NOVEL NEXT Chapter 24
“Hello, everyone. I’m Sky, your instructor… but it seems like this batch of newcomers doesn’t need my teaching.”
The girl with sky-blue hair introduced herself as Sky.
She looked like some incredible master, but after glancing around at us, she said she had nothing to teach, which was a bit deflating.
“There are some who completely smashed the wooden dolls and others who can create swords with magic… In fact, it seems like I should be the one learning here.”
As she fiddled awkwardly with her sword sheath, she suddenly seemed to have a good idea and spoke to us.
“Well then, how about you all try exchanging skills among yourselves? Since you’re gathered here, you might be able to learn something about each other’s swordsmanship.”
I thought we’d just be swinging weapons like in a kendo class, but instead, it looks like we have to interact with people again. A sigh escaped me from the fatigue.
…The twitching around me isn’t my fault, right?
“It seems like there are no other opinions, so unless something special comes up, we’ll continue like this from now on. If you need help from me, please feel free to ask.”
She looked more approachable in appearance and demeanor than Jessica, but I didn’t have the desire to stand up and be the only one with an opinion while everyone else let it pass.
Other students had already huddled together on their own.
Honestly, when I was with Anastasia, I didn’t have any particular thoughts, but now, every time a kid who clearly says, ‘I’m great with swords’ comes up behind me, I wonder if this too is some sort of game for me.
They look like masters, and I can’t help but question if I even belong here.
Dokan is impressive, and while they kept praising him, it was obviously flattery. Even if what Dokan said was true, I wasn’t satisfied.
“Lady Anastasia! You’re not only beautiful but also incredibly strong! Ah, I’m really envious!”
“Lady Anastasia, you’re simply amazing! The rumors about you tearing beasts to shreds are definitely true!”
“Lady Anastasia, is that rune engraved on your sword?”
-Lady Anastasia! Lady Anastasia!
When I looked around, the busiest spot was indeed near her.
About a third of the questions were swordsmanship-related, but the rest were clearly trying to connect with her.
I’m sorry, Anastasia. I want to help, but I’m scared of people. Good luck.
She was surrounded by people, looking a bit helpless. I felt a mix of envy and sympathy.
More than that, Dokan is also in the same class. Seeing him hover around Anastasia, he really does fit the typical harem protagonist.
Yeah, turns out you’re just another guy obsessed with women like that Golden Sun over there.
He looked cool when he created a sword with magic, but right now, not so much. I felt like I was watching a guy trying to make a move on a girl.
I can understand, being a guy myself, but I still want to gag a little.
Just like that boy coming up to me right now.
“Hello. I’m Kaya. I wanted to ask for your guidance on the sword technique you showcased earlier… is that okay?”
He bluntly introduced himself and immediately asked for sword training, making it hard not to be suspicious.
He didn’t even look as impressive as Dokan, yet here he was trying to hit on a girl. Should I feel sorry for him?
I didn’t want to ridicule him, but I wished he’d just disappear in front of me.
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll have to decline. I’m not at a level where I can teach anyone, and besides, it’s not even properly set.”
“…Wasn’t it already complete? Watching your swordsmanship felt like witnessing a master’s lifetime of skill.”
What can you tell from that awkward sword play? Did you think I wouldn’t notice that you were just trying to lead me in and then pull me to bed?
“Are you trying to act like you know it all just because you saw me swing a few times?”
“…No, I’m sorry. I was presumptuous.”
“If you understood, then get out of my sight. I won’t say it twice.”
I was finally able to relax watching him scramble away like a dog with its tail between its legs. My father always told me to stay away from beasts like men.
Dokan might be an exception though. I actually came to the Academy to see him after all. There’s something about him that makes people let their guard down.
Right now, he’s prowling around Anastasia like a hyena, but when he comes to my side, he turns into a docile pup, so I don’t feel like he’s that dangerous.
But the Golden Sun is different. He was still staring this way. He didn’t seem to be trying to hide his interest either.
I have no idea what I did to make him target me so intently, but whatever he wants won’t happen.
“Family? Well, I’ve never really thought about it. By the way, Lady Anastasia, why are you asking that…?”
Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard Dokan’s voice.
I was briefly puzzled about why he was talking about family, but it seemed like Anastasia had asked him.
Did she have the trait of being a bit peculiar? She might not be very conventional, but she didn’t seem unreasonable.
I couldn’t understand why she asked Dokan about family. It was the same earlier, with him too.
…Still, despite being a bit gloomy and lacking empathy towards outcasts, she’s better than those in-crowd types. Everyone has their own flaws.
It’s just a matter of hiding it or exposing it. Maybe she chose the latter.
“…You need to cherish your family a bit more.”
“Eh…?”
While I was stunned by his unexpected question, she was already chatting with someone else.
As I approached him, I could tell he had a look of confusion he wasn’t hiding.
“Ah, Ho-Yeon.”
“It seems things haven’t been going well for you.”
Although there was a hint of mockery in his tone, since Dokan was trying to console me, I figured I should return the gesture.
“…Didn’t you find it appealing?”
“No? Not at all. I just thought you’re one of those helpless guys.”
“I’m sorry.”
“What are you apologizing for? Didn’t I say it’s fine?”
– – –
Ever since I felt a slight hostility from Anastasia, I knew something was off, but I didn’t expect it to lead to family discussions.
It’s definitely not her character, so did something happen that I’m unaware of?
Could it be because of Ho-Yeon?
No, that was too far-fetched. They’d only met once yesterday, and even then, I didn’t think it could have affected much.
So what on earth could have happened?
I tried to think, but since Ho-Yeon was approaching, I had no time to ponder.
“Ah, Ho-Yeon.”
However, the words that came out of her mouth just added to my troubles.
“It seems you’re having a hard time.”
Looking at her expression, it was clear that she didn’t genuinely mean to console him. It could even be interpreted as mockery. It looked almost like she was smirking.
“…Didn’t you find it appealing?”
I had no clue why she was making that expression, so I hoped for a sliver of hope she might tell me, and I asked Ho-Yeon.
“No? Not at all. I just thought you’re one of those helpless guys.”
I don’t like it when the person I’m interested in interacts with someone of the opposite sex.
Having met a few women of that type, I can already guess how troublesome things would get if I didn’t placate her now.
“I’m sorry.”
Normally, I would have just cut off our relationship, but she was someone I couldn’t do that with, so I had to give in for now.
“What are you apologizing for? Didn’t I say it’s fine?”
It’s clearly not fine, but now I’m expected to deal with it. Just two days in, and I feel like I need to avoid her while trying to connect with other heroines.
I can’t just leave her alone, and keeping her around feels like it would hinder my bonding with the heroines.
It’s exhausting, but the only way forward is for me to roll with it more. So, first, I needed to placate Ho-Yeon.
“No, I’m sorry.”
But that seemed to backfire.
“Don’t make me say it multiple times.”
It was clear she had no intention of forgiving me. While it felt excessive for a mistake, I decided to consider it as gaining valuable information.
“Sure.”
With Anastasia confirming it herself and Ho-Yeon giving me a warning, there was nothing more I could do. It was painful that I couldn’t build a relationship with Anya, but I was relieved that nothing drastic had happened to Ho-Yeon.
Our first club meeting ended without yielding much. As I was returning to the dormitory with Ho-Yeon, I said,
“…Even if yesterday was one thing, you’re still following me around today, aren’t you?”
Well, it’s because if I leave you alone, the continent is in danger. But I didn’t say that.
“I don’t have any friends to walk with.”
It was true that I had no one to walk with. I didn’t know anyone, and since it was only the second day at the academy, it was impossible to have someone to walk with.
“No friends? You?”
Her genuine curiosity, showing that she expected me to have friends, surprised me for a moment and also annoyed me a little.
If I were to speak to someone just to make friends, she’d be surprised and act like she couldn’t believe I would have no friends.
“Besides Ho-Yeon, there’s no one I can call a friend. Can I consider you, Ho-Yeon, as a friend?”
But I had no courage to say anything more. I just needed to crawl and survive. I wanted to ask her if she wouldn’t mind being friends, but her reaction was a bit odd.
“Me, a friend?”
Seeing her repeat the word friend like a broken record made me wonder if I had messed up again. I didn’t ponder long on what to do next.
“If we’re friends… can I speak casually… with you?”