Chapter 6: If I Could Grow Stronger for Every Tear Shed
The next morning, soft sunlight streamed through the window, accompanied by the distant chirping of birds, gently rousing me from sleep. Checking the clock with bleary eyes, I saw it was just past seven.
Time to get ready…
As I tried to sit up, I found myself oddly restricted. With a sinking feeling, I pulled back the covers, and sure enough, my silver-haired roommate was clinging to me, fast asleep.
“Again…!?” I couldn’t help but shout, which woke Lugue.
“Nn… What’s wrong, Hugh? Yelling like that first thing in the morning…”
“That’s my line! Why are you sleeping in my bed again…?”
“Because I sleep so well when I cling to you, Hugh.”
“Then sleep clinging to Nokoko-san! Isn’t that why you brought it?”
“Muu. Nokoko-san isn’t a body pillow; it’s a friend.”
“So I’m not a friend but a body pillow?”
“…Huh?”
Lugue, still groggy from sleep, tilted her head in confusion.
…Whatever. It’s not like I dislike her clinging to me. It’s just that the morning tug-of-war between reason and impulse is a bit exhausting.
Like on the day of the entrance ceremony, I got dressed first and waited outside the room for Lugue to get ready. Once she emerged in her uniform, we headed to the cafeteria together.
Today marked the start of full-fledged academy life. Classes were beginning, so Lugue and I carried bags with the necessary textbooks and writing supplies. It felt a bit nostalgic, reminding me of my student days in my previous life.
After breakfast, we headed to the school building and noticed a crowd near the entrance. That was where the entrance exam results had been posted. Just to be safe, I switched my skill to 〈Ignition〉, so I couldn’t see the bulletin board clearly from a distance.
Maybe the 〈Ninja〉 skill is more convenient than 〈Brainwashing〉 after all…
“Hugh, maybe they’ve posted the class assignments!”
- Oh, right, high schools do that. I’d assumed it’d be like university, moving between classrooms for each subject.
“It’d be great if we’re in the same class.”
“Yeah.”
Pushing through the crowd, we reached the bulletin board. The class assignments showed four classes, A through D, with thirty students each. So, there are 120 first-years this year? Fewer than I expected.
I found my name at the bottom of Class A, with the number “30” next to it. Attendance number, maybe? But then I noticed the top student in Class B had “31” next to their name. Could these be entrance exam rankings?
“Yay! I’m in the same class as Hugh! Lilly and Lecty are too!”
At Lugue’s words, I rechecked Class A’s list. Lilly was at the top, Lugue third, and Lecty was next to “28.”
Oh, and Idiot was second. Despite Lilly calling him an idiot, his skill and grades must be impressive. This class is going to be lively…
With our class confirmed, we left the bulletin board and headed to the classroom. The first-year classrooms were on the third floor, so we climbed the stairs under the curious gazes of upperclassmen.
Inside the classroom, about half the students were already there, sitting wherever they liked. Idiot was chatting animatedly with his entourage.
Our eyes met briefly, but he prioritized his conversation with them.
Scanning the room, I spotted Lecty in the back row, one seat from the window, quietly waving at us. Lilly, sitting by the window, glanced at me, then quickly looked away, propping her cheek on her hand and staring outside.
I hadn’t gotten to talk to her again since yesterday… At dinner, only Lecty showed up at the cafeteria. According to Lugue and Lecty, Lilly seemed mostly normal when she returned to the girls’ dormitory, but…
I want to talk to her again somewhere. But this classroom isn’t the place for that.
For now, I’ll just greet them normally.
…Oh, right. I’m supposed to pretend to be Lecty’s lover in front of Idiot. He’s busy with his entourage but might be watching us. Better play it safe.
“Morning, Lecty, Lilly.”
I greeted them and sat close to Lecty. Unlike the individual desks and chairs from my previous life’s school, these were long tables and benches seating about six. Sitting this close should make us look like a couple.
“M-Morning, Hugh-san. Um, isn’t this a bit… close…?”
“Isn’t this normal for lovers?”
“L-L-Lovers!?”
Lecty’s voice rose in surprise, her face flushing red. Her outburst drew the attention of the entire classroom.
Whoa, I’m getting glares. Not just from Idiot but from nearly half the boys in the class. And is it my imagination, or is the strongest pressure coming from behind me?
“Morning, Lecty, Lilly. Nice weather, huh?”
“M-M-Morning, Lugue-san!”
“Lugue? You haven’t forgotten our talk from yesterday, right?”
“Of course not. You two are lovers, so sitting close is only natural, right? I get it, I get it.”
Does she really…? Lugue sat down with a smile, leaning in close. Now I was sandwiched between two girls (one disguised as a boy).
“Help me, Lilly.”
I pleaded, but Lilly just glanced at me.
“Best wishes.”
With that and a sigh, she turned back to the window. Her colder-than-usual reaction definitely wasn’t my imagination…
The bell signaling the start of class rang, and a young woman with purple hair tied to the side entered. Despite her youthful features, she wore the Kingdom’s Knights’ uniform—white with blue accents.
“Attention! Starting today, I’m your homeroom teacher, Alyssa Swift, ssu. Nice to meet you, whether we’ve met or not, ssu!”
“An active Kingdom Knight as our homeroom teacher…?”
Lilly muttered, frowning. Her glance at me and Lugue probably meant she suspected this was Prince Lucas’s faction’s doing… She’s likely right, but I didn’t expect this either.
I’d heard Alyssa-san was assigned here due to a shortage of swordsmanship instructors, but I didn’t know she’d be our homeroom teacher.
“Heh heh heh. Surprised to have an active Kingdom Knight as your teacher, ssu? Honestly, I was shocked too. I was told I’d only teach swordsmanship, but apparently this class has some students with special circumstances? Too much for a regular teacher, so they needed a Kingdom Knight. What a hassle, ssu!”
Alyssa-san pointedly looked at us while talking.
…Three of those “special” students are sitting right here. Great.
“Not that you’re one to talk, Hugh-boy. Melting iron targets with 〈Ignition〉? Never heard of that, ssu.”
Why’d she call me out and shrug like that?
“Alright, let’s start with the usual introductions, ssu. In order of exam rankings, state your name and skill. First up, the Puridy heiress, ssu.”
Lilly sighed quietly, stood, and spoke.
“I am Lilly Puridy. My skill is 〈Strategist〉. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
With perfect grace, she curtsied and sat down.
〈Strategist〉. What kind of skill is that? It sounds like an 〈Occupational Skill〉, but I can’t imagine what abilities it holds. To be top of the year, it must be powerful.
Next up is the second-ranked student.
“My name is Idiot Hortness. My skill is 〈Guardian〉. I dedicate the power of this divinely granted skill to you alone, Lady Lecty.”
With a flourish of his hair, Idiot extended his right hand toward Lecty. It was so theatrical he’d probably hold a rose in his mouth if one were nearby.
Lecty, on the receiving end, was clearly uncomfortable.
“Uh, um… well…”
Unable to respond, Lecty stammered, her face draining of color under the classroom’s scrutiny. She must be overwhelmed.
Guess I have to step in…
“Idiot, protecting her is my job.”
I stood, deliberately drawing attention, and declared. Idiot, as if expecting this, smirked and pointed at me.
“Well said, backwater poor noble! Then let’s see who’s more worthy of Lady Lecty. I, Idiot Hortness, challenge you to a duel!”
The classroom erupted in murmurs. I figured he was up to something like this, but an actual duel challenge…?
I glanced at Alyssa-san, hoping she’d intervene, but she was grinning like she was enjoying the show. She’s totally into this.
…Fine. It’s a bit risky, but this is a chance to resolve Lecty’s issue.
“I have a condition. If you accept it, I’ll take your duel.”
“A condition…? Name it.”
“If I win, you stop doing anything Lecty says she doesn’t like. That’s my condition.”
“Hmph, that’s all? Very well, I accept!”
Idiot nodded, satisfied, and sat down. What a loud guy.
As I sat, Lecty looked down apologetically.
“I’m sorry, Hugh-san. I caused you trouble again…”
“It’s fine, Lecty. You don’t need to feel bad. Leave it to me.”
“Y-Yes…”
Lecty nodded repeatedly, looking up.
That aside…
“Hmm. You refused to be my personal knight but you’ll protect Lecty, huh?” How do I deal with a clearly sulky princess…?
“All settled, ssu? We’ve got swordsmanship class this afternoon, so you can have your duel then. Next up, Lugue-boy, ssu!”
“Yes!”
Lugue responded energetically and stood. Something about it felt off, so I looked up at her. She grinned mischievously down at me.
Wait, what’s she planning…?
“I’m Lugue Becto! My skill is 〈Windstrike〉. My dream is to become Hugh’s bride!”
“““““…Huh?”””””
Ignoring the stunned classroom, Lugue sat down, propped her cheek on her hand, and smiled at me.
“So, we good?”
Good for what, exactly…!?
I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the fourth-ranked student who had to introduce themselves in this atmosphere.
Lugue’s bombshell was brushed off as a joke, and despite the chaotic atmosphere caused by Idiot and Lugue, the introductions somehow concluded without further incident.
A few students got dragged into creating embarrassing memories, but things calmed down mid-way, and Lecty and I managed simple introductions with just our names and skills.
After introductions, Alyssa-san went over the annual schedule and exam details, reading from prepared materials. Homeroom ended, she left, and another teacher entered.
The first class was mathematics, at a level similar to the entrance exam—middle school by my previous life’s standards. Flipping through the textbook, it wasn’t too difficult.
In this world’s civilization, knowing basic arithmetic is enough to get by, so this is probably a high educational standard for the general populace.
Lecty, a former slum-dwelling commoner, struggled immediately. She likely never had proper education. Lilly and I helped her through the problems, but she might need to start with basic arithmetic.
After math came Kingdom History, where I struggled alongside Lecty. Knowing what happened in which year of the Divine Calendar is expected, and the class dove into era backgrounds and relations with neighboring countries.
Such knowledge isn’t needed for running a backwater territory, but it’s general education for Capital nobles. I left Lecty to Lilly and relied on Lugue to explain things as we went.
“Hehe, I thought you handled everything effortlessly, Hugh, so this is a bit surprising.”
“Really? I bombed the written part of the entrance exam, didn’t I?”
“I remember that, but I didn’t see your actual results. Teaching you like this feels kind of refreshing.”
Lugue smiled happily, explaining things clearly in line with the lesson. Her usually lively tone was slightly subdued, exuding intelligence and a pleasant cadence. I could listen to her all day, class be damned.
After Kingdom History came Herbology, which I managed thanks to growing up in a nature-rich backwater. Then, the morning classes finally ended.
“Good work, Hugh. You seemed fine with Herbology.”
“My home’s in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature. I’ve got the effects and brewing methods of local herbs memorized.”
Back home, I often gathered herbs in the mountains for an elderly apothecary. I’d search until dusk. With my 〈Brainwashing〉 skill, it’d probably be easier now.
“Um, Hugh-san, Lugue-san, would you like to have lunch together?”
Turning, I saw Lecty and Lilly standing. They were about to head to the cafeteria and invited us.
I glanced at Lilly, who looked at me with a neutral expression. When our eyes met, her lips moved slightly, as if muttering something.
“Sounds good. That okay, Lugue?”
“Of course! Let’s go, Hugh!”
Lugue grabbed my arm, pulling me up, and clung to it. Has her restraint been completely blown off since the introductions?
“L-Lugue-san, that’s not fair…!”
Spurred by something, Lecty grabbed my other arm. With soft curves pressing against both sides, my brain nearly crashed from the overload.
“H-Hey, both of you, let go. It’s hard to walk…”
“No way. You said you’d make it up to me, remember?”
“Does it have to be now…?”
“Hugh-san and I are lovers!”
“Idiot’s not here, so we don’t need to stick this close, you know?”
Despite my protests, neither listened. I started walking to the cafeteria, but it was incredibly awkward. Everyone we passed glared or clicked their tongues.
I looked to Lilly for help, but she just gave me a fake smile. Is she upset in a different way now…?
The cafeteria was bustling with students. With so many people around, Lugue and Lecty finally let go, but we still drew attention.
“Is that the one engaged to the Duke of Letchery…?”
“Lady Lilly with that perverted old man…?”
“Idiot, you wanna die…!?”
“Sley’s finally making his move…!”
Curious gazes were fixed on Lilly. It seems the rumor had already spread throughout the academy by the day after the incident. There were other academy students at that café besides us, so the rumor has likely spread beyond the academy to the entire Capital.
“We’re drawing a lot of attention,” I remarked.
“…This much was expected. There’s no point dwelling on it,” Lilly replied, her expression unchanging as she waited in line for her meal.
After that, we ate lunch with minimal conversation. It’s hard to chat casually under so many eyes. The risk of Lugue’s true identity being exposed increases, too, so it might be best to avoid the cafeteria for a while.
Leaving the cafeteria, we headed to the Second Ground for the upcoming swordsmanship class.
…Oh, I need to switch my skill first.
“Sorry, I’m heading to the restroom.”
I told the three to go ahead and returned to the school building alone, slipping into a nearby boys’ restroom. Locking myself in a stall, I pulled a hand mirror from my uniform’s chest pocket.
“Now, which skill should I choose…”
Since it’s a duel, it’ll likely be a sword match.
My father taught me the basics of swordsmanship, but that’s all they were—basics. He’s no sword master himself, and I’ve never won a single spar against him.
To beat Idiot, I’ll need a skill. 〈Ignition〉 is too powerful—it might burn him to a crisp—so I need to switch to something else.
The first skill that came to mind was 〈Ninja〉, but it’s not ideal for a head-on fight. Vanishing or hiding my presence would make it obvious I’ve changed skills. A skill that purely enhances swordsmanship would be best.
Maybe something straightforward like 〈Swordsmanship〉? …No, Idiot’s skill is 〈Guardian〉. It’s likely an 〈Occupational Skill〉, meaning it encompasses multiple abilities, like several skills combined.
Would 〈Swordsmanship〉 alone get overwhelmed by the skill’s versatility…? Perhaps 〈Swordsman〉 or 〈Swordmaster〉… No, I know a stronger skill.
Using this skill in front of Alyssa-san might be too risky, but I want to believe it’s somewhat safe since we’re on the same side.
“Skill 〈Brainwashing〉—Hugh Pnocis. Your skill is 〈Sword Saint〉.”
Hugh Pnocis
Skill: Sword Saint Lv. Max …Activates when wielding a weapon categorized as a sword. Grants superhuman strength, allowing the user to wield the sword freely as desired. Enables the use of sword techniques from all schools, past and present.
“…Is this too strong?”
Reading the status description, unease crept in. Right, skills altered by 〈Brainwashing〉 always become Lv. Max.
“Superhuman” sounds excessive. This might seem unnatural, drawing suspicion not just from Alyssa-san but from the entire class.
“Hugh Pnocis. Your skill is 〈Swordsmanship〉.”
Skill: Swordsmanship Lv. Max …Activates when wielding a weapon categorized as a sword. Allows the user to wield the sword freely with mastery, enabling the use of sword techniques from all schools, past and present.
Even at Lv. Max, this is plenty strong.
Compared to 〈Sword Saint〉, it’s just within acceptable limits. I don’t know how powerful Idiot’s 〈Guardian〉 is, but I can’t think of a better-balanced skill. I’ll have to wing it and make it work.
Steeling myself, I left the restroom, only to find Lilly waiting with her arms crossed in front of the wall.
“What are you doing in a place like this?”
“Didn’t you notice the signal I gave you earlier?”
“Signal…? Oh, that.”
I recalled Lilly moving her lips as if muttering something just before we headed to the cafeteria.
“Let’s move somewhere else. Follow me.”
Prompted by Lilly, I followed her. She stopped in a secluded spot behind the school building, shaded between two structures.
“Hugh, I thought I should tell you alone.”
“Just me? Is it something you can’t tell Lugue or Lecty?”
“…No. It’s just that they don’t need to know right now.”
Not that she can’t say it, but that it’s hard to. Nine times out of ten, it’s about her engagement to the Duke of Letchery.
“In five days, a grand ball will be held at the Letchery Ducal House’s mansion, attended by Sley and the nobles supporting him. There, my engagement to the Duke of Letchery will be announced, and he’ll officially declare his support for Sley as the next king.”
“Why tell me this?”
“…If Sley becomes king, Lucas will surely be killed. Lucretia won’t escape unscathed either. And Lecty, with her 〈Saintess〉 skill, could be exploited… So, you should take Lucretia and Lecty and flee now. It’ll take time for pursuers to reach the Pnocis Domain, so you can escape easily. There must be plenty of places there to hide two people, right?”
“Yeah, hiding them wouldn’t be hard.”
The vast wilderness of the Pnocis Domain has countless spots for concealment—natural caves, dungeons, ancient ruined fortresses, you name it.
“But do you think Lugue and Lecty would want that?”
“…It’s not about what they want. It’s about what’s necessary to protect their lives.”
“No way. Thinking about it is a waste of time.”
“Wha—!?” Lilly was speechless at my blunt rejection.
“Don’t you want to protect Lucretia and Lecty…!?”
“Of course I do.”
I’d do anything to protect Lugue, and I want to protect Lecty as much as I can.
…That’s exactly why I can’t accept Lilly’s plan.
The happiness I seek, the peace, the leisurely life I want—it’s not built on someone else’s sacrifice.
“I don’t just want to protect those two. I want to protect you too, Lilly.”
“…! What can you do? A backwater poor noble like you thinks you can save me!?”
“If that’s what you want.”
“How!?”
There’s a way.
It’s just a matter of whether I can muster the resolve.
And whether I can trust Lilly.
Ten years ago, when I parted ways with that girl in the forest, what did I say to her? I can’t recall now.
But I’m sure I would’ve said something like this.
I thought she was a girl who wanted to cry but couldn’t.
So if we ever met again, I’d want to be someone she could cry to without fear.
I made up my mind. To save Lilly, I’ll accept the risks. If this choice backfires, I’ll just have to accept it. Even if it comes to that, I want to be there for her, because that’s what I’ve decided.
“Lilly… I can freely rewrite my own skills.”
“…What?”
“I know it’s hard to believe. I don’t fully understand this skill myself… But I think this power can save you.”
“…What’s that supposed to mean? Trying to cheer me up with such nonsense…”
Lilly clenched her fists tightly and bit her lip.
As expected, she doesn’t believe me easily. I could switch skills now to prove it, but letting her know I have 〈Brainwashing〉 is too risky. I’d rather she think I have a skill that lets me freely rewrite skills.
Conveniently, an opportunity to prove it is right around the corner.
“I’ll prove it in the duel with Idiot. I’ll use a skill other than 〈Ignition〉—〈Swordsmanship〉—and beat him. That should convince you, right?”
“…Idiot is a formidable opponent. His 〈Guardian〉 skill includes 〈Swordsmanship〉, 〈Shieldsmanship〉, and 〈Body Enhancement〉, and possibly other abilities…”
“So, normally, I wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“…Yes. I assumed you had some confidence when you accepted the duel, but if what you’re saying is true, winning might not be impossible…”
“It’s settled, then.”
“…But even if you beat Idiot, it doesn’t mean my decision will change. The fate of the Puridy family rests on this engagement. Even if you can change your skills freely, this is…”
“I might have a way to handle that. I consulted someone yesterday.”
“…What?”
“I might get a response as early as today. We can figure it out from there.”
If my guess is correct, resolving this depends on his judgment. To a stunned Lilly, I said, “Let’s head back,” and turned to leave.
“Wait a second!”
Lilly hurriedly caught up, bombarding me with questions, but I brushed them off for now.
First, I’ll defeat Idiot and earn Lilly’s trust.
Then we’ll talk.
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