," Margrethe said quietly.
Sometimes she forget to cover herself with a towel, so she's seen a little. When I said that, Margrethe flushed deeply. She quickly finished her drink in one gulp.
"Hah..." After that, she sighed quietly and looked down for a moment. Then she met my eyes again.
"W-Well... if it's just sleeping naked, it doesn't go against my father's orders," she said reluctantly.
"I was wondering about that. What exactly are those orders?" I asked.
She hesitated but finally spoke, maybe deciding it was easier to just say it. "A woman must not let a man touch her body. As a member of the Erik family, I must remain pure and marry into a noble family."
"But I touch your back in the bath," I reminded her.
"That's just washing me. Like how my maid helps at home. It's more about... matters of chastity. You understand, right?" she said, giving me a sharp look.
"Don't worry. I won't make any moves," I promised.
Probably, the "first time" flag for the adult stuff hasn't been raised yet. No progress with Ran either.
"Really?" she tilted her head in doubt.
"Yeah. Seriously," I answered.
"...Then, well, that's fine," she breathed out a relieved sigh.
"But promise me. You absolutely won't touch me," Margrethe said firmly.
"Yeah. Ran will be our witness," I replied.
"Okay. I'll keep an eye on Mobu, so don't worry, Margrethe," Ran said.
"W-Well then, that's fine. Besides, when I sleep next to Mobu, it somehow calms me. It feels like I'm in the right place," Margrethe said quietly.
Her cup was empty now. Margrethe brought it up to her lips again.
"Since I was a child, I've always slept alone in my own room. The Erik family is noble, so I was told not to be spoiled... But honestly, I wanted to sleep next to my mother. I wanted her to tell me bedtime stories. I wanted her to sing lullabies," she confessed.
Her eyes glistened. Maybe she was a bit tipsy. She was opening up, speaking from her heart.
"I think I want Mobu to help me find that again. To lie down, hugged gently, feeling cared for," she added.
"Then it's settled, Margrethe!" Ran grabbed Margrethe's hand and shook it excitedly.
"Ah, I'm really looking forward to this! It's been a while since the three of us had a sleepover. I want Mobu to pet my head too!" Ran said happily.
"Then I-I also..." Margrethe started.
"Leave it to me," I interrupted confidently.
At that moment, a faint red glow appeared above our heads. It flickered briefly and vanished. Of course, neither of them noticed it this time either.
"What kind of flag is this, now?" I wondered.
The last one probably meant the party was forming... so maybe this one signals harem development? Or perhaps a friendship flag, given the timing...
For now, tonight will be the test. How far will things go with Ran and Margrethe?
Notes:
• Torneko - Male. A chubby student who initially feels like a failure after receiving a Z grade in his entrance exam. His appearance is notable for his chubby build. He comes from a family that owns a weapon and accessory shop. His relationship with Mobu is one of mentorship and friendship, as Mobu helps him rediscover his self-worth and future goals.
• Ran - Female. An orphan and a close friend of Mobu. She has a gentle appearance. Ran is kind and trusting, often relying on Mobu for guidance. She survives the demon attack by hiding in the secret base with Mobu.
• Margrethe - Female. A new student and sub-heroine character in the game. She is a Mage class with low physical strength. Her appearance is not described in detail, but she is noted to have a pleasant scent. She initially comes off as hostile but warms up to the protagonist, Blaze, over time. She is proud and insists on being addressed with honorifics, reflecting her noble upbringing. She has a strong dislike for men, considering them weak and arrogant. Her relationship with Mobu starts on a tense note, but she eventually shows a more vulnerable side, acknowledging her need to improve her physical strength.
• Blaze - Male. The protagonist of the game, born into the wealthy Rosinore family. He has blond hair and a heroic appearance. Blaze is kind and lacks arrogance despite his status. He is destined to become a hero and defeat the Demon King. His relationship with Mobu and Ran is complex, as they are not part of the main story.
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