The Former Swordmaster Who Pretends to Be the Worst, and the School’s Top-Ranked Chairman’s Daughter Who’s Way Too Sweet in Public, It’s a Real Problem
“Um… Alright then, the next question is for Agatsuma! Go ahead and answer.”
“Yes, I understand.”
The pace of Class A’s lessons is several times faster than that of Class G, where I used to be.
Setting aside the magic-related subjects, I found myself full of questions regarding the general education courses. Incidentally, we’re currently in a world history class.
Facing a holographic globe—something that didn’t exist back when I was there—Rika, having been called on, began her explanation in a matter-of-fact tone.
“With the emergence of magic, nations were forced to respond. Among them, the European countries—led by Britain, now known as Euclid—were the first to take action. It is said that they had long been aware of the existence of magic—”
—But of all the country names mentioned, the only one I recognize is Britain.
To begin with, even back when I was in Japan, my knowledge of the world wasn’t exactly extensive. Because of that, my vague memories from the past often don’t quite match up with what I’m learning now, which frequently leaves me confused.
Though, personally, I don’t really care if I don’t get a good grade…
“Very well. You may return to your seat, Agatsuma.”
“Yes.”
As I was thinking about that, it seemed my childhood friend had finished her answer.
A small round of applause echoed through the classroom, and as soon as it died down, the teacher began her explanation. Rika, having returned to her seat, gave me a peace sign and smiled.
And then,
“…………Hmm!”
“…………Hmm?”
With a smug look on her face, she sat down and tilted her head toward me.
A faint, pleasant scent wafted over, but more than that, I was at a loss to figure out her intention. After a few seconds of that awkward silence, Rika puffed out her cheeks just a little.
Then she said,
“……I kind of want you to compliment me,”
she said in a slightly spoiled tone, looking up at me.
It was only then that I finally understood what she wanted.
But we were in public—or rather, right in the middle of the classroom. I thought about what would happen if I ruffled her hair like I usually do in a place like this—
“Mmm…!”
“—Alright, fine. I guess I have no choice.”
But facing Rika with her eyes glistening, I just couldn’t bring myself to ignore her.
With that thought, I took a deep breath and said,
“There you go. Good job.”
“…Ehehe!”
I said that as quietly as possible while patting my childhood friend’s head gently.
Then she smiled with genuine joy,
“Hey, you…!?”
Does she not care about the stares from everyone around us?
She rested her head on my shoulder and started rubbing it against me lightly. Naturally, my classmates noticed, and I could hear them whispering to each other.
I knew this was bad, but I couldn’t just roughly push her away either.
Feeling completely at a loss, I finally—
“—Ugh.”
I stopped thinking for a moment.
I’d have a serious talk with Rika later. With that in mind, I focused my attention on my textbook, trying to avoid the strange stares from those around me.
◆
—Or so I thought.
Since the next class was PE, which was separated by gender, my childhood friend had already headed off to the girls’ locker room.
Well, there was nothing I could do about it now.
I convinced myself of that and started changing into my gym clothes.
“Hey, Aragaki? It’s really nice weather today, isn’t it?”
“Hm…?”
That was when it happened.
A boy appeared, spouting some incredibly lame small talk. When I took off my jacket, I saw a boy with bright red hair and golden eyes. His features were well-defined; he was what you’d call a heartthrob.
There was a certain dignity in his demeanor, and his good upbringing was evident.
As I tilted my head in confusion, he nodded once, as if he’d just remembered something.
“Ah, I’m sorry. I haven’t introduced myself yet… My name is Edward. Would ‘the Lihuinburg family of Euclid’ ring a bell?”
“Lihuinburg…?”
And so he introduced himself.
Faced with his attitude, which seemed almost boastful, I answered honestly.
“No, sorry. I’ve never heard of them.”
“……………………”
Edward’s smile froze instantly, and the classroom fell silent.
Who on earth was he? Just as I was wondering that,
“A-are you serious…? The family considered the pinnacle of magic in the world?!”
“No… even if you put it that way, I just never had any interest in it.”
“I’d heard you were uneducated, but I never imagined it was this bad.”
“I’m sorry, I guess.”
He explained it all so politely, then fell completely speechless.
Apologizing to the boy, I decided to move the conversation forward for now.
“So, what does this Rihuin… or whatever his name is, want with me?”
“Lihuinburg!! Learn it on the first try—it’s part of your basic education, you know!?”
But once again, he interrupted me, his voice rising in frustration.
At this point, I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about what I don’t know. Edward seemed to accept this situation, clearing his throat as if to start over.
And then, he said this:
“Ahem… Ah, right. I thought I’d put you to the test.”
“…Put me to the test, you say?”
Just as I was wondering what he meant, those were the words that came out.
As I tilted my head in puzzlement, he declared:
“To put it bluntly, whether you’re a man worthy of standing beside Agatsuma Rika… you know!”
With that single statement, I realized something.
“Ah, this—”
—This is going to be a real hassle, and it’s going to turn into a real mess.
Maiban
Here goes the usual ‘recipe’~~