Chapter 61
Chapter 61
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: Rivals Resemble Each Other Because They Are Rivals
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The day after Mardol's grade-level match ended.
In a quiet alley of Grand Hearts Academy where few people passed by, two voices echoed.
"So, disciple! Why is the Glass Knight learning Shadow Slash?!"
"H-Haha... Well? Maybe he picked it up on his own?"
"Hey, you punk! You show every sign when you lie!"
I'd been cornered by my master, Drake. The yellow-haired man with scars across his face was scolding me. He'd spotted Shadow Slash the day before and summoned me for this.
"It's a technique that requires a burning will to 'slash the shadow' in the first place. That's why you start by slicing coins! No way he learned it alone!"
"...I had my reasons, Master."
I'd judged that without magic, I couldn't properly protect our Saintess,
"I wanted to learn magic. I didn't pass on anything else."
I figured the protagonist could handle my constitution just fine. I bowed my head deeply and began making excuses.
"That's why you joined Dennis's club too! Uhahahaha!!"
"I'm sorry."
He burst into loud laughter after hearing my story. Was he about to drag me off to the mountains for sword training right now?
"That's not the issue, disciple! Your big brother might blow up if he finds out!"
Then he furrowed his brow, looking troubled as he crossed his arms and continued.
"That guy has so much mana that magic suits him better than the sword... I have no idea what wind got into him to obsess over the blade like that!"
"Mardol? Probably his obsession with strength... no, his passion runs high, right?"
That's why he wore masterpiece-grade armor everywhere.
With gear on par with a holy sword, he could handle even a Demon King, which was why I'd once thought to leave our Saintess to him.
'Obsessed with strength, refuses to take off his glass armor.'
He'd been the same in yesterday's match. Aiming for gaps in the armor or using spells inside it against him would've favored the Wind Mage.
Everything has weaknesses; nothing's perfect. The opponent just lacked the battle experience to spot it.
"No! Disciple! If that delicate lady gets even a scratch, she'd catch me even if I ran! That's your big bro for you! That's why I told you to stay away from her as much as possible!"
"...So that's why you wrote the letter."
"Yeah! If he sees you hanging around with the Glass Knight, he'll come after you with an axe!"
Delicate lady? She was precious, sure. Maybe trauma related to his mother made him call her fragile. The odd word felt off.
'He did act emotionally, like a different person altogether.'
I crossed my arms like Drake and pondered, but he just shook his head at the sight. Still, he'd even reclaimed Empress Bellin for them. He wouldn't try to kill me over this.
"Professor Dennis said it wouldn't be that bad."
"That guy's still young! Wait till you're my age! Everyone else turns into wolves..."
Suddenly, Dragon Slayer Drake stopped mid-sentence, spotting something.
"Why the sudden pause, Master?"
He nodded toward my back. What could it be?
"Ah, Licht. Hello."
Speak of the devil. Mardol waved as he approached. Drake greeted him back.
"Good to see you! Mardol, my boy!"
He let out a hearty laugh, forcing a bright expression, but the act was obvious—his eyes twitched oddly.
They already knew each other, so pretending otherwise felt awkward.
"What brings you here, Mardol?"
I asked the Glass Knight. No reason to come to this deserted spot. How did he even find us?
Staring into the golden wolf eyes behind his visor, I wondered if he'd tracked my scent. A strange suspicion crept in.
'Nah, no way. Can't be.'
I dismissed it from my mind. Had to be my imagination. I didn't want some outsider remembering me like that—not when it wasn't our Saintess.
"Licht."
That's when it happened. His glass visor clinked as he spoke.
"Lunch. Together."
"...Pardon? Uh...?"
Mardol grabbed my hand and yanked me close. His strength was overwhelming—my body lurched forward. Our fingers interlocked, trapping me.
"I-I'm supposed to watch Kainel and Ariel's match! It starts soon!"
"...They're strong anyway. No worries. No time."
I yelped in surprise as my balance crumbled. What was this? Was I about to end up locked in the imperial basement? Cold sweat broke out from the fear.
"They'll reach the semifinals no problem, so come on. That's what he says?"
"Yeah. Might fight them later."
I was helplessly dragged away from my master. Good thing I wouldn't have to head to the mountains for sword training over my slip-up, but was this okay? My heels started leaving skid marks on the ground.
"Master Drake!!"
I called for help from the Grand Sword Master, but thanks to the flag I'd raised earlier, he just shook his head coldly, like before.
'Did I get too chummy at the patisserie back then?'
I clenched my teeth and struggled, but soon I was walking briskly alongside him. His pace was insane—like Wolf Fang in action. If I didn't match it, I'd get flung off.
"Save me!!"
My scream echoed futilely as one last cry. Watching me vanish with Mardol,
"...If he cares that much, you take responsibility, disciple."
Drake waved grandly with that expression—I warned you—his small mutter unheard by me.
The place I'd escaped Master Drake for was,
"Welcome!! Customers!!"
"Where... is this?"
"Reservation-only spot."
A restaurant thick with the aroma of delicious meat. A red dwarf with a braided goatee guided Mardol and me.
"...I still wanted to see those two's match."
"Stronger than our four. No one else."
"True enough."
Among freshmen, yeah. We sat at a finely carved wooden table and chairs, chatting.
"Watch later. In the matches yourself."
"So, why'd you come here?"
"...Wanted to treat you."
Mardol tapped the table with his gloved hand. Glass gloves, not bare. Didn't hiding his identity like that get uncomfortable? Probably trauma.
"You don't have to do this. If it's because of my lady..."
"No. You tried to die."
"..."
How'd he know about that vow from the corruption route? His golden eyes sparkled sadly. Protagonist perks, huh.
"Good food'll fix it. Licht."
[Knight Heart] had tons of similar events. Probably one here too. He spoke like he understood emotions.
"...Got it."
Someone dear overlapped in my mind—I couldn't refuse. That's why he'd asked about meat yesterday.
"Minotaur Tomahawk Steak, three servings."
"Grade?"
"...Masterpiece."
"Yes sir!! Minotaur Tomahawk, Masterpiece grade, three servings!"
The dwarf returned promptly; Mardol ordered smoothly. Minotaur Tomahawk?
Masterpiece? Not Medium or Rare? Following game item grades?
"Delicious. For sure."
Mardol nodded slightly, expectant. Soon, noise erupted from the central open kitchen.
The clean, exposed kitchen boasted top hygiene.
"Lads!! Prep!! Masterpiece grade!"
"Got it, Chef!"
Red, orange, yellow dwarves—rainbow crew—sprang into action.
"Dwarves' pride! Masterpiece is our soul!"
Sizzle—oil hit the griddle, then a massive bone-in hunk of meat. Nearby, veggies for garnish got chopped.
"Forging iron, wielding fire—not just anvil and hammer!"
Bearded faces grinned wide, eyes blazing with zeal. Their synchronized moves flowed in harmony.
"Recalling our eternal mountain in the Land of Fire!"
Probably one of the Ten Heroes. Dwarven leader type. Red dwarf gave déjà vu.
"...Cool?"
"Ah, yeah. First time at a dwarf restaurant."
Saintess route kept my fame low. Thought they were just pervy weapon smiths.
Didn't know they cooked too. Eyes glued to the unseen scene.
"Good I brought you."
The Glass Knight chuckled softly at my awe.
"Done! Customers!"
Then the red dwarf arrived with meat taller than him. How so fast? Magic, probably.
"Eat before it cools!"
Minotaur Tomahawk Steak. Huge bone and flesh screamed 'game food.' Glossy sheen made me swallow hard.
"...What're you waiting for? Licht."
"This... costs a fortune, right...?"
Obvious luxury dish. Masterpiece in name too.
"I'll pay."
I'd frozen at the price, but a crown prince footing the bill? Recalled his wealth in [Black Heart]. My face lit up.
"Thank you. I'll dig in, Mardol."
Grabbed a big Tomahawk to tear in,
"Ah, helmets on! We'll cut it for you!"
"Thanks."
Visor blocked me. Hated this Black Knight helm I couldn't remove freely.
Mardol's similar design—same issue?
As the question arose, the red-bearded dwarf portioned it neatly.
"...Now, for real."
"Eat up."
Lifted visor slightly. Forked a sliced steak. Meant for hand-eating, really.
"...Oh."
Juices burst with each chew. Deep beef flavor and aroma filled my mouth. Spices and butter sweetened perfectly—no off tastes.
'Real gourmet steak... no, better.'
Perfectly cooked texture. No char flaws. Masterpiece. Special sauce? Greaseless, went down smooth.
"Good?"
"Yeah."
Worried about minotaur, but bone-adjacent bits made me regret wasted life so far.
"Great lunch. Thanks."
"You really love meat."
Forgot to chat, just devoured. How long?
Piled meat before me—I tilted my head.
"...You gonna eat all that? Mardol."
"Yeah. Licht."
Three servings ordered. Huge portions—two went his way.
"Big eater."
"...Rude. Licht."
Similar to me—glass magic hid his face while eating. His plate already empty.
"I'll stop here."
I'd cleared bone meat; left with lean cuts. Over half gone, but stuffed. Wiped mouth, smiled happily.
"Licht. Not eating that?"
He pointed at my plate. Lean bits?
"Too full. Sorry."
"Best part... Waste."
"Want it? This plate's untouched."
Since I couldn't, why not? Portions split across plates anyway. Offered freely.
"...For real?"
"Yeah, go ahead."
He was clearing others fast. Ate well. His money—could eat more...
"Thanks, Licht."
He took the bone scraps I'd mentioned—from the plate right after.
"Wait! Mardol?!"
Not lean—bones. Didn't expect that.
"...Why? Licht?"
Crunch. Crunch. Table shook. Empty plate now—bones like candy. Chilling sight.
'Right, wolfkin.'
Species difference? Wrong word here, and imperial guards might sword me: 'Scolding His Highness?'
Plus, that jaw strength crunching bone easy.
"Nothing... Eat your fill..."
"Yeah. Thanks."
Say it's weird, he might bite. Stayed silent. Just racial trait.
Definitely not indirect kiss.
No way. Our Saintess would call me a cheater if she knew.