Chapter 117

This is a thought-provoking question. It even leaves Haruhi Haruno feeling a bit disoriented.

Being chosen as the "King" is entirely a matter of luck; if you are unlucky, you might play for hours and never get the role.

"Alright, I’m going to issue a command now," said the newly appointed "King," Yuriko Ogata, in a soft, sweet voice. Her exquisite, petite face carried a hint of self-doubt and shyness. It was clear that if the little Empress Yuriko were to take the throne, she would be nothing more than a puppet manipulated by the powerful ministers.

*A "Barbie doll" queen,* Haruno thought to himself. Suddenly, Yuriko subconsciously glanced at the handsome boy. It was an instinctive and frequent action for the little girl. Throughout the game, every few seconds, she would sneak a peek at Haruno. Watching the handsome boy’s earnest, thoughtful expression filled her heart with contentment and joy. How much better it would be if he were sitting right next to her.

However, this time, Haruhi Haruno caught her gaze precisely. Perhaps the "powerful minister" in this scenario was named Haruno.

"Four... number four and number seven must gently punch each other on the chest."

After struggling for a long time, Yuriko Ogata finally stammered out the command. Once finished, she visibly relaxed.

"You have to be gentle, okay?" added Yuriko, who was also sitting with her short, bare legs tucked beneath her on the sofa, dangling slowly in the air.

"That's so simple! You wasted this opportunity, Yuriko!" said Kanae Terashima, grinning while one of her shoulders remained bare. A pink strap rested on her fair, delicate skin, leaving two faint marks.

During the fifth round, Kanae had been caught, and her leader, Misaka Seiryo, had decreed that she must keep one shoulder exposed until the end of the round. In the sixth round, she was ordered to undo two more buttons. Kanae, never one to do things by halves, had simply pulled her shirt completely over to her left shoulder, exposing half an arm and a bit of pink fabric. Paired with her short, trendy haircut, it gave her a unique, fashionable charm—like an urban professional working in an office building, though her face, temperament, and figure were far too youthful.

"Ah?" Upon hearing Kanae’s words, Yuriko’s newly relaxed expression grew tense again. Her two short legs suddenly snapped together, and she looked visibly uneasy and nervous.

"I... I... I didn't know what else to say!" Yuriko whispered, as if she had truly committed some grave error.

"Hahaha, I’m just teasing you!" Kanae laughed, losing all composure. Clearly, she wasn't number four or seven. "You're so much fun, Yuriko."

*Fun? I’m the only one who knows how much fun she really is,* Haruno thought to himself with a smirk.

There were only a few people playing, so the scope for the command was limited: number four was Yukino Seiryo, and number seven was Mai Hanai—the two most miserable participants so far. The second Miss Seiryo needed no introduction, and Mai Hanai had been repeatedly ordered to undo her buttons.

Now, her white shirt offered no protection; all the buttons were undone. Due to years of exercise, her fair, slender waist showed clear abdominal lines, and above that, the pure white lingerie left little to the imagination. Haruno swore to himself that every accidental glance was purely a man’s instinct, not a voluntary act. He swore he would only look one last time, and then never again!

*Yes, just one last look.*

Yukino Seiryo displayed the poise of a noble family, politely letting Mai Hanai hit her first, puffing out her small, flat chest. Mai gave her a slow, symbolic tap. How to describe it? It felt like hitting a thin, thin layer of sea sponge jelly, and that was that. If she had used even a little force, she could have felt the ribs beneath.

Once the punch was delivered, it was Yukino’s turn. Mai straightened her waist slightly.

"Go ahead," Mai said coolly. She didn't dare to straighten up completely; the moment she did, everything would be exposed. If it were just the girls playing, it would be fine, but there was a boy present. Thinking of this, Mai glanced at Haruno, who was sitting across from the coffee table, pretending to study the mural on the wall behind her.

*Too fake, that jerk.*

Yukino felt insulted in every fiber of her being. She huffed in frustration and gave Mai a punch.

*I wish I were number seven!* Haruno