Chapter 72

Today, I will update twice.

The next update will be at 8 PM.

--- I want to talk a little.

The boy who spoke to me introduced himself as Kirua Grandor. He had his long, green hair tied and hanging in front of his shoulder.

The Grandor Dukedom.

I, a mere noble, know of the duchies that are pillars of the kingdom.

His school uniform was no different from ours, but the aura he exuded was exceptional. It was probably due to the dignity and pride on Kirua's face. However, there was nothing unpleasant about him.

Naturally.

Ordinarily.

It must be something he has cultivated as someone who stands above others.

...Here it comes...

I accepted the situation with a somewhat dark feeling.

I entered this academy as a 'commoner.' However, the fact that I am the son of the Luminous family was exposed just before the summer break.

The sudden appearance of the heir of a marquess family.

A distinguished hero from the previous battle.

My reputation must have spread among the noble social circles. If they have children attending this academy, they would likely command them to:

Form a relationship with Albert.

The first wave has finally arrived.

It makes sense that the first one is Kirua Grandor. He holds a position of leadership among the first-year nobles in this class.

He was probably chosen as the first honorable representative after various discussions behind the scenes.

To be honest, I don't feel like it.

But I have a promise with my father.

To become the head of the Luminous Marquess family—such is the promise.

If I am to act as a noble in situations that require it, then I must behave as a noble.

An invitation from a duchy, the highest rank.

There is no way I can refuse.

"...What is it?"

I turned my body towards Kirua and asked.

"Ah, a, Albert-san!"

The flustered voice belonged to Laura.

"I, I'll step out of my seat!"

Laura hurriedly left.

...I made her worry... I did a bad thing. This was Laura's seat.

But this is the typical reaction of a commoner.

After all, it's unusual for a noble like me and a commoner like Laura to have a normal conversation.

On the other hand, Kirua opened his mouth without any concern.

"I'm glad you said that, Albert."

As if Laura's presence didn't matter at all.

But this is the typical reaction of a noble.

Nobles don't care about commoners. Of course, there are individual differences. It seems Kirua is a typical noble.

...I've been away from the noble society for a while... I'm not used to the idea of looking down on commoners...

Ignoring my feelings, Kirua continued.

"Let me introduce him."

Kirua gestured to the student standing behind him.

A tall, slender but muscular boy stood there. He wore glasses and looked serious.

"He is the son of a viscount family that has ties with my family—my childhood friend. His name is Fey Rockwell."

"Fey. Nice to meet you."

Fey said quietly and extended his hand to me.

"Likewise."

I shook his hand in return.

...By the way, Fey, a viscount, is of a lower rank than me, a marquess, but it's fine to use informal speech. It's for the same reason I use informal speech with Kirua, a duke.

In the case of students, informal speech is allowed among nobles.

However, if there is a master-servant relationship in their families, it doesn't apply. Fey probably speaks formally to Kirua.

Of course, there are people who use formal speech even without a master-servant relationship, and there are cases where informal speech is used because of a master-servant relationship. It depends on the person.

Kirua smiled.

"...How is your student life, Albert?"

...A very noble choice of topic.

Ignoring the battles with lizardmen and the summer break after reconciling with my family, he starts with a safe topic.

He doesn't get the distance wrong.

"Sure—"

I also consider the distance and respond.

With Laura, I could say what I thought. We always had honest conversations.

A fun conversation where words flew back and forth.

Compared to that, this is a very depressing conversation. We are armed with shields and spears, poking and prodding each other.

I used to be able to do this, not as skillfully as Alencia, but to some extent—now, I can't find the right words.

But I have to get used to it.

Because I am to become the head of a noble family.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

Two weeks passed.

Kirua casually approached me as usual.

"Hey, Albert. Want to have lunch together?"

"...Alright..."

I stood up and followed Kirua.

Since then, Kirua has increased the frequency and duration of his interactions with me.

Now, we have lunch together almost every day.

When we reached the cafeteria, other children of nobles were waiting.

"You're late, Kirua!"

"We can't have a proper gathering without the main character!"

"Albert, over here, over here!"

They made a fuss.

I sat next to Kirua, my usual spot.

The noble group started chatting noisily. They were a bit too young, but as expected of noble families, everyone was sociable and good at conversation.

But I couldn't get used to it.

I remember.

My academy life ten years ago.

I entered the academy as the heir of a marquess family. My family background enriched my social circle.

But the relationship with the nobles who approached me soon broke down.

When they found out I was inferior as a magician.

When they learned my younger brother was a more suitable heir.

Only two friends remained with me—Rugard and Furlin.

I know the coldness of nobles.

They smile at me because I and my family have value. They try to maintain a superficial relationship.

I can smell the same scent from them as the nobles who disappeared from my life ten years ago.

There is one more thing that troubles my heart.

Laura.

Since Kirua started involving me, I have less time with Laura. Kirua doesn't interact with Laura, a commoner, and Laura avoids me out of consideration.

Laura and I were always together.

If I can't see Laura—

Laura will be alone.

I felt a pain in my heart when I saw Laura eating alone in the cafeteria a few days ago. She used to have fun conversations with me while eating.

I haven't seen her there for a few days. It seems she stopped coming to the cafeteria.

Before the school started, I told Laura:

--- Laura will make many friends her age. When that happens, don't hesitate to join their circle.

...

I never thought it would be the other way around...

I don't want to end my relationship with Laura.

But I don't know what to do.

Consulting to include Laura in this group is out of the question. I know the nobles wouldn't approve, and Laura wouldn't enjoy being here as a commoner.

--- I will always be your friend, no matter what. I promise. I will keep this promise no matter what happens.

I am not keeping my promise with Laura.

I must keep this promise at all costs.

But I have a position as the next head of a noble family. I can't abandon it.

The relationship with nobles.

The relationship with Laura.

How should I balance them...

Kirua turned to me with a laugh.

"Didn't you think that was a masterpiece, Albert?"

"...Yeah. Really."

I smiled quietly and gave a safe response.

It feels like I'm walking through a dry desert.

Am I really walking the right path I should take?