The day after my official inauguration as Grand Duke and Major, we headed to an amusement park.
I’d worried that renting the entire place out was a bit excessive, but the staff were actually grateful.
They’d reopened the park out of sheer professional pride despite the current climate, but business was slow. It just wasn't the right time yet. I mean, plenty of people had literally had their houses blown up recently. Plus, with the big-spending dukes and corrupt civil officials having been purged, everyone else was keeping a tight grip on their wallets.
Still, the parent company seemed intent on signaling the city's reconstruction, even if it meant hemorrhaging money. “If we don’t do it, who will!?” That’s some serious grit.
Wifey smiled and laughed, saying, “I like their spirit!” She immediately decided to start funneling funds into the parent company.
The park was within railway distance, but since the entire Officer Academy crowd was charging in together, we rented a bus. Actually, there had been a proposal for everyone to take individual limousines, but it was rejected by an overwhelming majority. Are you people idiots!?
We made sure the bus driver was a veteran from a company with military ties. This had been Piggett’s suggestion; he’d told us, “If this is rejected, the amusement park trip is cancelled.” I had no reason to refuse. And so, we headed to the park driven by an old man with the face of a veteran of a thousand battles.
When we got off the bus in the parking lot, Superintendent Amada from the police force was there for security for some reason. “Yo, Leo.” “Hey, Amada.”
We were basically best buds now. Amada explained that he was specifically in charge of our group.
“Amada! It is a pleasure to meet you-de arimasu!!!” “Oh, One-oh-one! Nice to meet you!” “Oh, Big Brother Amada!” “Hey, Tatiana, nice to meet you too!”
“Wait, you guys already know him?” “He is a regular companion when we play games with Luna-chan-de arimasu!!!”
Ah… elites are terrifying. He’d already made connections with the Fairy, One-oh-one, and Tatiana. His social maneuvering was flawless…
“I’m the commander today, so I’ll be posted near the entrance~” “Won't you come play with us-de arimasu!?” “Being an adult is a struggle, kid. Go play enough for my share, too.”
With that, Amada headed back to the entrance. Hmm… will I be able to carry myself like that when I'm in my twenties?
“Lord Groom, you're overthinking things again.” Wifey walked up beside me.
“You don't need to mimic the likes of Amada. Leave that kind of maneuvering to the specialists. You're fine just the way you are, Lord Groom.” “You think so?” “I do.”
If Wifey said so, then it must be true. Ren, Melissa, Claire, Nina-san, and Kevin joined us.
“Where’s Kyoko-chan?” “She ran straight for the game corner. She’s hopeless, really.”
Claire-san let out a weary sigh. There were a lot of retro games here, after all. I wanted to hole up there too… but I knew I wouldn't be allowed.
“Master! The restaurant supposedly has all-you-can-eat churrasco!” Ren’s eyes were sparkling. “Do that after we’ve actually played.” “Yes, sir!”
And so, we all went off to enjoy ourselves. Basking in the envy of the other guys felt amazing! This is the future you lot threw into the gutter!
Kevin took charge of looking after the two kids. He managed to stop them just as they tried to charge into the souvenir shop right away.
“I-I want a Shiitake Mushroom Plushie-de arimasu!!!” “An Eringi Mushroom Plushie! Give me an Eringi—!!!” “They’ll just be in the way, so do it later!”
Now then, first, a roller coaster… Since we had kids with us, we should pick something gentle.
“I want to ride the Ultra King Coaster HARAKIRI-de arimasu!!!” “You're going for something hardcore right from the jump.” “Let's go-de arimasu!!!”
When we reached the coaster, the other guys were already there. “Yo, Leo! Apparently they’re doing a special show. The operators are really fired up!”
Just then, the coaster roared past. There, clinging to the car without a single safety line, was a Sentai actor!
“Ogyarion is so cool-de arimasu!!!” “H-He's taking that way too far!!! Someone stop him!!!” “I-I'll show you the justice of Ogyari!!!”
D-Don't stand up!!! “Ogyarion Stand Up!!!”
Stop it—!!! You're going to die! Someone stop him—!!!
“Hmm… as expected, this is too much to bear… I shall stop it.” Thanks to Wifey’s intervention, there were no casualties. It was far scarier for those of us watching than it was for the actor! The management was way too motivated!
Afterward, One-oh-one took a photo with the Sentai actor. Tatiana was too shy and refused, so I made everyone who was there pile in for a group photo. On top of that, when I stuck a Mysterious Glowing Headband on her head, she punched me.
“Fumyaa!” “Fuhahahahahaha!”
I decided to stop teasing her for the moment. By the way, One-oh-one was happily wearing her Mysterious Glowing Headband. So honest. How refreshing!
We guys put them on too. With perfectly deadpan expressions, of course. The girls watched us and burst out laughing. It’s fine for things to be this relaxed sometimes.
We rode the coaster. It was over in a matter of minutes. Hmm, since we’re used to reckless piloting, it felt a bit underwhelming. There were no G-forces that made us want to vomit or feel like our skeletons were being crushed. Everyone’s face had gone totally blank.
“Ah…” “Leo! Don't say a single word!!!”
After that, we rode the swinging ship, but our minds remained blank. What should I do… have I developed a body that can no longer enjoy normal thrills?
“Yeah, let's just get some soft serve ice cream.” I bought soft serve for the hungry kids. I also tried to bring drinks to Wifey and the others, who had bought their own ice cream.
“Nobunaga-kun Juice Cherry Coke Flavor.” You… we meet again. Is this a hit product or something? Which means the Kenshin-kun Burrito must be too! Wait, do you not have that one…?
I was the only one stuck with the Nobunaga-kun version, while I bought normal drinks for everyone else. Be the errand boy, Leo! They were happy, though, so I’ll take the win.
While we were all eating, I noticed One-oh-one staring at the merry-go-round. Tatiana was looking at it, too.
“Want to ride?” “T-That's embarrassing!!!”
In contrast to Tatiana, our little angel replied immediately. “Yes-de arimasu!!!”
So honest! And so, I forced the embarrassed Tatiana onto it as well. Me too, obviously. Then Wifey, Kevin, and even Nina-san joined in.
“Ah-hah-hah-hah!” I waved my hand to everyone watching from the sidelines.
“Look at our Idiot Lord giving fanservice.” “The Idiot Lord is surprisingly good at looking after people, isn't he…” “Look at Tatiana-chan. She looks like she’s glad she rode it, even though she’s acting embarrassed.” “No wonder he’s popular…” “It’s frustrating, but… I’m no match for Leo! I concede!” “It wasn't even a contest to begin with…” “Shut up! You're in the same boat!”
I just ignored the guys' declaration of total defeat. I’m just happy as long as we can all get along. That’s why I was happily going “Ah-hah-hah-hah!”
But as they say, there are always people who can't read the room. Ha ha ha…