And three days passed.
Yukina continued to follow me, undeterred.
During that time, rumors began circulating within the academy that we might be romantically involved.
Well, she does come to wake me up every day and persistently sticks around, so from an outsider’s perspective, we might seem close.
”Any progress today?”
”None.”
”Aren’t you tired of this?”
”I never get tired. It’s strange.”
After afternoon classes, I initiated our usual conversation. Yukina responded with our customary exchange.
Yukina’s expression rarely changes, but lately, I’ve noticed a faint smile when we’re together. Even now, she’s smiling. She seems to enjoy this practice, even when there’s no visible progress.
If Yukina were using her Celestial Eye (sirius Ark), it might be different, but she hasn’t used it since that incident. Without it, she won’t make any headway.
I avoid revealing my weaknesses, so there’s nothing for Yukina to learn from me. She needs time. Rather than being taught by someone else, she should accumulate experiences and discover things on her own.
The importance of defense, the experience of taking lives on the battlefield—if I were to teach her, it would be after that.
So I won’t reveal my vulnerabilities.
As much as I regret missing out on days spent with a beautiful woman, Yukina is a prodigy. If I teach her superficial techniques, she might miss crucial insights.
And if that happens, I’d lose a valuable successor to the Sword Saint.
I mustn’t rush or be swayed by allure.
I remind myself and exercise self-control.
As I stood up from my seat, three male students entered the classroom. Seniors, wearing white uniforms—the students from the Sword Magic Department.
At the forefront was a blond young man who approached me.
Tall and rather handsome. I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before.
”You’re Roy Luvell, right?”
”Yes, and who might you be, senpai?”
”You don’t know me?”
”No, I don’t.”
”Hmm, you’re not just putting on a brave front, it seems.”
He smiled, brushing his bangs aside.
And then he said:
”Tim Townset, sixth seat among the Sword Demon Ten. Or should I say, Roy, the fallen noble?”
Ah, I remember now. One of the Sword Demon Ten. I’m not particularly interested in half of them, so I didn’t bother remembering.
But Tim Townset, heir to the Townset Ducal House—like Yukina’s family, the Crawford Dukedom, which once produced a Sword Saint. Yet he’s ranked sixth in just three years. Quite ordinary.
“So, what business does a senior like you have with me, the heir to a ducal house and a member of the Sword Magic Decemviri?”
“It concerns you, but it’s not about you personally.”
With that, Tim shifted his gaze to Yukina, who looked troubled.
For now, she doesn’t seem pleased.
He continued:
“Yukina, could you be more mindful of your behavior?”
“…My behavior is my own business.”
“It’s not that simple. We’re engaged, after all. Unpleasant rumors are circulating.”
Engaged. The word made Yukina’s shoulders tremble. She probably doesn’t like it.
Thinking that, Tim added:
“I understand that you’re not enthusiastic about this engagement. But the union of two families that once produced a Sword Saint is essential for our country. As a noble, wouldn’t you be displeased if a wandering swordsman occupied the Sword Saint’s seat? Our child represents hope.”
“I understand. However, during our time at the academy, I expect to have some freedom. That was the agreement.”
“I won’t meddle with your freedom. I’m merely asking you to be cautious. I bear the responsibility of the Townset Ducal House. It’s troublesome. Rumors about the future wife of a—shall we say—fallen noble being close to him.”
With that, Tim left the classroom with his two companions.
Watching him go, I muttered:
“Why does he act so high and mighty despite being sixth seat?”
“…The Townset Ducal House is a major noble family. They can even voice their opinions to the king…”
“Did he force the engagement, too?”
“It was indeed pushed through. But it’s also true that many people have given up on seizing the Sword Saint’s seat during our generation…”
So they’re pinning their hopes on the next generation.
It’s like breeding horses. I find the idea distasteful.
Is there any guarantee that Yukina’s child will surpass her?
I’d bet on developing Yukina’s talent.
“Understood. It makes sense now. I was curious why you were so fixated on becoming stronger.”
“…I only have freedom while I’m enrolled in the academy. During this time, I will… surpass the Sword Saint. At least, I have to make others believe that it’s possible. But these are my circumstances. Luvell-kun, you don’t need to think anything of it. I don’t want your sympathy. So, as always, please don’t slip up.”
“I’m not particularly trying not to slip up, though…”
As I shrugged and started walking, Yukina followed behind me.
“Just got a warning, huh?”
“My actions are my own to decide. Besides… I don’t want to be ordered around by someone who’s just the sixth seat.”
“You were thinking the same thing, weren’t you? You’re the third seat, and he’s the sixth. You’re in your first year, and he’s in his third. It doesn’t seem like a match in talent.”
If the goal is to strengthen the bloodline, it’s probably counterproductive.
It feels like it would dilute it. After all, he’s just average.
“But to you, Luvell-kun, he should be someone superior. Yet, you critique him as if he’s beneath you?”
“If you’re on the outside, you can say what you like.”
Yukina’s eyes narrowed slightly, but I didn’t mind and answered.
Maybe because of her sharpness, she delves into evaluating others. It’s not easy to critique someone else so casually.
Yet, I found myself enjoying the situation.
I probably don’t dislike it.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t attend classes so consecutively.
Ever since Yukina started waking me up, I’ve had perfect attendance. Well, only in the afternoons.
Well, it’s also because the empire has been unusually quiet.
“Luvell-kun, what are your plans for tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow… I’m supposed to go out with Rena.”
Tomorrow is a holiday. Rena asked me to accompany her shopping.
As I said that, I realized my mistake and covered my mouth.
Glancing over, I saw Yukina smiling faintly.
“Then I’ll come along too.”
“…I think Rena would mind, wouldn’t she?”
“I’ve been wanting to get along with her.”
“Well, that’s…”
If she wants to get along, she should probably distance herself from me for a while. But I doubt such advice would be heeded, so I let out a small sigh.
Rena’s going to be mad at me, I thought.
