Status Window Chapter 35 : Romance Event (2)

35. Romance Event (2)

"Haa... I understand what you're saying. But violence is wrong. You must think of ways to resolve things through discussion first."

"Eeh! But he's the one who laid a hand on us first!"

"Just because the other party used violence doesn't mean you can do the same back. There must have been other ways, right?"

"Boo, boooo!"

Damn, this teacher! Seriously has a stubborn, inflexible head!

The teacher and I had stepped out into the hallway to discuss the commotion. I explained all the circumstances. But the teacher stuck to her usual "Violence is absolutely wrong" stance. Somehow, the atmosphere turned into one where I was entirely at fault.

But no matter how you look at it, that was self-defense. He charged at us and wouldn't stop even when told. In times like that, sometimes they won't understand unless you show them a little pain, right?!

...Well, I think my previous life self would have understood what the teacher was saying better. Theoretically, I get it. I get it, but.

I am living as Rio now. And I want to cherish what I feel with this body, and my sense of rightness in this world.

That's why I can't just easily agree and say, "Yes, that's right."

Having warned me sufficiently, the teacher went back into the classroom. I followed her, and when I entered the classroom—everyone was looking at me with worry.

"Okay, sorry about that. We're a little late, but we'll start class. Please refrain from chatting."

Perhaps sensing the atmosphere that everyone wanted to talk to me, the teacher prioritized her job. Then, everyone shut their mouths and just sent glances my way.

Starting class in this situation, the teacher really is stiff. Reluctantly, I went back to my seat.

"..."

Then, a silent Lumel looked at me with worry. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but since we were told not to talk by the teacher, she couldn't open her mouth.

I understand the desire to talk, but if we rebel against the teacher, we'll get scolded again. For now, I showed her a smile and pointed toward the teacher.

After grimacing painfully, Lumel slowly turned her gaze to the teacher.

"Now then, open your Kingdom History textbooks to page 42."

And so, class began in an awkward atmosphere.

***

Clang, claaang

"Ah, the bell rang. That's the end of the first period. Ten-minute break."

The moment the teacher said that—.

" " "Rio!" " "

"Whoa!"

Everyone in the class rushed toward me.

"Rio, are you hurt!? Was everything okay!?"

"Since Rio did it, it felt refreshing!"

"What did the teacher say!?"

The approaching classmates opened their mouths and asked all sorts of things. But since everyone was talking at once, I didn't know which one to answer.

Actually, I want to talk to Lumel first... Thinking that, I looked over, and Lumel was also looking at me as if she wanted to talk. But she seemed blocked by everyone.

"I didn't know Rio was so strong!"

"Those guys were acting all high and mighty in the next class. Serves them right!"

"I think the teacher warned you, but I don't think what Rio did was wrong!"

"W-well, well... everyone calm down. I'm more worried about Lumel than myself."

"That's right! Lumel, are you okay!? Those guys did something nasty to you, right!?"

"Why didn't you tell us you were having trouble with those guys!"

"Lumel, you okay? Having a bad experience must have been tough, right?"

My words shifted the attention to Lumel this time. Suddenly in the spotlight, Lumel opened her mouth as if flustered.

"Y-yeah. Sorry for not saying anything. I thought I could resolve it myself, so I couldn't say anything."

"Those guys were forceful, weren't they! Seriously rude! Rio should have thrown them around more!"

"Kuh~, I wanted to join the fight too!"

"Did they do anything cruel to you? I wanted to retaliate too!"

Everyone got rowdy talking to Lumel. As the two of us were overwhelmed by their numbers—.

"Hey, hey, I just heard something I can't ignore. Joining a fight or retaliating, that kind of thing is no good!"

The teacher entered the circle as if angry.

"But, Teacher! They started it! If she didn't fight back, Lumel would have been hurt!"

"That's right! They were the ones who didn't listen! They deserved to get hurt!"

"He was the cruel one! Rio did the right thing!"

Everyone raised their voices to protect us. Even so, the teacher—.

"Just because of that, you mustn't justify violence. There must have been other means."

She opposed violence to the bitter end. The classmates raised voices of protest at that.

Now then... in this situation, there's one thing that concerns me. There hasn't been a signal that the romance event has ended yet.

Therefore, it can be said that this is still in the middle of the romance event. Even though it seems unrelated to Lumel directly, surely the choice here will determine the success of the romance event.

In my experience, a choice should appear soon—.

Piron!

See, it came!

*[Only violence can stop violence]*

*[Propose other means]*

...Ho, so such choices appear. Considering the current class atmosphere and my feelings, I want to choose the top one. Come on, only violence works against violence!

However, this is an event. I must choose the option appropriate for the event. Therefore, Lumel's feelings are the most important.

Lumel is looking worriedly at the class raising their voices saying it's okay to retaliate. Judging from that appearance, she doesn't have a good impression of it.

So, choosing the bottom one is the correct answer here. But that would mean ignoring everyone's feelings. So here, while choosing the bottom one, I need words to unite everyone's feelings.

"Got it. ...We won't retaliate."

"Rio!?"

"Seriously!?"

"Eh, what's wrong...!? Do you have a fever!?"

The entire class opened their mouths wide at my words. That's natural. With the usual me, double payback is considered default. No, actually that is true... but just for today, I want to act a bit cool.

"But, instead, we'll all protect Lumel! Even if bad guys come, we won't punch or kick. We won't retaliate. But! The whole class will step forward and drive them away with sheer pressure!"

I declared with my chest puffed out.

"In other words... not physical, but a total mental attack?"

"Violence of numbers... but legal!"

"Yup, just like Rio!"

Shut up, who's saying 'just like Rio.' But if violence is no good, we have no choice but to counter with legal pressure. If it's thirty against one, anyone would run away.

"...Well, if you don't use violence, that's fine."

The teacher nodded reluctantly.

Alright, compromise successful. Fuhun, how about that, Teacher. Even I can do it when I need to!

"Then, everyone! From now on, we'll drive them away with the power of numbers!"

"Let's do it!"

"I'll do it too!"

"Let's protect Lumel together!"

With my words, the class united. With this, everyone was convinced. If I do say so myself, it was a good idea.

Suddenly curious, I looked at Lumel next to me—she looked somewhat relieved. Apparently, this choice wasn't a mistake.

However, there's still no signal for the event ending. It seems there's still something more.