Chapter 9

Currently,

"..."

"..."

I am alone with Reia in her room.

"..."

"..."

Sitting on the wine-red carpet, we both remain silent.

An oppressive silence continues.

The sound of the second hand ticking on the clock seemed unbearably loud.

(How did it come to this...)

As a result of that duel where we bet our human rights, she became my slave. No, she ended up becoming one.

(The princess of a country becoming a slave to some unknown person during her study abroad. If this were to be found out by her home country... It wouldn't just be troublesome—it would cause a huge commotion...)

Honestly... I really wish it would just end.

Why do I have to go through this...

(Sigh...)

I sigh inwardly, not knowing how many times I've done so.

After the duel, Ms. Reia said, "A slave must dedicate everything to their master!" and brought us here almost forcibly.

Then she said, "I plan to move all of Allen's belongings here by tomorrow, so be prepared!" and disappeared somewhere.

She really is a whirlwind of a person.

(But... if we consider the school rules and general common sense, Ms. Reia's actions are not wrong.)

That's right.

While it may seem like she's doing whatever she wants, in reality, she was just calmly carrying out her duties as the duel's referee.

After all, a duel is a serious contest of pride, and the conditions and agreements set beforehand must never be broken by a swordsman. Breaking such an agreement would make one not a swordsman, but a beast that has strayed from the path of humanity.

This is something we learn at the very beginning in the elementary swordsmanship academy, and it is something that is probably engraved in the hearts of all swordsmen in this country—no, in the world.

In fact, Dodoriel also kept his promise.

That proud man bowed his head and retracted and apologized for his insults to me and my mother.

That's how much weight the promise of a duel carries.

(That's why the current situation is so difficult...)

Given Reia's personality, if I were to say, "We can pretend the slave contract never happened," she wouldn't simply say "Thank you!" and back down.

If she were that kind of person, she would have had Ms. Reia cover up the fact that she lost the duel.

In other words, the only way to dissolve this slave contract is for her to defeat me in a duel.

(But, that's become difficult now...)

Reia's attack patterns.

Her habits in attacking and dodging.

Her thought processes during combat.

All these important aspects of combat were exposed to me in the previous battle.

Even if she has a few hidden tricks up her sleeve—while it might be a tough fight, it's unlikely that I would lose. I have a few hidden tricks of my own.

(Sigh... Maybe I should just intentionally lose...)

For a moment, such a ridiculous thought crossed my mind, but I immediately shook my head.

That's out of the question.

I am a swordsman, after all.

Intentionally losing a duel is something I cannot do, as it would be straying from the path of a swordsman.

If I did such a thing, I couldn't face my mother or Pola.

(What should I do from here...)

Saying "What should I do" is pointless, as there's nothing I can do in the current situation. Honestly, it's just a waste of time to worry about it.

Finally, having reached the conclusion that "there's nothing I can do," I look around the room without Reia noticing.

(Actually, it's a rather cute room...)

Her room was uniformly decorated in white with pink accents—a very girlish room.

I thought she, being a princess, would have brought in chandeliers and luxurious furnishings, but I don't see any of that.

It's just a normal—cute girl's room.

(And... it smells nice)

It's not perfume or detergent.

Of course, it's not overpowering, but when I concentrate, a faint, gentle, and natural scent wafts over.

After a quick glance around the room, I noticed something that caught my attention.

(Huh... She likes stuffed animals, huh?)

At the foot of the bed, there were cute stuffed animals of a bear and a hippo.

(Haha, she has a cute side too)

As I was observing her room,

"Don't... don't look around so much... It's embarrassing..."

She said this softly, her face slightly flushed.

"Sorry..."

I immediately apologized.

I shouldn't be looking around someone else's—especially a young girl's—room so casually.

That much I understand.

However, this is a significant achievement.

This is the first time we've managed to communicate—have a conversation—since coming to this room.

Before the conversation could cool down, I decided to take the initiative and speak.

"Um, so..."

"What... what is it...?"

"Um, well... Can we stop using formal language?"

Honestly, formal language doesn't suit Reia at all.

I think this is because I saw her true self just a moment ago.

"Using informal language with my master is inappropriate. Besides... I have my pride and dignity as a swordsman. I can't break my promise."

She said this and turned away.

She's much more stubborn than I thought.

(Well, even if you say that... If we're going to live together to some extent, it'll be suffocating if you keep using formal language...)

To be honest, I don't dislike her.

In fact, I think we could be good friends.

She can be rude and sometimes pretends to be nice, but she keeps her promises and has the pride of a swordsman, as seen in the duel.

While our relationship isn't great right now... I want to get along with her in the future.

(And... she can use Soul Armor too)

I also wanted to ask her about the tricks of manifesting Soul Armor.

(In order to get along with her, I need to get her to stop using formal language)

Words shape actions and relationships.

As long as she continues to use formal language, it will feel formal, and it will be difficult to get closer.

However, if we can get rid of the formal language, I think we can quickly close the distance.

If the language becomes informal, it might pull her actions and thoughts towards a more equal relationship.

(To get this stubborn and obstinate Reia to stop using formal language... There's only one way)

It will be a bit forceful, but there's no other choice this time.

I looked her straight in the eye and said in a slightly stronger tone,

"Alright... Then this is an order. From now on, you are forbidden to use formal language with me."

"That's... that's unfair...!"

I expected her to protest, so I had a prepared response.

"Forcing a slave to do something they don't like is one of the rights of the master, isn't it?"

It's a bit of a sophistry, but it's logically sound.

Then,

"...Understood... Cough. --Understood. But, are you sure? You can't take back this order, you know?"

Reia confirmed this with a serious look.

"Yeah, please do that."

Formal language doesn't suit her.

A more casual tone is better.

"Then, Allen should stop using formal language too. ...It's kind of creepy."

She said this with a slight blush.

"Okay, I'll do that."

I'm not very good with formal language either.

If Reia, a princess, allows it, I'll take her up on it.

With the formal language out of the way, I decided to start a light conversation.

"Still... What a crazy start to the school year."

"Hmph, whose fault is it...?"

"That's... a bit complicated. I admit I was wrong for seeing, but I think Reia was also at fault for changing in the boys' locker room."

"...What are you talking about? I changed in the girls' locker room!"

"Huh? No way. That was definitely the boys' locker room."

"Lie! But I checked before I went in!"

When I entered, there was definitely a sign that said "Boys' Locker Room."

After I saw... that, I confirmed it was the boys' locker room. I'm sure of it.

Then, as if she realized something, Reia gasped.

"Maybe... it was Reia's doing?"

"...It's possible."

Thinking about it, Ms. Reia's appearance was too timely.

And now that I remember, she also said, "I had a feeling something interesting was going to happen, so I was waiting nearby!"

Whatever her purpose, she's definitely involved in this.

"Ugh, we've been had! But why!? What's her goal!?"

"I don't know, but... I've learned that she has a big problem as a person."

Then,

"..."

We both sighed at the same time.

"Don't... don't copy me."

"No, I was a few milliseconds faster."

"No, no, I was—"

After that, Reia and I enjoyed a light conversation.

As I thought, getting rid of the formal language made us feel much closer.

Then, the wall clock chimed.

It was already 11 PM.

It was time to get ready for bed.

"Ah... It's already this late."

"Hmm... We should start getting ready for bed, or it will affect us tomorrow."

"Right. --Reia, why don't you take a shower first?"

"...That sounds kind of perverted, you know."

I tried to be considerate, but for some reason, she glared at me.

"...What's perverted about it?"

I don't think there was anything perverted about what I said...

"That... That's... Never mind!"

Reia walked towards the changing room, her face bright red.

"If you peek this time, I won't forgive you...!"

She said this and closed the curtain, starting to undress.

"Alright, I promise I won't."

After Reia finished her bath, I took mine.

Then, just before going to bed, we had a bit of a disagreement about who would sleep where.

Of course, there was only one bed in this room.

I said I would sleep on the floor, but Reia refused, saying, "It's strange for the master to sleep on the floor while the slave sleeps in the bed."

So, we compromised and decided to sleep on opposite ends of the same bed.

(She seems to trust me a bit too much, or maybe her guard is too low... but, it's fine)

Then, I used the remote control by the pillow to turn off the lights.

"Good night, Reia."

"Good... good night... Allen..."

I was so tired that I quickly drifted off to sleep.

■

The next day.

Reia and I went to class together.

We were both in 1-A.

Since we were living in the same room, there was no need to separate.

"So, you know! In my country, there's a traditional dish called Lamzak! It's super delicious!"

"Wow, I'd like to try it sometime."

"I know a good place near the Thousand Blades Academy! I'll tell you about it sometime!"

The rather clumsy—no, simple—Reia seemed to have woken up refreshed and had softened her attitude towards me, or maybe she had forgotten she was a slave.

(Being treated coldly like last night is a hundred times worse)

Talking to her was... simply fun.

Her expressions changed rapidly, and with her gestures, it was entertaining to watch. She's probably the type of girl who's popular.

As I was thinking this, we arrived at the 1-A classroom.

When we opened the sliding door,

"Good morning... Reia-san!"

"Ah, it's a nice day today!"

Two female classmates greeted Reia a bit nervously.

"Yes, good morning. It's a pleasant morning."

Reia quickly put on her act and smiled modestly, waving her right hand.

(...Looking at her like this, she really is a refined 'princess')

The lively and slightly rough Reia I see when we're alone and the elegant and dignified Reia now seem like two different people.

I might even believe her if she said, "Actually, I have a split personality."

As Reia started chatting with the girls, I quietly moved away.

I know girls have their own conversations.

(And the seating arrangement... hasn't been decided yet, right?)

There were no seat assignments on the blackboard at the front of the room, so I headed for the least noticeable seat at the back by the window.

On the way there, I saw three male students chatting happily.

I thought it would be rude not to greet them as I passed, so I mustered the courage to say,

"Good morning."

Then,

"..."

The three of them stopped talking, glanced at my face, and then resumed their conversation.

It was a refreshingly complete ignore.

And because they had glared at me first, it was even more sinister.

(...Sigh, I guess they still hate me)

This is definitely due to yesterday's incident—the hellish entrance ceremony.

(First impressions are important...)

Starting the school year with zero goodwill is quite tough...

(At least they're not saying bad things to my face, so that's better...)

At the Gran Swordsmanship Academy, I've been called a failing swordsman, a cheater, a dark weapon user, and many other names. Being ignored by just three people is nothing.

Just as I was about to move away from them,

"Hey, you guys. Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Reia, with a soft, polite smile, called out to the boys who had ignored me.

"Yes!"

"What is it, Reia-san?"

"Is there something troubling you!?"

The three boys were clearly flustered by being addressed by the beautiful Reia.

They're such opportunists.

(But, what is Reia up to...?)

I kept an eye on them as I moved to the window seat, and she said something unexpected.

"Didn't Allen just greet you? Were you too engrossed in your conversation to hear him?"

Then,

"Uh... well, that's..."

"We heard it, but..."

"It's just that... his voice was too quiet, you know..."

The boys stammered and gave vague answers.

Reia smiled at them.

"I really hate people who do silly things like that."

"..."

The boys were speechless, and she continued with her usual gentle smile.

"Please don't talk to me again from now on. --Goodbye."

After saying what she wanted to say, Reia put her bag down at the seat to my right.

Her cold words, which no one had expected, froze the entire classroom.

In the heavy silence, she sat down carefully to avoid creasing her skirt and calmly put her textbooks on the desk.

"Sorry... about that..."

I whispered an apology to Reia.

(I know she did that for me...)

But, doing something like that will make it hard for Reia to fit in with the class.

Indeed, the three boys were glaring at her.

As I felt a sense of guilt, Reia said,

"What are you apologizing for? I just said what I hate."

She laughed, "Haha."

It wasn't a fake, polite laugh, but a natural, genuine one.

Her cute, transparent smile made me momentarily captivated.

As the classroom was still in shock from the "Reia Shock," the door creaked open.

Out came Rose, who looked extremely sleepy.

She's weak in the morning, and there was no trace of her usual composed self.

Her cowlick stood up prominently, and her long hair was messy in places.

She looked around, met my eyes, and with unsteady steps, sat down in the seat in front of me.

"Yawn... Good morning, Allen. And Reia."

"Good morning, Rose."

"What do you mean, 'and Reia'?"

Reia shot her a sharp glance, but Rose seemed completely oblivious and was struggling to stifle a big yawn.

"Rose, your hair is really messy. Are you okay?"

I pointed to the prominent cowlick on the top of her head and asked.

"...It's fine. I have gravity, you know..."

She said this in a mumbled, childlike voice.

It seems she's the type who waits for her bedhead to naturally settle.

I'm not an expert on girls' hair, but I think she's in the minority.

As I was thinking this, the bell signaling the start of class rang, and the door at the front of the classroom opened with a bang.

"Good morning, everyone!"

There stood Ms. Reia, dressed entirely in black, from her black suit and tie to her black gloves.

"Hmm, excellent! No tardies or absences on the first day—what a great start!"

She smiled brightly, slapping the attendance book in her hand.

A student asked on behalf of the entire class,

"Um... why is the principal here?"

"Well, that's obvious, isn't it? I'm the homeroom teacher for 1-A."

The classroom buzzed with surprise.

Naturally, my heart also raced.

(...Yeah, to put it mildly, this is the worst)

I learned yesterday that this teacher is not just a little... but quite problematic as a person.

(And, is it okay for her to be the principal...?)

The principal of the Five Academies has tremendous social influence and immense power.

Naturally, such a position comes with great responsibility, and it's rumored that