Chapter 35
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: Have You Made a Friend, Perhaps? (1)
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Even though the practical exam was just a week away, the classroom atmosphere was no different from usual.
That made sense, of course. Unlike written exams, cramming wouldn't drastically change your practical scores.
It was a very fair test where those who'd trained diligently all along reaped the high marks.
'Of course, I have no intention of training diligently.'
I could proudly say I'd honed my physical training and swordsmanship to a level any guy would envy. I'd probably score well on the practical exam, too.
That might sound great on the surface, but unfortunately, it wasn't for me.
'The friendly match with Cherban Kingdom Academy.'
They were selecting participants based on these exam scores, weren't they? I had no desire to put my name on such a spotlighted roster.
My goal was to live quietly and unremarkably, blending into the background. I wanted to avoid drawing attention and getting dragged around everywhere.
Plus, acing this exam would make it likely I'd receive a commendation when advancing to second year. No matter how I looked at it, the downsides far outweighed the benefits.
'Just aim for solidly average—no, upper mid-tier.'
It'd be suspicious if the former top student suddenly tanked. Upper mid-tier would be believable enough for everyone to accept.
That resolution had come sometime that morning.
About half a day later, after classes ended.
I was watering the Gardening Club's vegetable patch alongside Elena. More precisely, Elena was supervising while I did all the watering.
I couldn't let my lady hold the watering can, after all.
"Luke, does the Swordsmanship Department have a practical exam too?"
"Yes, we do."
Her phrasing—"the Swordsmanship Department too"—suggested the Magic Department was having one as well.
Nothing odd about that. It was better to bundle sensitive testing periods together anyway.
"They said they're selecting people for the friendly match with the other academy. Is it the same for swordsmanship?"
"It is, but..."
"Then we could compete together. You're top of your class, and so am I."
My mind went blank for a moment.
As Elena had said, she was top of the Magic Department. If they applied the same criteria there, she'd definitely snag a spot on the roster.
Of course, that didn't mean I'd automatically make it too...
There was an odd note of anticipation in Elena's voice—or so it seemed. She clearly assumed I'd participate without question, which left me in a bind.
"I'm... not certain. I'll do my best, of course, but my classmates have been preparing hard too..."
"Well, nothing to be done if that's the case. As long as you've truly given it your all."
Elena flashed a meaningful smile, as if she'd read my every thought.
'What should I do...'
Betray Elena's expectations and half-ass it, or go all out and secure a spot?
Truthfully, there was only one choice. As her attendant, I couldn't disappoint my lady.
Besides, even if I slacked off, I couldn't hide it. Ibi and Yubel were in the Gardening Club—they'd reveal the truth if asked.
All I could hope for now was one thing: that even if I gave my all, others outperformed me.
It was like entrusting my fate to others—a desperate prayer.
Please, please do well, guys.
I was pleading inwardly.
Out of everyone, I had high hopes for exactly two. With only two spots per department, if they shone, I'd be off the hook.
The next day, some time later, I faced one of those two right in front of me.
Ibi Douglas. My female classmate who trained with me every morning.
"Luke, is there something on my face?"
"No. I was just lost in thought."
"Some worry weighing on you? I'd help however I can..."
"I appreciate the offer, but it's nothing I need help with."
With that, we began our physical training together.
Ibi's stamina had improved tremendously. She could keep up with the male classmates without issue.
Her strength was still lacking, but compared to before, it was a huge leap.
At this rate, polishing her technique could let her beat the guys.
Once training wrapped up, I approached her as she panted for breath.
"Ibi, you have to get stronger."
"Thanks for the encouragement. I'll grow stronger to repay your help."
Had I even helped her...?
The physical training and swordsmanship—she'd done it all herself. I hadn't stepped in for anything major.
Sure, I'd given some exercise tips, but nothing worth bragging about.
Anyway, she absolutely had to get stronger. If only to keep me out of the friendly match.
"See you later."
I said goodbye and headed to the dorms. Time to prepare for classes at the Academy.
One step, two steps—exactly three steps in.
"L-Luke...!"
Ibi's voice called from behind.
Turning, I saw her hurrying right up to me.
"Something wrong?"
"Well... Lately, more classmates have been using casual speech, right...?"
"They have, but..."
It hadn't even been months since enrollment. Close friends were starting to drop formalities.
Yubel, who used casual from the start, and I, who still used formal with everyone, were exceptions.
But what did that have to do with anything...?
"I think we're close, so... would it be okay if I used casual with you too...? Of course, refuse if it's uncomfortable."
In short, she wanted to switch to banmal.
"Do whatever's comfortable for you."
I answered without hesitation. Denying our closeness would've been a lie.
"Thanks— I mean, thanks."
"No need to thank me."
"But... just me going casual feels weird...?"
Ibi peeked up at me shyly.
'Casual speech, huh...'
Come to think of it, since arriving in this world, I'd never dropped formalities with anyone. The only people I'd met were my parents and the Frozenheart household. Formal speech was second nature now.
But that wasn't a reason to refuse.
It just felt awkwardly embarrassing.
"If you want casual, I'll use it too."
"Yeah, it'd be weird if just I did."
"Alright, heading out."
I bid her farewell again and set off for the dorms.
My first casual speech felt strangely awkward, but it'd become natural eventually.
Whether that'd come before graduation or after, who knew.
Back in my dorm room, I got ready for the Academy.
No matter how sweaty the Swordsmanship Department got, I couldn't show up drenched.
That'd just tarnish the Frozenheart name.
Prepared, I headed to class and soon arrived at the Swordsmanship Department's room.
"Luke, good morning."
"Good morning, Yubel."
The first person I ran into upon entering was Yubel. As usual, he was chatting with other students.
I placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Yubel, you have to ace this exam."
"Obviously. But this is new—you, cheering me on?"
"I've always cheered you on."
I had no choice but to root for Yubel. He needed to take my top spot.
With friendly match qualification on the line, I was cheering harder than ever.
After chatting with others for a bit, Ibi entered. Spotting me, she came right over.
"Hey, Luke."
"Hey."
A short, crisp greeting.
That was our exchange. She headed straight to her seat.
Watching her go, I turned—and met wide-eyed stares of confusion.
From the guys I'd been talking to, including Yubel.
"Luke, did Ibi just use casual with you...?"
"Yeah, but..."
"Are you two like that? You've been hanging out a lot lately."
"Nothing like that. Just like how you use casual with close friends, Yubel—we got close, so casual speech now."
Did these guys have brains full of romance cells? Any hint of something suspicious, and they jumped to dating.
"But why formal with me?"
"Think about it—you'll get it."
"'Cause we're not that close...?"
"Sharp as ever."
"Hey, we're super close! I even helped protect the lady like you asked."
Sure, I'd asked, but he'd been the one benefiting. How was he turning that into a favor?
Anyway, they were overreacting to a little casual speech. She was a Swordsmanship classmate, girl or not.
The problem was, they weren't the only ones reacting.
After classes, at the Gardening Club's patch. I'd coincidentally chatted casually with Ibi there...
Elena's eyes went wide hearing it. Like they might pop out.
...No, really, we're just classmates.