Chapter 274.2

Chapter 274.2. Holy Rice Crackers

-Masatoshi’s POV-

The two of us, lost in silence, were completely unaware of the warm gazes from our surroundings.

However, there was always someone to break the ice, and we were soon pulled back into the conversation.

“Hey, hey, let’s eat curry! Curry!”

“Huh? Curry? Oh, it’s curry. Come to think of it, I noticed a good smell coming from Mion.”

I told Mion that I had noticed the scent of curry. It was starting to make me hungry.

The young boys around us started to get excited, their eyes shining at the thought of a feast. Other kids in the vicinity also began to buzz excitedly, realizing the same thing.

“Hahaha, well, that’s Masatoshi for you! I got a message from someone important today, telling me to welcome you, so we’ve got curry. Let’s eat!”

For some reason, Mion burst into laughter, but had I said something strange? Why were the girls giving me such pitying looks?

Well, it was probably some silly joke, so I focused on the food instead.

“Oh, I’ll have medium spicy, please.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“There’s no difference in taste.”

Since Sena-san wasn’t with me today, I felt more at ease, sitting back and speaking confidently.

“All right then. I’ll prepare it for you! Something good seems to have happened today, so…”

“Something good did happen! Fhahaha!”

And so, the curry was served on a plate, along with a side salad. The smell of curry filled the cafeteria.

“Hmm, it looks quite delicious. I’ll praise you after I taste it.”

“Then let’s dig in!”

“Curry, curry!”

“Yum!”

Despite my earlier praise, she completely ignored me and started eating. Come on, this was supposed to be a moment where everyone paid attention to me.

“Hey, don’t ignore me. I was going to explain why I’m here to everyone, remember?”

“Since it’s Masatoshi, it’s probably just a boastful story, right?”

“Uh, well, maybe not?”

While eating curry, I was silenced by Mion’s comment and pouted. Damn, she saw right through me.

But I had a secret plan. After all, this Masatoshi-sama possessed the cheat-like power of a reincarnated individual.

“Well, you see, I had my butler buy a cake for me.”

“Hey, everyone! Let’s listen to Masatoshi’s story!”

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted, and they all fell silent, focusing their attention. Talk about an attentive audience.

“Well, it’s not a big deal, but you know… It’s only natural for me. Do you want to hear it?”

“Hey, someone! Go and get the cake from the butler.”

“At least let me brag a bit!”

Mion quickly turned against me, and I protested hastily.

“Okay, okay. I’ll tell you about the cake.”

I had a smug expression and a cough to make me sound more dignified.

“You know… I was chosen as a participant in the school’s martial arts tournament. Pretty amazing, right? And I’m in the Free Class, no less.”

That’s right, both Shin and I were selected as participants. We were the only two in the Free Class.

In the original story, only Shin was in the Free Class. There was an event, but a mob character obstructed the protagonist and won it.

Masatoshi never would have been chosen as a participant in the Free Class.

.

However, as a reincarnated individual with god knowledge of this world’s setting, I used that knowledge to sneak into the Free Class like a protagonist.

I eagerly anticipated the applause and admiration from everyone, but they simply exchanged glances and didn’t seem particularly impressed.

“What’s the martial arts tournament?”

“Huh? You guys don’t know about the martial arts tournament? You see it on TV, right? They have float board races, dungeon conquer time trials, and tournaments.”

“Oh, that thing. But isn’t that usually for adults?”

Mion snapped her fingers in recollection, realizing that she had assumed it was an event for adults. Indeed, it was unusual for middle school students to participate. In the original story, it took place in high school…

“Well, it’s because I’m exceptional! There are only two of us in the Free Class!”

“Oh, congratulations!”

Finally, Mion and the others clapped their hands, nodding in satisfaction as I continued.

“It’s during the summer break. You guys can come and cheer this Masatoshi-sama on if you want. Fhahaha. Oh, and I’ll treat you to a vacation. I’ll cover the hotel and meal expenses.”

My words silenced everyone, and I looked around anxiously. Maybe saying they could come and cheer me on was too presumptuous? But it was my big moment. I just wanted them to be there.

As I considered changing it to a more polite request, everyone suddenly burst into excitement.

“Yay! A vacation!”

“How many nights are we staying?”

“I’ve never been on a trip before!”

The word “vacation” had taken them by surprise, leaving them momentarily speechless. I felt relieved.

“Thank you, Masatoshi. But is it okay? It must be a lot of money for everyone, right?”

“For me, it’s pocket change. In return, make sure to prepare a banner and wear happi coats. Shout your hearts out while cheering for me.”

“Understood, understood. We’ll give it our all when cheering for you! It’s my first trip ever!”

Mion jumped up with joy, flashing a radiant smile.

They probably couldn’t afford vacations at the orphanage. I felt a bit embarrassed by their enthusiasm.

After all, my noble entourage consisted of jackals. I had wanted a regular cheering squad. With jackals, they casually requested things like engagements and marriages, and I wanted to avoid that.

For now, I had secured a cheering squad. I decided to stop worrying and enjoy the laughter.

The sacred rice cake powder scattered on the floor was of no concern to him.