I was reincarnated as the carefree duke’s second son, and somehow, my random remarks got me treated like a hero
It’s been a while since I last set foot on the school grounds, probably since the entrance ceremony.
“Ah, the academy.”
“The academy, indeed!”
Since I promised to go to school, Elisabeth woke me up, and together with her perfectly styled villainess-like curls, we arrived at the academy.
“Hehe, Elisa-chan seems really excited.”
“What about you, Irene-sama?”
“I’ll let her have today. I think Elisabeth-chan wanted to be the one to bring Fly-sama to the academy the most.”
“Is that so? Haah~ I’m already overwhelmed with my own stuff.”
“Hehe, I see. Julia-chan also needs to work hard, right?”
“Yeah. I want Fly-sama, our master, to praise me for being great.”
Behind us, Irene-san and Julia followed, dressed in the academy’s uniform. Julia, as my attendant, would also be attending the academy, increasing the number of women surrounding me from two to three.
“But, I don’t even know where the classrooms are or what classes I’m supposed to take.”
“Of course, I have everything under control!”
“Yeah, I thought so. So? Where should I go, Elisabeth?”
From who knows where, Elisabeth pulled out a triangular pair of glasses and a notebook, ready to explain.
“Yes! First, in the morning, there are basic classes that all new students take, but as a noble and top student, Fly-sama doesn’t need them.”
“Eh? Really?”
“Yes. We nobles have already completed our basic education. Manners and basic studies are unnecessary. It’s more meaningful to focus on specialized subjects. Eric-sama, for example, spent all his time on magic research.”
Yeah, that sounds like my serious, magic-obsessed older brother. He’s so obsessed with magic that he has no interest in anything else.
Sometimes I worry if he can really take over the ducal family. Well, as long as he takes responsibility and helps out, it should be fine.
“Since it’s elective, I’ve chosen three subjects for Fly-sama: Imperial Studies, Economics, and Strategic Tactics.”
“Whaaat?! Aren’t those all subjects for someone who’s going to be a lord? I’m just the second son, living a carefree life!”
“Hehehe, of course, I understand. Fly-sama has already mastered everything and doesn’t need them, right?!”
No, no, are my ears deceiving me? I know nothing about Imperial Studies or Strategic Tactics. And Economics? I was just an ordinary salaryman, so I’m not well-versed in that either.
I mean, if you go to work and do your job, you get paid. It’s more important to learn your job well and get along with people.
I’ve never thought about studying Economics and going independent.
“Hehehe, you’re amazing, Fly-sama.”
“Yeah. Our master is truly amazing.”
Even Irene-san and Julia are misunderstanding. I’m just an ordinary guy.
“Ah~ my head is starting to hurt.”
“Are you okay, Fly-sama? Would you like to take a nap on my lap?”
“Ah! No, my head is fine, but let’s change the subject. Have any factions formed yet?”
“Factions?”
“Yeah. There are all kinds of people at the academy, right? This academy city has people from various races.”
“I see.”
I haven’t just been playing around. Early on, there’s always the ranking and recruitment into factions, and the formation of a caste system.
It’s a hierarchy that exists everywhere. Well, it’s part of human relationships.
“That’s right. The biggest faction would be the Ice Prince’s Kingdom faction, ‘Silver Flag.'”
“Silver Flag??? What’s that?”
“It’s the faction’s name! It’s common in the academy city.”
Is that so? So there are factions with these kinds of names.
“But I’m surprised. I thought it would be Brid-sama’s faction.”
“Brid-sama’s Imperial Virtue faction, Imperial Virtus, only recruits those with exceptional abilities and ignores the ordinary, so Ice-sama’s faction, which accepts everyone, has grown larger.”
I see. So it’s the two giants: Brid-sama, who prefers a small elite group, and Ice-sama, who is kind to everyone without discrimination.
“Are there others?”
“Then, if I may, allow me to explain!”
For some reason, Elisabeth’s glasses gleamed.
“First, there’s the Beast Prince’s faction, Golden Claw.”
Leader: Beast Prince Logan Goldfang (Lion Tribe Prince)
Characteristics: Centered around beastman students, this faction values strength and honor. They excel in combat training and sports tournaments, leveraging their superior physical abilities. Non-beastmen who believe “might makes right” or admire their bravery also join.
The group’s atmosphere is lively, with a culture that celebrates winners. Leader Logan is bold and reliable but also impulsive, admired for his strength.
The faction has a clear hierarchy, with a strong emphasis on meritocracy.
In terms of influence, they dominate combat training and physical education classes, becoming an aspirational faction for those aiming to be knights or soldiers.
“Second is the Principality Princess faction, Rose Moon.”
Leader: Principality Princess Cecilia Rose Arlington
Characteristics: Composed mainly of nobles and wealthy individuals from small countries and principalities, this faction values “elegance” and “intelligence,” excelling in academics, arts, and diplomacy.
The principality is known as the city of art, emphasizing academics and arts, and forming alliances with small states and merchants.
Leader Cecilia is gentle and reserved but highly intelligent and passionate about the arts, treating such individuals with respect.
The group’s atmosphere is more about indulging in personal hobbies than being flashy. They are subtle in public but excel in behind-the-scenes maneuvering and information control.
In terms of influence, they attract students interested in politics and diplomacy, with merchants skilled in networking also joining. They have a presence in both noble and commoner circles, particularly in arts and academics.
They play a leading role in cultural events.
“Third is the Mermaid Princess faction, Blue Sea.”
Leader: Mermaid Princess Aquaris Neptina (Whale Tribe Mermaid)
Characteristics: Centered around merfolk students from maritime nations, this faction dominates the academy’s water areas, excelling in marine commerce and magic.
Princess Aquaris is a master of music and water magic, popular for her grace and approachability. The faction also includes students aspiring to be sailors, musicians, or fishermen, drawn by the freedom and skills offered.
The atmosphere is open and cheerful, with a relaxed hierarchy and a focus on “empathy” and “harmony.” They frequently hold music festivals and social gatherings, making them popular within the academy.
In terms of influence, their beautiful appearances and commercial influence extend throughout the academy. Their wide network makes them a sought-after group for parties.
“Lastly, there’s the Student Council, a faction of commoner students without a representative. The faction name is Liberty Flame.”
Leader: Marcus, a commoner and the Student Council President (senior student at the academy city)
Characteristics: Centered around commoner students, this faction holds a counter-consciousness towards noble society while aiming for coexistence. Led by the Student Council, their activities focus on fair academy operations and protecting commoner students’ rights. Many members are those who can’t fit into noble society or pursue ideals beyond social status.
The atmosphere is active in student movements and opposition to nobles, with a strong sense of freedom and collective consciousness. The faction values “cooperation” and “democracy” over the leader’s charisma. However, some members hold radical views, leading to internal conflicts.
In terms of influence, they are not as powerful as other factions, but their senior representatives are a reliable presence for commoner students. While they outnumber other factions, they lag in combat and magical influence, making their relationships with other factions crucial.
“That’s all.”
Elisabeth had gathered all this information for me, so I gave her a round of applause.