On the table, the dice tumbled and clattered across the board, eventually coming to rest.
"Ten points." I read the numbers on the two settled dice, added them together, and moved my piece forward the corresponding number of spaces, stopping on the designated square.
Aru swallowed nervously, her expression serious, completely absorbed in the game.
"Hmm∼ Sensei landed on a random event square again," said Mutsuki, who was also acting as the game host, with keen interest. "Now, Sensei, please draw a card∼"
I nodded, drew an event card from the deck, and after reading the content, thought silently, Finally… I flipped it over and showed it to the two girls.
"Oh∼ it's this one∼" Mutsuki's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Eh? What's this?" Aru exclaimed in surprise.
The event card boldly read:
Choose one player on the board and make a sincere confession to them. If you can move their heart, you may become in-game lovers.
The game we were playing was similar to Monopoly, using dice rolls and strategy to achieve ultimate victory.
When I suggested a few requirements for experimental purposes, Mutsuki immediately recommended this board game to us.
Aru, hearing that there was a simulation management element, immediately lit up with excitement, eager to try it and show the results of her recent study of business books.
Whether this type of game could really reflect her managerial skills or whether she actually had any results was a matter for doubt.
Moreover, since this was a game, with Mutsuki's personality, how could she not add a little trickery?
The first obvious tweak was a special rule I had anticipated:
|| The loser must obey one request from the winner. ||
Next, though Mutsuki hadn't fully explained, it was highly likely that the random event card had been subtly manipulated.
Perhaps the content was slightly altered, perhaps subtle marks were added, or perhaps both…
In short, based on my understanding of Mutsuki, her ultimate goal would be to enjoy seeing me and Aru embarrassed. For that reason, so-called fairness in competition could be completely disregarded.
Even knowing this, I agreed willingly, thinking it was the perfect chance to test my newly acquired ability.
Finally, the moment had arrived.
"Ku fufu∼" Mutsuki's eyes curved in a mischievous smile. "Sensei∼ what should you do? Who should you confess to? Me or Aru-chan? But if the person refuses, this precious event card will be void, you know∼?"
I secretly activated my new ability, feeling my stamina drain rapidly, and hurriedly asked, "So… does that mean I can just skip it?"
At those words, Aru, mixing hope with shyness, instantly looked dejected.
"What∼ a∼ shame∼? That won't do, you know?" Mutsuki vetoed, "And you must confess sincerely. You can't be half-hearted, or you'll face a punishment!"
Another of Mutsuki's bratty tricks.
But in any case, looking at the effect of this strangely named ability, it wasn't particularly significant.
Which was understandable. My personal charm alone was enough to move any girl who had feelings for me, adding persuasion on top of that was just icing on the cake.
At this moment, Aru timidly spoke up for me: "Mutsuki… but it's just a game, right? You don't need to make it too formal… Sensei would feel awkward…"
Even so, she still kept glancing at me, clearly hoping for something to happen.
"Hmm∼ but if it's like that, it would be boring, right?" Mutsuki pouted, hesitated for a moment, then, surprisingly, relented halfway: "Fine, as long as Sensei sincerely expresses how you feel about your 'in-game lover,' that's enough."
I wasn't sure whether it was the ability taking effect or Mutsuki just not being so strict…
Then again, determining sincerity is a highly subjective matter.
The silver-haired, red-eyed girl urged. "Come on, Sensei∼ so, who is it? Me or Aru?"
Aru sat upright again, silent, but her eyes seemed to shout, "Choose me! Please, I'll definitely accept!"
Already leaning in one direction, I replied earnestly, "Can't I choose both?"
"Eh!? Se-Sensei!?"
Aru was shocked and flustered, and Mutsuki blinked in confusion, quickly replacing it with a smile:
"Wow∼ that answer really has Sensei's style∼ But! This isn't the real world. In a game, you can't play both sides, you know?"
Aru initially nodded, agreeing, then furrowed her brow, noticing something off about Mutsuki's tone.
I frowned and asked back: "Then isn't your game a little… unrealistic?"
"Uh... th-this is for gameplay reasons!"
The little devil was still arguing, but clearly, she wanted to monopolize me in the game, satisfying a fantasy she couldn't achieve in reality!
…Why do I suddenly feel a tiny bit guilty?
I hesitated: "But whether it's Aru or Mutsuki, if I have to give up one… I'd rather take the punishment."
"Sensei…" Aru's eyes were full of tears, moved.
Honestly, if it weren't for my reserved nature and adherence to principles, I might have tricked Aru long ago.
Meanwhile, Mutsuki, who had voiced her objection, fell silent, her expression conflicted.
From her reaction, I could predict one thing:
My persuasion check was about to succeed.
Sure enough, Mutsuki sighed, mock-scolding. "Fine, I really can't do anything about Sensei. Hehe∼ Yeah, if you could only choose one, that would be really unfair to Aru-chan, right?"
"Eh? Wait, Mutsuki!?" Perhaps anticipating this, Aru's mind worked quickly, immediately spotting the problem: "Why are you speaking as if Sensei might reject me, when it's obviously me already!?"
I also thought Mutsuki might be slightly flustered.
"Now then, please listen carefully," I took a deep breath, gazing warmly at the two girls, "My confession."