It felt as if the whole world wanted my and Trinity’s defeat, but I never dreamed it would actually lead to this outcome.
Throughout the closing ceremony, the difference in expressions between Makoto and me was so obvious that even a stranger could tell.
Compared to the festive atmosphere on Gehenna’s side, our Trinity side seemed particularly down, perhaps largely due to the influence of the Pater and Arius kids.
“The 20XX Summer Festival, from next year on to be called the 2nd Gehenna–Trinity Boat Summer Festival, the champion of this year’s festival is Gehenna. On their behalf, I would like to present the victory trophy of this year’s Summer Festival to the chairperson of Manma Battle, Hanuma Makoto. Congratulations on your victory…!”
…I wonder if I’m managing my expression well? I really don’t think so.
If it weren’t for the rivalry that allows me to show my discomfort, this situation wouldn’t look good at all.
I managed to grit my teeth and barely mutter congratulations, but the moment Makoto starts teasing us, I might not even be able to open my mouth at all.
“Hehe.”
Holding a trophy engraved with angels and demons pointing guns at each other, Makoto stepped forward a couple of paces. Then, slowly, oh-so-slowly, she raised the trophy for everyone to see.
“Behold, students of Gehenna Academy! This is the most undeniable proof that Gehenna stands above Trinity! If anyone dares to place Trinity above Gehenna in the future, let them be mocked in the face and asked: so, which academy won the inaugural Get Tournament?!”
Woahhh!!!
In response to Makoto’s voice, a thunderous roar erupted from the Gehenna audience, echoing throughout the stands. I could see Makoto’s shoulders rising in real-time along with the whistling and cheers for Gehenna.
“This is the achievement obtained by the pinnacle of Gehenna, the illustrious Hanuma Makoto! Feel free to enjoy today to the fullest… or rather! You may continue to enjoy for as long as you wish! We have won, and Trinity has lost. The greatest privilege given to the victor, of course, is the right to look down upon the vanquished, is it not? Hehehehehe!!!”
This was the process of receiving the karmic retribution for the baseless confidence I had during that time, filled with too many reckless words. I thought the results of my personal bets were more important than the tournament’s victory or defeat…
But Makoto’s words pierced deep into my heart like daggers. Each word felt like it was stabbing my heart. From that, my frustration bubbled over like lava, creating a haze.
This frustration had nothing to do with the outcome of my personal bets. I had resigned myself the moment the defeat was confirmed.
Maybe it’s because it feels like Trinity has now become my alma mater.
“Hehehe!!! In that sense, shall we first hear the sounds of the defeated barking? Any words will do! Whether it’s a pitiful excuse or a hopeful song for the future, it’s all good! Or how about the voice of someone pretending to be magnanimous and giving false congratulations! Whatever it is, it will only make my victory even more precious and sweet!”
As Makoto lowered the trophy, she giggled and turned her head toward me. When the broadcasting drone approached me, my face was projected larger than life on the screen.
Now, everything I say and the expression on my face are going to be glaringly obvious to everyone, and I felt like I was going to be sick.
In this atmosphere, what in the world should I say?
Is the festival just a festival after all?
Was this just Gehenna getting lucky this time, and we can win next year?
No words could revive the sunk mood in the Trinity audience.
I noticed Nagisa, worry in her eyes, approach me first. I signaled her to stay quiet as if she was about to say something.
In the midst of my frozen lips searching for words, a gust of wind blew.
—Mika Senpai!
I couldn’t quite catch what was being said, but someone familiar in the audience was yelling my name so loudly that I could faintly hear it. That much was certain.
That’s when I realized. If nothing would change no matter what I said, then I should just express what I wanted to say from my heart.
Despite Makoto’s provocation, showing a smile to everyone in our academy who has struggled alongside me as the leader of Trinity is the best I can do.
Ultimately, the thing I need to do is comfort and embrace those who must be feeling quite defeated. That’s all that matters, really.
“…First of all, to all the participants who graced this Get Tournament, thank you for your hard work and for putting on a wonderful show. Especially the players who represented Trinity. I know how hard you all worked, how much you sweat and longed for victory. Yes. I want to express my gratitude to you first.”
Looking back, I realize I only wished to receive and never to give. I selfishly expected that the kids from Pater and Arius would win medals for me, often ending up disappointed. I shouldn’t have felt that way.
I reminisce Sakurako’s simple joy in enjoying the match.
I think of Chiyo, who seemed infinitely happier than I could imagine when she hung the medal around my neck.
Hifumi, Azusa, and Saori too.
The faces of the kids I had placed medals on shone so brightly, and I regretted not noticing their joy earlier, blinded by my own victory.
“Did you all enjoy this festival? I feel like I didn’t enjoy it as much as I should have. The tournament was held with the hope that everyone would have fun, yet here I am, caught up in the rivalry between the two academies and my political image, which makes me feel a bit disappointed that I didn’t enjoy it nearly enough.”
I honestly lay my heart bare. There’s nothing left to hide or conceal now. Since my relationship with Hina has come to light, trying to hide my demeanor toward Gehenna would only make me uncomfortable.
“What about you? Did you enjoy the tournament, the festival? I hope so, yet it makes me regret if you couldn’t enjoy parts that should’ve been enjoyable just because I got lost in victory. My arrogance and obsession with winning must have influenced you. If that’s the reason you couldn’t fully enjoy the festival, then it’s probably entirely my fault… So, I apologize. I’m sorry for placing unnecessary burdens upon you.”
I bow my head, filled with remorse. Still, I have the faint hope that the comforting words I wish to share could alleviate some of my guilt. Because of this, I felt a hint of self-loathing creeping in.
As expected, the audience didn’t disappoint. The concerned voices easily reached my ears.
“Don’t apologize, President! We wanted to win too!”
Here and there, kids’ voices rang out again, striking me directly.
“I love you, Mika. So don’t cry.”
Somewhere, a loud voice unmistakably belonging to Azusa rang out. I instinctively raised my hand, placing it near my eyes, but…
I couldn’t find a single tear on my hand. It seems our squirrel tricked me.
And perhaps because of this silly display, laughter broke out in various spots.
…Well, if my sacrifice could bring smiles to you all, then that’s enough for me.
“Ahaha… Who’s crying? Thanks to that, the picture has turned out a bit weird. You know, I want to take this opportunity to share something with you all. I, the current host of T-party, Misono Mika—”
I decide to express the wish I hadn’t been able to voice until now. While the circumstances have somewhat revealed my tendencies, actually stating it aloud feels different.
“I hope that everyone here, regardless of their academy, can laugh and chat together and enjoy the conclusion of the festival. I wish for next year’s festival, the one after, and all the future festivals to be like this. In other words, let’s take a step beyond our current rivalry. Yes, after the competition ends, let’s congratulate each other without hard feelings and have a relationship where we can laugh together.”
Considering we dislike each other so much, our academy life is far too short, don’t you think?
I throw that out there, and close my eyes for a moment. I don’t really expect an immediate positive reaction. After all, we’ve only just taken our first shaky step, and there’s still a long way to go.
So, I sought to smooth the path for all of us to reach the end of this journey.
What returned was a mixed response. Yet, someone clapped, and the fact that I didn’t see anyone openly expressing dissatisfaction felt like a sufficient reward.
“The closing ceremony will end soon, but after that, we will have a campfire at Huya Zero! So I thought of doing a little event. We will take pictures of students from both Gehenna and Trinity enjoying the campfire together and post them on the event website later to give away some prizes☆ What do you think? Not a bad idea, right?”
After all, getting a website made is quick if I place an order with Millennium. Technology can be bought with money, and time can be bought with money too. Plus, it’s no trouble for me to hastily set up an event by myself.
“Hmph! The loser’s words are dragging on too long. There’s a limit to how much I can stand listening! If left alone, it might never end, so I’ll cut it short with the privilege of the victor. Hehehehe!”
…Well, I’ve pretty much said what I wanted to say already.
More than that, I suddenly saw Makoto interrupting, grinning at me. There was a clear intent to stir trouble in her grin.
“Surely, there was one wager that must be fulfilled between the great Makoto and the pitiful loser young lady; according to the tournament’s victory or defeat, the losing side must be the winner’s servant for a week. Now, let’s relish the power of the victor!”
But there was suspicious movement behind the smiling Makoto. Iroha and Hina.
“Hey, loser. Kneel before me and say you’re sorry for daring to challenge someone as formidable as me—what!”
Just as she passionately began her commands, without any warning, Makoto started to topple forward, only to be caught by Hina and Iroha as she fell. Makoto’s halo blinked and flickered before disappearing like a burnt-out light bulb.
“It seems our chairperson of the Manma Battle has dozed off due to exhaustion from the match, so I shall take over from here as the chairperson of the Student Council.”
…Wait, anyone can see that you guys put her to sleep, right?
