Chapter 145
Thanks to the dramatically artistic exit of the hawk faction, I was able to enjoy a peaceful life at the academy. It’s funny when I think about it. What on earth were they thinking plotting to assassinate royalty? I may have sent some royals on a one-way trip to the afterlife before, but at least I had a justifiable reason for that!
This will definitely go down as an iconic event in the continent’s history. If there were a Darwin Award in this world, they’d be guaranteed winners. Who knows, maybe we’ll even end up with an award for foolish acts on this continent. Just thinking about it makes me cringe!
‘It’s the same bird though.’
My gaze landed on Marghetta, who was diligently going through paperwork. I wonder why the Valenti ducal family, who also uses the hawk as their emblem, are so different from those fools. If the Iron-blooded Duke heard about the hawk faction’s wild antics, he’d be fuming, probably shouting for them to rename themselves to something more fitting—like “birdbrain.”
Or maybe the Valenti family sucked away all the intelligence meant for the hawk faction. If that’s the case, then they have their own sins to bear!
“Carl?”
Perhaps I had been staring too hard because Marghetta, who had been looking down, gently raised her head.
“You must be busy today.”
There was no way I could ask, “So, what do you think about having a bird-brained neighbor?” That would be like declaring war on a family that uses a hawk as their symbol. I had no desire to pick a fight with Marghetta over something so strange!
“Well, since it’s the inter-class competition season, it’s going to be hectic for a while.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“But at least having Carl around gives me strength.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Just like that, we both burst into laughter simultaneously as if we had rehearsed it. It felt kinda robotic, like chatting with an answering machine.
Speaking of rehearsals, I think I got so wrapped up with the fallen hawk faction that time flew by waaaay too fast. Wasn’t there about two weeks left? And yet, suddenly, the inter-class competition is already right around the corner!
The inter-class competition sounds grand but is essentially the academy’s version of a sports festival. Unlike a regular sports festival, however, this one involves swords and magic hurling everywhere—now that’s a spectacle!
It’s a chaotic battleground where all classes, regardless of grade, are thrown into the mix. But unlike fairs or exams, the inter-class competition often happens in a more relaxed way.
“Just a rigged game, anyway.”
At the fairs, you’d have third-year students, and exams pair students of the same level. But during the inter-class competition, first-years have to face off against second and third-years.
For nobles who are sensitive about hierarchy, beating a senior can be a daunting task. Even after graduation, they have to smile and refer to them as alumni—so they certainly don’t want to sour relationships unnecessarily.
As such, it’s a common practice for a class containing third-year students, especially those of high status, to take home the trophy.
“Oh boy, this is going to be a headache.”
“Fufu, the student council is facing a lot of dilemmas, too.”
The rules are one thing, but customs can certainly be broken. Especially when a student of transcendent status enrolls!
If a royal were to enroll, the third-years would practically be on their knees begging the first-years to take the trophy home. A noble defeating royalty? Now that’s traitorous!
And this year is miraculous since a prince, two other royals, and one future saint all enrolled. And let’s not forget—they’re scattered across multiple classes, too!
“Which class should win, do you think?”
“Ah, that’s a tough question.”
I shook my head in agreement with Marghetta’s pondering.
Should we let Ainter’s class win to uphold the empire’s dignity? Or should we favor the classes of our guests, like Rutiss, Lathers, or Tannian? If we were to favor the guests, which one should we pick?
“This is a nightmare.”
Who on earth mixed up the class assignments like this?
Of course, it’ll be pretty miserable for the teacher stuck managing a class full of all four of them.
“It seems safest for Ainter’s class to win. Or we could just let the four of them rough it out among themselves.”
“That seems reasonable.”
Marghetta nodded at my suggestion. If no perfect solutions appear, they might as well battle it out amongst themselves and crown a winner.
Those troublesome brats might charge in head-first, ignoring their statuses, but at least they’ve never demanded special treatment because of it.
In fact, they might even revel in this academy-sanctioned chaos and go wild! If things escalate too much, I can always step in, or I could just summon the standby forces from the three countries. It should be quite the show to watch!
“Having Carl here really does ease my mind.”
While gazing at Marghetta’s bright smile, I instinctively reached for her but pulled my hand back just in time.
‘What a strange habit I’ve picked up!’
Since I’ve gotten used to patting Louise’s head or giving her a friendly nudge, I nearly made the same mistake with Marghetta!
Patting someone’s head without permission can come off as belittling—unless it’s Louise, of course!
But it seems Marghetta noticed my hesitation, for her gaze was fixed on my hand.
“Carl. Please continue what you were about to do.”
She asked with such precision and confidence.
“It was nothing—”
“Do it.”
“…Yes.”
Well, I couldn’t escape that request, could I?
Carefully, I patted Marghetta’s head, and she closed her eyes with a satisfied smile. Well, as long as she liked it, that’s what matters!
“From now on, don’t hesitate. Just go for it.”
“Yes, understood.”
Her adorable request made me chuckle.
Still, considering Marghetta’s dignity, I ought to control myself. I should probably just keep my distance when others are around.
*
Just like how the student council is swamped, I also have tons to do. Organizing the inter-class competition schedule is the student council’s job, but overseeing the members as they run around following that schedule is my responsibility.
Honestly, I think Villar has even more work than I do, but I’ve got my share.
“I’m sure there won’t be any issues, considering the experience from the practical exams.”
“Your confidence is reassuring, Sir Villar.”
I nodded vigorously at Villar’s confident declaration.
This time, things are looking considerably better than during the first semester’s practical exams. Back then, I was just sighing and clutching my neck in despair, but now, they’ve learned from their prior experience.
Moreover, unlike the practical exams, where everyone was required to spar, the inter-class competition allows for the option to just watch and not participate at all.
“Most likely, they’ll participate in the main matches.”
“That seems probable. They all love to set a good example.”
Of course, that’s assuming I’m being overly optimistic. To think they would just stand around spectating during a festive event like this? Highly unlikely.
Even if they’ve been lounging around like fishermen since Louise turned them down, their true natures won’t change. They grudgingly applied to this foreign academic institution and joined clubs because of a girl!
With Louise’s influence lessening now, it’s even more likely they may go off the rails.
‘Is everything going to be alright?’
Suddenly, I felt a wave of anxiety. I was already anxious even with them under control—but now, without any reins?
“The newly selected forces from each country specialize in escort and healing, and many of them are skilled in training, so there’s no need for concern.”
Villar seemed to sense my unease and continued his reassurances.
“That’s a relief.”
Knowing there are training experts puts my mind at ease. One of their roles, after all, is to step in during duels to prevent injuries.
Yes, I should trust them. Last time went well, so it should again. I trust the academy and the three countries’ capabilities; we’re like brothers in arms who risk our necks together.
Even though we were born on different days, collectively, we could all meet our end in a crisis!
“But ideally, no incidents should happen at all.”
Villar subtly hinted at his own thoughts.
‘So you feel the same way.’
I figured as much. No matter how prepared or confident one may feel, they’d always prefer circumstances where they wouldn’t risk their necks.
The best case scenario is for nothing to happen at all and for none of the members to participate in a single game. That’s just common sense!
“Agreed. Staying quiet is the best option. As an advisor, I’m not fond of seeing the members exhausted.”
= Should I ask on your behalf?
“You’ve truly become an excellent advisor.”
= I would appreciate that!
As a subordinate, asking which game the royal family plans to partake in would be a bit much.
So what could I do? I’ll just have to take action myself.
*
Even if I anticipated this turn of events, when the moment comes, it still stings.
“Ah, of course, I plan to participate.”
“I see.”
Seeing Rutis state this so assuredly was almost heartbreaking.
He’s even saying “of course.” Were my and Villar’s hopes trampled so easily?
“When else will I get to face a Yuben mage?”
I almost chimed in to say that whether it’s an Armein mage or a Yuben mage, they’re pretty much the same. But I bit my tongue.
“This time, I shall witness a new world.”
“Haha! I’m looking forward to it!”
Even Lather, who had been quiet until then, lit up at Rutis’s words.
That fiery red guy sure knows how to stir things up! Actually, this time, even the blue-haired guy has become part of the problem!
“This year’s inter-class competition is bound to be intense!”
Ainter smiled lightly as if it was none of his concern. Given that Ainter strictly followed the academic path, that’s likely to be expected.
Tannian isn’t particularly combative, Erich isn’t one to show off his skills, and Louise—well, I don’t even need to mention her.
‘Those hot-headed sword-waving fools!’
It’s nothing but an ego battle between warriors and mages.
I just don’t understand it. In the end, whether you get hit or not, the outcome is still deadly, so why bicker over it?
“So, it’s just Rutis and Lather participating?”
“Ah, count me in, too.”
“Of course, you would!”
Having Erich on board is really no issue.
Fortunately, Erich is one of those students who can afford to sustain injuries regardless of whether he participates or not.
Shifting my gaze to Tannian, he simply shook his head lightly.
“I’m a candidate for sainthood, after all.”
That explanation suffices. Saints don’t meddle in human affairs, so he’s just planning to observe.
But treating a mere sports festival as a conflict seems a tad excessive, don’t you think?
“What does it even matter?”
If they wish to bow out, that’s just fine by me.
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