Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Chapter 24
The day of the freshman party arrived. The party started in the evening and continued late into the night. Thankfully, the next day was a weekend, but the midterm exams were scheduled for about a week after the party.
This brutal scheduling, reminiscent of a university festival, made my teeth grind. Let us enjoy the party properly.
“Hello.”
“Uh… yeah, hi.”
Early in the morning, while I was patrolling and checking the traces left by the [Death King] the previous day, I ran into Marie. She still seemed gloomy, like a walking corpse. I never imagined she’d greet me first. I was always the one to initiate the greeting whenever we crossed paths, so this situation was a bit disconcerting.
Come to think of it, wasn't I stalking her, checking the traps she had set?
If she found out, it would be incredibly awkward.
She wouldn’t report me, would she?
“Patrolling this early in the morning?”
“I’m part of the Disciplinary Committee.”
“Doesn’t suit you.”
“Really? Others say it suits me.”
Mostly Eleanor, who yelled indignantly after being apprehended by me. Was my gaze threatening enough to preemptively deter crime? Despite saying that, I was getting used to Eleanor’s unstoppable antics. Now I’d be bored if she didn’t cause trouble.
“I came to greet you today, too.”
“Why?”
“I plan to greet everyone I know.”
It was blatant. Yes, she was blatantly tying up loose ends. She was acting as if she was about to die.
Marie knew that if she followed the [Death King]’s plan, she would be killed.
How pathetic.
“Really? How many people are left?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why…?”
“There are a lot.”
“Do you have a lot of friends?”
“I don’t know if they’re friends, but I know a lot of people.”
“I-I see.”
I was a little surprised. She acted like she was quiet and friendless, yet she knew more people than me? I shouldn’t think like this, but it was somewhat humiliating.
“That Noah introduced me to them.”
“Really?”
Why didn’t she introduce them to me? More importantly, Marie's eyes seemed to hold more life than when we first met. It must have been because of Eleanor, the mood maker and Scientia's (future) most popular student, that she was able to draw Marie in. No, she was probably swept away by Noah's trolling.
“It’s thanks to you.”
“I don't understand the context. What’s thanks to me?”
“You told me to speak up. That's why I know so many people now.”
“Really? Then it is thanks to me.”
“Haha…”
She chuckled. This was probably the best way to approach Marie right now. Since she had mustered up the courage, I should make her feel comfortable.
“So, will you tell me your name?”
“I’m quite famous, didn't you know?”
“Aren’t you full of yourself?”
She suddenly threw a jab… I never imagined she’d say something like that. My head spun from the unexpected criticism.
“…Oz Quabadis.”
“I see.”
“What about you?”
“Huh?”
Marie tilted her head. It was a doll-like gesture, but there was a glimpse of humanity in it. This was also thanks to Eleanor’s prior efforts. Things might become easier.
“I’m asking for your name.”
“Didn’t you already know my name? You definitely did when we first met…”
“Aren’t you full of yourself?”
“…But you definitely did last time…”
“I’m kidding.”
So, please don't make that bullied hamster expression. It made me look like a bad guy.
“Still, you have to introduce yourself in situations like this.”
“Is that so? Then, I'm Marie. Marie Sistus.”
“Okay, Marie Sistus. Since you came to greet me, I’ll come greet you next time.”
Flinch.
Marie shuddered at my casual reply. Her inner thoughts were so transparent I couldn't even laugh.
She must have thought there wouldn’t be a next time.
There was tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow. Considering the midterm exam schedule, there was at least a week.
Yet, her reaction was obvious.
This greeting was her final farewell.
“Prepare your response for when we meet next time.”
“…Response?”
“Yeah, think about what you’ll say when I greet you.”
Marie remained silent. She couldn't answer. This meant she was so honest that even a small lie was difficult for her.
“You can just say ‘hello,’ or prepare something special.”
That was why she was trembling and clutching the hem of her skirt, tormented. But I wouldn’t stop.
“I’m looking forward to next time.”
“…….”
My current goal was to make her want to live.
“See you next time, Marie Sistus. I'll be looking forward to it.”
Leaving Marie, who was hesitating and unable to answer, I went to look for the traces of the [Death King] that she had scattered early in the morning.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The parting of the Red Sea.
That was the best way to describe how I felt right now in one word. No, wait, was that two words? Anyway, numerous students were avoiding me, maintaining a distance of 1-2 meters.
It was already evening after checking the traces Marie had left and patrolling. Students were flocking towards the banquet hall where the freshman welcoming party was being held. Perhaps because I mostly saw combat students on a daily basis, I had never seen this many people before.
I had also never seen so many people avoiding eye contact with me, lowering their heads and moving out of my way.
I had never experienced this, not even in my past life. What was going on?
“…This is surprisingly hurtful.”
Honestly, I thought Oz, being handsome, would be popular. I even had expectations. But I didn’t expect to be avoided to this extent. Was social status this difficult? Or was my gaze with [Contemplation] active that repulsive? Or was it because I had crushed Professor Gerard like cookie dough? Honestly, there was no room for excuses. In any case, I couldn’t deactivate [Contemplation]. I was currently fulfilling my role as a member of the Disciplinary Committee.
I hadn’t intended to act so exemplary, but it couldn’t be helped. There was a reason I had to show this side of myself.
Crack—
My neck, twisted by Tia, was still stiff. Considering the trouble I would be causing soon, if I didn't earn some brownie points now, my head might really be ripped off.
The only advantage I could think of was that I didn't have to push through the crowd. I found solace in the ease of movement, allowing me to comfortably observe my surroundings.
“Ah…”
Then, something caught my eye. A girl with bluish-silver hair and a white dress. The blue accents, similar to her hair color, suited her well. It was somewhat plain compared to what nobles and royalty wore, but it was captivating. Yes, not just me, but everyone couldn't help but be drawn to her. Was this the power of the protagonist? No, absolutely not.
“What’s that…?”
It was because of the massive greatsword strapped to her back, which didn't, and shouldn't, match the dress she was wearing.
What was she planning to do this time?
Eleanor was elated by the large crowd. She was overjoyed by this moment, with so many people looking at her.
“Noah.”
“……?”
Eleanor turned her head towards the voice. An armband on the shoulder. A member of the Disciplinary Committee, her enemy.
The moment Eleanor confirmed that, she was ready to run.
“Eek?”
“…You’re blatantly suspicious today.”
But just as she was about to flee, her shoulder was grabbed. Caught off guard by the natural response, Eleanor finally checked the face of the person who grabbed her.
“Master…?”
“Yes, Noah. What are you planning to do?”
This was… betrayal. Eleanor was shocked to see Oz, who had promised to hang out with her at the freshman party, wearing the Disciplinary Committee armband.
“What are you doing here, Master…?”
“Patrol. This is my area.”
“I’ve been had…!”
“Had by who?”
Eleanor's dramatic words were laced with various emotions. The gap in the Disciplinary Committee's patrol route, which she had confirmed in advance, was a trap. Furthermore, Oz, who had promised to hang out with her, was working for the Disciplinary Committee.
What did this mean?
‘The Saintess played such a dirty trick!’
She had been careless. She shouldn't have assumed Arietta would be the one on the receiving end. Eleanor was disgusted by her own carelessness. Eleanor was the one who initiated the first attack, but that wasn't important now. In terms of results, Eleanor had been thoroughly defeated by Arietta. That was the only thing that mattered.
‘What should I do?’
The moment of choice and focus had come for Eleanor. Her plan to hang out with Oz was already ruined. The Oz she knew was a man of strong principles when it came to his duties.
‘Then I must succeed in turning the party into chaos.’
Eleanor made that calculation in a split second.
“Noah, don’t try anything funny.”
“Ugh!”
But Oz’s reaction was faster. Eleanor, who had attempted to escape again, was completely subdued by Oz. He no longer had any aristocratic spirit like “ladies first.” Oz seemed to see Eleanor as nothing more than a potential criminal.
“…Master, you’re a mage, how can you use grappling techniques so naturally?”
“Noah, we must always live diligently. Learning is important. Have you learned your lesson?”
“That sounds reasonable, but it’s not very touching.”
Eleanor’s eyes, like a fish caught out of water, began to rapidly lose their sparkle.
“There’s a hole in my perfect plan…”
“I don’t understand what’s so perfect about it.”
Eleanor narrowed her eyes at Oz’s indifferent reaction, expressing her dissatisfaction. Of course, she couldn’t directly show him her displeasure, as her arm was twisted behind her back.
“How did I get caught?”
“Well, you’re too conspicuous. You stand out even from afar.”
“…….”
“What, are you sulking?”
“No… not really…”
Eleanor hung her head. Like last time, an unfamiliar emotion seemed to tickle her. Oz’s words referred to the massive greatsword, but Eleanor couldn’t care about that now. Eleanor whispered, overwhelmed by complex emotions.
“Does that mean you’re always watching me?”
“Huh…?”
Eleanor, having uttered those words, lowered her head further, consumed by the unfamiliar emotion. At that moment, she saw the massive greatsword between her legs.
“Ah…”
Only then did Eleanor realize what Oz meant.
Humiliating. It couldn’t be more humiliating.
‘I want to die!’
Eleanor alternated between recalling her own words and Oz’s words, tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn’t live like this. She wished he would just kill her.
Eleanor, who had always indulged in pranks and satisfied her desires, was experiencing this kind of misunderstanding for the first time.
“Isn’t that obvious?”
But then, an even more overwhelming emotion swept over her. Eleanor, who had been hanging her head, jerked it up as if she had been electrocuted.
“How else would I prevent the pranks of a troublemaker like you if I didn’t keep an eye on you?”
Oz continued speaking, but Eleanor could no longer hear him.
—Isn’t that obvious?—
Only that sentence echoed in her ears.
Eleanor stopped resisting Oz’s grip on her wrist. She couldn't muster any strength.
‘What’s this?’
It was an unfamiliar emotion. An emotion she couldn’t get used to. Eleanor couldn't identify it. It was strange and uncomfortable, but… not bad.
“Phew…”
Eleanor took a deep breath. Her current state wasn’t good. She always had to maintain an overly cheerful demeanor. It was easier to attract attention that way.
Acting was nothing to her.
The moment she finished taking a deep breath, she pulled herself together.
“Phew… Master, let me go now. I won’t run away.”
“Okay.”
Oz readily agreed to Eleanor’s request without suspicion. Eleanor almost faltered again at his casual trust, but she managed to endure by diverting her attention, fiddling with her wrist.
“Sigh… The plan failed.”
Eleanor muttered, plopping down on a nearby bench and beckoning Oz over. She was telling him to come closer.
“First, hand over the greatsword. You can’t bring such a dangerous weapon to the party.”
“Dangerous…? I even decorated it with a ribbon. See? Isn't it pretty? Decentura said blue suits me.”
“Who’s Decentura?”
“My attendant… no, someone like an older sister.”
“Really?”
Eleanor covered her mouth with her hand and corrected herself. She almost blew her perfect act. Unfortunately, Eleanor was the type who believed her clumsy acting was flawless.
“No, wait, if you were going to decorate it, shouldn’t you have wiped the blood off first? Whose blood is this, anyway?”
“Baekyang’s. I accidentally injured her during practice.”
“You must have worked hard. You even managed to injure Baekyang.”
“Ugh…”
Eleanor narrowed her eyes at Oz's arrogant attitude. It could be considered dismissive, but for some reason, she didn't feel offended.
‘That’s what’s annoying.’
And she was annoyed that she wasn't annoyed. It was baffling.
“I’ll hold onto the greatsword… If you promise not to cause any trouble, you can go to the party. What do you say?”
Eleanor considered it. Now that she was caught, the chances of her plan succeeding were low. So she had abandoned the plan the moment she was apprehended. Therefore, making that promise wouldn’t be a problem.
“…I can’t promise that. I’ll cause trouble again.”
“Are you crazy?”
But Eleanor told a lie. And she was surprised by her own absurd lie.
“If I go to the banquet hall, I’ll definitely cause trouble, so you’ll have to keep an eye on me, Master.”
“…….”
“Even now, while I’m being held by Master, the attention that should be on me is fading. How can I make up for this loss?”
“Your shamelessness is astonishing…”
“Heheh.”
Eleanor swung her legs playfully from the bench and reached out to Oz, who was sitting next to her. She flinched for a moment when her hand touched his cold cheek, but then she boldly cupped his face and turned it towards her.
“Master, you might not know, but I need people’s attention.”
Eleanor needed attention. It couldn't be helped. After being forgotten by everyone in the kingdom, she had become pathologically obse
ssed with the gaze of others.
Numerous people had to look at her. They had to remember her, acknowledge her.
Yet, now…
Even now, with so many people passing by and countless gazes intersecting…
“So, today, I'll be satisfied with monopolizing the attention of Master, the famous Successor of the Mage King.”
It seemed the gaze of a single person was enough.