Chapter 16

Zaizinger, of course, is well-known.

One of the three ducal families, and the leading one at that.

The head of the family is the former king's younger brother.

A super noble family that everyone knows, with no need to mention their specialties.

However, the introduction just now seemed to refer to this individual specifically.

Is he a celebrity?

"I'm Rio. Nice to meet you."

A very simple self-introduction.

A confident and calm voice.

Eyes that seemed to be full of will.

But I want more information...

"Don't kneel and bow, okay? Haha."

...I kicked Faye, who was whispering in my ear, with my hind leg.

Then, Al provided additional information.

I think I can get along with this guy.

"No, the world is wide.

Top performers in the kingdom's common subject exams and those with high magical aptitude are summoned to the capital in advance to have opportunities for interaction, so the people in this class are mostly familiar with each other.

At the very least, they know each other's names."

...Ah, that's like the practice test that determines admission.

Al's explanation made sense to me.

It makes sense that two people who don't seem to match the ducal family are Rio's friends.

"So... I mean, I was surprised to see Allen, whom I've never seen or heard of before, stop Rio's perfect score this morning, and everyone was talking about what kind of person he is."

...If it weren't for that mistake with the scruffy beard, it would have been a perfect score?

Moreover, everyone around him took it for granted.

"Al. I've been saying this, but I don't care about scores."

Rio, looking bored, drove the point home to Al.

I was certain.

This guy is the type who will be called things like "Ice Prince," "Top Three of the Royal Academy," or "Healing Six" among the girls in three months and will be adored.

If I stay close to him, I'll become a mailbox for love letters with my ordinary face.

While keeping my distance, I asked,

"Can I call you Rio?

Let me say this upfront, I'm the third son of a super-rural poor viscount's family, with no dignity whatsoever."

"Of course.

I entered this academy to improve myself by competing and learning with talented classmates, not to flaunt my status."

...Hmm, he doesn't seem to be a bad guy...

But I don't feel like being good friends with him for three years...

Power is attractive, but it comes with responsibilities.

Rio is the type who will sacrifice the present for the future.

He might even be living on a scale of "for the country."

He's not the kind of person who can fit into my worldview, which is to become an outlaw eventually.

He's on a straight path to the top.

But if I clash with him now, it might cause trouble later.

So, the safest option is to be occasional classmates... that's the goal.

While I was thinking this, Rio looked at me with his straightforward, strong eyes and asked,

"Why did you come to this academy, Allen?"

His eyes were challenging.

But I don't mind this question.

It's a question that comes from someone who chose their path with their own will, not just because their parents told them to or because it's good for their future.

But the answer and the purpose of life are fundamentally different between Rio and me.

This morning's mother's words flashed in my mind.

"As a knight, if you're about to be crushed, you need the spirit to crush everything in return, or you'll be looked down upon."

...No, that's not it.

"You seized the right to enter this academy with your strong will.

I am proud of you."

—I decided not to play it safe.

"It's to do what I want, freely and whimsically."

Rio looked puzzled for a moment, then asked,

"What do you want to do?

To become strong and protect this country and its people?"

I couldn't help but smile wryly.

"I don't have such lofty hobbies.

I want to do what I find interesting, when I want, as much as I want, and live a fun and interesting life.

That's why I came to this academy.

That's all."

"...So, you came to this academy just for yourself?

Do you have no attachment to the country where you were born and raised?

You're a noble, right?

Do you have no desire to fulfill the obligations of being born with power, no desire to protect the weak?"

Indeed, our ways of thinking are fundamentally different.

I decided to be straightforward and not sugarcoat my answer.

"I came to this academy solely for myself.

Attachment to this country? I don't have it.

I already said, I'm the third son of a poor noble family with no dignity.

You and I are in different leagues.

I only want to protect what I want to protect.

It's a difference in values."

Rio was stunned.

His face clearly showed that he couldn't believe the answer he heard.

"I see.

I understand, Allen Lovain.

Thank you for being honest.

Indeed, our values don't seem to align.

For the rest of our lives."

I realized that the whole class was watching our exchange, holding their breath.

◆

"Ho ho ho. It seems the self-introductions are mostly over."

Looking at the classroom entrance where the voice came from, I saw an old man standing there.

Who is this old man? I didn't even sense his presence!

"It's not over yet. Allen hasn't introduced me, his new friend, to everyone yet?"

...What a strong heart this guy has!

Is he seriously suggesting I introduce him into this situation?

Aren't most of the people here already familiar with each other?

The whole class was taken aback.

"Hmm. Then, let's make it quick."

"Come on, Allen. Hurry up and introduce me, your friend who's more than a friend but not quite a lover, to everyone."

What the heck? How did he escalate this in just five seconds?

I can't afford to be seen as an associate of this weirdo...

"This guy is less than a friend and less than an acquaintance. I don't know him."

I declared firmly.

"That's so mean, Allen.

Just five days ago, you kept me captive for over six hours until morning, and now you're saying I'm a stranger!"

What is he saying?!

The envious gazes of the guys and the cold stares of the girls were painful...

Why am I being put on trial for something I don't remember?

Ah, there's a guy glaring at me with obvious jealousy... Does he like Faye?

I have to say something before the jury's impression becomes irreparable...

"Don't say such ambiguous things! You just followed me around on your own!"

Faye looked shocked, with tears welling up in his eyes.

It's an incredibly convincing performance.

It's an act, right? Otherwise, it's too scary...

"...Allen, you really are the type who doesn't feed the fish you've caught.

At first, you said you wanted to get closer, but as soon as it was over, you said you had to go because you couldn't hold your pee...

But I'm okay with that. As long as I can be by your side."

What a severe distortion of the facts!!

But if I say there were no such facts, who knows what strange magical artifact might appear to patch up the scene...!

He might do it...

If that happens, it would be a fatal blow.

What? Wait, I need to think of a good excuse.

Why am I even thinking of a good excuse?

Girls, don't look at me with those gray eyes!

Most of the guys are also taken aback, except for a few strong ones...

"Ho ho ho.

I see...

'Live freely and whimsically, doing what you find interesting and what you like, when you want, as much as you want'?

Well, everyone, the self-introductions are over. Take your seats."

Old man??

Where were you listening from?!

What a good way to wrap it up!

I opened and closed my mouth, then wobbled to the window seat and faceplanted.

I won't be able to lift my head again.

◆

And so, against his will, Allen made a huge impact in his new class, leaving everyone speechless.