Chapter 247: Event Triggered!

Earlier, Himekoji had scanned the room and found no Underwear inside.

Which meant—

Yes, only one possibility remained!

The Underwear must be in the washroom!

Therefore, without another word, he found an excuse to dash inside and quickly shut the door.

Finally, inside the washroom, Himekoji discovered Nanami’s Underwear in the laundry basin.

[ Ding! ]

[ Congratulations! You obtained the quest item: Nanami’s Underwear! ]

[ Progress 1/7 complete! ]

“Six more to go.”

Akito said casually as he quietly slipped the Underwear into his own pants pocket.

Next, he pulled the newly bought, same-color Underwear from another jacket pocket, wet it with water, rubbed it together roughly into a crumpled ball, and tossed it back into the laundry basin as a replacement.

Replacing the crown prince, faking the real thing.

If you weren’t paying close attention, you couldn’t tell the difference at all!

Akito mentally gave his own cleverness a thumbs-up.

Yes, you probably guessed it already—

After receiving the quest, Akito had gone straight back to that Underwear shop and bought another pair.

He had now, gloriously, become a return customer at the Kyoto women’s underwear store.

Because of this, the shop manager had even specially gifted him a basic VIP card…

“Please come often in the future.”

Back then, with the shop manager holding his hand while smiling warmly and striking up conversation, Akito could only force himself to go along with it,

“Ah… yes, yes. Absolutely.”

…

Akito stealing Nanami’s Underwear hadn’t been discovered by her yet.

Solid.

So really, stealing underwear truly is skillful work.

Akito felt proud of the abundant experience he’d honed over this past year.

On the path of becoming a Pervert, even he had grown significantly.

More seasoned, more capable.

He had now become a Pervert who could fully manage on his own.

…

The three took a taxi back to the lodging, just in time.

Classmates were gathered in small clusters in the lobby, waiting to depart.

The second day of the School Trip was group activities, with the first destination being Toei Kyoto Studio Park.

Briefly parting ways with Sensei and Nanami, Akito searched the crowd for his own group members.

“Akito.”

However, while he was trying to find others, someone else found him first.

Akito turned around, startled by a familiar voice. But then—

“Ah.”

Totsuka was suddenly jostled by the crowded mass and stumbled right into Akito’s arms.

“S-sorry, did I bump into you, Akito?”

The soft, delicate female… delicate classmate in his arms blushed faintly, seeming apologetic as their gaze cautiously looked up at him.

What’s this development…

Muttering slightly to himself, he put on a smile instead,

“It’s fine, don’t worry.”

Akito said this while spreading his arms, creating a relatively comfortable small space for Totsuka within the packed lobby.

Anyone trying to press in was kept out by Akito’s elbows.

“Honestly, wouldn’t it be better if each class were timed separately for this gathering?”

The lobby simply couldn’t fit an entire grade level of students.

“By the way, where are the others in our group?”

“They went to pick up the girls.”

“Huh?”

Cross-group socializing?

Well, given that Hayama and Tobe were among the group members, this kind of situation was probably inevitable.

“Mihara-san.”

Speak of the devil. During this time, several small groups, after checking in with Sensei, had already boarded buses. Thankfully, this made a bit more space in the lobby.

Hayama, Tobe, Kaito. Besides the other three members of Akito’s group, Hayama was also surrounded by the four girls from the other group.

Miura, Yuigahama, Ebina, and well… his Imouto, Akiko.

Despite being a recent transfer student, she had already integrated into the top social circle of the class.

But shouldn’t there be five?

Just as Akito wondered this, Miura happened to shift to the side, revealing someone previously in his blind spot—

Regular features, average height, somewhat familiar…

Was that Katou Megumi?

Wait no, it’s Kano.

He almost mixed up their names again.

…

“Where were you last night? Didn’t you come back to sleep? Didn’t see you at all before bed or in the morning.”

Hayama seemed to ask casually before they set off.

“Whoosh!”

Instantly, Akito felt the piercing gaze of a very familiar stare land on him.

“Didn’t come back to sleep?”

This mutter came from behind him—his Imouto.

“I came back! Of course, I came back! Last night I went out for a late-night snack because I was starving. You guys were all asleep when I got back. And this morning? Well, I woke up earlier…”

“Oh. I see.”

Hayama nodded with an “I see” expression.

“Haa—”

Himekoji let out a long sigh.

With that, the topic ended.

Nobody dug deeper into it.

Though several girls simultaneously cast meaningful looks toward Himekoji.

…

The hall was packed.

After getting out, Himekoji thought he’d finally enjoy some space.

But when he boarded the bus, he realized he’d thought too optimistically…

Darn it, the bus was even more crowded!

Considering the “one-day pass” cost only 500 yen for unlimited Kyoto bus rides, comfort couldn’t be expected.

During peak tourist seasons, buses became ridiculously full.

For guys, such crowding was fine.

But for girls…

Without thinking, Himekoji glanced worriedly toward Totsuka beside him.

Huh?

Maybe the earlier hall experience taught Totsuka self-protection tactics.

Right now, Totsuka stayed safely within a protected zone.

So what zone counted as safe?

Obviously, it was within Himekoji’s arms…

Seriously? This scene happened twice already today?

Flustered and embarrassed, Himekoji averted his gaze.

Instinctively, he checked on Imouto—

Luckily, she was safe too.

Perhaps thanks to Miura’s commanding presence?

The Queen aggressively glared fiercely around.

She shielded all four group members alone with intimidating authority…

That’s pretty cool.

Himekoji couldn’t help but admire it.

…

“Akito… Sorry to trouble you again.”

Totsuka always apologized so politely. Himekoji wished Aoyama would learn this.

“It’s fine, I’m okay. Just got constantly elbowed and stepped on. Nothing major.”

Right after he spoke—

“Sorry, Himekoji! My bad! Can’t help it though! Seriously, too crowded!”

So it’s you? Tobe!

Though frustrating at first, Himekoji had no choice but to forgive him.

Tobe was getting squashed, stepped on, and elbowed too. Not intentional.

“We get off next stop! Don’t forget!”

Hayama’s clear voice called from nearby.

Typical of him, remaining composed enough to notice things.

…

Finally, the bus arrived.

Himekoji got pushed out clumsily by shoving crowds.

His feet touched ground—

Ding!

Location reached!

Event triggering!

Countdown starting!

“Huh?”

…