Freshman Welcome Banquet #3
Whatever. Let's set aside the princesses' little spat for now.
Maximilian Spinola. I focused my attention on this pretty boy.
"What say you, Lord Bardi? Will you show me that famed skill of yours as well?"
His speech was full of the refined dignity befitting a high noble. But the vibe was downright overbearing.
And yet, his blue eyes kept flicking intermittently toward Princess Daphne.
...On the surface, he just looked like a fool head over heels for her.
If this were a scene from some novel, I'd think: Ah, this guy's jealous of the protagonist, picks a fight, but ends up as cannon fodder to hype his legend. With that slicked-back hair, he screams "shut up already"—total side character material.
But this world was reality.
Even the idiots like Diego, Nico Mueller, and Kedrak had their reasons for acting out.
Diego? He was high nobility picking on a commoner.
Nico Mueller? Sure, fallen nobility, but still blue-blooded with veteran experience—against a green 17-year-old like me.
Kedrak? Overconfident in his status, plus he had a disposable patsy ready to take the fall.
Were their judgments sound? Hell no. But these weren't brainless morons lashing out without thought—they'd learned enough to have some basis.
But this guy?
His house might have a short history, but right now, he was high nobility with nothing to envy: top-tier Magic & Creature skills, striking looks. And he's picking a duel out of jealousy over a freshman?
Doesn't add up.
Even ignoring logic, his actor-like subtle off-vibes were enough to put me on high alert.
What the hell was driving him? Princess Daphne?
Maximilian was Lilucanian nobility, so maybe she was pulling strings with her princess status to probe my info—like Kedrak did. Possible.
But too blatant for that. Anyone could see "I'm doing this because of Princess Daphne."
Plus, with a councilor already sacked, even a princess would hesitate to mess with me as student council president.
Or maybe the reverse—trying to screw her over?
She had that mysterious aura: enigmatic in a good light, suspicious in a bad one. Wouldn't be shocked if she turned out to be a black.
In Federico Academy, swarming with nobles from every nation, "student council president" was prime bait for the vultures.
...Hmm, plausible enough. But something still felt off.
"Lord Spinola. I understand your intent, but is there really any need for this now?"
Princess Daphne spoke softly, but with a hint of irritation.
Her face said "He's at it again."
Probably not the first time he'd hounded her.
"Princess Daphne is right. This is a welcome for freshmen, not a skill-measuring contest."
Princess Alessia chimed in sternly, glancing at Daphne with mild surprise. But Maximilian didn't back down.
"Your words carry weight, but we are students of Federico Academy. In this glorious hall of learning, only Magic & Creature proves—and stands in for—everything."
He stared at Princess Daphne with burning eyes—or so it seemed.
Tone like: Didn't you say the same?
"So, couldn't a duel be one way to welcome a freshman?"
What a load of sophistry. Sounded like he was dying to crush me underfoot.
That's when our eyes met again. Deep in his gaze, something writhed toward me.
...My nape prickled. A familiar sensation, branded into my memories, my soul.
Just like right before the commie bastards ambushed us. That chill down the neck, like being targeted.
That day, Corporal Choi Taewon—my squadmate—died.
...Hmph.
Instinct screaming, but no hard proof. Better keep an eye on Daphne's side too, just in case. Maximilian was enemy confirmed either way. No question. Crush him outright.
Fun.
A smile crept across my lips.
"Lord Bardi...?"
Alessia, Daphne, and everyone around me flinched. Guess my face turned pretty feral. Oops.
"My apologies."
I bowed to them. Then, without straightening, flicked my eyes to Isabella—awkward pose, but best to hide it from others.
"..."
Isabella blinked her blue eyes twice. Message received.
"Very well. I'll learn from you, Senior Spinola."
"Ho."
"Wait, Lord Bardi. Are you sure?"
"Ricardo..."
Alessia and Adella shot worried looks, trying to stop me.
"It's fine."
I casually pulled my deck from my pocket.
"Let's begin."
To me, knights were relics of a bygone era, long buried in history.
"Fine spirits."
Maximilian's face twitched briefly as he snapped his fingers. For that instant, the off-vibe vanished—raw face showing.
Rumble...
The marble floor cracked open, a massive Battle Table rising from within. Seventeen years in this world, and it still blew my mind every time.
Why the hell hide card game tables under the banquet hall floor? With tech like this.
"Mmm~ No helping it~ Do your best~ Ricardo~."
"Mm..."
Adella waved, resigned. Alessia pouted a bit.
I gauged her mood, then chuckled, getting it.
"Worry not, Your Highness."
"...Mm. So it is. I know well your skill."
"No, not that..."
"Hm?"
Our red eyes locked straight.
"The promise I made with Your Highness. I still remember it."
"...Promise? ...Ah!"
Alessia's fiery red eyes widened round.
"Give me a moment."
"Er, yes. Ahem! Of course. As I said, I have no intent to press you..."
"Yes. I know."
Her blush bloomed from cheeks to neck. Her flushed upper chest looked like a ripe, luscious apple—though way bigger.
"Oh, a duel!"
Alexander, skin flushed red for some reason, bellowed heartily as he strode over.
His voice louder than usual, ears ringing.
...This guy's been drinking?
As I eyed him suspiciously, he scanned us intently.
Then, at Alessia:
"Kahahaha! Alessia! Looks like you've been dumped again! Like an abandoned kitten, all forlorn!!"
He roared with booming laughter.
"...What?"
"Heh heh heh. What'd I tell ya? Just go right up and say, 'You! Duel me!' "
"Alexander."
Her voice chilled, dropping even "prince."
"Shut your mouth before I crush you in a duel first."
Scorching heat rose around her. Daphne and Adella quickly backed away.
Your Highness... even for a princess, saying you'll crush someone in public?
Her attendants looked utterly exhausted today.
"Ahem! Ahem! Ah, suddenly thirsty!"
Alexander, paling, rolled his eyes and slunk off.
(For the record, he'd lost to Princess Alessia in their last duel.)