I line up for the borrowed item race.
This event is limited to first-years, so it's a relief to see only familiar faces around me.
“Sanada, we’re counting on you.”
“You’ll definitely pull something off.”
“We know you will, right?”
“Shut up.”
I take that back. It’s not a relief at all.
By the way, this event isn’t separated by gender. Since it's not a competition of speed or physical strength, the concept is for everyone to have fun together.
Now then, I wonder what kind of thing I'll have to borrow...
At that moment, an announcement blared across the grounds.
『We will now begin the first-year borrowed item race. The items are limited to things found within these grounds, so everyone, do your best.』
Heh, if it's limited to the grounds, I won't end up with anything too weird.
『There are about 100 types of items. Some include “performing a trick with the borrowed item” or “improvised comedy with a specific person.” You can’t finish unless you complete the task, so those who draw them, be prepared!』
Don't include things that require that kind of preparation!
『By the way, these unreasonable requests were made by Student Council President Yakushiji.』
『Umu! Do your best, juniors!』
““““The Empress did this!!??””””
She's way more of a weirdo than I imagined!
There's no way I can do improvised comedy!
『Um, a word of advice to the first-years: if you spend a year with this person, you'll get used to it. Good luck.』
““““Don't mess with us!?””””
The sense of resignation from the announcer is coming through loud and clear!?
『Now then, let's start with the first group. Please get ready.』
Hey, don't tell me this is the worst event of the festival...
The first group lines up and starts running at the signal.
The distance is 100 meters, with a box at the 50-meter mark. Apparently, you draw a slip of paper from there.
However.
“Ah, thank goodness. A Blue team headband.”
“Hah!? Run while carrying a rugby player!?”
“Improvised comedy with Sanzenin-sensei!?”
“Eh, I haven't heard anything about this!?”
“I got candy, thank god... Wait, where is it?”
“Is there a son of a doctor among us!?”
“The Holy Sword Excalibur in my possession... only that shitty Empress would write something like this!? What even is Excalibur!”
It's more of a pandemonium than I expected.
There seem to be normal ones, but there are definitely non-normal ones too.
Also, what on earth is the Holy Sword Excalibur?
Screaming and shouting. The first group is already a disaster.
『Hahahaha! Good, juniors! After all, events are meant to be enjoyed!』
It's too much of an unreasonable demand!!
After about five minutes, everyone in the first group finally reached the goal.
The improvised comedy between Sanzenin-sensei and the male student was a complete flop.
“Yakushiji Miori!!”
『Fuhahaha! Sanzenin-sensei, that was funny!』
That was the first time I'd seen Sanzenin-sensei that angry.
Meanwhile, the second and third groups proceeded, and finally, it was my group's turn.
“Hey hey hey! Akito, go for it!”
“Akki, do your best~”
“Akito-kun, I'm expecting something funny.”
“Sana-tan, go go!”
“A-Akito! Good luck!”
I hear cheers from Ryuya, Neika, Rio, Hiyori, and Riran in that order.
Well, I'll do my best since I'm doing it... but why do I have to be this nervous for a sports festival event?
I hope I don't draw anything too bad.
Everyone in the group lines up and takes their stance.
And then.
“On your marks, get set...”
Bang—!!
We started.
In terms of speed, I'm second. The guy in first, if I remember correctly, is a sprinter from the track and field club.
Don't show up here. Go to the footrace.
“Alright, first place! ...Wait, a three-legged race with the sumo club!!?”
That guy's finished.
I arrived second.
Will it be a demon or a snake... here goes!
*Rustle.*
“............”
“Hey, look! Akito has a sour face like I’ve never seen before!”
“I'm taking a picture! Kehihihihi!”
Well, of course I'd have a sour face.
Sigh... it can't be helped. Let's go.
I follow the red thread, heading straight toward Riran.
Riran seemed to have guessed it somehow, crawling under the rope dividing the cheering section and coming out onto the grounds.
“I thought so. Since it's Akito, I figured it would be something related to me. Come on, let's go.”
“............”
“...Akito? What's wrong?”
“Ah—... sorry, Riran. Just bear with it for a moment.”
“Eh? Wait, kyaa!?”
I wrap my hands around Riran's shoulders and the back of her knees, gently lifting her up.
That's right—it's a princess carry.
“Aaaaah, Akito...!?”
“This is the condition. Um... mumble mumble...”
“Eh? What?”
Ugh...!
“B-Bring the cutest person in school in a princess carry, it says...”
“————”
Both Riran and I are bright red.
Seeing this, the other students start taking tons of photos with their smartphones.
If we stay here, we'll be a complete public spectacle...!
“I-I'll try not to shake you too much.”
“P-Please... do... ♡”
Riran pinches my chest tightly.
Ah, geez! She's so damn cute!!
With warm gazes and cheers from the crowd behind us, I head toward the goal with Riran.
In the end, we finished first in that group and received a massive ovation.
『Ahahahaha! Sanada-kun, you've got quite the luck!』
That shitty President, just you wait...!