Chapter 12: The Protagonist and Her Harem

Chapter 12: The Protagonist and Her Harem

Fake it til you make it, Tori.

An amiable smile appeared on her face as she gave Alessa a small nod of acknowledgement. Alessa reached her side with Dimitri, both in high spirits. They seemed to be heading their group as immediately behind them were the rest of the love interests. The NPC filling their groups were bunched together a few steps back.

There were two other girls and then four boys, all of whom seemed forgettable at first glance. The girls of the group all had satchels around their bodies; likely their usual book bags from school. The five game targets had half-deflated rucksacks with bedrolls buckled on top. The real pack mules for the team were the four boys who were trailing behind the group and seemed to be carrying near-bulging rucksacks.

Gideon really did make sure that Alessa and the other girls didnt have to carry anything remotely heavy.

Its a nice morning for a hike, isnt it? Dimitri was far too bright and cheerful for Tori, but she didnt want to be rude.

These people were still her classmates and she had four years to trudge through with them.

Isnt it? I love the smell of the forest. Its very clean and refreshing. She took a deep breath and exhaled to emphasize her point. Its nice to get out of the chaos of the city every now and then. That was standard hiking chit-chat.

Dimitri looked back at her team, who was quiet and dutifully hiking behind her. It seems your group is well prepared.

We are out in the untamed wilderness, Mr. Guthry, Tori said as she looked ahead. Preparation is key; dont you think?

Yes, it is important. I assume as the group leader you arranged all of this?

Is that surprising?

He chuckled, but didnt give her a yes or no. I saw you were the group leader when the groups were posted. Lions Gate, is it? Are you all acquainted?

Yes, thanks to Ewan. Hes my fellow swordsman at the Sword Association. He was kind enough to invite Ilyana and myself into his group.

He made a good choice! Alessa said. You look like you know what youre doing.

Tori gave her a tight-lipped smile and nodded. And what about your groups? I heard youve also grouped up with His Highness group.

Oh, Im being rude. I havent introduced you, Dimitri motioned behind him. You are familiar with His Highness, Prince Gideon, and Fabian von Dorn, of course. The other students with them are from other classes.

He mentioned their names and Tori blanked out and mentally assigned them Prince Lackey one to four', or PL1-4 for short. Gideon didnt even look at her and she was sure Fabian was pretending to be distracted with a map.

They are in the group called the Armada, Alessa said, beaming. I thought that was fitting and suggested it.

Tori almost smirked. It is.

Our groups name is Summer Solstice. Thats my roommate, Michelle from 2A and her classmate, Zofia, Alessa pointed out the two other girls who looked over from where they were walking, looking at Tori's groups matching attire with derision.

A pleasure, Tori said with a nod. Behind me are Henrik, Ilyana from our class, Sonia and Jean Paul, and Ewan.

Her group gave some greetings, but otherwise didnt say anything more.

And these two are from 4A. Montan Alvere and Constantine Zisos, Dimitri said. Tori looked over and received no greeting from the blue-haired Montan. She likely didn't even appear in his cold, gray eyes. As long as he left her alone, she was fine with that.

However, Constantine seemed to have no problem approaching.

Lady Guevera, its a pleasure to see you again.

The feeling isn't mutual. Tori returned his smile politely. I thought I recognized you. From the inn, right?

He looked pleasantly surprised. Yes, you remembered! I must apologize for any ugliness that night.

No, no I was rude myself. Its just that my brother went through the trouble of booking the rooms for us and I didnt want his hard work to be for naught.

Understandable.

Alessa suddenly appeared in the space between them and glanced from one to the other. You two have met?

We crossed paths while traveling to Horizon, Constantine answered her in a patient voice and Alessa nodded.

Dimitri looked over. Ive been meaning to ask. What are the big sticks for?

These are hiking poles, Ewan said from the back of their line. Tori had them made for us to help with our balance when were carrying the heavy packs.

She had them add on these waist belts, too, Ilyana said. To help us carry the weight of the bags.

She had the bags custom made? Alessas eyes widened. Shes really taking care of her group. She looked at Toris hiking pole. Can I try?

Tori blinked. She didnt expect the protagonist to be interested. Sure. Make sure to keep your hand up here. Think of it as a third leg to help stablize you on uneven terrain. She handed Alessa her hiking pole and lowered her arms.

Alessa furrowed her brows and sped up her walk to try to make use of the hiking pole. Dimitri laughed as he watched her. Feel any difference?

The ground is uneven, so it does help to steady you, Alessa said as she turned around.

Huh.... Gideon raised a brow. The stick is surprisingly useful.

It will definitely help later in the hike, Alessa said as the group caught up with her. Especially when youre carrying something. She looked at Tori. Do you have an extra one I can have?

Tori drew her head back, surprised. She glanced behind her and saw the looks of confusion on her group mates faces. It was obvious they didnt have an extra one. Where would they have kept it?

Um...no, we only had six make. One per person of our group, Tori said.

How much does it cost? A new voice caught her attention and she turned her head to the blue-haired young man. His face didnt hint at what was going on in his mind and he didn't seem curious. Still, Tori answered.

I think we paid a few coppers, right? she asked, glancing back at Ilyana. Her roommate nodded. Yeah, its really just some scrap wood.... Her voice trailed off as she saw a few silver coins presented to her. She squinted, uncertain, at the palm with the coins and looked up at the blue-haired young man presenting it to her. What is this for?

Ill buy your hiking pole for Alessa.

Oh, my God. It hasnt even been a month and youre buying shit off people you just met to give to her? You simp.

Tori tried not to openly frown. Im glad you think its valuable enough to buy, Mr. Alvere, but I still need it for the hike. Theyd barely just stepped into the forest and had two more days of hiking to go after this one.

Its just a stick, Gideon said, looking over. You can find another one laying on the ground. It was something that shouldve been said to Alessa, but he was looking at her, meaning he was telling Tori to give up her hiking pole and pick up a stick.

She narrowed her eyes at him. Then you pick up a stick for her, asshole.

Our hiking poles were specially made and are part of our tent set up, Your Highness, Ilyana said. Tori still needs hers.

All six of her group knew that they technically only needed three hiking poles as it was one per tent, but that didnt mean theyd just give one away.

You still bought a tent? Michelle, or as Tori thought of her, Girl NPC 1, said. Were only out here for two nights and theyre so heavy and bulky. Was it necessary to bring that much?

Bitch, you arent even carrying a backpack! What do you have to complain about? Tori almost dropped her jaw.

Zofia, Girl NPC 2, shook her head. No wonder their bags are so big.

Didnt you bring tents? Sonia asked. She looked over at LP1 to 4. Theyre carrying a lot.

Its mostly our bedrolls, supplies, and food, Dimitri said. We debated on whether to hunt or bring cooked food and settled on already cooked food, as hunting would take time out of our hike.

Yes, that makes sense. Tori reached forward to take her hiking pole from Alessa, but found that the young lady didnt release it. She raised a brow. Miss Hart?

Lady Guevera, the ground is really uneven. This hiking pole would be really helpful, she said, looking at Tori with big amber eyes. Tori opened her mouth, but was unsure of what to say. She didnt expect Alessa to refuse to give her back something that belonged to her.

She looked at the slightly shorter student. While she had changed into pants for the excursion, she was still wearing black buckle shoes with a slight heel that she probably wore to school. They already had several scratches and were coated with dust. Tori frowned.

Miss Hart, your shoes are not suitable for hiking. Even a small heel will cause discomfort and imbalance, she said in a low voice. It was why I insisted on getting suitable boots for my group.

Alessas face fell and she looked down. I cant afford new shoes.... she said in a soft voice.

Behind her, Dimitri and Constantine looked at her with pity. However, Montan and Gideon shot Tori glares, as if blaming her for Alessas poverty. Tori nearly choked.

Not everyone has your amount of wealth, Lady Guevera, Gideon said in a cold voice. Tori stared at him.

Motherfucker, are you chastising me for having money? You? Whose family lives in a palace? She was screaming internally and she hid one of her hands at her sides as it clenched into a fist.

No, no, its not her fault, Alessa said as she looked up with wet eyes. Tori almost wanted to nod. Even the protagonist understood that.

Ilyana cleared out the campfire area, lining it with stones and then helped Tori bring the flame over once Ewan and Henrik returned with an arm-load each of dried twigs. They were sent back with JP and Sonia for more wood, but told to come back before it got dark.

With a pile of burnable twigs and bark near them, Tori put a metal grid over her Dakota fire hole and then the metal pot over it. By the time the water started to heat up, night had fallen.

Ilyana sat on the fallen tree across the campfire with Henrik, and Sonia sat on the ground, leaning against the log with her legs stretched out. They watched Tori feed the fire hole and check on the water two paces from the campfire.

Behind her, the tents glowed with a dimmed white light from their light crystals that Ilyana hung at the top of their tents. The front flaps were open, revealing a thin, gauzy material that allowed them to see within. Tori couldnt find netting small enough to keep out bugs, so went with the gauzy material. Their bags were also inside, with the exception of Toris, which had the bulk of the food.

For a moment, the only things that could be heard were the faint sound of the stream, crickets, and the crackling of the fires. Then, they heard Ewans light snoring. Henrik sat up straight and squinted. Did he fall asleep?

He probably decided to lay down for a minute and passed out. Sonia grinned.

The sleeping bags do look really welcoming after hiking all day, Ilyana said, glancing longingly at her tent.

Yeah, but if you crawl in now, youll miss the view. Without taking her eyes off the pot, Tori pointed up. The three outside with her tilted their heads back.

Oh.... Sonia muttered.

So many stars.... Ilyana said in a breathy whisper. Its beautiful.

You cant see that many stars in the city, Tori said. Even at night, Horizon has lights. You have to be where there are no other lights.

Even Henrik grinned as he looked up. Youre right. It is nice to get out of the city every so often.

Ilyana giggled. I was really nervous about this excursion, actually. Ive never been in the forest like this. She shrugged her shoulders and smiled. It isnt as bad as I thought.

Thats because our group leader prepared us well, Henrik said. I know I complained a lot when we were practicing, but I get it now. We put up those tents in no time. You know what youre doing, group leader.

Tori lifted her hand and gave a regal wave. I graciously accept your praise, group member.

They laughed and JP stuck his head out from his tent. I got the bowls and utensils, he said as he stood up. He held a small stack of shallow metal bowls with several forks in the top one.

Put them here and then get me the metal tongs, Tori said as she fished through her bag. She took out another brown paper wrapped package. She carefully laid it on top of her bag and opened it up to reveal several loosely bunched balls of dried noodles.

JP put the bowls on the stump and went back to get the tongs. He came out snapping them as he put his other arm through his down vest. Tori put six of the balls into the metal pot and used her dagger to stir them.

Its colder here than in Horizon.

We're north of the city and even if this is a valley, were in the mountains, Sonia said. She looked back up at the sky. But you really cant get that view at home.

Hmm.... JP followed his sisters gaze and admired the stars for a moment. That reminds me of a poem.

Sonia cringed. Oh no.

JP coughed to clear his throat. Beneath a blanket of night, I weep; and willingly lose my mind. For nothing is as amazing to me, as the stars and sky intertwined.

JP looked proud of himself and Sonia gave him a critical look. Thats from a play, isnt it?

Yeah, Mikhail Kissings Memories of the Plains. Its in one of his monologues from the first act. JP lifted their bowls and sat on the stump. My elective class is going over it.

Didnt they make you come up with your own poems when you introduced yourself in class? Henrik asked.

An even cockier smile appeared on JPs face, contrasting Sonias look of horror, as he began to recite several of his own works. Ilyana kept a smile on her face and nodded to show her support, but cringed every now and then.

Henrik tried to stop him, only to have JP scoff. Okay, Mr. Skuldsen. You give me a poem off the top of your head.

Henrik sputtered.

Tori chuckled as she stirred the pasta to keep the noodles from sticking.

I have one. She slowed her voice as she spoke. From the stars reflected in her eyes; I am mesmerized at once. Lost in a galaxy I see no end to, nor wish to be released from, I am entangled.... She paused as a soft smile tugged at her lips. And I am hers.

She lifted her gaze to look at her silent group mates. Sonia crinkled her eyes. I think I just fell in love with you.

Pfft! Tori laughed as the others joined her. Ewan snorted awake from the tent as he heard them.

JP grinned. That wasnt bad. Im going to use that.

Use what? Ewan said as he crawled out of the tent. He scratched his stomach before stretching his arms. His vest was lopsided and hanging open.

Toris poem! Ilyana laughed.

You have to practice the delivery, Tori said. Its that pause at the end that hooks them.

Oh.... Ilyana leaned forward with a knowing grin. So, who was trying to hook you with that poem?

Tori opened her mouth as she looked back at the five teenagers and remembered where she was.

And who she was.

I cant say it was a random guy one night in Paris. Im fourteen and have never left Presidio until now. I read it in some obscure book.

Aww.... Ilyana wrinkled her nose and Tori chuckled.

How much longer until the food is ready? Ewan asked. He patted his stomach. Im hungry.

You ate an entire charcuterie tin when we were snacking this afternoon, Sonia reminded him.

Not enough.

Im just waiting for the noodles to be ready and then Ill drain it and pour in the sauce, Tori said. It wont be long-

She snapped her mouth closed and sat up straight, pulling her dagger from the pot and looking towards the forest.

Did you hear that? Sonia asked in a quiet voice. Several of them nodded, alert and tense.

They held their breaths and listened. Over the crackling fire, crickets, and the faint rush of water, they heard movement coming from beyond the trees. Tori reminded herself that there were no large predators in the valley. There was no need to panic.

It was likely that they were just other students or perhaps instructors and volunteers who stumbled upon them. Still, she remained crouched on the balls of her feet and adjusted her grip on the dagger, lifting it closer to her.

I see a fire! They didnt recognize the voice. Hey! Were from Lyce!

They began to see the faint light from the light crystals floating in the dark. Ewan stepped forward and squinted. Who is that?

Its already dark. Henrik frowned. They shouldve set up camp already.

Or at least found a place. JP craned his head to see if he could make out who was coming. Its far too dangerous to keep going once the sun sets.

Headmaster told us over and over its not a race, Ilyana said, unable to hold back her disapproval. There isnt a point in keeping going until you cant see any more. Honestly, who can be so reckless?

Please, not the protagonist and her harem. Please, not the protagonist and her harem.... Tori silently prayed as an unsettled feeling pooled in her stomach.

Ewan took a few steps closer to the treeline and shouted into the dark. Whos out there?

Several voices were heard and someone yelled back: Summer Solstice and the Armada!

Toris arms dropped and she tilted her head to the sky. Why are you testing me...?

Its Dimitri and His Highness groups, Ewan said, looking back at the five around the fire.

Henrik looked stunned. Those two groups had competent people; they expected better from them. Are they lost?

Before anyone could answer, the first person melted from the darkness clutching a light crystal in his hand. Fabian looked surprised to see them, as if he didnt expect that Toris group would make it that far.

Eleven others appeared behind him, stopping just a few paces away from the campsite. The love interests formed a small wall as they faced an unsuspecting group lounging about and waiting for dinner.

Tori looked at them and raised a brow. She tried to break the silence without opening an invitation. Good...evening?

Lady Guevera! Alessa stumbled forward, squeezing her way between Gideon and Fabian. She grasped Fabians arm to keep herself from falling forward. Her eyes looked from Tori to the set of welcoming tents glowing with faint crystal light and the rolled out sleeping bags waiting to be used within. She gazed over the crackling campfire, the boiling pot beyond it, and even the bowls on JPs lap. Alessas hopeful face fell on Tori. Can we join your camp tonight?