Chapter 15
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: Raising Favorability in Every Spare Moment!
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"But I never imagined... that Yume would be entering the Academy too."
"Huh? Oh, yeah! I'm a mana awakener too, after all. When it happened two years ago, I was really... shocked."
Usually, even if mana awakens before age twenty, the timing varies wildly from person to person.
Most people awaken at a young age, but cases like Yume's—awakening one or two years before turning twenty—are rare.
For reference, Rize, Eli, and I all awakened around age eleven.
I heard Isihoon awakened back in middle school too.
And this second-year high school period was the perfect chance to boost Yume's favorability.
Late bloomer that she was, her mana had awakened suddenly, leaving her flustered and unable to control it as she fidgeted anxiously. That's when I stepped in to calm her down.
"Still, I'm glad you were there back then, Rubelt. My head was spinning when it happened out of nowhere... but you encouraged me, said it'd be okay, and even helped stabilize my mana."
"Just doing what any friend would."
It happened right in the middle of class at school.
-Wh-what do I do? What's this? I-I feel something weird inside me... Ah, aaaah!
-Calm down, Yume. Take deep breaths. You've just awakened your mana.
-A-awakened? Me, a mana awakener?! Aaah! Ugh...!
-Keep your mind steady, Yume. Your mana's surging suddenly, shocking your body. Close your eyes first and face it properly—feel it. I'll help keep it from running wild.
Having received genius training from the Eldra family and studied under renowned mage hunters, I'd already mastered how to contain someone else's rampaging mana by then.
Originally, it was a flashback event where she'd panic from the sudden mana surge.
Her mana would go berserk, hurling nearby objects and even injuring classmates.
Then she'd spiral deeper into panic at the thought of hurting her friends, completely unable to control it.
In the game, Isihoon would charge through the blasts of her mana time and again, regardless of the danger, to calm her down. But I'd handled it smoothly instead.
"I'd studied mana too... If you hadn't helped me then, Rubelt, I might've lost control and hurt everyone. Thank you so much."
"I'm Rubelt Eldra. I've got plenty going for me, and helping you out back then was just the obvious choice."
"Hehe, but you were the one who helped me. Of course I'm grateful."
"Can't argue with that."
"You're always so reliable, Rubelt... stepping in whenever I'm in danger. ...Just like the first time we met."
Yume trailed off a bit, looking bashful.
Perfect reaction.
"Of course I'd save anyone in a pinch—it's the right thing to do. Especially as the Eldra heir, I've gotta lead by example. Noblesse~ oblige~."
"Pfft, why'd you say that like it's an opera?!"
"Hey, it builds a friendly, down-to-earth image with the common folk, right?"
"Yeah, I think it's great. You're amazing for being like that with everyone..."
A hint of regret tinged Yume's words.
Right on cue—this was my opening.
"Yume, even I don't go out of my way for just anyone."
"Huh? You don't?"
"Sure, saving people in danger is a given... but back when your mana went wild? That was because it was you. I wanted to help you fast and safe."
"R-really? Because I'm a precious f-friend?"
"That's part of it... but I didn't want to see a pretty girl like you looking sad or in pain."
Yume's face turned beet red.
"...?! P-pretty? Me?!"
"Obviously."
"Uh, u-um..."
"Speaking of which, remember when we first met? Blocking that soccer ball."
"Y-yeah."
"Sure, it was flying at someone, but..."
I leaned in close to Yume, whispering softly.
"A pretty girl right in front of me was about to get hit, so I hurried like crazy to block it."
"...Wh-what!?"
"I'm a guy too, you know. A beautiful, pretty woman like you? Naturally tugs at the heartstrings more."
I winked, keeping it light and playful—not too serious.
"R-right... I see. Ha, haha, hearing I'm pretty from you, Rubelt? Somehow...! It's an honor!"
"Hahaha! An honor? The honor's all mine, my lady~."
"Pfft!"
I gave a gentlemanly bow, drawing out more laughs to loosen the mood further.
And once the atmosphere was nice and relaxed again...
With the favorability grind in mind—but also as her longtime friend, and the future "my woman" I planned to claim—I said:
"Anyway, starting in March, you'll be at the Academy with us too, right Yume?"
"Oh, yeah."
"Even with your mana awakened, fighting monsters means crises will come. You know that."
"Yeah, I get it. That's why we go to the Academy—to minimize those risks."
"Exactly. You're diligent, Yume, so I know you'll put what you learn there into practice. Still... even so, trouble might find you. Life's like that. But don't worry."
I thumped my chest lightly with my fist and declared:
"If you ever get into a pinch, I'll rush to save you faster than anyone—just like always."
"Ah..."
Yume stared at me blankly for a second, then her face flushed bright crimson.
"Th-thank... you..."
"Hahaha! So relax and let's head to the Academy together, Yume!"
I beamed brightly and offered her my hand.
"Y-yeah..."
Yume ducked her head slightly, trying to hide her flushed cheeks, and shook my hand.
Nice—great reaction.
Even if it felt a tad cringy on purpose, it wasn't empty words.
That's when Isihoon came back from the bathroom.
"Ugh, did I eat something bad this morning...? Huh? Why are you two shaking hands?"
"...! Th-this is just...!"
Yume yanked her hand back in a panic. I rested my handshake hand on my hip and checked on Isihoon.
"Stomach feeling better?"
"Yeah, going to the bathroom helped. But seriously, why the handshake?"
"Starting at the same Academy in March, so a 'let's get along' pledge."
"Out of the blue?"
"Here's to sticking together from here on out, Isihoon."
"Uh... sure."
I shook with Isihoon too and added:
"Once you're at the Academy, Isihoon, how about trying to get a girlfriend? If there's a girl you like, just tell me. I'll play matchmaker."
"...For real?"
Isihoon's eyes sparkled with hope and excitement.
Like most protagonists before the game kicks off...
Isihoon was a total virgin—no dating experience, even if he had girls he hung out with as friends.
His personality was great, sure, but he wasn't some saint without desires. He wanted a girlfriend just like any normal guy.
"You think I'd lie about something like this?"
"Guh! Rubelt, you're the best friend ever! If I like someone, I'll definitely consult you first!"
"Hahaha! Leave it to Rubelt Eldra here!"
"Kyaaa! Lord Rubelt~!"
Isihoon clasped his hands and fangirled, imitating the squealing girls who followed me around.
Don't worry, Isihoon.
I'll show you what a real friend does.
Aside from Yume and the Blaze Blood heroines I'm eyeing...
I'll hook you up proper with a girlfriend.
Even if you're not interested at first.
I'll use the Eldra influence to force events and connections with a girl who suits you until you start feeling something.
No sweat! You've got the personality, and she's the one with the most events in the game anyway.
Keep stacking those events, give you two plenty of special alone time, and boom—you'll fall for her!
I'll pick a cute one too!
So forgive me for secretly slipping that mild laxative into your drink at karaoke to grind Yume's favorability.
"I'm back."
Rize timed her entrance perfectly.
"Oh? You went out too, Rize?"
"Yes, just to the bathroom."
"You too? Did breakfast not sit right with—"
Squeeze!
"Eek!"
"Don't ask a lady that."
"S-sorry."
We sang until our time was up at karaoke, then headed to a family restaurant for lunch.
"Ahh~ Nothing beats a meal after belting out some tunes—feels so refreshing."
Isihoon had hit the bathroom and come back to sing his heart out, so he was devouring his food with gusto.
"Isihoon, I get you're hungry, but slow down."
"Even when I'm eating, you nag? Give me a break."
"Young Master, you have sauce on your mouth. Allow me."
"Thanks, Rize."
"Man, Rubelt, you're so lucky. Having a pretty same-age maid like Rize."
"Rize is pretty, yeah."
"...Thank you."
"..."
Pinch!
"Ow! Yume, why'd you pinch me?!"
"'Cause you're talking nonsense while eating. ...Not that I mind hearing I'm pretty too."
"Huh? What'd you say?"
"Nothing! Just eat already!"
In the middle of the meal, I said to Isihoon and Yume:
"Isihoon, Yume—we're heading to Hunter Academy soon. You know that, right?"
"Obviously."
"Yeah."
"As your friend, I'd love for you both to ace your classes... but above all, stay safe. So how about this: before enrollment, come train at our estate? Get a head start on basic drills. Experiencing it early could help."
"For real? You sure that's okay?"
"Whoa! Training at your place, Rubelt? I hear the facilities are top-notch!"
"Theory's for school, of course. At the estate, we'll focus on basic combat."
"That's even better! Hunters need hands-on action anyway!"
"Why skip the theory then?"
I shrugged at Isihoon.
"What if you've already learned it and doze off in class?"
"Ah, hehe. Fair point."
"Hey! I'm plenty diligent! You all know I get good grades!"
"But your attention wanders sometimes, and you've been scolded by teachers plenty."
"Not you too, Rize! Ugh, no one's on my side!"
"So, what do you say? Up for it?"
"Yeah!"
"Count me in!"
With their eager yeses, the plan to breeze through Blaze Blood's story even easier was set.
The initial user character training had begun smoothly.