Chapter 15

The reservation for the 6th volume of *Sevens* has started.

I would also appreciate your support for this. m(_ _)m

Airbike Race.

In the airship hangar, I stood in front of my airbike.

Dressed in a racer-like suit and holding a helmet, I was talking to Luxion, who was attached to the airbike.

"You're really going out of your way to avoid angering your backer. Aren't you just a fine lackey of Angelica? Do you think you're in a position befitting a minor character?"

I usually refer to myself as a minor character, and Luxion always makes snide remarks.

"I prefer a more background role. It's too much of an honor for me to be a major lackey to the villainess. More importantly, do you think I can win?"

Luxion, who was modifying the airbike by inserting a cable from her spherical body, replied,

"It should be fine in about ten minutes. It seems you're being harassed. There's a mechanism to cause engine trouble."

"Seriously? Maybe I'm that hated?"

"I think it's safe to say that the entire school hates you. You should cherish the two who are currently on good terms with you. If you can't be seen as a romantic interest, at least be a friend."

"...A friend, huh."

Speaking in a low voice, I thought about those two.

The protagonist and the villainess, who normally wouldn't even be able to be friends... I thought their relationship was more complicated than just a simple problem.

"It would be nice if they could get along, but it's best if they don't cause any trouble."

"Do you have something on your mind?"

"Yeah, I do. Those two are fundamentally—"

Just as I was talking, a senior from the third year approached.

He had short hair, was tall, and looked well-built. His neck was especially thick. He was one of the top contenders.

"You're replacing Jilc, huh?"

"Ah, the top contender. Do you need something from me? I'm a bit busy right now. There's an engine problem I need to fix."

One of Claris's lackeys.

The senior didn't look bitter when he saw my face; he just looked normal.

"Did you know? Then there was no need to warn you. Still, it's a bit complicated that the guy replacing Jilc is the shovel guy. ...It's complicated."

"Shovel guy? Because you used a shovel in a duel?"

The senior laughed a bit self-deprecatingly.

"...I'll apologize in advance. I don't have any grudge against you, but I'll seriously try to crush you in the next race."

What a formal declaration of war! ...If you're going to apologize, just stop. I don't like pain.

"Do you have some unavoidable reason? Did Claris threaten you?"

"—No!"

When I joked, the senior got angry and immediately apologized.

Then, after a cough, he told me about Claris.

"My family is at the bottom of the court nobility. We don't have a title, and I'm not the heir."

The senior, a regular class student, was one of Claris's lackeys.

But what was a bit different was that he felt a sense of gratitude.

"The young lady was kind to me, even though I'm just a nobody. When she found out I had talent for airbikes, she supported me. Thanks to her, I can get a job after graduation where I can ride this thing."

The senior, who gently placed his hand on the airbike, looked both happy and sad.

"...She's a kind person. She was our idol. When we heard the other young ladies and their lackeys complaining, we often thought we were lucky to have her."

When I remained silent, the senior continued to talk about the past.

"The young lady's family owns an airbike racing track. I could practice there without any trouble. Jilc used to go to the track even before his engagement was decided. The young lady arranged a coach for him and sent him an airbike. She cheered for him with a really good expression. It was frustrating and exciting... but then Jilc suddenly broke off the engagement. He wouldn't meet her even when she tried to, and before we knew it, the engagement was over."

There was no point in getting angry.

Jilc should be beaten up. I'll allow it. Go ahead, senior!

"Then, can't you forgive me?"

"I'm sorry. I don't dislike you personally, but the young lady's orders are absolute. ...We will absolutely carry out this order. No matter what... even at the cost of our lives."

Strong determination.

Since he was so devoted, Claris must have been well-liked.

The senior told me,

"...I heard about the infirmary incident. Even if it's difficult, I don't want you to think badly of the young lady. She's changed since the summer break. She has slaves serving her and comes home in the morning after playing all night. She wasn't like that before."

...Slaves serving her and coming home in the morning? That's what many girls, including my sister, do!

I was a bit numb to it, so I wasn't too surprised.

It's the end. It seems I'm also being influenced by this otome game world.

For a moment, I thought it was normal.

"...Do you think I'll go easy on you out of sympathy?"

The senior was smiling.

"Is that okay? Well, you don't seem interested in such stories, so it's probably impossible. It's fine. It's just my complaint."

As the senior left, I sat on the airbike's seat and put on my helmet, securely fastening the chin strap.

"Luxion, the airbike is fully under control."

"Got it."

"...Master, don't you think anything after hearing that story? Are you still aiming for the championship?"

"Yeah, I'm aiming for the championship. Sorry, but I've bet a lot of money on myself."

When the students found out I was replacing Jilc, they were buzzing... They thought I would lose because we were using the school's airbikes for the race.

Comparing me to the finalists, it was obvious I was at a disadvantage.

...In other words, I'm a dark horse.

"Do you really need the money?"

"You're an idiot. I'll get to see the faces of those who thought I would lose. I'll win for that. The bet is just a bonus. I have a different reason."

"Really good hobby. It's pathetic to