Chapter 75

While I sensed the premonition of a storm and pretended to be dead, everyone greeted the newly appeared senior, Huri.

Senior Huri replied in a friendly manner, saying, "Hey! Nice to meet you!"

Perhaps because she came from a commoner background, she had no air of superiority at all.

By the way, it's not uncommon for a commoner to become the top student at the Royal Academy.

While the noble class has the advantage in exam preparation with their money and know-how, after admission, personal qualities play a significant role, and the number of commoners is overwhelmingly larger.

After that, a luxurious barbecue set (with a chef and waiters) was set up in the small garden, and the barbecue began.

First, Faye said with a smile, "Well, when such a group of people gather unexpectedly, the information departments of each camp must be very busy. I want to enjoy a frank conversation today, so I'd like to set up a magic device to prevent eavesdropping and surveillance. Is that okay?"

That's a bit much...

"There's nothing confidential about a bunch of students having a barbecue in their backyard. Don't make it sound so serious."

As I said this to Faye, she laughed.

"Hehe! Got it, Allen. I thought there was some intention behind you saying you'd walk instead of using a car to attract attention... According to reports, there are already about seven suspicious figures wandering around here. But today is a special service. If we don't take countermeasures, I think the number of suspicious figures will increase tenfold by the time we leave. To commemorate the gathering of all the intelligence agencies in the kingdom, let's take a group photo."

"…I think it's an unnecessary worry, but it might be better to set it up just in case. What do you think, sister?"

"Huh, yeah. It doesn't really matter to me... But more importantly, what's the relationship between Allen and the girls—"

"Of course, I'm nothing more than a classmate to them! By the way, is Senior Huri famous?"

"Huri? Well, she's a brilliant researcher, so she might be famous? I'm not really familiar with that kind of thing..."

While I was desperately trying to change the subject, Faye clapped her hands, and a square box was immediately brought into the garden. When the switch was turned on, it began to emit a "vroom" sound.

At that moment, the detection magic I had been using out of habit became almost useless.

...This needs to be addressed.

"Now we can finally talk calmly. ...Still, Allen, you're surprisingly well-informed about noble families in geopolitics, but when it comes to personal matters, you're completely clueless, aren't you?

Huri Elevar, the 1123rd top graduate of the Royal Academy, known as the 'Solitary Scholar.' She is a super famous person, a face of the young magic engineers in this kingdom. She is also an excellent magic technician and a popular model. There are as many people who want to contact her as there are stars in the sky.

However, she is famous for being a 'people hater' and never attends public parties or noble events.

Even in the Royal Academy, her talent stood out so much that she dismissed her A-class classmates as 'mediocre.' Of course, the Dragoon family has made multiple requests for meetings, all of which have been rejected. That she would appear so easily and greet us so casually is something I can't quite understand...

Is this introduction roughly correct, Senior?"

"Hehe. I'm flattered by your high praise. Well, I was quite sharp when I was a student. In my youth, I said some pretty harsh things to people around me. But I didn't look down on my classmates or hate people. I was just angry. I couldn't bear the fact that someone who should have been here wasn't, because of me."

Saying this, Senior Huri looked straight at my sister.

My sister puffed out her cheeks in protest.

"Come on. I've already said it's not your fault, Huri. More importantly, is it okay for the girls to just be Allen's classmates?"

My sister didn't believe my words and started to check with the girls.

...This is a very bad situation.

While Kate is predictable, I can't read what the other two will do.

I had explained that they were just classmates.

If there's a discrepancy in their statements, I'll be hit with a punch right away.

I quickly latched onto Senior Huri's story.

"What! What does Senior have to do with the red carpet incident involving my sister?!"

"Red carpet? Ah, I heard that's what some people call that incident. I heard you already knew, but I haven't told anyone. Is it okay to talk about it now?"

Senior Huri asked my sister.

"It's already out, so it's fine, but more importantly, is it okay for the girls to just be Allen's classmates—"

◆

With Rosa's permission, Huri began to recount the events.

That day, while waiting on the cut grass, Rosa and I happened to become friends and were talking enthusiastically about magic devices.

Then those Endymion idiots came and started causing trouble...

At first, it was me who was targeted. They bumped into me and started making trouble.

At the time, I only had the ability to barely pass into C-class. I desperately wanted to graduate from the Royal Academy to become a magic engineer.

Moreover, as a commoner, I was intimidated by the prestige of the marquis family and couldn't strongly resist when they pressured me to become a concubine.

That's when Rosa stepped in with a firm attitude.

...Looking back, I think those scumbags were targeting both Rosa and me.

They had a sleazy look on their faces, saying, "Since you're friends, you should take responsibility too," and kept pressuring Rosa.

Rosa, with her gentle demeanor, probably thought she could be forced if they were persistent enough.

What happened next is what you know.

In an instant, she shattered the nose of that idiot, and then, with a smile, she gracefully and swiftly shattered the faces of the Endymion lackeys, making sure no one could see his aggressive behavior.

It's still burned into my mind. That beautiful dance, lasting only about two minutes.

After everything was over, Rosa's white blouse was completely clean, despite her hands and shoes being covered in red.

I couldn't believe it was real, even though I saw it happen right in front of me.

Afterward, Rosa stuck out her tongue at me like a child who got caught.

"Sorry, Huri. I have a short temper and couldn't hold back. But those guys have shattered facial bones and can't take the exam, so you won't see them at the academy."

Saying this, she withdrew from the exam and walked away with a light step, without looking back.

...Even I, who am rather insensitive, could tell.

Rosa did this thoroughly to ensure I wouldn't have any trouble at the academy.

She knew she would definitely pass, but she gave up the glory of the Royal Academy for a nameless commoner she had just met.

And to make sure I wouldn't worry, she acted strong.

After that, I managed to find her contact information and sent an apology letter. We started corresponding, mainly about research topics, and I soon realized something.

This girl's talent as a magic engineer far surpasses mine. She's a genius. And her talent for body enhancement magic, her unbelievable courage, which doesn't match her cute face.

...I couldn't forgive myself.

If Rosa had been there, she would have definitely been the top student at the Royal Academy.

If I had the courage to hit that idiot first, Rosa would have had a bright future, but I took it away from her.

So, I worked my hardest for three years and became the top student.

When I advanced to A-class in my second year and became the top student in my third year, I told my classmates who were eager to take the top spot from a commoner, "The top student's position is not for mediocre people."

I meant that to include myself, but it was misinterpreted, and I started being called a snob and a loner.

I wanted to shout that the only person truly worthy of this position was Rosaria Lovain, but I was sworn to secrecy by Rosa and the school.

Because of this, I was a bit wild last year, waiting for Rosa to return to the advanced academy and reclaim her life.

I started being called a 'people hater.'

Well, it's convenient for turning down invitations from all sorts of people, so I still go by that.

...I've always wanted to talk to someone about this.

So, today, being able to talk to my sister's beloved little brother, I feel a bit lighter.

The regret from that day will never go away...

Saying this, Huri finished her story.