Chapter 4 – Factions and Invitations

♦♦♦

In the end, Adele slept on the roof until the lunch break started.

Of course, there were no classes during the lunch break, so he woke up and went straight to the dorms to eat lunch made by Elesia, then returned to the classroom for the first class of the afternoon.

Now, Adele wondered if there would be any punishment for those who slacked.

Present—-

“Now, confess.”

“My leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeegs!!!!!!!!”

He was sitting upright, holding a heavy stone.

“That’s terrible! That’s a terrible thing to do as a human being! Is that the behavior of a priest who still leads people?”

“Hmm, it seems you haven’t repented enough.”

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!”

To put it simply, why this happened is that they were “abducted the moment they returned to the classroom”.

In front of him stood a lecturer dressed like a priest, who grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and dragged him to a confessional filled with torture devices.

And as punishment for slacking off despite being a freshman, Adele was made to sit upright on a bureaucratic board and bear a stone.

“I see, so there are places like this at the school too.”

Elesia looked around curiously as she sat upright next to him.

This was just sitting upright.

“There are believers among the students, after all. Since we’re a boarding school, the school will provide a church so that the students can feel at ease.”

“Really?”

“Wait, this space is far from any church I know!”

All that was around were bloodstains and torture equipment.

There were no partitions like those in the confessional, nor any chairs to confess on. All you could sit on was a wooden horse.

“I mean, why am I the only one with a rock and Elesia has nothing!?”

“There’s no way a lady could do something like that, right?”

“This is a clear case of gender discrimination rarely seen these days!!!”

With a thud. Another rock was placed on Adele’s lap.

Was it because he complained? Adele’s face became even more torn in agony.

“However, I’ve been working at the school for many years, and this is the first time I’ve seen a student who blatantly skip class on the first day.”

“It was also the first time in my life that I received corporal punishment so openly.”

“Even if it doesn’t affect your ranking, you should still attend class, right?”

What he said was very reasonable for a teacher.

But why? Because of the pain in my leg, I couldn’t hear anything at all.

“But are you Adele Astia-kun?”

The teacher, dressed as a priest, spoke as he placed a stone down, “Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!?”

“Do you know?”

“Well, I’m not a noble so I only hear rumors from high society, but it was quite a topic of conversation during the grading meeting.”

“As expected of my master. He’s someone who never runs out of things to talk about.”

“I’m not happy… I’m not happy about such a cold, heavy present, or being the center of attention.”

In contrast to Elesia, who sat upright with pride after her master was praised, Adele broke down in tears as he felt the cold stone.

Could the reason there are so few graduates be because some students are forced to confess and then run away? Adele wondered.

“You got almost perfect marks in the written exam. You beat your instructor in swordsmanship, and you controlled not only your target but the entire space with magic never seen before. Without a doubt, you have top class abilities among all the students we’ve had… That’s why I have high expectations of you.”

“If you have high expectations, then treat me with more care!”

“Now, shall we continue with our confession?”

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

In the end, it wasn’t until after school that Adele was released.

♦♦♦

When the crimson sunlight began to illuminate the road to the dorms.

Adele, struggling to hold on to his fawn-like legs, headed to the dorms to get a good night’s sleep.

“Ugh… Your legs are like a newborn fawn’s.”

“When we get back, I’ll stroke your head and give you a lap pillow and massage, so please do your best to get to the dorms.”

“Grrr…”

All that comes to mind is the blood-stained confessional, a place he never wants to see again, and the cold weights.

Adele looks up to the sky with a resentful look, and mutters softly.

“…I’ll have to change the way I skip classes from now on.”

“There’s no choice but to attend classes seriously.”

“There isn’t.”

“There’s none?”

I don’t know what classes they had on the first day.

Normally, she would think about whether she could catch up, but instead, Adele starts thinking about “how to skip classes without going to the confessional.”

It seems that people who enjoy a self-indulgent life have a different kind of courage and way of thinking.

“Even so, it seems a bit noisy.”

Adele suddenly looks around.

Beyond the lawn-filled grounds were training grounds, athletic fields, a church, and even another school building.

From there, they could hear the hustle and bustle of the students, and many students who looked like they should have returned to their dorms came into view.

“Apparently, everyone is looking for a club to join.”

“Clubs?”

“Yes, it seems that this school has clubs so that each student can do what they want. There are a variety of clubs, such as horse riding, swordsmanship, magic research, and vegetable gardening, to respect the students’ autonomy.”

“Really?”

“Probably, they’re making a lot of noise because they’re busy recruiting and looking for clubs.”

“Hmm,” Adele snorted, not interested.

Being noisy after school means they’re doing something after school. Adele didn’t really understand what a club activity was, but he didn’t want to be tied down after school, so he wasn’t interested in it in the first place. If he had to say, he’d be a little curious about the vegetable gardens.

At that moment──

“A-kuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun!”

Suddenly, a familiar voice reached his ears from behind.

Normally, he would have moved his legs reflexively, but sadly today, he couldn’t.

“Damn it, I can’t move my legs because of what happened earlier!!!”

“Why don’t you just behave yourself? You mouse in a bag is surprisingly cute, you know?”

“How can you be admired when you’re going to die from being toyed with by a cat?!”

The moment he spoke, he was hugged from behind tightly.

The shock and weight were so great that he nearly fell over.

Then, from the side of Adele’s face, they saw a cute and beautiful face and the same lustrous blonde hair as Adele’s.

“Welcome, A-kun! Big sister is happy to meet her self-indulgent little brother☆”

Mil Astia.

She is Adele’s older sister and one of the few people in the family who he gets along well, as they often looked down on him because of his incompetence.

He knew she is there, but never expected to be found on the first day of school.

What is the encounter rate? Adele wondered, as he was hugged by the brocon.

“It’s been a while, Mil-sama.”

When Mil appeared, Elesia gave a slight bow in greeting.

In response, Mil hugged her and waved cutely.

“Yes, it’s been a while, Elesia-chan! Huh? Are you on a date?”

“Yes, an after-school date.”

The distance between them was too short, she thought, as she looked at the dormitory in front of her.

“Hey… what do you want, Mil-nee-san?”

With a haggard look on his face, Adele pulled Mil away.

He won’t tell anyone that he felt a little reluctant to part with the soft touch he felt over his back.

“You asked me if there was something I needed, but A-kun never told me he was going to enroll in this school, and he never even came to say hello, so I went out of my way to find him and come hug him!”

“A hug”

“And a kiss!”

“Wait, even I wouldn’t allow a kiss!”

Adele pushed Mil away as she turned her lips to him.

Next to him, Elesia had an envious look on her face, but Adele’s mind was far from that.

(Ah, it’s so bothersome! That’s why I didn’t want to see her!)

Even if she was one of the few siblings who he got along well, Adele didn’t want to get involved with her for a while.

After all, Mil was a girl who had inherited the talent and personality of the Marquis of Astia.

Nothing good would come from getting involved with her, and he might even end up being used as a punching bag. Furthermore, she was quite well-known in high society due to her looks, family background, and abilities. She would surely be just as popular at school.

If that was the case, he would definitely stand out even more if she got involved.

Besides───

(Sister, I bet you would have guessed that I was the Black Knight.)

Adele knows that his sister is showing more affection than just being nice to jim.

If that was the case, there was no way she would miss the hot topic of him being the Black Knight.

That’s why he wanted to keep her distance and not get involved.

It would be hard to keep running away in the sandbox that was the academy, but if they were in different years, there was still a chance.

That’s why Adele hadn’t told Mil or his other siblings at the academy that he was going to enroll.

But there was no way he could be honest about that.

Adele turned to his sister, who he had pushed aside, and showed a serious expression.

“I, you know…I don’t have any talent, so I wasn’t sure if I could get into the academy. That’s why it was hard to tell you…”

“But I heard that A-kun got the top spot on the entrance exam?”

“……………………”

Information spreads so quickly.

Adele was on the verge of tears.

“Hey, hey, that reminds me, Elesia-chan!”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Did you know that A-kun was the Black Knight, Elesia-chan?”

“Oh, Mil-nee-san! Don’t go ahead and assume I’m the Black Knight before you confirm the truth!”

Normally, you would check with Mil directly first.

It seems that Mil has already decided that Adele is the Black Knight.

Elesia then gives a ladylike smile to cover it up.

“Hehe, well, what do you think?”

“Hmm, A-kun told you to keep it a secret, huh? I have to get him to confess directly in the bath with me…”

“Huh? I heard some ominous words that might destroy the relationship between siblings.”

“In that case, may I join you?”

“…Hey, when are we gonna do it?”

“That’s amazing, A-kun. I want to see Elesia naked so badly.”

“You’re so honest, Master.”

Adele was a boy who was more willing to be honest about his desires than to let his relationship with his siblings fall apart.

“Oh, by the way, A-kun, have you decided what club you want to join?”

Mil suddenly spoke up to a boy who was so honest about his desires.

“No, I don’t want to join. I mean, a stuffy sports-minded person doesn’t suit the after-school fun crowd.”

“But if you join a club, it’ll help you with the factions, right? Besides clubs, there are salons, too.”

“Factions?”

Adele tilts his head at the words he heard in the middle.

“Well, factions are exactly what they sound like, right? Like being put on a famous noble’s team and being made into a friend!”

“It’s like a miniature version of high society.”

“Isn’t that wrong? It seems like the factions you build at school are carried over into adulthood, too. Let’s make more friends while we’re students, so we can make connections when we’re adults! I think that’s the idea.”

Noble society is not monolithic.

Many forces and intentions are mixed together, and it’s quite difficult to survive alone.

That’s why most nobles belong to a faction, or create their own faction to increase their number of friends.

By doing so, when one of them gets into a pinch, they can share the profits and join hands.

Of course, this is just a nice story. There are bound to be some dirty parts lying around somewhere, but since you’re at an academy where aristocrats gather, it’s worth making connections with.

That’s probably why “factions” exist within the academy.

“Mil-nee-san, I’m not really interested. It seems like it’s all muddy and it’ll get your clothes dirty.”

“Honestly, I’m not that interested in factions either. I don’t like the idea of ​​dyeing yourself in my color! I’m waiting for someone to say that to me, so I’d like to wear white clothes for now.”

“Hey, don’t look at me.”

Elesia looks at Adele longingly.

Adele’s cheeks twitch in response.

“Eh, but I want A-kun to join my club!”

“Eh?”

“Don’t worry, it’ll look good on A-kun and it’ll be a great environment where he’ll fit in!”

“Oh?”

Mil knows Adele well.

He’s self-indulgent, loves to have fun, and because of magic, he likes anything plant-related in general.

Mil, who understands all of that, sang the catchphrase “It suits you and you’ll fit in!”

Adele is a little intrigued, thinking “Maybe it’s true?”

“By the way, what club is it?”

“The Knights Club!”

Adele quickly threw his interest down the drain.

“Rejected, impossible. What do you think of me, Mil-nee? You know I’m a boy who’s called useless, but you still want to see your little brother get bullied?”

“Don’t worry, you can do it!”

“Hahaha! Don’t talk like that, my sister?”

A cold sweat ran down Adele’s back.

The memory of the last time she caught a thief came to her mind.

“Oh, is that so?”

“Ufufu, it’s not that, Elesia-kun. This is Mil-nee-san’s—-”

“Yes! When I was out on a mission, A-kun was dressed as the Black Knight!”

“Oh, Mil-nee-san, let’s go to the hospital! We need to get your head checked and then we need to get a zipper on your mouth!”

Yelling. Adele’s excuses, full of the feeling that it’s too late, and his fun-loving exchanges echoed throughout the grounds connecting the school building and the dorms.

And finally───

“Oh come on! Even if you’re going to be so mad, I’m going to come and watch your club activities! I won’t let you complain because I’m your big sister!”

“Wait, that wasn’t even mentioned in the conversation!”

“Um, Mil-sama… From now on, Master, you’ll be resting your head on my lap—-”

“If you go to the club activities, you’ll get to see A-kun’s cool side.”

“Let’s go, Master!”

“Why did you turn your back on me!?”

Adele protested, but Elesia and Mil grabbed his arms and dragged him along.

Along the way, she heard a childish tantrum: “No way! Let go!”, but the voices eventually faded away into the direction of the training ground.

And───

“Hey, you’re a disgrace! I challenge you to a duel!”

“Ehhh…”

♦♦♦

Dueling is an unusual rule made at the Royal Carbon Academy.

The rule is typical of a meritocratic school: “The winner takes the place of the loser.”

The rules were decided by mutual agreement, and can be held at any time with a third party present.

However, the loser is banned from dueling for one month, so they can’t immediately say, ‘Next person, since I lost!’

On the other hand, if you’re the winner, you can challenge them to a duel as many times as you want───

“Hey, this school really is weird. We’re going to get bashed by parents for encouraging bullying, aren’t we?”

“They’re probably trying to nurture talented young people that way. The winner can duel as many times as they want, and the academy can let them gain experience at no cost—so it’s a win-win, a win-win ♪”

“… What a bunch of selfish people. Don’t think everyone is a masochist who wants to be a punching bag!!!”

Even though he is grumbling like that, the current situation doesn’t change.

In front of him is Raiga, the son of the duke, who charged at him in the morning. Pointing the tip of his sword at him, he begins to say something about wanting a duel.

“How did this happen in the first place?”

“I was guided to the training ground by the Knights Club, and when Raiga-sama, who was visiting the club, found my master, he said, ‘There’s no way a disgrace like you could get first place!’ And then this happened.”

“Now that I think about it, the accident I got caught up in is pretty horrible. Should I sue them for power harassment?”

Adele doesn’t know this, but the Knights Club is the largest club at this school.

Those who want to become knights in the future and those who want to learn swordsmanship all gather together, with a size of about 100 people.

Of course, there’s probably an ulterior motive in that with such a large number of members, they’ll have more opportunities to meet new people, but they’re all ambitious people, steeped in the meritocracy of the school.

Thanks to that, even a small commotion attracts a lot of curious gazes.

“Watch me, Mil-san! I… I’m Raiga, and I’ll expose this disgraceful persona!”

“Yeah, I like it.”

Although Raiga, who admires the Astia Marquis family, says that, Mil, having had his younger brother insulted, shoots him a look full of contempt.

However, admiration can be blind, as Raiga continued to point his sword at Adele with a sultry look.

“That guy, he challenges me to a duel so easily… Don’t you remember when I beat you this morning? I mean, there’s no benefit to me, right? There’s nothing for him to do if he loses.”

“That’s right, the loser will only be banned from dueling for a period of time, and the winner will not be given anything.”

“What kind of a nuisance is that… Wait, ha! No, I’d rather lose this!?”

If you lose a duel, you will be banned for a period of time.

If Adele loses, he won’t be able to duel for a month, and no one will challenge him for a while either.

Besides, if he lost in front of so many people, they would surely think, “Huh? He’s incompetent after all?” or “The story about the ‘Black Knight’ was a hoax after all.”

I think it’s a great idea. Adele’s nose involuntarily flares up.

“I don’t recommend that, Adele.”

However, his nose returns to normal when he heard a voice from behind.

When he turned around, there was a girl with neatly trimmed brown hair at shoulder length… and behind her, hiding, was Luna, the second princess.

“Um… who are you?”

“I’m Serena. The princess behind me is… well, she don’t need to introduce herself considering how well-known she is. I know it’s rude, but I saw you trying to do something strange during the tour, so I called out to you.”

Hmm, something strange? Adele tilts his head at Serena’s words.

“…That reaction seems like you don’t know. That guy is ranked 22nd and in a lower class.”

“Huh?”

“In other words, if you lose, you will be expelled.”

“What did, you say…!?”

Adele collapses to his knees on the spot.

This is the worst, the brilliant idea he came up with was only a one-way ticket to expulsion.

In the end, Adele has to defeat Raiga in front of all this people… how sad.

Even if the people around him might think “He was really strong,” or “How embarrassing that he had such strength,” he has to win.

He considered running away, saying “I can’t take this!”, but he’s sure someone will say something like “Why did you run away? Let’s have a duel!” someday. It didn’t change the fact that he would have to do it eventually.

“How… how cruel reality is to me!!!”

The world was harsh to Adele no matter what.

“Hey, hey… Why don’t you fight together with Serena? The Black Knight seems to be in trouble. Or I could take his place!”

“Well, there’s a system for interfering with the match, and I don’t mind, but… I’d rather have someone more suitable beside me.”

“Hehe, I’m the type who will be ruthless if I can see my master’s heroic figure.”

“Wow, you’ve got a pretty face, but you’re a ruthless person, second-ranked.”

“No no, I think my master would be happy if third-ranked and the princess were concerned about him.”

The three beautiful girls were whispering behind Adele’s back.

Unfortunately, their words didn’t reach Adele’s ears, who was cursing the cruel world.

“This year’s freshmen are so lively. A duel on the first day of school?”

“But isn’t that the club president and vice-president’s younger brother? Is it okay?”

“That’s right… I’m sure they’re rare incompetents among the Marquis of Astia family, right?”

“But I heard he got the highest entrance exam score—-”

The surrounding noise gradually grew louder.

Everyone seemed to be very curious about the first-year duel.

At that moment, Adele, who was hitting the ground resentfully, was approached by his sister Mil, who gently stroked his back.

“Are you okay, A-kun?”

“Nee-san… this is cruel. I didn’t do anything, and yet the world keeps coming after me.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll be the referee!”

“That’s not where I need to be reassured about!”

“Even if you injure him, the Knight Club will take responsibility and heal him! So feel free to blow that rude bastard away!”

“That’s not it either…”

It seemed that his escape route was completely blocked.

Adele, while seriously cursing the world, stood up vigorously as if he had cleared his mind.

“Ah, whatever! I get it, I’m just gonna do it!”

In exchange,

Adele extended black vines from the ground and formed a sword, which he picked up and pointed at Raiga.

“You’re interrupting my self-indulgent life. I’m seriously not going to show you any mercy… I’m going to beat you up so badly you’ll want to cry and go back into your mother’s womb, you damn loser!!!”

Ah, he’s totally pissed.

In his hand he holds the jet-black sword, the weapon that what makes him the “Black Knight”.

Elesia, who was watching from behind, smiled wryly as she watched Adele use the magic that is the symbol of the “Black Knight”.

The surrounding students witnessed.

A glimpse of the hero that they had only heard of as rumors.

The origins of the “Black Knight” that only those who have been saved can understand.

The jet-black sword made of wood and vines made them understand this───

(What?)

Raiga had too many questions in his head.

Why did a sword suddenly appear out of nowhere? No, it only has the shape of a sword, but is it really a sword?

It was sinisterly black, and the moment he grasped it, the boy’s aura, who had been ridiculed as a disgrace, changed completely.

And then, with that aura around him, the boy began to swing the sword he had created in a horizontal slash for some reason.

(Wait, it’s at least four meters long…?)

Even if he swung it normally, the sword’s length wouldn’t reach it.

In the first place, the distance between him and Adele was more than three times the length of the sword, so even if he swung it, it would just cut through the air.

He was skeptical for a moment, but then Raiga relaxed his lips and said, “As expected, he’s incompetent and can’t do anything.”

However────

“Careless and arrogant. Is that why you picked a fight with the Marquis of Astia?”

The sword reached out all the way to his chest.

“Huh?!”

The heavy blow was delivered to his torso, which he instinctively shielded.

His body was blown away, and Raiga’s field of vision changes several times as he bounces on the ground.

(Wh, why… did the sword extend?!)

Raiga doesn’t realize

That was the magic created by the “King of the Forest”.

There is a plant called Kuroiga.

It is a jet-black tree that has evolved to be sturdy not only in its roots but also in the details of its trunk and branches so that it will not fall over even if it is hit by any gust of wind or impact.

It boasts the world’s greatest strength, and it is said that it will not take a single scratch even if it is shot by a cannon.

Kuroiga is also used in the sword that Adele holds as the “Black Knight”, so its strength goes without saying.

It grows a plant that is generated suddenly, and extends the blade. It is a technique that will definitely lure you into letting your guard down at first sight and catch you off guard.

That is why the doubts remain as doubts and prevent you from understanding the current situation.

However, Adele is not kind enough to give time to resolve such doubts.

“You mean this is the end?”

Adele, who had started running and caught up with him before he knew it, hit Raiga’s solar plexus with a kick.

“GUH?!”

“You’re too soft, you little fool. If you’re going to pick a fight with me, give me some hope, you idiot.”

Raiga’s body changed direction and rolled on the ground once again.

But on the way────for some reason, he felt something soft on his back.

Did he hit a wall? He wondered again, but there was still a distance to the wall of the training ground.

And he realized later that it was a wall made of plants.

But even if he noticed, it was already too late.

(I’m tangled with vines!?)

The vines stretched out over his body and began to bind his arms and legs.

By the time he realized it, he was held tightly, and even if he tried to slash, he couldn’t move his wrists at all.

Then────

“Consolation prize. At this rate, you’re not even close to reaching Mil and the others, even if you are promoted as a knight, you will die soon, right?」

— Adele’s flying knee kick slammed into his face mercilessly.

“Ah, Gah…”

“This concludes the fight. Don’t mess with me next time, okay?”

Raiga’s head drooped after the direct hit.

He was still breathing, of course. I held back that much.

But he was unconscious, and Adele snorted as he slowly returned to Elesia and the others.

“………………………………..”

They had only intended to watch out of curiosity.

However, the students around him were all the same—they had witnessed a glimpse of a heretic and were frozen in shock.

♦♦♦

Mil Astia was shaking.

(Wow, that’s amazing…)

As a member of the Astia Marquis family, she was also full of talent and thought she had done quite well.

Despite still being a student, she joined the royal knights and proved her abilities by completing many missions.

Therefore, she thought she had more pride and confidence than anyone else in the miniature garden of school.

However, the battle that unfolded before her eyes, naturally made her think that she couldn’t compete.

(A-kun…wow, he’s the best)

Without a doubt, Adele’s abilities are the best among the siblings of the Marquis of Astia.

A talent so great it could be mistaken for that of a war god, as if blessed by battle itself. And the skill to ensure none of it went to waste.

Close combat techniques befitting a family of knights. Magical abilities that are comparable to those of a family of magicians, despite being from a family of knights.

One of the few magic knights on the entire continent.

Until now, he seemed so talentless. I thought it was a shame.

Maybe if he fought seriously, he could beat his father, the commander of the knights? That’s what she thought.

(Oh, I have to tell dad!)

Mil made a decision in her mind—I can’t let this kind of talent go unchecked.

However—-

(A-kun, he used a rare magic spell… was he worked up? He was trying to hide it, but I think it’s totally obvious)

That’s cute too.

The older sister, who is a bro-con in a way, smiled in high spirits.

♦♦♦

(Wow! The Black Knight is the best after all!!!)

Luna Carbon was not stunned by the sight before her eyes, but was the only one who rejoiced.

While everyone around her was stunned, Luna’s eyes were filled with hearts.

(He’s just too cool! They call him an embarrassment, but it’s just too much! It’s irrelevant!!!)

Luna Carbon, the second princess of the kingdom, is a big fan of the Black Knight.

A certain reporter had beaten her to the big goal of “finding out his true identity”… but even after she found out that his true identity was a disgrace to the prestigious Astia Marquis family, her feelings had not changed.

That day, that time.

From the moment he had saved her, Luna had always adored Adele, the “Black Knight.”

That’s why she couldn’t help but get excited when she saw even a glimpse of him.

“Princess, princess. You’ve got a sloppy look in your eyes.”

Serena slapped her from the side.

With that, Luna finally came back to reality.

“Ah, yeah… sorry.”

“Haa… I know you’re a big fan, but I don’t want to do this in public. Please be a little more ladylike and discreet.”

“Uuh… You’re too harsh.”

Luna adorably slumped her shoulders dejectedly.

However, it was because she had returned to reality that she started to think anew.

(I really do want him to be on my side…)

“Otherwise… yeah.” Luna’s eyes took on a slightly sorrowful look.

♦♦♦

“Ah, I’m exhausted!”

After the duel that had been provoked by the Knights Club ended, while everyone was stunned, Adele escaped from the pointlessly loving invitation “A-kun is amazing! You have no choice but to join the Knights Club!”. She returned to his room and collapsed on the sofa.

“Master, your uniform will get wrinkled.”

Elesia, who had entered the room late, put her hands on her hips and said, “Jeez.”

Her cheeks were slightly puffed up, which was very cute.

“Ehh, such a pain. For a self-indulgent guy like me, I actually did pretty well today. So let it slide, okay? With a heart as vast as the ocean!”

“Well, it’s true that master did his best…”

He had slacked off on the rooftop soon after entering school, but he was scolded and challenged to a duel for some reason.

He knows that he usually just plays around, so if he says he’s working hard, he’s working harder than ever.

That’s why Elesia couldn’t speak out too strongly.

Instead───

“I understand, it’s not good to force a hard-working master to work any more.”

“It’s strange that changing clothes counts as work… Hey, wait a sec. Why are you putting your hands on my pants?”

“I was thinking of compromising and taking them off for you.”

“Are you really a lady who lives in the present!?”

The compromise was quite aggressive.

“Okay, I’ll take them off and get changed! At my age, I don’t really want to show my body to a girl outside of this situation!”

“Is that so…”

“Why are you so depressed, Lady!!!”

Elesia looked obviously depressed.

She was frightened by his appearance and asked, “Do you really want to see it that much?” but she quickly went to the bedroom and changed into her loungewear.

After a while, when she showed up in the living room, Elesia had changed her mood and started cooking something in the kitchen.

“Huh? Aren’t we going to the school cafeteria?”

“Do you dislike my cooking, master?”

“Oh, I really like it.”

“Hehe, I’m making it because you say that.”

Elesia put on an apron over her uniform and started humming in a good mood.

Her back looked like that of a newly married wife. Adele sat in a chair in the living room and looked at her, thinking, “She’s so cute.”

“By the way, master.”

“Hmm?”

“When you were leaving the training ground, you were talking to Luna… What did you talk about?”

When Adele was leaving the Knights Club to escape from Mil, Luna spoke to her.

Adele wanted to ignore it to avoid getting noticed by someone important, but given who it was, he couldn’t.

So he had no choice but to respond to their request, and at that time────

“Ah, she said she’s going to open a salon and wants me to come if I can.”

“When you say salon… does it mean a gathering like a club activity?”

“That’s what I’ve heard. It’s not like a club activity where you sweat and run towards a goal, but more like a place for friends to talk.”

A salon is different from a club activity, and has no particular purpose.

It’s a place where people invited to a prepared space can spend time doing what they like. It’s a place where the daughters of nobles tend to gather, and tea parties and the like are often held.

Of course, the salon leader decides whether it’s limited to young ladies or not. Unlike club activities, salons are invitation-only.

“So, as Mil-sama said, it’s a place to gather faction comrades, right?”

“Otherwise, it’s simply to strengthen the ties between your own faction. It would be nice if they didn’t have to act like a dirty aristocratic society when they’re still young.”

“Unlike us, you all have a strong sense of aristocracy.”

“Hmm… you’re all lonely people who can’t live alone.”

“I’m the same, but only to you, Master. By the way… are you going to participate after all?”

“Huh? No, I just want to fade out quietly like some big shot.”

“Hehe, I thought you’d say that.”

Elesia approached Adele with a ladylike smile.

A tray of soup and cut steaks was brought in, making it strange how they could have been made in such a short time.

“That’s amazing… magic?”

“I just got up early in the morning and prepared everything. Is it a shame there wasn’t any tricks or gimmicks?”

“No, I’m just praising you for your diligence.”

“It looks delicious.” Adele stares intently at the food laid out on the table.

In the meantime, Elesia brings her own portion, a fork and knife, and sits down next to Adele.

And then───

“Master, say aaaah♪”

Elesia smiles cutely as she points the fork with the steak at Adele.

Adele obediently puts it in his mouth without any resistance.

“Hmm… delicious.”

“Hehe, I’m glad to hear you say that♪ Would you like another one?”

“Ahhh… Elesia will definitely make a good wife.”

Most meals for nobles are prepared by chefs.

“Because of that, she rarely cooks for herself, but since Elesia works as a maid in the Astia Marquis household, she has learned to cook a full range of dishes.”

And───

“Does the master want his wife to cook for him?”

“I knew it. A family like that seems warmer, and it gives off the feeling of being truly happy. I’d prefer that kind of life.”

“I like that better too♪”

───This is also part of the bride’s training.

If that’s what the boy she likes wants, a girl is a creature who can work hard, even if it’s something that’s unthinkable for an aristocrat.

Two weeks have passed since they enrolled.

Time passes quickly, and it feels like they’ve completely gotten used to the atmosphere of the school.

I skipped classes and got dragged to the confessional, my sister relentlessly tries to recruit me to club activities, I eat the food Elesia makes and sleeps with her.

Of course, my days are busier than when I was at the mansion. I’m a little further away from my self-indulgent life, but it’s still better than being at the mansion where the “Black Knight” incident is heating up.

However, there’s a problem───

“Hey, I challenge you to a duel!”

“Yeah, I’m eating now, so I’ll do it later.”

Something resembling a challenge letter was stuck to Adele’s head.

However, Adele didn’t seem to mind and continued to munch his lunch made by Elesia in the classroom with relish.

“You’ve been getting challenged to a duel a lot lately, haven’t you, Master?”

Elesia was watching that scene while eating her homemade bento.

Apparently, Elesia had properly prepared lunch for the two of them.

“Yeah, it’s obvious just by looking at the number of challenges stuck on my body.”

“You’re popular.”

“Rather, you should think about the fact that there are only aggressive people here.”

“Was it an easy win?”

“Yeah, all with bare hands.”

“Hehe, as expected of Master.”

The news that Adele had dueled in the Knight Club quickly spread throughout the school.

It was an overwhelming battle between magic knights who wielded magic and swords that no one had ever seen before. It was the disgrace of the Astia family that had done it, so it was bound to become a hot topic.

As a result, Adele was in a position where he could be targeted by ambitious students who wanted to fight a strong person and students who thought that a disgrace like him couldn’t come first.

“You know you can’t win against me, right? Are most of the students here just dreamers who mistakenly believe that the outcome of a duel is decided by drawing lots?”

“They’re all people with a strong adventurous spirit who desperately want to gain prestige in high society. And they’re children who can’t accept that a man they look down on is above them.”

“If you’re going to throw a tantrum, do it with your own mom… Don’t expect any motherly affection from me.”

“Can I ask you to duel too?”

“Please don’t, it’s a rank that doesn’t require overthrowing the underdog.”

That’s true, she said. Elesia munched on her lunch with relish.

“I mean, it’s not just me. I think Elesia has been dueled quite a bit too, right?”

“Well, yes. You can guess from the ranking that the results haven’t changed.”

Adele wasn’t the only one dueling.

Elesia, who was ranked second, had also been challenged to many duels.

After all, the top 20 are S class. The top class of the first year.

There were many students hoping to get into that class, and although not as many as Adele, Elesia had been challenged as well.

“First of all, what do you think about the idea of ​​gleefully pointing your sword and magic at a girl? After all, Elesia is the daughter of an Earl, right? I don’t think there’s anything good about being treated like a persistent stalker.”

“Well, I know this school is that kind of place, so I don’t mind, but if you’re talking about an approach, I don’t like it.”

“Approach?”

“Basically, it’s about, ‘I’m strong, I’m cool, right!?’, Master. There are many nobles who don’t have engagements, so the school is the perfect opportunity to show yourself off.”

“Hmm…”

Elesia is good looking.

On top of that, her family background is impeccable, so from the perspective of unmarried men, she’s a prime catch—truly top-tier.

It’s not strange that some people would try hard to show themselves off and get the men to like them.

“That means the second princess must be having a hard time.”

Adele couldn’t help but look around the classroom.

“Although Luna and Serena, who’s usually by her side, weren’t there, she somehow had a pitying look in her eyes.”

“It’s going to be tough… an engagement to royalty. There will be many restrictions, but if it goes through, it’s a golden opportunity.”

Yes, if we’re talking about love stories and appeal, Luna is the best candidate.

She’s the second princess, and in addition, her grades are top class, so she’s in the top bracket.

She’s beautiful and has excellent grades. To a man, she’ll be even more attractive than Elesia.

“According to rumors, Julius-sama was amazing last year too.”

“Do you mean the third prince?”

“Yes, he enrolled in this school last year, and apparently the girls were fighting over him endlessly.”

“Ugh… that’s a violent harem.”

Adele couldn’t help but smile bitterly as he imagined the situation of being targeted.

He thought to himself, “My condolences,” as if it were someone else’s problem, but he felt sorry for the prince, whom he had never met, and pressed his hands together.

“Well, considering the third prince’s personality is what it is, I can’t really bring myself to feel sorry for him.”

Hmm, what does that mean? Adele tilts his head at Elesia’s words.

“Going back to the topic, it seems that Lady Luna is going to open her own salon, and then she’s being challenged to a duel, so she must be very busy.”

“That’s the downside of a school that’s based on meritocracy, poor thing. You probably didn’t think you’d end up living a dangerous, pink school life.”

Well, that’s nothing to do with me, though.

Adele continues stuffing his cheeks with the lunch Elesia made for him.

At that moment──

“A-Adele-kun, are you here!?”

With a clang. The classroom door slams open.

The one who appeared from there was Luna, the very girl they’d been talking about. She scanned the classroom, spotted Adele, and hurried over to him.

“Umm, well… can you come with me!?”

“Umm… why?”

Adele tilts his head at the sudden summons.

Then Luna bowed her head with an apologetic look on her face.

“P-please! Can you come to the training ground now? I need some help!”

♦♦♦

The sudden words “help me.”

Of course, a question mark rose in Adele’s mind because it was so sudden.

But it’s impossible for a hero to not think of something when asked to “help.”

So Adele left the classroom as Luna guided her out.

Elesia was still eating her lunch, so he left her in the classroom.

“So, what’s the situation? You’re barging in, so it must be something serious…”

Not knowing where they’re going, they walked along the terrace outside the school building. So Adele asked Luna, who was beside him.

“…I’m sorry, this is quite a hassle.”

“Are you serious?”

“yes…”

An apologetic look appeared on Luna’s face as she walked quickly.

Seeing this, Adele scratched his head uncomfortably.

(Actually, he had no intention of getting involved with a big shot…)

Those who know know that Adele is the “Black Knight.”

Many people are suspicious, but if they become convinced within the school, they will be afraid of what will happen after they graduate.

He had wanted to spend his time relaxing, but if he was noticed and asked to join a faction, it would be even more troublesome.

For that reason, Adele honestly didn’t want to have much to do with Luna.

In addition, Luna had confessed that she was a fan the moment they met.

There’s no doubt that she is already somewhat convinced.

However───

(If she asks for help…)

He just can’t ignore it.

This is probably because Adele has a kind personality that is contradictory in a way.

(Plus, this girl…is this the one I helped before?)

Once upon a time, I helped a girl who was being attacked by someone.

I felt that the girl I saw then and the girl next to me now looked similar.

If that’s the case, it makes sense why she called out to me in the first place. Setting aside the issue of fans.

“I told you I was going to open a salon, right?”

Recalling something from a while ago, Luna spoke.

“I think Adele-kun has kind of figured it out, but… I was trying to open one to gather allies.”

“A faction, right?”

“Yes, a faction. I really wanted allies, so…”

Suddenly, Luna, who had been walking briskly, stopped.

Why? Adele’s feet also stopped.

However, contrary to Adele’s question, Luna took a deep breath.

It was as if she was preparing herself for something.

And then───

“Lord Black Knight… No, Adele-kun. Would you like to join me?”

───That’s what she began to say.

“…………”

He didn’t answer right away. But in truth, Adele wanted to shake his head and say, “I’m not the Black Knight!”

After all, he didn’t want to join a faction in the murky aristocratic society. He could get involved in trouble, and a world where people are constantly checking each other’s faces for profit or loss does not suit his taste in the first place.

But it was too straightforward to answer right away.

Normally, they would invite someone to join after some kind of event to build trust. Otherwise, there’s a chance they’ll turn her down.

“…I didn’t really mean to say it like this.”

But Luna said it straight out without any pause.

And she was honest, even using the word “Black Knight,” with a serious face.

That’s why he couldn’t even lie and deny it by saying, “I’m not.”

“…What’s going on right now?”

Adele asked, looking puzzled, changing the main topic a bit.

“My older brother is one year older than me.”

“Come to think of it, Elesia mentioned it.”

“That brother is getting in the way of the salon’s establishment…”

If you can’t make a salon, you can’t gather companions.

To be precise, it’s not impossible, but if you make a salon, you can gather companions faster and more efficiently, and the bonds will be stronger.

But how does that have anything to do with me? It makes you wonder.

“And now… Serena is fighting for the salon’s establishment.”

Luna steps forward again.

Maybe it’s because she remembered the girl who was her guard? She runs even faster than before, and it’s no exaggeration to say that she’s running.

Following her, Adele also starts running.

“Why is your brother getting in the way of the salon? I mean, you’d think he’d let you gather companions.”

“…It’s going to take a long time to explain. And—-”

As soon as she started to speak, Luna looked at Adele apologetically.

For some reason, tears were floating in her eyes.

“… No, sorry. You can turn back after all. It’s probably only going to be troublesome from here on out.”

Adele doesn’t know what Luna is thinking.

What is her intention, bringing him this far and telling him to turn back? Maybe as they get closer she feels guilty? Or is it because she doesn’t trust him?

He looks at Luna’s expression again… that expression, stained with guilt, is probably the former.

“…”

What should he do at this point?

Without a doubt, if he get involved in this, his relationship with the second princess will strengthen, and he’ll end up interacting with other members of the royal family as well.

If they’re going to spend three years living quietly, unnoticed, and in decline, they should definitely turn back now.

“…”

Adele thinks for a moment as he runs.

Then he slowly opens his mouth.

“I’m───”

♦♦♦

Serena, the second princess’s guard, was at the training ground.

It was probably because she was holding a sword that she was in an inappropriate place to spread out her lunch during the lunch break.

And directly in front of her──

“Serena, shouldn’t you just give up?”

A voice said from the spectators a little ways away.

Among the students glimpsed in the audience, there was the figure of the third prince, whom he had seen many times before.

“I’m not giving up…!”

“Hmm… why are you being so desperate? Is your desperate attempt to gather allies somehow related to the attack the other day?”

“——–!!!”

“Haha! You can glare at me like that, but I’m not your opponent.”

At the moment he spoke, a sword was reflected in front of Serena’s eyes as it was about to be swung down.

Serena instinctively raised her sword, but instead of the sword being swung down, a kick pierced the open torso.

“Guh?!”

“Sorry, little girl. I’m just following orders too.”

Serena’s small body rolled on the ground.

Seeing this, the third prince, Julius, who was in the audience, laughed with amusement.

“Hahaha! The person you’re fighting is my bodyguard, ranked second in the second year! No matter how strong you are, there’s no way you can win!”

“So just give up”, he said.

Not only Julius, but several other students who were watching with him also shouted out in mocking voices.

(What a…scumbag!)

Serena adores Luna.

She’s a friend with whom you don’t have to be reserved with, yet possesses a gentle personality that makes you want to protect them.

And for that, she would hold her sword as much as she wanted, and she thought she had worked hard.

But the opponent before her was── stronger than her.

(Even though he’s only one rank above me, there’s a difference in experience between us, and he’s still got a higher rank than me!)

Serena coughed repeatedly as she slowly got up.

She’d been hit so many times, and the cuts and bruises she’d received made her legs tremble, and she couldn’t move her body the way she wanted.

But even so… even though she knew he was stronger than her, she had to win this match.

After all───

(The princess needs more allies…she won’t survive the battle for the succession)

She’ll be killed by him. Serena glared at Julius in the audience once more.

Then, she shouted with all her might.

“Come on, you bastards! Make way for the princess!”

Then, for some reason, the sky was instantly covered in dark shadow.

“Huh?”

The sudden situation caused Julius to let out a strange voice.

Not only Julius, but the students in the audience, even Serena and the others who were holding their swords, froze and reflexively looked up.

The bright sunlight was blinding the clear blue sky.

It was only after a moment that they realized that everything was blocked by a cluster of thin trees.

But before that, from above───

“It’s a battle to break into, you bastard. It’s time to teach you a lesson, you weakling who makes women cry.”

───A boy carrying a jet-black sword appeared in the training ground.

♦♦♦

A free-for-all is when a third party intervenes in a duel that was originally held according to the academy’s rules.

A proper duel is one-on-one. If the higher-ranked person is defeated, they move to a lower rank, but in the case of a free-for-all, the ranking no longer changes once a third party wins.

The reason such a rule exists is because—there are hardly ever one-on-one battles on the battlefield.

Therefore, only those who wish to raise an objection to the duel may intrude without the referee’s permission───

“Who are you?”

“Adele…”

A boy suddenly fell from above.

Seeing this, Julius’ guards, who were holding their swords──Cain and Serena, gathered their attention.

However, ignoring their questions, Adele swung his great sword sideways at Cain.

“Wha?!”

Cain’s body quickly fell back as he blocked the blow with his sword.

The power was enough to blow away the body of a giant demonic beast, but the reason he was able to hold on was because of his training. Is it the result of that? Or is it because of his well-trained body?

“Hmm… What is the point of suddenly intruding in a duel?”

Julius, who was in the audience, gave Adele a sharp look.

“In the first place, intruding duels are rarely held. After all, there is no benefit to the intruder compared to the one challenged.”

The benefit of intruding a duel is that it can disrupt the duel, but there is no other benefit.

Even if you win against both, your ranking will not increase, and conversely, if you lose to either of them, the intruder’s ranking will drop.

Even if you lose to another year, your ranking will drop, and rankings will be adjusted within the same year.

That being said, Cain is ranked second in the second year, and Serena is ranked third.

It’s true that they won’t be demoted from S class… but there’s no reason for him to get involved.

“So, why are you here? Aren’t you a disgrace to the Astia Marquis family?”

Julius, who knew Adele, waited for his reply.

Then, Adele said with a slight sneer—-

“Shut up.”

“What?”

“Who cares about the benefits? If someone asks for help, that’s enough to make a man clench his fist.”

Yes, there are no benefits for Adele.

So what? If he thought about benefits, he would never have helped anyone as the “Black Knight.”

In the end, it was just Adele’s self-satisfaction.

It was selfishness because he couldn’t abandon a girl called Luna.

“Adele… the princess—-”

“She’s here at this late hour. That’s why we’ll switch.”

As if to protect Serena, Adele stood in front of Cain.

And then, he stabbed his overly large plant sword straight into the ground.

“This school welcomes walk-ins, right? You won’t complain, right?”

His back was large, reliable…and somehow warm.

It was as if a hero had rushed to her aid in a pinch.

(The princess…)

Did she fall in love with this back? Serena couldn’t help but feel relieved.

Meanwhile, Cain, who wields a large sword as big as Adele’s, suddenly loosens his mouth.

“I don’t care. That’s what this school is all about.”

“You’re pretty relaxed about that, aren’t you? Are you underestimating me just because I’m younger?”

“No, I was just jealous of your position. There’s no deeper meaning to it, and no reason for me to lose.”

Cain suddenly ran across the ground.

His speed was beyond what his strong physique would suggest. In an instant, the distance between Adele and Cain closed.

At that moment, they both swung their swords with all their might, clashing their blades.

“Wow!”

He was confident in his power. The blow he’d received earlier had been quite heavy.

But even so. To think that his own sword could be blocked.

A voice similar to Cain’s surprise unconsciously spilled out of his mouth.

“Second-rate? If you get shocked by something like this, you’ll fail the Astia Marquis House, won’t you?”

Adele’s sword is shifted to the side, and his position changes slightly.

As he moves in, he tries to kick Cain’s side, but he blocked it with a fist at the last moment.

This time, the sword is swung again and attacks Adele.

“You’re pretty maneuverable with that big body.”

“Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to carry out my duties as a guard.”

Adele also blocks the attack at the last moment, regains his balance, and swings his sword once more.

Then, it’s an exchange of swords. It was fast enough to follow with the eyes, but heavy, dull sounds echoed continuously.

If an average person were to block it, they would probably be blown away with just one hit.

Those watching were overwhelmed by the sight before them, unable to even make a sound.

(Is that all?)

Cain wondered.

Considering he had barged in under such circumstances, was he strong enough to fight back?

But that question was blown away the moment Adele stepped back.

“King of the Forest.”

The moment Adele spoke, greenery suddenly appeared from the ground.

Grass, trees, flowers, and moss. If you listen carefully, you can even hear the birds chirping.

In the space that was gradually starting to become overgrown, Cain couldn’t help but gasp.

(No way?! Are you not a swordsman?!)

Cain was surprised to see the space being dominated by the newly born plants.

Thick vines grew from under his feet, and he reflexively stepped back.

However, the moment he landed, another vine firmly secured his foot.

“Guh?”

“I am the king of this place.”

If he wanted to get out, he could.

But before that could happen—-

“Aren’t you being arrogant? You damn loser.”

The thick bundle of trunks lashed out at Cain’s body.

Bundles of tree trunks surged forward, and forces born of nature closed in to crush Cain’s body.

(Monsters…!)

What would have happened if he hadn’t instantly blocked them with his greatsword?

He could feel the barrage of blows through the sword, but at this level he could still withstand them.

(I was surprised he could use magic, but I can’t imagine an attack of this extent could last for long…!)

Therefore, if he could withstand them he would have a chance to counterattack—-

“Is that what you’re thinking?”

At Cain’s feet.

A mesmerizing, shining moss spread out from there.

Then, the moss showed an even more dazzling light… and exploded.

“What?!”

“I just expanded the scenery. If it ends there, it’ll be a disgrace to me as a director.”

The blast hits his skin, and the vines binding his legs burn and melt.

Cain’s strong body is sent soaring into the air.

“Get your footing…!”

“You want me to get back on my feet?”

The boy stands calmly, looking up.

The boy slowly begins to readjust his sword.

Cain reflexively understands what he’s trying to do.

He’s trying to reach the sword he’s carrying in the air.

Normally, he would think “it’s impossible,” but for some reason, everything he’s experienced up until now doesn’t make him think that.

So Cain reflexively swings the sword he’s holding.

Then, a heavy impact hits the blade along with a dull metallic sound.

“—-!!!”

“Nice fight.”

But then.

“That’s a passing grade.”

Ivy begins to grow from the sword that had collided with him.

At this moment, Cain finally realizes that this sword was also created by magic.

He quickly changes the trajectory of his sword and cuts away the growing vines.

(Just how out of the ordinary is this boy!?)

He has seen many people stronger than him.

His teacher who had taught him how to be a guard, the royal knights, and geniuses his age.

But even so.

Has there ever been another person against whom his combat experience was so ineffective?

(…No)

Yes, there was.

A certain girl comes to Cain’s mind, and he smiles.

But the reality is not over yet.

Cain’s air time came to an end, and his body descended once more toward the forest below.

At that moment, Adele frowns as he puts his sword in his shoulder.

“…What are you laughing at?”

“No, sorry. I was just reminded of someone I know.”

Cain covers his mouth and readies his sword.

“This is going to break more bones than I thought.”

“I hope it’s just bones.”

And with that, they both run across the ground at the same time.

The only difference is that from behind Adele, a mass of tree trunks is approaching Cain. It’s as if Cain is charging into a large group of people alone.

—the first to come into contact is the force of nature.

Cain takes it head-on without guarding.

He doesn’t fall.

Instead, he catches up to Adele and swings his giant sword at him.

“…As expected.”

Adele was astounded by the man he was facing.

He had more endurance and strength than he’d imagined.

Even though the trees were still hitting him, he kept his position and swung his sword.

Not once, but twice. Two to three times.

Even though he was clearly a punching bag, he continued to hit Adele with his sword.

(Even Elesia seems to be having a hard time with this.)

But…

Adele smiled.

“If I’m struggling with an opponent like this, I’m not going to help people out of madness.”

In the middle of the exchange of swords, Adele suddenly let go of her sword.

Because he was in the middle of swinging it, Cain’s sword blew the jet-black sword to the edge of the training ground.

He was no longer armed.

But why? Such a question struck Cain, who was being beaten.

“I will give greenery to the earth to create life in the world.”

The words were similar to someone’s magic.

After Adele finished speaking, he pointed his finger at Cain’s chest, who looked surprised.

“Complete, ‘Green Knight’.”

And───

♦♦♦

Serena moved to the entrance of the training ground to avoid further damage, but her mouth was wide open.

Of course, the sights she had seen so far had been nothing short of amazing.

Greenery sprang from nothing, and he controlled many plants with ease, overwhelming them.

Cain had been overwhelming him just a moment ago.

The appearance of one hero had completely changed the situation.

(Wha… what…?)

But the reason she was left speechless was probably because of the knight who had been born behind Adele.

No, she knew it wasn’t human.

If she squinted her eyes she could see that everything it was made of was made of plants, and in fact it’s skin was colorless, a color that seemed to be a mix of green and black.

Such a being suddenly appeared, holding a sword in Adele’s place.

The difference was that it was twice as big as Adele’s, and its sword was twice as big.

With just one swing of the sword, Cain’s body, which should have endured so many times, was blown into the wall of the training grounds.

There was no sign of Cain getting up…

(Seriously, is he really doing this…?)

In the end, the one who stood on the green world was───

(This was the “Black Knight” who had saved so many people…!)

───Not the second-placed second-year, but the King of the Forest.

Adele sometimes wonders if he’s stupid.

In a way, he’s short-tempered, and in a way, he’s a caring person. But that makes him even worse, as he’s so reckless. Being stubborn without thinking deeply is also a problem.

And today, Adele once again thought of himself as stupid───

“… Farewell, my youth.”

“Why is the winner crying so hard?”

Silence spread throughout the training ground.

Against the wall lay Cain, collapsed in a cloud of dust, while an utterly out-of-place stretch of greenery spread across the entire area.

And Adele, the one who created it… looked up to the sky and cried.

“With this, the angel will carry my shameful name to the other side…”

The free-for-all battle ended with Adele’s victory.

With Adele’s victory, the duel was called off. Apparently, there had been a wager between the two over the founding of a salon, but since Adele was the winner, it would likely be brushed aside.

However, this was clearly proof that he had stuck his nose into the affairs of the big shots.

For better or worse, there was no doubt that the two royals had their eye on him.

“Don’t regret it! If I think that I was able to protect the girl’s smile, I can throw away my peaceful school life! Also, if you consider that only a small part of the entire student body has found out!”

“Considering that, he’s biting his lip so hard that it looks like it’s going to bleed.”

“Or rather, he should still have a chance to get his reputation back, someday, as long as he’s still alive!!!”

“Considering that, he’s reluctant with a melancholy vibe.”

Ah, that’s right.

I can’t give up yet.

I did it, but I just entered the school. There will probably be plenty of opportunities to hide the fact that I’m a “Black Knight” in the future!

“What, is it over…?”

At this point, Luna finally arrives at the training ground.

However, like the other students, she froze for a moment at the sheer horror of the scene.

“…It’s over, Princess. Thanks to some hero.”

However, Serena said one word.

In response, Luna starts to run over to Adele as fast as she can.

And then, with the momentum of her run, she jumps into Adele’s arms.

“Whoa!? What’s this, Adele-kun, are you popular?!”

“Thank you… Adele-kun, thank you!”

A lovely yet beautiful face and a soft, full sensation came upon him, making Adele’s heart skip a beat before he realized it.

He just stuck his neck out and defeated a second-year student.

The rankings hadn’t changed, and to begin with, the bet wasn’t on Serena winning, it was just ignored from the sidelines.

And yet, to be so happy… it must have been important to her that she hugged him like this.

Seeing Luna, Adele felt a little uneasy.

At that moment—-

“Wow, well done. I really didn’t expect this turn of events.”

Thud.

Julius landed on the training ground covered in greenery.

“I heard that you were the most incompetent member of the Astia Marquis family… were you hiding your abilities?”

“It was just by chance.”

“Haha, so you’re calling it a coincidence, huh───”

The moment he spoke, Julius’ figure blurred.

Where did he go? Luna, who was clinging to him, wondered, when two of the man’s hands appeared in front of her.

“Huh?!”

One pointed its fingertips at him, while the other grabbed it just before it reached him.

There was no need to say who was who.

“I’m a prince after all, but aren’t you touching me too casually?”

“I just thought that wasn’t a gesture one should direct at a girl. Forgive me, but I took the liberty of stopping you.”

“Hmm, I was just planning to pull the hit at the last moment… Did I get misunderstood? I’ll apologize for that.”

Adele raised his leg.

However, it didn’t hit Julius, and he returned to his original position.

“Hey, why don’t you join my faction? I’ll treat you pretty well.”

“Unfortunately, I don’t want to join a faction made up of guys who have no qualms about hurting girls. My partner would be disappointed. And I have no intention of being dyed in any color.”

“Is that so? That’s a shame.”

So then.

Julius slowly straightens up.

“Now, let’s get to the point. Judging from Adele Astia’s behavior… it doesn’t seem like you’re part of Luna’s faction. So what’s your intention in barging in?”

He seems unassuming and somehow calm.

But the sharp gaze he gives her is chilling. Luna reflexively stiffens up.

“…I barged in because they were doing something that looked interesting.”

“I’m sure Luna had requested rescue before that, right? Unfortunately, I simply offered to negotiate with her, offering to help me at the royal castle after I graduated, in exchange for telling her to stop building the salon.”

“…But it was more or less forced.”

“That depends on how you interpret it, Luna. And here’s how I interpreted it–I thought it was a bit odd to let an outsider interfere in our faction’s problems.”

A faction is a faction. The parties involved are the parties involved.

The school tolerates outsiders interfering in this, but the two of them don’t.

Is there really a reason convincing enough for this? A sharp gaze was directed at Luna.

Does she have a hard time dealing with her brother? Or was she traumatized? Luna’s grip on Adele’s clothes grows tighter.

Knowing this—-

“…I’ve made up my mind.”

Adele must really be an idiot.

He couldn’t just leave a frightened girl by his side.

So he boldly stepped forward to protect Luna and stuck up his middle finger at the third prince.

“I’m joining the Second Princess’s faction. So shut your mouth for once, understand?”

♦♦♦

“Master, are you an idiot?”

After school, after returning from the training ground and receiving stinging looks from the person next to him throughout class.

Amidst the noisy gazes of people, some people directed words of praise at Adele.

By the way, Adele was listening to the cold gazes of those around him, sitting upright with his shoulder joints already dislocated. Ouch.

“But, boss! There’s a deep, deep reason for this…!”

“So you joined a faction without thinking about the consequences, and ended up beating up a senior student, and even gave the royal family the middle finger…may I ask you for your deep, deep reason?”

“I didn’t like it.”

It’s rare for a deep reason to be told in eight letters.

“Master…”

Sighing. Seeing Adele speak with a completely serious face, Elesia put her hand to her forehead.

At that moment, Luna, who had been watching nervously from the side, called out to her.

“Um, well… please don’t get too angry, okay? It was all my fault after all…”

“No, it’s not your fault, Lady Luna. Besides, I love your personality, helping people in trouble.”

“Right! I totally get it!”

“But giving the royal family the middle finger is absolutely unacceptable.”

“Ah… I kind of get it.”

Unable to fully protect her anymore, Luna obediently took a step back with a twitch in her cheek.

And now, sadly, Adele had no allies.

“I don’t have any objections to you joining Lady Luna’s faction. Your lone wolf appearance is very cool, but the sight of you joining a faction for Lady Luna’s sake makes me fall in love with you all over again.”

“…”

“But the other party is the Third Prince. The Third Prince’s appearance is a world apart from the captivating Master, but he is still royalty. There is no point in picking a fight with royalty.”

“…”

“Even if Master is so strong that I can’t help but want to rely on him…”

“Hey, I’ve been getting told off for a while now, haven’t I?”

Even though he was sitting upright and getting lectured, he felt really good for some reason.

“Hey, you’ve been saying suggestive things about the Third Prince for a while now, but is he really that bad? Well, I knew he was a bad guy when we first met, but…”

“The Third Prince, Julius, is famously ambitious.”

To elaborate, Elesia adds.

“He’s very ambitious, and will use any means to achieve his goals. He treats people as pawns, and will thoroughly pave his own way. Julius is the type to ruthlessly eliminate anyone who gets in his way.”

“Hmm.”

“Indeed, when there was a dispute around him, the other person was unable to recover socially and physically.”

“…Seriously?”

“…I’m sorry about my brother.”

Luna’s dejected appearance seemed to prove what Elesia said.

Adele couldn’t calm his twitching cheeks.

“What’s even worse is that he himself is so skilled that he’s been called the ‘reincarnation of the sword saint’. I’ve heard that because of this, he has no rivals among his peers.”

“As proof, Julius is ranked number one in the second year. Moreover, he hasn’t changed his ranking at all since he enrolled.”

“Well, it’s also because there aren’t many students who have the guts to challenge royalty to a duel. Of course, he maintains a firm lead in the regular exams.”

His personality is the worst. Moreover, he is good at fighting and has a strong family background.

It’s like a trashy delinquent who has been given everything and is now uncontrollable.

This time, instead of a bitter smile, Adele instinctively covered his face with both hands.

“Since you have given that person the middle finger, your school life will definitely be troublesome from now on.”

“No! Someone, hurry up and throw that kid out of here!”

But, he is not someone you can just try to get rid of.

He has top grades. It is hard to imagine that someone who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals would be expelled for a duel or exam.

In other words, in these two years.

If the problems surrounding Luna are not resolved, he will have to live a cramped and sinister life every day.

“Well, I will continue to support you so that you can have a comfortable school life, but… for now, I will join Luna’s faction.”

“Eh, is that okay!?”

Luna looked at Elesia in surprise.

Elesia then answered with a small smile.

“Hehe, wherever my master is, I’m there. Besides, I decided that it would be better to join Lady Luna’s faction than some weird faction.”

Adele’s presence was probably a major factor, but the reason for his current decision was probably because he thought of the second princess whom Elesia had known during her time as a young lady.

Joining a faction would definitely affect her future after graduating from the academy.

For that reason, it’s hard to nod your head for reasons other than simple sympathy.

Unlike the foolish Adele, Elesia is the type who can think things through. In other words, Elesia spoke her mind after thinking, “I don’t mind being on Luna’s side in the future.”

Luna was so happy that she almost jumped on Elesia.

“So, why has the third prince set his sights on you after all? Honestly, it doesn’t just seem like you two don’t get along, right?”

Now, to the main topic.

Adele cast a glance at Luna.

“Ah, yeah… that’s right, we have to talk about it properly.”

Luna took a deep breath as if preparing herself.

And then───

“Do you know about the battle for succession?”

♦♦♦

The king is still alive.

But the battle for succession to the throne is still taking place.

When abdication comes into view, which of his children should take his seat… you could say it’s a chance to determine who is suitable.

Charisma, support, strength, economic power, intelligence, anything is fine.

The person the current king thinks is “suitable” will be able to get a ticket to become the next king/queen.

To get that ticket, each child of royal bloodline will struggle to get to the throne, and sometimes they will even fight.

This is the battle for succession───

“But I haven’t heard of any talk of that yet, you know?”

As expected, she can’t talk about it in front of other people.

The location changes to Adele’s room.

While brewing tea in the kitchen, Elesia suddenly asks a question.

However───

“Why are you acting like you belong in a man’s room, Miss Elesia…”

“Gulp… You even remembered where the cups were.”

More than that question, he seems to be concerned that “Elesia is too used to this space.”

As they sit side by side on the guest sofa, they each give each other a dirty look.

Incidentally, Serena met up with Adele on the way to her room, so it seemed like they walked together.

“There’s no point in questioning Elesia’s initiative now.”

Meanwhile, Adele has the door to his bedroom and living room wide open, and is lying on the bed, his face clearly visible.

He looks just like the self-indulgent boy they haven’t seen in a long time.

“Going back to the topic, I’ve never heard of such a thing either. Well, the king hasn’t changed in my lifetime, so maybe this is normal.”

“No, normally the word would be more widespread. Of course, they can’t say openly, ‘We’re fighting!’, but it’s definitely something that gets talked about in high society.”

“Considering that, I’ve never heard of it either…”

Even Elesia tilted her head like Adele.

Seeing this, Luna timidly raised her hand.

“Hey, before that…why don’t you stop using honorifics? I mean, it’s kind of humbling to be respected by the Black Knight…”

“You’re the most humbling person here, Princess.”

“I, in the first place, I don’t like being respected! I want you to treat me like a friend, Elesia! Look, we’re friends now!”

“Okay, Luna. I get it.”

“You’re changing your mind too quickly, Master.”

Adele doesn’t like to respect others in the first place.

Even if the other person is royalty, she seems to be dominated by the feeling of “I did it, thank you!”

“Well, if that’s what you say, Lady Luna, then I don’t mind…but this is who I am, so I’ll just leave it as it is.”

“Yes!”

Elesia smiled brightly, and the princess happily agreed.

Perhaps thinking they were getting closer, Luna smiled happily.

“I know what I just said, but to be precise, the battle for the succession hasn’t started yet.”

“Huh? But it’s because there is a battle for the succession that my brother has his eye on, right?”

It’s more like a feeling of, ‘I’ve got a hunch, so let’s get ready just in case!’ you know? It’s not just Julius-onii-sama, it’s something all of us siblings are sensing.

In other words, there must have been something felt within the family.

Perhaps the king’s health was not good, or there was some action that linked it to something. In any case, since it wasn’t just one person who felt it, it was hard to imagine it was a misunderstanding.

“… I think the reason why Julius-onii-sama has made me his enemy is simply because I’m the easiest to crush.”

“Easy to crush?”

“Uh, yeah… because right now I have the fewest allies.”

There are many factors that the king uses to make his decision, but the most important is his support.

He will be leading a country, so he must first gain the support and recognition of the people. Among them, the allies of the nobles, who are the center of the country, are essential.

If something happens, they will lend a hand, and their opinions will be respected.

On the other hand, if there are no support, the nobles will abandon them. If that happens, the country will not be able to run smoothly, and rebellions may occur. Therefore, support is the most important factor.

“He’ll crush the easiest places early on. Julius-onii-sama hates making the game dirty, so he tries to avoid “gaining power through unexpected means.”

“Are you a perfectionist and a clean freak? If you’re also ambitious, it’s pretty unbearable.”

“I’m not interested in the throne in the first place. Some of my siblings think the same thing, but…”

“Is it that they’re scared of people suddenly turning on them? Seriously, what a pain they are to everyone around them.”

He didn’t want to approve the establishment of the salon because he didn’t want allies to gather around Luna.

It’s true that the person who is trying to crush her first wouldn’t like her to gain power.

That’s why —

“I have to gather allies and survive before I’m crushed. If I can gather allies and gain influence, Julius-onii-sama won’t take such drastic measures…”

It’s fine if he hesitates to deal with them after crushing them.

That way, her own life won’t be put in danger.

If things get out of hand, she might not be able to handle it and her ambitions might be crushed.

(Even so, she’s been proceeding with the idea that she might die this whole time.)

Is that a normal risk to take? Adele wonders, looking at Luna.

When people without ambition get desperate, it’s basically when they’re in danger.

Even if Adele was told, “You’ll get a ton of money if you do your job properly,” he wouldn’t even thinkof getting up and say, “I don’t care.”

Luna is also being proactive about things she shouldn’t be, probably because it has to do with their own safety.

“So in the end, all we have to do is protect Luna and gather allies at the same time?”

“Eh? Ah, no! I’m glad you did that, but I got you involved, so all you have to do is join us, Adele-kun—-”

“What are you talking about? We’ve already embarked on this, so it’s not going to end with just joining the ship.”

Come on. Adele got up from the bed and showed his face in the living room.

“Besides, will that protect Luna? If so, there’s no reason not to help.”

He spoke those words honestly, with a ridiculous face, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

“—-!?”

In response, Luna turned a beautiful red all the way to her ears.

And—-

“Sigh… Master, you’re sweet-talking people again. Later, it’s lap pillow and shoulder joint time.”

“So that’s why the princess fell in love with you.”

The two girls who were not involved in the matter each gave a cold look at the overly kind man.

♦♦♦

The regular exams for second-year students are held as soon as the new semester begins.

Not only mock battles and written exams, but also actual combat tests are conducted when students reach the second year, and Cain, Julius’s bodyguard, was also called into action.

(The average number of enemy defeated was three… was it?)

Cain, the son of Viscount Keiline, puts his giant sword on his back.

In front of him is a lush forest and eight wolf-like demonic beasts lying on the ground, spilling dark red liquid.

If the average is three, it’s fair to say that he’s far above average.

(I’m still inexperienced. Considering that, professional knights are probably even more amazing… I can only say that the members of the Marquis Astia family who have already joined the Knights and are performing their duties are as expected.)

No, more importantly.

Before comparing himself to a distinguished knight family, he should compare himself to the people nearby.

Cain looks back. There, they found their master, sitting leisurely on a pile of a dozen corpses.

“Hmm? Are you done?”

“Yeah, just now. We’ve defeated enough, so I think it’s fine if we just go back to the rendezvous point.”

“That’s fine, but why don’t we take it easy a bit? We’ve made it outside the academy after all.”

He was unscathed after defeating so many monsters. In fact, he even seemed to have some leeway.

In addition, he had defeated more monsters than Cain himself – as expected, Cain thought, and raised his eyes.

At that moment—-

“Oh, were you guys here too?”

A girl appeared from the bushes.

She had pink hair in a side ponytail. She exuded an aura that was difficult to describe, either innocence or seductive.

The girl, Charlotte, raised her hand and greeted the two of them, saying “Hello.”

“Oh, that’s rare. Two loyal retainers together. Especially Charlotte, we don’t see each other often because she’s in a different class.”

“Why don’t you just move up to S-Class already? It’s a pain having to contact you every single time.”

“I don’t want to, it’s too much of a hassle. If you’re not ambitious, there’s only drawbacks to moving up the ranks. Only masochistic girls who enjoy being criticized should try that kind of thing.”

Cain shrugged his shoulders.

Then, Julius spoke as if he had just thought of something.

“That’s right, Charlotte… there’s one thing I want to ask you.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“Can you defeat a hero?”

What are you talking about? Charlotte tilted her head.

But then she immediately sighed softly.

“I don’t know which hero you’re referring to, but… well, I’ll just have to give it my all. I think I can win unless someone is three times stronger than you.”

“Haha, well said! I think I’m pretty strong, though!”

Julius is known as the “reincarnation of the sword saint.”

Can he win against someone less than three times stronger? If there were a third party here, they would be puzzled.

However, neither Cain nor Julius offered any rebuttal.

Instead——

“…Julius, what are you thinking of next?”

“Hmm, nothing special.”

Julius’s lips relax at Cain’s question.

“I’m the next king of this country. I’ll crush anyone who stands in my way—I’ll just challenge you to the usual, hilarious obstacle course.”

Cain frowns at his words.

He doesn’t seem very keen on it.

However, without a word of complaint, he cut off the tail of the corpse he had killed nearby and turned his back on it.

“I’ll go back first, but how about you, Julius?”

“I’ll go get some more fresh air. I have some other things I want to think about.”

“In that case, why don’t you come back with me? A bloody space is a touchy subject for a maiden’s skin.”

Saying this, Charlotte stood next to Cain.

They pushed aside the bushes and walked together to the agreed upon meeting point.

Then, after a while, Charlotte spoke up.

“Is that prince planning to do something again?”

“…Well, I suppose so.”

“He doesn’t seem very interested.”

“I’m not interested at all. Well, since my family is in the Third Prince’s faction, I can’t complain.”

The Third Prince’s faction is quite large.

Although he has some personality issues, those around him acknowledge that he is more intelligent and skilled than his other siblings.

However, because they had been close to him and had known his difficult personality────they had this kind of conversation.

“Really… that’s why nobles are such a pain. If you don’t want to do something, just say you don’t want to do it. The kids at my orphanage also said they didn’t want to do it, didn’t they?”

“What about you? Your hands are always getting dirty because of him.”

“Hehe, you’re worried about me. Is it because I’m the third prince’s secret confidant?”

“That’s not the case──”

“I know, you’re kind.”

But…

Charlotte slapped Cain on the back.

“He gives me a lot of money, not just for show, but genuinely and consistently. Because of that, I trust him. Even if he’s difficult personality-wise, I’ve got no complaints.”

“………………”

“The world doesn’t run on pretty words alone. If you have money, you can buy medicine, and you can continue to treat the sisters and your family… You have the means and the power, so there’s no reason not to fall into evil.”

And with that, Charlotte walked ahead.

From behind, she looked like a frail girl. She didn’t look sad, nor did she look depressed.

She simply looked at reality and understood it—just like any other girl.

“An evil, huh… that’s tough for both of us.”

“Well, we’re both evil, so let’s pray that our master doesn’t do anything eccentric. Well, if you go to church, I’ll accompany you.”

“…If you’re there, it wouldn’t be so bad to go to a place like that.”

Cain quickened his pace and stood next to Charlotte.

Suddenly, he looked at Charlotte’s profile and thought.

(The epidemic… the Accursed Bloom, huh? If only that hadn’t happened, she probably would’ve remained a sweet, innocent girl.)

And as he gazed at her profile, a hint of sadness clouded Cain’s expression.