Chapter 78

Thanks to everyone, I won the [Net Novel Grand Prize]. I will be publishing a book with Futabasha. For more details, please check my activity report (omitted).

The man in front of me introduced himself as "Alfred." It's a name that sounds very much like a butler.

Or, is he really a butler?

"I'm Owl, who summoned you. Uh, where were you summoned from, Alfred?"

"Hehe, please call me Alf. It's not proper for the master to speak so formally. As for where I was summoned from... Hmm, I can't seem to remember. It appears that part of my memory is missing."

Memory loss, huh. ...I had been wondering about this before the summoning. When someone is summoned, where do they come from?

If they already exist in this world, it would disrupt their life.

If they are created from nothing through magic and a magic circle, that would be fine, but otherwise, it seems quite selfish.

I should investigate this at some point. Letitia doesn't seem to know, but Professor Monica might.

"Is Alf not human, then?"

"You understand well. My race is 'Demon.'"

Demon, huh. This is the first time I've heard of this race. Or maybe they just haven't been discovered yet and live somewhere in this world.

"...Did you just say 'Demon'? Demon, Alfred... Could it be that you're really—"

I can sense that Gra is surprised by something. Maybe he knows Alf?

"Gra, do you know anything about him?"

"...!? No, it was just my mistake. Hahaha, sorry, sorry."

I felt like he was surprised by something, but there's nothing unusual about Alf. He's just smiling kindly. ...Gra is really disappointing.

"Useless dragon," "Haha, a useless dragon," "Always a useless dragon."

I can't help it, but Luna, Yomi, and Mirei are suddenly very harsh with Gra. I wonder what happened to them?

...Letitia looks serious, but she's sweating.

Is it that? Did the girls form a bond while I wasn't looking? I've heard that girls' gatherings are like dens of evil.

I'm sure their opinion of Gra is almost nonexistent...

My condolences, Gra. You should settle this quickly. Otherwise, it will get worse.

"Still, Master, you are very strong despite your young age."

"No, there are many people stronger than me. But I smell something delicious. Let's eat first!"

They say you can't fight on an empty stomach, right?

"Hehe, I'll return for now."

"You're not going to eat?"

"It's fine, Master. Summon me whenever you need me."

With those words, Alf turned into particles of light and disappeared into my body.

What's going on? The summoning scroll has too many mysteries.

By the way, the meal Mariana made was a dish similar to borscht, and it was incredibly delicious.

During the meal, I learned that Luna's family had found a new home.

They will be living there for a while. They said they will work as adventurers as a couple.

Despite being of royal blood, they don't show any signs of it. I even thought that a country ruled by such people would be nice to live in.

However, for the time being, they will go on adventures and train with Luna and Yomi.

Moulan will come to my house every day to learn magic and studies from Letitia.

...If you're trained by the Azure Dragon Emperor, you might end up being the strongest before you know it. That sounds plausible and scary.

But the new house is only a 5-minute walk from my place, so we can see each other anytime.

This chaotic meal wasn't bad, but I feel a bit sad thinking that there will be fewer people next time. But the Franzens have their own lives, too.

In the end, during the break from the academy, we did laps in the 4th dungeon up to the 40th floor for training.

...I hate flying, so I did laps on the 40th floor alone. Thanks to that, I can now one-shot water dragons. I could probably get a title like "Water Dragon Killer" if I had one.

Thanks to my efforts, I think my level has gone up quite a bit.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

Human / Male / Owl / 11 years old / Level 175

HP: 11800

MP: 46500

Strength: 455

Agility: 415

Spirit: 715

Luck: 88

Blessing: Dextrous Poverty

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

The levels are getting quite inflated, aren't they?

But what did the professor mean by "awakening"? I want to hear about it and talk to him soon.

※※※

While exploring dungeons, farming, or sitting in a rocking chair, the day the academy reopened arrived. I don't really want to think about it, but today I have to meet the Third Princess, Lillietta.

"Depressing..."

What's depressing? ...Meeting the Third Princess, of course. It's their fault.

"Hehehe, I'm looking forward to meeting the princess."

"Right. We should eliminate any bugs that get close to Master."

"What's the princess, anyway?"

Everyone is so enthusiastic, which is even more terrifying. And Luna, you started to say "bug" and tried to correct it, but you didn't. ...Is Mirei a gangster now?

Moreover, I don't know where they got it, but everyone is wearing the academy uniform.

"Where did you get those uniforms, Luna and Yomi...?"

"It's a secret, Master!"

"Hehe, it's a secret, Owl-sama."

"「Hehehehe」"

Princess Lillietta! Run now?!

When I got to the academy, everyone was there as usual, which made me feel a bit relieved. I heard there were some injuries, but no one died, so I wasn't too worried.

"Owl, it's been a while~"

"Indeed, it has been a while. I'm glad you're all well."

"Ray and Marco are also doing well, which is a relief. ...Did you two participate in the battle?"

"We did~. Our parents told us to go."

"I did too. Thanks to Lord Yolnard and Owl, I feel a bit stronger. ...I managed to survive somehow."

Ray was really close to dying. ...But I'm glad he didn't. I would regret it if a friend died.

Since it was the first day of the academy reopening, today was just for announcements, and classes start tomorrow.

And for the first time, I learned that this year's winter break will be a month longer than usual. Apparently, they are installing security magic tools and improving the overall level of the teachers to prevent the same thing from happening again, so the start will be delayed.

So, it will be about a two-month break. I might as well take this opportunity to go back home and relax. I'm also curious about Sia's growth and don't want to be forgotten as an older brother.

If I go back, I need to buy plenty of souvenirs. Also, like last year, I'll stock up on seafood from the dungeon.

It's winter, so the seafood won't spoil quickly, so we can eat our fill over a few days.

While I was thinking about this, the announcements from the academy ended, and it was a bit early for after-school.

"It's after-school now, but..."

In front of me are three enthusiastic girls. ...To be honest, I don't think I can stop them now. By the way, Tiara is with the Franzens, exploring the dungeon.

She's probably their chaperone. Gra and Letitia are apparently teaching Moulan various things, but... I'm incredibly uneasy for some reason.

Moreover, Alfred is standing diagonally behind me. Can he come out on his own?

"Let's go, Master!"

"Hehe, I've been looking forward to today."

"Trying to hit on my Owl, huh? You've got some nerve."

"Uh, please be gentle...?"

"「Hehehehe」"

"I'm worried..."

When we arrived at the designated place, a few knights, a butler, a maid, and the princess were waiting.

I think there's still some time left... Is it my fault?

"You! It's disrespectful to be late when summoned by the princess!!"

The youngest knight shouted at me. ...Is he trying to look cool in front of the princess... or for some other reason?

"Are you listening! Don't get too cocky, you commoner‼︎"

...The princess isn't stopping him. So, that's how it is. Then I'll go all out, too?

...I stopped Luna and Yomi because they were about to get serious. I want you to leave this to me. ...If they do it, they won't hold back.

Well, I can chant, but of course, I'll cast it without chanting.

"Magic Power Pressure"

"!? W-What are you... Ugh... Ugh..."

Oops, did I go too far? I made him vomit, but he started the fight, so it can't be helped.

"...It seems you are even better than the rumors suggest."

The honest comment from the princess's mouth. ...But I thought it was about an apology, and it feels like I'm being looked down on. What is she thinking?

"You said you needed something from me? ...Is this the answer?"

I send a pressure wave to everyone except the princess. Of course, I'm holding back. The other knights seem to be experienced, as they don't seem affected. Surprisingly, the maid is also fine. Is this the level of the princess's attendants?

...Elly's maid was hysterical. Okay, let's forget it.

"Our knight was rude. We will apologize for it later. I called you here for... nothing else...? Did I do something to those young ladies?"

Looking behind me, there are three lovely smiles. ...If the dragons behind them weren't visible, it would be perfect. Are these girls Stand users or something?

"No, it's fine. So, what do you need? ...I can't keep these girls under control for long. In fact, I won't stop them anymore."

It's already a threat, right? Luna and Yomi are top A-rank adventurers. Mirei is apparently one of the top students at the academy, and Alf is standing behind them.

...Right now, this place and my house are probably the safest in the capital.

"That's true... I sincerely apologize. Let me introduce myself. I am Lillietta von Mizeral, the Third Princess of the Mizeral Empire. Please remember me."

"You already know, but I'm Owl from Oren Village."

"Yes, I have investigated you thoroughly. Your background is unique. No noble has dared to approach you, a black box. Moreover, you are the master of the A-rank adventurers Water Charm and Silver Thunder, and the hero of the recent battle. The more I investigate, the more mysterious you become."

Now that you mention it, I guess I am impressive. But I'm not trying to be.

"It's an honor to be praised."

"First, I apologize. I'm really sorry for sending the Leasum children after you. At first, I thought they were just energetic first-years, but it became fun..."

Ah, this person might unintentionally hurt others. Given her position as a princess, it's understandable, but... Still, I hate that I find her beautiful!

A new type of beauty has appeared. She's elusive, mysterious, and hard to read. Anyway, I realize again how lucky I am to be surrounded by beautiful women.

"...Well, I'm glad I met them. But if it wasn't me, they would have been seriously injured."

"Hehe, I investigated that beforehand. There are few students who can fight with the hero Yolnard."

...Ah, that's true. Now that you mention it, I still can't beat that guy. What is he, really? A real cheat.

"It was just a coincidence. By the way, can we get to the point? ...If it's what the letter said, I'll decline. I have no intention of serving anyone."

"You are humble. I understand. The real reason I called you here was to apologize. I was rude to you, and I apologize for that. ...Hehe, it's really interesting that you understood the true meaning of the letter. Honestly, I wanted to talk to you."

Trying to belittle me casually is scary. Well, I figured out the meaning of the letter thanks to the Franzens...

...Lying, aren't you? Your goal was to talk to me from the beginning. Lying as easily as breathing, you are truly a noble.

Always trying to manipulate and outsmart others. But I'm not that easy.

"This is Luna, the 'fiancée' of Master."

"Hehe, I'm Yomi, the 'fiancée' of Owl-sama. Nice to meet you, Princess?"

"I'm Mirei, Owl's fiancée. Nice to meet you, Princess."

Ah, they couldn't hold back. The princess has successfully manipulated them.

For the girls, the 'I wanted to talk to you' part was a deal-breaker, right? I'm glad they're jealous.

However, to be dominated by them even before marriage is quite amusing.

"Oh, all of you are fiancées! Well, they say heroes love beauty. ...But I'll have to work hard, won't I?"

Hmm!? Did she say something I can't ignore at the end? A bad feeling is lingering around me...

"Since the meaning of the letter is out, I'll be straightforward. I want you to come to the empire with me for the two months until the winter break ends. ...As my 'fiancé.'"

"「What!?」"

"What... What?!"

The words from the princess's mouth flew past my ears and into the winter sky along with my scream.

I will update sporadically.

I would be happy if you could rate and bookmark it.

As for the next chapter, you might have noticed. I will try my best to keep Owl as a farmer's son in the next chapter... But he's completely nonchalant. What a troublesome protagonist.

For more details about the princess, see chapters 79 and 80! So, please be lenient...

By the way, I'm not feeling well... Please take care of your health, everyone...