Chapter 6

As Leoard's departure to the borderlands was proceeding smoothly, the academy was abuzz with talk of Leoard's expulsion.

Leoard, who had been riding high, had committed numerous misdeeds and was disliked by many students. No one dared to oppose him because of his position as a duke's son, so this incident became the hottest topic among the students.

However, there were those who could not rejoice. These were the ones who had followed Leoard. Although only Leoard was being expelled from the academy, the students who had committed misdeeds under his command were now without a protector and feared that they might be next.

"What are we going to do from now on?"

"What are we going to do? We did nothing wrong! We just need to blame everything on Lord Leoard!"

While some said this, there were those who had willingly committed misdeeds. They tried to pin all the blame on Leoard alone, but it was uncertain whether this would work.

On the other hand, someone became famous for a different reason. Siegfried, the protagonist of Fate 48, who had defeated Leoard in a duel, was now the talk of the academy. As a result, he was constantly bombarded with questions, but he was always helped by a certain female student.

"Alright, alright. Any more and Siegfried will be in trouble, so let's call it a day here."

Pushing through the crowd of students surrounding Siegfried, Elina Vanstein, the main heroine of Fate 48, clapped her hands lightly to disperse the students. Elina, like Leoard, was from the Duchy of Argabein, but unlike Leoard, she was beloved by many.

"That's quite a situation. You too, Siegfried."

"Thanks, Elina. But could you help me a bit earlier next time?"

"What are you talking about? This is already early. It's not easy to push through that many people, you know?"

"Ah, I see. Then, let me rephrase that. Thanks for helping me."

"You're welcome."

The two laughed together, and the people around them speculated about their relationship. What kind of relationship could they have?

Suddenly, a female student interrupted them.

"I'm sorry. It's all my fault that Siegfried-kun was put in a difficult position..."

"Don't apologize! It's all Leoard's fault, so there's no need for you to apologize, Claris!"

"But it's because of me that Siegfried-kun had to duel. It's my fault."

"Stop it, Claris! That's not good. Siegfried is right; it's all Leoard's fault. Besides, it was wrong for him to treat a noble lady so badly."

Siegfried and Elina comforted Claris, who was constantly apologizing. Thanks to their efforts, Claris calmed down. This interaction followed the original story, where Siegfried first meets Elina. They had become friends when they both took the entrance exam for the academy. Siegfried, being the protagonist of an eroge, naturally had such interactions.

Elina had been a topic of conversation even before the exam, but Siegfried was unaware. With her beautiful appearance, sharp intellect, and status as a duke's daughter, it was inevitable that she would be the subject of rumors. She was also gifted in magic, making her seem like a being favored by the gods. Indeed, she was favored by the original author.

"By the way, is it true that Leoard was expelled?"

"Yes, it's true. It's a rumor, but it's a fact."

"I see... I really messed up, didn't I?"

"What are you talking about! That scum deserved to be expelled! In fact, when I heard you were going to duel him, I thought, 'Finally, that pig will die.'"

"I wouldn't have killed him. I didn't hate him that much."

"Siegfried, you don't know, but the winner of a duel can do anything. For example, you could have had Leoard executed."

"Are you serious!? And you can do that if you win a duel?"

"It's a law set by the country, so it's possible."

This was true, but it wasn't just about Siegfried. Most students were unaware of this fact, as duels were rare.

"In that case, you should have let Claris decide."

"Me? Siegfried-kun won the duel!"

"Well, I did win, but you were the one who suffered. So, you should have been able to decide what to do with him."

"It's fine. I have no more connection with him, so that's enough for me."

"You're so kind, Claris!"

Elina hugged Claris, unable to resist her protective instincts.

"Anyway, Claris is too good for that pig. He should just marry another pig and be done with it."

"That's quite a harsh way to put it. Did something happen in the past?"

"Well, he is a duke, so we had some interactions."

"I see."

This was also mentioned in the original story. Elina and Leoard had met several times in social circles, but they were only acquaintances. Elina, who had been called a prodigy in her youth, had seen through Leoard's character from a young age, which is why their relationship never progressed beyond acquaintances.

"Let's end this conversation. How about we talk about the upcoming field trip for class?"

"Good idea. We'll get tired of the same topic eventually."

"I heard we'll be camping during the field trip—"

And so, the world of Fate 48 continued to unfold. What developments would arise now that Leoard was off the stage was known only to the gods. Of course, if Leoard could still be involved, the story might take a different turn, but he was being sent to the borderlands, so he could not interfere.