Chapter 26: Weren’t You Supposed to Be One of Those Malicious Nobles Who Gets What’s Coming to Them Early On?!
“Hugh? What on earth is going on here?”
Rouge’s icy gaze pierced through me like a frigid mountain wind. Even if she asked, I wanted to interrogate Lecty myself!
But my finely honed senses, sharpened by the «Ninja» Skill, advised me that it would be wise to play along. …Honestly, this «Ninja» Skill is incredibly convenient. Maybe I should just keep using it to dominate this other world.
“W-What the—!? …Wait, you’re that Backwater Poor Noble from the other day!?”
“Just now realizing it, huh? D-d-d-don’t you dare!”
“You idiot! Idiot Hautness! Not a single word you said was correct!”
“Sorry, sorry. So, why are you chasing her around? And with a bouquet of roses, no less?”
The difference in his reaction from two days ago was staggering. Just the other day, he had insulted Lecty, saying, “You filthy commoner are unworthy of this sacred academy!”
“Hmph! That’s none of your business… No, if you really are her boyfriend, then I’ll be honest. I fell in love with her at first sight. Please, let me have her!”
“No way, it’s not love at first sight…”
Besides, she’s not even mine to give away.
“What are you talking about? I saw her for the first time today and was captivated! Her beautiful figure standing on the street corner was like an angel serving the gods! The moment I laid eyes on her, my heart was pierced by the arrow of an angel!”
“Huh…? Are you seriously…?”
Does he really not realize…?
When I glanced at Lecty, she wore a confused expression as well. It seemed she hadn’t expected to be proposed to without realizing it.
Sure, Lecty had transformed into a stunning beauty compared to two days ago, but it wasn’t like she had undergone surgery or drastically changed her appearance. Even I, who had only spoken to Rouge a little, could notice the difference.
“Hmm? What’s with that pitying look? How rude!”
“Well, it’s just that…”
Should I tell him, or should I keep quiet? Lecty seemed to be pondering the same thing, her eyes silently asking me what to do. I was at a loss.
“Wait, I’m telling you to wait… ugh, huff, huff…”
Just then, a breathless Lily finally caught up to us. She was clearly exhausted, leaning on her knees with beads of sweat forming on her forehead. It seemed her stamina was lacking.
“Idiot, what on earth are you thinking…!? Why are you proposing to Lecty?!”
“Lecty? So that’s her name!? What a beautiful sound!”
“Listen to me, you fool!”
Lily’s voice rose in irritation. It appeared she was struggling to grasp the situation.
“Ah… Lily, this idiot thinks it’s his first time meeting Lecty.”
“Huh?”
Lily shot a skeptical look at the fool. It might be hard to believe, but it was the only explanation that made sense.
“You guys have been calling me an idiot for a while now, haven’t you?!”
“…Idiot, are you out of your mind? She’s the same person you insulted as a filthy commoner just the other day!”
“Huh? What are you talking about? That can’t be… huh?”
The idiot crossed his arms and stared intently at Lecty. She, on the other hand, tightened her grip on my arm, clearly nervous.
“She is indeed beautiful… But now that I think about it, she does look familiar? No, wait, hmm…?”
After a moment of contemplation, it seemed he finally realized.
“Could it be that you really are that filthy commoner from the other day…?”
“Yes, I am.”
“What a disaster…!”
The idiot, looking utterly shocked, clutched his head and staggered, eventually dropping to his knees. I stepped forward to shield Lecty, and Lily cast a wary glance at him.
If he were to lash out, it could be dangerous. If it came to that, I was prepared to use my «Ninja» Skill to close the distance and subdue him before he could activate any skills.
That was my intention, but—
“What have I done…?!”
The idiot remained on his knees, slamming his forehead against the ground.
“I’m truly sorry! I’m such a fool! Please forgive me!!”
“W-What!?”
It seemed Lecty hadn’t expected him to prostrate himself. She gasped in surprise. I, along with Lily and Rouge, were left speechless by this unexpected turn of events. The citizens around us, who had been watching from a distance, were also in an uproar.
“P-Please, raise your head! I felt bad about what happened the other day, but I’m fine now…!”
“Y-You’ll forgive me…?!”
“Yes.”
“Oh… You are so kind. Truly an angel…”
As he lifted his head, tears streamed down the idiot’s face as he gazed up at Lecty. Even I, Lecty, Lily, Rouge, and the onlookers were utterly taken aback.
“…Idiot, perhaps it would be better for you to come back another day. After all, you can see her at the academy starting tomorrow. Your current state isn’t exactly fitting for a noble, you know. It would cause trouble for your father as well.”
Seeing his state, Lily spoke up, and the idiot slowly stood up. His expression was oddly refreshed, as if a weight had been lifted.
“…Thank you for the advice, Lily Puridi. Miss Lecty, would you at least accept this bouquet?”
“Ah, y-yes…”
“Thank you. I’ll see you at the academy tomorrow.”
The idiot smiled at Lecty as he handed her the bouquet… only to glare at me.
“I will definitely make her look at me one day! So you better watch out, Backwater Poor Noble!”
With that, he turned and walked away.
We were left standing there, dumbfounded, until his figure disappeared from sight.