The meaning of “diligent” can change significantly depending on where you place your emphasis.
Usually, “diligent” is used positively unless you’re being sarcastic, but that doesn’t mean it carries the same connotation in every situation.
For example, when someone is said to be diligent in studying, people tend to think of them as a “goody two shoes.”
If someone is diligent in sports, they might be seen as healthy and lively, whereas if they’re diligent in following rules, they might come off as a bit stiff.
And of course, there are those who are diligent in social activities. This doesn’t simply mean they like to have fun. Even in modern society, where explicit social hierarchies have disappeared, socializing is still important. If a university student skips all the gatherings, they might find themselves in a pretty disadvantageous situation when they’re in class without any information. Similarly, if someone avoids all company meetings at work, they could face setbacks when it comes time for promotions.
Especially in a world where explicit class distinctions exist, what about the upper class?
In fact, it’s rare for a noble’s child, like Alice, to disregard social events like she has for studying during her childhood; typically, they start joining social gatherings in their early teens.
Well… some gatherings do seem to stray far from the image of “diligence.”
“Is that really true?”
Alice narrow-eyed and glared at Jake while saying that.
“Yeah, it’s not that unusual around here. You just don’t talk much with other kids in your class; it’s not like we weren’t all expecting it after the practice area was set.”
“….”
No matter what era, there exists something like the latest trend. This world is no different.
And no matter how non-illegal it is, the latest trends often seem a bit immoral and vulgar by old standards.
“So, according to you…”
Alice slowly opened her mouth.
“On the beach, a place that isn’t owned by anyone, a common beach where anyone can go—”
“Not just anyone. It’s a property of Lindbergh. I can assure you that outside students or teachers won’t peek at it.”
“—Anyway, in a place full of people whom I’ve never seen before.”
Ignoring Jake’s explanation, Alice spoke.
“You’re saying you’re going to have fun swimming in clothes that barely cover important parts of your body? And that too, with both genders mixed together?”
Alice’s expression was difficult to describe.
It wasn’t disgust so much as… well, it looked like the kind of expression old people make when they hear how young kids are hanging out these days.
“Oh, haven’t you seen it? They sometimes have pools set up in a spacious indoor area or backyard to have fun in.”
Now that’s modern party style.
I’ve never seen it even once while living in the modern world, but…
I feel like I’ve watched it in movies or dramas a lot.
“So…”
But Alice still didn’t respond to Jake’s words.
“Those swimsuits, you’re talking about, right? The swimsuits that often show up in the latest photo shoots. They’re practically underwear, aren’t they?”
“No, they’re not like underwear.”
Jake frowned at Alice’s statement.
“What’s so different?”
“They’re waterproof.”
“…….”
Alice had nothing to say in response to Jake’s explanation.
“Even if it looks that way, it’s actually fabric that’s been layered on natural rubber and compressed. It’s definitely thicker than underwear.”
“Still—”
“I disagree!”
And surprisingly enough, a loud voice came from the table where the teachers were seated, shocking everyone.
Moreover, shockingly enough, the content of the conversation was not that much different from the one Jake and Alice were having.
“How can men and women be so, bare, bare, bare-skinned together! While wet! In the same place!?”
“While we’re at it, I’m sorry to say, aren’t you the lady of the ‘Northwood’ family? It’s kind of odd for someone who has grown up seeing those kinds of places since childhood to feel such aversion to something so ordinary.”
“Ugh…!”
It was Carolyn and Jennifer.
Carolyn had shot up from her seat, while Jennifer calmly sat with her coffee cup in hand. Ada seemed uninterested in the conversation of the two, engaged as she was in the small book in her hands.
“That, that’s different! Those people!”
“Those people?”
People who sell their bodies.
Carolyn’s face turned bright red as she couldn’t bring herself to say such a thing, and Jennifer found it amusing.
“They at least cover up some decency!”
“…….”
It seemed Carolyn’s statement left Jennifer speechless.
Even Ada, who had been reading, lifted her gaze to stare blankly at Carolyn.
Realizing the surrounding quietness a bit too late, Carolyn turned bright red and sat back down.
“……Anyway, just because one teacher says no now, things have already been decided. The students are already excited. If us adults suddenly go and shut it down, it’s not like the students would listen well after that.”
“Mostly it’s because of you, Jennifer.”
Ada shot a retort at Jennifer, not caring much as she started to read her book again.
“See? It’s already been settled.”
Jake said to Alice.
Amidst this, when my eyes met with Jennifer’s, she just shrugged her shoulders at me.
Well, I knew already.
Though my homeland is nearing winter, it’s this warm here. If we can’t enjoy the ocean in such a perfect resort at this time, the students would be so disappointed—
Is just something I felt upon arriving here; in reality, I already knew through the original story that events like this would happen.
After all, the game itself was a fantasy JRPG targeting otaku. Even if the setting is modern with industrial revolutions and all, if there is no swimsuit event featuring well-shaped heroines, how can that be an anime-style RPG made by a Japanese company?
“…You haven’t said a word.”
While I sat quietly sipping my drink, Alice narrowed her eyes and looked at me.
Well, I already knew.
I couldn’t say it outright here, but…
“Are you just fine with the possibility that your sisters might be exposing their bare skin among a crowd of men?”
Sorry, Alice.
Although I may look like this, I’ve lived in quite a liberal society.
Of course, I wasn’t some handsome guy with lots of money who fit well into that liberality.
But as far as common sense, I knew. Even if I didn’t partake, I had gone to the beach or pool with friends now and then.
“…Don’t you think it’s strange to claim you’re ‘the older sister’ while saying that to your ‘younger sister’?”
“Ugh.”
When I said that, Alice made a sound as if I had pricked a sore spot.
“Aren’t you supposed to be the one protecting your sister?”
“…”
Alice turned her head away as if feeling guilty.
Though I’m older in actual age… since she claims to be the older one, I might as well treat her that way.
Well, I was already thinking of a good excuse to escape…
“Sister.”
Just as I was trying to clarify my somewhat vague plan, someone suddenly butted in between us.
“Are you talking to me with those words?”
With her eyes sparkling, Claire asked that, and I lost my words.
It didn’t seem like she was trying to hold me back just because she anticipated I would run away. There was sincerity in her voice.
“…”
Wouldn’t you be able to protect your own body better than I could?
I’m pretty sure there won’t be some thug popping out during the event to snatch away the heroine only to reappear an hour later with her.
Because the ultimate top-tier thug was already among us. And that thug was, in fact, a pure-hearted guy only looking at one person.
And why Jake orchestrated Jennifer’s playful words to lead to real events? Partly it was because of Roti.
It was a perfect opportunity to legally dress Roti in the latest trendy bikini, who usually wouldn’t wear anything revealing!
This event was one of the few times Jake turned red and stumbled over his words.
I glanced back towards Roti, who was slightly lowering her gaze, so we didn’t meet eyes.
“Huh? Huh? Sister?”
Actually, Claire’s attitude wasn’t really that annoying. She didn’t have malicious intent from the start.
However, the expression on Alice’s face, laughing at that moment, was… a bit infuriating.
“Alright. Then let’s go buy the swimsuits today. We’ll need them for tomorrow.”
At my suggestion, Alice’s excitement visibly crumbled.
Sure, why not?
I wore bunny attire; can’t I wear a swimsuit too?
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