Mojito Island is a place that only exists as a setting in the original work.

Since the original work is incomplete, it hasn’t appeared in the story so far, but I always thought it might show up someday.

“Princess, spending the rest of my life with you on a place like Mojito Island doesn’t sound too bad.”

I think Peter mentioned something like this in a situation where he was making a confession-like remark to Bella.

I remember saying that line when I played as Peter too.

Of course, just like in the original, Bella rejected him…

“I never thought Bella would be the one to suggest going to Mojito Island…”

Does that mean the situation has changed?

The day has come when she, who was once endlessly arrogant, suggests we go to Mojito Island…

When I woke up in the morning, Bella and Wendy were sleeping soundly beside me.

We had slept together like this in the Northern Region before, but the feeling was very different this time.

Bella’s silver hair shimmered in the sunlight coming through the window. Her hair, bathed in light, was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but stare.

Usually, dyed silver hair looks artificial, but Bella’s hair was naturally silver, giving off a mystical vibe. It made her look like an elf or a goddess.

Lying in bed facing her like this felt like a dream.

“…What is it?”

You startled me.

“You’ve been staring at me since earlier…”

I wonder how long she’s been awake.

Bella, with her messy hair, looked at me.

“I was just fascinated.”

“Fascinated?”

“Silver hair is rare.”

“Hmm…”

At that, Bella hugged her pillow, seemed to think for a moment, and then chuckled.

“Is that all?”

“?”

“Any compliments? Were you just fascinated?”

“…You’re beautiful.”

“70 points. That’s a given.”

Bella, who was giggling for some reason, wasn’t annoying but rather incredibly endearing. So, I found myself muttering, entranced by her silky, shimmering silver hair.

“Can I touch it?”

“…That just cost you 20 points.”

Losing 20 points just for one slip of the tongue.

Well, who would like someone touching their hair without permission?

Maybe I blurted it out because she was so beautiful.

But the mistake Bella pointed out wasn’t what I thought.

“Who said no? You don’t need permission for that.”

Bella leaned her head toward me, as if telling me to touch it.

Thanks to that, I could feel her silver hair.

‘Wow…’

I was honestly amazed.

Even after waking up, Bella’s hair wasn’t messy at all, and it was so soft that it slipped through my fingers without any resistance.

Is she really human? Isn’t this appearance too much of a cheat?

“How is it? Do you like my hair?”

“Yeah.”

“Hehe. Good. That’s plus 30 points. Keep trying to become a 100-point man.”

“…You’re so strict.”

“Shouldn’t a man who suits me be at least 100 points?”

No wonder she’s considered the most beautiful woman in the empire. She’s as arrogant as they come. I smiled wryly while touching her hair.

“That’s a shame. I already gave you 100 points.”

“…Ugh. Don’t just drop that on me…”

“Drop what?”

“You’re not saying that to Helga too, are you?”

Wait, why bring up Helga all of a sudden…

When I made a confused face, Bella sighed.

“Be more self-aware. Women might misunderstand when you say things like that.”

“Misunderstand? Did I make a mistake?”

“Not a mistake… but… Ugh. Never mind. Just say those things only to me from now on. Got it?”

I don’t even know what she’s talking about…

*

Around noon, the shape of Mojito Island started to become visible from the boat.

The coastline, which looked smaller than Jeju Island, was lined with quaint European-style houses.

Above all, the sea was so clear that it lived up to the name “emerald sea,” with the underwater visible.

Even the weather was perfect, making it clear why this place is known as a honeymoon destination.

Mojito is the first foreign country I’ve visited since coming to this world.

Even though there are less than 100 days left before a harsh future, I can’t deny that I’m excited.

I really need a vacation.

Considering all the hardships I’ve endured, I want to take a break during this trip. If you count the previous playthroughs, I’ve been working non-stop for almost 10 years.

Even the most passionate person would burn out at this point.

No matter what anyone says, I’m going to rest while on the island.

Of course, I’ll finish my tasks first.

Upon arriving at Mojito Island, we immediately paid our respects to the king who rules Mojito.

Even the Meikhael Empire, which practices isolationism, actively interacts with the Kingdom of Mojito.

This is because the King of Mojito rules under the protection of the Meikhael Empire as a vassal of the Emperor.

Moreover, since Mojito is very close to the Empire, it’s practically considered part of the Empire.

Because of this background, the King of Mojito, Rahar II, warmly welcomed us as envoys of the Emperor.

“Welcome, both of you!”

A burly man with a thick beard spread his arms to show his joy. Standing over 2 meters tall with a robust build, he looked like a barbarian warrior from reality.

Therefore, Rahar II felt more like a warrior than a king. Indeed, all the guards around him were muscular warriors.

It was a place filled with manly men. I felt glad that Bella was with me.

If she had been sent alone to such a masculine place, I would have been worried.

“You could have sent a letter, but His Majesty sent you personally, so I’m at a loss.”

“No, it’s us who are at a loss for being welcomed so warmly by Your Majesty.”

“It’s an honor to meet Princess Bella, the descendant of the hero Alonso Izakhel. Please consider this island your home during your stay.”

Bella delivered the news of the alliance and the Emperor’s message to Rahar II. Meanwhile, I, who was just accompanying her, silently stood by.

I’m not as eloquent as her, and in situations like this, my reserved personality helps.

But I’ve been feeling a strange gaze since earlier… Is it just my imagination?

“You are Count Ruelberta, correct?”

After finishing the official conversation, Rahar II, who had been chatting with Bella, turned his attention to me.

“That’s right. Count Ruelberta, Tristan.”

“Tristan…! A fine name. But if I may be so bold to ask something upon our first meeting.”

“? What is it?”

“Are you… really a man?”

“What??”

I was so taken aback by the ridiculous question that I couldn’t respond, and Bella stepped in.

“Hehe… Of course. The Count is 100% a man, Your Majesty.”

“Ah, I see! My apologies. Your appearance is so striking that I almost mistook you for a woman. Haha.”

“Your Majesty, it’s understandable. Our Count is a bit delicate for a man.”

“Hahaha. Indeed. I’ve never seen such a beautiful man in my life. Even my brothers were all unsure.”

The men behind the King were scratching their heads awkwardly.

Now that I think about it, the strange gaze I felt earlier must have been them trying to figure out if I was a man or a woman.

“……”

Feeling ignored, ‘Pride’ stirred within me.

Just bear with it today…

After all, the other party is the king of a neighboring country.

If I cause trouble here, my vacation could be ruined.

Though I felt a bit off, I decided to keep my mouth shut and endure.

We continued to attend the banquet prepared by Rahar II.

We enjoyed the lavish feast and traditional foods while maintaining our positions.

As I did, I realized once again how radiant Bella truly is.

As the most beautiful woman in the empire, she drew everyone’s attention. So much so that even I, sitting close to her, felt the spotlight.

Watching Bella, the royal banquet seemed to conclude harmoniously.

Suddenly, Rahar II clapped his hands as if remembering something.

“Ah, since you’ve come all this way, why not see our national sport?”

“National sport?”

“Hey!”

At Rahar’s shout, the guards brought out a table with handles.

‘Huh? That’s…’

It looked familiar. Before I could recall, Bella took the lead.

“Ah, that’s arm wrestling.”

“…What?”

“It’s one of Mojito’s traditional cultures. It’s a manly sport where the first to pin the opponent’s arm wins.”

It’s definitely manly, but…

Is there some Easter egg I’m missing? Experiencing arm wrestling like this feels strange.

“Ah, sometimes the best arm wrestler on the island becomes the king.”

“Huh…”

I’m not dismissing arm wrestling, but choosing a king based on something anyone can enjoy made me chuckle.

If my guess is correct, this is a setting made by Sora.

She loved adding these small, familiar elements.

“Do you really choose your king this way?”

As soon as I said that, Bella stepped on my foot under the table.

“Shh. Be quiet. It’s rude.”

“Hahaha. It might seem strange to outsiders.”

Oops… Rahar II heard me and laughed.

“…That was rude of me.”

“Haha. No need to apologize. It’s not entirely wrong. Originally, in our country, only the strongest could become king by proving their strength. The problem was that many got injured or died in the process. But with arm wrestling becoming popular, it’s now a safe way to test each other’s strength and has become a part of our culture.”

I see.

The pursuit of strength is similar to the Wolfbert family.

If Helga had been born in this country, she might have become the king.

“Would you like to try arm wrestling, Count?”

Huh? Me?

Rahar II nodded and pointed to the guards behind him.

“If the Count can beat one of my brothers, I’ll reward you with gold and treasures.”

“No, I…”

“Come on, why not give it a try? Count. It might be fun. Prove your manliness.”

It was obvious she was teasing me.

Knowing that, I firmly refused.

“No need. I don’t feel the need to prove that.”

“Aw, what a shame…”

“Hahaha. Don’t push him, Princess. If he doesn’t want to, there’s no need to force him. After all, with his delicate build, his arm might break during arm wrestling.”

‘Pride’ stirred within me.

Look at this? Now I see Rahar II was provoking me.

“Look at this, Princess. Look at this manly arm.”

“Ah, indeed…”

Rahar II kept showing off his muscles to Bella, wanting to impress her.

Each time, she responded with an awkward smile.

That sight somehow irritated me.

“Count. I’ll tell my brother to go easy on you. Won’t you give it a try?”

“Fine.”

“Count?! Are you really going to do it?”

“Yeah. Just one match…”

At my words, Rahar II looked more pleased than Bella.

“Hahaha. I like your spirit!”

“But if I’m going to do it, I want to face the strongest.”

“Oh?”

Instantly, the atmosphere froze.

“W-Wait, Count…!? Why are you doing this? Really…”

“…Are you serious?”

“Dead serious.”

If you want to emphasize manliness so much in front of me, I’ll play along.

With a smile full of ‘Pride,’ I reached out to the strongest man here… Rahar II.

He muttered with a look of disbelief.

“…I never refuse a challenge. If you get hurt, it’s not my fault.”

“I don’t care.”

At this point, even Rahar II shrugged.

“Alright. Stand at the table, Count.”

“Okay.”

Rahar II and I faced each other.

His body was so muscular that it seemed like even his brain was made of muscle.

“Count…”

“Don’t stop me.”

Bella tried to say something but closed her mouth. She realized it was too late to stop me.

“The rules are simple. Just use your right hand to pin the opponent’s hand.”

The moment I gripped Rahar II’s hand, I became deadly serious.

It was heavy. Like holding onto a deeply rooted old tree.

Just the thickness of our forearms was vastly different. His was easily three times thicker than mine.

It’s not like I don’t work out. My forearms have gained quite a bit of muscle from training.

But the opponent was just too overwhelming.

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say he became king through arm wrestling.

Facing his forearm, which was almost as thick as Bella’s waist, ‘Pride’ seemed to shrink.

It was a reckless challenge.

But for some reason, I felt I had to do it. I had to defeat him with my own hands to feel satisfied.

Whether he knew my thoughts or not, Rahar II spoke in a quiet voice.

“In our country, there’s a saying. The strongest gets the most beautiful…”

It’s similar to the Wolfbert family’s motto: seize what you want with strength.

“Conversely, the weak have no right to possess the ‘most beautiful.'”

“?!”

Raising my head, Rahar II smiled smugly.

“What do you think, Count Ruelberta?”

…He’s crossing the line.