"President, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"How many kids would you like to have?"
"..."
Kanade Natsukawa was stunned.
He racked his brain but couldn't figure out how the conversation had suddenly shifted to this.
Wait, why was this even brought up? Could it be that Kaguya was bored out of her mind while riding on his back and decided to start a deep, life-altering discussion?
But he was utterly exhausted! He didn't have the energy for this!
"I've never really thought about it, so I'm not sure how to answer," Kanade admitted truthfully.
After all, he still considered himself a kid—hardly mature enough to plan for something so far ahead.
"Just say whatever comes to mind. Follow your heart!"
"..." Kanade thought for a moment and then hesitantly said, "Maybe… two?"
"Why two?"
"Uh… I guess because… having one boy and one girl means you get to experience raising both?" Kanade replied, unsure of himself.
He had no personal experience to back this up, but he figured raising sons and daughters would be different. In reality, if the time ever came, he'd probably leave the decision to his wife.
"I see…" Kaguya murmured before falling silent, lost in thought.
Kanade was still bewildered. He had been caught off guard when she asked the question, and now he was just as confused when the topic abruptly ended.
He had half-expected her to share her own thoughts, but instead, she stopped at extracting his answer. If she weren't Kaguya, he might have suspected her of intentionally collecting personal information.
Meanwhile, Kaguya's thoughts were much more straightforward:
Only two kids? That seems a bit low. In my family, there are at least four legitimate heirs—not to mention the possibility of illegitimate ones.
But oh well. Of course, I'll respect the President's wishes! If he prefers a lifetime of blissful couplehood with just the two of us, that's perfectly fine too!
"..."
"..."
And so, with their minds preoccupied by vastly different thoughts, the two silently arrived at the final challenge of the courage test.
"Welcome, you two! You're the most capable pair in this group and the first to reach the final challenge! Are you ready to face it?"
The challenge's organizer was surprisingly professional. Even upon seeing Kanade carrying Kaguya on his back, he didn't show any reaction, only smiling warmly as he handed them two well-crafted collars.
"The rules are simple! Each of you will wear one of these sound-detecting collars. If your volume exceeds the set decibel limit during the challenge, you'll fail!"
"Got it?"
"..." Kanade held the collar in his hands, silent for a long moment. Just as he was about to say something, the organizer cut him off.
"Doesn't matter if you got it or not—just go for it! Good luck!"
With a wave, the organizer vanished at lightning speed, leaving Kanade and Kaguya no time to react.
"Wait—" Kanade reached out, but he was far too slow to stop the man's retreat.
"They didn't even explain anything!" Kanade exclaimed, exasperated.
He had thought this challenge's organizer might actually be reliable, but this guy turned out to be even more absurd than the previous ones!
Is this the true caliber of Shuchiin Academy's game club? Are only weirdos allowed in?!
Kanade turned to Kaguya, hoping she might have some insight.
"What do you think, Kaguya?"
"What do I think? Just go for it, President! Let's finish this in one go!"
"..."
Why did I even ask? Kanade thought, defeated.
Now he understood why Kaguya had been asking all those strange questions earlier. Clearly, her "child persona" had taken over!
While her dazed and naive demeanor was admittedly cute, it was completely useless in their current situation.
Kanade couldn't help but feel like Zhao Zilong on Changban Bridge, carrying the weight of A'dou (the infant Liu Shan) on his back while single-handedly fighting his way out of enemy lines.
Except this "A'dou" wasn't light and was actively sapping his strength!
This was a high-difficulty mode with a self-imposed handicap.
"Kaguya, listen carefully. If we encounter anything strange, don't scream. Just quietly let me know. If you're scared, close your eyes and wait for it to pass," Kanade said gently.
Having dealt with her alternate persona before, Kanade knew how to handle the situation.
Although, to be fair, he'd only encountered "child Kaguya" so far. If there were other personas, he hadn't noticed them—or perhaps he hadn't realized it yet.
"Remember, no shouting. If you forget, all our efforts will go to waste," Kanade reiterated, his tone firm.
"Got it, President. Geez, you're so naggy." Kaguya puffed out her cheeks and poked Kanade's face.
"If you keep frowning, it'll ruin your skin. Smile a little, okay, President?"
"..." Kanade twitched but ignored her antics.
But Kaguya wasn't about to back down.
"Smile! Come on, silly President! If you don't listen, I won't talk to you anymore!"
"..." Left with no choice, Kanade forced a very reluctant smile.
"Yes, that's the way! Good President!" Kaguya cheered, then reached out to pat his head.
"Good boy, good boy. Always listen to me, okay?"
"..."
Kanade gave up.
If he had a camera, he'd record this moment and show it to Kaguya when she returned to her usual self. He'd love to see how she'd react to herself petting his head like a dog.
"Put on your collar. We're starting… and don't forget—no screaming," Kanade said as he handed her one of the collars.
"Okay, okay, don't worry, President!" Kaguya chirped.
But instead of wearing the collar, she held it up high, beaming with joy.
Look! The President gave me a gift!
Her heart couldn't be happier.