No Fights Allowed
A few days earlier, in the evening.
“It's been a while, Miss Harne. I hope you're doing well?”
[Of course! The house you gave me in this port city is so comfortable, and everyone treats me kindly.]
That day, while spending time with Pielsha at the secret branch, I'd reached out to Harne through the communication orb. To the real Lady Harne Astel.
“I'm glad to hear that... Don't you miss your parents?”
[We exchange letters, so it's fine. And I could never thank you all enough for the grace you've shown me!]
Two years ago, Pielsha and I had been tracking the failed bioweapons that the Inquisition had secretly released. In the process, we'd covertly aided the Astel barony when it was on the brink of annihilation due to an invasion by those failures.
That's when we learned about a girl on the verge of death from worsening mana discord. We gladly extended a hand to her, and she took it, gaining a new life.
She received Pielsha's blood and was reborn as a vampire, overcoming her illness. In return, our only demand to the Astel family was to borrow the name and position of “Harne Astel.”
Thus, I began impersonating Harne Astel, while the real Harne started a new life in the port city of Marina. Rumor had it she was rising as a promising accountant in the city's legitimate branch.
Anyway, small talk could wait.
“Miss Harne, I have something to ask you.”
[Yes, go ahead, executive!]
I asked about Kane Swara.
Six years ago, at the Swara family's tournament, the pre-mana discord Harne had apparently faced off against Kane. What on earth had happened for Kane to be so obsessed with devouring her?
[Eh?!]
The “Harne” on the other end reacted unexpectedly. Sounds of thrashing under the covers came through, followed by a string of incomprehensible noises: “Huh?” “What?” “Uhhh...?”
It went beyond mere surprise at Kane's behavior—she seemed utterly clueless as to why Kane acted that way.
[Ugh, there must be some misunderstanding! Let me explain what happened back then...]
Then came Miss Harne's long-winded explanation. Not knowing exactly what the issue was, she even recounted the entire battle in detail.
Fortunately, I pinpointed the problem right away.
“You do have a habit of saying things that could lead to misunderstandings, Miss Harne.”
[Ugh, do I? Sorry...]
“No, it's fine. As long as it's not intentional, that's enough. I'll handle this myself.”
[Thank you so much! But how exactly are you going to resolve it?]
“That's...”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Skala and Kane had something in common. Once you proved your strength, they'd acknowledge you deep down and change their attitude, even if they didn't show it outwardly.
That opened the door to follow-up quests or heroine awakening events faster.
But with Kane, it had to be a fair one-on-one duel—no shortcuts. So, to clear up the misunderstanding through the language of fists and advance our relationship, I planned to face her properly soon.
Of course, beating her with this body would require some preparation. There were hidden pieces to collect, too.
“Harne Astel!”
...So this sudden development was quite disorienting.
In the quiet morning hallway before class, Kane's shout echoed loudly. At the same time, a crumpled glove in her fist aimed straight at me, poised to fly at any moment.
This was trouble. A duel was Kane's pride, ego, and soul. I didn't have the capacity to accept one right now, but ignoring the challenge would make cleanup a nightmare.
[How about dodging the flying glove?]
'I hope that's a joke, Noctia.'
[Eek.]
What to do? But cruelly, there was no time to think. Her arm drew back, loading the glove like a cannon, ready to launch from her hand.
At that moment—
“Please, stop!”
The loud voice from behind made both Kane and me freeze reflexively. A black-haired girl hurried toward us.
“We're classmates—can't you avoid fighting on the first day?”
She was one of the top-class students: Altesia, candidate for saintess of the Goddess Church.
“...Hah. Don't you think you're butting in where you don't belong, Altesia?”
Kane glared at her with a terrifying look, but Altesia didn't back down. Instead, she clasped her hands tightly and cautiously closed the distance with Kane.
“It might be overstepping, but I couldn't just stand by.”
No fighting. I don't like it. Please don't. Her eyes sparkled with simple but unwavering resolve.
Indeed, despite her soft impression, Altesia had considerable backbone. Unless I was dead set on dueling Kane and shoved her aside, that stubbornness wouldn't break easily.
My answer was already decided, of course.
“She's right, Kane. This kind of fight isn't right. Let's cool our heads first and talk it out calmly.”
“...Grrgh!”
As I subtly shifted to stand beside Altesia, Kane's face flushed with rage. But fortunately, no further incident occurred. Students from other classes began peeking into the hallway.
Kane, not wanting a scene in public either, clicked her tongue, stuffed the glove in her pocket, and shot me a cold glare.
“I won't accept anything but the language of combat. You can't avoid it forever—prepare yourself soon.”
With that, she strode into the lecture hall. Looked like the duel challenge was coming within days at most.
For now, the immediate crisis had passed. I let out a soft sigh and turned to Altesia.
“Thanks for stepping in, Altesia.”
“No, I just couldn't walk by. It was selfish of me.”
She gave a slight smile. That fluffy grin was instantly healing.
“How are you feeling?”
Actually, Altesia had just healed me with holy magic. My energy felt restored.
“Perfect in every way. You've made my first day of class lively and happy with your huge help—appearing like a hero in the nick of time. I can't thank you enough.”
“Ah, uh, no, not that much...”
“It was decisive, so it'll stick with me forever. Thank you.”
I had nothing to give her right now, so I settled for some headpats in return. Altesia's cheeks flushed as she flustered.
“Th-thank you.”
“The longer the praise, the better, you know.”
“But I still owe you an apology. It's too soon for this.”
“Huh? For what?”
An apology from Altesia to me? When I asked, she nodded carefully.
“Because of the Black Stars and inquisitors pressuring you at the entrance ceremony. After such a scary ordeal, I wanted to apologize on behalf of the Goddess Church.”
“Hmm... but that's not something you need to apologize for, right?”
Though the Inquisition was under the Goddess Church, they were treated separately. Unlike the Inquisition, the church had a good public image—and about 20% of that was thanks to this fifth and final heroine.
“No. I lacked the courage to stop them back then... unlike you, Lady Harne.”
Altesia's shoulders slumped.
“It's so different from stepping in to stop a fight now. I didn't realize... I'm pretty selfish.”
The last conscience of the Goddess Church, indeed. Self-reflecting so purely, her dejected, sniffling figure made me feel guilty just watching.
“You did your best, Altesia. You strengthened and protected us against the ants. I benefited too.”
She'd done all she could from her position. Word was she'd even treated the injured afterward.
“Forget the saintess candidate title for a sec. Doing all that and still feeling sorry would just annoy people.”
“Eh? I didn't mean...”
She started to wave it off but paused, catching my light smile. I kept the playful tone without missing a beat.
“But if it's really bothering you, help me as much as you can next time something like this happens. No take-backs after saying this much, okay?”
“...”
Altesia looked down at me with sparkling eyes, then nodded vigorously.
“Of course. I swear on my name!”
Her slumped shoulders lifted as she recovered her energy, flashing a bright smile.
“You're so strong and kind, Lady Harne. I bet I'll learn a lot living with you.”
“You're too kind. I'll probably just drag you down.”
“Hehe, is that so? Anyway, one more gift for you.”
Altesia stepped closer, gently taking both my hands in hers. She pulled them toward her and chanted.
“Holy spirit, light the wanderer's path ahead.”
Shaaah—
“!”
I could feel it immediately. This was a high-level cleric's stamina/vitality buff, leagues above the last one. And a special three-day version at that—Altesia gripped my wrists, steadily infusing holy power.
An unexpected boon, a truly grateful gift. But one tiny—yet not so tiny—issue.
“Do I need to hold this pose?”
“Just a minute. Is something uncomfortable?”
My palms, pulled forward by Altesia, now lightly pressed against her chest.
Right in the middle of the hallway.
“...No.”
Damn that goddess of revelry— she'd meddled most with the academy, and next with the Goddess Church. Some holy spells used by female clerics were twisted in rather unholy directions.
And an even bigger problem: what Altesia wore was her worship attire.
One might think nothing of it, but check the outfit's true nature and you'd change your mind.
The official nun uniform from the church on the academy grounds' southeast side. It was a succubus costume.
Yes. Due to the high exposure, my hands now touched Altesia's bare skin directly.
And Noctia, quietly watching, drove the wedge into my heating thoughts.
[...I wonder where that tail in the back is attached?]
'Noctia...!'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Fortunately, the tail was just a costume accessory. Altesia excused herself to stop somewhere, and I entered the now-quiet lecture hall.
Kane, already seated, shot me a glare, but I ignored it lightly.
Soon, as class time neared, students trickled in. Having claimed a spot early, I naturally greeted Runes and Skala.
“Good morning, everyone...”
“Harne! Why'd you check out so early? If you were that sick, you should've rested more!”
And got thoroughly scolded by Runes.
Seeing me perfectly fine in the classroom must've been shocking. After all, mana discord was seen as a near-fatal disease.
“Thanks for worrying. But like I said yesterday, I'm lucky for mana discord—a day's rest fixed me up.”
Plus Altesia's treatment made me look completely healthy. My calm smile barely convinced her, though she still checked my forehead, complexion, and even pinched my cheeks.
“Don't sneak in your personal indulgences.”
“Sorry.”
Her hands released my cheeks. But one person who should've been noisy was unusually quiet.
“Skala? What's with the silence?”
“Hmph.”
Skala reacted instantly, arms crossed, letting out a scoff as if she'd been waiting for it.
“What, you expect me to fuss? Looks like you're fine—none of my business.”
She arched a brow, haughtily leaning in with a cynical smile.
“Or were you hoping I'd worry?”
It was like seeing the cocky Skala from our first maze encounter.
“Ooh.”
“Ugh, what's with that reaction?”
Yes, this was Skala's flavor. For some reason, she'd reverted to her original jerkish personality faster than expected. In the original story, even the protagonist saw it gradually during hierarchy sorting.
[That's because Harne... sigh, never mind.]
Some local broadcast echoed in my head, but I ignored it for now. Why the sudden attitude rollback?
Runes seemed to wonder the same, tilting her head at Skala.
“Skala, did your personality change the moment you entered the classroom...?”
“Hmph? No idea what you mean?!”
Skala's cat ears perked up rigidly as she cut Runes off. I quietly accepted it without comment—no need to burn Skala's cheeks after Kane and Altesia.
Putting on airs at the start of a new semester was a big deal, after all.
Come to think of it, one thing nagged at me.
“Don't you come with your roommate, Skala?”
Most stuck with roommates at this hour, but I'd never seen hers.
“Hm? Oh, that.”
Skala's excitement faded, her expression turning subtle. She nodded toward the right corner.
The backmost desk held a girl with pink bobbed hair, slumped with half-lidded eyes in deep sleep. She looked nearly passed out.
Skala sighed at the sight.
“We're not on bad terms. But she's always rolling around sleeping when I see her, or spouts nonsense when I talk. Seems to prefer going solo.”
“...What's her name?”
“Uriel. No family name.”
While Skala answered, I slowly scanned the girl.
Uriel. She'd caught my eye since the entrance ceremony.
The reason was simple. She wasn't in the original story's top class.
No—in my memory, she didn't exist in the academy at all.
Which meant, among the top 19 students excluding me, she might be the one I needed to watch most closely.