Every year, the academy hosts a promising young talent selection event, which, along with the Imperial Youth Fencing Tournament and the Mage Tower Exchange Meeting, is considered one of the three main gateways for talented newcomers.
Among them, the Youth Fencing Tournament is held every three years, and due to the nature of the Mage Tower, the exchange meeting is quite exclusive. Thus, the annual promising young talent selection event, which also allows outsiders to spectate, attracts significant attention from influential figures from various regions.
Naturally, it is seen as a prime opportunity for the academy’s students to showcase their skills to potential sponsors, and the competition is accordingly fierce.
“So, you’re saying my sister is the top candidate now…?”
“Not just the top candidate, it seems she’s already been designated.”
The issue, according to Parsha’s analysis, is that my sister has been designated as an additional participant due to her breaking through the high competition rate.
“…On what basis?”
“It doesn’t seem to be listed in alphabetical order, and rather than being first-come, first-served, it oddly seems to be arranged by skill level. Since it’s based on internal academy data secured by Mr. Bergen, it seems more plausible to consider it as being arranged by influencer status.”
I threw out a question, wondering if she might have made a mistake due to being in poor condition, but Parsha’s logic seemed sound even to me.
“Runiel, objectively, how would you rate Cecil’s skills?”
“…If she had competed in the fencing tournament I participated in with her current skills, she would have been in the upper ranks. Maybe she could even aim for fourth place.”
Anxious after the recent attack incident, I asked Runiel, who had started following me around even to the bathroom, but the response I received was quite an overestimation.
“I understand that Cecil has only recently awakened her sword energy…”
“But she’s already practicing imbuing her own techniques into her sword energy. It’s quite rare even among the imperial knights, let alone the youth participants.”
Of course, I knew Cecil had a very promising talent.
“Just like the prince and me, she’s only one step away from being able to use it freely in real combat.”
“Isn’t that… a condition for special recruitment as a captain of the Imperial Knights?”
“Exactly. I was actually designated as the captain of the newly planned Third Knights Division, but then that incident happened during the ceremony…”
But who would have thought she could stand shoulder to shoulder with monsters like Runiel and Princess Katarina.
It makes one wonder why such talented individuals never appeared in the original game, which could have recruited all such talents.
“Of course, the selection event evaluates not only fencing skills but also involves many variables…”
“That’s true, right?”
“Still, she would be a candidate for the championship. Her magical skills are exceptional as well.”
Despite my doubts, listening to Runiel, I was reminded that Cecil was also excellent in magic and sighed deeply, bowing my head.
“Ah, of course, not as much as you, Master…”
Runiel hastily offered comfort, but it wasn’t much help as the comfort was off the mark.
“What will happen at the selection event is still unknown…”
It’s been a problem before, but the probability that the day of the re-match of the selection event coincides with the first act’s boss fight in the academy attack incident is very high.
And even if the selection event ends safely, that itself is another problem.
If Cecil wins as Runiel expects, or even places in the top three, the likelihood of being chosen as a hero increases.
That would mean my precious sister would have to go through the damn trials of the original work and save the world.
‘The difficulty level of clearing Blacktail Fantasy 3 is less than two digits…’
As a player who has experienced that difficulty level in the game and as her only brother, I can’t accept it.
“If I tell Cecil not to participate in the selection event, would she listen to me?”
“…You know the young lady’s personality better than anyone, Sir.”
“Haah…”
Of course, I planned to support the hero from behind so I could rescue the Lady Meredia and live a comfortable life afterward, but it’s different if it’s my sister.
It might seem selfish, but I don’t want to lose the kind and precious family I’ve finally found in this life again.
“Somehow, I miss Mother’s smile…”
“…You really resemble your mother, Young Master, not only in appearance but also in your expressions and speech.”
Thinking such thoughts, I muttered bitterly, and Alfred quietly chimed in from beside me.
“Haha. It seems Alfred still remembers.”
“Of course, I’ve been a butler since before that… But why are you suddenly bringing up old stories?”
Yes, my mother did look very much like me.
Of course, that might be because she was my biological mother, but unlike another doppelganger, the emperor, she was a very pure and kind person.
Looking back, it seems my speech and personality were also quite influenced by my mother.
Then, why not try to solve this problem the old-fashioned way my mother used to?
“What if we use the solution my mother used when Cecil was fussy about side dishes?”
“The thinking chair, you mean? But whether that would break the young lady’s stubbornness…”
“Maybe just until the selection event is over?”
Following that line of thought, I subtly suggested a plan to Alfred, but as he listened to me, his expression, which had been curious, quickly darkened.
“What is the difference between that and confinement, Sir….”
“Haha. Is that so?”
“Even if you smile cunningly, it absolutely won’t work this time. Are you planning to add another bizarre rumor to the mansion?”
I feel quite wronged by the bizarre rumors he mentioned, but upon reflection, it doesn’t seem like a good solution after all.
‘It could lead to a rift with Cecil…’
As someone who supports my sister’s dream of becoming the head of the family, I can’t trample on her opportunity to fully express her talents.
Having had a past where I wanted to pursue my dreams but couldn’t, I can fully understand how painful it would be for Cecil.
‘…Ultimately, I have no choice but to try harder.’
After coming to that conclusion, I quietly sighed and opened my mouth again.
“For now, I’ll have to think about a plan for my sister once I’m at the academy. Meanwhile, I need some rest…….”
“…Sir, have you forgotten?”
As Alfred spoke, he frowned suddenly, making me tilt my head in confusion.
“Isn’t today the day we are going to the academy? The carriage is already waiting.”
“Ah,”
It was only when I saw the sunlight coming in through the window that I came to my senses and opened my eyes wide.
“Right, the pre-visit.”
As foretold by Parsha, exactly one week before the promising young talent selection event, the academy’s board sent me a letter requesting a preliminary visit.
Although the letter stated it was for the judges’ adaptation and guidance, it’s more likely they want to assess my qualifications.
But, how did it already become morning? I didn’t sleep at all because I was replying to the letter.
“Fortunately, the morning sun has just risen, so there’s still some time left. Would you like to rest a bit?”
“No… Just a moment. There’s still something I need to do.”
Alfred looked at me worriedly, as if I had been scammed, but unfortunately, there was something I absolutely had to do before going to the academy.
“Runiel, I have a gift for you.”
“Me? For me?”
So, giving up the refreshing break like a timely rain, I turned my head towards Runiel, who was momentarily stunned and then surprised.
“Um, as far as I know, it’s a tradition for knights to receive a sword from their family or mentor during the investiture ceremony.”
“…That’s right.”
Her expression darkened suddenly as she began to answer in a subdued voice.
“Indeed, it was the moment I most looked forward to… but in the end, I didn’t receive it properly, and later it was sold to pay off debts.”
Certainly, the event that plummeted her life into despair in an instant, it would be strange if she could manage her expression.
“But why do you ask all of a sudden?”
“Although I’m not Runiel’s family or mentor, haven’t we formed a relationship akin to such a solemn pledge?”
Seeing her continue with such an expression was heart-wrenching,
“So, I want to fulfill that honor which you couldn’t achieve at that time.”
“……?”
“Everyone, bring it in.”
It was time to reveal the surprise gift prepared before coming to the office.
“Could this be….”
As soon as my command was issued, maids entered the room and placed something wrapped in a cloth in front of Runiel, and as she examined it, her eyes widened in shock.
“As your master, this is the highest respect I can offer you.”
The shape of the object wrapped in the cloth was all too familiar to her.
“It was said that the sword would be given upon the completion of this task…”
“That was referring to a ceremony that strains the body. For efficiency in our mission, I think it’s more appropriate to give it to you now.”
Runiel, who had been staring blankly and questioning me, now reached tremblingly towards the cloth.
Typically stoic about anything related to swords, she exhibited an uncharacteristic blindness.
“Am I really allowed to accept this? I put you in danger not so long ago…”
“Go ahead, unwrap it.”
“…Well then, excuse me.”
Holding the cloth, Runiel took a deep breath, showing incredible patience, but at my gentle urging, she set aside her reservations and quickly began to unwrap the veil.
-Swish…
And then, at the moment the identity of my surprise gift was revealed,
“Ah.”
Runiel’s eyes and mouth, reminiscent of a cartoon character with dotted eyes and a triangular mouth, showed a disappointed look.
“Thank you, Master. It’s a really fine sword.”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
“I will work even harder from now on.”
At first glance, it looked just like any of the old, worn-out practice swords in the mansion, which might explain her reaction.
But it would be madness to give such a cheap sword to a close guard knight meant to protect my life.
“Yes, you should continue to work hard.”
“…Yes.”
Originally, I intended to reveal the truth right away, but Runiel’s comic-book-like eyes and her unexpectedly sorrowful expression, which exuded a sense of grievance, amused me enough to momentarily play along.
“Then, I will go and train with this new sword given by my master…”
“Ahaha, Runiel. Why don’t you hold the sword first?”
Seeing her eyes begin to droop further, I finally burst out laughing and opened my mouth.
“Understood…?”
“How does it feel?”
“…What?”
Yet, despite expecting disappointment, Runiel obediently followed my command and gripped the handle, her expression sharpening momentarily.
“This sword… something is unusual about it.”
“In what way?”
“It seems like it’s been enchanted… and not just with one spell. But it’s impossible to layer multiple enchantments on a single sword, right?”
After hearing her expertly analyze the situation, I watched her with satisfaction.
“Haha. That would make sense.”
Pausing for a moment, I then revealed the climax of this surprise with a broad smile.
“That sword, in fact, comes from the royal treasury, once belonging to the first hero.”
“…What!?”
Runiel, who nearly dropped the sword in shock, then showed the most dynamic expression I had seen since meeting her.
“Shh, this is top secret, but let’s keep it between us for now, shall we?”
Though I said that, it wasn’t I who had retrieved it.
After the royal treasury was once severely looted by Bergen, the security had been increased to such an extent that even those with keys could not freely enter.
Thus, it was as if a catalog had been delivered to me as if I were shopping from home, fortunately containing the two items I wanted.
“How could you… Master?”
“I told you, I know the story of the hero well.”
Indeed, one of the items was the sword that the emperor had incidentally bestowed upon Runiel in the original work.
The other I had kept aside for another purpose, but anyway.
To her, surely a serious hero enthusiast, this must be the best gift ever?
“…You used the key you received as compensation at the engagement incident for my gift?”
“I received two keys, so of course I had to invest one in my first subordinate.”
“I don’t understand.”
As Runiel’s expression grew serious and her voice heavier, she threw me another question.
“Do I really deserve to receive this?”
Perhaps the shock was too great for her to feel the moment?
Although this wasn’t the reaction I had hoped for internally, I did my best to relieve Runiel’s burden with a warm smile, showing her my support.
“Don’t feel too pressured. I really appreciated how you protected me last time.”
“……”
“So, please continue to do well, okay? Haha…”
When she was suddenly plunged from the brink of a hopeful future into despair, how desperate she must have felt. Although I can neither fully empathize nor understand, I hope this gift can help her reclaim even a small part of the future she dreamed of.
“…Uh…”
As I conveyed these sentiments and waited for a response, a choked sob came from in front of me.
“Uh. Ugh.”
“Miss Runiel?”
Wondering what was happening, I looked at her more closely and saw tears welling up and falling from Runiel’s eyes.
“I-I’m not crying. hic”
“Haha….”
“It’s just dust in my eyes…”
Let’s momentarily forget the fact that it’s unbelievable for her, who wouldn’t flinch even at the bottom of the ocean, to cry over a speck of dust.
“I will work very hard…”
Even someone as seemingly impenetrable as her still had traces of a girlish side, as I was just realizing.
“…Sir, you said that’s the first hero’s sword.”
While enjoying the warm atmosphere of the office for the first time in a while, Alfred, who had been quietly observing the situation, spoke up in a low voice.
“Setting aside how you knew about it, is the royal family aware of this fact?”
His question was sharp, as expected, and I replied with a mischievous twinkle in my eye.
“Alfred, you’re always so quick to notice things.”
“…Sir?”
“I dislike… no, I like people who are quick-witted.”
As sweat began to bead on his forehead, I whispered a timeless truth that applies in both past and present lives to him.
“Don’t worry too much. As they say, finders keepers, right?”
“…Oh, my head.”
Thus, I once again brilliantly countered Alfred’s needless nagging. I got up from my seat intending to catch some sleep before visiting the academy, but just then,
“Master.”
The voice of Parsha, who had been silent up to that point, froze me in my tracks.
“…What about mine?”
“Ah.”
Seeing the cold, slightly aggrieved smile on her face, it seemed rest would not come easily today.
“Almost had to renegotiate my salary there.”
Parsha, on the verge of striking, was placated when I granted her the right to sit on my right side, a position she coveted. The issue was that Runiel always wanted to stand there too. If I squint a bit, maybe having two right hands wouldn’t be so bad? If things get awkward later, I could always attach Sasha and Bergen to my left arm to balance it out.
“Why are you taking me…?”
“We need at least one person to attend to us, right? Haha.”
“Ah, I see.”
Sasha, who had unwittingly become my right-hand without realizing it due to such a ridiculous reason, looked sullen as she asked. I reassured her with a plausible reason.
‘In fact, it’s partly a vacation to let her meet her family at the academy.’
I felt like I had been overworking Sasha, so I planned to allow her some time to meet her brother, who was rumored to be at the academy, and possibly visit her family home nearby. It might be a bit regrettable to lose my attendant for a while, but a true noble should know how to manage by themselves, right?
“Well, let’s get on the carriage….”
Feeling quite proud of myself, I was about to board the carriage waiting outside the mansion when I paused.
“……Hmm?”
Something felt familiar, and I tilted my head slightly.
“This seems familiar…”
The emblem carved on the carriage reminded me of a family seal I knew.
“Of course, it would.”
Rubbing my eyes briefly due to a moment of confusion, I was suddenly struck by a familiar voice coming from in front.
“I’ve ridden in this once before.”
“…Lady Meredia?”
To my surprise, Lady Meredia was inside the carriage, chin propped on her hand, looking at me intently.
“Why are you here….”
“Didn’t you hear? This selection event adopted a joint judging panel to prevent the cheating issues from last time.”
“I hadn’t heard that news…?”
As I blinked in confusion, considering this was news even Bergen hadn’t mentioned, I questioned her.
“Well, it was only decided a few hours ago by the board.”
“Uh, about this board…”
“I’m the chairperson, you know?”
Her response left me speechless, eliciting a hollow laugh from me.
“What are you doing? Aren’t you getting in?”
“Haha….”
I had studied the royal treasury catalog almost like a textbook to pick out her gift. Now, more than ever, it seemed I needed to hurry and retrieve it.
Cliche Novel 