Chapter 2

I had already rung the magnificent 'Bell of Hope' and brought freedom to Artilleria Academy, and since that day, my reputation has only grown. The days when I was notorious now seem nostalgic.

The sudden ringing of the bell, which had been silent for a long time, was even reported in the newspapers. It was well known that the masterminds behind this were the 'Theater Troupe of the Border,' with me at the center, and our club activities were off to a smooth start.

The 'Bell of Hope' carries the meaning of purifying evil. Politically, it is a symbol of the anti-demon movement carried out by those who hold a grudge against demons. By ringing the bell, 'Theater Troupe of the Border' has, as Persia and I had planned, gradually gained the trust of the supporters of the anti-demon movement.

Ideally, I would have liked the newspapers to mention the communication device, which played a significant role in the operation, but none of them did. It was such an innovative invention.

When winter break began, all the students except those who stayed in the dormitory to spend the New Year left the academy. I, being one of the few who commuted, should have been enjoying my vacation at home, but I ended up staying in the dormitory to write a reflection and other documents as punishment for damaging the 'Bell of Hope.' It was my first dormitory life, albeit for only a few days.

The remaining dormitory students were surprisingly normal in their interactions, so I didn't feel uncomfortable. I even felt close enough to help with magic studies if they had any questions. Among them, I became particularly close to the senior who took the place of the confession ball for me and Wendy Dalton, who hid me in her room.

Since it was my first dormitory life, I visited the school library, found interesting books to read, and wrote my reflection in a leisurely manner. Before I knew it, only two days of the year were left. I had thought no one was waiting for me at home, but suddenly, the Avairam family carriage arrived at the school this morning. My father was calling for me. Reluctantly, I submitted the reflection I had already written and started preparing to leave.

Before leaving, I stopped by the lounge, where Wendy Dalton was sitting on a sofa, reading a book.

"Are you leaving too?"

Wendy looked up from her book and asked.

"My father has called for me. How long do you plan to stay, Miss Dalton?"

"I'm done here. I haven't been told to come back anyway."

Wendy sighed. It seemed she didn't have a good relationship with her family. At home, only her siblings were favored, and her presence made no difference. Her older sister had already completed an important marriage for the family, and the issue of succession was her younger brother's responsibility, so Wendy was irrelevant.

Her younger brother, Liam, was a classmate, but he had been a troublemaker since the preparatory school, having been spoiled. He gathered with similar people, bullied students he didn't like, and did as he pleased. They calmed down after I stopped them from bullying Ruby Livy.

At first, I had the impression that Wendy was a flashy, thorny, and hard-to-approach woman, but as we met in the lounge, we started talking. Our situations as unwanted children had some overlap, and I might have felt a sense of kinship with her.

"It's nice to be carefree."

Feeling the weight of being called by my father, I envied her for being able to stay in the dormitory. Wendy narrowed her eyes, perhaps thinking I was being sarcastic, but seeing my sincere expression, she softened.

"…Yeah. If you can think of it as carefree, that's healthier."

"That's right. Freedom is the privilege of us 'misfits.'"

"Misfits… Well, that's true."

"Even if I were in my brother's position, I wouldn't be able to do as I please."

"True. If that Edward Avairam had to write a reflection like you, it would be surprising."

"Right?"

I smiled smugly.

"You don't look like you're reflecting at all."

"The 'Misfits' Union' believes in living carefree."

"What kind of union is that?"

"You're the president."

"Whatever. …It's fine."

"Then, President, I'll be going now."

"Sure, sure."

When I returned to the townhouse of the ducal family, I was called to the study without even a moment to rest in my room. When I entered, I saw my father, Lucas, looking even more intimidating than usual. His expression made it clear that the conversation would not be pleasant, but I had no idea why I was called.

"Do you know why you were called?"

"Of course. I apologize."

After apologizing, I quickly thought. I noticed the newspaper on his desk, which had an article about the 'Bell of Hope' incident.

"You mentioned a 'communication device.' When will it be practical?"

Ah, it's about the communication device. It seems he's not concerned about my behavior at the school.

"The performance is already practical."

"…What's the problem?"

"The scarcity of the phonetic shell, which is the material, will hinder mass production."

"Hmm. I see."

Lucas folded his arms and seemed to be thinking. He was probably considering how to use it for military purposes. Although I said mass production was difficult, I actually had some ideas.

The phonetic shell has the function of converting magical signals into vibrations, i.e., sound. I used the shell as it was due to time constraints, but the mechanism has been deciphered, and it should be possible to use other materials as substitutes.

"Fine. Show your worth with that attitude."

"Understood."

I don't think Lucas has ever said so much to me before. It seemed my research was meeting his expectations. Although it might be bad for Wendy, if I continue to produce results in my research, the 'Unwanted Children's Alliance' will soon be dissolved. If you want to be needed by your parents, you must prove your worth.

Before I regained my memories from my previous life, it was understandable that I was neglected. But… do I really need my father's attention now? What Lucas wants is my research, not me. If I just want my research to be recognized, I can get it recognized by the academic community. I don't need to be recognized by Lucas.

I realized I didn't want Lucas's attention, and it felt liberating. I hadn't thought I was longing for my family's love, but perhaps I had subconsciously hoped for it. My efforts in the student council election and my role as student council president at the preparatory school might have been to avoid disappointing my father and grandfather.

But now, I don't need to worry about it anymore.

"May I leave now?"

When I tried to end the conversation, Lucas raised an eyebrow slightly. I couldn't tell if he was surprised or annoyed.

"Let me give you one last piece of advice. Think carefully about why your paper was suppressed."

Lucas warned me. My paper was supposed to be published in the famous magical academic journal 'Charmed' but was suppressed for military use.

It's clear that the communication device is a powerful card for the military. He probably didn't like that I displayed it in front of the students. But I didn't agree with the suppression. For a magical researcher, having a paper published in 'Charmed' is a great honor, and it's unfair to be deprived of it for military use.

…Could it be that the communication device wasn't mentioned in the newspapers because Lucas pulled some strings? If so, will I never be able to freely publish my research and continue to be used?

"…Thank you for your advice."

I had a lot to say, but I held back and pretended to be a well-behaved son.