Chapter 56
Translator 8uhl
Chapter 56
Chapter Title Protecting the Princess
There was a stamina recovery break before the final game began.
Ill dig in!
The trainees devoured the chicken that was obviously product placement.
The Blue Team trainees, who hadnt gotten to eat the red bean shaved ice, pounced like wolves and left nothing but bones in seconds.
After lunch, as announced, the shoot moved outdoors.
Outdoor shooting starts now! Everyone come outside!
The trainees, who had only ever shuttled between the dorms, practice rooms, and sets, let out awed gasps as they stepped onto the grass.
Wow, the airs so fresh.
Feels like its been forever since I stepped on grass!
But what are they gonna have us do in such a huge field...?
The vast grassy field was completely empty.
All that stood in the center was Choi Sia waiting for us, and a white box next to her.
Everyone, line up single file and come this way!
Inside the white box were balls numbered from 1 to 5.
Trainees who drew the same number sat together.
What on earth are they planning?
Who knows...?
Either way, it feels like itll be super fun!
Among the trainees in my group, the familiar faces were Song Hyeongbin, Oh Taeyoung, and Yu Minha.
Yu Minha couldnt sit still and kept fidgeting.
Meanwhile, Iwho already knew what game was comingkept a lessthanthrilled expression.
Karis, any guesses on what itll be?
Whatever it is, itll involve physical strength. Thats all theyve thrown at us today.
Then its perfect for you, Karis! Our team wins again!
Right, it would involve physical strength.
But I had my reasons for pulling this face.
Has everyone sat with their teammates who drew the same number?
Yes!
Then select one representative within one minute!
Yes?
The sudden order to pick a rep left everyone baffled.
I wanted to stay seated as much as possible, but the stares gathering on me triggered the crown princes oversized ego.
Its gotta be Karis, right?
He crushed it today.
It might decide the order, so we gotta send out our ace.
Go sweep em all, Karis!
Haha.
Please, I dont want to make these cocky, arrogant faces.
No representative could be finer than this body of mine. Ill return swiftly with tidings of victory.
So cool, Karis!
It was infuriating how my teammates applauded these pointless grand statements.
Maybe because I already know how this plays out. It doesnt even faze me.
A good number of the pushedforward reps were familiar faces.
Ah, I dont wanna go up against Karis.
Youre tucking tail before even hearing the event?
I was just picturing riding the bus quietly behind you.
Kang Siyoon, pouting sullenly.
The rematch came way too fast.
The tugofwar was disappointing enoughcurious what thisll be.
Im the oldest here, so go easy on me. Haha.
Chae Eungyu, scratching his head with a grin.
And...
......
Ji Yooncheol, staring at us with soulless eyes.
It felt like theyd sent out every big name as their rep.
Now, youre all wondering why we had you pick reps, right?
Yes!
Unfortunately, Ill reveal that in just a bit! Reps, come this way first!
Following the staffs guidance, we headed to a tented area.
The moment we saw the props laid out on the table.
Ah.
Wow.
Were screwed.
Despairing sighs filled the mic.
Colorful wigs.
Sparkling gemencrusted tiaras.
Fairy wings fit for a magical girl.
And magic wands with flashy effects.
A full array of princess dressup tools welcomed us.
The final game is Princess Protection. You reps will be your teams princess.
Cant we just keep it normal? Please?
The assistant director ignored Kang Siyoons desperate plea as she handed out the costumes.
Dress up as your ideal princess and come out in ten minutes.
WWe really have to do this? Like, full makeup and everything?
......Can I forfeit my rep spot?
Even the stonefaced Ji Yooncheol was wavering.
Chae Eungyu, meanwhile, laughed like hed already accepted his fate.
Its donelets just get dressed quick and move on.
Thisll be a black mark on my history, hyung!
Haha, at least were all in it together.
Everyone quickly grabbed items and finished dressing.
When we linked arms as transformed princesses and headed out, the reaction was explosive.
Insane, thats insane!
Why are they going all out on the costumes!
Wings and magic wand? Why!
You guys look too pretty!
Kang Siyoon, standing next to me, had turned beet red.
He brushed off most things, but this getup hit him hard.
Now for the final event Princess Protection! The rules are simple. Youre knights guarding your kingdoms princess. If her wig falls off, your whole kingdoms out! Princesses can run or fight alongside knights. The last kingdom standing wins.
Choi Sia gave the brief rundown and blew the whistle.
The game kicked off, and trainees quickly spread out.
Feels like our princess can handle herself.
Song Hyeongbin grinned, sticking close to my front.
Yu Minha nodded and gave a thumbsup.
Karis Princess could fend off any knights on her own!
Ill just hide behind Karis.
Dont stray too far, Taeyoung. We might need your strength to attack.
My commanding tone fired up the team.
Truth be told, I prefer playing it by ear.
I wanted to scout the enemies before launching an assault.
But whether due to the status ailment or not, this body charged ahead without a plan.
Charge! Frontrightannihilate the fleeing foes!
Ooooh!
Annihilate! Annihilate!
Battle fever gripped me, and my legs flew across the grass faster than anyones.
BlBlock him!
Hes heading straight for Yooncheol!
My prey in sight Princess Ji Yooncheol.
Standing dazed with his magic wand, he panicked at the sight of the lionlike Karis von Walden charging.
Song Hyeongbin and Yu Minha, hot on my heels, blocked Ji Yooncheols knights.
Karis, grab Yooncheol Princess quick!
Princess, run!
These words felt so weird, but my body reacted instantly.
Dodging the remaining two knights with agile moves, I strode toward Ji Yooncheol.
One trainee tripped over his own feet and cried out pitifully.
Yooncheol, run!
But against his knights wish, Ji Yooncheol wasnt much of an athlete.
Dancers tend to be athletic, but his reaction time was notoriously slow.
So, the moment he tried to flee...
His foot caught in the flowing hem of his princess dress, and he faceplanted.
......
It was brutal.
Ears burning red, Ji Yooncheol was too embarrassed to even get up.
Feeling a twinge of pity, I showed mercy.
Hand over the wig, and Ill leave peacefully.
......Take it.
Déjà vu from nametag ripping.
Dejected, Ji Yooncheol handed over the black wig.
Yeeees!
Three princesses down!
As my teammates mobhugged me in cheers, the other princesses started huddling.
Hey, honestly, Karis is too strong.
Eungyu hyung, alliance? Take out Karis Princess first?
Sounds like the best play.
Thus, the AntiKaris Coalition formed in a flash.
With fifteen closing in to encircle us, even Iused to onevsmanyhad to step back.
Knew itd come to this.
What now?
Perfect. Ive shown offensenow for defense.
In the tense standoff, my lips curled up.
And that confidence proved right.
Ugh!
Eungyu hyung, watch your wig! Karis is lurking out of sight!
That guys a monster.
Using Song Hyeongbin and Yu Minha as shields, I struck and parried from behind at blinding speed.
One of Karis von Waldens childhoodtrained closecombat techniques.
Never thought Id use it in Idol Training Simulation.
As time dragged on catching me, the trainees bunched closer.
Now it was a chaotic tangle of twentyplus.
Karis! Wig still safe?
Im fineeyes front.
Yeah!
In the melee, Yu Minha turned to check on me.
Right then.
A trainee facing him off bulged his eyes and shoved through shoulders.
Baek Sihwa!
Instinct kicked in.
Amid the noise and chaos, my gaze locked on Baek Sihwas eyes.
Everything slowed to a crawl.
Baek Sihwa lunged through the gap, arms outstretched for Yu Minha.
Theyd collide headon.
In this mess, if they tangled and fell...
It wont end with a stomped foothigh chance of a twisted ankle or wrist, major injury.
A pileup of trainees.
Cameras couldnt catch it all.
Baek Sihwas opportunistic move was crystal clear.
That bad vibe Id felt before.
His antagonism toward Yu Minha.
The odd behavior in tugofwar.
All flashed back, filling my head with one thought protect Yu Minha.
Drop defense, and we lose for sure.
Rush to block, and my backs exposed in the frenzy.
Oh Taeyoung guarded rear, but sudden moveshe couldnt keep up.
One of the encircling trainees would snag my wig easy.
But so what?
My head cleared coldly.
Win or lose didnt matter.
Something more important was right there.
Losing one battle doesnt lose the war.
For a comrade who fought for me, sacrificing this body is only right.
This isnt a real battlefield like that place where I had to watch allies get hurt. No lives at stake if my wig falls. Sograb him!
I burst forward at top speed.
Like a leopard from ambush, I seized Baek Sihwas arms and tumbled to the ground with him.
Whoa!
Karis, where!
Teammates shocked cries from behind.
But my blazing gaze fixed on Baek Sihwas pale face.
Urk!
One roll, two.
Bumping legs, we finally stopped.
I whispered softly in Baek Sihwas ear.
Coming at me with such open killing intentwhats your plan?
WhWhat?
Ill let it slide this time, but if you charge at my friend again...
My voice dropped to a guttural low.
Then no warningIll snap your neck. Be ready.
I felt Baek Sihwa stiffen in my grip.
Fear flickered in his pupils.
Soon, hands grabbed at my head.
GoGot it!
Far from teammates, another kingdoms knight easily swiped my wig.
Choi Sias whistle blew as I stood.
KKaris!
Im fine. Not a bad gamesatisfied.
Sorry! I slacked on defense, made an opening.
Its fine.
I ruffled dejected Yu Minhas hair, but despair flooded my mind.
Wait. The system said win every game. Does this mean the status ailment stays active?
Nothing could be worse.
Surviving this show as an arrogant, egobloated crown prince was near impossible.
Emergent Mission clear conditions met.
A system alert popped up.
A burning heat vanished from my body.
I stared in disbelief.
Mission failed outright. Whyd the status lift?
As if answering, red text appeared.
Karis von Walden is greatly pleased to see you throw yourself to save a comrade. He is impressed that the possessor has proven the most vital virtue a crown prince must cherish sacrificial spirit.
I read the system message quietly.
You lost the final game regrettably, but proved something more valuable than victory, fulfilling the emergency missions hidden condition.
Status ailment released.
Until next time, Possessor.