episode_0143

Nifrantz Academy’s final exams are basically a tournament format, but win/loss doesn’t significantly affect the score weighting.

The biggest points from the judges come from performance.

They primarily observe how well you handle combat situations, whether it’s something learned at the academy or something you figured out on your own.

Whether it’s magic, martial arts, swordsmanship, or other weapon skills.

Even if you lose due to a type disadvantage, the key is how well you understand and prepare for the situation.

Conversely, if you only win by exploiting type advantages, you won’t get many points.

Therefore, win rate, which is just a number, is ultimately useless.

However, if it’s 100 percent—or infinitely close to it—the story changes.

“Magic Department first year, cadet Narias Philbrogue! A word on your victory, please!”

Even if there’s a possibility of luck in the draw, the image of winning the academy championship through head-to-head battles is overwhelmingly strong.

If you actually showed overwhelming strength while steadily climbing to victory, that only strengthens the image.

That’s why, traditionally, instead of a stiff and outdated closing ceremony after the finals, the winner’s acceptance speech signals the end of the entire event.

Unlike the festive opening ceremony, it might be a consideration for the cadets and audience who are exhausted.

Although medals or trophies aren’t awarded like in swordsmanship tournaments or magic society competitions, being able to speak in front of so many people is far more valuable than any lump of metal.

Since I’ve already delivered most of my message to the people as a princess at the disaster relief site.

I wanted to put aside those heavy feelings and, as a single cadet, simply express my feelings without reservation.

Thump-

I took the amplified magical tool from the emcee, brushed back my sweat-soaked hair, and opened my mouth.

“Ah- ah- Can you hear me?”

“Yeeees—!!!!”

“Heehee- Thank you.”

“Waaaah—!!!”

Just a single smile, and the audience collapsed in awe like dominoes.

Looking closely, our 1-A cadets were among them, showing off in various ways.

Regardless.

I slowly continued speaking.

“I’ll keep it brief. First, I offer my gratitude to the many people who allowed me to stand here today. The Headmaster and Department Heads, the instructors who managed the competition site, the cadets who fought alongside me, and… those who did not return from that day’s disaster.”

Sob- sob-

The audience, who had been excited and then quieted to listen to my acceptance speech.

Because of the somber atmosphere, this time, sniffling sounds came from various places.

“My victory today is certainly not solely mine. There was a very real possibility I could have fallen at any point from the first match. Nevertheless, empowered by the sight of many people deeply cherishing their own ‘today’, I was able to run this far.”

The mellow afternoon.

In the audience, varied emotions bloomed like mists rising from everywhere.

The flowing sweat and tears were not just that.

A sort of cleansing of the soul, something that must be shed to move forward to “tomorrow.”

“Therefore… I want to express today’s victory differently. This is not just my victory, but the victory of all those living ‘today’. I dedicate all the glory to you—!!”

I raised my hands high.

As if they had been holding back, the people raised their hands together, following me, and roared in cheers.

Waaaaaaa—

That wasn’t a single voice, it was like the sound of boisterous waves crashing against rocks.

“I’m embarrassed to say names, but anyway, my beloved guys-! We’re not sleeping tonight—”

Now that Aspi has joined, I might be able to try 4P.

Suppressing my lower body which felt like it would explode just from imagining it, I returned the mike (this felt better in my mouth than the magical tool) to the emcee and left the stage.

“That concludes all the events! In keeping with the winner’s speech, let’s all share in the glory of victory today!”

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“Gulp-”

Lost in the overwhelmingly exciting atmosphere, returning to the quiet corner of a room, I feel a physical and mental emptiness.

“First, good work on the finals.”

“Congratulations on the victory… or not.”

“Heehee- Did things go your way?”

“Never. The victory is ultimately only nominal.”

However, King Hwang—Cha tea played a part again this time.

It infused warmth and vitality into my relaxed body, making it firm.

How could it not be a pleasant rest time?

“By the way, this tea has a remarkably deep flavor.”

“Right? It’s a black tea base with various additions, and I added some dried mandrake leaves as a point of interest.”

“Hoo… using ingredients of a tonic.”

Moreover, since the person sharing it with me was Department Head Natalya, a connoisseur of tea ceremony, the quality of the conversation also improved.

A conversation with someone who shares your hobby is always enjoyable.

After a little more chit-chat, the conversation turned to the main topic.

“Regarding this incident… I feel terribly sorry that I can’t express more than gratitude.”

“No, that’s not true. The Moriarty gang that attacked the stadium was clearly after me. It was right for me to handle it.”

Clack-

Department Head Natalya’s hand gripping the teacup tightened.

“…Aren’t you just a single cadet right now? What’s the point of an academy that can’t protect even one cadet…!”

“You don’t need to say that. This is a place of learning, not a military organization focused on training the strongest.”

“I’m sorry, I… no…”

She seemed to be physically and mentally exhausted, touching her forehead, shaking her head, and displaying unstable behaviors.

“I’m sorry for showing such a disturbed appearance…”

“No, it’s my fault. I’ve been far too self-absorbed during this busy and complicated time. Putting off the exam and all…”

“I’m rather grateful for that.”

What that means is, the temporary school closure delayed the final exam schedule, affecting the end of the semester.

The cadets, as well as the instructors and the academy itself, each have their own schedules. However, the final exams were delayed so much that if they completed all the schedules, autumn would soon arrive.

So, a few days ago, I proposed merging the first semester’s final ‘class competition’ with the second semester to handle the credits.

“That way, there would be less backlash compared to simply replacing it with a different exam.”

“Yes… I wasn’t able to make the right decision, but thanks to you, I’ve been relieved.”

Replacing the exam or delaying the end of semester would have opponents in either situation.

Especially, the second one…

It absolutely was not because I didn’t want my summer vacation with the kids to be shortened.

Anyway.

“Well… I’m telling you to stop self-reproaching. This isn’t anyone’s fault; it’s totally the fault of those external enemies.”

“I will also contribute my strength whenever you summon me.”

“Thank you for your kind words. Give my regards to the Headmaster, too. Then -”

Natalya is in a time-sensitive period. I didn’t want to cause any further delays, so only briefly visited her office.

After giving her a box of tea as a gift, I left the Headmaster’s office.

Just then, a message appeared that answered my question.

『[Condition: Achieved 3rd place or higher in the final exam class competition section] Unable to proceed.』

『Temporary suspension and provisional fulfillment judgment.』

There was an intervention scenario, and the scenario system seems to be flexible in this regard.

If the status window had hands, I really wanted to give it a high-five right now.

『Cleared [Main Story Chapter 4: Final Exams].』

『Experience and rewards will be given.』

『Level up.』

『Scenario unlocked: [Side Story: Summer Vacation]』

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After giving my acceptance speech, I immediately went to the Headmaster’s office, so there was someone I’d left nearby.

Though I said I’d finish as quickly as possible, the tea-related conversation somehow lingered.

The girl who was waiting for me in the backyard on the first floor was sitting on a chair, kicking the long grass, seemingly a little bored.

“Sorry, I’m late.”

“…Oh, you’re here.”

She avoided my gaze with a slightly sulky expression, seemingly trying to act offended.

Eve spoke in a barely audible voice, turning her head the other way.

“That… earlier, that…”

“Earlier? Ah, that.”

Though specific words weren’t used, the message was clear.

I said I’d answer later, but I’d somewhat anticipated her feelings.

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”

“Huh…? What-”

“You already have someone else in your heart.”

Hesitation, restlessness.

I’d made every effort over the semester to read Eve’s always-cold expression, and now, I could roughly understand her feelings.

“Ho- How did you…?”

“Well… it shows, and if you were a tree that wouldn’t fall even after I took such drastic actions, that’s just the kind of thing that happens.”

What did my face look like?

Was I showing a really carefree smile?

“Was that… your experience?”

“Yeah, it’s an old story.”

Was I hiding the pain of rejection from a woman I thought I connected with?

“…I’m sorry.”

It seems it wasn’t the case.

“I didn’t expect an apology. I still have a way to go.”

She wiped her tear-filled eyes with the back of her hand, forcing a smile with a tight expression around her eyes.

“Don’t worry! I’ve been totally rejected worse than this in the past.”

“…Yeah.”

We sat on the same bench, staring at the hot sky.

A touch I shouldn’t take… a hand that isn’t mine kept brushing my fingers.

“And… I can’t just give my heart to you.”

“I know.”

Even though we’re looking at the same sky from the same place, she’s probably seeing something different.

It would be rude to pry or try to read her mind.

Thankfully… my intuition is On/Off.

I could leave her alone, unbeknownst to me.

“But that’s not to say, if you don’t work out, I’ll go to other girls—that’s not cowardly, is it… right?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s true.”

I wish it were parallel lines.

It felt like we were getting closer and closer, my heart pounding.

In fact, we’re two intersecting lines destined to drift apart after forming a point.

“Will you spar with me again?”

But I absolutely can’t let go of this.

The moments when I matched manas against hers… I could never compromise that.

“…Anytime.”

Though it wasn’t as cold as our first meeting, it lacked the warmth of the moment we sweated together on the field.

Eve’s quiet voice echoed.

I had one more box of tea left. I gave it to her as she left.

Watching her recede into a point, I quietly felt the dampness on my cheeks.

It was fortunate, in a way.

Becoming accustomed to pain is dangerous.

But I shouldn’t have let her go back then.

That honest conversation in the garden behind the academy, under the lush trees, the day I won the individual tournament.

If I had known it might be our last…