Chapter 38

With the martial arts competition just three days away, everyone has started to put more effort into their individual training. Even our "Mischievous Trio" is finding it increasingly difficult to gather.

(Zahha and Safina are working hard, too... I need to work hard as well! Mainly for the written exam...)

I plan to lose early in the martial arts competition to avoid standing out. However, as the daughter of the Regalia Duke, I can't let my reputation suffer, so I intend to ace the written exam. Of course, this confidence is largely thanks to my knowledge from my previous life. I asked Senior Karlis to show me the exam papers from previous years, and they were surprisingly easy to solve.

(I wonder if anyone is here...)

Not finding anyone in the common room, I headed to the usual individual training room. Peering inside, I discovered a rare combination of people practicing.

(That's Zahha and Senior Karlis? How unusual, for Zahha to ask a senior for training...)

Noticing me standing at the entrance, Senior Karlis stopped his practice and turned to look. Zahha, finally realizing I was there, also stopped his sword.

"Alright, let's call it a day. A friend has come to visit."

"Thank you, Senior Karlis."

After catching their breath, they bowed to each other. Senior Karlis, wiping his sweat with a towel, approached me.

"Good afternoon, Senior Karlis. It's unusual to see a senior helping a junior with training?"

I gave a light curtsy, and he smiled. As a class master, he excels in both practical and written exams. It's rare for him to help juniors...

"Well, he's strong. He's getting stronger every day. If it weren't for me, no one his age would be able to keep up. Of course, except for 'that one'..."

Senior Karlis winked meaningfully.

"...Is he really that strong? 'That one'?"

"Yes, he's strong. I once paired them for practice as a joke... even though it wasn't serious, they both ended up with minor injuries, it was a close match."

"Wait! Senior, what kind of practice are you making them do!"

I was shocked by Senior Karlis's casual response and raised my voice.

"It's fine. It was just a minor scratch... and I'm grateful to see 'that one's' true strength before the competition."

Zahha, noticing my protest, came over to defend Senior Karlis.

"Hmm... well, it's fine... So, how was it for you, Zahha?"

"As you said, 'that one' is indeed strong. He has absolute confidence in his sword... Haha... Just like I was before meeting Lady Mary."

I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but Zahha laughed self-deprecatingly.

"Zahha... please don't say it like I destroyed your confidence. It's hurtful."

"No, no, you completely crushed me."

"Was it really that bad?"

I tilted my head and playfully teased, and Zahha sighed deeply, saying nothing more. Then, another unusual pair, Safina and Magilka, arrived at the training room.

(Come to think of it, Safina and Magilka have been coming here together lately. When did they become such good friends?)

"A, Senior Karlis."

Safina, realizing I was talking to Senior Karlis, bowed. Magilka, who rarely interacts with me, followed suit.

"Well, since everyone is gathering, I'll take my leave. Make sure to gather in the common room this afternoon without being late."

With that, he smiled and left the training room.

"Is there something happening in the common room this afternoon?"

I asked Safina, watching Senior Karlis leave.

"Mary, there's a draw for the martial arts competition this afternoon..."

"Mary, you're so relaxed."

Surprised by my question and impressed by my calmness, Safina and Zahha looked at me. I cleared my throat and changed my stance to avoid their gaze.

"...Oh, it's just a joke..."

I laughed, covering my mouth.

Later that afternoon, we gathered in the common room. All the new students were finally together.

"Alright, we'll start the draw for the tournament. When your name is called, come here and draw a lot."

Mr. Iks's voice echoed in the common room, and the noisy students fell silent.

(Here we go... It would be nice to lose easily if I face Zahha or Safina in the first round...)

While I was thinking this, the draw continued.

"Next, Safina Kalsana."

Hearing the familiar name, I looked at Mr. Iks. Safina, looking nervous, was drawing a lot.

(Please, God! Don't let Zahha and Safina face each other in the first round!)

I prayed for Safina, watching her nervously.

"Safina Kalsana, first round, match 8!"

Safina handed her lot to the official, who read it out. A murmur went through the crowd. I checked the tournament board, hoping it wasn't the worst scenario. I quickly confirmed her opponent's name.

"Good... it's not Zahha... don't scare me like that."

I sighed in relief as Safina, looking pale, wobbled over to me.

"Um, the opponent is 'Allen Gold'? Who is he?"

"It's me."

A man who had approached me answered my whispered question. It was 'that one.'

"Wh-What!"

I was stunned and bowed my head. Seeing my reaction, 'that one' looked smug.

"Hehe, don't be so disappointed. It's perfect, Safina. We can settle who's better early... right?"

"How... after all the effort to avoid knowing his name, to find out so easily here! And 'that one' is just 'Allen'... not much different!"

Shocked, I fell to my knees.

"Eh, ah... no... Eee~! You're shocked by that?"

Allen, who had been smug, looked surprised and interjected.

"Well, it can't be helped now. Let's move on."

I ignored his comment, stood up, and faced Allen.

"It's perfect for me too. I'd rather lose to someone and avoid false accusations. This way, it's clear. Be prepared!"

"Mary..."

Allen, glaring at Safina, who was hiding behind me, was visibly angry. I could feel his anger through the tension in the air.

"Hmph! You, who can't do anything on your own and cling to those with power, are useless. I have no reason to lose to a weakling like you! I won't waste my time on you. I'll end it quickly and show everyone your incompetence. Be prepared!"

Allen, ignoring me, glared at Safina and left. I glared at him with a cold stare.

"Mary... you're scary."

Zahha's whispered comment brought me back to reality.

"...Hmph! That man is really infuriating!"

I turned to Safina, who was standing a bit away, looking apologetic.

(It's because of his words...)

I took Safina's hands in mine and lifted her face.

"Safina! Don't lose to that guy! You must win!"

"...Mary..."

My encouragement didn't seem to have much effect. Seeing her strained smile, I felt anxious.

"Mary Legaria! Where are you! Mary Legaria!"

"Here, I'm here!"

Surprised by Mr. Iks's loud call, I responded with a strange voice, and the surrounding students laughed. I turned red and hurried to Mr. Iks.

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