episode_0031

A man who was not well known because he rarely showed up at the Academy, but suddenly appeared at this year’s performance festival and rose to stardom after defeating Tirisia Bruard. Kelg Durakal.

The words and actions of the man who appeared as a deity caused numerous big and small storms in the academy.

The first thing that was on the students’ lips was a strength that defied common sense and was unknown until now.

Even though he is the son of the chairman who founded this academy, he has truly bizarre skills that make him no match for anyone, even me, who defeated all my opponents up until the semi-finals with one blow and even Seldianne.

People who watched the match said that the moment I clashed swords with him, my body was slammed into the opposite wall.

It was a story that was difficult to explain even if there was an overwhelming difference in skill, but that was the actual result.

In the finals, Tirisia seemed to have put up a good fight, unlike me, but in the end, she lost.

It was hard to imagine Tyrisia losing inside me.

But that too, is something that actually happened.

In the end, Kelg Durakal became the undisputed strongest student in the academy, and his name was engraved strongly in the minds of all students.

Before he caused an upset, I, Erto, who had risen from a triple-digit ranking and won consecutive matches, finally defeating even Celdianne, was the biggest issue at the Yeonmu Taisei.

But in the end, I was defeated by him in an overwhelming manner, and all I was left with was the realization that even though I was a commoner who had achieved growth close to a miracle, I was nothing more than an ordinary person in front of a true genius.

All my efforts so far were nothing more than a supporting role to make his brilliant debut shine even more.

Maybe Kelg was just aiming for that moment when he could shine the most.

It’s okay that I lost. It was a fair fight, my opponent was strong, and I just lacked skill.

But it was frustrating and regrettable that I gave a disheartening result to those who supported me.

Just like me, they too must have felt their hearts sink when faced with the cold reality.

I had to apologize to them for my shortcomings.

Secondly, what created as much of an issue as Kelg’s skills was his relationship with Tyrisia, which he announced at the awards ceremony.

Kelg, who had been waiting in front of all the students, revealed the truth about his relationship with Tirisia.

It wasn’t long before I revealed that I had broken up with Tirisia, but no one suspected that they had done anything out of line or reason.

It may be due to the overwhelming performance and superiority that Kelg displayed, but more than anything, it was thanks to the quiet image that Tirisia usually displayed in her behavior.

Kelg’s bad-looking appearance was no problem at all because of the skills he had shown and the fact that he was the man chosen by Tirisia.

With sufficient evidence to back it up, his appearance was evaluated as rather cheerful and manly.

To others, it might have seemed like a natural process for Tirisia to leave a relatively insignificant man and date a great man who was more suitable for her status.

There was no room for any doubt or questioning here.

Did that Tirisia disobey the order and develop feelings for another man while dating me?

No one would ever imagine such a bold idea, but if you were to say it out loud, it would be tantamount to defiling a pitiful flower that is the Academy’s signboard and idol.

It was a natural course of nature that Tirisia broke up with the commoner Erto and turned to Kelg Durakal.

That was a consistent perception among all students at the Academy.

Of course, that was an expected result.

It was I, and not anyone else, who made it seem like I had let go of Tirisia with my own hands so that others would not have such thoughts.

I already knew that Kelg would proudly declare that he had taken that vacant spot.

But I didn’t know that he would go beyond announcing that he was dating Tirisia and attack me in public.

It seemed like he was trying to take over Tirisia completely, without leaving anything behind.

In front of everyone, you portrayed me, Erto, as a petty man who couldn’t let go of my obsession with Tirisia, and as a petty person who kept hanging around her even though she had another boyfriend.

To the students who did not know that Tirisia had betrayed me, it must have felt like a firm truth.

With one simple word, Kelg made me a public enemy of the Academy, coveting a flower on a cliff that was out of reach.

It was a product of malice, with the intention of taking away her place as a long-time childhood friend.

And the effects began to show immediately.

*

The day after the Yeonmu Festival ended.

As I walked through Academy Square to school, I received strange looks from people around me.

Because next to me, as I walked expressionlessly, was Tirisia, just like usual.

This is our routine that has remained unchanged since we entered school.

It was a promise between the two of us that everyone at the Academy knew that I would go to and from school with Tirisia.

Now, no one should be able to deny this relationship.

But the gazes pouring down on me now were all denying it.

Even after hearing those words yesterday, there is still an atmosphere of wondering why it still exists there.

A critical look at why a lowly commoner is taking up the place of the noble Tyricia, who has found her true match.

“Erto… ”

Tirisia also quietly called my name, perhaps conscious of the eyes of those around her.

“It’s okay, Tirisia.”

I gave her a small smile.

In fact, I met with her this morning and suggested that we go to school separately, conscious of public opinion.

Because it was obvious what the students who had been swayed by Kelg’s agitation would think if they saw us walking together.

My suggestion was to wait for a while to observe the students’ mood and for the excitement to die down.

Just because we couldn’t go to school together, it didn’t mean our relationship fell below that of friends.

Crucially, I also said this:

‘And now your boyfriend doesn’t like having me around either.’

At those words, Tyrisia bowed her head to me and apologized.

‘First of all, I’d like to apologize for that. That was something he did on his own without consulting me. I’m sorry, Erto. I know what you’re thinking. But-‘

Her intention was to go to school with me like she always did.

If I act like nothing happened, they won’t have any problems.

It’s something we’ve been doing for a long time, and everyone at the Academy knows that we’re childhood friends, so it’ll be okay.

Since it was Tirisia’s opinion that we should protect our friendship without being conscious of other people’s opinions, I did as she asked without a word.

But even the optimistic Tirisia seemed to sense that something was wrong with the situation as she felt the sharp gaze pouring in from all sides.

Since Tirisia herself was present, no one directly confronted her, but the hatred in her eyes could not be hidden.

“Erto, that… ”

Her jade colored eyes looked at me, filled with regret.

I smiled indifferently and shook my head.

“I’m fine, let’s go quickly.”

The choice has already been made and all you have to do is accept the consequences.

I never regret anything I did for Tirisia.

Hoping she felt the same way, we made our way through the thorny square.

*

Even in the dormitory where we unpacked, and even in the hallway of the main academy building, we could still feel the sharp gazes.

“That kid, he came with Miss Brewery today too?”

“Don’t you have any sense? That commoner?”

“Senior Durakal said so, are you trying to pick a fight?”

As he was left alone, away from Tirisia, harsh accusations began to be heard throughout the crowd.

I ignored them and headed to the lecture room in the main building of the academy to attend the theory class.

Considering the physical fatigue of the students due to the performance, the Academy suspended morning training for a week after the competition and shortened classes by bringing forward the afternoon theory lectures.

Since I didn’t have any classes overlapping with Tirisia today, I had to act separately until I got home.

The only silver lining was that instead of Tirisia, Heidiera was present in this lecture.

Knock knock-

As I entered the classroom, all the students inside turned their gazes to my face.

“… ”

I ignored them and looked at the large, dark girl crouching in the back seat.

She also looked up, noticed me, and waved.

“Le, Lord Leto! Hello! ”

“Hello, Heidiera.”

“Mo, are you feeling better? Does anything hurt?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, except for a little muscle pain.”

“Thank goodness… Even though I received treatment, I was shocked to the point of fainting… I was worried that there might be aftereffects.”

“Thank you, you are the only one who cares about me.”

“Mu, of course… I am a close friend of Lord Leto… ”

As I sat down next to her, smiling, the students whispered quietly as they saw Heidiera greeting me nonchalantly.

“Look at that… While you’re so obsessed with Miss Brewery, you’re also flirting with other girls.”

“Isidel looks easygoing because she doesn’t have any friends.”

“What a greedy kid… If he wants to meet a woman that much, he’ll definitely draw the line.”

“… ”

As I looked out the window, pretending not to hear the voice, I saw Heidiera next to me, clenching her fists on her knees.

“, how dare you… ”

In that atmosphere where something seemed about to explode, I quietly called her name.

“Heidiera, it’s okay, just ignore it.”

“Lotto Ball… ”

At least today, if I keep responding to those kinds of comments, it will never end.

The best policy was to remain silent and wait until the heat caused by Kelg’s instigation cooled down.

Heidi sighed in anger and, thankfully, unclenched her fists and followed my words.

A low voice came from her bowed head.

“It seems that Duracal has planted some unreasonable thoughts in the students.”

“Yeah, I agree.”

“What do you think, Lord Leto? About the man who is said to be Lord Bruard’s new lover.”

“Huh?”

I looked to the side and saw amethyst eyes staring at me from inside Heidiera’s bangs.

“It hasn’t been long since Lord Brouard broke up with Lord Leto. But now he’s already having feelings for another man. I wonder what Lord Leto thinks.”

“Um… ”

I thought for a moment, smiled bitterly, and shook my head.

“Well, there’s nothing I can say. I’m just a normal friend with Tirisia now, and you should understand that she can date anyone she wants.”

“Is that so…?”

Heidi nodded with a somewhat resigned expression.

“Then I understand… However, it is true that the crowd’s gaze toward Lord Leto is not kind because of the words that Kelg said yesterday. I cannot understand why he is causing such discord.”

Kook-

Her fists clenched again.

“I would be satisfied with letting everyone know that I have taken the Duke of Brouard… I know very well that Lord Leto only wants to maintain his old friendship with Lord Brouard. But why… ”

“Heidiera, calm down. We can’t expect others to understand what we already know.”

“But… ”

I gave her a cool smile to reassure her.

“I’ve gotten this much hateful looks when I was dating Tirisia. Even when I was much weaker and more miserable than I am now. So I’m used to it. Don’t worry too much about it.”

“Hoo… I see. Lord Leto is truly a strong man.”

Only then did Heidi completely release the strength from her hands and let out a sigh.

“Strong… is that right? Lucica always says that my personality is frustrating.”

“No, Lord Leto is strong. I believe so.”

“Really? Thanks.”

“Your Majesty, I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again.”

“Yeah.”

Heidiera reached out and grabbed the hem of my wrist.

“I am always on the side of Lord Leto. You are never alone. Remember that.”

“Ahh… Yeah. I’m on Heidiera’s side too. Thank you always.”

Even though I was at the bottom of the gutter, I still had someone to rely on.

That fact really gave me strength.

but-

The flames of madness surrounding us were spreading quietly and slowly, growing hotter.

*

The first day passed safely after Kelg’s declaration, and the next day arrived.

The atmosphere at the academy was a little strange.

As I walked around the academy, I intuitively realized that something was wrong.

In fact, things were not normal from the moment I passed through the square with Tirisia.

The gaze of students passing by.

It was more fierce and sharp than the day before.

Is it because I keep accompanying Tirisia as if I were looking at her?

Or is there another reason?

I wanted to grab someone and ask them, but it was the other person who approached me first.

“Hey, little commoner.”

A nobleman upperclassman, with whom I had never spoken before, blocked my path as I was moving between classrooms during break time.

“Do you have any business?”

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Yes?”

“Why do you keep being so friendly with Miss Brewery?”

“That’s because we’re friends.”

He looked down at me with a laugh.

“Does Miss Brewery think so too?”

“I think so.”

“That’s ridiculous. You seem to be seriously mistaken. Do you really think she still cares about you?”

“… Are you saying that it isn’t?”

“In my opinion, it seems like she’s protecting you because she can’t bring herself to throw you out because of her kind nature.”

“I never said anything like that.”

“That must also be because of my personality.”

“… ”

“Stay away from Miss Brewerd while you still have the chance. Don’t you care about the feelings of the Durakal Army? You idiot.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“That’s something you should think about yourself. You’re at that level, so you don’t even understand the topic.”

“… ”

He left with a laugh, saying these words as his last words.

“Well, even if you insist, you’ll soon realize reality. Why don’t you try to do whatever you want?”

“What… ”

As I watched his back disappearing at a rapid pace, I couldn’t help but wonder.

*

It feels like something is puffing up somewhere invisible.

Now, it wasn’t just the nobles who were attacking me directly, baring their teeth.

The moment I entered the classroom for my next class, the crowd of female students who had been there noticed me and opened their eyes wide in surprise.

“You’re Ertoji! You damn pervert!”

“What?”

“I know you’re sharpening your sword to get revenge on Miss Brood!”

“No, what the hell are you talking about?”

“Don’t act like a fool!”

The female students started yelling at me without even listening to me properly.

“You’re holding a grudge because you were dumped by Miss Brood!”

“You suddenly devoted yourself to training, so you could get revenge on that person?”

“What the hell are you doing? Are you crazy?”

“And you’re touching other girls! You pervert!”

“Wait, wait, you guys seem to have misunderstood something… ”

It seemed that a malicious rumor of unknown origin was circulating among the students.

The reason I trained was to get revenge on Tirisia?

What kind of nonsense is that?

“I was not unilaterally rejected by Tirisia, and I never held a grudge!”

“Don’t lie! Otherwise, why did you suddenly become so strangely strong!”

“That’s…me… ”

“Look at that! You can’t even answer straight! It looks like you’re feeling a little offended, right?”

The schoolgirls laughed at me, as if to prove that what they said was true.

“That’s not it. I just practiced hard!”

“So what’s the reason! Are you going to stab Miss Brood in the back? You crazy bastard!”

“… ”

Once madness blossomed, it spread throughout the group and could not be stopped.

They already have confidence in their hearts.

I don’t know where they heard it and what it was that made them delusional, but I realized that further conversation was pointless and walked out of the classroom.

“Look at that! The way he runs away when his intentions are revealed!”

“Ahahaha! I told you, you’re a guy whose heart is really visible!”

“I didn’t like it from the beginning, that guy covets Miss Brewery!”

“Then, then, Senior Durakal is much better!”

Leaving behind words full of malice and venom, I skipped class and headed to the rooftop.

Even as I was walking down the hallway, I was being met with verbal abuse from students I met.

Instead,

why-

*

Squeak-thud!

I climbed up to the open rooftop, closed the door, and exhaled with difficulty.

“Haa… Haa… ”

What is this all of a sudden?

Until yesterday, the students who had just looked at me with disapproving eyes were now showing full-blown hostility toward me.

They even believed completely false information without a shadow of a doubt, and spewed out words only to hurt me.

Where on earth did this vicious cycle begin?

“Huh… !”

My heart is being squeezed.

I crouched down in my seat, clutching my chest.

This is clearly a situation that is flowing according to Kelg Durakal’s intention.

The seed he had planted at the awards ceremony was now sprouting into a knife piercing my throat.

“Fuck… !”

How dare you corner me like this with just a three-inch tongue!

The sheer malice was admirable.

The Academy is now in the palm of his hand.

The words of the chairman’s son, the strongest man in the academy, and Tirisia’s boyfriend were the law and truth here.

The reason why the students are becoming more and more hostile towards me is probably because they believe that Kelg has absolute justice.

Having declared me a public enemy and the evil of the Academy, they began to snowball the rumors into something completely false.

How should I resolve this situation?

How many people are left in the Academy who will believe me now?

“Fuck… !”

The moment I got down on my knees on the floor and was about to strike the ground with my fist―

“You must be having a hard time, disciple.”

“… !”

A voice from behind grabbed my wrist.

When I looked back, Senior Perjena, who had arrived at the rooftop first, was looking down at me with a sad expression.

“Senior… ”

“… If you’re going to skip class, then it must be a serious situation.”

As I looked up at him with weary eyes, my senior let go of my wrist and sat down in front of me.

“Tell me. What’s going on.”

“… Yes.”

I sat down facing her and started talking.

*

“Haa―Duracal, that crazy bastard really did it.”

When I explained the situation I had experienced today, Senior Perjena sighed and touched her forehead.

“I just don’t understand it. But it’s strange that people who were just glaring at me until yesterday… are suddenly acting so hostile.”

“ Yeah, I think this is strange.

The senior nodded, crossing his arms.

I asked her as if I were asking for advice from an elder and a teacher.

“Is there a way to clear up this misunderstanding, Senior?”

In response to that question, the senior bared his fangs and gritted his teeth with a pitiful expression.

“Disciple, do you know why those guys are picking on you right now?”

“That’s… to keep you away from Tirisia… ”

I thought that was the ultimate goal of Kelg and his students.

But the senior opened his eyes wide and shook his head.

“No, that’s just an excuse.”

“Yes?”

“You still don’t seem to know how evil the human animal is.”

“What are you… talking about?”

When I asked with a blank face, the senior frowned and ran his hands through his hair.

“That’s what it is in the end. The guys in this academy right now are basically just choosing which faction they want to stick to.”

“Faction?”

“Yeah, on one side is this powerful faction that you’ve never seen before, with your ex-girlfriend and that fucking Duracal. And on the other side… it’s just you.”

“Why… why are you taking sides? Isn’t this a problem that can be solved by just drawing attention?”

“Common sense would suggest that. But right now… That bastard Durakal is making a fuss. Starting with the Yeonmu Festival, he has formed the greatest force here. He has become someone that no one can treat lightly. ”

“… ”

The senior looked as if he was embarrassed that he was even making such an evaluation.

“That guy, he defined you as a villain as if he was trying to bring justice to this academy… Do you know what I mean?”

“Are you saying that I… became an enemy to people whose faces I don’t even know?”

“Yes, humans are animals that instinctively fear the strong and feel pleasure in trampling on the weak. The idiots in this academy think that Durakal is a powerful justice, so they hate you and try to trample on you, a total stranger.”

“That’s right…”

“In short, he just stabs you with a knife like he’s killing a bug because there’s no risk in doing so and it’s fun. He thinks he has a Dura-kal as a strong back up. This fucking shit.”

thud!

The senior pounded the rooftop floor with his fist.

I stared blankly into space and asked her the following question.

“Why is Tirisia… leaving this situation alone? She knows best that it’s all a misunderstanding… ”

“… Don’t get hurt, listen carefully, kid.”

My senior came close to me and grabbed my shoulders.

“I can’t help but think that guy made a choice. I don’t think that little Brood kid gave up on you. But if he’s staying quiet in this mess… he must be in a state where he can’t go against that Durakal bastard.”

“Tirisia… Instead of saving me… She’s obeying that man’s words… ”

Hearing that, I felt like my mind was clearer.

Yeah, that would make sense.

Because Tirisia is a woman who has already betrayed me for Kelg.

Even if Kelg was doing everything she could to completely bury me in this academy, I couldn’t expect her to stop the destruction for me.

Tirisia is Kelg’s woman.

“… Ah, now I get it.”

I bowed my head and understood the whole situation.

This abnormal situation was actually normal.

A giant kick to trample on the unnecessary and annoying beings at school.

Students probably don’t really care whether it’s evil or justice.

Because the commoner Erto is extremely weak, and Kelg Durakal is strong and great.

The important thing is which one is the more annoying bug.

It was on my side,

Now all that was left was to be trampled.

“Disciple… No, Erto.”

My senior grabbed my shoulder and lifted me up from my seat.

“Senior… What should I do… ”

“It’s your freedom to make your own decision. I won’t force you.”

“My head… is so confused.”

“Wake up! Erto!”

match!

My senior lightly slapped me on the cheek.

My focus returned slightly, and I stared blankly at her face.

A disgruntled expression on her face and short, blue two-tone hair.

But in those blue eyes, there was encouragement and warmth.

“Listen carefully, this master will be on your side even if the sky falls. Erto.”

She opened her arms and hugged me gently.

“Don’t be swayed by others, make your own judgment. No matter what the result is, I will never blame you.”

Warmth was transmitted through the touching uniforms.

“And always remember. You have this senior behind you. If those lunatics threaten you with force, I won’t let you go. I will protect you with all my might. So don’t worry. Ertoya.”

“Thank you…”

Without realizing it, I raised both arms and wrapped them around her body.

A joyful laugh flowed from the face overlapping over the shoulder.

“Huh huh… Your body has become quite manly.”

“Senior… I’ll go down now. It was really a great comfort.”

“Okay, take care and I’ll always be watching you.”

Letting go of my senior’s body, I headed back into the building with a heavy heart.

*

“You were here.”

In the middle of a lecture, a girl with cherry-colored twintails appeared in front of me as I was wandering around the backyard of the main building.

“Lucica… ”

She snorted and snickered when she saw my haggard appearance.

“Yeah, how does it feel? Having Tirisia in another man’s arms.”

I couldn’t even laugh anymore, so I lowered my head and answered.

“… You skipped class to come see me just to say something like that?”

“No way. I think I should warn you.”

“… What warning?”

When I raised my head and asked, Lucica crossed her arms and her expression became serious.

“Because of what Senior Durakal said, there was a big uproar among the nobles. They are holding a meeting to gather the nobles who agree with Senior to come up with a plan for you.”

“Wow… What great friends.”

“Elkonja is also included in that noble council. Haven’t you seen him since yesterday?”

“Ah… Now that I think about it, that’s what happened.”

“I won’t say much. Swear to the nobles that you will break up with Tirisia cleanly as soon as possible, whether it’s today or tomorrow. You will never come near her again. Then you can minimize the damage.”

“… Why should I do that?”

As I asked, squeezing out a smile, Lucica strode towards me and stuck her face out.

“… Hey, Erto. Don’t you still know reality?”

“Reality? What do you really know?”

Lucica frowned at the sarcastic remark, but she held back her anger and gave me cool advice.

“You lost. You lost to Senior Durakal, both as a man and as a match! So stop being stubborn and tell yourself to forget Tirisia! If you don’t, you might be in real trouble! I’m saying this for your own good!”

“… It’s noisy.”

I closed my eyes and turned away from her.

I know what she’s saying is definitely a realistic solution.

Whatever the truth, in order to escape this situation, I had to put everything down and wave the white flag naked in front of Kelg and his followers.

As my childhood friend, Lucica must have come to warn me like this because she truly cares about me while understanding my grievances.

but,

No matter what―

I couldn’t completely surrender to the man who had taken Tyrissia away.

What little pride I had left wouldn’t allow it.

No, maybe it’s the hole in my heart that’s screaming.

I can’t admit it.

Resist.

I’m sure there’s still some hope left.

So I repeated to myself and walked away from Lucica.

“I warned you clearly! Erto, you idiot!”

Her cries could no longer reach my ears.

*

Three days after Kelg’s declaration.

Lucica’s warning really came true.

[Student Erto, I call you in the name of the Noble Union. Please come to the square.]

It’s noon, and the morning lectures of the shortened class are over, and now all that’s left is to go home.

The sound of a microphone calling my name echoed throughout the academy.

“This voice… Elconza Lord? Le, Leto Lord! What is this!”

Heidiera, who had attended the last lecture with me, cried out in embarrassment.

“… They’re calling, so I guess I should go.”

As I left the classroom, Senior Perjena ran towards me from the end of the hallway.

She said with a fierce look on her face, baring her fangs.

“I guess it was meant to come, I had a feeling it was coming. I’ll go with you, Erto.”

“Thank you, senior.”

So, with Heidiera and Senior Perzena on my left and right, I headed to the execution site designated by the nobles – the Academy Square.

*

―

―――

The wide plaza that runs from the main gate of the academy to the front of the dormitory was filled with a large crowd of people.

All the students, commoners and nobles alike, were crowded into the square as if this were an official Academy event.

However, there was not a single professor or adult from the academy around.

“Is it the Chairman’s breath… ”

Or maybe it’s Kelg’s own power.

There was no adult present to control the situation regarding the large-scale incident currently unfolding.

This is a serious matter that involves so many, almost all, of the Academy’s students.

Clearly, they are turning a blind eye to the games played by those in power over them and quietly pretending not to know.

Although I don’t expect the adults to resolve this situation well anyway, it was a somewhat despairing sight to see them nowhere to be seen.

Commoners and nobles gathered in groups, each in a circle, layered on top of each other, intermingled.

In the center of the crowd stood a splendid group of figures who appeared to be the leaders of a noble alliance.

And among them, the female student with the highest rank was looking this way while holding a black fur fan in her hand.

“Celdianne… ”

The students in the square noticed me and made way for me to head to the center.

It was not a kind consideration, but a sour pleasure in watching a convict being led to execution.

What on earth are you trying to tell me by making such a big deal out of it?

I made my way through the crowd into the central circle, amidst doubts and fears.

Tirisia, who had arrived there in advance, was standing next to Celdianne.

On the outskirts, I could also see cherry blossom-colored twintails fluttering.

It seemed like everyone who knew my true self was gathered here.

And among them, only two people take my side.

Everyone here, except for Heidiera and Senior Perjena, was my enemy.

“How are you, common people?”

In the center of the crowd, Celdiane greeted me.

“Why did you call me here?”

“Hey!”

Before Celdianne could explain anything, Senior Perjena, who was standing next to her, suddenly got angry.

“This crazy bitch! How dare you try to soak your friend? Are you crazy? Where did you sell the affection you had for the training you had together?”

“읏… ”

Seldianne was momentarily taken aback by her senior’s fierce anger, but quickly came to her senses and covered her mouth with a fur fan.

“This incident is very regrettable for you, too. But remember. This Elkonja is not a woman who is swayed by feelings, but a great noble who leads by example as a noble!”

“, Elconza! This is too much!”

“Be quiet, mole! The outsider is missing!”

“Eek… !”

At Celdianne’s rebuke, Heidi flinched and dodged through the crowd.

With this, the two allies that started off with only one person remained.

“Ahh… Right, that’s your position, Seldianne.”

I looked at the girl with the golden bun hair and smiled faintly.

“To be honest, I thought we were really friends for a while.”

“Tsk… !”

There was a sparkle in her crimson eyes.

“Even though the way you speak is a bit strange… I know you are a kind person at heart. But now that we meet again like this… It definitely hurts a bit.”

“T, stop talking nonsense! Commoner! Do you dare to tease the lady’s heart in this place?”

“No, if that’s your choice, then I have to accept it. Do whatever you want.”

Nodding, I closed all my thoughts to the friend in front of me.

I don’t know why Celdianne, who taught me wholeheartedly for the Yeonmu Festival, is standing there.

If we were to guess, it would be that she was chosen as a representative to gather the opinions of the nobles as the youngest daughter of the noble Elkonja family.

But at least she had a choice.

As a friend of the commoner Erto, is it Seldianya?

Elconzania, as a great noble representing everyone.

The story is that she simply chose to be a noble among them.

It would be impossible for him to turn all the nobles who followed him into enemies just for me, who had only been with him for a couple of months before we had a proper conversation.

It’s a natural thing, and it’s something we need to understand.

but-

My heart, which truly considered her a friend,

It was torn to pieces and disappeared into thin air.

“So,”

I asked her again with a cold expression.

“What do you want from me?”

“Alright, it looks like everyone is here, so let’s get to the main point!”

Seldianne waved her arm and pointed the fan at my face as if pointing at the culprit.

“Commoner Erto, even though you broke up with your lover, Tirisia Bruard, you still continue to linger around her and cannot let go of your lingering feelings! Is this true?”

“I just went back to my old relationship with Tirisia as a childhood friend.”

In answer to your question, I simply stated the facts as they were.

And, you knew it from the beginning, Seldianne.

The fact that I no longer have any attachment to Tyrissia.

You also think in your heart that what I said is right.

“That’s a lie! Such ambiguous feelings are not the right attitude to have toward a former lover!”

But Seldianne, who clearly understood my feelings, falsely accused me of it.

Elconza was in a position where he had no choice.

Because I stand here not to express my own thoughts, but as a speaker representing the position of all nobles.

I will never get the answers I want from her.

“You couldn’t overcome the pain of heartbreak, so you ignored the advice of Kelg Durakal and continued to pursue Miss Brewery! Is that also true?”

“… Think as you wish. I don’t agree.”

“You’re still being stubborn!”

“If you’re curious, just ask the person there.”

As I said that, I pointed my finger at Tirisia, who was standing next to Celdiane.

Is she my ally or my enemy now?

Did she come here as a woman of Kelg, or did she come to become Erto’s childhood friend?

“Erto… ”

Tirisia, who had one arm wrapped around her as if anxiously, stared at me with her jade-colored eyes.

And she just blurted out a short apology.

“I’m sorry.”

Then, a clear voice came into my head.

[I heard from my senior that I shouldn’t rebel at all today. I’m really, really… sorry.]

That was her real position, which she conveyed only to me.

Tirissia might have wanted to say something too.

I have no feelings for Erto, and I only want to maintain our childhood friend relationship.

So, it’s okay not to be wary of him anymore.

At least that level of protection would have been possible for Tirisia.

However, it was once again blocked by the malice of Kelg who was swinging.

Today, Tirissia was just a witness to my execution and Kelg’s puppet.

no one,

Even the person I loved the most,

It doesn’t save me from this place.

From now on, only execution awaited.

As Tirisia turned away from me, Celdianne shouted as if she had been waiting for me.

“Look! Miss Broward, you are not denying your guilt! Do you have anything more to say?”

“ha,”

It made me laugh.

Because I had nothing to say.

“Hey you crazy kids! Yeah, you guys are great! So what do you want me to do?! Aah?! You’re going to search everything? What the hell do you want from my disciples, you idiots! What the fuck!”

As Senior Perzena grabbed the claymore handle on his back and shouted, the crowd around him panicked and prepared to run away.

“Huh huh?”

“Why, why are you like that?!”

“Calm down, Senior Swordsman!”

However, Celdianne was not flustered and showed her palm to Senior Perjena.

“What, should I start with you? Aah? Come on!”

The senior growled and stepped forward, but Celdianne held up the paper Miyu had handed her from behind with a relaxed expression.

“Lady, our noble union has no intention of using violence against the commoner Erto. We just want to get one promise from you.”

“Promise?”

“Come on, commoners, look. This is the content.”

The moment I got closer and checked the paper that Celdianne had handed me, I felt like I was struck by lightning on the back of my head.

“This… ”

Five large letters written at the very top of a white piece of paper.

“It’s a resignation application.”

“That’s right.”

I looked at Seldianne’s face, holding the paper with trembling hands.

“Is this… a promise? I swear that I will drop out?”

She couldn’t look me in the eye for a moment, and she dryly recited her answer as a noblewoman.

“That is the conclusion our noble union has reached. Erto, you not only linger around Lady Brouard, but you also hold a grudge against Lady Brouard for leaving you, and have practiced magic and swordsmanship. Since we do not know what you will use that power for, our noble union has judged you to be a potential threat to Lady Brouard!”

“Ahhh?! So right now, my disciple suddenly turned into a mad dog and is about to bite that bitch! I’m going to isolate him so he can’t even approach her. What kind of trick are you talking about right now?!”

Senior Perjena approached Seldianne, expressing her anger.

Swish-

A sharp grip grabbed Seldianne by the collar.

“, Elconza!”

“Let me bark.”

The surrounding nobles raised their hands in fear, but Celdiane waved her fan to stop them.

Senior Perjena grabbed Seldianne by the collar and shouted, pushing her face close to hers.

◦ What are you doing?

“You’re just a victim. I didn’t know that guy wanted power for that purpose.”

“This guy is really going crazy trying to lose… !”

The moment Senior Perjena raised his fist,

“Senior, it’s okay.”

I stopped her.

“Don’t stop me, I’m going to rip this bitch’s mouth open right now.”

“Senior! Please!”

“읏.”

As I shouted with emotion, my senior turned to face me, gritted his teeth, and let go of Celdianne’s collar.

I looked down at the paper in my hand and spoke with a trembling voice.

“I just want to ask for Tirisia’s opinion. Should I sign this paper?”

“Ertoya… ”

Senior Perzena accepted my wishes and stepped back.

I slowly approached Tirisia on legs that didn’t move very well.

And then he asked the final question.

“Tirisia.”

“Yeah.”

The jade colored eyes do not look at me.

No, can’t you look at it?

“What would you like me to do?”

It’s a question of final qualification.

“I wish I could disappear from your side?”

A glimmer of hope as a childhood friend.

“Can’t I be by your side, even as your friend?”

Even if you betrayed me once, there was a faint hope that something would still remain.

With all that in mind, I looked at the face of the person I loved.

And the answer is―

“I’m sorry.”

[That’s what the senior wants.]

It was a complete ignorance.

“Yeah.”

I quietly stepped back, putting some distance between myself and her.

As you wish.

“Now, it seems like an agreement has been reached between the two parties, so Erto, you must make your pledge here!”

Celdianne said with a look of guilt rising in her eyes.

Could it be that you are feeling something different inside?

Now, it was all good.

I took the quill pen that Celdianne offered me and read the paper carefully.

[I, Erto, hereby swear that I will abandon my studies of my own free will, in accordance with the will of Kelg Durakal and the Noble Alliance. Signature]

“Hey! Disciple! Are you really going to do that? This is crazy! Everyone is crazy!”

Senior Perjena shook my shoulder and shouted, but I shook my head.

“Senior… Thank you so much… But… It’s okay now. Leave me alone.”

“Hey… I can’t admit it! Where in the world is there such a conspiracy!”

“That’s not it, senpai. Other people are fine.”

I tried to console my senior with a trembling voice and a forced smile.

“But… Tirisia won’t work.”

“Disciple… ”

“That guy… The person I liked… He can’t even accept me as a friend anymore… ”

“… ”

The senior closed his mouth and bowed his head.

Now, she too realized that there was really nothing she could do.

I tried to at least smile and accept everything.

Nothing is funny, but I wanted to show that my soul was not defeated.

I am,

My heart is not broken.

“So… I have to understand that feeling.”

As I was smiling like that and putting the quill pen to the paper―

Bam,

Thud,

Something fell on the pledge.

A circle that spreads out in all directions, turning white paper gray.

It was liquid.

Out of my sight?

“… Huh?”

What is this?

I ran my hand over my cheek.

Something damp came out.

“Uh…Why…”

It’s weird, I was definitely trying to laugh.

Why,

Evidence of this defeat is leaking out.

I didn’t admit that I was a failure,

I tried not to break my spirit,

Why am I crying?

“Erto… ”

Only then does Tirissia look at my face.

Only after I decided to give up on her completely did she look at me straight in the eye.

Rather, I don’t want to show my ugly side right now.

“Haha… This is driving me crazy… ”

Fuck,

I need to hurry up and throw away this resignation letter and go home.

I roughly wiped away the tears with my forearm and put the quill pen to the wet, lumpy paper.

“I’ll do it, I’ll drop out. ”

And the moment I was about to wave my pen sideways―

“Stop it!”

bang-!

There was a loud noise among the crowd.

“Gyaaah!”

“Eww!”

Everyone’s eyes were instantly drawn to the center of the explosion.

There, standing on the sunken ground, was Heidiera.

The students standing around her were pushed back by the shockwave of the kick and fell on their butts in all directions.

“What did that woman just do?”

“It didn’t seem like you even used magic power?”

“The ground is sinking down… !”

Heidi, who was standing on the crater she had carved, walked past the fallen crowd and towards Seldianne and me.

“Look at it, look at it, you guys don’t know the limit.”

“Heidiera… ?”

I stared blankly at the girl whose amethyst eyes were clearly visible, her bangs flipped up by the wind pressure.

She looked at my face with a soft smile.

“Prince Erto, I’m sorry.”

“… ?”

I was left speechless by the sudden apology.

“I know very well why Lord Erto has kept his mouth shut until now.”

“Heidiera… ?”

“It must have been a heavy determination to the point of not hesitating to drop out.”

“What is that… ”

“In order not to let your determination be in vain, I tried to endure until the end… but I can’t do this anymore. I am ashamed to have broken the will of Lord Erto so arbitrarily.”

Her amethyst eyes became moist, and a deep sadness came over Heidiera’s complexion.

“But… Now it really is impossible. No more… No more… ”

A tear ran down her pale cheek.

“I can’t stand seeing the person I love getting hurt. I feel like I’m going to break first.”

“Ha, Heidiera, what are you trying to do… ”

Heidi took a deep breath without answering the question.

and,

[Everyone, listen carefully to what I say!]

He spat out words identical to those of Tirisia, which echoed throughout the square.

The roar that shook the space caused the noisy crowd to fall silent.

Heidi shouted as if venting her anger while receiving everyone’s attention.

[That’s the end of the false drama! You are now making a great mistake!]

The moment I heard that cry, a possibility flashed through my mind.

no way,

Heidiera,

You really―

[From now on, I, Heidiera Isidell, will correct that mistake!]

I hurriedly looked towards Tirisia, and her face turned pale as if she had felt something just like me.

Heidi declared, staring straight at Tirisia.

[In this place, the whole truth will be revealed!]