Kays Translations

Chapter 5: While Going About Academy Life

(Assuming Fiona and Radius’s acquaintance agree, of course.)

The concern would undoubtedly prove needless, but the thought still crossed Ren’s mind.

“So the committee will consist of members from the Neutral Faction and the Imperial Faction.”

“Do you think the Hero Faction will complain?”

“They will not. The committee is not nearly as valuable as you seem to think. It may attract some attention, but it cannot compare with competing in the events. Merely volunteering will not have a major effect on anyone’s future.”

As Ren had considered more than once, the position was not entirely without value.

Good work would earn recognition, but placing well in a competition mattered more. Strong results in the academy’s examinations would also count for several times as much.

For a role students had to volunteer for, it involved far too much routine work.

“Speaking of the factions, there is a member of a Hero House over there.”

“Huh? Where?”

“There. Look at the tree in the corner of the schoolyard.”

Radius indicated a corner of the schoolyard with his gaze.

Ren rose from the bench and looked in that direction.

“The boy with your classmate is a member of a Hero House. Your classmate’s name was Vayne, was it not?”

When Ren looked where Radius had indicated, he found the pair immediately.

One of them was Vayne, who had entered the Special Class alongside Ren. The other was a senior who had just advanced to his second year.

His name was Kaito Leonaal.

Kaito was tall, with a lean, muscular build. The academy allowed students some freedom in how they wore its uniform, and Kaito had chosen a casual outfit consisting of uniform slacks and a plain T-shirt.

(This is the event where Kaito and Vayne meet for the first time.)

Vayne would meet members of the Hero Houses throughout his time at the academy, and Kaito, one year his senior, was the first. Kaito was an open, refreshing young man who seemed capable of laughing off almost anything.

During the Lion King Grand Festival, Vayne would face him in the martial arts tournament final and lose in a scripted event. Kaito would then join the protagonist’s party and serve as its shield bearer.

Kaito’s role was closely connected to the history of House Leonaal.

One of his ancestors, a member of the Seven Heroes, had protected the other heroes with a great shield.

“We can leave the academy’s honor to them. The members of the Hero Houses should produce excellent results in the practical competitions.”

Radius said it without the slightest concern.

“Are you sure? It sounds like it could affect the factional rivalry.”

“I will not claim it has no effect, but the Imperial Faction will hardly be left behind. We hold the advantage in oratory and several other fields. There is no reason to take offense.”

“Oh, so each side has different strengths.”

“Precisely. The person I mentioned inviting won the oratory competition at the previous festival.”

“That’s impressive.”

“In the first place, anyone who drags noble politics into an occasion for students to demonstrate their abilities is in the wrong. Though I know perfectly well that saying so is merely an ideal.”

Radius gave a self-deprecating smile after calling his own words an ideal.

They continued discussing the committee, and Ren was reminded repeatedly of just how dependable Radius could be.

Before long, Ren realized more time had passed than he had expected.

“I should get going.”

When Ren said he was leaving, Radius stopped him with a quiet, “Wait.”

“About the Shinrin Kurai from the other day: I used my abilities and several magic tools to investigate it from every angle. There appears to be no connection to the Demon King cult.”

“So it was just another one of those occasional incidents?”

“It seems so. Monsters that lose territorial disputes sometimes cross the sea. It was likely something of that sort.”

Ren nodded readily, relieved that the recent incident did not appear likely to develop into a larger crisis.

“We should remain vigilant, but tell me if you learn anything else.”

“Of course.”

They finally parted, and Ren left the rooftop.

He headed down the corridor leading toward the academy entrance, where Licia was waiting. She smiled when she saw him.

“Were you able to speak with him?”

“Yes. I originally intended only to ask him to introduce someone, but Radius offered to help personally.”

“I-Is that really all right? Having the Third Prince help us…”

“I was hesitant at first too, but he repeatedly told me not to worry about it. I think it will be fine.”

Ren said it casually, but only Ren could have done so.

Licia’s father had only recently become a viscount, so she could not simply accept the idea without reservation.

Still, when she considered Ren and Radius’s friendship, it no longer seemed especially strange.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Around the same time…

“I’m telling you! He really is that strong!”

Vayne and Kaito Leonaal were still in the schoolyard.

Sera, who had come to collect Vayne, joined them, and the three became absorbed in their conversation.

“There is no mistake! I’m talking about Ren Ashton, the boy you saw at the entrance ceremony! He defeated those Demon King cultists in an instant!”

“Nwaa-ha-ha-ha! Are you an idiot, Riohard? He’s our age, a first-year student, and supposedly an unbelievable Mighty Sword practitioner? No chance! Are you mocking me because I fail every written exam?”

“Wait—you fail every time? How did you even advance to your second year?”

“I make up for it in my other subjects! My father gets furious every time exam season comes around, though!”

Sera and Kaito were already acquainted. The heirs of the Seven Hero Houses all knew one another well enough to address each other by name.

They were also only one year apart, so neither felt a need for formality.

“Back to the point. Your claim makes no sense, Riohard. Most of all, you said he uses the Mighty Sword Style. You expect me to believe someone our age can use that absurdly unusual school?”

“I’ll say it as many times as I have to. He really is that strong.”

“I might believe it if you meant the saint from House Clausel. But you don’t, do you? Then I still don’t know whether any of this is true.”

“Fine. I’ve had enough. Let’s go, Vayne.”

Sera turned her back on Kaito with a sigh.

She set off at a brisk pace and called to Vayne.

“S-Sera! What about Kaito?”

“Forget that muscle-brain. He won’t believe me until he sees Ren for himself.”

Fed up with Kaito’s refusal to listen, Sera turned away and began walking.

Vayne followed her, and Kaito called after them in the same relaxed tone as before.

“Who knows? Seeing him probably won’t change my mind.”

“Of course. Spoken like a Leonaal, always boasting that your precious shield can block anything.”

Sera suddenly stopped.

Vayne, walking beside her, did the same.

When she addressed Kaito again, her voice had changed into something almost like a warning.

“No one has ever shattered a great shield wielded by a member of House Leonaal. That has always been your pride. House Riohard respects that, and so do I.”

She turned toward Kaito and added with a sigh:

“No—the Demon King’s sword shattered one, didn’t it? I believe it was repaired afterward.”

“You really know how to strike a sore spot…”

“I’m not mocking you. House Leonaal’s power protected the Hero, and that protection allowed the Hero to defeat the Demon King. I’m only saying that something similar could happen again.”

“…Are you saying Ren Ashton is the Demon King?”

The response was so absurd that Vayne nearly burst out laughing.

Sera was equally dumbfounded. Of course Ren was not the Demon King. Why would the Demon King be a descendant of knights serving House Clausel and now stand at Licia’s side?

“That isn’t what I mean. I’m saying that if you underestimate Ren Ashton, your great shield might be shattered.”

“Then he really is the Demon King!”

“Why is that where your mind goes? Why can’t you imagine strength like the Lion King’s instead?”

“Because our ancestor never fought the Lion King, and no Mighty Sword practitioner has ever shattered our shield.”

“That’s why I’m warning you it could still happen!”

“Sera, calm down. Take a deep breath.”

At Vayne’s gentle rebuke, Sera looked up at the sky and breathed as instructed.

“In… out… Thank you. I feel a little calmer.”

Once she had regained her composure, Sera seemed to have no intention of continuing the argument.

“Ren Ashton might become the first Mighty Sword practitioner to shatter a Leonaal great shield.”

As she had said repeatedly, Sera respected House Leonaal and genuinely admired its strength.

She merely wanted to state plainly how powerful Ren had appeared to her. Because she knew Kaito’s own strength, she wanted to warn him not to underestimate Ren.

“Sorry. I was only taking the joke a little too far.”

“I thought so. You’re not the sort of person who foolishly looks down on an opponent.”

“Still, I’m surprised. You’re saying Ren Ashton is even stronger than the saint who crushed you. Anyone would call that an unbelievable story.”

This time Kaito began to walk away.

He let out a huge yawn and left the schoolyard behind.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

The following morning at the academy…

“I would be delighted to help, if you will have me.”

When Ren told Fiona about the committee, she accepted without a moment’s hesitation, wearing a dazzlingly lovely smile.

They were speaking in an empty classroom, leaning against the window frame with the spring sunlight at their backs.

“Are you certain? If you planned to enter one of the competitions, please prioritize that.”

“That will not be a problem. My homeroom teacher asked me to participate, but I am not especially interested.”

“Does House Ignat have work for you during the festival, then?”

“No. Nothing in particular.”

The answer was more straightforward than Ren had expected. Surprised and pleased to have secured her help, he smiled and thanked her.

“That’s unusual. I heard almost everyone planned to compete.”

“Ahaha… perhaps. But I wanted to enjoy the festival with you, Ren—”

Fiona repeatedly glanced at Ren’s profile.

She had intended not to let him notice, but their eyes unexpectedly met. Her cheeks reddened faintly, and she hurriedly looked away.

“I-It was nothing! I simply do not seem to be in the mood for competing this year!”

“You make it sound as though you’re talking about someone else. Still, with you helping us, Fiona, we have nothing to fear.”

“I will do my best to meet your expectations. Besides me, will the committee consist only of you, Licia, and His Highness the Third Prince?”

“No. Radius said he would invite one more person.”

“His Highness did? I wonder whether I know her…”

“I believe she’s the daughter of House Arkhaise.”

“Oh, I know of her! His Highness has invited someone truly remarkable.”

Fiona began sharing information Ren did not know.

The more he heard, the more exceptional the young woman sounded—just as Radius had implied.

“She entered from the first examination simply to test her abilities, then achieved perfect scores all the way through the final examination. Apparently she has never received anything but full marks since enrolling.”

“Isn’t that almost too impressive?”

“I think so too. Ever since she resigned as student council president, teachers have constantly asked her to take the position again.”

“Why did she resign?”

“Probably because His Highness the Third Prince enrolled. She has served at his side since childhood, so I imagine she wished to do the same here.”

Fiona’s guess was correct.

During Radius’s first year, she had managed the presidency without difficulty. However, the office interfered with the time she could spend at his side, so she stepped down at the end of the year.

Ren had still never seen the young woman who supposedly remained near Radius.

Fortunately, as the conversation continued, Fiona described her appearance and background.

“She is an atavistic demi-human. Her father and mother are both fully human, but several of House Arkhaise’s ancestors were demi-humans. I have heard she is not considered a full-blooded demi-human, but mixed-blood.”

“So atavism can even change a person’s apparent race.”

“Only very rarely. My father also said she ordinarily works at the Imperial Castle.”

Fiona had encountered her several times at the academy, but they had never spoken directly.

Whenever the Arkhaise daughter stood beside Radius, she devoted herself to supporting her master and never spoke unless necessary.

(Maybe she deliberately stayed away whenever I met Radius.)

Ren and Radius were precious male friends to one another.

Radius had said that she performed her duties properly during incidents such as the Grand Clock Tower battle. Most likely, she simply refrained from intruding when the two boys were spending time together.

“Fwaaah…”

Ren suddenly let out an unguarded yawn.

Perhaps because he had trained at the Lion’s Holy Office since early morning, he often became slightly drowsy after midday.

“My, my. Did you train again this morning?”

“I’m sorry you had to see me behaving so carelessly.”

“Not at all. It only shows how hard you have been working…”

The fact that Ren was willing to show such an opening also proved that he had become more comfortable around her.

Fiona was secretly delighted by that change.

“Licia used Sacred Magic on me, so this is after recovering somewhat.”

“I heard Licia’s progress in the Mighty Sword Style was extraordinarily fast, but she is equally gifted with Sacred Magic?”

“Her Sacred Magic is developing even faster than her swordsmanship. Lately, even she has been surprised by the pace of her growth.”

Licia was both talented and hardworking. In addition to daily sword practice, she never neglected to improve her Sacred Magic, and Ren often saw her training at the mansion.

At times, she invited Ren to assist with that training.

Using Sacred Magic on him after their practice at the Lion’s Holy Office was apparently part of it as well.

“Changing the subject…”

Ren suddenly remembered something he had wanted to ask.

“You haven’t had any trouble with your health since then, have you, Fiona?”

“By ‘since then,’ do you mean since the incident with Asval?”

“Yes. Ulysses told me you were fine, so I wasn’t overly worried, but I wondered how you had been recently.”

“I am perfectly well. Since that day, even the throbbing mana from the Black Shrine Maiden has disappeared.”

Fiona looked up at Ren as he released a relieved breath.

She was happy that he had worried about her, and her cheeks reddened slightly once more.

Ren glanced at the classroom clock and realized the next lesson was about to begin.

“We should get going.”

“Please tell me whenever there is any progress. I am usually in the dormitory, so you may visit at any time.”

The two left the empty classroom and walked through the academy.

Before long, Licia and Sera appeared ahead of them. Licia approached Ren at a light jog and began speaking to him.

“You two are as close as ever.”

Sera, arriving a moment later, shrugged as she addressed them.

“Is that a problem?”

“No. I think you should do as you please, Licia. By the way, Ren, have you seen Vayne?”

“I saw him heading toward the second floor a moment ago.”

“Thanks. I’ll go find him, then. Don’t either of you be late for class.”

Sera started past Ren and Licia, then abruptly stopped and looked back.

“The academy will hold the selection events for each Lion King Grand Festival competition in May, won’t it?”

“Yes. Why?”

“What do you mean, why? Naturally, you two will enter, won’t you? Aren’t you both aiming to represent the academy in the martial arts tournament?”

“No. Ren and I aren’t entering.”

“Why not? I was looking forward to fighting both of you there!”

Once they explained the reason, however, Sera nodded in understanding.

For competitors like her, learning that Ren and Licia would serve on the Imperial Military Academy’s committee naturally inspired gratitude before anything else.

Sera therefore bowed her head lightly before continuing.

“Still, I’m looking forward to swordsmanship classes beginning soon.”

Students at the academy—especially those in the Special Class—had considerable freedom in selecting their lessons.

They could choose from more subjects than General Class students, and they had broad discretion over which lessons to attend. As long as they earned all required credits, they could focus on whichever fields they most wished to develop.

Swordsmanship was the subject Sera anticipated more than any other.

“Let’s go to class.”

“All right.”

Ren and Licia discussed the committee as they headed toward their classroom.

At noon, the application period for committee volunteers ended.

As expected, the final membership consisted of the five people Ren had anticipated. There was little reason to worry: every one of them possessed abilities far beyond those of ordinary students their age.

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