Episode 21: Why Do the Boys I Don’t Like Keep Coming?!
《Side: Liese》
My school life is very fulfilling. However, there are also many unpleasant things.
In class, I sit alongside the Prince and the Chancellor’s son in the classroom where the top-ranking students gather.
Today, there was an exam.
A Written Exam and a practical exam.
In that exam, I ended up competing with Raoul Diego Alberto of the Chancellor’s House for the top spot. The result was my victory.
I believe I am where I am today precisely because Lord Serios taught me so many things since I was young.
Next, I crossed swords with Lord Gald Reinhardt of the Marshal’s House. Lord Gard, who wields a thick and large Greatsword, against me, who wields a thin and light Rapier.
To be honest, it was a tough fight, but thanks to training with Lord Serios and Kanon-sama, I somehow managed a draw.
However, to me, those two are unpleasant presences.
Because I’ve seen them treat Lord Serios with such coldness, I just can’t bring myself to have a good impression of them.
I understand from listening in class and observing them that they are both exceptional individuals.
I beat Raul in the Written Exam, and fought on equal footing with Lord Gard in the sword match.
As a result, I suppose I’ve started to draw their attention, but for me, it’s nothing but a nuisance.
After the exam, while I was taking a breather in the garden, they approached me to talk.
「Hey, Liese. Resting here?」
It was Lord Raul who approached with elegant steps. As usual, he was staring intently at me with a faint smile on his lips.
「…Lord Alberto.」
「You can call me Raul. An exceptional woman like you is quite to my liking.」
I showed only the bare minimum of courtesy and offered no further reaction. However, he didn’t seem to mind at all and sat down next to me, continuing to speak.
「Today’s exam truly surprised me. I never imagined you would surpass me.」
「That was just good luck. Please don’t concern yourself with it.」
As I answered nonchalantly, he kept his smile and pushed up his glasses.
「There’s no need to be modest. Your knowledge and talent are genuine. In addition to that, you are extremely charming. Both your inner self and your appearance.」
「…Lord Alberto, what is your objective?」
I asked back in a clear tone. At those words, his expression flickered for just a moment.
「Objective, you ask? Nothing in particular. I’ve simply taken an interest in you as a person.」
「If it’s interest, could you please direct it towards someone else? Lord Alberto, you have a fiancée, do you not? I have no intention of getting involved with you.」
At those words, Raul seemed a little surprised, but he quickly gave a wry smile.
「You’re quite cold. But, that might also be part of your charm.」
No matter what I said, he wouldn’t listen at all. I didn’t want to hear any more either. It was just at that moment.
「Hey, Raul! What are you doing, messing with her?」
I heard Gard’s voice, and when I turned around, he was approaching with powerful strides. The moment I saw him, I let out a small sigh inwardly.
「Lord Reinhardt… Is there something you need?」
「Something I need? I came because you’re here. That match earlier was fun! It’s the first time I’ve fought someone like you.」
Gard said so and laughed heartily. Many people are probably charmed by his magnanimous attitude, but for me, it’s just a nuisance.
「Thank you very much. However, I am still quite inexperienced.」
「Don’t be modest! Your sword skills are the real deal. Besides… you looked beautiful when you were fighting.」
「…I don’t need your flattery.」
I stated coldly. But he didn’t seem to mind at all and kept smiling.
「Shouldn’t you both be paying attention to other ladies? Excuse me.」
When I spoke with clear sarcasm, Raul chuckled softly.
「It seems we’re both disliked, apparently.」
「Of course, you are. Are you aware of how disrespectful your usual attitude towards Lord Serios is?」
At my words, both of their expressions stiffened for a moment.
「Serios, huh… You really trust him, don’t you.」
Raul muttered, and Lord Gard nodded with his arms crossed.
「But, that’s a separate matter. You yourself deserve to be properly acknowledged.」
「I don’t want to be acknowledged.」
When I answered firmly, it seemed they couldn’t say anything more.
「…You’re really harsh, you know.」
「Naturally. I have no reason nor need to get along with either of you.」
As I said that and stood up, the two of them were silent for a while.
「Alright. I won’t say anything more. However… I respect your talent and effort.」
Raul said that, and Gard also left, only saying, 「I’m looking forward to our next match.」
After they left, I let out a big sigh.
「Honestly, those two are exhausting…」
Feeling my heart grow irritated, I sat back down on the bench. And then, what suddenly came to mind was Lord Serios’s face.
「Lord Serios would surely be calm even at a time like this…」
At that thought, I was able to calm down a little. If only Lord Serios were here… Why do only the unpleasant people keep approaching me?
「I want to see Lord Serios soon.」
Every day, I find myself eagerly waiting for school to end. Why don’t these feelings reach Lord Serios?