NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5.2
Stage 1-5 Savior
“Get in there! Now!”
“Ah!”
I’m shoved and forced into the room.
An unused classroom in the old school building.
I glare at the ones who dragged me here.
“Hey, what’s with that attitude…? Since when did you get so defiant?”
Luark Borbond, their leader, sneers down at me.
The Borbond family is the right hand of the Duke Argantz, head of the military.
Thus, he’s arrogant and easily resorts to such misconduct.
He thinks he can cover it up.
Especially when it’s just a commoner like me.
“But this isn’t what we agreed on…! You said you wouldn’t harm Vellet-sama if I insulted him…!”
That day when Vellet-sama saved me, they pretended to flee, waiting for me to be alone.
Then, they cornered me with an “offer”—no, a threat.
[Humiliate the fool who embarrassed me. Otherwise, I might just torment him with magic.]
[Th-that’s…! Using magic outside of class is prohibited in the academy…!]
[There are plenty of ways.
Like “accidentally” going too far in a training duel.
We’re just first-years. Who could blame us for poor control?]
[…!]
He claimed that Vellet-sama is useless, unable to use magic.
Unbelievable. But if it were true…?
No matter how skilled in combat, magic is a different realm.
With our different statuses, I had no choice but to agree right then and there.
In exchange for their promise not to harm Vellet-sama again, I did something so cruel.
Writing that letter to deceive Vellet-sama brought me to tears.
Instead of repaying his kindness, I threw insults at him.
No wonder he would despise me.
But I thought, at least this way, Vellet-sama could have a peaceful school life.
Yet, these people have spread baseless rumors about him.
Because of them, Vellet-sama is now isolated in the academy.
“What are you talking about? We didn’t touch him, did we? We just had a chat with some others.”
They laugh without a hint of remorse.
“But it’s strange. The plan was for him to snap and strike first, getting expelled! But he just keeps ignoring us. It’s pissing me off. Like we don’t even exist, huh?”
“…”
“So, call him out again.”
“What…?”
“Call him out. We’ll beat him up this time. Then you’ll testify that he tried to attack you.”
Expulsion from the magic academy…?
If that happens, Vellet-sama’s life is over.
Such a kind person’s life… over?
To a noble, a commoner like me is meaningless.
Yet, he helped me, asking nothing in return, simply because I was in trouble.
From the moment I entered the academy, I was met with curious stares and mocking laughs.
But Vellet-sama treated me as an equal.
He gave me hope that someone like him exists.
…I can’t do it.
I can’t betray him a second time…!
“…No…”
“What?”
“…I can’t do it…!”
“Don’t piss me off!”
“Gah…!”
I’m slammed to the floor.
He grabs my uniform and forcibly rips it open, buttons flying. My underwear and chest exposed.
Borbond licks his lips at the sight of my heaving chest.
“You’re gonna help calm me down with that body of yours.”
“Eek!”
“Hey, you lot. Keep watch at the door.
I’ll let you have fun later.”
“Hehe! I’ve been curious about those boobs!”
“That’s Luark for ya! Got it!”
I can’t escape, pinned under him, unable to move.
The difference in our size makes resistance useless.
…Oh, Mom, I’m sorry…
You worked so hard to get me into this academy to fulfill my dream…
At least I won’t let them see the satisfaction on my face, so I close my eyes.
And then, the memory of the day Vellet-sama saved me flashes before me.
“Vellet-sama…”
“Too bad.
No one comes here. There’s no way that guy’s coming for you.”
That’s right. He won’t come.
I pushed him away.
…Thank you, Vellet-sama.
Meeting you was my salvation.
“Well, let’s get started—”
“”Ahhh!””
Suddenly, the goons scream, and there’s a loud crashing sound.
“Wha-what the hell are you doing here…?!”
Borbond’s panicked voice.
…No way. No way, no way, no way.
“…What are you doing here?”
I can’t believe it, but I recognize this voice…
“Ah… ah…”
Why… why are you here…?
“Vellet-sama…!”
When I call his name, Vellet-sama looks at me. And then—I see anger in his eyes.
“…Don’t worry, Riche.”
“As long as I’m here, I won’t let them lay a finger on you…!”