Chapter 79

On the morning of the school trip, the weather was clear and sunny. After eating a hearty breakfast, it was time to set off.

The annual arduous school trip, but this year, I felt a bit different. I had learned the secret to walking without getting tired!

I used to take large strides, eager to make progress. However, the key to not getting tired during mountain climbing and hiking was to take smaller steps!

Why didn’t anyone tell me this before? Every year, I suffered so much...

In addition to learning the walking technique, I also dusted off my stepper and worked on my legs. No more of that wimpy me!

Well, to be honest, I was still in the back group, but the hiking course seemed easier this year, and I was able to enjoy the walk more. I think the smaller steps and the stepper training really helped.

I wish I could have this much ease every year. Being kind, I also taught the wimpy group to take smaller steps.

But you know, there are actually even wimpier and less athletic kids than us. They usually drop out early and take a car on a different route, or they wait at the base, sipping tea. Isn't that a bit unfair?

I really want to drop out too! But as a timid person, I can never figure out the right time to do so. I end up trudging along without finding the right moment. If I could just faint from anemia, I could drop out, but the blood circulation is strangely good when I walk, and I never get dizzy when I need to.

This time, a few people did drop out and took the luxurious car ride. A couple of kids from our group were among them, like Fuyuko Hagiwara, who looks like a Heian nobleman and would fit in with the Pivoine group.

Fuyuko is part of our group because it's the largest faction, but she's a bit different. Maybe it's her face, but she seems detached from the world...

Sakura is "Japanese-style," but Fuyuko is "Japanese." She would look better in a jūnihitoe than in modern clothes.

"Rika-sama, look, you can see the sea."

"Really? It's beautiful."

This year, I even had the leisure to chat. Wonderful. If I could have this much ease every year, that would be great.

Actually, if the school trip destination wasn't a mountain, there wouldn't be a problem. This year, since we were in Kamakura, I wanted to wash coins, eat warabi mochi, and have custard pudding.

I want to come back for a tour with someone next time.

After the hike, we arrived at the hotel for lunch, and the first thing was to change out of our gym uniforms.

Finally, I can take off my tracksuit. I don't look good in it and prefer not to wear it outside if possible.

After tidying up, we entered the hall for lunch, where seats were arranged by class. The menu was a seafood course. The food tastes better after exercise. Oh, this cold Kamakura vegetable soup is delicious.

However, I noticed that the external students were huddled together, ignoring their meals. They must be preparing for the entertainment. It's really tough for them.

The entertainment started with a choir from Class 1. It was a classic choice, but as the first act, their voices were a bit shaky. I'm glad I'm not an external student...

After that, there were ensemble performances and magic tricks. The students from our class also performed, using tambourines and other instruments. Thanks to their practice, they did a great job, I think.

In the ensemble, one boy was playing the violin, wildly shaking his hair. I wonder if he chose the wrong school?

Then it was Natsuba's class's turn.

Natsuba's class performed a skit based on the legend of "The Heavenly Maiden and the Five-Headed Dragon" from Enoshima.

The story goes that in the past, a terrifying five-headed dragon lived in a lake in Kamakura, causing natural disasters and taking children as sacrifices, tormenting the villagers. One day, a heavenly maiden descended, and when the dragon, captivated by her beauty, proposed marriage, she refused, saying she couldn't marry such an evil dragon. The dragon then repented and became a good dragon.

The boy playing the five-headed dragon wore a dragon mask and wrapped himself in black cloth to portray the dragon. The girl playing the heavenly maiden wore a crown and a white cloth to look the part. Other students played narrators, villagers, and children.

Natsuba was the sea, moving a blue cloth tied to a long pole to depict the turbulent and calm sea.

"Zazan, zazan," Natsuba enthusiastically moved the blue cloth to show the raging and calm sea.

...No, Natsuba, you're amazing, you're shining. Despite no one watching, you kept moving the cloth meticulously. Even when your arms got tired, you kept going until the end. Natsuba, you're impressive.

I wondered if Natsuba was being bullied, but there was also a student playing Enoshima, so it seemed to be just my unfounded worry. The sea is better than the island, right?

After the entertainment, the external students from our class came to thank me and Saho-kun.

"Thank you for all your help."

"Thank you, Rika-sama."

I just helped secure a spot, but Saho-kun participated in the practice and gave advice on using tambourines and maracas. Saho-kun is really good with people.

"You did a great job. The practice really paid off."

The external students looked happy. This experience seems to have fostered a sense of camaraderie among them. But it's not good for them to stick together too much, so let's keep it in check.

This year's entertainment award went to Natsuba's class for their skit.

They received meal vouchers for the school cafeteria. Natsuba's eyes sparkled. Our cafeteria is expensive, so it's hard for ordinary people to afford. I'm glad for her. I want to recommend some good dishes to Natsuba.

Since the entertainment, I've become friends with one external student, Nara-kun.

One new friend?

But Nara-kun looks at me with a strange admiration, which is a bit troubling. Don't create a false image of me in your head.

Nara-kun, with her sparkling eyes of admiration. As a timid person, I decided to try not to let her down and avoid showing my flaws in front of her.

Nara-kun, if you like my hairstyle so much, why don't you try curling your hair with me?