The Academic Fair #4
“That is to say, it seems you achieved exceptionally outstanding grades this time. Am I correct?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Very good. One who does not rest content in their own position and constantly strives is worthy of praise no matter the outcome. And if that outcome is something others cannot reach, it is all the more praiseworthy. Count Deodore must be overjoyed.”
“I wonder if he is as pleased as Marquis Haniel. From what I hear, Rie secured first place across the entire freshman cohort in every score combined from the Martial and Literary Divisions.”
“Of course, that brings me joy as well. But since my daughter is already so exceptional, the novelty has faded somewhat. One might even call it inevitable. Honestly, I had hoped a particularly powerful rival would appear and at least stoke a bit of competitive spirit.”
Marquis Haniel spoke with a smile.
Though his words carried that tone, I could sense beneath them the unshakeable conviction that ‘no matter who appears as a rival, my daughter will win.’
In other words, it was genuine confidence rooted in solid evidence, and since I had no desire to undercut it, I nodded in agreement.
“If a rival does appear, it sounds like a good stimulus. Of course, that rival would inevitably fall behind Rie in the end.”
“Is that so? According to the letter Rie sent last time, though, the rival seemed confident that he would surpass even her one day. Not just in swordsmanship, but by judging from the world’s perspective as a whole.”
“Ah…”
“And the rival, it turns out, is none other than you, Lucian.”
…Rie. Even if I am that good, still.
Did parents really have to send such a letter just to side with their child?!
As the one who had inadvertently become a formidable rival threatening Rie’s position, I cleared my throat awkwardly.
Marquis Haniel would never say anything about that part.
Yet the shared human frailty of parents who secretly wish their child well left me uncomfortably aware that the one now threatening her spot was me.
“So, Lucian, I do hope you can defeat my daughter.”
“…Yes?”
“It is not that Rie avoids laziness or arrogance. But there is a clear difference between having or lacking a competitor. And I would rather have a competitor who positively influences her. Humans tend to grow sharper when pursued from behind.”
How strange, Marquis Haniel.
A noble would usually warn their daughter to watch her step if a rival appeared, but instead he urged that having a competitor was better and that one should win if competing.
He delivered these words with perfect nonchalance.
Slightly incredulous, I glanced sideways at Rie, who smiled and nodded in response.
It seemed to say, ‘You knew this kind of person, right?’
Truly, the Haniel family possessed a talent for unexpectedly shocking others in the most peculiar ways.
“Since you are now my daughter’s competitor, Lucian, I believe a relationship that fosters mutual positive influence through competition is even better. What word fits better than competition and love—one that is not more mismatched yet somehow perfectly suited?”
“Ah… thank you, Marquis Haniel. I spoke out of turn, and…”
“You too have an oddly low-key demeanor, just like the Deodore family. It may be humility, but I hope you learn not to undervalue yourselves too far.”
Marquis Haniel’s smile vanished, replaced by a grave expression as he fixed me with an intense gaze.
A heavy, oppressive atmosphere seemed to emanate from those eyes, making my body tense and my guard rise instinctively.
“As one who has known you since childhood, I can say you are undoubtedly a brilliant young man. Simply by existing in Lebechia, you are a blessing to the kingdom. And the house that accepts you as a son-in-law will receive a great gift. So stand tall. Do you understand what I mean?”
Showing humility was naturally good.
But one should not maintain an overly modest posture at all costs.
What Marquis Haniel wanted from me was precisely that.
“What I ask of you is to be a lover who cherishes Rie while maintaining a desirable competitive relationship with my daughter. You have the ability and the mindset for it. You will influence each other in profoundly positive ways. Such a bond will deepen trust and expectation, allowing you both to spend beautiful times together. Am I wrong?”
“Marquis Haniel’s words are a thousand times correct.”
“Good. Then it is settled. I have no intention of saying my daughter cannot marry another noble or my son cannot either. Of course, if the other party were some strange youth, I would certainly object, but since my daughter has brought you, Lucian, the matter changes. I hope you two continue to get along well from now on.”
Why did that ‘strange youth’ sound like a reference to some delinquent in the second-year class?
Now that I thought about it, the second-years had mentioned that the delinquent had been unusually quiet lately.
Naturally, the first-year Martial Division representative who defeated a Literary Division student would see the gap widen.
I had wondered if he would one day seek petty revenge in some foolish manner.
But his silence had grown so complete that worry about his true intentions began to gnaw at me.
Marquis Haniel set his teacup down and concluded with the wish that Rie and I would get along.
Since the academic fair was about to begin in earnest, he stood up, saying he had to go.
I also had matters at the fair, and Rie had said she would accompany him, so we all headed toward the venue where the academic fair was being held.
While watching the Haniel family attendants quickly clear our table, the Marquis turned to me with a casual question.
“Are you not participating in this academic fair, Lucian?”
“Yes. I have been too busy adapting to academy life. I may attend next time.”
“I see. A slight pity? From what I know, your paper alone would have earned you a professorship at the academy.”
“That may be, but there will be students and professors who are eager to present. I have no need of the spotlight, and if they do, I would not wish to steal their spot.”
“You could gain recognition even without the fair?”
It was true that presenting something remarkable at the academic fair would boost one’s visibility.
Minerva Academy was a respected institution even in the kingdom of Lebechia, the center of the continent.
Hosting the fair here meant countless experts from various fields would attend.
Academics and illustrious nobles alike would flock there, so a standout presentation here would make it only a matter of time before one’s name spread across the kingdom.
In short, the academic fair was almost a dream venue for commoners and noble children alike.
One could not simply ascend the stage, however; participants were selected solely by their own talent and ability at the academy, regardless of family or year.
Thus, truly outstanding talent would showcase their achievements to all, receive support, and the kingdom would gain another capable individual.
“I can present myself well enough without the fair.”
“…Oh? Is that so?”
“Yes. This is not arrogance, but pure self-confidence born of my own abilities and talent. I can assure you that I could demonstrate my academic prowess whenever I wish, even without the fair.”
Even simply informing the Magic Tower’s acquaintances about the formulas and calculations I devised, or revealing that the swordsmanship Edwin Lang had supposedly perfected was actually something I had deeply involved in, would cause an enormous ripple.
If one added all the various research papers and materials stored in my room as well, the royal family would have been forced to kidnap me just to claim me.
So what I was telling Marquis Haniel was never foolish chatter meant to humble myself before my lover.
On the surface, I might seem like the second son of the Deodore viscountate who could not even inherit the title and had to quietly cling to a woman named Rie, but anyone who looked deeper would realize I was not the kind of man who met a good woman and had his fate lifted.
“…Marquis Haniel.”
All heads turned toward the sudden voice.
Since it was unfamiliar to me, I had not recognized it, but Marquis Haniel’s expression stiffened slightly, as if he had run into an unpleasant acquaintance.
The reason became clear the moment the man who had suddenly appeared spoke.
“Count Crescent. I did not expect to see you at the academic fair.”
Count Crescent’s family—the one that included Forbes Eel von Crescent, the delinquent.
The house lord himself, Count Wigna Kant von Crescent, had appeared at the fair.
‘Oh, damn. The atmosphere is getting chilly.’
Count Crescent would undoubtedly be displeased with me, the man who had neatly rolled his son.
Marquis Haniel, who had nearly bound Rie to a nonsensical engagement with that delinquent, would find the count’s presence particularly disagreeable.
It seemed we had gathered a rather uncomfortable group of nobles all at once.
“…You are Lucian of the Deodore viscountate.”
I was not even the house head of any family, just a student at the academy.
Yet the Count deliberately emphasized the ‘viscount’ to deliver a subtle rebuke.
Unfortunately for him, a higher-ranking marquis stood right beside me.
“Yes, that is correct, Count Crescent. Lucian Theodore von Deodore. I am greatly ‘honored’ to make your acquaintance.”
By deliberately adding the viscount reference, I offered a small act of revenge, complete with the ironic emphasis on ‘honor’ that hid the fact that I was quietly awaiting the chance to stand beside the king and collect his scraps.
I wondered if Count Crescent even understood the hidden meaning.
“Marquis Haniel, I apologize, but I would like to speak with this young man for a moment.”
“I am sorry as well, but I still have matters to discuss with Lucian. Moreover, I have already secured the meeting.”
The count’s words had been rude, but Marquis Haniel’s response was even ruder, implying he would not allow the Count to interrupt.
No matter how one looked at it, the Count’s earlier remark had been quite arrogant.
And if the Haniel family, already burdened by its own position, exerted pressure, the situation would become even more tense.
‘It was fortunate I moved with the Marquis.’
Thinking so, I stepped forward to mediate when a heavy voice suddenly cut in from behind.
“Wigna Kant von Crescent. Grover Rogan von Haniel. I am sorry, but I would appreciate it if you would step aside.”
No titles like ‘marquis’ or ‘count’ were attached—just a calm, composed voice.
The instant I heard it, goosebumps rose across my entire body.
“Ah…” I exhaled, turning around, and found myself staring straight into the eyes of a man I had never seen before.