I was reincarnated as the carefree duke’s second son, and somehow, my random remarks got me treated like a hero
**《Side Brid Slayer Harkens》**
There’s nothing interesting about Academy City at all.
It’s merely a waypoint, and my purpose is already fulfilled once I identify those with ability.
These past three years have either been meaningless or spent waiting for more capable individuals to appear as the school year changes…
The change in these monotonous days came when that eccentric arrived at the school.
“Oh, good morning, Lord Brid. It’s been a while.”
Never before has anyone greeted me so casually.
Even among royalty, no one speaks to me without treating me as special.
“Hmph. As long as you continue acting eccentric freely, it amuses me. But do you intend to use your talent for my sake?”
Fly Eltor, the eccentric who converses with me without being intimidated by my overwhelming presence. Among all the people I’ve met, he’s the most mysterious — an unfathomable man.
“What are you talking about, Lord Brid? I’m just the second son of a mediocre duke’s family. I’m nothing but a backup for my older brother, Eric, a brainless spare.”
How can someone who talks so casually despite the murderous intent radiating from Ike be considered ordinary?
In the duchy, there was a large-scale drought, and traces indicated that a fire dragon had lived near the water source. Yet, for some reason, the fire dragon disappeared after a few years.
Dragons never change their lairs once they’ve settled. Once they inhabit a place, they stay for decades or even centuries. That’s why lands inhabited by dragons become uninhabitable for humans.
But the fire dragon vanished, and the Eltor Dukedom still stands.
My instincts whisper that Fly Eltor might have something to do with it.
“Is that so? You’re welcome anytime.”
“Thank you, Lord Brid. I’m happy to hear that as a friend.”
As I was lost in thought during our conversation, Fly suddenly extended his hand for a handshake. His action was so natural that…
I froze, unable to comprehend what he was asking of me.
“Does he consider me a friend?”
“Yes, although your rank is higher within the Empire, we both hold rights to the royal succession, are both second sons, and are the same age. Plus, we’re classmates studying together here. I believe that gives us enough qualification to be friends.”
His reasoning is quite far-fetched. But it’s rare to meet someone who doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable.
“Heh heh, hahaha! You’re one of the few who would dare speak so casually to me. But don’t get carried away, eccentric. Whether I acknowledge you as a friend depends on how things develop.”
No one has ever called me a friend throughout my life. Ike, who is always by my side, is my sword. He isn’t in the position of a friend.
“Hey, you!”
Ike, who had been emanating murderous intent since earlier, stood up to intimidate Fly. My sword couldn’t tolerate the word “friend” being used so casually.
This is interesting. This will be a good test for Fly.
“What is it?”
“Enough! You’re being too familiar with Lord Brid!”
Ike is a master swordsman whom I acknowledge. He surpasses even the Sword Saint in skill and is on the path to becoming a Sword God. Currently, he’s training to take the Sword Emperor exam as a Sword Saint.
“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 us?”
“Shut up! You’re the one being overly familiar and disrespectful to Lord Brid!”
As expected, Fly remains completely unfazed by Ike’s murderous intent. Ordinary people would be paralyzed with fear if targeted by such killing intent, unable to even speak.
Even strong individuals might manage to talk, but they’d still show signs of caution.
Yet Fly doesn’t change his attitude at all. Just how entertaining can he be?
“Lord Brid, it seems you keep quite the rabid dog by your side.”
“Heh heh, a rabid dog, you say? But to me, he’s a loyal hound.”
“Indeed. At this rate, it seems I, a mere commoner, might get cut down.”
“If you get cut down, then you’re not worth much.”
Realizing he wouldn’t receive help from me, Fly relaxed even further and verbally subdued Ike.
It seems Ike has been shown the difference in their caliber.
Friends, huh…
I’ve never thought about it before, but if I were to ever have someone I could call a friend, perhaps it would be someone like this man, who can speak to me as an equal.
“Ike, stand down.”
“Lord Brid!”
“It was amusing, but you’ve lost. Your swordsmanship is exceptional, but in other aspects, you’re still lacking. Fly, that’s enough, don’t you think?”
“Yes, as you wish, Lord Brid.”
Watching Fly walk away and seeing Ike tremble with anger in front of me, I couldn’t help but smile.
“Ike, the world is vast.”
“What do you mean!? Wouldn’t it have been better to just cut down such a disrespectful man?”
“Haa… you don’t understand. Instead of giving in to your rage, you should have acted rationally. Though I might lose the sword known as Ike, that would have been the first and last moment to eliminate him.”
“What do you mean?”
Do you not understand? As a swordsman, Ike is indeed remarkable. But in terms of strategy and maneuvering, he’s still immature. At this rate, becoming a Sword Emperor will be difficult.
Still, I have high hopes for his future.
“You’re the first person I’ve truly wanted to keep by my side since… well, ever.”
Fly Eltor, perhaps you’re the only person I’ll recognize as an equal in my lifetime.
