Chapter 79: Courage in Action

Inside the carriage returning to the Academy after dinner.

“You all know how I usually am—my personality and the way I speak, right? So, from now on, how about we speak and act more casually whenever we’re gathered just among ourselves like this?”

Hailga said this, directing her gaze at Vigdis.

Though she started by saying “everyone,” it was really only meant for Vigdis.

After all, she had already switched to informal speech with me, so asking for permission now would be rather pointless, and I guess she didn’t think she needed to pay much attention to Liolikin.

‘Or maybe…’

“I like that!”

“You’re not mad?”

“Should I be mad at Hailga…?”

“Well, you told me I was your first friend in life, but I’ve been fake with you all this time.”

—She felt particularly sorry for having been insincere to Vigdis.

“But… even if my attitude was fake, I think my feelings were real.”

“……!”

“Oh, isn’t that right…?”

“It’s not! I really considered you a true friend! And today, with you here, it was really fun and enjoyable—!”

The two of them smiled warmly at each other.

It was a heartwarming and pleasant scene, but I didn’t watch them for long and turned my gaze out the window instead.

Because even at a moment like this, my mind couldn’t help but think of the word ‘death.’

‘On graduation day. If I succeed in saving Hailga, will she be able to live on without dying until her natural lifespan ends? Or will another life-threatening crisis come for her?’

Hailga seemed determined to continue studying hard and maintain her position as top student.

Although Reysir was no longer being bullied, the lesson that one must have power to protect what’s precious must have been deeply engraved in her heart, refusing to be erased.

So, even if Reysir dropped out, I suspect Hailga would stay at the Academy.

‘Then if the death threat comes again, it will likely be after graduation? No, that’s not right. There’s a chance I’ll visit Reysir during the vacation…’

***

When I reached that thought, I suddenly decided I had to pull myself out of these musings.

If my complexion worsened again, my fellow passengers would worry about me, and if I felt their kindness so strongly, my psychological barriers would weaken.

“If no one’s too busy… I hope we can hang out like this again next week. And then, I’d like to treat you all to a meal…!”

Just as I was regaining my composure, an unwelcome voice broke in.

Turning my head, I saw Vigdis clenching both fists, nervously darting her eyes around.

It was clear how much courage it took for her to say the above.

But unfortunately, I had to break that courage.

Since Vigdis said “everyone,” that included me as well.

Ignoring the constraints of the broken engagement contract Clause 4, I spoke directly to Vigdis.

“You don’t really have time for that, do you?”

“Eh? Why would I not have time…?”

Probably not only Vigdis but readers of this narrative might be wondering the same.

That’s because I haven’t explained Valhalla Academy’s academic schedule yet.

“The Martial Arts Tournament is coming up soon, isn’t it?”

At Valhalla Academy, there was one major event every semester.

A cultural festival in the first semester, and the Martial Arts Tournament in the second semester.

‘I was originally going to talk about this when the registration period began, but it’s better to mention it a day earlier if I can!’

In 《Nas-e》, Reysir didn’t get to enjoy the cultural festival at all due to Karvald Austri’s bullying.

But he did participate in the second semester’s Martial Arts Tournament.

Even then, Karvald Austri tried to sabotage him, but true to the protagonist’s nature, Reysir took first place in the first-year tournament.

As for Vigdis…

“But…?”

“You have to participate.”

“Me?”

As you can tell from her reaction, she hadn’t taken part in that tournament.

Since she had been studying Swordsmanship for less than a year, she probably judged her skills insufficient.

“Or perhaps, in the original work, Vigdis was merely a device to showcase Karvald Austri’s lack of affection, so she had no direct connection with Reysir.“

“Maybe the author Senna just decided not to include Vigdis in the tournament for the sake of pacing.“

“It’s a good chance to gain experience. If you want to excel in Swordsmanship, you should participate.”

“Oh, I see. But I’ve only just barely learned the basics. Do you think I can do well…?”

“Why are you so unsure? You were so confident when you said you’d teach me Swordsmanship.”

I truly wanted to know that.

“Teaching one-on-one and fighting in a tournament watched by many people are not the same, you know?”

“They’re not at all. You’re much more talented at wielding a sword directly than teaching with words.”

“Well… but I’m getting pretty good at explaining now, aren’t I?”

“……”

Vigdis really seems to have no conscience.

I almost snapped at her, “The reason our Swordsmanship lessons went smoothly wasn’t because your explanation skills improved, but because my comprehension grew,” but I held back.

Reysir looked as if he was enjoying a funny conversation, looking intrigued.

“Anyway, didn’t you swear before me that you’d succeed with Swordsmanship and break free from your family’s shackles? So at least participate and do your best. It will definitely help.”

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t a ‘swear’ but a ‘contract,’ and the phrase ‘with Swordsmanship’ was something I added verbally.

Vigdis didn’t argue but responded with a determined expression, saying she would try.

Judging by how she reacted just from a gentle push, I think she secretly wanted to join the tournament too.

With that, Vigdis would be busy preparing for the tournament for a while, so I couldn’t invite her out anymore.

Satisfied with that fact, I turned my gaze to the person I truly wanted to send to the Martial Arts Tournament.

“And… Liolikin?”

“Y-Yes..!?”

“You’re going to enter the tournament too.”

“W-What kind of terrifying suggestion is that…! I-I can’t do it…!”

Liolikin pressed himself tightly against the window in panic.

‘Was the idea of joining the tournament really that scary? He looked like he wanted to run away.’

Well, he’s a timid person, so his reaction was understandable.

Of course, I had no intention of taking back my words, so I spoke again.

“Do you remember I said I’d give you a chance, but with conditions?”

“T-Those c-conditions, to enter the tournament, swordfighting…?”

“What’s the point of just showing up?”

At the mention of additional conditions, Liolikin was rendered speechless, swallowing dryly.

Just entering the Martial Arts Tournament was already daunting, but now I was asking for more, and it was overwhelming for him.

“Knock down at least three opponents.”

“Th-That’s impossible!!”

Liolikin should live feeling apologetic to his muscles.

Even if battles in fantasy novels aren’t won by muscle power, having trained long enough to build that much muscle should mean he’s got some courage—but no, he was scared stiff.

I couldn’t help but click my tongue.

“Not just in the finals, but including preliminaries—a total of three. This is already the lowest possible bar.”

Still, Liolikin hung his head low and mumbled evasively.

I expected this, but really, I can’t rely on him like this. That’s why I set the tournament as a condition. There’s no backing down.

“You’re following me to use me, aren’t you? Then why should I be the one taken advantage of?”

“……”

“I can kick you out anytime. You know this and must have been worried deep down, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

“In that case, wouldn’t it be better for you to prove your worth so I have a reason to keep you around?”

“……”

Even after giving him motivation, Liolikin couldn’t answer easily.

I wondered how the original Karvald Austri managed to put a guy like him at the vanguard as a tank.

That was more than four years after graduating from the Academy.

Perhaps it wasn’t Karvald Austri’s doing but time—the sculptor of courage—gradually chipping away at Liolikin’s cowardice.

But I can’t wait that long. I need to use Liolikin on graduation day, just a few months from now.

If he can’t even clear this minimum bar, it’s better to get rid of him.

If he’s blocking the view with his huge frame and then runs away the moment an enemy attacks, he’ll only be a hindrance.

“I’m not forcing you. If you don’t want to, quit.”

“R-Really?!”

“Absolutely. But if you do, today will be the last time you see me.”

“…What?”

“Don’t ever show your face in front of me again. If you do, I’ll personally get rid of you.”

‘How to get rid of Liolikin who loiters right in front of me?’

I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it.

But just saying this should keep timid Liolikin away from me.

And he’ll try not to let that situation happen in the first place.

“I-I’ll join… the Martial Arts Tournament…”

Liolikin nearly cried as he made his declaration.

Should’ve just done this from the start. I don’t understand why he dragged it out and wasted words.

“Good. Now that you’ve decided to enter, aim to meet the conditions I set and work hard.”

“Y-Yes…! I-I’ll do my best..! And, um… in the future…”

Not wanting to just say “okay,” he added something else, and maybe he misunderstood that I was encouraging him.

Clenching both fists, Liolikin showed his resolve.

Well, good is good. I decided to just leave him be. Even if I brushed it off as no encouragement, I’d probably just be called a tsundere.

***

While I was quietly pondering that and keeping my mouth shut, I had to speak again.

Because Reysir had spoken.

“Karvald, what about you? Are you planning to enter the Martial Arts Tournament too?”

“I’m not.”

“Why not? You practically live in the private training hall! You’ve trained hard. Don’t you want to test your skills?”

“If you want to test my skills, I already did that the day before yesterday during Martial Arts class.”

This has been mentioned before, so those with good memories will recall.

Since the midterms, Martial Arts classes have involved sparring training.

That’s why the day before yesterday I sparred with Vigdis, and the result was utterly disastrous—even though she was holding back.

Since it was a class, we didn’t use weapons or Aether Attribute abilities, but the same went for Vigdis.

‘I didn’t expect to hold my own against Vigdis, but I didn’t expect not to even graze her clothes…’

With skills like this, there’s no point in entering the tournament.

I’d just be embarrassed and eliminated before gaining any experience.

‘So why should I enter the tournament at all?’