Kays Translations

Chapter 38: A Bit of Anxiety

I, Engelbrecht, think that Leonhart is unfathomable.

The duel we had for the first time… I still don’t understand how he burned my backside, and despite his appearance, he seems to be skilled in martial arts as well.

And then, the sight today of the Adamantite armor burning away. I have to believe there’s some kind of trick. I can’t bring myself to believe that armor made of Adamantite could just evaporate.

But I have no idea how it was done.

The look of shock on the teacher’s face didn’t seem fake. The teacher wasn’t in on it. So, how did he make the armor disappear right in front of our classmates?

I understand using fire to distract everyone. But the real problem is what happened after that. Adamantite armor is a massive chunk of ultra-heavy metal. Even moving it is a struggle. How could something like that be made to disappear in such a short time?

Could it really have evaporated?

Ridiculous. That’s impossible.

“Hey, what’s wrong, Engelbrecht? We’ll definitely beat Leonhart and free Celia, right?”

Julian scolded me for my unsteady resolve.

Normally, I would have agreed without hesitation. But after seeing that audacious Leonhart… unless we uncover his trick, I’m not sure we can win. That thought keeps creeping in.

“Leonhart is unfathomable…”

Before I realized it, those words of doubt had escaped my lips.

“Engelbrecht, you don’t seriously think that man completely burned away the Adamantite armor, do you?”

“Of course not. However, Your Highness Anneliese, it is a fact that Leonhart made the Adamantite armor disappear right before our eyes. Unless we uncover his trick, I fear we won’t be able to win. That’s what worries me.”

At my words, Her Highness Anneliese lowered her gaze, seemingly deep in thought for a moment. However, she soon raised her eyes and looked at me sharply, as if piercing through me.

“Engelbrecht, you are simply overestimating your opponent. If he’s using tricks, then all you need to do is not give him the chance. Even magic tricks have their methods, right? Just don’t allow him the time to prepare them.”

“I see…”

Her Highness’s words made perfect sense. If your opponent is a magician, rather than uncovering their trick, you don’t give them the time to set it up.

“The next time you challenge that man to a duel, I shall act as the referee. Moreover, we’ll prepare a location where we can fight to our advantage. That way, he won’t even have time to set up his tricks.”

“As expected of a princess!”

“Oh no, no. Julian, I’m counting on you, alright?”

“Yeah!”

With this plan, we might actually win.

Might win… It seems I’m still overestimating that man.

However, no matter what, I couldn’t shake off a lingering sense of unease.

　◇

“More, please!”

“Certainly.”

The academy’s dining hall—being a noble school, the food is naturally lavish and delicious. I can’t stop going back for seconds.

Celia raised her hand and called over the maid pulling the wagon of food. The maid replaced my empty dishes with plates full of food.

“Thanks, Celia.”

“Not at all, Leonhart-sama. You should probably place your next order soon.”

“You’re right. Hmm, what should I get this time… I’ll take five servings of the meunière and three servings of the sausage platter. And also…”

After finishing my order, I made eye contact with Celia, who was smiling at me, while the maid, probably wondering how I could still eat more, looked somewhat stunned.

It seemed Celia had already finished her meal. As usual, I felt bad for making her wait. But this body of mine has a terrible fuel consumption rate.

“Sorry, Celia. You must be bored.”

“Not at all. Watching you enjoy your meal so much makes me happy too, Leonhart-sama.”

“R-really?”

For some reason, eating while Celia watches me is kind of embarrassing.

Embarrassing. But I’m still going to eatttttttt. Ughhh.

After polishing off the remaining dishes on the table, as well as my second servings, I finally felt satisfied, about 80% full.

“Right, I should place my order for dessert, too.”

“Yes. Here are the sweets available today.”

“As expected from Celia, you’re always prepared.”

“Of course! It’s because it’s you, Leonhart-sama.”

Her radiant smile somehow made me feel a bit shy.

I don’t just eat during lunch; I snack between classes too. I’m glad this dining hall also caters to snacks. Apparently, it was originally set up for the girls’ tea parties. I’m just borrowing from that supply.

“Alright, I’ll take two whole Baumkuchens and…”

“You’re going to eat that much?!”

“Hmm?”

I turned toward the voice and saw Julian and Engelbrecht standing there.

“What do you want? I’m eating right now. If it’s business, can you wait until later?”

“You’re still eating…?”

“Alright, we’ll wait.”

With that, Engelbrecht slammed a leather pouch onto the table.

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