episode_0026

The faculty members were watching the duel with intrigued eyes. Each of them looked completely engrossed.

“……What terrifyingly excellent talent.”

Someone’s muttering suddenly broke the silence. Normally, a scoff would have been heard, implying they shouldn’t exaggerate, but this time, not a single sound emerged. They merely sat silently.

“……”

They say silence is sometimes an expression of agreement. The professors couldn’t bring themselves to speak. However, they were all thinking the same thing.

‘Genius.’

Truly, a talent unprecedented in history. Attending today’s duel, all the faculty members couldn’t help but marvel at the boy’s existence once more. Because it was such an intense performance. The professors unconsciously swallowed.

-I didn’t expect much from the Serpent’s Son, but… what interesting talent.

-To think there’d be a genius surpassing Her Imperial Highness the Princess.

-“Amazing” doesn’t even begin to cover it. His skill is better than even the teaching assistants right now.

-To reach this level at such a young age… I’m looking forward to his future.

The class placement test had been quite a shock. Thanks to it, the faculty members were aware of the boy’s potential. Therefore, when they heard news of this duel, their expectations couldn’t help but be high.

But the boy.

《Shatter.》

He didn’t just meet expectations; he shattered them. He nullified the magic Lady Beniti had unleashed as a trump card with a mere wave of his hand. It was a movement of infinite beauty. The professors froze, speechless.

“……Ha.”

“Astonishing.”

“Perfect.”

“I never thought he could do this much… he’s far exceeded expectations.”

“What was I doing at that age, I wonder?”

They each let out a hollow laugh. As various reactions like admiration, acknowledgment, and awe emerged, the lingering impression became even more profound. A fleeting thrill ran down their spines. The professors shivered slightly and had to smile.

“We’ll have to admit it.”

“I don’t think we can find a rival in his age group…”

“Because he’s young, there are still some shortcomings, but… in just a few years, he’ll surpass us, won’t he?”

“Where did a monster like that come from?”

Pure admiration was etched in their voices. Even some professors who had given somewhat harsh evaluations during the class placement test were now applauding as if entranced. Overwhelming talent is always captivating.

“What an enviable student.”

“I’d like to teach him directly too… how brilliantly will he grow?”

“I’d like to take him as my assistant.”

“Tsk tsk… Is that all? I’m even thinking of giving him the position of head assistant.”

“Is the bidding war starting already?”

“Include me too.”

A subtly sparking war of nerves. The professors were already captivated by the boy. Each of them expressed their intention to scout him. The desire to somehow bring the boy under their wing was blatantly apparent.

While the commotion continued for a while.

“……”

There was a woman quietly holding her place. Long, flowing purple hair. Her red eyes held a strange allure. Selena was staring blankly at the arena.

Roll roll. Startled by something, she even dropped the liquor bottle she was holding onto the floor. The woman was frozen as if time had stopped.

“……I found him.”

Soon, she muttered a single word. It was too faint to hear, but her voice was somehow excited. Selena bowed her head, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Immediately after.

“I must have him.”

A twisted smile spread across her lips. Selena twitched as if her body was heating up. But soon, she returned to her usual cold demeanor. It was an enigmatic reaction.

“……”

The dean was watching the drinker. But he didn’t ask any questions. It was always like that. The Dean carelessly turned his gaze away.

***

《The duel has ended.》

《Emilia Beniti is defeated by decision. The victor is Juda Snakers.》

The fierce duel thus came to an end. An announcement was playing, but a louder noise filled the arena at that moment.

That is.

“Waaah! Ugh, heheeh…!”

The sound of heart-wrenching sobbing. Emilia was crying her eyes out, looking utterly pathetic. Her cries echoed. The girl’s pants were thoroughly wet. A puddle of yellow liquid pooling. It was a scene difficult to describe. Because it felt like it was destroying human dignity.

I deliberately looked away and opened my mouth. “Uh, Lady Beniti?” “Sniff, ugh, ugh…!” “I didn’t do it on purpose.” “Waaaaah!!”

Emilia started crying even louder. It was an attempt to comfort her in my own way, but it seemed she heard it as a taunt. What do I do, damn it. No matter how much I thought about it, there was no solution. I decided to just shut up.

I took off the outer garment I was wearing like a cloak. And then, I quietly placed it over Emilia’s legs. It was to cover her.

‘Of all things.’ I wanted to erase the traces with my ability, but I didn’t have enough output left for that. It was because I had overused my power out of excitement during the duel.

-Ding! [The output of the unique ability ‘Liar’ has been mostly depleted.] [Current remaining output: 1.4%]

It was a particularly cruel message today. Because without lies, my body was no different from an ordinary person’s. In the end, I couldn’t provide any help.

It was none other than the medics who tidied up this mess. Having prepared for casualties, they approached the center of the arena right after the duel ended.

“Please tell us if anyone is injured.” “I’m not particularly injured, but Lady Beniti…” “Sniff…!” “Ah.”

The medic faintly sighed. She looked around. Soon, she finished assessing the situation and nodded. Her expression showed somewhat complex emotions.

“We’ll take care of the aftermath. Student Yuda, you may return now.” “……Understood.”

I nodded reluctantly. I wanted to stay by her side out of guilt, but Emilia seemed to need stability right now.

‘She probably doesn’t want to be in the same place as the cause of her “lemonade” incident.’

In the end, I sighed and stepped back. A slight regret lingered. I should have controlled myself a little. In my excitement, I went overboard and caused trouble. To think I couldn’t even recall the character’s settings. I, who was once called an authority on [The World Seen by the Little Prince]…

“Time is truly cruel.”

It was a memory from three years ago already. It wasn’t even mentioned in the main story; it was just a single line written in an extra booklet. Isn’t it amazing that I remembered it even belatedly? I chewed on an excuse that wasn’t really an excuse.

As I was leaving the public training ground, someone called my name and approached. It was a refreshing voice.

“Young Master Snakers…!”

I lifted my bowed head. What came into view was long, flowing pink hair and blinking green eyes. I murmured.

“……Miss Regia?”

“Young Master!”

Regia ran quickly towards me. The girl quickly closed the distance, then spread her arms and embraced me. It was a sudden warmth that enveloped me.

“It’s a relief! It really worked out well…!” “Hm?” “I never thought you’d win against Lady Beniti! It’s such a relief!”

Her cry of pure joy was as dazzling as the sunlight grazing in spring. A laugh escaped me naturally.

“Huhu.”

“You said you’d be expelled if you lost to Lady Beniti! I’ve been so worried for the past few days…”

Her green eyes curved vividly like lush grass. She didn’t show it, but it seemed she had been worried inside. The girl continuously expressed relief and offered congratulations. Was it her own way of expressing joy? Regia was holding me in a tight hug. Warm body heat seeped into my chest. I felt somewhat embarrassed. As if returning the embrace, I gently stroked the girl’s head.

“……Ah.”

Only then did the girl become aware of herself. Regia, who had been frozen as if broken for a moment, soon pulled away from my embrace with a creak. A slight flush rose on her pale cheeks.

“I-I’m sorry! I got, too excited…!”

She hastily offered an excuse. Perhaps it was the belated wave of shame, but the girl covered her face with her hands. She really is the protagonist I know, I suppose. Clumsy and foolish, but sufficiently warm. She can truly rejoice in someone else’s happiness, and sometimes shed tears out of worry. Perhaps a person who is kind to the point of being foolish.

“To be congratulated so passionately… I am simply delighted.” “D-Don’t make fun of me…” “I’m serious.”

I gave a foolish smile. It was a commendable thought. She must have had a hard time being tormented for the past few days, yet it was admirable that she tried to care for others even in such a situation. I stroked her pink hair once more.

“E-eugh… Young Master?” “It’ll be okay now.” “Huh?” “About being tormented, I mean. You were having a hard time because Lady Beniti had it out for you, weren’t you?”

I spoke with a gentle cadence. “Lady Beniti lost the duel… so now, no one will be able to treat Miss Regia poorly.”

“……”

“Because I’ll be by your side.”

Friends always help each other, don’t they? I added playfully. Regia was frozen blankly, as if she had heard something unexpected. I gave a light wink.

“So, you don’t have to be afraid.”

That was why I came to the academy in the first place. I didn’t want your story to be sad. I wanted you to laugh, chat, be happy, love… and ultimately reach a beautiful ending. It was the sole reason for my wretched life.

Perhaps she was touched by my heartfelt encouragement. Regia was silent for a while. Perhaps because of the sunset in the background, the girl’s complexion looked exceptionally red. As if she was embarrassed.

“……Thank you, every time.” “Huhu, we’re friends, aren’t we? No need for thanks.” “B-But I still wanted to say it.” “You really are a good kid.”

A gaze that strayed for a moment. After sharing a brief laugh, we soon began to walk. Footsteps moving towards the end of a long day.

“Well~ now that your worries are lessened, a fun daily life awaits you starting tomorrow, right?” “Yes…!”

The pilot, and the serpent. The two walked side by side, matching their steps.

***

The very next day. The aftermath of the duel quickly caught up to me.

“……”

An awkward silence hung in the room. Before my eyes, I saw the girl with blue coiled bun hair. How much must she have cried yesterday for the area around her eyes to still be red? I felt like a criminal. Our first meeting since the “lemonade” incident.

‘This isn’t easy.’

I groaned and turned my head. On the opposite desk, Selena was seated. Her red eyes gazed at us with a strange look. She flipped through a few documents she was holding. The person who had played the role of [Execution] in this duel.

“Then, I shall begin the execution.”

Her tone was utterly businesslike. Today was the day to fulfill the promised conditions based on yesterday’s results. It could be called the final stage.

However.

“My dear Head Professor.” “What is it?” “Excuse me for interrupting, but may I say a few words before the execution begins?”

My plan was just beginning. I subtly moved my eyes. The blue-haired girl sat in a pitiful state. She was now the villainess who had lost everything and was on the verge of being expelled. I lightly clicked my tongue.

“I have a proposal I’d like to offer Lady Beniti.” “A proposal, you say?” “It concerns the execution. I’d like to speak with her alone.” “I’ll allow it.” “Thank you.”

The corners of my mouth twisted ominously. I covered my mouth. A person’s ears are naturally thin when they’re in a difficult situation [an idiom meaning they are easily swayed or gullible]. Emilia was no different. It was a chance to sway her.

“Huhu.”

Now. It’s time for gaslighting.