I was reincarnated as the carefree duke’s second son, and somehow, my random remarks got me treated like a hero
In the afternoon, Elisabeth and Irene had other classes to attend, so they met up with Julia. While petting her fluffy head, they headed to the next class.
The next class was a practical lesson, and it seemed like they would be doing some sort of group competition.
Class Content: “Capture the Flag”
As part of the special tactical training course at the academy, a team-based game called “Capture the Flag” was being held. The goal of this exercise was to develop strategic thinking and leadership skills through team battles.
Summary of Rules
1. Objective: Defend your team’s flag while capturing the enemy team’s flag. The team that captures the most flags within the time limit wins.
2. Team Composition: Four teams are formed, each assigned a base where their flag is placed.
Each team consists of 10 members, including a leader.
Roles:
– Guardian: Protects the team’s flag.
– Attacker: Invades the enemy base.
– Scout: Gathers intelligence on enemy movements.
3. Victory Condition: Capture the enemy’s flag and bring it back to your own base. The team holding the most flags when the time limit (1 hour) ends wins.
After hearing the details of the class, the selection for team representatives began, and four leaders were quickly chosen.
It’s a sport fitting for an academy where representatives from various countries gather.
“Are you the last leader?”
The four team representatives were decided, and I ended up being one of them.
The person who approached me was none other than the “Ice Prince.”
A refreshing, dazzling prince right out of a fairy tale. Truly the ideal man in the eyes of many women, standing before me with a smile.
If my heart were still that of a woman, I might have fallen head over heels for him at first sight.
This is what people mean by the “Prince Charming on a white horse.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Fly Eltor, the second son of the Imperial Duke’s family.”
I introduced myself politely and extended my hand for a handshake.
It seems the teams were divided based on nationality and status. Among the imperial students, my rank was the highest, so they hesitated and gave me the leadership role. If Crown Prince Brid were here, he would have been the representative.
Unfortunately, he isn’t taking the same class as us.
“Hmm. I am Ice Defy Minty, the First Prince of the Minty Kingdom. I didn’t know there were men like you in the Empire.”
“Heh, well, I’ve been skipping school quite a bit.”
“What? Skipping school?”
He looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“The Empire sure has strange people.”
“Does it?”
“I don’t want to say this, but I don’t have a very good impression of the Empire’s princes.”
Though talking badly about someone behind their back is gossip, the Ice Prince says these things even when the person is present. It’s not gossip; rather, he directly challenges others. And he finds it amusing.
On the surface, he may seem like a confrontational hypocrite, but in reality, he’s fiercely competitive and lives by his own beliefs, making him mentally strong.
“Is that so? Well, people are different, aren’t they?”
“Hmm, that’s unexpected.”
“What do you mean?”
“The imperial citizens around you either get enraged or force a bitter smile when the prince is mocked. But you’re neither. You’re elusive and hard to read.”
It seems he’s analyzing me even during our current exchange. Ice Defy Minty is no fool.
He’s the kind of man capable of standing up to someone like Lord Brid, who, despite being arrogant, has the charisma to promote capable individuals.
“Heh, I’m just the second son of a mediocre duke’s family. Please go easy on me today.”
“Hmm. Do you really consider yourself ordinary? You’re truly an interesting person.”
Even though he smiled charmingly, I wasn’t falling for it. Still, he was undeniably handsome.
Watching the Ice Prince walk away, I turned to Julia, who was happily being petted.
“Julia, what do you think of the Ice Prince?”
“Woof~ huh?”
Julia always looks happy when I pet her, so I can’t help but keep stroking her fluffy head. She doesn’t seem too interested in answering.
“That guy? Hmm, he smells of lies! That’s why I don’t like him.”
Even though she loses her vocabulary when being petted, her instincts seem spot-on.
“Heh, so you don’t care about appearances, huh?”
“Appearances? Hmm, I think Lord Fly is the better man.”
“Thanks.”
Yeah, being called a good man by a cute girl like an Akita dog feels pretty good. Her becoming an adorable ditz when petted only adds to her charm.
“Julia, we’ll need you to perform soon, so stay sharp, okay?”
“Yes!”
When I patted her head, she snapped to attention, her focus sharpening.
“The class is about to start, so let’s have some fun, shall we?”
“Fun?”
“Yeah, I want to see you shine, Julia.”
“I’ll do my best!”
“Yeah.”
Suddenly feeling someone’s gaze, I noticed the leader of another team, a beastman, staring at us.
“That is…”
“The Beastman Prince, Logan Goldfang.”
Logan, whom Julia identified, was glaring at me with intense hostility. He then walked over.
“Hey, you! Are you keeping a beastman girl as a slave?!”
Ah, so he noticed that Julia is a slave and is angry about it. Well, it’s understandable for a beastman prince to feel that way.
“That’s right. Is there a problem?”
“What?! If I win this match, you must release that girl!”
This prince suddenly challenged me to a bet, but I responded with a smile.
“I decline.”
“What?!”
I politely bowed my head and hugged Julia tightly. She was small, fluffy, and absolutely adorable.
“She’s mine.”
“Grrraaaaah!!! Lord Fly!!!”
“You’ll regret this! Remember my words!”
He stormed off after venting his anger. I thought he’d cause more trouble, but surprisingly, he remained calm.
Truly, this academy gathers all sorts of races and people.
