Chapter 37: A Fantasy to Absolutely Save My Childhood Friend
“Alright! Now that the duel is over, let’s get started with class! Today, we’ll be having one-on-one matches to see everyone’s sword skills!”
With Alissa’s call, the lesson began. It seemed we would be having a series of one-on-one mock battles, just like the one I had with the Idiot.
Alissa was selecting the opponents on the spot, and it looked like she was pairing those with similar skill levels. Whether she had done some prior research or could gauge their abilities right away was unclear. If it were the latter, that would be quite terrifying.
Having already finished my match, I made my way over to Lily just as Rouge and Lecty were about to start theirs. In the distance, Alissa winked at me. It seemed she had intentionally created this opportunity for me. I would gratefully take advantage of it.
As I approached Lily, she seemed to notice me and called out.
“Don’t you want to watch their match?”
“I’m fine. I can see it well from here.”
Neither of them had any experience wielding a sword. Rouge was just swinging her sword around, shouting things like “Yah!” and “Toh!” while Lecty was completely on the defensive. Rouge looked a bit reckless, but if anything happened, Alissa would surely step in with all her might.
“I hope she doesn’t sulk later and say, ‘Why weren’t you watching from the front row?'”
“You actually do a pretty good impression.”
“…Forget it.”
Perhaps feeling embarrassed, Lily’s cheeks flushed as she nudged me with her elbow. Accepting it, I decided to ask her a question.
“Have you started to believe my words a little?”
“…Yes. He was strong, wasn’t he?”
“Yeah. Honestly, I underestimated him. If I had switched to a more powerful Skill… No, that’s not it. I regret not learning more swordsmanship from my father.”
“He has always had talent. He never slacks off in his efforts. But since everyone around him only praises him on the surface, he gets carried away, leading to misunderstandings about him.”
“Good or bad, he seems easily influenced by those around him.”
“Exactly. The insults directed at Lecty were probably just things his family and entourage said that he took to heart. It was the Idiot who actually made those comments, so I don’t feel inclined to defend him, and he probably won’t make excuses either.”
“If that’s the case, then that environment is a bit pitiful…”
“It can’t be helped. Just to warn you, don’t go out of your way to hurt Lecty, okay?”
“I understand.”
I had no intention of playing matchmaker between the Idiot and Lecty. I wasn’t asked to do so by the Idiot, and I understood that Lecty didn’t want that either.
The dynamics of their relationship should change at their own pace.
“So… are you really planning to help me?”
“I told you, only if that’s what you want.”
“…I understand that you have the ability to do so. But the engagement with Duke Lecherie is something that Prince Slay is very invested in, right? If you interfere, you’ll make enemies of the duke and all the nobles aligned with Prince Slay… I can’t believe I’m worth that much trouble.”
“Value is subjective. To me, Lily, you’re someone I want to help, even if it means making enemies of dukes and princes.”
“…Are you trying to flirt with me?”
“Of course not, just as a friend.”
Sure, I found Lily attractive, but this wasn’t romantic feeling. It wasn’t because I liked her or wanted her to like me; it was something different.
“Isn’t it kind of like being childhood friends?”
For me, who had no peers around my age, Lily was my only precious childhood friend, even if it was just for a few days of playing together when we were young.
Whether it was a duke or a prince, I wanted to help her, even if it meant making them my enemies. Given that I had the Skills to make it possible, it was only natural to feel that way.
“You just forgot about it not long ago.”
“I can’t help it. I never thought you would turn out to be so—”
If I told her I never expected her to become so beautiful… it would really sound like I was flirting with her. I quickly shut my mouth, and Lily frowned suspiciously.
“So, so what?”
“Nothing. More importantly, are you okay with me helping or not?”
“…This isn’t just my problem. I told you that the fate of House Puridi is at stake, right? I can’t cause trouble for my father or everyone in the house just because of my selfishness.”
“Then we need to resolve that issue first.”
I had to create a situation where breaking off the engagement between Lily and Duke Lecherie wouldn’t be a problem. For that, securing the cooperation of that person was essential.
“What are you even trying to—”
“That’s enough! The winner is Lecty!”
While I was talking with Lily, Rouge had lost to Lecty. Just then, the bell signaling the end of class rang out.
“Hugh! I need your help with the cleanup, is that alright?”
“Why do I have to…? Besides, isn’t the cleanup just two wooden swords? You brought them here by yourself, right?”
“Come on, come on. Next time, two won’t be enough, so I’m just showing you where to store them. You can curse your unfortunate fate for making eye contact with me.”
“…Geez. Sorry, Lily. I’ll be right back.”
“Uh, okay…”
Feigning reluctance, I rushed over to Alissa to receive the wooden swords.
“Alright, everyone, you’re dismissed!”
After declaring the end of class, Alissa led me toward the storage room. There wasn’t much conversation during the walk, and after about two minutes, we arrived at the storage room near the school building.
Once inside, Alissa closed the door behind her.
“Just the two of us…”
“Of course, I set it up that way on purpose, didn’t I?”
“You really are no fun, Hugh. Here I am, alone with a beautiful girl in a closed room! You should be a little flustered, or I might lose my confidence.”
“Can you hurry up? I don’t want to be late for the next class.”
“Are you seriously ignoring me? …Well, fine. I have a reply from the prince.”
The message I had asked Alissa to deliver to Prince Lucas yesterday. The response was mostly what I had expected. This paved the way for saving Lily.
However, there was one unexpected thing.
“Tomorrow night, the prince wants to meet with you and Lily directly to talk. He’ll guide you from the academy, so can you sneak out of the dormitory at night?”
“…Probably.”
Now, how should I make an excuse to Rouge…?
That was an even tougher challenge than saving Lily.