Stealing Spree

Upon returning, I noticed some strange gazes directed at me, especially those coming from the other Camp Managers. When I came face to face with Sawano who was with the other Camp Managers, they all looked stumped. Furthermore, Sawano himself looked awkward as though he was informed about something but he digressed from asking me whether that was true or not and just stared at me.

Well, it’s clearly about Setsuna-nee. Our chasers doubled so some managers from this hill joined them on the chase. And with how clearly obsessive they are at her affairs, evident by the dance yesterday already spread to everyone, they won’t miss the opportunity to spread it again.

As for why I was the one they focused on, Sakuma must’ve been around here somewhere so by the process of elimination, I could only be the guy who could be with her during the chase.

Really, if they put all their effort into trying to understand her and not make it a challenge, Setsuna-nee might’ve dated one of them. But they’re college idiots. Most of them think it’s the golden year and their last opportunity to fool around before they enter society. Only a few would be in a serious relationship and most would just try and sample every girl they find attractive.

Although I have yet to experience that kind of atmosphere, there’s a lot of testament and proof out there that it’s happening that way.

I mean, that’s the reason why they always have mixers or get-togethers. Even MTs that should be something like our camp were being used for the same reason.

Setsuna-nee or even Juri wouldn’t be swayed by them no matter how much they tried if they kept the same mindset. The latter was even forced to attend those dinner dates by her agency. Even without my influence, they’d probably never change their minds unless they found someone they truly like.

Anyway, I acted indifferent to those gazes and just joined our class and my girls who already returned from their tour of the place.

Shortly after that, more closing statements were given by Sawano and Shiina. I only listened to Shiina since she didn’t even try to mask her intention to address most of it to me – even if her choice of words was for the general audience. When I met her gaze, she mischievously winked, making those around me get hit by an invisible arrow of love. They thought she was winking at them, after all.

And once that was done, we began our descent while led by our Class Advisors.

The buses were ready to depart and just waiting for us to arrive.

Nonetheless, before reaching the exit gate, Shio went to me and brought me with her to the lobby of the hill where normal guests would check-in.

As for the reason, it’s probably because of the incident yesterday.

The hill manager who went to talk with the Dean was waiting for us. She led us to her office.

Upon sitting down along with Shio, the woman took the opposite seat as she poured us a cup of tea. The aroma was honestly enticing but that was beside the point, no?

“Thank you for coming here, Kinoshita-sensei and Onoda-kun…” The manager started looking apologetic as she gestured for us to take the tea.

“I’m only here to accompany my student, you can talk to him freely,” Shio replied as she picked up her cup and took a sip.

She already informed me of what to expect here but seeing her act like this was strangely refreshing. I mean, even in class, she had already warmed up to our class so it’s already rare for her to act authoritative or with a commanding presence.

“As you may have already been informed, the three men from yesterday have been dealt with appropriately. I invited you here to give you our formal apology.” The manager smiled at Shio before focusing entirely on me. She humbly lowered her head, clearly showing that she had reflected on that incident.

But then again, why offer an apology to me when she just did her job? Did the Dean force her hand? Or maybe Shio? I don’t know.

If I was in her position, I might also do the same thing, after all. I’m uninjured while those three had their family jewels cracked. It should’ve already offset their misconduct.

Ah… Wait. This must be because they wanted to take me in for questioning, huh?

“I see. I don’t think I deserved an apology from you, Miss Manager. I’ve only done what I ought to do in that situation. And honestly, I’m also reflecting on how I acted there. I shouldn’t have injured them to that extent.”

“I’m glad to hear that you have this open mind, Onoda-kun. You’re truly a model of your generation. I promise we’ll strengthen our security to prevent such cases from happening in the future.”

A model of my generation? Yeah, right. If only she knows how much of a menace I am.

In any case, since she’s being sincere here, I acted modestly and took the praise with a smile. Then, I took a sip of the honeyed tea before replying, “Thank you for the praise. I’m glad to hear that. The place is too beautiful to be tainted by those types of people. But I understand that it won’t be easy.”

“Yes… It won’t. We have to employ more security, especially at night.” She bitterly smiled.

While she’s the manager of the entire place, she probably got enough flak from those above her. But that’s not my problem anymore.

Shio was enjoying her tea by my side, watching how I handled this conversation. For sure, she’d tease me about it on our way to the bus.

“I see. Sorry for causing you trouble, Miss Manager. But I think you can do it well. It’s not like what happened yesterday is a daily occurrence. I’m sure you’ve already done a good enough job. We were just unlucky.”

I politely apologized as well even though it’s really not needed. That made the woman in the opposite seat relax a bit, releasing the tension on her shoulder.

She then also took a sip of her tea as she started looking at me appreciatively.

“What a broad mind… I never thought I would be this mature, Onoda-kun.”

“Oh, you overpraised… I’m simply acting like myself. Anyway, although it’s short of two days, I can say that the place is wonderful.”

Uh… If this keeps on, this could become a similar situation that I always experience with Juri. The nonstop praises. I may be shameless but too much of it can be difficult.

Thankfully, we didn’t get hold off for too long. Furthermore, Shio also joined in the conversation right after.

Then, ten minutes later, the hill manager sent us out of her door while handing out a coupon that guaranteed a free two days and two nights of stay in one of the more luxurious cabins

“I know this isn’t much but please take it. Consider it a compensation for the trouble.”

Looking at those coupons that were probably good for four people, I couldn’t help but shake my head inwardly.

Why is she giving it to us? It’s not like I’m the one who paid for this trip. But then again, there’s no reason to refuse it. I could use it in the future.

After taking it and thanking her, Shio and I walked away and left the lobby.

At long last, our camping trip was truly ending.

I tried looking for the college girls who should also be leaving but it looked like they still had a lot of work to do before leaving.

Due to that, I just sent them short messages, informing them of our eventual departure to the place.

I immediately received replies from three of them except Setsuna-nee who probably had yet to recover from earlier. Well, as long as she read it.

On the bus, my girls saved me a seat at the back. Like yesterday, they drew lots on who would be sitting next to me. This time, the winners are Nami and Satsuki. Sandwiched by both of them, I experienced a comfortable and satisfying ride.