Chapter 163: What the rabbit from the sky says (4)

Finally, the chaotic sports festival came to an end.

There were various incidents and accidents along the way, but in the end, it concluded with the Blue Team’s victory by a 60-point margin.

It was an incredibly fierce battle, only separated by a single game.

If just one event, just one, had ended differently, the outcome would have been reversed.

However, among the White Team members, while some were frustrated or disappointed, no one raised their voice saying such a result was unacceptable.

They all knew that the opposing team had given their best effort.

This kind of neatness is the true reason for the sports festival’s existence: genuine, friendly competition without lingering grudges or regrets.

This is also why events involving weapons or direct physical combat were excluded.

Such competitions often leave lasting bad feelings, and that’s something to avoid.

In fact, the people gathered on the field, whether winners or losers, all had faces filled with relief and satisfaction.

It was the expression only those who had poured everything they had into the competition could have.

The cool night breeze brushing against the sweat on their clothes felt refreshing, like it could blow everything away.

Well, except for two people.

“I lost… it was a complete defeat…”

One of them, the Hero Sion—was slumped in a corner of the stands, dejectedly chewing over her feelings of defeat.

By the way, since the cheerleading activities had ended, she had changed back into her school uniform.

“I never thought she would just expose her chest like that… If I trace the cause back, it’s all my mistake, so I can’t really argue about it.

Damn, it’s so frustrating… to lose because of a firepower difference…”

-“You’re the only one who would describe the difference in chest size as a ‘firepower difference.’”

Next to her, Exia commented in a voice that seemed exhausted.

-“Isn’t it too early to conclude that you’ve lost?

The scene was definitely impactful, but it had nothing to do with the cheerleading activities.

As for the dancing itself, you were clearly the better dancer, so the ‘Best Cheerleader’ award will probably still go to you.”

“No, that’s something you can say because you don’t understand how men think.”

Sion replied with a still gloomy expression.

“Remember this. Boys at that age think and act only with their lower bodies.

No matter how much they admired the dance before, the moment they saw exposed breasts, everything they’ve seen before is instantly forgotten.

Believe me, this is a universal truth, whether you’re a demon or a human.”

-“Hey, there’s no way it’s that bad…”

Exia responded in a voice filled with doubt.

She could think that way, and it wasn’t surprising.

The only teenage boys she’d had close contact with were Lier and Martin, and neither of them was the type to let lust cloud their judgment.

Martin seemed completely uninterested in that sort of thing, and despite appearances, Lier had a strong enough mind to resist Nelia’s temptation.

With those two as her only examples, it wasn’t crazy for Exia to think men in general might not behave in such a way.

However, Sion scoffed at Exia’s attitude.

“I see, you still don’t believe it. Then I’ll show you the proof.”

Sion said as she snapped her fingers, casting a spell.

Whispering Wind.

A communication spell that transmits sounds from a designated area to the opposite side.

She directed the spell to where a group of first-year boys were gathered, chatting.

A few moments later, the conversation came through:

[Hey, but didn’t the girl who exposed her chest look amazing?]

[Yeah, for real… her size is great, and the shape was gorgeous. Especially the pink nipples, unreal.]

[Whoa. She’s going to be my girlfriend starting tomorrow. Let’s avoid sexual harassment.]

[What are you saying, you idiot? We’ve already agreed to date. Don’t mess with someone else’s girl.]

[These guys are seriously guzzling their drinks. So, if you confess, will she accept?]

[But doesn’t it seem like she might actually fall for it if you push hard enough? Am I the only one who feels that way?]

[Oh, hahaha. I agree. She seems tough on the outside, but she probably likes being treated roughly. She gives off that masochistic vibe.

I’ve never been wrong about these things. You can trust me.]

[Wow, with that body and face, a masochist… just imagining it makes my mouth water.]

That was enough.

Sion stopped the spell and looked at Exia.

“Now, do you still think I’m wrong?”

-“I’m sorry…”

Exia didn’t argue and immediately lowered her head.

With such solid evidence, she couldn’t deny it.

Sion let her shoulders slump again as she spoke.

“Anyway, in this situation, we can say the public opinion has shifted.

All the embarrassment and standing on stage all day have turned into nothing.

If I had known this would happen, I would’ve just said I wasn’t going to do it from the start and quit… Sigh…”

-“Well, um… Cheer up…”

Exia offered a comforting voice to Sion.

To be honest, she thought it was divine punishment for not being more considerate, but she wasn’t cruel enough to say that directly in front of someone who was lamenting.

At least, she could offer some words of comfort here.

After all, they were still teammates.

“No, wait. It’s not over yet. If I secretly switch out the ballot box and fill it with papers all written with my name…”

-“Enough, enough!! Don’t take it too far!!”

Cancel everything.

This girl never feels sorry, no matter how much harsh criticism she gets.

In fact, she needs even harsher treatment.

While Sion and Exia were bickering, another major figure on the opposite stand was radiating a powerful negative aura.

Needless to say, that person was Dorothy.

“I… I’m ruined… I’m totally ruined…”

She muttered in a hollow voice, her soul seemingly drained away.

“And in a public place, too… Hundreds of people saw my chest… I want to die… I can never get married now…”

“Cheer up, Master.”

Beside her, Philia spoke with her hands neatly clasped together.

“If you think about it differently, this might actually be an opportunity. I overheard something earlier, and it seems that because of this incident, your popularity among the male students has skyrocketed.

Who knows? When you check your locker tomorrow, you might find dozens of love letters waiting for you. So please don’t be too discouraged.”

“I don’t need that kind of popularity!!!”

Dorothy shouted at the top of her lungs.

She had absolutely no use for the advances of brain-dead monkeys whose only motivation was seeing her exposed chest.

Even if they weren’t short-lived humans but fellow dragons, she’d still refuse.

“I’m going to marry a much cooler guy. Someone who isn’t swayed by appearances, who can look at me objectively—”

“Like Sir Sien, for example?”

“Why the hell are you bringing up that bastard’s name here!?!”

Dorothy jumped up in fury, her face instantly turning bright red.

“You—you always find these little openings to mention his name and provoke me! Stop it! If you keep doing this, I’ll seriously get mad!”

“…Understood. That was thoughtless of me. I apologize.”

Philia fell silent for a moment before bowing politely.

For a brief second, a strange gleam flickered in her eyes, but Dorothy didn’t notice.

With a deep sigh, Dorothy slumped down again, her body practically melting into a liquid state.

“Haah… Anyway, I’m doomed. I worked so hard for the past two weeks, and it was all for nothing.

If I had known this would happen, I should have just bolted the moment they shoved that ridiculous outfit in my face.”

“Hmm.”

As she listened to Dorothy say something eerily similar to what a certain someone else had once said, Philia fell into thought.

Then, after a brief pause, she spoke.

“No, it’s too early to call it a loss. There’s still a chance you could win the ‘Best Cheerleader’ award.

If you win that, wouldn’t it still count as a kind of comeback victory?”

“What? What kind of nonsense is that? How could I win that award when I completely ruined the performance?”

“That’s because you don’t understand how these things work, Master.”

Philia pushed up her glasses.

“Votes for these kinds of awards are rarely cast seriously. They’re often just for fun.

Just because it’s called the ‘Best Cheerleader’ award doesn’t mean it will actually go to the best cheerleader.

If someone made a particularly memorable impression during the performance, the votes tend to lean in their favor instead.

There have been plenty of cases like that before.

And considering that you completely stole the spotlight, Master, I’d say your chances of winning are quite high.”

“………”

Even after hearing Philia’s explanation, Dorothy still looked unconvinced.

Philia tilted her head and asked, “Why that expression? Wouldn’t you be happy if you won?”

“I mean, of course, it’d be nice if I could beat Sion. But…”

Dorothy pouted slightly.

“This wouldn’t be a victory I earned through my own strength.

It’d just be a fluke—a win handed to me because of an embarrassing accident.

Winning like that wouldn’t feel good at all. It wouldn’t be a victory I achieved through my own efforts.”

“Huh? What are you talking about? That magnificent F-cup of yours is very much a part of your strength, Master.”

“I mean it wasn’t something I won through my own skills! Can’t you just understand what I mean without me having to spell it out?!”

Dorothy banged her fist against the wall beside her.

The cement cracked slightly, and white dust crumbled down.

“I can’t accept a victory like this! I’m going to challenge that bastard again, and this time, I’ll claim a proper victory!

This match is invalid—completely invalid!”

“Sigh… Yeah, yeah, got it.”

Philia sighed as she replied.

Such a picky master.

And to top it off, she was getting all worked up over something that hadn’t even been decided yet.

What would she say if the final result favored the hero instead?

Would she still throw a fit and insist the match was invalid?

‘Honestly, I’d love to see that. Master looks the cutest when she’s pouting.’

Philia smirked inwardly, casually fiddling with the hidden photo of Dorothy she had secretly taken earlier.

No matter how things turned out, she was the true winner here—after all, she had managed to capture such a golden moment.

Later, she’d make a copy and tease Dorothy with it to her heart’s content.

“And now, we’ll be announcing the winner of the ‘Best Cheerleader’ award!”

Meanwhile, as the two were chatting, Sally, who was hosting the awards ceremony from the central stage, raised her voice.

At that moment, two pairs of rabbit-like ears perked up simultaneously.

“Let’s see… Wow, this was a close race!

The difference between first and second place is only five votes.

In the history of this award, we’ve never had such a tight competition before!”

“”………….””

Gulp.

At Sally’s words, both Dorothy and Sion swallowed hard.

There was no need to explain who the top two contenders were.

It was obviously between them.

The only question was—who had taken first place and who had taken second?

Was it the hero (or rather, the demon king), who had dominated the stage with unexpected charm from start to finish?

Or was it the dragon, who had stolen every male student’s attention with one dramatic moment?

And the winner is—?!

“I will now announce the results.

The winner of this year’s ‘Best Cheerleader’ award is—!”

Ba-dump. Ba-dump.

Hearts pounded.

The weight of tension and pressure bore down on them.

In the silence, everyone held their breath, watching the female teacher on stage.

Sally slowly opened her mouth to read the name on the cue card—

And then—

BOOM!!!!!!!!!!!

A sudden explosion ripped through the moment, swallowing her voice into the darkness.