“Yay! V!”
After crushing Mythosona Magic Academy — the toughest opponent we’d expected — there was no way to stop us.
The semi-final match was Hyusu Magic Academy.
They came at us with wave attacks of water-element magic, but in front of ice-affinity Mashiro, the matchup was bad and they were completely shut down.
When their attack means were sealed, Reina and I muscled it through with brute force and magic.
The semi-finals in all divisions were finally complete. Fervor everywhere on the island was building toward its peak.
But a report that poured cold water on it was delivered to each academy.
”…… The competitors are going missing?”
All that remained was tomorrow’s final. To be in top shape, I’d been pushing my body today.
On full off-days like today, everyone moved freely.
Reina, summoned by Floné, had gone to her.
While Mashiro was keeping me company through my training, Reina, who was supposed to be out, came rushing in and brought up the missing-persons issue.
“What does that mean, Reina?”
“I heard from Sensei — at other academies, several students each haven’t been returning to their lodgings……”
“Aren’t they just out on the town, indulging in the festive mood?”
“For one or two, perhaps. But it’s not just one day. Some haven’t been seen in two or three……”
“I see. That’s suspect.”
“Other schools means Lichberg’s safe, right?”
“Yes. This morning’s roll call confirmed no losses at our school.”
A grace amid misfortune.
…… Honestly, the damage to other schools is irrelevant to me.
There’s some sympathy, but ultimately they’re strangers.
Trying to save even people like that is hero work, not villain work.
Karen came on a ducal-house ship. A vessel that size could carry the Lichberg representatives.
So let’s just take Mashiro, Reina, and the rest and bail from this island——
“Apparently each academy’s faculty will patrol tonight. Sensei told me to participate.”
“——Then I’m in. More heads is better.”
Not okay. Really not okay.
The students on this island are all promising future talents. And many are skilled.
If, somehow, Reina were carried off.
All my efforts up to here become foam. Patrolling is a hassle, but the worst pain for me would be all my work being voided.
The feeling when game data you’ve poured time into is wiped by a crash — that nothingness.
I could persuade her, but she said Sensei’s instructions. Whether she’d break that and stay here is too much of a gamble.
“Then me too! Bad guys gotta be punished!”
”…… Understood. I’ll tell Sensei.”
So saying, Reina hurried off toward the drawing venue.
That’s serving as the response HQ.
Trading places with her, Alice came to me.
“I’m back.”
“Welcome, Alice. How was Lamdarb’s town. Did you enjoy yourself?”
I’d given her time off.
There were no outings today, and Mashiro was with me, so it was a relatively work-light day.
She’d been living in the academy-bubble with me at Royal Lichberg.
Since we were out anyway, I’d told her to wander freely as a break.
It absolutely wasn’t because I wanted alone-time with Mashiro and she’d be in the way.
“Yes, very much. Thank you for the consideration. By the way, Lord Ouga — this.”
She handed me a letter.
It bore House Veret’s seal, so I knew at once who it was from.
“Father……”
He already wrote a reply? Busy as he is……
“Alice.”
“Then, Miss Liche, please refrain from viewing.”
“Okayyy.”
Alice covered Mashiro’s eyes with both hands.
Once confirmed, I opened the seal.
“My most beloved son, Ouga.
Thank you for the letter. I’m glad to see you living an enjoyable academy life.
In our territory too, I often hear of your exploits. As the future head, you’re leaving results not to be ashamed of.
When you became engaged to that Lebetsenka girl, even I was surprised. Thanks to you, coordination with the military is now easier; I’m grateful. Let me thank you.
Your mother was also delighted that you became a representative for the Inter-Academy Magic Tournament. I, too, am pleased. Congratulations.
Due to work I can’t come cheer in person, but I am, in fact, watching your performance.
Bring your friends home more and more. I’m looking forward to meeting the girls who’ve caught your eye.
Now, here’s the information you wanted.
A child is like his father…… I never thought I’d be asked for this kind of information from you.
The two met — twelve years ago. The year Lamdarb Kingdom was attacked by the Demon-race.
I hope this is useful. After reading, dispose of this letter.”
“As I thought……”
My read had been correct. No — the reality might be worse than I’d imagined.
Adding the appended info, I imagined Reina Milfonti’s past.
She’s likely a war orphan. Adrift, with magical talent — she’d been targeted by Floné. Apprenticing was her only path to survive.
Under the name apprentice, Floné likely forced harsh labor on the still-young her. The Council situation before we joined tells the story.
If she’d had a past like that, her dead expression muscles make sense.
She endured a life of nothing but pain, and forgot how to smile.
Her heart may already be broken.
Even I only plan to exploit the orphanage children when they’re grown adults……
Floné Milfonti…… she’s evil that surpasses even me.
I’d first targeted Reina for her clerical ability with intent to recruit her.
But knowing we’re from similar circumstances, my feelings flipped 180 degrees.
I will, without fail, rescue Reina from a boss who’d make black corporations turn pale……!
“Thank you, Father.”
I voiced my thanks to Father for waking me up to something important.
“Alice. The magical lighter.”
“Here.”
I burned the letter with the flame Alice provided.
But — for him to send a reply this fast…… as if he were in Lamdarb himself.
“Ouga-kun! Miss Liche! Over here!”
Reina calling us looked pitiable.
Even on an off-day, errand-girl for Floné……
…… Resolved.
After settling this incident, I’ll convey my feelings to her.
◇ Buried by heat and work _ (:3」∠) _.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves — watch out for heatstroke! ◇