Now, approaching the end of the first month since entering the Academy, all the students have gradually found their respective places.
There are groups formed by commoners sticking together, others formed by nobles who have interacted since childhood, and some peculiarly mixed groups where the reason for their bonding is unclear.
Among these groups, the one I ended up in is none other than the well-known Selian-Anne-Elysia Trio.
In Selian’s case, being famous since the first day of enrollment naturally drew students to approach her, but eventually, all of them who tried to join our group ended up drifting away.
Anne, on the other hand, moves around here and there, getting along with everyone in the class. But inevitably, she always ends up returning to the last row where Selian and I are seated.
As for me?
For some reason, even as the month nears its end, aside from Selian and Anne, I haven’t really managed to become friends with anyone else. Sure, I exchange casual pleasantries with classmates or greet them when we meet outside, but that’s about it.
During the first practical swordsmanship class, there were students who approached me like they did Anne, but why did things turn out this way? I seriously question my social skills.
I’ve tried starting conversations with other students to build friendships, but every time we’re mid-conversation, Selian naturally notices me and begins speaking to me. Naturally, I have to pay attention to her, thus unintentionally neglecting the student I was speaking with.
Looking back, I realize it’s all my fault! Engaging someone in conversation and then talking to someone else might seem rude.
But it can’t be helped; if I had to rank priorities, my life is far more important. Still, surely my social circle at the Academy isn’t limited to just Anne and Selian, right?
What? Isn’t there Ian?
Ian… well… it’s like that… kind of thing. You know, like when you buy something and it comes with a bonus?
Comparing a person to an object isn’t very respectful, but I guess it could somewhat describe the situation, right?
Ian and I chat comfortably whenever we want, and we consider each other friends, but since we run in different circles, it feels natural that Anne and Selian stick closer to me than Ian does.
Anyway, now that most students have become accustomed to the classroom environment, there’s finally some leisure to extend our attention beyond our immediate surroundings.
In doing so, I notice occurrences I previously overlooked because I was so focused on Selian.
“Hey, here’s the chocolate bread I mentioned earlier…”
A timid girl offers the bread, which a bold girl quickly swipes with a laugh to her friends.
“What? There’s none for me?”
“Mine? Mine?”
Without discrimination, the group of boys and girls tease the girl for bringing the bread.
But the girl has no more bread to offer and instead nervously apologizes.
“Sorry… I… this is something Senna asked for…”
“Why didn’t you include our orders while doing errands? You’re being selfish!”
“What’s your problem? This girl just lacks a sense of fairness, why are you angry at me?”
This situation feels extremely familiar. Actually, it’s a scenario I’ve personally experienced before.
When I was part of the Assassin’s Guild, being the youngest among them, I was often summoned for all sorts of errands.
Though called errands, it was really just a way for them to vent their stress on me.
Despite the regular meetings within the small Assassin’s Guild, I have no idea why they enjoyed tormenting me so much, but I remember feeling a lot of stress at the time.
So what did I do about it?
What could I do? I gritted my teeth and trained. Actually, reflecting now, I can say that my current level might be partly due to their treatment.
Whenever the ones who used to torment me tried to hassle me again, I would silently draw my sword and, while cleaning imaginary dust, emit an aura of power. That usually made them shut up.
If they continued to act out, I would simply give them a little prod. Just one.
As a result, no one except the Guild Master ever harassed me again. Not that I killed them—I mean the harassment stopped.
So, returning to the present, I already know how the scenario before me will play out.
On the surface, the girl bringing the bread belongs to their group, and her reason for doing so is simply a friend’s request.
I’m not a particularly kind person, and it’s not really my business to interfere. But thinking back to my past, it frustrates me. Hence, it’s only natural for me to step in now.
However, even if I were to intervene in this situation, the bullying wouldn’t stop. While I could temporarily halt it when I’m present, the harassment would likely continue or even worsen when I’m not around. Given our classes are different, this is highly probable.
Therefore, I decide to hold back.
Instead, I approach the girl and say,
“Wow, it’s been such a long time. I never expected to see you here in the same Academy…”
The girl and I have never met before, so naturally, she looks confused. And before she can say anything, I direct my words at the offending group.
“Sorry for interrupting your fun, but I’ve met this old friend after such a long time. Could you excuse us for a moment?”
Though my words were spoken with a gentle smile, the unexpected interruption naturally draws resistance.
“Who are you? What do you mean by…”
“Hey, hey. Isn’t that the one who hangs around with Selian?”
Fortunately, someone in the group recognized me and stopped the one who was about to react. Though I’m not particularly grateful, it’s a relief to avoid the hassle.
“In that case, we’re off.”
And with that, I forcibly take the girl and leave the group. The girl, held firmly by me, is thoroughly bewildered, her head turning this way and that, looking perplexed as she gets dragged along.
We eventually arrive at a secluded corner of the courtyard where people rarely notice us.
Oh, if someone were to notice us, they might even assume I’m bullying her instead.
Still, I bring her further to the back of a storage shed, a place less visible.
The girl appears increasingly scared the farther I drag her, but it’ll end once I let go.
Finally, when we reach a location unnoticed by anyone, I address the girl.
“I’m sorry for dragging you here so suddenly.”
“No, no… if I remember correctly, I’ve done something wrong… I’m sorry, I messed up…”
Terrified, the girl apologizes preemptively. Oh, she’s definitely misunderstanding the situation.
“No, don’t apologize. I just wanted to chat which is why I brought you over.”
“B-but…”
“I’m really just looking to talk. Otherwise, I might end up hurt too, right?”
After much reassurance, the girl finally calms enough to maintain a conversation.
“I’m Elysia, from the first swordsmanship class.”
I lightly bow my head in greeting. In response, the girl carefully bows her head in return, behaving timidly, like a squirrel in defense.
“You’re… wait, Elysia? Elysia?”
The girl, who had been wary up to that point, suddenly widens her eyes and begins examining my face closely.
“But Elysia… no, this is unmistakable. That silver hair and red eyes…”
She mumbles to herself, seemingly pondering deeply. This is intense. It feels like I’ve stumbled into something I shouldn’t have.
“Could it be… Elysia Prentz?”
Have I ever mentioned the name “Prentz” since coming to the Academy?
No, I haven’t. Even in my conversations with Selian, I’ve never brought up the name of the Prentz family. Despite being fabricated information for assassination commissions, I’ve avoided using the name “Prentz” to minimize risks.
And yet, this girl has already referenced the name “Prentz,” something I’ve never mentioned at the Academy.
“Me? No, it’s me, Yuli Atillea! We used to play together when we were little!”
Ah… Shit…
*
“Ah, I see… Given all you’ve been through, I must not have paid enough attention. I’m sorry.”
Fortunately, the conversation passed over relatively smoothly. The Prentz baron family’s devastation by Demon attack is an undeniable fact going back over a decade.
Thus, the excuse that the lone surviving Elysia Prentz endured various hardships which caused her to lose clear memories of her childhood friend seems to have been somewhat convincing.
“No, it’s my fault for not recognizing you sooner.”
I wave my hands dismissively and continue the story.
“By the way, by Yuli Atillea, do you mean Atillea, the name connected to the Sword Master?”
There are only eight recognized Sword Masters across the continent, and Craig Atillea is among them. Thus, the girl before me must be closely related to a family intimate enough to share this legendary title.
“Yes, he’s my father.”
What?
This makes even less sense. Who in their right mind would bully the daughter of a Sword Master?
Unless she directly explained, her behavior now clears it up.
“I don’t really take after my father… I’m not very good with swords. So, not much attention is given to me within the family. Besides, my father always wanted to raise both my brother and I strong, so…”
Evidently, the heir to the family line lies elsewhere. Not possessing either the reason or the talent for her family’s name, she has drifted away.
Even so, this is the prestigious ‘Atillea’ family. The Viscount family of Atillea. Even without the direct support of the Sword Master, the Atillea name alone would cause most noble heirs to tread carefully. And yet, they isolated and bullied her, meaning they were likely strong aristocratic families.
Additionally, although unspoken, within the Academy, there are rules set by the Empire mandating equal treatment regardless of family status, and interference by any family in Academy matters, direct or indirect, is strictly prohibited.
“So, don’t worry too much about it. In fact, El… Oh! Sorry. Old habits die hard…”
“No, you can call me El anytime.”
When given permission to address her as El, she happily smiles at the use of her nickname.
“Yes! El! Anyway, it could still cause trouble for you, so really, don’t worry about me.”
This poor girl is still observing my reactions, even in this situation.
Even though she must be the one suffering the most, she’s still worrying about others.
Truly… for the first time in a while, I feel sick over it.
