The Serpent's Smile

I don't know why I did it. Maybe irritation had suddenly welled up inside me. Or perhaps it stemmed from that ridiculous thought, 'Our precious protagonist is being threatened!!' One thing was certain, though.

And the person who had knocked him down was none other than myself.

"Haha, this is rather troublesome."

My lips curved into a gentle arc. It was a sly smile. I'd wanted to show the most good-natured expression possible, but my trait made it difficult. No matter what I did, I couldn't shake off that sinister vibe. Well, what could I do about it? I gave up and bent down, then spoke to the piglet who had fallen in such an undignified manner.

"I seem to have committed an unintentional discourtesy. Are you alright, young master?"

"Y-you...! Who the hell are you!!"

The fellow suddenly exploded, shouting. It seemed that once the pain from the impact faded, anger at having been knocked down surged up. His reaction was bigger than I'd expected.

"Oh dear~ What should I do? I'm so sorry."

"Where did this bastard crawl out from! How dare you knock over a scion of the Holint Baron family?!"

"My steps were hurried, so my eyes were elsewhere, you see."

"You're calling that an excuse...!"

"You certainly have a powerful voice."

Expressing my regret for the baby pig's rage, I elegantly introduced myself.

"Allow me to greet you properly. I am the sole heir of the Snakers Count family. My name is Yuda Snakers."

"Snakers...?"

The fellow who had been fuming suddenly froze. It seemed the family name 'Snakers' had put the brakes on his anger. Of course, it would be strange if he didn't know it. It was, after all, a rather prestigious house.

Gazing at his rapidly stiffening face, I flashed a bright, beaming smile.

"The... the Serpent Count family...? If that's the case, then you must be the young master, the son of the Serpent?"

"I'm honored that you remember."

"Ah..."

The pig's complexion turned deathly pale. It seemed he'd finally realized he was utterly screwed. But what use was regret now? The serpent that had coiled around his neck had no intention of releasing its prey.

What? The Holint Baron family?

From what I knew, they were a worthless house with neither roots, wealth, nor talent. And yet they dared to harass a commoner? Our lovely protagonist, no less?

"I-I'm sorry...! I didn't recognize your esteemed person and committed a great rudeness...!"

The fellow hastily bowed his head. The way he bent his previously stiff back was truly the height of servility. Well, it was understandable. After all, he'd been humiliated in front of others—the scion of a prestigious family.

"Hehe... So you were aware that it was rude?"

"I'm sorry. I'm truly sorry...!"

"Hmm?"

I deliberately tilted my head as if picking at his words. It would be unfortunate news for him, but I had no intention of showing mercy. I had zero interest in his pathetic apology.

If you're going to apologize, you should have ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠done it to our poor protagonist, not me.

Then I might have considered it. Pushing aside the nasty thoughts that coiled like a long tail, I let out a chuckle.

"How amusing."

With that leisurely remark, I reached out my hand. The motion was as elegant as a serpent parting the underbrush. It lightly touched the pig's shoulder, delivering a chilling aura.

"Watching you run wild as you please... I couldn't help but laugh."

The fellow's eyebrows twitched. I knew this type of bastard very well. People bundled up in pride and inferiority complexes, desperate to show off. They were the kind of humans I despised most.

The way to screw with this type was simple: shatter their pride. Embarrass them, mock them, ignore them, and destroy their peculiar sense of dignity.

"How should I put it... pathetic?"

Yes. Operation name: Mock with all your might.

I lightly flicked my tongue. Between my parted lips flowed a characteristically sweet voice. I hadn't particularly agonized over the lines. After all, the Smiling Mask trait would clean up whatever nonsense I spouted.

"Judging from your recent remarks, you seem far more suited to being a street thug than a noble, wouldn't you agree?"

Did you stuff a rag in your mouth? And you call yourself a noble?

"Moreover, raising your voice at a delicate young lady... I see no trace of chivalry in you."

Where's your pride? If you're going to live like that, just cut off your dick.

"Despite your ample physique, your vessel seems rather small."

For such a plump-looking bastard, your insides are ridiculously narrow.

"The baroness must be having a hard time. Well, they do say raising children is the most difficult task."

Your mom.

A relentless barrage of consecutive hits. The fellow looked as if he couldn't come to his senses amid the onslaught of humiliating insults. How about that? This is K-gamer teabagging.

The key point here was the other students watching us. The sight of the fellow who had been rampaging like a tiger just minutes ago being revealed as nothing more than a newborn puppy. The onlookers would laugh, and the more they did, the more his pride would crumble.

"You really are a peculiar person."

Retard.

As I continued my delightful execution, a girl suddenly entered my field of vision. Pink hair, trembling green eyes. It was our lovely protagonist.

Regia Pirates.

She was on her knees on the ground, looking this way. Shivering like a frightened rabbit. Just as I'd seen in the game, she was an adorable creature.

I gave her a light wink. It was meant for the girl whose eyes had met mine—to tell her not to worry too much.

That aside... it seems it's about time.

I checked the time and muttered to myself. No sooner had the thought crossed my mind than a voice reached my ears.

The announcement cut through the flow. Only then did I stop my execution and remove my hand from the fellow's shoulder. His face was flushed red. Seeing his arms trembling, it must have been quite humiliating.

"Shall we leave it at that for now? I'd prefer we never meet again!"

Don't start shit if you don't want to die.

I smiled brightly. This time, I didn't hide the sinister atmosphere at all. It was an open warning.

"......Thank you for your generous mercy."

The fellow bit his lip for a moment before lowering his head and retreating. He was the very picture of a 'third-rate villain.' It really made me feel like I was inside a game.

Shaking off pointless thoughts, I turned my steps toward somewhere.

"My lady."

Our protagonist, who had been quietly trembling. I extended my hand to her.

"Are you alright?"

"......Ah."

The girl, who had been momentarily dazed, quickly came to her senses and took my hand.

"Th-thank you..."

"Not at all."

"It was such a difficult situation, but thanks to you, I was saved."

"Haha, I merely did what anyone should."

"Still, in the end, you saved me..."

Even though it had simply been my personal 'punishment,' the protagonist didn't hesitate to express her gratitude. I could already feel how kind-hearted she was. A surge of warmth filled my chest. So this really was the Regia Pirates I knew. I'm a fan. Please let me hug you.

I swallowed those words with effort and kept a smile on my lips.

"You may have heard earlier, but... my name is Yuda Snakers."

"I'm Regia Pirates."

"Since we've met like this, it must be fate. Would you care to accompany me?"

"A-accompany you?"

"This is my first time at the academy. I didn't even bring any attendants, so the road ahead feels rather lonely."

"Ah..."

Her green eyes pondered for a moment. It was probably because of her setting of finding nobles difficult to approach. This was still the early part of the game, after all. After a brief hesitation, the girl nodded.

"......If the young master doesn't mind."

"It would be my honor."

It felt like meeting an idol I'd admired for a long time. As I was immersed in indescribable emotion, another announcement urged us forward.

I spoke to our frozen protagonist.

"Shall we go, then?"

"Yes...!"

Three years since my possession. I had finally entered the academy.

During those past three years, I'd had quite a lot to think about. Having been suddenly dragged into this world, my confusion had been immense.

This must be a dream... right?

Or have I really gone insane?

Damn it, I should have played the game in moderation.

I don't understand anything anymore...

There had been a period of wandering. Adapting to a new environment always requires sufficient time, doesn't it? I was no exception.

It was only after about a month that I realized it. That all of this was reality. And that there was no way to return.

Having accepted this cruel truth, I resolved to live in harmony with this world. There was nothing more foolish than clinging to something beyond your control. Accepting it was the wiser choice.

Well... when you think about it, it's not so bad, is it?

I decided to think positively. After all, I'd been a lonely existence with no one by my side, so I had no lingering attachments. Being possessed by the game I'd sunk so much time into was also a stroke of luck.

I should at least see the ending.

I'd been possessed by the final boss, after all. Perhaps this was an opportunity granted to a gaming addict who'd burned through tens of thousands of hours.

The 1,943 attempts I'd repeated. Even in ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠the end, I'd been dragged here without seeing the ending, so I'd never witnessed it. The conclusion where this world ended happily.

This time, for sure.

That's what an unfulfilled dream is. I wanted a sparkling story. That was why I'd obediently come to the academy following the original work's flow.

My goals were simple. Enjoy academy life, help the protagonist's party, prevent the world's destruction. And in the end, I wanted to see a happy ending.

And in the process... it would be nice to get close to the original characters.

It had been my favorite game, after all. How great would the emotion be if the children I'd only seen through a screen were now running around right before my eyes? It was the unavoidable heart of a hardcore fanboy. If we became close, I would definitely treat them well. I'd take care of dangerous enemies for them and do my best to pamper them.

In the original work, Yuda had been a betrayer who deceived everyone. I resolved to become a trustworthy ally instead.

Yes, I'd definitely made that resolution, but...

"......U-ugh."

Why has she been like this since earlier?

"Miss Regia. Aren't you a bit too tense?"

"Ah... S-sorry!"

"Oh my~ I wasn't saying that to make you apologize."

Regia flinched even at a light remark. She really looked like a frightened rabbit.

What is this? She wasn't supposed to have this kind of personality.

I tilted my head in confusion. There was indeed a setting that she found nobles difficult to deal with, but it wasn't supposed to be this bad. Her characteristic innocence was nowhere to be seen.

What's the problem?

I pondered for a moment while observing the girl. It didn't take long to figure out the reason.

"Did you injure your wrist?"

"Ah."

Was it from when she fell earlier? Regia kept touching her wrist. It seemed my probing question had hit the mark, as the girl gave a bitter smile.

"......It seems I twisted it a little."

"This is serious. An injury right before the exam."

"It's fine. It doesn't hurt enough to affect the test."

"Still, I'm worried."

I let out a quiet hum. Was there nothing I could do to help? After a moment of concern, I suddenly acted as if I'd remembered something and rummaged through my pocket.

"Miss Regia. How about using this?"

"This is... a bandage?"

What I pulled out was none other than a bandage. A pristine white medical bandage with not a speck of dust on it. I casually handed it to her. It definitely wasn't a size that should fit in a coat pocket, but let's just gloss over that. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

"It just happened to be in my pocket. I'd be delighted if you would use it, Miss Regia."

"Uh... um?"

"Go on."

"H-how did something like this come out of such a small pocket...?"

"It's a secret."

I smoothly brushed off the flustered girl's question. To prevent any further doubts, I grabbed the defenseless girl's arm.

"Eep...?"

"Please bear with me for a moment. I'll wrap it so it doesn't get worse."

I unwound the bandage and wrapped it around her wrist myself. Regia, who had seemed startled at first, soon accepted my gentle touch.

"Th-thank you... It feels like I've only been receiving help from you since we first met."

"There's no need to feel burdened."

"But..."

"Just knowing that I've been able to help Miss Regia is more than enough to make me happy."

"Huh...?"

Oops. Did I get too lost in nostalgia? Regia had several question marks floating above her head. The pink-haired girl tilted her head and carefully spoke.

"By any chance... do you know me, young master?"

"Hmm?"

"N-no... it's just that you're treating me so familiarly..."

What followed was, as expected, a difficult question. How should I explain this? As I was letting out a meaningless smile, what saved me from the situation was a deep voice from behind.

"Yuda ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Snakers. You're next."

It was the teaching assistant supervising the entrance examination. He held the list of applicants, tapped his pen a few times, then gave me a light glance.

"Please follow the guidance and proceed to the examination hall."

"Ah~ Of course! I'll head there right away!"

It was the perfect chance to avoid answering, so I raised my hand and stood up. Nice timing.

"It's my turn. I'll take the test and come right back."

"Uh, um... Y-yes! Good luck on your test...!"

"Haha! I'm glad you're cheering for me!"

Then, I'll be off!

Leaving those final words behind, I walked toward the examination hall.

I entered the examination hall with a heart full of excitement. I was brimming with anticipation. The continent's premier educational institution and the setting of the original work.

Galimard Academy.

I wondered what interesting things would happen. Since it was called prestigious, surely the entrance exam would be creative and engaging, right?

"You just need to attack the target here."

But it didn't take long for those expectations to shatter. I asked the teaching assistant with a hollow expression.

"When you say target... you mean that very small, precious, and adorable doll standing over there?"

"That's correct."

"Good grief..."

I let out a disappointed sigh. In the direction my gaze landed was a single scarecrow-like doll. I'd wanted something a bit more spectacular.

"I trust you know how the score is calculated."

I don't, actually.

"The waiting stone has been continuously broadcasting the other applicants' tests through magic tools so that everyone can observe."

I was too busy chatting with our protagonist and missed it.

"Anyway, good luck."

Fuck, seriously.

I couldn't possibly give those answers to the teaching assistant who was grading. I guess I could just adjust my power and hit it appropriately. If I'd known it would be like this, I should have listened to the instructions properly...

......Sigh.

Late regrets were useless. Having accepted the cruel reality, I held back tears inside and took my stance. It was the posture for casting magic.

For the magic output... should I make it just enough to land in the middle ranks?

I quietly examined the target. As expected, it wasn't an ordinary doll. Various spell structures for defense, absorption, and calculation were woven beneath the fabric. It seemed to live up to its 'top-tier' name.

I need to be careful... so I don't get caught.

I had no intention of taking first place. Positions that drew a lot of attention came with corresponding annoyance. I would pass on that. Even if offered, I wouldn't take it.

Just enough so the doll doesn't break.

With that small mutter, I pointed my finger. A finger gun made by extending my thumb and index finger. As I concentrated mana at my fingertip, it formed into a single pitch-black bullet.

"Bang."

With a sound like air leaking, darkness fired. The rapidly flying fragment struck the target's forehead the next instant.

Thud-!

The shadow fiercely struck the defense spell. The violently spinning bullet seemed as if it would pierce straight through the brow, but it gradually lost power. Though its appearance was shabby, its essence was the entrance exam prepared by the academy. It wouldn't allow an easy breakthrough.

In the end, the mana bullet scattered without leaving even a single scratch.

Clatter...!

The doll that had been standing still fell over from the recoil. I looked at the target sprawled on the floor.

This should be fine, right?

The doll wasn't damaged, and the magic I'd cast wasn't particularly flashy. There was nothing that would draw attention. Just average output for the academy. Even I thought it was an impeccably clean control.

"Wow~ As expected, power control is difficult."

I muttered so no one could hear. With a satisfied smile, I shook off my hand, which still held lingering mana. Good. Just as planned.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"Hehe, once I'm done, shall I go watch Miss Regia's test?"

......At that time, I had no idea at all. That the academy's faculty. That the professors watching through the magic tools had been thrown into an uproar by my test.