Valentine's Day Triple Return: Elementary School Edition
Chapter 43
Valentine’s Day.
Known as a conspiracy by the confectionery industry or a decisive battle day for girls, this event is no different at the Teito Gakushukan Elementary School. In fact, because it’s attended by nobility, elites, and children of conglomerates, the competition tends to be more fierce.
“Hey, Runa…”
“Um, Keika-in-san?”
“Keika-in?”
Eiichi-kun, Yujiro-kun, and Mitsuya-kun each held a piece of chocolate in their hands. It cost 5 yen. By the way, I handed it out to the whole class regardless of gender.
“Giving something expensive and getting something expensive in return is boring, don’t you think? So, let’s play a game♪”
I wink mischievously. These common-sense talks are the protagonist's domain, but I plan to correct various things here and there. I hang out with these three quite often anyway.
[T/N- hmm I should not hear " how this isn't following the game nananan " from you future okay?]
“I will only accept a return gift up to three times the value on White Day!”
The color drained from the faces of the three boys. This is the well-known rule of “triple return” for Valentine’s Day. But when you explicitly state the original price like this, it becomes a thrilling intellectual game.
“Wait, wait, wait. Three times means 15 yen?!”
“What’s annoying is that it’s exactly 15 yen. I can think of a 10 yen return-gift, but then there’s 5 yen left.”
“It’s Keika-in we’re talking about. She probably wouldn’t mind a 10 yen return-gift, but still…”
The three boys glanced at each other. These three are inherently competitive, as often seen in the game. So, I puff out my chest and provoke them.
“Well, it’s all about the sentiment. Honestly, any thank-you gift is fine with me♪”
Boys aren't ones to just accept things as they are. They're driven by a competitive spirit, fueled by pride, and often captivated by the allure of romance towards girls. I couldn't help but notice the tension simmering between the three of them
“I see. It’s a contest of what we can give in return Right? .”
“So, Keika-in-san will be the judge.”
“ I will prepare something that will satisfy Keika-in within 15 yen.”
By the way, I gave the same 5 yen chocolate to Tachibana and Ichijou, and they said:
“If wealthy adults don’t spend money, who will keep the economy going?”
They then assured me they would prepare something expensive along with words of gratitude. They are capable adults. Incidentally, my older brother Nakamaro joked about gratitude words being worth 15 yen, showing his wit as a heir of a conglomerate.
“Runa, remember this. Words of gratitude and apologies are essentially free.”
Such a pragmatic adult approach was expected.
“Alright, I’m in!”
“I’ll do it too. It sounds fun.”
“It’ll be a good mental exercise. Look forward to it in a month.”
Seeing the three boys' exchange, I smiled fondly, knowing this would be an enjoyable challenge. Even if they eventually condemn me, I hope to maintain a good relationship with them until then.
[T/N- Side eye after reading 3000th otome heroine's same monologue]
One month later.
On White Day, I received various thank-you gifts like gum, candy, and biscuits. Everyone thought hard, and someone even used a clever trick to give me half of a 30 yen biscuit. Also, no thanks to the cicada shells, treasures, so to say.
The first to arrive was Mitsuya-kun.
“Keika-in, here.”
What Mitsuya handed me was a piece of paper, probably torn from a notebook. It read “15 yen worth of anything coupon,” which was exactly what I had hoped for.
“Yes, yes. This is exactly what I wanted. Thank you♪”
I accepted the paper with a beaming smile. The key point is that when using this kind of coupon, you have to determine its 15-yen value. It would have been even better with an expiration date, but that might be asking too much.
“Keika-in-san, here’s my return gift.”
Next came Yujiro-kun, who brought a handful of marbles. With a pretty boy’s smile, even marbles could turn into gems.
“Clever. Though I don’t know the original price, I’m sure it’s cheap, so I have to determine its value on my own.”
[T/N - I know winner of this little competition would be Teia , and Runa will go doki doki, other two just give that second ML vibe too much]
Maybe they’re 10 yen each? Maybe I’ll get two for 15 yen. Thinking such thoughts, I picked up two marbles.
“By the way, why did you choose those colors?”
Yujiro-kun asked with a smile, and I held the marbles up to the light, smiling back.
“Just a feeling. Is that no good?”
“Not at all.”
I obtained a childlike treasure. I’ll get a candy box, a staple of children’s treasure chests, and carefully store these precious treasures. Even if I get condemned and ruined, they might let me off for these cherished treasures.
“Okay, now it’s my turn! I’ve prepared the best thing within the 15 yen limit! Here it is!!”
Eichi handed me a piece of paper.
“!?”
“Wow. Eichi missed the point.”
“Teia, technically you’re not wrong, but you’re still wrong.”
On the paper was a sketch of me during class, signed by him. Of course, as a prodigy, Eiichi’s art lessons were impeccable, and the Art Nouveau-style decorated sketch captured my languid classroom demeanor beautifully.
“Eiichi, you dummy!”
“Why?!”
I got it appraised, and it was casually valued at six digits—what do I do now...
[T/N - SeLL it]
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Authors Note
&
Glossary
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Artistic skills are also a kind of trope in shoujo manga.
【Cicada Shells】
There were indeed people who considered these treasures when they were kids.
【Marbles】
Children’s jewels. The difference from ramune candies is important, but both are undeniably treasures.
【Art Nouveau】
An artistic movement led by the likes of Alphonse Mucha. I love it, so it often appears in my works. By the way, the exact pose for the previous story’s poster was Mucha’s “Princess Hyacinth.”
【Two-day Weekend Systems】
Readers pointed out that Saturdays are holidays according to the calendar, so let’s just say it’s a private school to cover it up for now.