Dodgeball Competition-Go!!

The next morning, Anya heard about what had happened the night before from her father and mother as soon as she got up.

She really wanted to meet this uncle she had never seen before, too-not because she was particularly eager to see Yuri, but because she was interested in his identity.

Secret Police. Secret + police. She had no idea what that meant, but it sounded so cool.

She could hardly wait.

Just before they left, Twilight asked Anya, "Oh, right, Anya. Can you earn a star in PE today?"

Anya nodded. "Becky said so. She heard that whoever gets MVP on the winning team in today's Dodgeball Competition will get a star as a reward."

"Heard, huh... Sounds a little dubious."

Unlike Twilight, Yor was delighted. "All right, little Anya! Show the other classes the results of your special training these past few days!"

"Okay! Anya will definitely earn more stars for Father and Mother!"

"Mr. Karen, I'll be overseeing the match here with you today." Henry had changed into athletic clothes and even had a whistle hanging around his neck. He looked every bit the PE teacher.

Karen, by contrast, wore a T-shirt, shorts, and sandals. His face alone was carrying his entire look.

"Ah-it's already time for the competition? Even with me here, you still have to join in, Mr. Henry?"

[PS: The PE teachers in the original work are just like those in real life-frail and sickly.]

"Yes. After all, this is their first competition with a star at stake. We must take it seriously."

"All right, then. I'll look forward to seeing which student gets the first star." Karen stretched, got up from his office chair, and headed toward the gym. "By the way, Mr. Henry, care to make a bet?"

"I won't bet with you on who earns the star. That would be far too unfair to the other students." The elegant Henry Henderson would never agree to such a thing.

After all, once he bet on a student, he would favor that student when awarding the star. His teaching motto consisted of just three things: fairness, fairness, and fucking fairness!

Karen wagged a finger. "No, no, no, no, no. How could I propose such an unfair bet? I want to bet on who'll be the last person from Class Three left on the court."

"Oh? You're that interested, Mr. Karen? Then let me take a guess. Are you picking Damian Desmond?"

Karen shook his head. "Wrong. My answer is Anya Forger."

"The Forger girl? I know you're close to the Forgers. I'm not looking down on girls' physical abilities, but in this sort of activity, it's difficult for a girl to make it to the end."

"Then let's bet. There's nothing at stake anyway."

"All right, then... I'll pick Damian."

The gym.

Anya tied on her victory headband, brimming with enthusiasm.

For her father's plan, she would give it everything she had. This star-she was calling dibs on it!

Just then, Damian's trio appeared.

The moment Emile and Ewen saw someone they disliked, they naturally mocked her without holding back.

"Heh, enthusiasm is about all you've got going for you. We'll have to rely on Lord Damian to actually win."

"Don't drag Lord Damian down, you short-legged little uggo."

Becky looked at them in disgust and spread her hands. "Seriously, we have to be on the same team as you awful guys? Ugh..."

Anya startled. "It's Second Son... and his annoying henchmen."

Second Son is Papa's target. I have to get along with him. But he bullies me. I don't like him!

Anya took Becky's hand, turned around, and walked away.

"Mm..." Damian had actually blushed under Anya's gaze. Of course, his henchmen took that as a sign that he was angry.

D-damn it! There's no way I think that little shorty is cute! I have to earn a star. I have to become an Imperial Scholar like my brother. Otherwise...

...Father won't even look at me.

Both of them were determined to win MVP, but Karen had already tipped the scales of fate.

Damian was a pretty good choice, and the kid's performance deserved it, too. Not only would he make it to the final two, but the way he guarded Anya would be pretty cool as well.

Besides, Anya would eventually marry Damian anyway. Rather than give her the star, he might as well let the kid have it and enjoy himself.

Anya would complete her mission to get close to Damian, Damian would complete his mission to get his father's attention, and Karen could keep happily shipping his favorite couple.

A triple win, unrivaled in all the world!!

He, Karen Nocturne, was a genius!

"Ahem, everyone, quiet down and return to your places. Class is about to begin." Karen and Henry walked over side by side.

The moment Becky saw Karen, she went straight into fangirl mode. "Mr. Karen, you're as handsome as ever today."

Karen winked at Becky. "That's our Becky! Of all the students in the three classes I teach, you have the best eye!"

"All right, Mr. Karen. I'll get Class Three organized. Go check on Class Four." Henry pushed Karen aside. He simply couldn't accept that sort of thing between a teacher and a student.

"Okay!" Whistling, Karen headed toward Class Four. When he reached their lineup and looked around, his eyes nearly popped out!

One hulking boy stood out among the thirty students. He was on a completely different level from everyone else.

Uncertain, Karen asked, "Young man, are you... supposed to be here?"

"My name is Bill Watkins. I'm the son of a major at the People's Army's Army Command Headquarters, and I'm six years old!"

Karen practically lost his voice. "You're telling me this is six years old?!!!"

"All right." Karen pressed a hand to his forehead. He finally remembered that there was indeed someone like this. He had been so busy thinking about Anya and Second Son that he had completely forgotten everyone else.

Classes Three and Four soon lined up facing each other. Karen stood between them and swept both hands down.

"I hereby declare the Dodgeball Competition-go!!!"