[No title provided]
“Alright, since today’s the first day, how about we all do some self-introductions? I’ll start. As I mentioned earlier, I’m Idrus, and I’ll be your homeroom teacher for Class A for the next three years!”
Idrus, our Class A homeroom professor—a commoner who earned his position through sheer swordsmanship talent alone. He’s the kind of guy my family’s knights often mention with respect during their chats. And now, here he is right in front of me.
For reference, the academy divides classes into A through G per grade. It’s not based on any strict ranking system; they just slapped labels on them out of laziness. Students get assigned to classes randomly. Common subjects like history and etiquette are taught by the homeroom teacher, while specialized courses like swordsmanship, magic, or administration require moving between classrooms. It’s like a mix of high school and college—pretty weird, but apparently, splitting by department would fuel too much rivalry between them. Plus, it encourages mingling with all sorts of classmates.
He looks just like a scheming antagonist…
Idrus had those sharp, piercing eyes—like an anime sidekick who’d betray the hero at the crucial moment, stabbing him in the side while saying, “I was never on your side.”
The classroom buzzed instantly at the sight of this celebrity. Sword enthusiasts were practically itching to fire off questions.
“I’ve heard of you. My dad mentioned a swordsman with snake-like movements—that was you. He said it stuck with him because it was so unique.”
Thanks for the explanation, Polo. Probably from his father’s influence, Polo’s been around swords since childhood and knows his stuff. If that count remembered him, he must be seriously skilled.
“I’ll answer questions about myself later~. Next up, let’s hear from the kid in the front row?”
“Nice to meet you all! I’m Fubian Tisar, eldest son of the Tisar family!”
“Greetings. I’m Domain Baltaza. My family has long been renowned for our swift sword techniques—”
“Uh, hi…… I’m Mayshel Seniar…… P-please take care of me!”
……
“I’m Celine Euse of the Euse Duke’s family. No need for a long intro—you all know who I am anyway.”
That sums up her personality perfectly. The Euse Duke has two daughters, but the elder is basically locked in as heir, so Celine seems to be here casually, just to build some connections. Fun fact: since their ancestor was a mage, all Euse kids learn magic from a young age. She’ll probably take mostly magic courses later.
“—And what I like is……”
Swoosh—when it was her turn to share her interests, the young lady turned her head toward me. More precisely, toward Polo’s face.
Already making her move? Way too fast, miss……
A few who caught on whispered, but she sat back down with haughty grace, as if the buzz delighted her. I could only let out a dry chuckle.
“Hey! I’m Polo Helios! This guy next to me, Mars, has been my best friend since we were kids! I love swordsmanship, and my hobby’s collecting swords! Hit me up anytime you wanna talk techniques or spar!”
All eyes snapped to Polo at the familiar family name. He was grinning ear-to-ear, thrilled at the chance to make friends……
“Helios…… Your father wouldn’t be that……”
“Yep! That’s right! Dad once told me about your swordsmanship, so I looked you up!”
“Oh? Honored that a Lord remembers my Saryeon Sword. I expect great things from you in class.”
From their faces, it was clear: the sole heir of a Lord being in the same class weighed heavily on these aspiring talents. And it hit me just as hard, since I was next.
I rose from my seat, inwardly lamenting my pathetic life.
The moment the spotlight shifted to me, the room’s interest cooled to arctic levels. ……They say indifference hurts worse than bullying. Spot on.
“Uh, I’m Mars Noctus. Polo and I grew up near each other, so we’ve been tight since childhood. I’m good at lying down, and my hobby’s sleeping.”
End.
My deadpan delivery and empty content left the professor momentarily stunned, but his experience with all sorts of students let him smoothly lighten the mood.
“Haha, great hobby~. Just don’t nap in my class, okay?”
Even tossed in a dad joke while praising my “hobby.” I’d skimped on the intro out of my dislike for the spotlight, but seeing him try so hard to hype me up made me feel a twinge of guilt.
“……”
?
Not sure what part of my intro hooked her, but when the young lady glanced back at Polo, her eyes held a flicker of curiosity—different from before. Actually, less at “us” and more at me……?
But she turned away quickly, leaving no chance to confirm. I shrugged off whatever odd emotion lurked in her gaze.
* * *
After that, academy life rolled on normally. Wake up, morning classes, lunch, afternoon classes, physical training, back to the dorm for a shower, homework, bed. Textbook student routine.
Then, a tiny glitch crept into my hamster-wheel days.
Morning class.
“Huh?”
Today was theory, so I reached under my desk for my textbook—and my fingers brushed something odd. I stealthily pulled it out: a small white envelope, palm-sized, sealed with a heart sticker.
Clatter!
Shocked by the unexpected find, I shoved it back under the desk, making a racket. A few classmates glanced over but didn’t care much.
“Mars, what’s up?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing. Ha. Ha.”
Polo looked puzzled, but when I played it off, he chuckled and returned to his book. I carefully pocketed the envelope inside my jacket.
Yes! I’ve got one too! This thing called fate!
Buoyed by excitement, I floated through hours of class. After afternoon training, I opened my locker to change—and there was another unfamiliar envelope.
Worried it was the morning one that’d slipped out, but no—the color was distinctly different. Second love letter confirmed.
I scanned around. The other guys from training were busy changing and chatting about evening plans. Polo was still in the showers, so I swapped clothes at lightspeed and stashed letter number two safely inside my jacket.
Just two letters, but my chest felt heavier, fuller than ever.
“……Mars, you’re acting weird today.”
“Wh-what?! N-nope, totally normal!”
Grinning all day from the letters must’ve tipped Polo off. Guess I’m bad at hiding emotions…… I brushed it off as a good dream and escaped his suspicion. Skipping dinner, I headed to my room to read them.
I could’ve read them anywhere discreet, but bathrooms or academy corners kill the vibe. And it’d be rude to those who poured their hearts into them.
“……What’s this?”
Back after classes, a third envelope wedged in my door crack. I startled, checking around—no one. Tucked deep enough, and few pass by during class hours. Unseen.
I snatched it, locked the door, and plopped on the bed, heart pounding.
Three letters in hand. Different envelopes, scents, everything—but just those three lit up my room ten times brighter.
Fresh, fruity scents wafting feminine charm. I could practically feel the senders’ shy breaths infused in every word.
“Ah, no! Don’t jump to conclusions!”
This could be a prank from the guys. Content’s what matters! If it said something like [Nah, just kidding, gay lol], I might burn with rage and hunt down the sender.
I carefully opened the nameless letters and read:
I have something important to tell you after classes tomorrow. Please come to Room 2 at OO Cafe by 5 PM.
In the name of the holy one, I wish to become precious to you. Shall we meet at OO Cafe Room 2 at 6?
There’s something I can only tell you. 7 PM, OO Cafe Room 2.
“GYAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!”
Thank god for the dorm’s soundproofing. Otherwise, my roar would’ve shaken the building.
“Hell yeah!! Isekai reincarnation leading to peak popularity is canon! Farewell, lonely single life! Starting tomorrow, I’m switching to cozy couple mode with a warm body beside me!”
I got love letters. Three of them! Forty years total—past life twenty, this one twenty—and the only “women’s letters” I’d gotten were church invites from aunties.
But now? Different story! Yeah, God! See, you can do it! Was this trashy average face instead of a status screen all for this joy? Hey! Haha!
Harem life, once reserved for Saudi princes? Here I come!
* * *
……Or so I thought back then.
“So…… why’d you call me here?”
“Please make me and Polo a couple.”
“Please connect me with Polo.”
“Link me up with Polo.”
Yeah, I knew it…… This was coming.
Not sad. Not lonely. ‘Cause it’s just how it goes……
Sniff.