Chapter 7: This Love I Offer to You
Joining up with Lugue and Lecty, I headed to the Second Ground, where most of our classmates were already gathered. Among them were Idiot and his entourage, and upon spotting us, Idiot strode over.
"You're late, you backwater poor noble. I was worried you’d chickened out and fled from our duel!"
His cronies snickered mockingly at his words. Lugue and Lecty were the ones who looked visibly annoyed.
"He didn’t run away! Hugh was just in the bathroom!" Hey, you don’t have to broadcast that.
"Y-Yes, exactly! Hugh-san just had a bit of a stomach issue!" Lecty, that’s not helping at all. I never said anything about diarrhea, okay?
"What!? …Is that so, Hugh Pnocis? Are you alright now…? Be careful not to catch a chill…"
And Idiot, why are you suddenly acting all kind…?!
"…Uh, thanks, Idiot. I’m fine now. So, the duel’s just a straight sword fight, right?"
"Of course. A duel between nobles can only be settled that way. I’ll prove with my swordsmanship who’s worthy of Lady Lecty!"
As expected, Idiot seemed confident in his sword skills, making a grand gesture of drawing an imaginary sword from the scabbard at his waist.
Since carrying swords is prohibited on academy grounds, it was just for show, but his cronies erupted in cheers of "Wow!" and "As expected of Lord Idiot!" He puffed out his chest proudly, clearly eating up the praise.
Lilly watched the scene with a bitter expression. Idiot probably grew up in this kind of environment since childhood. Having seen it up close, Lilly must have her own thoughts about it.
"Alright, looks like everyone’s here! I’m thrilled to have such diligent students, truly impressive!"
About five minutes after the class bell rang, Alyssa-san finally showed up, carrying two wooden swords.
"You’re late, Alyssa-sensei."
"Harsh as ever, Lady Lilly. Can’t help it, though! The cafeteria food was so good I couldn’t stop eating!"
"That’s not an excuse…"
I had no idea how that was supposed to justify anything. Lilly tried to scold her but gave up with a sigh.
"As expected of the Royal Academy. The knights’ mess hall can’t compare. If any of you are thinking of joining the knights, brace yourselves! The food’s plentiful but tasteless!"
"Um, sensei? Can we start the class already?"
"Hugh-boy, you’re one of the serious ones, huh? I was gonna start anyway, here!"
Alyssa-san tossed a wooden sword to both me and Idiot.
The moment I gripped it, the sword felt like an extension of my hand, as if it were only natural. I could instinctively understand how to swing it, my stance, and my footwork—everything.
"Hmm."
Alyssa-san narrowed her eyes as I gave the sword a light swing. Crap, did she catch on already…? I planned for this, but it’s still nerve-wracking…
"I’ve been waiting for this moment! Watch me, Lady Lecty! I’ll prove I’m the one worthy of protecting you!"
"Go for it, Hugh-san!"
"Lady Lecty!? I won’t forgive you, Hugh Pnocis—!"
Idiot got himself all worked up as our classmates formed a circle around us, quickly creating an impromptu dueling arena.
"Do your best, Hugh!"
"J-Just don’t overdo it, okay…?"
"Thanks, you two. Here I go."
With Lugue and Lecty cheering me on, I approached Idiot. Lilly said nothing, just watching me silently. Beating Idiot is the bare minimum. I need to win in a way that satisfies Lilly, too.
We faced each other with about ten meters between us, wooden swords at the ready.
"Let’s do this, Hugh Pnocis!"
"Come on, Idiot Hortness."
"Ready, boys? This duel will be overseen by Alyssa Swift of the Kingdom’s Knights. Fight fair and square—begin!"
At Alyssa-san’s signal,
"Haa—!"
Idiot moved first. Using his skill-enhanced physical abilities, he closed the ten-meter gap in just two steps.
Fast… but not too fast to handle.
I angled my sword to parry his overhead swing, stepping to the side. His follow-up upward slash and thrust I deflected with light taps while retreating. Seizing an opening, I swung lightly, and Idiot leaped back to create distance.
"Lord Idiot’s flurry of strikes…"
"What was that exchange!?"
"Amazing, I couldn’t even see the swords!"
"Who’s gonna win…!?"
The onlookers grew noisy, clearly shocked by the high-level display.
…Honestly, I was surprised too.
"Not bad, Hugh Pnocis!"
"You too…!"
Thanks to my 〈Swordsman〉 skill, I could tell. Idiot wasn’t just some spoiled noble coasting on flattery.
His swordsmanship wasn’t a cheap trick gained through a skill like mine—it was the real deal, honed through effort and dedication.
Idiot readied his sword again and charged. I’d focused on parrying earlier, but now I stepped forward to meet him head-on.
In raw strength, Idiot had the edge thanks to his 〈Guardian〉 skill.
But my Lv. Max 〈Swordsman〉 skill compensated. My body moved on reflex, swinging the sword to match Idiot’s strikes blow for blow.
"To think you can keep up with me…! Who taught you swordsmanship!?"
"I had the chance to meet the vice-commander of the Kingdom’s Knights…!"
"What, the 〈Sword Saint〉!? That explains your skill!"
…I didn’t say I learned from Roan-san, but I didn’t lie either. If he’s satisfied with his assumption, that’s a stroke of luck.
After several exchanges and a brief clash, we both leaped back. My hand ached and tingled slightly from gripping the sword. Going toe-to-toe was tough with his physical advantage.
Still, I felt confident. I was at a disadvantage in power, but technique made up for it. Should I push through before my grip gives out…?
This time, I closed the distance to attack.
Idiot widened his stance, lowering his center of gravity to brace himself.
I raised my sword to strike—
—and my hand froze unnaturally.
"What!?"
I hurriedly leaped back to create distance.
What was that…?
My body, guided by the 〈Swordsman〉 skill, stopped unnaturally. Did the skill’s effect wear off…? No, it didn’t feel like that. The 〈Swordsman〉 skill always moved my sword along the optimal path. For it to stop meant…
There was no appropriate attack against Idiot’s defensive stance…?
No way… If that’s true, I’d have no chance if he stayed on the defensive.
"Hm… What’s wrong, Hugh Pnocis? Not attacking? Then I’ll come to you!"
Idiot abandoned his defensive stance and slashed at me. His strikes were fast, sharp, and heavy, but the 〈Swordsman〉 skill parried them effectively. He wasn’t as threatening while on the offensive.
In that case, I’d let him attack.
And my goal was a counter!
"Haa!"
I parried his downward swing, spotting a brief opening and striking his side with my wooden sword.
"Gu…!"
Idiot quickly stepped to lessen the impact, but I definitely felt the hit connect.
Yet Alyssa-san didn’t react. It wasn’t a decisive blow, likely because it hit where armor would be in a real battle.
"Hugh Pnocis! I can’t afford to lose to you! I, Idiot Hortness, will protect Lady Lecty!"
Idiot pressed the attack relentlessly. His rapid strikes grew faster and heavier but lacked the earlier precision.
Through my 〈Swordsman〉 skill, I sensed his anxiety and impatience… He was losing his cool.
"Sorry, Idiot."
His swordsmanship was undeniably the real deal.
Without cheating by swapping to the 〈Swordsman〉 skill, I’d have had no chance. And if Idiot had more experience or composure, even the 〈Swordsman〉 skill might not have been enough.
"Hugh Pnocis…! I haven’t lost yet!"
"No, it’s over…!"
Idiot’s upward swing left a critical opening. With minimal movement, I swung my sword, striking his wrist. His wooden sword slipped from his hand.
"Gu… ah…!"
"That’s enough! The winner is Hugh Pnocis!"
As Idiot clutched his wrist and crouched, Alyssa-san promptly declared the match over.
Amid the buzzing crowd, Lugue and Lecty ran toward me.
"You did it, Hugh! That was so cool!"
Lugue leaped into my chest, her eyes sparkling. I barely restrained myself from hugging her back.
"Your swordsmanship is amazing, Hugh! I really wanna see you as a knight!"
"H-Hey, let’s talk about that later…?"
This airheaded princess might blurt out something about personal knights right here, which is terrifying. For now, I shifted my focus to Lecty.
Lecty was looking back and forth between me and Idiot, clearly flustered. When I nodded to her, she returned a small nod and hurried to Idiot.
"L-Let me see your injury, Idiot-sama."
"L-Lady Lecty…?"
Idiot looked bewildered as Lecty knelt before him. Recalling his pain, he winced and held out his reddening left wrist.
"〈Heal〉"
A faint green light emanated from Lecty’s right hand, enveloping Idiot’s wrist. The swelling visibly subsided.
So this is the power of the 〈Saintess〉 skill… My first time seeing it in action.
"Idiot-sama, I don’t like you."
"…Is that so?"
"Yes. Being shown affection or told you want to protect me in front of everyone… it troubles me. I just want to live quietly."
"But I’ve fallen in love with you. How can I convey these feelings to you?"
"…I don’t know."
Lecty shook her head slowly. Was it her timidness or kindness that kept her from outright rejecting him? Idiot fell silent, contemplating, as he watched his injury heal.
The light faded, and his wrist was fully restored. Lecty let out a relieved breath and stood, and Idiot spoke to her.
"Lady Lecty. I swear I’ll never do anything you dislike again. If I do, please tell me immediately. …And, well… Please forgive me for continuing to love you. I didn’t know this feeling until I met you. Could you give me just a little more time to understand it?"
"…I think it’s your right to feel that way. I don’t have the right to deny your feelings."
"Thank you, Lady Lecty."
Idiot bowed deeply to her.
Lecty looked uncomfortable but soon gave a wry smile and said, "Yes," accepting him. Maybe her view of Idiot had shifted just a bit.
"Thank you, Hugh-san!"
Having finished treating Idiot, Lecty bowed to me.
"Are you injured, Hugh-san…?"
"Nah, I’m fine."
My hand ached and tingled a bit, but it wasn’t worth making Lecty use her skill. Besides, erasing the sensation felt unfair to Idiot.
"What’s with that face, Hugh Pnocis?"
Idiot stood and called out to me.
"You beat me! Boast about it and pass it down for generations!"
"Why are you so full of yourself…? And you look awfully refreshed for someone who lost."
"You learn things from defeat. It’s a realm you might not understand."
"Is that so…?"
Idiot ran a hand through his hair with a bright smile.
"But next time, I’ll win! I, Idiot Hortness, will defeat you, Hugh Pnocis!"
"…Sure, let’s do it again."
We shook hands, and he turned to leave.
…His hand was calloused. I can’t even imagine how much he’s swung a sword to get like that.
Maybe I should start training with a sword for real…
"Alright! Duel’s over, so let’s start class! Today, we’ll do one-on-one matches to gauge everyone’s sword skills!"
At Alyssa-san’s call, class began. We’d have one-on-one mock battles like mine and Idiot’s, one after another.
Alyssa-san picked opponents on the spot, seemingly matching people of similar skill levels. Did she research beforehand, or is she just that good at reading ability? The latter would be terrifying.
Since my match was done, I headed to Lilly just as Lugue and Lecty’s match began. Alyssa-san winked from afar, apparently having arranged this moment on purpose. I’ll take advantage of it.
As I approached Lilly, she noticed and spoke first.
"Shouldn’t you be watching their match?"
"It’s fine, I can see well enough from here."
Neither of them has probably ever held a sword. Lugue was swinging wildly, shouting "Yaa!" and "Tchaa!" while Lecty was completely on the defensive. Lugue’s moves were a bit reckless, but Alyssa-san would stop anything dangerous.
"I hope they don’t sulk later, saying, ‘Why weren’t you watching from the front row!’"
"You’re surprisingly good at impressions."
"…Forget that."
Embarrassed, Lilly blushed and elbowed me lightly. I took it in stride and asked her,
"Are you starting to believe me a little?"
"…Yes. He was strong, wasn’t he?"
"Yeah… Honestly, I underestimated him. I should’ve switched to a stronger skill… No, that’s not it. I regretted not learning more swordsmanship from my father."
"He’s always had talent and never slacked on effort. But everyone only sees his surface and flatters him, so he gets carried away, and everyone misunderstands him."
"Good or bad, he’s easily influenced by his surroundings, huh?"
"Probably. His harsh words to Lecty were likely just him parroting what his family or cronies said. It was him who said it, so I’m not defending him, and he wouldn’t make excuses either."
"If that’s the case, his environment’s a bit pitiful…"
"It can’t be helped. Just a heads-up, don’t get any weird ideas and hurt Lecty, okay?"
"I know."
I have no intention of meddling in Idiot and Lecty’s relationship. Idiot hasn’t asked me to, and I know Lecty doesn’t want that.
Their relationship should progress at their own pace.
"So… Are you really going to help me…?"
"I told you. If that’s what you want."
"…I understand you’re capable of it. But my engagement to Duke Letchery is backed by His Highness Sley. Interfering means making enemies of the duke, His Highness, and all the nobles in their factions. …I don’t think I’m worth that much."
"Value’s subjective. To me, Lilly, you’re someone worth helping, even if it means making enemies of a duke or a prince."
"…Are you hitting on me?"
"As a friend, obviously."
Sure, I think Lilly’s attractive, but this isn’t romantic. It’s not about liking her or wanting her to like me.
"We’re kinda like childhood friends, aren’t we?"
Growing up without peers my age, Lilly—who I played with for just a few days as a kid—is my only precious childhood friend.
Duke or prince, I’d help her even if it meant making enemies. With the skills I have, it’s only natural.
"You forgot about me until recently."
"Can’t help it. I didn’t expect you to turn out like this—"
So beautiful… Saying that would sound like I’m hitting on her. I clamped my mouth shut, and Lilly raised a suspicious brow.
"Like what?"
"Nothing. So, is it okay to help you or not?"
"…This isn’t just about me. I told you, the Puridy family’s fate is at stake. I can’t let my selfishness burden my father or our house."
"Then we’ll have to solve that problem first."
I need to create a situation where breaking Lilly’s engagement to Duke Letchery won’t cause issues. For that, I’ll need that person’s cooperation.
"What are you talking about—"
"That’s enough! Winner, Lecty!"
While I was talking to Lilly, somehow Lugue lost to Lecty. Just then, the bell signaling the end of class rang.
"Hugh-boy! I need help cleaning up, cool with that?"
"Why me…? It’s just two wooden swords, right? You carried them yourself."
"Come on, next time two won’t be enough, so I’ll show you the storage. Curse your bad luck for making eye contact!"
"…Fine. Sorry, Lilly, I gotta go."
"Uh, okay…"
Pretending to be annoyed, I jogged to Alyssa-san and took the wooden swords.
"That’s a wrap, everyone!"
Alyssa-san declared the class over and led me toward the storage shed. We didn’t talk much on the way, reaching the shed near the school building in about two minutes.
Inside, Alyssa-san closed the door behind her.
"Just the two of us… huh."
"You set it up that way, didn’t you?"
"You’re no fun, Hugh-boy. Alone in a room with a beauty like me, and you’re not even a little flustered? I’m losing confidence here."
"I’ve got another class, so make it quick."
"Ignoring me, really…? Fine, whatever. I’ve got a reply from His Highness."
The message I asked Alyssa-san to deliver to Prince Lucas yesterday—his response was mostly as I expected. The path to saving Lilly is clear.
But there was one surprise.
"Tomorrow night, His Highness wants to meet you and Lady Lilly in person. I’ll guide you from the academy, but can you sneak out of the dorm at night?"
"…Probably."
Now, how am I gonna explain this to Lugue…?
That might be tougher than saving Lilly.
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