Chapter 134
Chapter 134
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 134
Chapter Title: Raies Fleur
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For starters, the infidelity charge that this guy Holland is bringing up against Raies is innocent.
The thorough simulation proved she's a virgin.
But even if I said that, I'd just hear, "How would you know?"
I have no intention of convincing him anyway.
Right now, I just find this bastard annoying and want to tell him to fuck off.
>Annoying prick.
How can a cheating bastard be so brazen?
>"You're Mr. Holland, right?"
"Y-yes..."
"Do you think Raies was the one who cheated..."
"Stop!!!!!"
>Whoa, that startled me.
I whipped my head around in surprise.
Raies, who had shouted, had her head bowed low.
I couldn't see her shadowed expression, but her tightly clenched lips and the trembling voice that soon leaked out gave me a hint of her emotions.
>"Please stop... Instructor..."
"...Sorry."
>I apologized readily and turned back to the jerk couple.
Seeing Holland flinch made me recall the local bully from my school days in the alleyways.
Holland was a total loser, but these guys and those punks were equally shameless.
Those little shits... probably ended up in a good place, right?
>I spoke to the pair in a low voice.
>"Leave. But from now on, please think twice before acting."
"A-alright."
>I'd expected him to snap back, but Holland replied like a meek lamb, unable to even meet my eyes.
>Raies, his close friend, is an easy target, but I'm scary, huh.
>He nudged the girl beside him with his elbow, signaling to hurry up, but for some reason, the bully girl wouldn't look away from me and slapped away his annoying elbow instead, getting pissy.
>"Hey."
>But when Holland called out in a forceful tone, she had no choice but to leave with him.
I stared blankly at their retreating backs, then looked at Raies, who still hadn't lifted her head.
Perhaps sensing my gaze, Raies flinched.
>Swooooosh.
>The wind blew cold, unlike a spring breeze.
About ten seconds passed in silence. Finally, Raies opened her tightly clenched mouth.
>"Instructor."
"Yes."
"I'm really, truly sorry, but could we do lunch another time? I'll make it up to you tenfold..."
"Sure."
>At my response, she thanked me in a shrinking voice and staggered away.
>I wanted to offer to walk her back, but my loner instincts wouldn't allow it.
All I could do was watch her climb into a carriage and leave.
......Feels off. Damn.
>This is annoying. Asita too, and now Raies.
I'd planned to hole up at home for a week or do some training.
Looks like I'll have to go to school after all.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Going to school while the Almiraz incident is still buzzing? Personally, I don't recommend it."
>It was Gold speaking.
He'd been saying stuff like this the whole way to school together.
>"I didn't commit a crime—I actually earned merits. Why not?"
"Brother hates anything bothersome."
>This exchange was the same as before.
When I asked why he didn't recommend going to school, the answer was always, "You hate bothersome things."
>If I asked for details, he'd explain in full for some reason, but with Asita and Raies filling my head, I wasn't particularly curious.
>And soon, the reason Gold didn't recommend it became clear.
The students we passed on the way all stared at me.
>At first, I thought it was because I was with Gold, but no—their gazes were clearly fixed on me.
Not the indifferent or disdainful looks I usually got, but eyes full of admiration.
>Weird.
That day on top of the floating island, it was just instructors and a few students. Did they spread rumors?
>As if reading my mind, Gold spoke up.
>"With the academy and the royals both planning to award you, word was bound to spread."
"Hm."
>I gave a vague reply.
Honestly, at first, all those admiring gazes felt pretty good.
I'm not used to attention, so having friendly eyes on me was nice.
>But it got old fast.
I'm not some rare zoo animal—what's with staring at everything I do? Annoying.
>Gold wasn't much different.
I'd heard he'd shone during the floating island incident, and combined with his usual fame, it created a huge synergy.
Unlike me, Gold handled it steadfastly.
A guy raised as crown prince from childhood is just on another level.
>"Brother had some personal business today, but at this rate, it'll be hard to get anything done."
"Yeah."
>After a moment's thought, I said,
>"Gold."
"Hm?"
"If I wanted to know the location of Raies or people she hangs out with, could you tell me?"
"......"
>Gold stared at me briefly, then chuckled.
>"Of course. Easy enough."
"Thanks."
>Not even asking why—that's so manly.
Gold really is the kind of guy men and women alike want to follow or fall for.
>But then Gold grinned widely and said,
>"Finally going to punish those arrogant fools, huh? Yeah, even I think you've put up with them too long. Brother's been too lenient, so they've gotten cocky leaning on that kindness."
"Kinda worrying, but do I come off as a thug to you?"
>Why does he think I'm out to beat them up?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After some chit-chat, Gold headed to class, leaving me to wait outside.
While waiting for his class to end, I figured I'd leisurely tour the school.
The prying eyes faded naturally as classes started.
There were a couple watching from afar, but they seemed like vice principal or principal types, so I ignored them.
>Come to think of it, the vice principal. He took Rena for a bit—what was that about?
Rena came back fine, so I didn't ask.
>.....
.....
>But isn't it too peaceful? Way too normal?
The Almiraz Forgotten God descent caused total chaos, yet everything's back to normal like nothing happened.
No traces of destruction, not even signs of change—it's eerie.
I thought the principal restoring it with magic was impressive when I heard, but seeing it... this looks like a god's work.
>But wandering the grounds in wonder didn't last long; I got bored soon enough.
When does Gold's class end?
>Zoning out while walking, I spotted students here and there.
First period must've ended, and they were taking a break outside.
>Do people usually go outside during breaks?
Breaks are about ten minutes—do they have time to bask in the sun?
>I don't know Pryunar Academy's class and break schedules, so I can't be sure.
I've been here a while, but I still know so little about the school.
>I barely know the school, yet I'm an instructor.
When do I teach? How do classes work? I have student status too, so I need lectures, but no schedule yet.
No one's mentioned it, so I'm starting to worry they've forgotten about me.
>I stopped, lost in thought, and kids noticed me, glancing over.
I started moving to a less visible spot.
>That's when, far in my view, a big crowd of students caught my eye.
Unlike other groups, dozens stuck together—it was impossible to miss.
>How do they flock like that so quickly?
Loner senses can't comprehend that population density.
But what are they doing, gathering like that?
>The mystery solved itself fast.
In the center was Kaiz, that personality-wrecked, brain-dead, selfish prick playing the noble hero with a refreshing smile, caring only about himself.
.....
>Don't get involved.
I turned to slip away elsewhere.
>"Instructor Dre!!"
"Fuckin' bastard."
>The friendly call from Kaiz made curses spill out automatically.
The students who'd run over with him froze at my swear.
But Kaiz, this fucker, approached with a bright face—infuriating.
>Kaiz got uncomfortably close like we were buddies, and I grimaced, shoving away from the gross male proximity.
>Our ultimate social king Kaiz grinned regardless and said,
>"I have something to talk about. Follow me."
"Doesn't that tone sound awkward with your smile?"
>Up close, whispering range, he dropped the fake cheer for his usual curt speech... this guy's a natural actor.
It's scary at this point.
>"Scram."
"Why?"
"Why what? What's left between you and me?"
"Since you stopped Almiraz and saved me, we're connected now."
>What bullshit.
>"Fine, come find me later. I'm busy now."
Of course, I'd hide if I saw you later.
>"More important than saving the world?"
"Don't get serious. Anyway, look around."
>I glanced around too.
People's stares must be prickling.
What's that loser doing with the handsome hero? They'd be gossiping.
>"Heroes together."
"Whoa... what an aura..."
"The ones who resolved the incident."
>...?
>That's not what I expected.
At least, no girl I knew ever looked at me warmly like that.
And admiration mixed with longing??
>The surrounding students gazed at Kaiz and me like we were A-list stars meeting.
>Fine, I admit my judgment was off.
Still, scram.
>"Fuck off."
"Why?"
"Why what? 'Cause it's annoying. Talk later—now fuck off."
"Got it."
>Cool bastard.
Should've said annoying sooner.
>"Then meet here at lunch. Lots to discuss."
"Sure. But what's it about?"
"This and that for the future."
"Oh boy."
"Also, I subdued Prostia while she rampaged. Calm her down later yourself."
"Okay."
>And we parted coolly.
>Like hell.
>"Get over here, you dog."
>I grabbed his collar and dragged him behind a pillar out of sight.
I didn't forget to scatter killing intent to keep others away.
>"What?"
>What is this guy? Why? Does he only know two words?
>"What? You subdued Prostia?"
"More like barely sealed her for now."
"...Possible?"
>During the floating island, Kaiz struggled against the Demon King, but Prostia crushed him easily.
And Kaiz subdued her?
>"If descent rate's under 3%, plenty of ways. But she's pissed, so you soothe her."
"You prick..."
>Subdued, sealed, 3%—Prostia's beyond norms.
Not only did he manage it, but "plenty of ways"?
My ghost senses for lies or ego detect no bluff—it's even crazier.
>Kaiz was clearly stronger than last time too.
As a regressor, he knows all fast-leveling tricks.
>This bastard's impressive for real.
Handsome, strong, killer connections.
Lived off easy mode his whole life?
100% wanna see him bawl before Prostia.
>"Since we're somewhere private, wanna chat here?"
"Nah."
>I just grabbed him in panic.
>"Fine. Lunch then."
"...Hey, wait."
"What?"
>I hesitated, then asked,
>"You know Raies... Raies Fleur, right?"
"Yeah."
>Of course.
She's in the character bible.
In other words, one of Kaiz's heroines.
I keep forgetting—this guy's the NTR game protag.
Maybe pre-regression, he had something with Raies.
[Nah, kid. NTR's just to push quick leveling. That bible's a loose game format to help you get it.]
>Mangsin popped up suddenly, startling me.
Put on a blinker next time.
>[But smart thinking. Kid, those in your bible are tied deep to the transmigrator, hence recorded. Play it right, get key info from him to exploit that Raies girl's weakness and bang her.]
>Thought he'd shut up, but back to fuckbird mode.
What sin did I commit in past life to deal with Mangsin or Kaiz types?
>[Sin? You've sinned plenty this life.]
Doesn't count as sin.
Ignoring Mangsin, I asked Kaiz again.
>"Then you know Holland?"
"Inferiority complex incarnate."
"Huh?"
>Just asked his name, and suddenly inferiority?
>"Second son of a thriving count family. Engaged to an archduke's heir despite modest status—Grand Duke Fleur's unusually uninterested in politics and indulgent with his daughter helped, but mostly Raies's love. Holland repays that grace with wounded male pride from her excellence since childhood, substituting with other women. Raies excels at everything but sex right now, so..."
"...Thanks for the explanation, but who are you?"
>Just asked if he knew, why spill the trauma dump?
>"Want Holland info? Most efficient to dump everything I know."
"Fair, but if you know, why not act yourself?"
>Per Mangsin, bible's game-like for my sake; maybe Raies isn't heroine, not close to him?
>"...She's not efficient for me."
"What?"
"Plus, this issue wounds people but blows over somehow—not even an incident..."
"Hey."
>I cut Kaiz off.
Anger surged.
Not at him specifically.
Just recalled a girl dumped by her boyfriend.
>"Enough. Shut it."
"Got it. Don't forget lunch."
>Kaiz left without resistance.
His back pissed me off.
>[Can't be helped. Regressors live eons, emotions wear thin—girl's heartbreak? Meh.]
“......”
[Well, his case is special.]
"......"
[Makes sense. Time and wear mean nothing to oddballs like you. Heh heh heh.]
>Shut the fuck up.
[Hey, don't force cut m...]
>Stay quiet a bit.
Blocked the irritating voice—world went silent.
Whew. Deep breath, processed the info.
Yeah, after school, track down Holland.
Is Kaiz's info real or bullshit? See for myself.
>Then.
>Pop pop pop.
>Someone closed in fast.
Probably waited for Kaiz chat to end—rushed vibe.
And massive presence.
The arrival was.
>"Kang Geom-il."
"Yo, bro."
>Kang Geom-il waving.
I shrugged, pointed to nearby benches.
Still killing intent up, no students approached.
>"Thanks for saving me at Almiraz. Owe you my life."
>First words on the bench—made me smirk.
>"No biggie."
"You're badass. I'm the senior, yet showed nothing but shame."
"Nah. Honestly, you'd still beat me in a fight."
"Still, huh..."
>Oops. Slipped out.
>"I-I meant eventually I'd win or something..."
"Don't sweat it. Even now, I'd lose probably."
>Geom-il stared casually, cracking knuckles.
No real concern.
>"Anyway, our title distance too far, no?"
>Geom-il grinned.
>"Just call me bro. Fellow Koreans."
"Not sure same Earth."
"True."
>No reaction to "Earth"—guess users from parallel worlds, and I'm the only clueless one.
>"Got it. Bro it is."
"Huh? For real?"
"Yeah."
>Too compliant? He looked puzzled.
Guess I've been prickly.
Still, his grit and care on floating island earned bro status.
>"You deserve it. Putting others first in danger ain't easy."
"Ugh, embarrassing."
>Geom-il wiped nose, laughed heartily.
>"Just here for thanks?"
"What else? I'm not shameless enough to ask more. Your tip last time's got our clan busy—no worries."
"Nah, questions fine..."
"I mind. Oh, and yeah, same Earth probably."
"How?"
>Heard Earths differ slightly in place names; compare knowledge to check same Earth.
>But we never compared ours.
Maybe clan common knowledge I don't have.
>Geom-il's a ranker, knows lots—I wanna ask too.
But careful.
Trust him, but hide my ignorance of user basics.
No intent, but casual slip could expose weakness.
Like that guy before.
>"Nah, one of our clan's company directors knows you."
"Director?"
>Company director? Odd in fantasy.
>"This loser's got no real-world connections."
"Huh? Don't look like a loser."
"High praise, thanks. What's the director's name?"
"Uh... don't recall name, just nickname... rose fast last few years. Wind Wood Blade or something."
"Nickname rings no bells."
>Wind Wood Blade? Cringe.
>"Hm... name... uh..."
"No worries if you forget. Not that interested..."
>Mid-sentence, it hit me.
Guys who'd know my name, deep ties—no, bad blood.
Vanished years ago, maybe here.
Before I named one, Geom-il snapped fingers.
>"Ah, New Power. New Power."
"....."
"Huh? What's up?"
"......"
"Deep in thought?"
"......"
"Hey? Scary?"
>Flashes: blood-soaked, war god, eyeballs, guts... and smiling student council president.
>"By chance."
"Yeah?"
"If director, then president too?"
"Obviously. Top-tier user, bottom ranker. Oh, top 12 users..."
>I raised hand, cutting his explanation.
>"That guy's name..."
"Yeah?"
"...' '... right?"
>Mumbled name—Geom-il tilted head.
>"Hm? Oh? Yeah. How'd you know?"
"......"
[Heh heh heh. Fun now, kid.]
"......"
[Motivated? Heh heh heh.]
>Ignored Mangsin.
Head swirled with memories fading in.
Weird.
I'm eerily clear-headed now.
>"Bro."
"Yeah?"
"Gotta go somewhere. Excuse me."
"Uh, y-yeah."
>Thud thud thud.
>"Whew..."
[Pissed, scary scary.]
"Good thing."
[Heh heh heh... yeah. Good for you or me.]
"......"
[Kid.]
>Thud. Thud.
>[Rampage as planned? Need power, right?]
"Know. I know."
[Oho. Yeah yeah. So? How get that power?]
>Acting like seductive snake or devil?
>"Not confirmed they're them. Could be same name."
[Sure? If they are? Full grind for levels?]
"If they are..."
[Heh heh heh.]
"I'll go all in."
>Up close, smelled blood.
Laughed too.
Long-lost goal took shape.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Meiyal swung her legs dangling.
Classes done, time for part-time job.
Exhausted, hated getting up, but livelihood waits for no one.
>Dressing, Meiyal idly thought of Dre.
>Dre's name buzzing everywhere with the hero lately.
And how he'd protected her twice.
His gaze too.
>"......Mmm..."
>Others, especially guys, eyed her chest often.
Makes sense—attention-grabbing size.
But Dre oddly looked at her shoulder. Slightly below, really.
>"......"
>Meiyal pondered, chose shoulder-baring top.
No guarantee of seeing Dre, just a feeling.
>"J-just a feeling. Nothing more."
>Mumbled excuse to no one, recalled Asita and El.
Their weird looks too.
>"...Really just a feeling..."
>Deflated tone.
Soon, Meiyal slapped cheeks, forced a smile.
>"Azah! Fighting today too!"