“Alright, since it’s the first day, how about we all introduce ourselves? I’ll go first~ As I mentioned earlier, I’m Idrus, and I’ve been the homeroom teacher for Class A for three years!”
Idrus, the professor in charge of our Class A, was a talented individual who, despite being born a commoner, earned his professorship purely through his skill in swordsmanship.
Occasionally, when chatting with knights from noble families, he’s often brought up as a figure they respect. And now that very man was standing right in front of me.
For reference, the Academy had classes from A to G for each year.
It’s not that they’re ranked or anything; the letters were just assigned arbitrarily out of convenience.
Students are randomly placed into classes, and while subjects like history and etiquette are taught by their designated professors, specialized courses such as swordsmanship, magic, or administration are held in different classrooms depending on the topic.
You could say it’s kind of like a blend between high school and university?
It was a pretty unusual system, but apparently, it was adopted to prevent excessive competition between departments and to encourage interaction among a wide variety of students.
He totally looks like a secret villain though…
Idrus had the kind of narrow eyes and handsome face that made him look like an anime character who helps the protagonist for a while, only to stab them in the side at a critical moment and say, “I was never on your side from the beginning.”
With the appearance of such a famous figure, the classroom instantly became noisy, and students interested in swordsmanship looked like they were dying to ask questions.
“I’ve heard of him. My father once mentioned a man whose sword movements were like those of a snake. That was him. He said it was such a unique style that it stuck in his memory.”
Thanks for the info, you genius.
Pollo, perhaps because of his father’s influence, has lived with a sword in hand since he was young and is quite knowledgeable about this stuff.
Besides, if that “count” remembered him, the guy must really be something.
“I’ll tell you more about myself in a bit~ Next, how about the friend sitting in the front row?”
“Nice to meet you! I’m Pubian Tissar, eldest son of the Tissar family!”
“Greetings, I am Domain Baltazar. Our family has long been known for our swift swordsmanship—”
“Ah, hello… I’m Meishel Seniare… I-I look forward to learning with you all!”
……
“I’m Selene Eus of the Eus Duchy. I don’t think I need to introduce myself. Most of you probably already know who I am, so I’ll keep it brief.”
It was an introduction that perfectly reflected her personality.
The Duke of Eus had two daughters, and since the elder sister was almost certainly going to be the successor, it seemed Selene had come to the academy with a light heart, perhaps hoping to build some connections.
For reference, the Eus family descended from a mage, so all children in the family were taught magic from a young age. Most likely, her main classes moving forward would be related to magic.
“—And what I like is…”
Swish—
When it came time to share what she liked, the young lady turned her head toward my direction…or rather, toward Pollo’s face.
Was she already making her feelings known? That pace is way too fast, ma’am…
A few students around us picked up on the bold display and began whispering to each other, but the young lady simply sat back down with a dignified air, as if she even enjoyed the minor commotion she’d stirred. I could only let out a dry chuckle.
“Hi there! I’m Pollo Helios! I’ve been childhood friends with Mars, who’s sitting next to me, since we were little! I love swordsmanship, and my hobby is collecting swords! If you ever want to chat about swordsmanship or spar a bit, come find me anytime!”
With the mention of such a familiar family name, all eyes immediately turned to Pollo. Meanwhile, the man himself was just grinning, clearly excited about making new friends…
“Helios, huh… could it be that your father is…?”
“Yes! That’s right! I recognized you because my father once mentioned your swordsmanship!”
“Ho? I’m honored that the Lord remembered my ‘Serpent Blade’. I look forward to seeing your performance in class.”
Judging by everyone’s expressions, the fact that the only son of Lord Helios was in their class seemed to weigh heavily on the hopes and dreams of the other students.
And of course, I was no exception. Especially since I had to go next.
With a sigh of despair over my pitiful life, I weakly stood from my seat.
As soon as I, the narrator, began to speak, the students’ attention cooled with astonishing speed.
…They say indifference is more brutal than bullying. I guess they were right.
“Uh, I’m Mars Noctus. I’ve known Pollo since we were kids because our territories are close. I’m good at lying down, and my hobby is sleeping.”
The end.
The professor seemed momentarily taken aback by my lifeless voice and unimpressive content, but perhaps thanks to years of dealing with all sorts of students, he quickly and naturally lightened the mood.
“Haha, that’s a nice hobby~ Just don’t fall asleep during my class, okay?”
He offered a positive take on my hobby and even followed it up with a well-timed joke.
Though I had introduced myself rather half-heartedly because of my dislike for being in the spotlight, seeing the professor trying his best to make me look good did make me feel a bit sorry.
“……”
?
I wasn’t sure which part of my introduction had caught her attention, but the noble lady who had turned to look toward Pollo now seemed to be glancing in our direction with a trace of curiosity that hadn’t been there before.
No…actually, it felt more like she was looking at me rather than our side in general…?
But since she quickly turned her head back, I had no way to confirm it further, and I soon forgot about the subtle emotion I’d seen in her eyes.
***
After that, a normal academy life followed.
Wake up in the morning, attend morning classes, eat lunch, go to afternoon classes, work out, return to the dorm, wash up, finish homework, then fall asleep.
A completely ordinary student routine.
But amidst my monotonous academy life, which rolled on like a hamster wheel, a slight disruption began to emerge.
During a morning class—
“Huh?”
Since today was a theory class, I reached under the desk to grab my textbook, and my fingers brushed against something odd.
Feeling the unfamiliar texture of paper, I carefully pulled it out, and what appeared before my eyes was a small white envelope. It was about the size of my palm and was sealed in the middle with a heart-shaped sticker.
Thud!
At the completely unexpected discovery, I hurriedly shoved the envelope back under the desk. A loud noise came out in the process, but the other students only glanced my way for a moment and didn’t seem to pay much attention.
“Mars, what’s going on?”
“Huh? Oh, it’s nothing. Ha. Ha.”
Pollo looked suspicious, but when I played dumb, he let out a small chuckle and turned his attention back to his book.
In the meantime, I carefully pulled the envelope out again and tucked it into the inner pocket of my uniform.
That’s right! I had one too! A destined connection!
With my heart full of excitement, several hours passed as I went through the rest of the class.
After afternoon training ended and I opened my locker in the changing room to change out of my training gear, yet another unfamiliar envelope appeared before me.
I briefly worried that the love letter I’d placed in my inner pocket earlier might have fallen out, but even at a glance, the clearly different color reassured me that this was a second love letter.
I looked around, scanning the situation, but the other boys who had trained with me were busy chatting about evening plans while changing clothes.
Since Pollo was still in the shower, I quickly changed and gently placed the second love letter into my inner pocket as well.
It was only two letters, but my chest felt heavier and fuller than ever before.
“…Mars, you’re acting kinda weird today.”
“Uh, wh-what?! N-Not weird at all!”
Thanks to the love letters, I’d been grinning all day, and Pollo had noticed something was off about me.
Turns out I’m not so great at hiding my emotions after all…
I brushed off Pollo’s suspicion by saying I’d just had a really good dream, skipped dinner, and headed straight to my room to read the letters.
Sure, I could read a letter somewhere discreet, away from others’ eyes, but places like the bathroom or some corner of the academy didn’t quite set the right mood.
And besides, that wouldn’t be respectful to the people who had shown me their sincere feelings.
“…What’s this?”
After finishing my day’s duties and returning to my room, I found a third letter slipped through the crack in my door.
Startled, I quickly looked around.
Fortunately, it had been pushed in deep, and since not many people passed by during work hours, it seemed no one had noticed.
I picked up the letter, locked the door in a flash, and sat on my bed with a heart full of anticipation.
Three letters now rested in my hands.
The envelopes, the scents….each one was different. But just those three little letters alone made my room feel ten times brighter than before.
Delicately colored love letters with the scent of fresh fruit, exuding a distinct femininity.
It felt as though the subtle warmth of the girls who had shyly poured their hearts into each and every word of those letters was still lingering in the paper.
“N-No! I can’t jump to conclusions just yet!”
This could still be brushed off as a prank between guys.
What mattered was the content!
If I got my hopes up now and opened the letters only to find something like, [Keep dreaming, you little shit lol] written inside, I might be consumed by the flames of rage and go after the bastard who sent it.
Carefully, I opened the letters from these unknown senders and checked what was written inside…
[I have something important to tell you after class tomorrow. Please come to Room 2 of OO Café by 5 o’clock.]
[In the name of the Holy One, I wish to say something special to you. Can we meet in Room 2 of OO Café at 6 o’clock?]
[There’s something I can only say to you. Let’s meet in Room 2 of OO Café at 7 o’clock.]
“YEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!”
It was a good thing that the dormitory had good soundproofing.
If it hadn’t, my shout would’ve made the whole building shake.
“Hell yeah!! It’s a rule of thumb. Getting crazy popular after reincarnating into another world! So long, lonely single life! Starting tomorrow, I’m diving headfirst into a cozy, snuggly couple’s life!”
I had received love letters. From not one, but three girls!
In my past life, twenty years. In this one, another twenty. A total of forty years, and the only “letters” I’d ever received from women were church service invitations from middle-aged ladies.
But now? Things were different!
Yes, God! You really can do it when you try!
So that’s why you gave me this pathetic, average face instead of a fancy status window…it was so I could feel this kind of joy, huh? Huh?!
Grin!
Oh, harem life, once reserved only for handsome princes! I’m coming for you!
***
…Or so I thought.
“So… why did you ask me to come here again?”
“Please help me get together with Pollo.”
“Please, I want to be with Pollo.”
“Make me end up with Pollo.”
Yeah, deep down, I knew… I knew it would turn out like this.
It’s not sad. I’m not lonely. Because this was inevitable…
Sniffle
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