Episode 64: Reinhardt ②
“Hey, Dietfried. I’m a handsome guy, right?”
The locker room reeked of sweaty guys. We were changing into our gym clothes for the upcoming practical skills class, but… Reinhardt had to ask something weird.
“I guess so?”
I gave Reinhardt a noncommittal answer. In reality, Reinhardt, being the game’s protagonist, is handsome. Probably the most handsome guy in our class.
More importantly, why are you talking to me so casually? We’re not friends or anything, you know?
I’m trying to keep as much distance as possible from you, the protagonist, okay?
“Yeah, I thought so. I’m supposed to be handsome. So why do girls avoid me?”
“Are you serious…?”
“Of course, I’m serious.”
Reinhardt nodded emphatically, his eyes shining as if he had nothing to hide. This guy’s the real deal. Scary.
“Reinhardt, girls aren’t avoiding you. They hate you. To put it more bluntly, they think you’re the lowest of scumbags.”
“Why?!”
“Well, confessing to two beautiful girls consecutively on the same day will do that to you. How frivolous can you be? Your sincerity is paper-thin. And then, just the other day, you even confessed to a third one…”
“I just fell for them. Can’t be helped, right?!”
“Don’t tell me that. So? Who do you like now?”
If possible, I really wish you’d give up on Cornelia. Just go and get along with Eleonore like in the game.
“Of course, I like all three of them, obviously!”
“What the hell is wrong with your romantic feelings…?”
This guy’s hopeless. No wonder there’s a harem route in the game.
Actually, is this world going to be okay with a protagonist like this? That’s what I’m more worried about.
“I don’t want to lie to my own feelings!”
“You… That’s…?!”
Isn’t that the super cool line the protagonist said when he went to save Eleonore?! That’s not a line a guy trying to three-time should be saying! I was so moved by it back then…
“Anyway, I like all three of them. I love them. That’s why I need your cooperation, as Cornelia-chan’s older brother.”
“You think I’ll cooperate?”
As if I’d entrust my precious, precious Cornelia to someone like you.
“Oh no, you’ll have no choice but to entrust Cornelia-chan to me.”
“Such confidence. Why do you think so?”
“It’s our Gifts. Both my Gift and Cornelia-chan’s Gift are of unknown origin, right? Because of that, people say we’ve been given ominous Gifts. With Gifts like that, she won’t find any decent suitors, will she? Aren’t you, of all people, the one worrying about this the most? But I don’t care about such things. My Gift is also of unknown origin, after all. Besides, I love Cornelia-chan. It’s not something I should say myself, but you won’t find a better match than me, you know?”
“…………”
This guy, for an idiot, he sure knows how to accurately poke at my weaknesses.
It’s true that the bad reputation surrounding Cornelia and Reinhardt, who were given Gifts of unknown origin, hasn’t completely disappeared. Especially Cornelia, who ranks first in practical skills. I know that some students are envious and jealous of her because of it.
An unknown Gift. Yet, she’s strong.
Apparently, that appears eerie in people’s eyes.
This rumor is quite an obstacle when it comes to finding a husband for Cornelia.
As Reinhardt says, it might be best to have her marry him. But still… Reinhardt is fated to be drawn into the battle with the Evil God. I can’t entrust Cornelia to such a dangerous situation.
If things go wrong, Cornelia might even end up joining the battle against the Evil God.
Well, it all depends on Cornelia. I don’t think it’ll happen, but if Cornelia were to fall for Reinhardt, I intend to allow their marriage.
When that time comes, I’ll take on anyone, be it the Evil God or whatever else.
My vow to protect my Cornelia is eternal.
“Hah… I still won’t cooperate with you, Reinhardt. Cornelia’s feelings are what matter most to me. If Cornelia comes to like you, I’ll permit the marriage. That’s all for now.”
“Don’t you go back on that promise, okay? The way I see it, I think Cornelia-chan already likes me, you know? Just the other day, when I was talking to Eleonore, she was staring at me with such a passionate gaze!”
What in the world is going on inside this guy’s head…?
“Reinhardt, this is an unfortunate truth for you, but Cornelia dislikes you. That gaze wasn’t a passionate one; it was simply a gaze of contempt. Don’t misunderstand.”
“Seriously…? Why does Cornelia hate me?!”
“Well, it’s only natural to be hated if you’re trying to three-time, right? Instead of trying to conquer three at once, why don’t you just narrow it down to one?”
“Ehh…? That wouldn’t be me, would it?”
What on earth is your image of Reinhardt like in your head?
“You’re super popular now that your Gift has evolved, right? You can have your pick of women, can’t you? I’m not asking for that much, but I at least want a harem.”
Ah, this guy’s a lost cause. His very existence is harmful. I absolutely have to keep him away from Cornelia.
“I’ve turned down all marriage proposals and advances.”
“Ehhh?! That’s such a waste! But you’re at least sampling the goods, right?”
“I am not! Save your nonsense for when you’re asleep!”
Why are this guy’s thoughts so focused on his lower body? And he’s the protagonist?
If I get matched against him in a mock battle, I’ll teach him a lesson.
◇
In the mock battle that followed, Reinhardt was rolling around, clutching his groin and writhing.