Translator: Nonon
Proofreader: Silavin
The fourth day.
On the day of the school festival tournament, we reluctantly came to the match arena. I say ‘we’, but the only one with me was Apricot, who I was escorting to explain how to participate in the tournament.
It was a splendid arena that didn’t seem fitting for a normal school, but in the past it was used to make slaves fight. Since slave trading was banned, it has only been used occasionally for canonical ceremonies and events like this. Since it’s on the school grounds, it’s technically school property. By the way, there’s a dragon that reigns over the earth, sealed underground. Nobody knows about it except the royal family though.
“Hmph, so this is the school’s Twilight, where light and dark turn into Chaos. What a fitting place for me to fight!”
“It’s dangerous, get off.”
And from the highest point of the spectator seats, Apricot was looking down on the tournament arena where participants were beginning to enter. She did so wearing her usual witchy clothing with her cape fluttering in the wind. Some people looked at her, wondering what was going on. Everyone watched from a distance, but upon seeing her outfit, they reacted either with fondness, thinking that she was just an excited child or dry laughter as if they were remembering something from the past.
For now, her witchy outfit also includes a skirt, so I’d rather she didn’t climb high places.
“Well, in terms of danger, you’re probably in more danger, Mr. Clo. Are you okay? There we go.”
Apricot came down and looked worryingly… or rather, anxiously, in my direction with her hands on her hat.
“Don’t worry. I’m no good at magic, but I’m used to fighting.”
“I know that your strength is out of bounds, Mr. Clo.”
“Don’t say that it’s out of bounds.”
Sure, the only person in Shiki who can go toe-to-toe with me in a fight without magic is Cyan, but there’s always somebody better.
“But magic is allowed in this endless battle. That puts you at a disadvantage, Mr. Clo. The tactics you used against Second (second prince) will not work.”
In this life, I was born into a world where I could use magic, but unfortunately I had no talent for it.
With earth attribute, I can barely move pebbles and I can’t manipulate water with enough force to deal damage to the opponent. Even if I use spells or magic circles for the fire attribute, it doesn’t turn into flames and stops at the level of a normal fire. I can only manipulate wind to the extent of making it a little cool in summer, and I can only produce a dim light. As for the darkness, I have absolutely no aptitude for it.
Although I can use buff magic like ‘Body Strengthening’ and simple magic like ‘Space Preservation’ to some extent, there’s a huge difference between me and Apricot. Well, Apricot is so talented at magic that she would make a name for herself even if she enrolled into the academy, so comparing myself to her isn’t really right. Anyway, it’s true that I’m not very good at it.
“Well, I don’t really need to win. I’m fine with participating, but if I lose, that’s it.”
However, this time, I have no particular need to win in this tournament, that’s filled with people who are excellent at magic.
If I hold back too obviously, people would criticize me for it, but if I lose to a flashy magic while showing some degree of strength, I probably won’t be shunned. I should still be on the lookout for any kind of interference though.
“Heh, then I shall snatch the victory! Fuhahaha!”
“Yeah, I’ll be looking forward to it.”
I should also keep an eye on Apricot to make sure nobody interferes with her.
I’ve told Lady Violet to be careful when I’m away, so I’ll keep an eye on the nearby Apricot, who’s participating too, so there’s nothing going on around her.
“Oh, that’s quite a bold statement, Lady Apricot.”
“Who is it?!”
She can’t be asking seriously. There is only one person who would call Apricot like that and you can tell from his voice too.
And since he’s a troublesome guy in a different way than His Highness, it made me want to sigh.
“You are– Chartreuse!”
“It’s been a while. I believed you would also take part in this tournament.”
“Hmph, if you’re saying that, you must be participating as well.”
“Any matches that are open to outsiders are also open to academy students. I intend to win both first and second year divisions.”
“Heh, you sure talk big. But as long as I’m here, that wish will never come true. Also don’t call me Lady.”
“I’m relieved to see you’re still the same. You are truly my worthy rival, Lady Apricot.”
“If you’re picking a fight, I’ll take you on.”
Why are they talking like they’re rivals from a shounen manga that have just been reunited? I feel a bit complicated that I’m kind of excited about it.
The people around who didn’t know the details were also fussing about what was going on. Obviously they were talking about Chartreuse, who’s famous in many ways, and a girl who was babbling about strange things. The commotion was also about—
“Clo Heartfield.”
— Not just Chartreuse.
The person who talked to me was Prince Vermillion, who I didn’t notice because I was distracted by Chartreuse. Although he wasn’t as hostile as the day before yesterday, he still looked somewhat wary.
“Good morning, Your Highness Vermillion. The play the other day was wonderful.”
I stayed as calm as I could and greeted His Highness.
There was no need to even ponder why he was here. The royal family generally always took part in the Azalea academy’s tournament. In other words, their aim was to show their strength as the royals.
It was also to show Ms. Kriemhild… no, Ms. Mary, his cool side. The people with high facial value who performed together in the play the day before yesterday will probably also be here… Ms. Mary might be here too.
“Of course. After all, Mary was also there.”
“Yes, she was wonderful too. You two were the perfect match for the leading roles.“
When I complimented Ms. Mary, the corners of his lips lifted slightly for just a moment, even though he didn’t even move an eyebrow when I complimented him. It was really only for a moment though… Maybe he was happy to be told that they were the perfect match?
“So, what could I do for you?… I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk to me much.”
“Even about Violet… no, my brother Carmine?”
When I asked him hesitantly, His Highness said the reason why I was uncomfortable talking to him.
… They’re half-siblings so they’re not very similar, but they’re still related and when I think about Lady Violet, I can’t be too nice to him. I do think that he’s a pretty good person though.
“Anyway, I called out to you because…”
Just as His Highness was about to explain why he spoke to me again, another voice interrupted our conversation.
“Alright, that’s it! If you’re picking a fight, I’m not going to turn away. Come outside right now!”
“Why? Why do you hate being treated like a lady so much, Lady Apricot?! Also, we’re already outside!”
“That doesn’t matter! I’m neither a noble, nor do I have a spouse! You may mean it as a sign of respect, but when you say it, I feel like you’re mocking me by calling me a little girl!”
“Now you’re just putting words in my mouth! I was raised by my father and mother to be kind to women! That’s why I’m being so respectful, Lady Apricot!”
“Okay, I get it. You’re an idiot, aren’t you?”
“What did you say?! I’m always among the top 20 in academics within the school body!”
“Being good at studying does not equal being smart.”
Before we knew it, things had gotten heated up, and Apricot and Chartreuse had started loudly arguing. The fact that Chartreuse had switched from referring to himself in a formal way to informal during the argument meant that he was also serious about it. They seemed to be as incompatible as ever.
“I’m sorry, the girl is a citizen of my territory, but they seem to have trouble getting along ever since the investigation.”
“No, in fact, doesn’t it look like they get along extremely well? For Char to show his true colors like that— is pretty common recently actually. He changed ever since he started interacting with Mary.”
Oh, so His Highness understands that too.