Chapter 97
Chapter 97
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 97
Chapter Title: The Calm Before the Storm on the Floating Island
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But hang on a second?
Mayal's here, right.
But last time, didn't Mayal tell me she wanted to meet Kaiz? She showed interest in him...
And Kaiz is here.
.....
.....
This pisses me off?
Of course, Mayal and I are just friends.
That won't change in the future either.
But, but still.
Having a beauty like that—a total hottie friend of mine—go all goo-goo eyed over some asshole I'm telling to fuck off and end up dating him? That shit boils my blood.
Is this NTR? Or BSS or whatever?
Since Mayal and I aren't anything special, it shouldn't matter.
Anyway, fuck, I have to make sure that shitty Kaiz doesn't meet her.
No matter what it takes.
"Heyyy, Dre!"
"Pardon the intrusion~!"
"......"
But why are they already at the door?
From what the maid said, it sounded like they were waiting outside...
Of course, it'd be rude to keep guests waiting, so letting them in is fine, but couldn't they have shown them to the parlor or something?
I was once again impressed by the laid-back freedom of the Hart Clan maids.
One of them spoke in a relaxed tone.
"Oh dear. If you'd said you were waiting, I would've come right away."
"Hehe. It's been so long since I last saw him—I just wanted to meet up quick!"
"I wasn't looking forward to seeing Dre at all. Well... thanks to you, our finances are looking comfy now~. I do wanna express my gratitude..."
"Aaaah!!!!!!"
"?!"
"?!"
The two jumped in surprise when I suddenly let out a beastly yell.
"D-Dret? What's wrong...?"
"Dreng...?"
Why do both of you call me like that?
They've been doing it since last time, but couldn't you come up with a cooler nickname?
Anyway, I gathered my thoughts.
And put my brain into overdrive.
How can I keep those two from meeting that Kaiz bastard...
"Dre, sir. What's the matter?"
Yeah, you fucking asshole.
Utterly useless piece of shit in my life.
I turned around with blazing eyes. Kaiz's confused face... my ass. He was staring at me coldly, then looked past my shoulder at the two girls.
"Wh-what?!"
Mayal pointed at Kaiz with her mouth agape, while Asita—having seen him before—fidgeted before bowing her waist.
Fuck, total disaster.
"Excuse me, Outsider Dre. What on earth are you thinking, acting so rudely over and o—huh?"
Mari came rushing in, looking furious, but then spotted the two girls with her own eyes.
She soon furrowed her brow.
Fine for me, but why for them?
"I remember you two. The kingdom's twelve beauties... or something like that?"
"Huh? Oh, uh? Ahahaha. It's spread all the way to the Holy Kingdom too?"
"Uuum..."
Both girls looked embarrassed rather than proud, but Mari's piercing glare didn't fade.
"Sir Kaiz knows plenty of beauties."
"Huh? Yeah?"
"So it's not limited to the kingdom—"
You're crossing the line, lady.
I cut in quickly.
"How about toning down the jealousy?"
Mari groaned and blushed at my words.
She's kinda cute.
But she soon glared venomously.
"What nonsense! I'm a servant devoted to the gods and my mission! Jealousy over Sir Kaiz's relationships? Absurd!"
"I just thought you might be jealous because these two are exceptionally beautiful."
"......"
Mari shut her mouth.
She seemed like she wanted to say something, lips twitching, but ended up just mumbling.
What the.
I thought she was just a bitchy personality, but turns out she's fun to tease.
Feels like I won't just take beatings from her anymore—got me excited.
"Ehehe."
Then Mayal suddenly tapped my shoulder. I turned to see her beaming brightly, while Asita went "Umm..." looking shy.
"Am I pretty?"
I answered her mischievous face straight-up.
"Super pretty."
"S-Saying it so directly is super embarrassing..."
Actually blushing and fiddling with her fingers, Mayal suddenly shouted.
"Dret, that's what you are!"
"What?"
"That... um... stud boyfriend?!"
Poor vocabulary, Mayal.
"Sounds bad."
"A guy who smashes through girls' hearts! You've had lots of girlfriends, right?"
"Nah, my age and lack of dating experience are equal..."
Then I felt a gaze.
Thought it was Mari glaring again, but it was Gold.
He alternated looks between Mayal and me, then sighed in exasperation.
His eyes seemed a bit fiery.
"Hey! Goldy!"
Mayal greeted him casually.
Goldy...?
"Mayal. You... since when did you drop the honorifics with bro?"
"Huh? Bro? Oh... he's bro?"
"For now, yeah..."
His expression clearly screamed "Should I call him bro too?", so I chuckled.
"Call me however you're comfortable."
"Hmm... then still Dret for now!"
"......"
Gold looked even more exasperated, then gave me a resentful look.
"Dropping honorifics with Mayal... Bro. Am I less reliable than her?"
"Why does it turn into that?"
Mayal just had special circumstances. Getting sulky over not dropping honorifics...?
He's kinda cute in his own way!!
But Asita was subtly glaring too.
Jealous maybe?
Obviously my delusion, but imagining her as a jealous girl in my head made her look fucking adorable.
To the point I unconsciously approached and ruffled her hair.
Then I paused.
This is the same thing I do to my bros—it's muscle memory.
Asita's mouth flapped open, her face red with panic.
I asked nonchalantly.
"What's up?"
"Eek?! Wh-Why'd you ruffle my hair?!"
"Just felt like it?"
If it were another girl, I wouldn't act this chummy.
Say what you will, but since we met quick and bonded fast in this world, she feels familiar.
That's when Kaiz bowed his head.
"Hello. Lady Mayal Love Yarte. And Asita..."
"It's Birnus."
Asita cut into Kaiz's words suddenly.
Wanting to imprint her name before the handsome guy spoke? With a boyfriend and all?
But her expression was blank, like she wasn't that interested.
Yet while talking to Kaiz, why's she keep looking at me?
What? What do you want from me?
Anyway, wasn't Asita's family name Leisia, not Birnus?
"Dreng didn't even know my family name, did he?"
"First time hearing it."
"Figures~ You said we'd stick together at the academy, but forgot all about me the second we hit the capital~."
Thorns in your words, Asita.
"It was about after school starts."
"Hmph, sure~."
"Mm. If you're okay with it, I have a proposal."
"Sure sure. I'm a girl you can use whenever convenient~."
Why make it annoying...?
Anyone'd think you and I are dating.
Look, even Mayal next to you looks surprised.
"That adjustment thing I mentioned before?"
"Huh? Adjustment~?"
Honestly, I barely remember saying anything about adjustment.
Times like this, bulldoze with momentum.
"I recently got a nice room from Professor Blurt. Planning to hole up there for a while and do various stuff... Wanna join?"
Asita blinked.
"Wh-Why do it with me~? Uh, where're you holing up~? Nothing perverted, right~?"
"No. That kind of thing's impossible from the start."
Old man Blurt said the room's only for training.
Stuff like sex is out.
Overexcitement makes mana unstable or something...
Grateful for the warning, but did he rate me high as a guy who could bring girls there, or low as an irresponsible trash?
"What're you planning to do there~?"
"First, physical..."
"Ahem."
A fake cough.
From Mari.
"Planning to keep chatting here? If so, how about wrapping up that earlier talk first?"
"Didn't I reject your proposal?"
"...Refusing a sacred duty? All citizens of World Federation nations..."
"I'm an Outsider—not applicable, right?"
"......"
Huh?
Just threw it out there, but it's real?
Mari looked like she wanted to rip me apart, but sighed and offered a compromise.
"Here's the deal. Finish your talk with Lady Asita first, then we'll continue. The two heirs, come with us."
Mari beckoned to Gold and Mayal.
"Huh? Together?"
Mayal's eyes sparkled. Her gaze was on Kaiz.
...My heart hurts.
Another top-tier national beauty slipping into someone else's arms like this.
If only I were handsome!
Well, Mayal and I are just friends, at most.
I'll respect what she wants.
I ignored Mari and looked at Kaiz.
"Kaiz."
"Yes, Dre."
"First, talk with my friend here. Then I'll consider that proposal."
"Uh... really?"
"Yeah. Totally."
Mari glared daggers again, but whatever.
I patted Mayal's shoulder—she was staring at me with her mouth slightly open—and whispered.
"Good luck."
"Uh, u-um, yeah."
"Use my room for the talk if you want, bro. It'll be quiet."
With that, I took Asita and headed to Gold's room as he suggested.
On the way, I felt Mayal's gaze, but didn't look back.
We arrived at Gold's room.
I got straight to the point the moment we entered.
"I'm gonna train my body—build muscle, basically."
"Huh? Mm... yeah, Dreng's body does lack visual appeal. Ow!"
Annoying, so I flicked her forehead with my finger. Such a drama queen...
"Anti-violence~! B-But where're you doing it~? And why with me~?"
"Nah, just, um..."
What to say.
Asita doesn't know her body will assimilate with ambient mana later.
She'd never believe it anyway.
Had to gloss over it.
"Felt like it'd be good for me personally if we stuck together."
"......"
Silence.
.....
Thinking about it, doesn't that sound creepy as fuck?
An average joe with no interest saying that... put myself in her shoes, I'd have no comeback if ignored forever.
"D-Dreng."
"Yeah?"
"Between me and Mayal. Who's more pre—"
"?"
Why stop mid-sentence.
"...You don't like me too much, do you~? Don't forget I have a boyfriend~."
Yeah. Impossible to forget.
This Asita dating that kind of guy... sigh.
Not my place to meddle. Her choice.
"So, you in?"
"Since it seems Dreng wants me sooo bad, I'll make an exception, hmph."
"Thanks."
"And thanks to Dreng, I made a fat allowance~."
"Huh?"
Explanation: During the instructor exam, they bet on instructors' rankings and behavior. Everyone bet against me except Asita—big payout.
She's not a big spender anyway, so enough pocket money for years.
Hand over my share.
Saying that'd get me a contemptuous look, right?
Though for a hottie like Asita, that's reward enough.
Didn't say it aloud, but annoying enough to ruffle her hair again.
Her squealing and flailing seemed kinda happy...
"Ah! Dreng was sooo cool today!"
"Oh, yeah?"
"Yeah! Everyone was trash-talking you! Parachute kid. Loser. Coward."
"......"
First time hearing the last one...?
You saving up stuff to say to me usually?
If so, big bro here's ready to bawl.
"But it flipped in one go~!"
"Oh ho."
"No one says you don't deserve instructor quals anymore~!"
"Nice."
"Yesss!"
Asita's info was music to my ears.
Academy classmates ignored me before, but post-exam, they're all itching to meet.
Bit exaggerated probably, but recognition felt good.
After that, chit-chatted trivial stuff and left the room.
Back in the parlor, they'd apparently finished talking—everyone sat sipping tea.
Did Mayal score?
No way... no way she set a date for tonight.
Stomach'd hurt...
Unconsciously glared at Kaiz, and he smiled.
"You're late. Enjoyed the chat?"
"More than chatting with you, Kaiz."
"Dre!"
Mari's irritation was background noise now. Ebebabeba.
I twisted my face clownishly, and Mari went "What...!" huffing.
Her failing to counter was adorable.
"So, shall we talk now?"
"...Fine."
Fucking hated it, but a promise is a promise.
"Just us two."
"...?"
Why just us?
What's your deal, fucker? Showing true colors?
"Whatever."
He smirked and tried to lead, but passed me.
What? Gesturing to follow.
"Please let us talk alone."
"Got it."
Gold answered, and Mayal stared at me.
Gratitude maybe.
"Cardinal Mari, stay here too."
"...Understood."
Mari answered reluctantly.
We left the parlor, just the two of us.
But the path felt familiar.
Not to me—to Kaiz.
The Hart Clan manor is castle-like.
Vast enough to get lost, yet he moved like he'd been here.
Nah, he probably has.
...Regressor confirmed.
Used to visit the Hart Clan often in the past, huh.
Kaiz stopped mid-corridor, hiding behind a pillar.
A dim, slightly recessed spot.
Not ideal for fighting.
"Why stop here?"
"Drop the honorifics."
"Sure, fucker."
"......"
"What the fuck. You told me to. Got a problem?"
"I didn't respond to that."
"Bullshit. Your eyes are bullshitting. Why stop here?"
"Only spot the family head's eyes don't reach."
"......"
Family head's eyes.
Like surveillance cameras, huh.
My senses pick up nothing—weird.
"Come here often?"
"Join the Demon King subjugation, Yedre."
Ignored my question, straight to business.
"Fine, I'll consider positively."
"Join and you'll get commensurate reward... hm?"
Kaiz frowned.
"Weren't you against it earlier?"
"Just wanted to see your face twist. Anyway, if schedule allows, I'll help."
"What wind blew this way?"
"No real reason."
Wanna see the Demon King myself, and doing good's nice?
He granted my request earlier—my way of paying back.
But Kaiz said something weird.
"Testing a new power?"
"Huh? What bullshit?"
"Asita. She'll definitely vanish soon."
"......"
"You know that too."
I didn't answer.
Figured as regressor he'd know, but hearing her name from this fucker's mouth pissed me off weirdly.
Then Kaiz spouted nonsense.
"She can amplify magic power."
"......"
"Big spec boost. That's why you're approaching her."
"......"
"Should've been mine originally, but this time I'll yield—"
BAM!
Grabbed Kaiz's face and slammed it into the pillar hard.
He could've blocked but let it happen, looking painless with those annoying eyes.
Wanted to gouge them out.
"Shut your trap."
"......"
"I'll definitely join, Kaiz. So don't show your shitty face till then. If you do, I'll kill you."
"Hmm."
Kaiz casually shook off my hand.
Hated myself for being brushed off.
This fucking bastard.
This time, I really meant it.
Almost drew my sword.
Could I kill him? No.
Does he deserve death?
If so.
That moment flashed.
Blood scent. Laughter. Giggles.
Euphoria.
Liberation.
And...
"Calm down, Yedre."
"......"
Killing intent was blatant even to me.
Clicked my tongue and reined it in as he said.
"Why get mad?"
"Shut up."
"If not for spec-up, why approach her?"
I didn't answer.
Didn't wanna talk anymore.
Didn't care how Asita amplifies mana—just walked away.
Kaiz's gaze bored into my back relentlessly.
Fucking bastard.
Moral outrage?
Nah. I'm not that good a guy.
This is just... like a program reaction.
Live nicely.
Fuck.
I stepped outside.
Panting under a tree shade, cooling my anger.
I know.
Kaiz isn't the type to maliciously harm Asita.
I'm sensitive to emotions, and his words earlier lacked sincerity.
Probably no choice but to do it that way.
Better than vanishing pointlessly...
Still, can't accept it.
Flames flicker in my eyes.
Scenes flash and fade.
A girl who jumped before me.
After that...
.....
...I won't let Asita vanish.
Absolutely.
"Heyyy!"
Mayal tapped my shoulder—I was leaning on the tree.
"Huh, not startled?"
"Knew you were there."
"Whoa. Even when I snuck up? Well, Dre's strong!"
I looked up at Mayal.
She gazed down with innocent eyes.
A sudden impulse surged.
"Mayal."
"Yeah?"
"Kaiz... he's no good."
"Huh, yeah?"
"If you want, I'll introduce a better guy..."
I trailed off.
Where to find a guy matching Kaiz's specs?
Then.
"Ahahahahaha!"
Mayal, eyes wide, burst laughing and pounded my shoulder. Kinda hurts.
This girl's strong...?
"Mayal?"
"What, Dre? Worried I'll fall for a bad guy?"
"...Nah. Kaiz isn't bad."
"Yeah, I know."
"...But."
"He seems cold."
"...?"
"I have eyes too, y'know? Dre."
Mayal's bright smile was stunningly beautiful.
Still ambiguous.
Does she like Kaiz? Or not?
"That means you're interested in Kaiz? Like... bad boy vibe?"
"Nah, no interest in guys like that."
"Oh, okay?"
"Yeah. Um... I find you more sensible?"
"....."
"What I want isn't just handsome—someone who cherishes me, looks only at me, warm like that? Ah! Looks matter too, of course!"
Mayal rambled shyly.
Does she really have no interest in Kaiz? Or comforting my weird vibe?
Either way, thanks.
A cool breeze blew.
Mayal's scent rode it—dizzying, potent perfume. Nice.
"Hey, Dre."
"Yeah?"
Feeling calm, but Mayal hesitated "Umm...", then eyes lit up.
"Heard from Asita—you're training?"
"Yeah, planning to."
Mayal's eyes sparkled at my answer.
"Training—want me to help?"
"Uh, huh?"
Flustered, I slipped into polite speech.
"I wanna train with Dre too!"
"......"
At that, don't judge me for my gaze drifting to her explosively busty chest.