If it’s a Duke, Then Who?

‘Ludger Vistas. I hereby pronounce your final expulsion.’

There was no reversal.

In this academy, bringing in unauthorized weapons is prohibited, and gunpowder is among the items that require special caution even in handling.

Even though all he did with the gunpowder was shoot it into the sky to create an array of lights, wasn’t it still an act committed arbitrarily without anyone’s inspection?

An unexpected accident could have occurred outside the academy’s surveillance network, or someone else other than him… for instance, a troublemaker like Sean Goldrope, who is currently suspended, might have diverted the gunpowder and caused mischief.

Yes, considering all aspects, it would be right to make this decision.

That’s why I actively argued for his expulsion in the meeting at that time, but…….

‘Are you really alright with this decision?’

‘I was already prepared for this.’

The one who understood such a disposition best was none other than Ludger himself.

His expression when facing the recommendation for expulsion seemed almost relieved in a way.

As if all his lingering attachments had been washed away by this current recommendation.

‘At first, I just thought my ideas were right. I had no intention of harming anyone, yet why didn’t anyone understand me… I thought if I just did a little more, I’d get the answer I wanted, but I felt resentful towards everything in this academy that didn’t give me a chance.’

To say it’s unreasonable…..

It’s hard to argue that way because the light he showed at that time contained an undeniable beauty.

In fact, among the eyewitness accounts at the time, while there were reactions of surprise at how sudden the light was, in the end, only opinions remained of being captivated and having their attention stolen by that radiance at some point.

‘But after thinking alone for a long time, I finally realized. That one shouldn’t curse the world without even being prepared to sacrifice oneself. That until one truly proves oneself right, all responsibility for attempts at change must be fully borne by oneself.’

A dangerous adventure carried out despite being shunned by everyone.

The proof achieved at the end of it…..

Although its conclusion ended in a dishonorable farewell, that’s merely what’s written on paper.

‘……There might have been better ways.’

‘Yes, there might have been. But still, I wanted to show it within this academy. Because there are many people in this academy who lost their hometowns and families in the war.’

Yes, because such trauma would surely continue even after the war ended, he had planned and executed a once-in-a-lifetime gamble risking his fate.

That noble will must have been conveyed to everyone who saw those fireworks.

That what has harmed our lives so much is not something to just be afraid of.

That even with light created from destruction, we can alleviate the pain and fear we’ve been feeling all along.

‘I hope the fireworks I showed will help heal someone’s wounds.’

And so Ludger accepted his expulsion without any regrets and left…..

Although Maya was the one who most actively argued for this result, it was nothing more than an unavoidable choice.

While the lesser evil may be better than the worst, the lesser evil can’t be said to be entirely good either.

If, as one troublemaker said, there had been a chance to listen to his story more carefully and watch over him with some leeway, a different result might have come about.

‘Control through regulations can rather become an opportunity for deviation… is that it?’

Although Ludger calmly accepted such treatment, this academy must continue to accept more students in the future.

And even more diverse students than during wartime.

They’ll soon start accepting students more actively into this academy taking advantage of this era of peace, but there’s no guarantee that a second or third Ludger won’t emerge among them.

Then how should they be treated?

Should they be disciplined with punishment like Ludger?

Is it truly right to label them as troublemakers, instill prejudice, and incite the masses?

‘If only they were given an opportunity to open up in a way other than deviation….’

They say the student council president should listen to everyone’s opinions, but in the end, that’s just objectively sorting and organizing the majority of opinions.

As long as decision-making is by majority rule, there will inevitably be a neglected minority.

A minority ignored due to the absoluteness of regulations…. Yes, in fact, most problems occurring in society tend to be triggered by such minorities.

Having keenly felt this limitation through this incident, Maya was seeking ways to break away from the existing system.

As she wasn’t certain she could achieve this in her generation, she had to keep in mind the cultivation of a ‘successor’ who would carry on that ideology even after she graduated from school.

“Me, in accounting?”

Yes, Maya believed that the boy in front of her…..

This troublemaker shunned by everyone in the academy was one of the suitable candidates to succeed her.

“This time, it’s not just a light observation, but a sincere proposal for you to join the student council. Of course, you’d need to pass a test equivalent to the graduation exam, but with your talent, it might be possible to finish it within this semester.”

Of course, it’s not just because his grades are excellent. It’s even less about riding on the topic of a commoner beating nobles.

Rather, such issues provided the opportunity for no one to acknowledge this boy.

It wouldn’t be strange to take it as an insult to try to bring this boy into the student council just looking at such abilities.

“And about perception… I’ll be able to do something about it somehow, so don’t worry. No, rather, being in the student council might help change people’s perception of you.”

Because despite his circumstances, he doesn’t resent anyone.

Even the symptoms of trembling with anxiety when there’s no trustworthy person nearby are just an attitude taken out of worry about harming someone.

This child has never resented anyone until now, and will continue to maintain such a heart.

That’s a unique talent that only this child, who can bestow true love beyond treating everyone equally, can possess.

Maya felt the desire to nurture such a child with her own hands.

Perhaps this child might bring changes to this academy that no one, including herself, could achieve.

“……I’m sorry, Chairwoman.”

But what came back to her expectation was not affirmation, but negation.

Although it felt regrettable, she didn’t retract her proposal again as she had somewhat expected it.

“Was it too burdensome after all?”

“Ah, no. Rather, I’m grateful. That you truly value me so highly, Chairwoman……”

The boy waving his hands and denying his own words.

Just from spending a few days together, she could immediately understand that his attitude was sincere.

That it wasn’t mere modesty either.

“And, someone I know told me. That I should have at least some awareness of my position.”

“Position, you say?”

“Yes, lowering myself when there are people who acknowledge me is rather disrespectful to them too… So I’m really happy that you made this proposal, Chairwoman.”

The moment she discovered a thoughtful side to the child she had just considered gentle.

While it seemed unexpected, it made her listen carefully to his subsequent words.

“Still… I think it’s not the time yet.”

“Not yet, you say?”

“Yes, I’ve only just come to this academy… If I’m to sit in a position of responsibility, I think it’s better to do so after learning more.”

Learning…..

Yes, the academy is a place for that.

Even if one knows nothing at the start, gradually learning something, and based on that, setting a career goal…..

And also enjoying ‘a time of youth’ that can only be fully experienced during this period.

“I understand. If that is your wish.”

How could she insistently urge a child who came to this academy just for that goal to walk the same path as herself?

While she became an adult too quickly because she had a mission, this child doesn’t need to bear such responsibility.

Even if he eventually walks the same path, that too should be a choice made by this boy himself.

Having already anticipated such a possibility, Maya felt no hesitation in casting aside her current lingering attachment.

“Still, if you change your mind, please come see me anytime.”

“Yes, then until next time……”

Maya left her seat after finishing her greetings.

Afterwards, left alone in the student council room, Maya sighed deeply and briefly skimmed through the documents in her hand.

Documents detailing plans to build a counseling room to listen to students’ concerns.

And opinions on recruiting ‘dedicated teachers’ needed for it.

“Yes, there’s no need to feel disappointed. My meeting with that child won’t be just this once.”

“What’s there to be disappointed about?”

Maya startled, lifting her head.

What she saw when her gaze turned back to the entrance was a young man in uniform standing as if replacing the empty space left by the departing boy.

“……Waden, how long have you been there?”

“I came at the same time as that child, but since it wasn’t particularly urgent business, I simply yielded to him first.”

He’s saying he was there from the beginning.

Both the proposal to that child, and feeling regret at the rejection.

“That aside, can we get to the main point now?”

“…Waden, I’ve thought this many times, but I wish you’d cultivate some delicacy.”

“What do you mean?”

“That question just now is the problem.”

Such an inflexible man who doesn’t care about anything unless it’s his concern.

As she sent such a glare, Waden smiled bitterly at that gaze and quietly put down the documents in his hand.

“As I always say, I don’t particularly intend to comment on your choices. Moreover, you’re not the only one who trusts that child.”

“…Not the only one, you say. Looks like you have someone you care about too.”

It was clear that it wasn’t just empty words.

Even if he wasn’t directly involved with that child, he too was indebted to the teacher managing that child.

“Anyway, about the weapon application form……”

At the same time, there was also a big change in his mindset after the training camp that day.

“Although they’re called weapons, they’re non-lethal items aimed solely at restraint. As they’ve been designed to minimize damage after consulting with experts, they should be within the allowable range even in the current academy.”

“…It seems like just yesterday when you said such things weren’t allowed even as a formality, but it looks like your thinking has changed a lot too.”

Even setting aside the training camp, news had also come that he was in danger during the terrorist incident.

“Yes, it was enough time to realize my own inadequacies.”

Waden answered Maya’s question while tipping up his hat.

There was no hesitation visible in his clearly revealed eyes.

Unlike when he had been consistently stiff, feeling anxious about his choices.

Yes, it means that his current choice has somewhat lightened the responsibility he feels.

Maya, who took this positively, smiled with satisfaction and handed him the documents in her hand.

“This is perfect timing. I also have something I’d like to consult with you about……”

---

In turbulent times, society becomes unstable.

Nevertheless, the fact that its form is maintained is surely thanks to the efforts and sacrifices of many people.

With such efforts, little by little.

But because there is a heart to achieve change steadily in the right direction……

“C-Captain. It seems you need to come out right now.”

Just as one incident was being wrapped up, signs of another disturbance were glimpsed in the center of this continent.

The border line distinguishing the Empire from other countries.

The gatekeeper managing the gateway there began to frown as he saw his subordinate who had hurriedly come to his quarters.

“…What’s the matter?”

A body that hasn’t been able to sleep properly due to various incidents happening recently.

Interrupting the rest that had finally come at such a time would be unacceptable for any reason.

Just as he was preparing to tilt his head back to bed, thinking he’d just scold and send them away for anything trivial.

“Well, a Duke of the Empire has requested passage through the border, saying he has business in Maris.”

“A D-Duke!?”

The gate captain couldn’t hide his shock at the words that followed.

Those words just now were certainly not something that could be overlooked.

The Empire is a country that rules half of this continent, and a Duke from there is a position that lacks nothing to be treated like the king of a great nation.

“I-If it’s a Duke, then who……”

The important thing is which of the four Dukes.

The subordinate swallowed hard before answering that question.

“…The Sword of the Empire.”

As can be understood from that name alone.

The fact that the continent’s one and only strongest person is trying to set foot in Maris.