Momoi really made a mess of things.
The Game Development Club's new game didn't make the top seven in the competition, but fortunately, this year's Millennium Club Contest made an exception and awarded a Special Prize to Myth·Legend·Chronicles 2.
The judges explained that the work allowed them to experience practicality from a completely new perspective, evoked nostalgic memories of the past, and gave them a sense of future possibilities…
Reasonable enough. But viewing it through the lens of an adult's dirty thoughts, I couldn't help but suspect that someone's hand had been at work behind the scenes.
Regardless of any hidden intentions, I decided that as long as the outcome was good, that was all that mattered.
Since it was only a special prize and not a formal award, the decision on whether to disband the Game Development Club was postponed, kept on hold until the next semester.
In short! The club was safe, at least for now.
"So… Arisu doesn't have to move to Schale to live with Sensei…?"
Arisu's tone suggested she wasn't entirely happy about it.
Whether she noticed or not, Midori cheered: "That's wonderful, Arisu-chan! You don't have to be apart from everyone! I'm so glad!"
"I… I'm glad too…" Arisu mumbled. If she hadn't occasionally shot me those pitiful looks, it might have been more convincing.
Clearly, adjusting the duty roster had become urgent.
Meanwhile, having just escaped crisis, Momoi proudly crossed her arms: "Hehe It was only natural that we succeeded After all, my script is this excellent!"
Yuuka, who had been genuinely happy for them, froze mid-smile.
"…I understand how excited you all are right now. But before that, may I ask a small question?"
Unaware that the reckoning was about to begin, Momoi magnanimously replied: "Of course! Ask away!"
Yuuka took a deep breath, narrowed her eyes, and scanned the room. Her tone softened, but the killing intent could not be hidden:
"Can someone explain to me… what exactly is 'Thick-Legged Marmot'?"
For a moment, the activity room seemed to pause.
Yuuka's face was so dark it could have dripped water. The girls of the Game Development Club froze like deer in headlights.
Even Maki, who had only come to congratulate them, stiffened under Yuuka's cold, arithmetic-like aura, like a statue unable to move.
As for me, I felt that when it wasn't directly relevant and no real trouble would come of it, I could just watch the spectacle.
After an unknown amount of time, a faint, almost imperceptible whimper broke the silence.
Suddenly, the ultimate stillness erupted into ultimate chaos.
Shouts, pleas, and the sounds of running filled the small activity room.
Innocent Maki quietly slipped out the door, Yuzu shrank into a cabinet, and Yuuka made no attempt to stop them, she was busy chasing Momoi and Midori, the twin sisters, whose mischief had largely dragged the other along.
Incidentally, Arisu was completely ignored by Yuuka, but she hid enthusiastically, giving the impression of desperately trying to join in, yet only managing to entertain herself.
The girls' commotion went on for a long time, until Yuuka, exhausted and panting, declared it over.
"T-this time… seeing as you've all really put in effort, I'll let you off… for now."
Yuuka's final warning: "If there's a next time… it won't be this easy!"
The twins, holding me on either side and shivering, nodded their heads rapidly in perfect unison.
This, of course, provoked further dissatisfaction from Yuuka: "And don't stick so close to Sensei! It could be inconvenient for him. Honestly, Sensei, don't spoil them too much either."
I smiled helplessly, thinking, That troublesome Yuuka, always trying to ruin my good deeds. I'll let her slide this time just because she's my wife. But if there's a next time…
Then I'll have to move against Noa.
Unaware of my scheming, Yuuka turned back to the Game Development Club: "Anyways, I only have about 1,240 seconds left of free time. There are still things like the club room extension application and club funds to handle. Once you're done, come by the Student Council office. See you later!"
With that, the busy seminar treasurer ended her forcibly squeezed break and hurried away.
Once Momoi confirmed Yuuka had truly left, she completely relaxed.
She looked back at her companions and confidently announced: "Everyone! We did it!"
The room, small but full of precious memories that the club had fought to protect and succeeded in preserving, filled once more with joy.
I was genuinely happy for them.
"Now," Momoi said with a serious expression, "it's time to get back to work."
Midori gasped: "Could it be that you're already planning the next game, onee-chan?"
"What are you thinking?" Momoi asked her sister with a naturally confident tone. "By 'work,' I meant gaming, of course."
"…Sorry, my mistake. I shouldn't have thought so highly of you, sis."
"Hey! What does that mean!"
Momoi frowned, then sat back at her computer, calling to everyone: "Come on, let's continue! Time to tackle the next dungeon!"
Her excitement was obvious, but I had to dampen it: "Sorry, I have to return to Schale today."
After all, tonight I had a study session with Utaha and other pending work at Schale.
If I stayed to play games with them, I might not get back for hours.
"Eh? I see." Momoi quickly put aside her disappointment. "Sensei, don't worry. I'll call Maki to fill in."
…Does that unlucky lady ever stop talking?
Not wanting to argue, I said my goodbyes to the girls and left the Game Development Club with the light-hearted feeling of having finally completed a long-pending request.
Just as I was about to descend the stairs, a voice called from behind:
"Um, Sensei…"
I stopped and turned: "Yes? What is it, Yuzu?"
Honestly, her hesitation slightly surprised me.
"Ac-actually," the Game Development Club president said, cheeks flushed, shy and timid, "if it's possible… could I ask you for a favor…?"