The Protagonist's Party is Too Diligent

The word *"diligent"* carries varied connotations depending on the context.

While it’s typically viewed positively, its interpretation changes based on where the emphasis lies. For instance, someone described as diligent in studying might be seen as a bookworm. Diligence in sports conjures an image of a healthy, active individual, while adherence to rules might evoke a rather stiff personality. And, of course, there are people who are diligent in social activities—a description that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re party animals. Even in modern society, where explicit hierarchies are less prominent, socializing can be crucial. Skipping all gatherings in college might leave one at a disadvantage in class, and avoiding every work dinner could hinder career advancements.

But in this world, where explicit social hierarchies still exist, what about the aristocracy?

Alice, for example, was an exception. Her childhood devotion to academics had left her ignoring most social obligations. Normally, noble children would start attending countless social gatherings in their early teens. Granted, some of these gatherings strayed far from what one might call *diligent* behavior.

---

“Is this for real?”

Alice narrowed her eyes, glaring at Jake.

“Yes, it’s not that unusual here in the south. You’d know if you spoke more with your classmates. Ever since this site was chosen for field practice, everyone’s been excited about it.”

“...”

Fads exist in every era, and this world is no different. And often, the latest trends seem a bit indecent or vulgar by old standards, even if they aren’t outright illegal.

“So, according to you,” Alice began slowly, “on a beach—not some private estate but a normal beach open to everyone—”

“Well, not everyone. The one we’re going to is Lindborough-owned. I assure you, no outsiders, except for Academy students and faculty, will be there.”

“—regardless, in a place full of strangers, people are planning to... wear barely-there clothes to swim and play around? Together? Men and women?”

Her expression was difficult to describe—not disgust, exactly. It was more akin to the look elderly folks give upon hearing about the peculiar ways kids these days entertain themselves.

“You’ve never seen it? Many noble estates have indoor or backyard pools for the same purpose.”

How modern. Though I, who once lived in the modern world, never actually attended such a party. I’ve only seen them in movies or TV shows.

---

“So,” Alice continued, ignoring Jake’s explanation, “these swimsuits—are they the ones I’ve seen in popular magazines lately? The ones that are practically underwear?”

“They’re not the same,” Jake replied seriously.

“How are they different?”

“They’re waterproof.”

“....”

Alice was momentarily lost for words.

“They’re made by layering natural rubber with fabric, creating a compressed material. They’re much thicker than underwear.”

“But still—”

“I object!”

Suddenly, a loud voice came from the teachers’ table, startling everyone. Even more surprising, the topic wasn’t all that different from what Alice and Jake had been discussing.

“How can men and women reveal so much skin, soaked in water, in the same place!?”

“You’re a daughter of the Northwood family, aren’t you?” Jennifer replied nonchalantly, sipping her coffee. “You must’ve grown up seeing such settings. It’s odd for you to be this resistant to something so ordinary.”

“Ugh...”

The debate was between Carolyn, who had shot to her feet, and Jennifer, who remained seated and composed. Meanwhile, Ada, indifferent to their conversation, quietly read a small book.

“Th-that’s different! Those people—”

“Those people?”

Carolyn flushed, unable to admit her thoughts aloud.

“At least they covered their stomachs!”

“....”

Even Jennifer seemed at a loss for words, while Ada finally looked up, gazing blankly at Carolyn.

Realizing the awkward silence she had caused, Carolyn blushed deeper and sat down.

---

“Regardless of one teacher’s objections, it’s already decided. The students are thrilled about it, and if we, as adults, suddenly cancel their fun, do you think they’ll respect us moving forward?”

“Mostly Jennifer’s idea, though,” Ada commented without much interest before returning to her book.

“See? It’s set in stone,” Jake said to Alice.

As Jennifer shrugged at me with a smirk, I thought to myself, *I already knew this was coming*.

While it was winter back in the homeland, this region was warm—a perfect getaway. Not enjoying the sea here would certainly disappoint the students. Of course, I had known about this event in advance. The original game—a JRPG catering to otaku—practically guaranteed a swimsuit event. What kind of animation-inspired game would it be without it?

---

“You’re awfully quiet,” Alice remarked, narrowing her eyes at me.

Well, I had already been prepared for this.

“Are you not bothered by the idea of your younger sisters baring so much skin in the presence of strangers?”

Sorry, Alice. I may not have been a social butterfly, but I did come from a society far more *liberal*.

“Do you not find it odd for someone who insists on being called ‘big sister’ to say such things to her ‘younger sibling’?”

“Ugh.”

Alice flinched as if struck.

“Shouldn’t an older sister be the one protecting her younger sibling?”

“....”

Alice turned away, guilt etched across her face. Technically, I was older, but since she insisted on being the elder sibling, I played along.

I was already thinking of excuses to skip the event, but—

---

“Sis.”

Someone suddenly interrupted my train of thought.

“Are you saying that to me?” Claire asked, her eyes sparkling. I was momentarily at a loss. Her tone carried genuine curiosity rather than malice.

Well, Claire could probably protect herself better than I could. I doubted some delinquent would suddenly appear to snatch away one of the heroines. Even if that did happen, we already had the ultimate delinquent—Jake—among us, though he was loyal to one person alone.

---

Jake’s real motive for organizing this? Roti.

Roti rarely wore anything revealing, and this event was his chance to see her in a modern bikini. This was also one of the few events in which Jake became visibly flustered. I glanced at Roti, standing behind Jake. Her gaze was lowered, avoiding mine.

“Hmm? Hmm? Sis?” Claire’s persistence was harmless enough, though Alice’s smirking face in the background annoyed me.

“Fine. Let’s go buy swimsuits today. We’ll need them for tomorrow.”

Alice’s anticipation visibly shattered.

Well, it’s not like I can’t wear a swimsuit. If I managed a bunny costume, a swimsuit should be easy enough.