Chapter 223: Nero joins the fray!

　Let’s forget about breaking the magic target. I didn’t do anything. Once that’s decided, let’s start practicing as if nothing had happened.

“Well then, both of you can let it all out in the castle.”

“No, wait.”

“Julius, you’re not going to let this end like this, are you?!”

　A little wait-and-see call came from both of them. Apparently, I’m not allowed to do so. Ijidol was especially curious as to what magic I had used to break the target. But I’m not going to tell you about the magic. If I told him, he might say I was a great mage or something. No thank you for that.

“There’s nothing to end. I didn’t do anything special. I just did what I always do. Look, Ijidol, this time it’s magical. You can use magic you wouldn’t normally use.”

　And Ijidol will break the magic target too. That way, they’ll know I’m not special. This is a good plan.

“Good!　Yes, that’s right. It’s magic, isn’t it? I can use it also.”

　Ijidol says this to himself over and over again. Even Ijidol is just a kid. Just like Pietro usually does under the watchful eye of the magic division commander, he must want to try using powerful magic himself.

　Ijidol started chanting a different kind of spell than usual. Some of the magic did not activate, perhaps because it was his first time using it. However, Ijidol seemed to be having a lot of fun. He kept repeating the same chant until the magic was activated.

　Ijidol releases a variety of magic. Axel was at a loss for words when he saw this. I guess he never thought he would be able to use magic this well. It seemed that he no longer had any intention of releasing beginner-level magic. After trying out intermediate magic, he started trying out advanced magic as well.

“Is it okay? Ijidol’s eyes are not normal.”

“I know. I may have opened a door I shouldn’t have. ……”

　I was about to laugh back ahaha, but Axel was looking at me with serious eyes. He looked a little deadly.

“I want to get serious too.”

“Hmm, don’t you always practice seriously, Axel?”

“Not me. You’re serious.”

　Axel’s eyes are serious. How long have you noticed this?　I guess from the beginning. With someone as talented as Axel with a sword, it’s not surprising that he feels uncomfortable.

“You might find yourself writhing in despair, you know?”

“I still want to know. I want to know how much difference there is between me and you.”

“You might have to give up your sword, you know?”

“I will never throw it away. I am Julius’s sword. I promise. And I will catch up to you.”*

　Even though I don’t really understand why, his loyalty to me has become extremely high. But it would be rude to Axel if I didn’t take him seriously after being told this much. Axel, I believe in your words that you won’t throw away your sword.

“I understand.”

　I said as I picked up the wooden sword. It’s impossible to do it seriously. It is indeed a bad idea to resuscitate the dead. If you do that, you have certainly transcended humanity. When you think about it, the gaming world is full of incredible people.

　While I was thinking about this, Axel took a stance. He looked more deadly than ever. I guess that’s how serious he is. He was giving off an aura that he doesn’t show during practice. In contrast, I quietly took my stance. It felt like the blood drained from Axel’s face.

***

　In front of me across the table sat my brother Alex. His arms were crossed and he looked somewhat displeased. I shrank back like a hamster at the sight of this unusual behavior.

“So you were practicing magic and swordsmanship. Both of you are exhausted, aren’t you?”

“I think we overdid it a bit.”

“A little?”

“A lot.”

　I am corrected by my brother’s quiet force. The two people sitting on either side of me were pretty exhausted. I had noticed this and was about to give them a magic potion when brother Alex came back.

　He brought Nero and Lelie with him.

“My God, as soon as I take my eyes off you, this is what happens. Julius needs to be monitored.”

“Monitored.”

“Yes, monitored. So I’m going to put Nero on as your watchdog.”

“Nero as a lookout!　Thank you so much!”

　I bowed my head in honest gratitude, but my brother had a complicated look on his face. Is he wondering if this was the right thing to do?　It’s fine, this is fine. With Nero as a consultant, I can make things a lot easier, no, I mean, I can learn what is normal.

“Um, Julius-sama, are you sure you want me to do this?”

“Of course I am. You’re alright, Nero.”

“……Why are you going to this extent to bribe buy me?”

“You will be fine. My gut is telling me so.”

　Everyone in the room is open-mouthed. They’re like, what is this guy talking about? I believe I’m the one who can handle Nero the best. It’s much better than him working somewhere obscure and destroying his talent like that.

“If Julius says so, then I have no choice. Nero, as I told you earlier, you must report to me as well.”

“Yes, sir.”

　I see. Does that mean that you are connected to my brother? Well, that doesn’t matter. Nero would put me first. Now I can be sure that my brother Alex won’t think I’m a problem child at all.

“Nero, I’ll show you to my room first. Axel, Ijidol, you wait here. I’ll be right back with the potion.”

“I understand, Julius-sama.”

　You’re a tough person, Nero. Well, he’ll soften up in time. The other two have strange faces. I wonder if there is some problem.

“Thank you.”

“Hey, you’re okay, right?”

“I’m fine. It’s just a magic potion I made.”

　After saying that, the two of them looked blatantly relieved. As for Lelie…it seems like a servant will take care of her. she didn’t seem worried, as if she was already listening to the conversation. On the contrary, she looked happy. I don’t know what it is, but I’m starting to feel  not so good about this.

　Nero opened his mouth, perhaps noticing that I was concerned about Lelie.

“There’s no need to worry, Julius-sama. Lelie received her education as a servant here and was enthusiastic about becoming Julius-sama’s personal servant.”

“I don’t feel safe!　Do you know what a personal servant does!”

“I know what it is.”

“Then why don’t you stop her?!”

“Because that’s what she wants.”

　It is a blunt way of saying “It’s what she wants.” I wonder if it’s okay. She’ll always be near me, and wash my body after I take a bath, you know?　I’d have to leave my dirty things with her. Well, if she wants to do that, there’s nothing I can do about it.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter