Chapter 31
A guy who had barely shown his face in the Academy has suddenly skyrocketed to fame by defeating Tirisia Bruerd at the recent martial arts tournament. Kerg Durakal.
The words and actions of this man, who appeared as if from a holy light, stirred up numerous small and large waves within the Academy.
First of all, students couldn’t stop talking about his extraordinary strength, which was so beyond common sense that it felt baffling why he had not been known until now.
Although he was the son of the director who established this Academy, his bizarre skills were such that even I, who managed to defeat Seldienne in the semifinals, stood no chance against him.
Those who watched the matches claimed that the moment his sword clashed with mine, my body was sent crashing against the wall on the opposite side.
It was hard to explain even though there was an overwhelming difference in skill, yet that was the actual result that unfolded.
In the finals, while Tirisia seemed to hold her own for a while, she eventually faced defeat.
The very idea of Tirisia losing was something I couldn’t even begin to imagine.
However, that too was something that actually happened.
In the end, Kerg Durakal became the undisputed strongest in the Academy, and all the students had his name etched deeply into their memories.
Until he caused that upset, I, Erto, who once made a rapid rise from the rank of the hundreds to consecutive victories, defeating even Seldienne, was the biggest topic of conversation at the martial arts tournament.
But as a result, I overwhelmingly lost to him, leaving only the realization that even a commoner who achieved near-miraculous growth was nothing more than a mere mortal before a real genius.
All my efforts until now were merely to brighten the stage for his dazzling debut a little more.
Perhaps Kerg had been aiming for that moment all along, where he could shine the brightest.
It was fine that I lost. It was a fair match, and the opponent was strong, while my skill was simply lacking.
But what frustrated me was bringing such dispiriting results to those who supported me.
Like me, they must be feeling a heavy weight in their hearts facing this cold reality.
Thus, I needed to express my apologies to them for my shortcomings.
The second significant issue that arose from Kerg’s performance was the announcement of his relationship with Tirisia during the awards ceremony.
In front of all the students, Kerg revealed he was now dating Tirisia.
Although I had only recently disclosed that I had broken up with Tirisia, no one suspected that they might have done anything out of order.
This was perhaps due to Kerg’s overwhelming performance and superiority, but most importantly, thanks to the dignified image Tirisia usually portrayed.
Although Kerg had a rough exterior, it became no issue simply based on the fact that he showed impressive strength and was the man chosen by Tirisia.
With sufficient evidence in place, Kerg’s appearance was instead evaluated as charming and manly.
To onlookers, it would appear that Tirisia had left behind a relatively insignificant man and had instead found herself a wonderful partner suitable for her status.
There was no room for doubt or question here.
Could it be that Tirisia, the very one who left me, fell for another man while we were still together?
No one would entertain such absurd thoughts, but to voice that would be akin to tarnishing the reputation of a fragile flower that served as the Academy’s idol.
It was only natural for Tirisia to turn from a commoner like Erto to Kerg Durakal—
This was a consistently shared understanding among all the students at the Academy.
Of course, I had expected this outcome.
Other than me, I had orchestrated things in such a manner that no one would think I was the one who had let go of Tirisia myself.
I knew well that Kerg would boldly claim that empty spot for himself.
However, I had no idea he would go a step further and attack me publicly in front of everyone.
He seemed thoroughly determined to claim Tirisia for himself, leaving no stone unturned.
In front of all those watching, he painted me, Erto, as the pathetic man who couldn’t let go of his feelings for Tirisia, prowling around despite his former girlfriend now having moved on.
To students unaware of the situation, this became a flat-out truth.
Kerg had effortlessly turned me into the public enemy of the Academy, comparable to a flower trying to bloom high on an unreachable cliff.
He had plans to snatch away the place I held as her longtime friend too.
And the effect of that quickly became apparent.
*
The day after the martial arts tournament.
As I walked through the Academy square on my way to class, I could feel strange gazes pouring in from all directions.
Beside me was Tirisia, acting as though nothing had changed.
This was the same routine we had maintained since our enrollment.
Everyone at the Academy was well aware that Tirisia and I had consistently walked to and from class together.
At this point, no one should deny that relationship.
But the stares aimed at me now were uniform in their disapproval of that fact.
As if to say, why was I still there after hearing what was said yesterday?
Why was a mere commoner occupying the side of noble Tirisia, who had found her true soulmate?
“Erto…”
Tirisia seemed to sense the gazes around us and quietly called my name.
“It’s okay, Tirisia.”
I offered her a light smile.
In fact, I had suggested this morning that we walk separately to avoid drawing attention due to the public outrage influenced by Kerg’s words.
It was obvious how students would react if they saw us strolling together.
My thought was to wait and see how their mood changed until it calmed down.
Not walking together didn’t mean our relationship was diminished to anything lesser than friendship.
Ultimately, I had also mentioned this.
“Besides, your boyfriend doesn’t seem to like me being around.”
At that, Tirisia nodded and apologized to me.
“First of all, I’m sorry for that. He did act on his own without consulting me, you know. I’m sorry, Erto. I know what you’re thinking. But—”
Her intention was clear: she wanted to continue walking with me as before.
She thought if she acted as if nothing had changed, others would not raise any issues.
It had been a long-standing arrangement, and everyone at the Academy knew we were childhood friends, so she believed it would be fine.
Tirisia felt that we should protect our friendship without worrying about other people’s perceptions, and I obliged without a word.
Yet, this optimistic Tirisia seemed to feel that something wasn’t right the moment those sharp gazes surrounded her.
No one confronted us directly since she was here, but the hatred in their eyes was impossible to conceal.
“Erto, um…”
Her jade-green eyes were filled with concern as she looked at me.
I shook my head with a nonchalant smile.
“I’m fine. Let’s move on.”
The choice had already been made, and all that was left was to accept the consequences.
I had no regrets about the actions I took for Tirisia’s sake.
Hoping she felt the same, we made our way through the thorny path of the square.
*
Even in the dormitory unpacking and the hallways of the Academy main building, I continued to feel piercing gazes.
“That guy, he came with Bruerd again today?”
“Doesn’t he have any self-awareness? That commoner?”
“Durakal senior said that. Is he trying to provoke him or what?”
Once I was alone, the blatant criticisms began to echo from around the crowd.
I ignored them and made my way to the classroom for the theoretical lesson.
Given the physical fatigue many were experiencing from the martial arts tournament, the Academy was conducting shortened classes, halting morning training and moving afternoon theoretical lessons up for a week after the competition.
As luck would have it, I had no shared lectures with Tirisia today, meaning we’d have to act separately until going home.
On the plus side, this session included Haidiera instead of Tirisia.
Clack—
As I entered the classroom, all the students inside focused their gaze on me.
“…”
I ignored them and spotted the dark-haired, large girl huddled in the back row.
She caught sight of me and waved her hand, looking a bit awkward.
“L-Leto! Hello!”
“Hey, Haidiera.”
“Is y-your body alright? Are you hurt anywhere?”
“Yeah, aside from some muscle soreness, I’m fine.”
“That’s a relief… Even though I treated you, you did take quite a shocking blow so I was really worried.”
“Thanks, you’re the only one who genuinely worries about me.”
“Of course… I am your friend, after all…”
As I tried to sit next to her with a smile, I could hear the murmurs among the students, glancing at Haidiera as if judging her.
“Look at that… Clinging to Bruerd while acting friendly with another girl.”
“I guess Aisidel seems easy to manipulate since she doesn’t have friends.”
“Such a greedy kid… If he wants to meet women, he should at least draw a line.”
“…”
Trying to disregard those voices, I looked out the window, but beside me, Haidiera clenched her fist tightly on her lap.
“H-how dare they…”
With the tension about to explode, I called her name softly.
“Haidiera, it’s okay. Just ignore them.”
“Leto…”
The more we reacted to those comments today, the longer it would last.
The best strategy was to stay silent and wait it out until Kerg’s fervor died down.
Fortunately, Haidiera’s anger subsided as she released a heavy breath, agreeing to my words.
Her lowered head released a quiet voice.
“It seems Durakal has planted some outrageous thoughts in the students.”
“Yeah, I agree.”
“Leto, what do you think? About that guy who is now Bruerd’s new boyfriend?”
“Huh?”
Looking to the side, I could see her amethyst-like eyes visibly gazing at me.
“It’s been no time since Bruerd broke up with you. And now she’s already taken interest in someone else, which makes me curious about what you’re feeling.”
“Um…”
I took a moment to think, and then I shook my head with a bitter smile.
“Well, there’s not much to say. I’m just plain friends with Tirisia now, and I should understand her freedom to date whoever she wants.”
“Is that so…?”
Haidiera nodded with a slightly resigned expression.
“If that’s the case, then I understand… But it’s true that the way Kerg spoke yesterday has colored everyone’s views of you negatively. I can’t comprehend why he would try to sow discord like this.”
She tightened her grip on her fists again.
“They should have been satisfied to publicly announce that they took Bruerd. Yet, the only thing they want is to maintain that feud, as well as to force you out of this Academy.”
“Haidiera, calm down. We can’t expect everyone to understand what we know.”
“But…”
To calm her, I put on a refreshing smile.
“I’ve received worse looks than this when I was dating Tirisia too. Back when I was much weaker than now. So I’m used to it. Don’t worry too much.”
“Huh… understood. Leto, you’re truly a strong person.”
Only then did Haidiera release her grip and let out a sigh.
“Strong… am I? Rusika always said my attitude made her feel frustrated.”
“No, Leto, you’re strong. I truly believe that.”
“Really? Thanks.”
“Leto, I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again.”
“Sure.”
Haidiera reached out, grabbing the edge of my sleeve.
“I am always on your side. You are never alone. Keep that in mind.”
“Ah… okay. I’m here for you too. I’m always grateful.”
No matter how deep I sunk into misery, I still had someone I could rely on.
That fact gave me immense strength.
But—
The wild flames around us were quietly and gradually spreading in intensity.
*
Three days had passed since Kerg’s declaration.
The warnings from Rusika had truly turned into reality.
[Erto, student, you are summoned in the name of the noble alliance. Please come to the square.]
It was noon, after the morning theoretical classes were over and only my return home remained.
Voices echoed throughout the Academy calling my name through the loudspeaker.
“Is that voice… Elconja? L-Leto! What is happening?”
The shocked voice of Haidiera, who shared my last lecture, rang out.
“Well, if they’re calling me, then I guess I should go.”
As I left the classroom, Ferjena rushed up to me from the hallway with a fierce look.
“So this is what has come to pass. I sensed something was off. I’ll accompany you, Erto.”
“Thank you, senior.”
Thus, I made my way towards the execution site designated by the nobles—the Academy square, with Haidiera and Ferjena surrounding me.
*
The expansive square, ranging from the Academy’s main gate to the dormitory’s front, was packed with a multitude of people.
From commoners to nobles, all the students gathered as if this situation was some official event at the Academy.
Yet, there were no professors or adults from the Academy in sight.
“Is this the director’s influence…?”
Or perhaps it was Kerg’s own power.
Currently, no adult was around to control the large-scale situation unfolding.
Even though this was a serious matter tying almost all the students at the Academy together.
Surely, they were being blind to the game played by those in power above them.
I wouldn’t expect adults to solve this situation favorably, but it was quite a despairing sight that they weren’t even showing their faces.
Commoners and nobles intertwined in groups were forming a layered circle in the square.
In the center of that crowd stood glamorous figures looking like the heads of the noble alliance.
Among them, the highest-ranking female student looked toward us, wielding a black feather fan in her hand.
“Seldienne…”
As soon as the students in the square spotted me, they parted ways, allowing me to move toward the center.
It wasn’t out of kindness but rather a sordid delight in observing a convict heading for the gallows.
I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of words awaited me on this large scale.
In the center, I found Tirisia standing next to Seldienne who had arrived earlier.
From the outskirts, I could see the sight of twin-tailed russet hair swaying.
All those who knew the truth were gathered here.
And among them, only two were on my side.
Aside from Haidiera and Senior Ferjena, everyone in this place was an enemy to me.
“How do you do, commoner?”
From the center of the crowd, Seldienne greeted me.
“What did you call me here for?”
“Hey!”
Before Seldienne could explain anything, Ferjena, who stood next to me, exploded with anger.
“You insane girl! How dare you try to drag in a friend? Are you out of your mind? Where’s the bond we shared through all that training?”
“Ugh…”
Seldienne seemed momentarily startled by Senior Ferjena’s fierce anger but quickly regained composure, hiding her mouth behind her feather fan.
“This incident is regrettable for you as well. But remember, this Elconja is not merely a woman swayed by emotions but a noble committed to serving as an example!”
“E, Elconja! This isn’t right!”
“Shut up, Mole! Commoners should keep out of this!”
“Eek…!”
As Seldienne’s sharp tongue caused Haidiera to cower and retreat into the crowd.
That left me with only one ally right from the get-go.
“Ah… so that’s the stance you’re taking, Seldienne.”
I let out a hollow laugh while gazing at the golden-roll-haired girl.
“To be honest, I thought we had truly become friends all this time.”
“Ugh…”
The crimson-eyed Seldienne’s gaze shimmered with uncertainty.
“Though the way you speak seems strange… I know your true nature is good. But meeting again like this… it surely hurts a little.”
“Shut up! Are you trying to flirt with her here?”
“No, if that’s your choice, I must accept it. Do as you please.”
I nodded, closing off all feelings towards her.
Seldienne, who had trained me with utmost sincerity for the martial arts tournament, I didn’t know why she was standing up there today.
Presumably, it was because she was appointed to unify the opinions of nobles as the beloved daughter of the influential Elconja family.
But at least she must have had a choice.
Would she be a friend to commoner Erto?
Or a noble of the Elconja family representing them all?
She had merely chosen to be a noble this time.
There might have been a time when she could have been on my side instead of siding against me with noble representatives in midst of spiteful wickedness.
It’s common sense, and a circumstance I could understand.
But—
The heart that considered her a true friend,
Was torn apart, and I could only stand there in despair.
“So,”
I asked her again with a cold expression.
“What do you want from me?”
“Well then, it seems all those required to gather are here, so let’s get down to business!”
Seldienne swept her arm, pointing the feather fan at me.
“Commoner Erto, you failed to let go of the feelings for the lady you were once in a relationship with, Tirisia Bruerd, and you continue to linger around her, unable to sever the ties! Is that factually accurate?”
“I just returned to the relationship we had as childhood friends.”
In response to the question, all I did was state the fact as it was.
And you already know Seldienne.
I genuinely felt no lingering emotions for Tirisia any longer.
“That is a lie! Such vague feelings are not an appropriate attitude towards an ex-lover!”
But Seldienne twisted my feelings as if she fully comprehended them.
In this setting, Elconja was bound to that position.
Standing here as a mouthpiece for all the nobles rather than expressing her own thoughts.
I would never hear the answer I sought from her.
“Feel free to think whatever you like. I will not agree.”
“You keep denying until the end!”
“If you’re so curious, just ask the party involved standing over there.”
I pointed at Tirisia, standing next to Seldienne.
Is she my ally now, or my enemy?
Is she here as Kerg’s girl, or has she come to support her childhood friend Erto?
“Erto…”
Tirisia’s jade-green eyes were looking at me, albeit nervously, with one hand clutching the other arm.
She only managed to utter a short apology.
“I’m sorry.”
Furthermore, a clear voice echoed in my head.
[I was told by Senior that I mustn’t resist anything happening here today. Really, really… I’m sorry.]
That was her true stance, aimed solely at me.
Tirisia must have had something to say herself.
I couldn’t stop hoping that even though she had betrayed me once, there would still be some connection remaining.
At least she could provide me some measure of protection.
But all that was suffocated again by Kerg’s malice.
Today, Tirisia was merely a participant witnessing my execution, reduced to a puppet of Kerg’s.
No one,
Not even the one person I ever loved,
Would save me here.
Now only execution awaited me.
When Tirisia turned away from me, Seldienne waited for the cue to speak up.
“Look! The party involved, Miss Bruerd, has not denied your guilt either! Do you have anything further to say?”
“Ha,”
I found myself laughing.
I had nothing left to say.
“Hey you stupid bastards! Yeah, you’re all so great! So what do you want from me?! Huh?! You gonna wipe out everyone? What the hell are you expecting from my disciple, you idiots? This is insane!”
Ferjena shouted as she grabbed the claymore strapped to her back, causing the crowd around us to scatter in shock.
“Whoa!”
“W-what’s happening?!”
But Seldienne remained unfazed, showing her palm to Senior Ferjena.
“Should I cut you down first? Huh? Come here!”
As Ferjena growled and moved forward, Seldienne calmly waved a piece of paper handed over by Miu from behind.
“We, the noble alliance, do not wish to employ violence against commoner Erto. We only want to secure one promise.”
“Promise?”
“Now, commoner, take a look. Here’s the content,”
As Seldienne moved closer and I saw what she offered, I felt as though I was struck by a bolt of lightning on the back of my head.
“This is…”
On the top part of the blank paper, five characters were written in large.
“It’s a letter of withdrawal.”
“Exactly.”
I trembled, holding the paper and staring at Seldienne’s face.
“Is this… the promise? That I swear to leave?”
She avoided looking me in the eye, reciting her answer as though it were merely a duty of a noble.
“That is the conclusion our noble alliance has reached. Erto, you have not only lingered around Lady Bruerd post-breakup, but you have supposedly harbored some grudge which led you to train in magic and swordsmanship. Given that we cannot foresee what you might do with that strength, our noble alliance deems you a potential threat to Lady Bruerd!”
“Huh?! So you’re saying my disciple suddenly turned into a rabid dog and will bite her! You want to isolate him altogether? What the hell kind of twisted scheme is this?!
Senior Ferjena erupted, grabbing Seldienne by the collar.
“Elconja!”
“Let it be.”
As the surrounding nobles burst into panic and raised their hands, Seldienne commanded them to remain still with her fan.
Holding Seldienne by the collar, Senior Ferjena leaned in closer and shouted,
“Hey, you psycho! Are you out of your mind? What? Harboring a grudge? If so, you taught him, didn’t you? Aren’t you also guilty? You should drop out too, huh?”
“She’s nothing but a victim in this. She has no idea whether this guy wanted the power for such purposes.”
“Is this truly where you’ve lost your mind?!”
As Senior Ferjena raised her fist, I yelled,
“Stop it, I want to ask this girl one question. Whether I should sign this paper or not.”
“Erto…”
At hearing my request, Senior Ferjena stepped back.
I slowly made my way toward Tirisia, my legs feeling heavy, moving slowly toward her.
And then I asked her my final question.
“Tirisia.”
“Uh-huh.”
Tirisia was not looking at me.
No, maybe she could not look at me.
“Do you want me to disappear from your side? Would you rather…?”
It was a faint hope to hold onto our childhood friendship.
“Am I not allowed to remain by your side as a friend?”
Gazing at the person I loved, pouring all my feelings into it.
And her answer was—
“I’m sorry.”
[That is what the senior desires.]
It was thorough rejection.
“Okay.”
I slowly stepped back, distancing myself from her.
As she wished.
“Well then, it seems both parties have come to an agreement, so Erto, you are required to take the oath here!”
Seldienne spoke with a face full of guilt.
Cramming whatever feelings I had aside, I couldn’t help but imagine reality in its starkness.
If she felt genuine regret, I would undoubtedly receive the same affection someday.
Though guilt was streaming in through the cracks, I would be signing that piece of paper without a shred of doubt.
So, pen poised to parchment, the darkness filled my heart.
When suddenly—
“Stop it all!”
BOOM—!
A loud sound erupted from the crowd.
“Aah!”
“Wh-what’s happening?!”
All eyes turned toward the center of the explosion.
There stood Haidiera, with her feet firmly planted atop a crater in the ground.
The students gathered around her had been sent sprawling, startled by the shockwave.
“What the hell just happened?”
“Was that no use of mana?”
“The earth sunk beneath her…”
Huffing and puffing on that newly carved crater, Haidiera marched toward Seldienne and me, brushing aside those who had fallen.
“It seems you folks are completely off track.”
“Haidiera…?”
I was mesmerized as the gust of wind blew my hair back, revealing her crystalline eyes filled with fervent determination.
She smiled gently, looking right at me.
“Erto, I apologize.”
“…?”
Her sudden apology left me stunned.
“I know exactly what you’ve been going through, holding your tongue this whole time.”
“Haidiera…?”
“You’ve been steeled to the point of contemplating quitting just so my resolve wouldn’t go in vain.”
“What are you…”
“I really did want to endure it for your sake, but it seems things can’t go on like this anymore. I feel terribly sorry for breaking your resolve.”
With moist amethyst eyes, sadness had deepened in Haidiera’s expression.
“But… it can’t go on like this. I can’t bear to see the one I care about becoming hurt. I feel like I might crumble myself.”
“H-Haidiera, what are you trying to do…”
Without answering my question, Haidiera inhaled deeply.
Then—
[Everyone, listen closely―!]
Her voice echoed across the square, identical to the incantations of Tirisia.
The previously murmuring crowd quickly fell silent as her resonating shout rattled the space from within.
Haidiera stood at the center of attention, unleashing her pent-up feelings.
[This farce ends here! You’re all under a grave misunderstanding right now!]
The moment I heard that cry, an idea flashed in my mind.
Could it be,
Haidiera,
You’re not planning to—
[From this moment on, I, Haidiera Aisidel, will rectify the wrongs!]
When I quickly turned to glance at Tirisia, she too seemed to feel something like I did, her pallor marking a stark change on her face.
Facing Tirisia, Haidiera declared firmly.
[I will reveal every truth in this place!]