The Protagonist's Party is Too Diligent

Chapter 178

Sitting idly by Mia’s side had its limits. Before long, Claire noticed my absence in the water and dragged me back into the surf.

The sea in this world, much like the one in my previous life, was salty and slightly bitter. Claire’s exclamation of, *“Wow, it’s really salty!”* upon entering the water had a comedic undertone that lingered in the air. Even Alice, who had likely never visited the ocean before, timidly dipped her finger into the water for a taste. I made a mental note that, for the sake of preserving royal dignity, she would never utter those words aloud to anyone else.

Mia, who had stubbornly refused to join in, was eventually coaxed into the water as well. I did catch a glimpse of her forlornly setting down her tray of fruit, only for the sand to begin encroaching on it—a symbolic surrender. As is often the case, even the most steadfast claims of not entering the water eventually gave way, and soon enough, Mia was splashing and playing like the rest of us.

Leo, on the other hand, seemed increasingly aware of the attention drawn to him. He tried, unsuccessfully, to slip away from the group.

In a world where appearances often mirrored idealized game designs, everyone was naturally attractive. Yet, within this group were the "heroines," a collection of high-ranking and impossibly beautiful women. If the character Sylvia Fangryphon had existed in the original game, she would undoubtedly have been one of them as well.

Royalty, noble daughters, and heiresses—each woman here was almost untouchable, not just for their beauty but also for their social standing. Leo, a mere baron’s son, being among them invited envious and judgmental stares. He was, after all, the only male among a group of women clad in swimsuits.

The only one.

Jake, notably absent, was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Roti.

While it was easy to imagine Jake enjoying himself in the water, Roti was another story. In my mind, I could only picture her standing stiffly behind Jake, still wearing her maid’s headband, even in a black swimsuit.

---

My musings were cut short when I spotted them. Roti’s hair, unmistakable, disappeared behind a distant rock formation.

For any other pair, the imagination might conjure inappropriate scenarios. But this was Jake and Roti. Nothing of that sort would happen. They were two people, both deeply fond of each other, who somehow still kept a reserved distance.

I glanced back at the lively group before quietly slipping away.

What were those two talking about? Hopefully nothing too serious.

---

“...But ultimately, even that position is one granted by the logic of those who rule,” Roti’s voice drifted from behind the rocks.

“Accepting credit for something you haven’t earned is no different from the other noble heirs, is it?” she continued.

“That’s why you accept it first, use it to rise, and then build on your own accomplishments,” Jake replied, his tone measured.

Roti fell silent for a moment.

“This swimsuit... do you know how much it costs?” she eventually asked.

“Not really.”

“Honestly, neither do I. I simply picked it because I was told to. But I imagine it involves a significant amount of natural rubber and fabric, pressed and layered together. It’s not something meant for someone like me to wear—or even touch. Even this ‘break’ was arranged by you, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, I made it happen,” Jake admitted.

---

“Don’t settle for being second best or for mere proximity,” I said softly, ensuring only she could hear. “I dislike seeing those around me justify their unhappiness.”

Roti looked up at me, the shadow I cast covering her completely.

...Okay, perhaps I came off as a bit intimidating. That wasn’t the intent.

“Wanting something is enough of a reason,” I said. “You don’t need any other excuse.”

“...”

Still, Roti said nothing.

---

“Apologies for interrupting,” I said, stepping back. “I’ll leave you two to your conversation.”

I bowed slightly and turned to leave.

---

From a vantage point outside their view, another figure leaned casually against the rocks. Alice.

Though her earlier exclamation of “Eek!” had been erased, the complex expression on her face spoke volumes. She clearly had questions.

I raised a finger to my lips, signaling for her silence. Alice nodded, suppressing her curiosity for now.

Two princesses eavesdropping on a duke’s son. It was a scenario ripe for tarnishing royal dignity.

I gestured toward the beach, and Alice obediently followed.

---

“How are they?” Alice asked after we’d walked a good distance away, far enough that our voices wouldn’t carry.

“To be honest, I’m not sure,” I admitted.

I could only hope my words had resonated with Roti.

Would she interpret them politically, like Duke Lindborough might? Had I overstepped?

In hindsight, maybe I shouldn’t have interfered.

For the first time since returning to this world, I felt a pang of regret.