Today I Am the Protagonist of a Morning Drama (3)
I have received your letter. Raphael... it truly is a nostalgic name.
I prayed to the Goddess to learn whether you had truly reincarnated as an angel, yet she offered no reply. Perhaps the matter is one that needs no words, or one that cannot be spoken. Therefore, I shall go to the academy myself to see the child. A boy connected to Raphael is connected to me as well. I will watch over him.
— Reply from the Saintess
The sight of Eiron galloping toward us on all fours like a wild beast, with Sein riding on his back, was utterly bizarre. What kind of combination was this? The two of them had been at each other’s throats until recently. Had they actually reconciled? Or was this something else entirely? That grotesque way they were charging forward… it was definitely Eiron, but the girl called Sein was no less unhinged for riding him like a mount.
“Iaaaaaan!!”
“You’re seriously strong!!”
“Yeah!!”
Eiron shouted as he ran. The students around us froze, staring at the pair with vacant expressions, as if they had witnessed cosmic horror. Even Master had something to say to me.
“…They’re not my friends.”
Master even called it worse than the “pink disaster.” Honestly… I had to agree with her.
When Eiron and Sein finally reached the angel statue, Sein slid down from his back.
“Wow, I never imagined you’d actually beat the imperial princess!”
“To think you’d be this strong already!”
“Eiron, before you say anything else, could you brush the dirt off your hands…?”
“Hey, hands get dirty sometimes. What’s the big deal~”
“That’s right, husband! Eiron can’t help it!”
“Have you two actually made up? You seem awfully close.”
“It’s not a reconciliation. We simply agreed not to touch each other anymore.”
“Exactly, husband.”
“Sigh… I keep telling you I’m not your husband…”
“No. That unique mana… it definitely belongs to my husband!”
“But how do you even recognize my mana?”
“Ah, that’s…”
Suddenly Eiron cut in and changed the subject.
“Ignore her. More importantly, how did you beat the princess?”
“It looked like you won in a single exchange. Her aura seemed to get sliced apart.”
“It was seriously cool!”
“Heh. I am pretty amazing, aren’t I?”
“Yeah, yeah. Ah, Ian, go on ahead to the classroom for a bit.”
“Why?”
“Oh, does that mean I get to spend some quality time with you? I’m in!”
“Ugh, gross… I’ll head in first.”
“Good.”
Once Ian left for the classroom, Eiron approached Sein.
“You crazy woman! Why would you say that in front of him?!”
“Sigh. You should be thanking me for saving your life.”
“…Sorry. I got too excited when I saw him…”
“Sigh… I’ll head in first, alright?”
“Wait, let’s go together!”
Raphael had been watching the entire spectacle. Something felt off to her, but she decided to let it slide for now.
When Ian entered the classroom, the other students immediately turned to stare at him.
“Did he really beat the imperial princess?”
“I could’ve beaten her too.”
“Maybe the princess was just weak?”
The students who hadn’t witnessed the spar looked down on Ian, but those who had seen it regarded him with caution.
That guy is strong.
Could I even win against him?
Hmm… he’s interesting.
Is that mana capable of ignoring aura?
Everyone was thinking something different as they watched him. At that moment, their homeroom professor arrived and spoke to Ian.
“Ian. You must already know you’re currently ranked first in sparring. The top rank comes with various benefits.”
“To be honest, I’ve never taught a student quite like you before.”
“Such explosive potential… it reminds me of the hero who slew the Demon King twenty years ago.”
“In any case, you may now leave this C-class and transfer to S-class. I recommend you do so.”
“You’re also free to choose your own courses. Additionally, we’ll upgrade your dormitory free of charge, so move in as soon as possible.”
“You’ll also receive a daily stipend for living expenses, so money won’t be an issue.”
“…Professor, is it alright if I don’t transfer?”
“…? Why wouldn’t you? S-class would be far better for you.”
“Well… S-class or C-class, it’s all the same to me. Plus, the S-class dormitory is too far and it’d be a hassle to go back and forth.”
“…Isn’t that a bit arrogant?”
“You know Hero Academy judges everything by skill, right?”
“…Fine. Just remember that everything that happens will be your responsibility.”
The professor gave a few more words of advice before leaving. Eiron walked over, put Ian in a headlock, and grinned.
“Heh… so you stayed for my sake? What a loyal guy! True bro energy!”
“Ack… ack… you lunatic…”
The two of them bickered like that as the day passed by.
---
When the cool evening arrived, Ian once again headed to the plaza. Making sure no one was watching, he approached the angel statue and pretended to pray. For some reason he felt like someone was tailing him today… Was it just his imagination?
He glanced around warily before secretly speaking to the statue.
“Master. Is there anyone around me? I have this feeling I’m being followed.”
“…! Who’s following me?”
“Then what should I do? Do I just have to let them dig into me? I’m an orphan anyway, so they won’t find anything…”
“…?”
“Master…? Isn’t that a little too reckless…?”
“Is that really a qualification for a hero?”
Ian clutched his ears and rolled on the ground.
“Aaaaaagh!! My ears… Master, have you lost your mind?!”
Drip. Drip.
“Master…? My ears are bleeding…?”
“Master’s gone senile!! She’s trying to kill her own disciple now!!”
When Ian started making even more of a scene, Raphael prepared to shout again.
“…Master, I’m sorry. Please stop…”
“Yes!”
Ian spoke while still bleeding from his ears.
Ian did as Raphael instructed.
“Master… exactly how do you see the empire…?”
“…Master, you clearly need character education.”
Raphael took another deep breath. Ian quickly covered his ears, sensing what was coming.
“Wow… Master, you really have a powerful voice… Even with my ears covered, they’re still bleeding. You’re impressive in so many ways.”
Raphael continued in a serious tone.
“Is that supposed to be a compliment…? It sounds more like an insult…?”
“…? Master? Why are you only telling me something this important now? It’s almost time for me to head back…”
“Wow, Master, your grudges run deep…”
“A ring? How would I make a ring?”
“…”
“Master…?”
Ian looked at the statue and spoke with determination.
“Understood, Master. This disciple will fulfill your long-cherished wish!”
“Yes!”
After Ian left—
The Sealed Angel has gained 10 Faith.
The Sealed Angel has gained 10 Faith.
Faith has exceeded 50. Manifestation is now possible for a very short time.
“What’s going on…?”
“Faith is suddenly piling up…? Who’s praying to me?”
Raphael watched the surveillance agents who had been monitoring Ian begin to pray. She could even hear what they were saying.
“That boy named Ian prayed here for two whole hours. Let’s pray too.”
“Please heal His Majesty the Emperor…”
“May glory come to the empire…”
“Angel of power and healing… please hear our prayers…”
Listening to their prayers, a playful impulse stirred within Raphael. Since she could manifest for a very short time, should she show them her true form?