I was reincarnated as the carefree duke’s second son, and somehow, my random remarks got me treated like a hero
When I entered the classroom, I could feel a sense of confusion in the gazes directed at me. Ignoring it completely, I sat down next to the seat where Lord Brid was sitting.
“What is it?”
“Oh, good morning, Lord Brid. It’s been a while.”
I greeted him with a smile.
“You’re quite the actor. Hmph, what were you doing not coming to the academy for so long?”
“Oh? Are you interested in me?”
I responded cheerfully, as if delighted by his question.
His large frame exuded an aura of strength, and the man standing behind Lord Brid emanated an incredible killing intent.
No, no, the atmosphere here feels like a battlefield.
It was good that Elisabeth and Irene took other classes for Julia’s sake.
“Hmph, as long as you act eccentrically and freely, it’s amusing. But do you intend to use your talent for my benefit?”
“What are you talking about, Lord Brid? I’m just the second son of a mediocre duke’s family. I’m nothing more than a stand-in for my older brother Eric, waiting in the shadows.”
The man who had been sending waves of killing intent since earlier seemed irritated by my flippant remarks, directing all his murderous intent solely at me.
If I hadn’t been fighting monsters in the duchy, I might have been intimidated. But compared to the fire dragon, he’s still rough around the edges—quite adorable, really.
“Do you think you can make me believe you’re useless? Heh, that’s impossible.”
“Oh? So you don’t think I’m useless? That’s flattering, but aren’t you overestimating me?”
“If that’s what you want, I’ll respect it. But more importantly, where do you plan to belong?”
“Belong?”
“Don’t play dumb! I’ve humored you enough. Answer the question.”
Young Lord Brid, arrogant yet cheerful, seemed cute precisely because he was still unfinished.
“Well, everyone seems to be involved in interesting activities, so I intend to think carefully about it.”
“I see. You’re always welcome whenever you decide.”
“Thank you, Lord Brid. As a friend, I’m glad to hear that.”
I extended my hand to Lord Brid as if offering a handshake. The action seemed to shock everyone in the room, including Lord Brid himself.
“Me, your friend?”
“Yes, though your rank in the empire is higher than mine, we both hold royal succession rights, are both second sons, and the same age. Moreover, we’re classmates studying together here. I believe that qualifies us as friends.”
“Heh, heh, heh, ha ha ha. You’re one of the few who dare speak so casually to me. But don’t get carried away, you eccentric. Whether I acknowledge you or consider you a friend depends on how things unfold.”
Though he rejected the idea of friendship, his smile looked genuinely pleased.
“Hey, you!”
The man who had been radiating killing intent stood up.
“What is it?”
“Enough! You’re being too familiar with Lord Brid!”
“Hmm.”
He must be a commoner favored by Lord Brid. Even as he raised his voice, Lord Brid didn’t stop him.
Always holding his longsword close, it was clear he had earned Lord Brid’s favor through his swordsmanship.
“And you are?”
“Ike!”
“I see, Ike. Right now, I’m having a conversation with Lord Brid. Do you think it’s alright to interrupt?”
I taunted Ike. Normally, I wouldn’t provoke someone like this, but earnest types like him are more fun to tease.
“Shut up! You’re the one being overly familiar and disrespectful to Lord Brid!”
The tension in the air suggested he was about to draw his sword, but I laughed. I doubted it would escalate into a duel, but the person enjoying this situation the most seemed rather cunning.
“Lord Brid, it seems you keep quite the rabid dog.”
“Heh, a rabid dog, you say? To me, he’s a loyal hound.”
“I see. At this rate, an ordinary guy like me might end up getting cut down.”
“If you get cut down, then you weren’t worth much to begin with.”
Lord Brid showed no sign of guilt or intention to stop the situation.
This was troublesome. Though I wanted to brush it off casually, cooling down his heated head seemed bothersome.
“Hmm. So what should we do? You stood up in a fit of passion and came at me. Do you think that doesn’t tarnish Lord Brid’s honor?”
“What?!”
“I, unlike you, come from a family name that allows me to converse with Lord Brid as an equal. But what about you? Can you claim to be on equal footing with me? Don’t say we’re equals just because we’re students here. You used Lord Brid’s name to vent your anger at me. From that point on, the academy has nothing to do with this.”
I decided to verbally overpower him, treating him like a child.
His killing intent turned into confusion, and he began to doubt whether he had done something wrong in front of Lord Brid.
How amusing. The more serious a person is, the more they charge ahead blindly, their vision narrow. And since he hasn’t received proper education as a commoner, he lacks common sense.
It’s unfortunate, but if he had simply drawn his sword and attacked me first, there would have been no room for argument.
But once he gave me the chance to speak, I felt confident that I wouldn’t lose in a battle of words.
“So, Ike. Do you have the standing to bear Lord Brid’s name? And do you have any grounds to criticize me?”
Once trapped in thought, someone like Ike couldn’t find an answer.
For someone who relies solely on swinging a sword without thinking, abandoning that approach…
“Ike, stand down.”
“Lord Brid!”
“It was amusing, but you’ve lost. Your swordsmanship is impressive, but everything else is lacking. Fly. That’s enough.”
“Yes, as you command, Lord Brid.”
By having Lord Brid mediate, Ike had no choice but to back down, preserving my pride while also saving face for Lord Brid.
“Hmm. You have both determination and clever tricks up your sleeve. Truly eccentric.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Words are stronger than swords—that’s my belief. Defeat those who live by the sword with words, and strike down those skilled in debate before they can even start.
“Well, I’ll take my leave now.”
“Fly, I’ll be waiting for you anytime.”
“Heh, I’ll think about it.”
Even as I casually bid farewell, Lord Brid saw me off with a smile, showing his admirable composure.
