Chapter 14 Another type of person who can chew gum while appearing on TV is those heel pro wrestlers.

Chapter 14

Another type of person who can chew gum while appearing on TV is those heel pro wrestlers.

This wasn't normal anymore. I prided myself on having complete control over my physical reactions.

I was the kind of lunatic who wouldn't make a sound even if tortured. So how was this possible? I hadn't touched a drop of soda, so why did I burp like that?

Come to think of it, this wasn't the first time. Same thing happened when I talked to Mother. I kept making these joke sound effects without realizing it.

Maybe it was because I was inside a game character's body. The natural comedy reactions seemed more exaggerated than usual. Plus, Assarun's main role was being the comic relief. His body probably responded even more dramatically.

I couldn't control myself.

This might be bigger than I thought. I felt like I was losing my edge somehow. Like that stern, dead-serious person who only cracked jokes on his deathbed in my past life had vanished.

Loss of identity.

Was I becoming one of those loud joke-cracking comedians who babbled in every situation?

"Ehehe! Ahaha! giggle giggle"

"Ah! Asuka, are you alright?! Stay calm now. Take slow, deep breaths."

I touched her shoulder and rubbed her back to help her settle down.

That's when I saw it—Asuka's face, bright with pure joy as she laughed.

I'd seen her faint, shy smile once before, after we kissed. But this was different. Her grin stretched wide, her face alive with happiness, her whole being radiating pure joy.

Did my stupid joke make her happier than kissing me?

Really hurt my feelings. Made me want to sulk.

Asuka's laughter sounded unsteady, breathless, like someone who rarely got to laugh like this. The kind of person who lived a harder life than most, so when she did laugh, it came out more intense than normal people's.

It reminded me of Mother.

Ah...

Losing my edge didn't matter. Loss of identity didn't matter. Having to abandon my deadpan comedy for this loud joke-cracking style didn't matter.

None of it mattered.

As long as I could protect these smiles and laughter.

That was enough.

"So learning the enemy's strength is difficult. That's why you should always focus on the easier task of learning your own side's strength first."

As the laughter died down, Professor Kwan continued his lesson.

Oh. I needed to pay attention to class again.

"Alright, now that everyone understands this point, let's have a test. I heard there was some excitement this morning. My, Assarun, I'm quite envious—landing such a beautiful, lovely bride. Truth is, I don't usually approve of people from great houses bullying commoners. But it seems our arrogant groom Assarun isn't afraid of anything. Probably wants to show off his skills to impress his bride, hmm?"

I quickly covered my mouth with my hand.

No! Don't let it out! Making noise and cracking jokes in this situation wouldn't help anything. It would just make me look weird for no reason.

I had to keep a stern face. React only in my head.

Here we go again? What's this "arrogant groom" nonsense?

And my skills are absolute trash right now. I've got nothing impressive to show my bride!

What's wrong with everyone around here? Why do they love jumping to conclusions?!

Oh, I'm safe.

Right? That pathetically cowardly joke—if I'd said it out loud, it would've looked absolutely pitiful. Instead of making Asuka laugh, she probably would've cried.

"Therefore, I'll give Assarun the chance to do what he wants. Assarun will fight the three great houses in this class. Team A: the arrogant groom Assarun, his beautiful bride Himura Asuka, his loyal sidekick Shambo, and goalkeeper Noah Newman can stand around and help."

I clenched my fists.

I don't want this at all!

"Team B will be three people from the three great houses: Student Council President, Acid Wind Flame William Burn, Beautiful Rose Dark Thorn Claris Rose, Peerless Shield George Strong Shield, and goalkeeper Earthen Curtain Sam Curtis."

Here it was. The battle between me and the three great houses.

Too late to avoid it now...

"Oh my God! I get to fight alongside big brother Assarun?"

Shambo looked absolutely thrilled.

Had no idea how his "big brother" was feeling right now. Wanted to punch this guy.

"I don't really understand what's happening or how we got here, but this is our first competition together. Let's give it our all."

Asuka showed no fear or worry. She seemed excited, wanting to create memorable impressions in our first football match together.

"Mm..."

I took my hand away from my mouth and answered quietly.

"Alright, both teams take the field. Show your teacher and classmates what you've learned."

I quickly covered my mouth again.

Yes sir, Professor. This student will humbly apply your teachings to deal with these three heirs from the three great houses of Anti Meta City.

What had I learned anyway?

Uh... football is war. Know your enemy, know yourself, win every battle. Putting toothpaste back in the tube is difficult.

Excellent. All of it sounded useful. I'd definitely win this competition!

Sigh... A teacher who actually stuck to the textbook without going off-topic was truly amazing...