Chapter 45: Punishment Game
He raised his chopsticks and pointed them straight at Scathach.
In a social party like this, that small gesture already said it all.
——This woman is my prey, Mochizuki Eikou's prey. Don't any of you dare to interfere!
"..."
The boys immediately broke into a cold sweat, inwardly screaming: Eikou, are you serious right now?
He actually dared to "go after" his own homeroom teacher — and not just any teacher, but Scathach, the one known for being cold and strict. Even Roland wouldn't dare risk that much!
Even Roland was staring at him in sheer terror.
"Stop, Sir Eikou,"
Gawain said anxiously, grabbing his shoulder,
"That's enough, you don't have to sacrifice yourself this far. We've already lost this round. We have to retreat before Scathach-sensei truly gets angry!"
"But behind us is Roland's final line of defense in love — we can't take a single step back! If this party fails, what girl would ever invite Roland again? This is his closest chance to success yet!"
"Come back, Sir Eikou——"
No, no matter how you call out to me, I won't turn back.
I've already decided to move forward!
In the past, Roland once risked his life running naked through a shopping mall to save me from an awkward situation — now it's my turn to repay that debt with my own life!
Eikou's eyes grew determined and heroic, his target clear: he raised his chopsticks, pointing straight at Scathach.
That mature, voluptuous, and captivating woman — the seductive teacher whose very name inspired fear, the queen of the Land of Shadow — the one who stood high above, untouchable by mere mortals.
Let me be her opponent — let me be the one to pluck down that proud flower with my own hands!
"Lady Scathach, you——"
Eikou had barely spoken a few words before the piercing gaze of the Queen of Shadows swept toward him.
Those crimson eyes were like sharp spears, stabbing through and killing all the courage within him.
"Is there something you need?" Scathach asked coldly.
"Uh…"
Just that glance was enough to wipe out every line Eikou had prepared in his mind.
To be more precise — he suddenly realized the overwhelming difference in "level" between them.
The clumsy reasons he had come up with would be utterly meaningless to someone as experienced as Scathach.
As for trying to flirt or use sweet talk — that was completely hopeless.
At best, his level was only high enough to tease Jeanne Alter a little. But to attempt a level-up solo fight against Scathach? That was pure delusion!
Even though he wanted to strike up a conversation with Scathach, he truly had no idea how to start.
However…
Suddenly, Eikou thought of a reasonable idea.
What if he started with Scathach's interests and strengths?
The key wasn't to "flirt" with her — it was to find a way to get her out of here.
"Ehem, Scathach-sensei, hotels like this usually have a recreation room with a ping-pong table, right?"
Eikou said seriously,
"Then, could you come with me there for a bit? I'd like to ask you to teach me a few ping-pong techniques, if that's alright, Scathach-sensei?"
He planned to take advantage of Scathach's straightforward nature and her fondness for teaching others, naturally drawing her away from the place — this was the famous "Teach Me" strategy!
Even if he ended up being trained until midnight, at least he would have accomplished his mission.
"..."
Scathach's beautiful, sharp face slightly furrowed, her crimson eyes filled with faint suspicion.
Eikou tried his best to maintain just the right amount of sincerity on his face.
"Haiz… Mochizuki Eikou, I can sense that you're scheming something…"
Scathach slowly closed her red eyes and let out a weary sigh.
"But I was just thinking about getting some exercise myself, so I'll accept your invitation… In any case, the noisy, frivolous atmosphere of this party never suited me."
Keikaku Doori!
Inside, Eikou smiled like Aizen, full of smug satisfaction — the look of a man whose plan had succeeded.
"But let me make one thing clear," Scathach opened her eyes, her tone regal and commanding, "there's no such thing as a 'friendly match' in my dictionary. There is only 'competition' and 'battle.' By inviting me, you've declared war. Prepare yourself to be crushed."
Her white teeth gently bit her cherry lips, revealing a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
Though she tried to hide it, her inherently competitive and battle-loving nature could not be concealed.
"Y-yes, ma'am…"
Eikou swallowed nervously — Her fighting spirit is terrifying…
"Wait a second, you two really don't know how to enjoy a party, do you?"
At that moment, Medb interrupted.
"I've never been interested in pleasing anyone," Scathach replied calmly.
"But it is a party, isn't it?" Medb said with a playful smile. "The two of you just running off to play ping-pong alone like that doesn't look good at all. If you're going to play, then do it in a way that fits the mood of a party."
"A way that fits the party?"
Scathach frowned, looking puzzled.
A bad feeling suddenly crept up Eikou's spine.
"That's right, you can play ping-pong right here if you like… but if you're going to play, you should at least make things more lively, right? That's what makes it feel like a real party. And of course…"
Medb's lips curled into a sweet, seductive smile as her alluring gaze shifted toward Eikou.
"Of course there has to be a punishment game, right~? Whoever loses has to drink~?"
"??"
There it is — her true intention is finally showing!
Judging by his Instinct skill, Eikou could clearly sense it — this time, he was almost certain to be "taken away" by one of the women here.
Aside from Murasaki Shikibu, Queen Medb was absolutely capable of doing such a thing.
She intended to use Scathach as her weapon, to take advantage of this opportunity to get Eikou drunk and then drag him away — that was Medb's true scheme!
Just like the saying, "When the mantis stalks the cicada, the oriole lurks behind."
While Eikou was busy plotting how to deal with Scathach, Medb had already been waiting in the shadows, ready to strike…
This party was far more dangerous than he'd imagined!
"I refuse such a punishment game," Scathach said coldly. "Why must we use alcohol as punishment? That substance has no benefit for combat or training. No matter how much Celtic warriors may love to drink, I see no reason to do so here."
"What's wrong, Scathach? Are you scared?" Medb asked with a teasing smile.
"I only said it's unnecessary!"
Scathach's voice rose noticeably — clearly, she had been provoked.
[Rider Queen Medb has used "Alluring Euphony", attempting to persuade Scathach with her sweet voice.]
[Since Scathach is not within the male special attack range, Medb's persuasion was not very effective.]
[However, Medb did not give up — she turned toward Murasaki Shikibu beside her, intending to use the "Verse of the Great Poet" skill, employing eloquent words to enhance her persuasion.]
[At first, Murasaki Shikibu had no intention of getting involved in this dispute — until Medb whispered a few words into her ear.]
"After this is over… we'll get Eikou drunk… and then the three of us can… Icha-icha… P-Paradise?!"
[Murasaki Shikibu's face instantly flushed bright red — but right after that, she nodded in agreement!]