I staggered back as I felt a sudden impact—Talia had thrown herself onto me.
“Hey, Talia, that’s dangerous!”
“If you can’t catch someone like me, how do you plan to manage being an Apostle or a Marquis?”
“Stop calling me an Apostle or a Marquis.”
“Why? That’s all anyone talks about at the academy.”
“I’d prefer if you just kept calling me Toma, like always.”
“Hehehe, alright then, Toma it is!”
She’s Talia, my half-sister. Her hug made it clear—she’s really grown. Not to specify, but… yeah, she’s definitely soft.
I have to say, even as her brother, she’s a remarkably beautiful person.
“Talia, that’s unbecoming behavior.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“It’s been a while, Louise-san.”
“Indeed, it has. You’ve had your share of difficulties, Arusha .”
“It wasn’t that hard with Toma and my husband by my side.”
“I’m glad to hear Baron Rocksfall is a good man.”
“Oh, he’s wonderful.”
“My, my, how sweet. Fufufu.”
Today, I was visiting the estate of Baron Rittenheim along with my mother and Siegward.
Talia’s mother, Louise-san, used to be one of the lord’s concubines and is now Baron Rittenheim’s second wife.
“So, you’re Siegward-chan? I’m Louise; pleased to meet you.”
“P-Pleased to meet you too.”
“And I’m Talia! Come here, let me hold you.”
Half-dragging Siegward into her arms, Talia pressed her cheek to his, enjoying the softness of his face.
“Toma, tell me everything! I hear you’ve been up to some exciting things!”
“Tea is ready in the courtyard. Let’s go.”
The courtyard they guided us to was an impressive garden. The weather was warm and sunny, but magical devices near the table made the area feel like springtime.
Though Talia and I exchanged letters often, she was a chatterbox who always found new topics to bring up.
Of all my half-siblings, Talia is the only one I’ve maintained contact with. Others from the Lightstar family, who inherited the lord’s personality, weren’t as welcoming.
For the record, there were many older siblings, but I don’t recall many younger ones—just one that I remember clearly.
After a month of attending the academy—though it’s worth noting that it operates on a four-day school week—I spent most of my days off delving into dungeons. As a result, I defeated the boss of the 25th floor of the Arylack Dungeon. High levels made progress smooth, and I quickly reached the dungeon’s final floor.
The Arylack Dungeon’s 25th floor held several treasure chests, but none contained the item Deuro-sama mentioned. I didn’t sense anything special, so I doubted it was there. Deuro-sama had warned me that finding the item would be challenging, so I knew the real work was just beginning.
By May, despite three months of searching, I still hadn’t found it. Could someone else have already taken it? No, it must still be out there. Determined, I continued my exploration.
Talia visited my house about once a week, mainly because she was obsessed with the sweets I made. When I warned her about eating too much—saying it might cause breakouts or weight gain—her shocked reaction was adorable.
In May, the academy hosts an annual Martial Arts Tournament and Magic Tournament.
The Martial Arts Tournament is for combat techniques involving weapons like swords, spears, and bows, with magical attacks prohibited.
Conversely, the Magic Tournament bans non-magical attacks.
Knighthood students are required to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament, while magic students must join the Magic Tournament. General education students must participate in one of the two tournaments.
“Toma-kun, which one will you join?”
Reinhardt sipped his tea gracefully before placing the teacup down and asking.
“I’m leaning towards the Magic Tournament, but I haven’t decided yet.”
“The Magic Tournament? I thought for sure you’d go for the Martial Arts Tournament.”
I can’t use magic, but magical tools are allowed—as long as they’re considered magic and not mundane tools. Some argue that using magical tools isn’t true magic, but since they consume mana, they’re permitted.
Reinhardt, being a knight student, will join the Martial Arts Tournament. Claudia, Bruno, Daniel, Deborah, and Raine will also compete in their respective categories.
While I care more about the Arylack Dungeon’s item, I couldn’t disgrace my father’s name. I planned to give it my all.
“By the way, do you have… you know, that?”
By “that,” Reinhardt was referring to shortcake. Back in January, I gave him chestnut yokan, which his mother adored. Since then, I’ve gifted their family a different sweet every month.
“I do.”
“Thank you, as always. About payment—”
“No need for payment; it’s just a gift for a friend.”
It’s an investment for the future. If Reinhardt becomes king someday, I hope he’ll remember my family fondly. Even if he doesn’t, the cost of sweets is negligible.
“There’s enough for everyone.”
My attendants handed out sweets to Reinhardt’s entourage.
“Thank you, Toma-san. Your sweets are unique and delicious. My mother and sisters are always delighted.”
Raine’s words were met with nods from the others. Their joy made me happy, too.
“This dessert is shortcake, so be careful not to shake or tilt it too much.”
The attendants were warned, and shortcakes were placed before us.
“What a beautiful dessert!”
“It’s so pristine and white.”
“Adorable!”
Claudia, Deborah, and Raine were all smiles as they chatted excitedly.
“It’s not too sweet and just right. Delicious!”
Daniel’s wild and hearty eating style reminded me of the meat festivals in Ashwood.
Meanwhile, Reinhardt and Bruno ate with noble elegance.
“What’s this red fruit?”
Reinhardt lifted a strawberry with his fork.
“That’s a strawberry. It’s tangy and essential for shortcake.”
While other fruits like oranges and peaches work, strawberries are the classic choice for shortcake. Recalling the single time I ate shortcake in my previous life, I felt grateful to Deuro-sama for allowing me to experience it again in this world.
Not being a school day, I spent the morning practicing swordsmanship. After some light swings, I sparred with Ben.
“You’re still as fast as ever, Toma!”
“I’d rather not take a direct hit from you, Ben.”
Ben’s strikes would dull or break my sword in just a few clashes, so I had to avoid them.
Time always flew when sparring with Ben.
“Are you two still at it? It’s already lunchtime!”
If Charmy hadn’t called out, we might have gone on indefinitely.
“Let’s eat!”
Ben sprinted off the training ground, eager for food. His appetite explained his towering 180 cm frame at just 15 years old. His broad chest and thick arms suggested he’d grow even larger—possibly reaching 2 meters.
At 11 years old, I’m about 153 cm tall. I’m sure I’ll keep growing, though.
▽▽▽ Side: Carl Axel Bayerlein, Duke ▽▽▽
“What? Haten is making suspicious moves?”
“Yes, it seems they plan to do something at the academy, but we don’t have details yet.”
“The academy?!”
The academy hosts Helmut, Rosemary, and Toma, along with members of the royal family. I couldn’t risk exposing any rash information until we knew the extent of Haten’s infiltration. First, I would report this to His Majesty and consider countermeasures.
“Prepare for immediate departure to the castle!”
