Chapter 42

You can't put a door on people's mouths. As the saying goes, the monster panic, which was only known to a select few nobles, had spread to Siegfried's school as well.

That said, Siegfried is rather ignorant of worldly matters. He still doesn't know about the monster panic.

However, he has noticed that the school has become a bit noisy.

"Hey, Elina. Have you noticed that the school has been a bit noisy lately?"

"Siegfried, you don't know anything?"

"Ah, no. Could it be that everyone knows about it?"

"Well, some people do. But most only know the rumors."

"Rumors? Was something so unusual happening?"

"Hmm... I shouldn't really tell you, but since it's you, it's fine.

Actually, a monster panic is happening in Zeato. That's why the school is a bit restless."

"Hmm... By the way, what is a monster panic?"

"You don't even know that?"

Elina pressed her forehead in exasperation, and Siegfried apologized, looking apologetic.

"S-Sorry. I didn't realize it was something everyone should know."

"Well, most people know, but I think there are some who don't.

After all, the last monster panic happened when our parents were children."

"Really!? It was that long ago?"

"Yes. It was quite a disaster back then. It's said that three villages and one town were destroyed, and over a thousand people, including those missing, were victims."

"Such a thing!? Is everything okay? Shouldn't we go to help?"

"The knights have already gone. There's nothing we can do. So, don't worry."

"I see. I hope no one dies..."

"I would be happy if the pigs died, though."

"Pigs? Does Zeato raise pigs?"

"Ah, don't worry about it. More importantly, you should study for the next test."

"Oh, right."

The pigs Elina mentioned were Leord. Siegfried didn't realize it, but Leord had made many enemies.

He hadn't done anything to Elina, but he had done unforgivable things to Elina's friend, Claris, so Elina strongly disliked Leord.

"Well, I don't want to see Beluga and Olivia sad if that pig dies."

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"It's just a mutter. Don't mind it."

Elina's mutter didn't stick in anyone's ears. However, even though Elina disliked Leord, she respected his parents, Beluga and Olivia.

That's why she sighed, not wanting to see the two people she respected sad.

"Boom!"

"Whoa!?"

"Ha-ha-ha! Good work, Siegfried!"

"Collette! You're hugging Siegfried again!"

"Well, it's fine. What's the problem? Did Siegfried not like it?"

"I didn't dislike it, but I wish you wouldn't do it suddenly."

"Got it. Then I'll hug you now!"

"That's not the issue!"

Suddenly hugging Siegfried while he was studying was Collette Burnila, one of the heroines from Fate 48.

She has a cheerful personality and gets along with everyone, but she often causes misunderstandings among many boys, making her a little devil.

"Collette, that's not good. You're bothering Siegfried!"

"Aww, Claris is saying the same thing as Elina?"

Collette puffed out her cheeks, and Claris couldn't get angry at her.

"You're right, Claris. Siegfried is studying for the next test, so don't bother him."

"Give up, Siegfried!"

"What are you saying! Failing consecutively is bad, right?"

"Just accept it!"

"No way! Collette, you can say that because you're smart, but I'm on the edge.

If I fail again, I'll be in remedial hell. I have a promise with everyone, so I must avoid failing."

Siegfried shows exceptional talent in combat but is rather dim-witted when it comes to academics. He can't think about complex matters but can act decisively with simple thoughts.

This is both a strength and a weakness, but he is content with it.

"Oh, right! Then I'll help you study too!"

"Great! That's a big help!"

"Ah, I'll help too!"

"Claris, you'll help too! Thanks a lot!"

"Hey, Siegfried! Are you dissatisfied with just me?"

"No, not at all. It's a huge help if Elina helps."

"Hmph. Well, if you fail after I teach you, my reputation will suffer too, so you better do well!"

As befits the protagonist of an eroge, the scene of him studying while surrounded by three heroines is truly a privilege of the protagonist.

By the way, there are only three heroines so far, but he will eventually meet more. It's inevitable, so he will definitely meet them.

He has male friends as well, but they are not here. The reason is obvious; they are not here to avoid bothering the heroines.

If Leord were to encounter this scene, he would undoubtedly spew curses, but right now, Leord is training hard for the monster panic.

The day they cross paths again might not be far off.