On the quiet beach, Hina and I walked side by side, strolling slowly along the shoreline.
So far, the plan had gone fairly smoothly.
Before I finished applying sunscreen to Hina, the Prefect Team, along with the other Gehenna students I had called, had already clashed violently with the delinquent group causing trouble.
However, they managed to move the battlefield away from the beach and successfully delayed the big showdown scheduled for a few hours later.
Meanwhile, news of the full-scale war being called off had spread online, so the spectators would likely stop gathering.
From the perspective of keeping Hina unaware of the chaos and allowing her to return to her vacation peacefully, we could indeed declare success.
Yet at this moment, the Prefect Team president, the target of my plan, didn't seem particularly able to enjoy this hard-earned rest.
"Sigh…"
Since leaving the hotel, the silver-haired girl had kept her head down, silent all the way, until now letting out a deep sigh.
Before I could speak to check on her, she looked at me with a plaintive expression.
"The more I think about it, the stranger it feels. Sensei, if I find out you were lying… I absolutely, absolutely won't talk to you for the next few days…"
Clearly, having me touch her limbs, face, neck, and even the base of her wings had left a lasting impression on her innocent heart.
Especially the sound she made when I touched the base of her wings, I deeply regretted not recording it in advance.
If she really discovered I was lying, Hina might truly get angry at me.
Then… the solution was simple! Don't let her find out.
"That could never happen!" I shouted defensively. "Everyone told me I had an obligation to help students apply sunscreen. In Kivotos, isn't it common knowledge that sunscreen at the beach in summer is as standard as tanks being paired with it?"
Hearing this, Hina looked even more doubtful. "Sensei… you really are lying to me, aren't you?"
"If you don't believe me, you can ask Ako. Or Chinatsu and Iori."
Hina's social circle was basically limited to the management of the Prefect Team.
And those conspirators, who also wanted Hina to rest properly, would naturally be on my side.
At most, after helping me cover the lie, they might give me a look of mild disdain for a while, but that was a minor sacrifice.
I could always find a chance to help them apply sunscreen later.
Hina's cheeks turned red, and she stammered, "…It's not that I don't trust sensei…"
Her affection was evident, but trust still needed work.
I had to let Hina see more of my reliable side.
"More importantly," I said, "we've already sneaked out to the beach, so don't worry about these small details. Just focus on enjoying the summer ocean!"
"Well… I suppose you're right." Hina paused, then muttered, "But I think it's nice like this already…"
I understood that just being with me, even complaining a little, was precious to her.
"Even the other day, walking on the beach with sensei for… research purposes, it felt strangely nostalgic."
"Maybe because most of that time was spent at the lost children's service center…?"
"…Sensei."
"I'm sorry, please pretend I said nothing!"
"Hah, you really are something…" Hina sighed playfully, turning her head toward the distance. "But maybe you're right. By the time we get to walk together, the sun will almost be setting…"
Sure enough, she probably just didn't want our time alone to end.
I spoke gently. "It's fine. As we agreed, I won't leave your side, Hina."
"…Hehe, thank you."
Hina's face lit up with a charming smile. "Then I'll just… talk a little more—"
At that moment, a sudden, urgent ring cut her off, interrupting the words she hadn't finished.
After checking the screen, I quickly apologized to Hina and moved to a spot where she couldn't hear.
As soon as I joined the call, a stern female voice came from the other side.
"This is Administrative Officer Amau Ako! All units, please respond!"
"Ako? What's happening?"
"Sensei… the plan has changed. According to the report, Problem Solver 68, which went to pursue the remnants of the delinquent group, is now heading toward the beach!"
Huh?
"For some reason, it seems the Gourmet Research Society, who went to sell roasted corn to the fleeing delinquents, also went along with three… four members excluding Shishidou Izumi! They even brought the School lunch club's vehicle!"
Huh??
"Iori and Chinatsu are leading the fight against the Hot Spring Development Club, who are shouting about digging up an underwater volcano, and have no spare forces to intercept…"
Huh???
Ako summarized sternly. "That is, you and President Hina are about to enter a dangerous area! To prevent the president from being caught up in it, please return to the hotel immediately!"
Despite all my questions, I complied and quickly returned to the silver-haired girl.
"Hina! Urgent message from the hotel! Let's head back right away!"
Saying this, I took Hina's small hand and ran toward the hotel.
"Eh? W-wait, I haven't finished speaking—"
"Sorry, we'll talk about it later! I'll make it up to you!"
At this point, Hina had no choice but to accept. "So… what's happening at the hotel…?"
I hadn't thought of an explanation yet, so I fudged it, promising to explain once we returned.
On the way back, I couldn't help but wonder... where did it all go wrong?
Why was Problem Solver 68 chasing after the delinquent girls? For more fame, or to carry out my task perfectly?
Why had the Gourmet Research Society started selling roasted corn? Selling corn alone would be one thing, but why the supply department vehicle? Was Fuuka also in the car?
And what was this underwater volcano nonsense? Wasn't the Hot Spring Development Club supposed to protect the hotel's hot spring development?
Could it be…
The problem was actually me for calling all these people?
Filled with strong self-doubt, I finally returned to the hotel with Hina.
As soon as we entered the lobby, I heard a familiar, hearty laugh.
Seeing the figure in a white lab coat, a sense of foreboding immediately filled me.
Hina beside me instantly furrowed her brows.
The black-haired girl, talking with the hotel manager, seemed to notice our gaze and sharply turned her head.
The Hot Spring Development Club's director, Kinugawa Kasumi, narrowed her eyes and lifted the corners of her mouth slightly.