Chapter 14

It has been a week since Operation Damakurasu.

Since then, I and Sylvia have spent quite fulfilling days, selling the "Flame Wolf Fur" and earning experience points.

We mainly earned experience points by fighting slimes. If you go deep into the "Slime Forest" located halfway along the road from the capital to the mine, you'll find a place where rare slimes, which are rich in experience points, appear.

The best harvest among them was getting the "Medium Healing Magic Staff" from a Holy Slime. It's an extremely rare item with a drop rate of 0.05%.

This "Medium Healing Magic Staff" is a convenient staff that allows anyone to use the intermediate-level healing magic "Heal Medium" when equipped. It's especially effective for characters who specialize in the healer class, as the "++" effect is added only when used by a healer. The "++" effect, which means a two-level enhancement, can be expected to have about 2.5 times the normal effect. With "Heal Medium ++," it can instantly heal more than 50% of the HP of a mid-level character. You can see how powerful this additional effect is.

Neither Sylvia nor I are healers, so we can't get the "++" effect, but being able to use "Heal Medium" unconditionally is still a big deal. Thank you, Holy Slime. It's a wonderful gift. I'm sure he's also happy, hiding in the grass, saying "Pikii!"

And so, the day finally came for us to head to the Royal Magic Academy.

"Are you sure it's okay?"

Sylvia leans in and asks. She's been asking this all day.

"Half of it was taken down by you, so it's your share. I've said that many times."

Apparently, the money from selling the Flame Wolf Fur is "too much" for her. The 120 furs sold for about 1 million CL each, totaling 120 million CL, with 60 million CL being Sylvia's share.

"Is it really okay to receive such a large sum of money, in addition to the Flame Wolf Bow..."

Her constant fretting is incredibly annoying.

At such an important time when we're about to infiltrate the magic school, if we keep this up, we'll be looked down upon by not just the teachers but even the students. We need to get our act together.

"Listen, Sylvia. 60 million is something you can earn in a day if you try. It's pocket change. We're aiming to be the best in the world. Don't whine over 60 million."

"Sixty million in a day..."

No good, she's even more deflated.

"Your awareness is low. You're already part of the best team in the world. Have some self-awareness."

"...Team?"

"Yes, a team. We'll form one eventually."

In Mevion, players can form groups called "teams." A minimum of three people is required, and a team formation quest must be completed, but it's very easy, so anyone can form a team and play with multiple people.

I don't know if this world has the same system, but forming a team is not a bad idea when aiming to be the best in the world. This is because the team leader's authority is very efficient. You can peek at the team members' stats and skill lists, give instructions via team-only communication from a distance, and it's quite convenient. When you get new teammates, you should definitely form a team.

"Am I... Second's, team member...?"

Sylvia murmurs, blinking her eyes. She seems to be gradually gaining confidence, and her face starts to show determination.

"Yes, that's right! I'm the first team member of the best man in the world! I can't be weak!"

She suddenly becomes energetic. She's emphasizing "first" a lot. Is she planning to become a leader or something?

And she's probably already forgotten about the 60 million. Her clumsiness is quite adorable.

While having such a conversation, Sylvia and I arrived at the Royal Magic Academy.

The school building, a huge castle-like structure, is about an hour's ride from the center of the capital.

"Welcome, we've been waiting for you."

Two people, a young man in his 20s and a woman in her late 30s, greeted us as we dismounted from the horse.

"Thank you very much for your warm welcome, teachers."

I respond with the most polite language I can think of. Even I, who am usually casual, know to be respectful when the other party is a teacher and I am a student. I bow while subtly nudging Sylvia, who looks surprised next to me.

"Can we call you 'Second'...?"

The young man asks. Ah, I haven't introduced myself yet.

"Yes. I'm Second, and this is Sylvia. Please take care of us for the next two weeks."

I say this with a smile, and the man and woman exchange a brief glance before the woman speaks.

"I'm the principal, Paula Memento. Nice to meet you. And this is—"

"Kevin, the homeroom teacher for 1-A, the class Second will be joining. Nice to meet you."

We shake hands with both of them. The principal is a woman. That's surprising. And Kevin, he's the elf Noire mentioned.

The two of them also exchanged greetings with Sylvia, seemingly as an afterthought. I wonder how Sylvia will be treated?

"By the way, will Sylvia be in the same 1-A class?"

"Yes, she will. During the study abroad period, the accommodation will be in a hotel, not a dormitory, so you won't be separated."

Paula answers.

I see, Sylvia is supposed to be my bodyguard. I might have asked a silly question just now.

"Well, let's go."

Kevin leads us into the school building. So far, we haven't been suspected... but we need to stay on our toes for the next two weeks.

"I plan to have classes in the morning and a tour of the school in the afternoon. How does that sound?"

"Will the tour be led by Mr. Kevin?"

"No, by a student. I recruited someone from 1-A a few days ago, and it's already decided. The afternoon is usually free time for independent projects, but excellent students will have free time."

"That's very kind of you."

Great. I'll just pass the time during class, and when it's afternoon, I'll extract information from the tour guide. I just need to ask about the location of the grimoires.

"Here we are. This is 1-A."

While I was smirking to myself, we arrived at the classroom.

Kevin opens the door without hesitation. The classroom is fan-shaped like a university lecture hall, with long desks arranged in steps. There are about 30 students, all seated quietly.

"Good morning, everyone. As announced, two exchange students will be joining us in 1-A for the next two weeks. Let's introduce them. Second, Sylvia, come in."

Kevin speaks matter-of-factly and calls us. It seems it's our turn.

Sylvia and I step into the classroom.

At that moment.

"―――"

The students collectively hold their breath and then suddenly start murmuring.

I've been in this world for quite a while, so I know the reason.

It's probably because of my appearance. I'm so handsome that it's unrealistic. I can't help but call it a limited premium paid avatar.

"Let's do the introductions."

When we reach the podium, Kevin prompts us.

"I'm Second, visiting from the island nation of Jipangu. Nice to meet you all."

"S-Sylvia Virginia. Nice to meet you."

I bow gracefully, and some of the girls let out a squeal. On the other hand, the male students are quiet, seemingly captivated by Sylvia's face.

"Thank you. Please take your seats over there."

Sylvia and I sit down in the middle of the front row, feeling the gazes of many people.

"Since we have the chance today, let's start with a review of the basics."

Kevin starts the class as soon as we are seated.

I find it boring, so I decide to listen half-heartedly.

The morning class ends.

The content of the class was surprisingly shocking, contrary to my expectations.

Apparently, "the depth of understanding is crucial in casting magic," and "all aspiring mages attend school to deepen their understanding."

...I've never heard of such a thing.

Don't you just learn by reading grimoires?

Understanding magic, the depth of understanding... I don't quite get what they're saying.

As I listen to the class, the thought "maybe you can't just learn by reading books" gradually creeps in, and I can't stand it anymore. As soon as the class ends, I approach Kevin.

"I'd like to meet the student who will be giving the tour. I want to have lunch together and get to know each other better."

I must have sounded too anxious, as I ended up speaking informally.

Kevin's eyes widen for a moment, then he smiles and speaks.

"Of course, that's fine. Ah, there he is. Main."

"Ah... Yes, sir?"

A male student named Main, who looks more like a beautiful boy than a handsome young man, is called by Kevin. He is about 160 cm tall, slightly shorter than Sylvia, very slender, and gives an impression of being timid and nervous. When he looks up at me, he seems more like a girl than a boy, with a very cute face.

"Are you ready for the tour this afternoon? Second wants to get to know you better over lunch. The schedule will be moved up, but can you also show him the cafeteria?"

"Ah, yes! I'm fine with that."

"That's great. Thank you."

Main nods at Kevin's words, and his wavy blonde hair sways gently.

"Excuse me, is it okay if I ask him some questions about magic?"

Before I extract information from Main, I ask Kevin, who is about to leave, just to be safe. I don't want to miss the opportunity.

"Of course, there's no problem. He's the top student in the first year."

"I see. I apologize for the question."

I laugh self-deprecatingly in response.

Top student! I can extract as much information as I want. Nice.

"Main, please take good care of the tour."

I say this with a smile (and a smirk), and Main, after a moment of confusion, smiles and nods.

"Sure! Nice to meet you, Second."

Good, good. He's not on guard. I'll get the location of the grimoires at this rate.

...But first.

"Silvia, let's go to the cafeteria."

"Mu, I, I understand! Sorry, please lead the way, sorry!"

I rescue Sylvia, who was being bombarded with questions by female students. I shudder to think what would have happened to me if I hadn't rushed to Kevin's side after the class ended. We need to come up with a strategy.

"Sorry, I kept you waiting—"

Sylvia, who rushes over, suddenly stops. Her gaze is directed at Main.

"M-M-Main, Your Highness?"

...Huh? Your Highness?

"Inside the school, there is no difference in status. Please treat me as an equal."

Main, who had been smiling until a moment ago, says this with a blank expression.

Your Highness, Your Highness... So Main is the prince of this Castor Kingdom?

"Excuse me... I apologize, Your Highness."

Sylvia, who is used to being scolded, immediately apologizes. Her reaction is telling.

Still, a prince... I've never seen one before. He's not what I imagined.

I thought he'd be more like "Bow down!" but instead, he says "Please treat me as an equal." Hmm, I'll treat him as an equal then.

"Come on, Second. Let's go to the cafeteria."

Then, Main grabs my hand. He's unusually proactive.

He's cold to the beautiful Sylvia but proactive with the handsome me.

...Could it be?

No, wait. No, no, no, but... Hmm? No, I don't know. I've heard that many kings and warriors in the past were like this... Ah, I don't know. It's really intriguing... Depending on this, I might have to take it seriously. I never thought I'd be targeted by a prince... How do I refuse...

...Okay. I'll just ask straight.

"Hey, Main. Are you gay?"

"Wh-What!? No! Why are you saying that all of a sudden!?"

Main's face turns red as he denies it. Sylvia's mouth is wide open in shock.

"Because you seem to be a bit... you know... with me more than with Sylvia."

"What do you mean by 'you know'!? No, I like girls!"

"Is that so? You don't have to hide it. Hey, Sylvia, say something."

"Me!? No, well, Prince Main is probably the second prince, so he's always on guard with women."

"You're serious!"

"Ouch!? You don't have to hit me!"

On the way to the cafeteria, we argue loudly.

By the time we reach the cafeteria, the three of us have already gotten to know each other.

* * *

"How was it?"

In the principal's office, Kevin answers Paula's question.

"He's something else. He didn't know the second prince. Honestly."

"Oh... That's..."

"The 'ease' he exudes is overwhelming. I wonder which royal family he's from..."

Kevin sighs, recalling the unique aura that Second exudes.

This is a remnant of Second's perception of this world as a "game" and the "ease" that comes from his serious goal of becoming the best in the world, but Kevin couldn't possibly understand that.

Even if he had lived for over 100 years, he wouldn't understand the sense of a man who has bet his entire life on a game.

"By the way, he said he's from an island nation called Jipangu. Is he the king of Jipangu?"

"It's not good to jump to conclusions. But, he's probably of higher rank than the second prince... at least."

Not knowing the second prince of the country he's visiting means he doesn't need to know.

This implies that Jipangu is a country that looks down on the Castor Kingdom.

"Jipangu... I've never heard of it. I'll look into it."

"Thank you."

After finishing their conversation, they return to their respective duties.

A two-week period that will give them both stomachaches has begun...

Thank you for reading.

I will update twice tomorrow, in the afternoon and evening.

Thank you for your support.