This is another side story.
“So, the box and its contents have been decided. Next is the sales method. Since everyone gathered here currently either has a family that runs a restaurant or food-related business, or is an employee of such a store, we’ll decide on the stores by speaking with each of your families and proceed with sales at the approved locations. Does that sound alright?”
Rachel’s meddling had made progress difficult, but they finally managed to find a direction and move forward. Prim reconfirmed the sales method with the female students present.
“Excuse me, isn’t the narration a bit off? It sounds like I’m the only one causing trouble,” Rachel protested, directing her words somewhere.
“I think it’s exactly as it is?”
“Caro, did you say something? I’ll pinch your breasts.”
“If you do that, I’ll pinch Rachel back,” Caro muttered. Rachel reacted to Caro’s quiet remark.
“You two are very close, aren’t you?”
“I think so too.”
Watching them, Josette and Patty observed the two bickering with exasperated expressions.
“Ahem, next is the event date. The Principal has informed us that it should be next month. After investigating various options, I believe this date in the middle of the month is appropriate. Rachel, what do you think?”
“Hmm, I would have preferred the 14th, but this date seems more suitable for preparation and as an event. What do you think, Caro?”
“I think it’s fine too.”
Next, a discussion about the event date took place. Prim had previously selected and presented a suitable date, including preparation time. Rachel and Caro agreed, finding no issues.
“Well then, the event will be held on a weekday. If this date is acceptable, I would like to seek approval by applause.”
*Clap, clap, clap, clap*
“With a majority of applause, the event date has been decided.”
The event date was set with the approval of the participants.
“Alright, that’s all we need to discuss. Our lunch break is limited, so let’s have lunch.”
“Ju-just wait a minute!”
“Hyaah!”
Just as Prim was about to conclude the discussion, Rachel exclaimed loudly. Prim flinched at her voice.
“Is… is something wrong? Rachel?”
“We haven’t decided on something important.”
“Something important?”
Prim believed all discussions were finished and, having no idea what Rachel was referring to, asked again.
“*”Wha-what is it?””*
The participating female students also thought the discussion was over and, like Prim, had no idea what Rachel meant, so they began whispering amongst themselves.
“What’s missing? The event doesn’t have a name!”
“Is that necessary?”
“Of course, it’s necessary! I’d love to call it Valentine’s Day, but for various reasons, that’s not appropriate. Giving it a different name would make it easier for the event to resonate.”
“I see, perhaps Rachel is right. However, we need to ensure time for lunch, so let’s decide on the name at the next meeting.”
Prim decided to incorporate Rachel’s suggestion, but due to time constraints, the naming would be postponed to the next meeting.
“Well then, everyone must be hungry, so let’s have lunch.”
With Prim’s declaration, the meeting concluded. They then proceeded to eat the lunch prepared by the Principal.
“Munch, munch, munch. Still, this discussion was long. It feels like the lunch break ended ages ago. Munch, munch, munch.”
“Lady Josette, it’s impolite to speak with food in your mouth.”
“Munch, yes, you’re right. But it tastes better when I eat without worrying about manners. Munch, munch.”
Lunch was a buffet-style meal where everyone served themselves their preferred dishes. The food provided included many items that commoners wouldn’t usually get to taste. The female students formed groups with those they were friendly with and conversed while eating. Josette’s group, along with Prim, comprised five people in total. Josette had been speaking with her mouth full, and Caro had just cautioned her.
“Lady Josette has really blended in, hasn’t she?”
“Blended in with what?”
Rachel said this while looking at Josette, who was eating with apparent enjoyment. Hearing this, Josette paused and asked Rachel.
“When I first met you, you had more dignity and an aura of noble birth. But now, though your appearance is still dignified, you’re approachable and a very easy friend to get along with. Lady Josette, Prim, and Caro. Seeing the three of you together reminds me of the past.”
“Yes. Back then, I was desperately trying to find my place. For that, I caused you a lot of trouble.”
“That’s all in the past, so you don’t need to worry about it anymore.”
When Rachel brought up their past, Josette apologized again, but since they had already reconciled, she had no intention of dredging things up.
“It was your older brother who changed me. I’m living very happily now, and I’m grateful. And to you, Rachel, as well.”
“W-w-what’s wrong? Praising me out of the blue won’t get you anything.”
Rachel was surprised by Josette’s sudden words of gratitude.
“You did so many things for me. Especially the dresses you made; they became a hot topic among the aristocracy.”
*(゜Д゜)*
“Could I have a moment?”
“Hmm? What’s wrong, Prim? Your face looks like an emoticon?”
Upon hearing Josette’s words, Prim’s face suddenly looked astonished. Rachel asked her the reason.
“Are you alright?”
“If you’re not feeling well, I can guide you to the infirmary.”
“Miss Patty, Miss Caro, I apologize for worrying you. I was just a little surprised, I’m fine.”
Patty and Caro, concerned by Prim’s unusual expression, spoke to her.
“Lady Josette, I’d like to confirm something. Are you referring to the party dresses you’ve been wearing recently? I heard Miss Patty also wore something made at the same workshop. Is that what you’re talking about?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Yes.”
Josette and Patty answered Prim’s question.
“Could it be that Rachel, you are involved with the recently popular Akane Workshop?”
“Ah, now that you mention it, it might have had that name. If you say I’m involved, then I suppose I am.”
“P-please, introduce me! My trading company has received many inquiries about whether you sell dresses from the Akane Workshop.”
Upon learning that Rachel was involved with the Akane Workshop, Prim grasped Rachel’s hands and pleaded for an introduction.
“Introduction? That’s just clothing I made as a hobby. I have no intention of selling it openly.”
“That’s a shame. By the way, did you make those clothes as a hobby? And to create something that has become so talked about among the aristocracy all by yourself… that’s an amazing talent.”
“Well, I suppose it turned out that way.”
Since Rachel isn’t actively working in the fashion industry, the Akane Workshop doesn’t openly exist. However, she isn’t hiding it; she simply makes clothes as a hobby, so she answered normally.
“By the way, the uniforms Caro is wearing now were also made by me.”
“Eh? I didn’t notice at all.”
Prim looked surprised when Rachel said that. At this academy, uniforms are provided by the country to all students. However, due to budget constraints, they are made with minimal quality. Therefore, wealthy families and those of aristocratic status often tailor uniforms of the same design with added expense. Josette prepared her own uniforms, and Caro also used to wear uniforms tailored at a shop. However, for various reasons, Caro is now wearing uniforms made by Rachel. Yet, for some reason, Rachel herself doesn’t wear her own creations and wears the uniform provided by the country. Patty also used to wear the country-provided uniform but changed to a uniform tailored by a famous shop after she started dating Gordon.
“Prim, this is just between us, but the clothes I make have a very important function.”
“An important function?”
“Caro, stand up.”
“Um, should I stand up?”
Rachel whispered this to Prim and had Caro stand up.
“If you pull this string…”
“R-Rachel, if you pull that string… Kyaa!”
Rachel pulled a small string hidden in Caro’s uniform. Caro knew what the string was and tried to avoid it, but it was too late. The string Rachel pulled was an emergency one; when pulled, the stitched seams would unravel. Naturally, the fabric lost its support and fell apart onto the floor, leaving Caro in her underwear.
“I need a self-destruct function just in case.”
“…”
Prim was speechless at Rachel’s utterly bizarre assertion. And so, the enjoyable lunch time passed.
“Eh? It just ended normally?”
“It wasn’t normal. I’m freezing.”
After the discussion ended, the female students who had been in the conference room returned to their respective classrooms. Currently, only Rachel and Caro remained. Caro was still in her underwear because Rachel had stripped her uniform. It was winter, and although the conference room was kept warm by the fireplace, she still felt cold in her current state.
“Mmm, something feels missing,”
“What is?”
As Rachel pondered with her arms crossed, Caro peered at Rachel’s face, looking puzzled.
“Yes, there isn’t enough lewdness.”
“No, I felt there was a decent amount.”
“Only breasts made an appearance.”
“That’s true, it was only breasts,” Caro said, recalling this side story as Rachel spoke.
“But, it seems we need to wrap this up soon?”
“Gah, is it already time?”
When Caro informed her that they were nearing the end, Rachel looked disappointed.
“This was too unfinished. I’ll be doing the main part of the side story soon, so we’ll have to save the continuation until then.”
“Soon…?”
Caro, told this by Rachel, took out her smartphone from her pants.
“Caro, you kept the smartphone your older brother gave you in there?”
“It feels good when it vibrates with incoming calls, you know! What are you making me say!”
“I didn’t say anything? You said it yourself,”
“Th-that was a joke. I only put it there because I had nowhere else to put it!”
Caro stammered her defense, her face bright red.
“Th-that’s enough about that. Um, [I was reincarnated into an otome game world, but it seems I was a background male student with cheat abilities.] Search on Goo***. Wow, there are so many results. Ah, found it.”
Caro began searching on her smartphone (in the main story, Caro’s smartphone does not have internet connectivity). She then found the item she was looking for.
“I see, it’s for the anniversary. Indeed, it seems we’re about to achieve it.”
“So, you’ll have to wait until then!”
Caro understood what Rachel meant.
“And so, how was this 2-million-character anniversary side story? Next time, it’s finally time for the event that was discussed today. How many affection-filled boxes will my older brother get? Please look forward to it.”
“I will definitely be giving one to Ken-to-san. What about you, Rachel?”
“That’s a secret. For details, please read the main story.”
Rachel answered Caro’s question with a troubled expression.
“Well then, we will conclude this session. We hope you will continue to support [I was reincarnated into an otome game world, but it seems I was a background male student with cheat abilities.]”
Rachel and Caro waved their hands, and with their farewell greetings, the talk ended.
Although it significantly exceeded the planned word count, this 2-million-character anniversary side story is now complete. The things decided upon in this story will be implemented from the next chapter. We will return to the main story next time.
