LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 52.2
Stage 2-21. A Twist At The Lottery
What was written there was――
“R-Rishburg Academy of Magic… Class 1-B.”
A stir ripples through the venue.
It’s understandable; last year’s champion and runner-up schools are clashing in the first round.
The organizers can’t contain their excitement over this big match-up, and the other schools’ representatives are eager to see the top teams knock each other out.
“Looks like I’ve had some bad luck too,”
Reina says as she returns to her seat.
“If we’re aiming to win, we’d have to beat them anyway. It’s just a matter of sooner or later.”
“I’m relieved to have such a strong companion.”
“That’s my line.”
Despite her words, Reina doesn’t show the slightest hint of tension. She has no interest in the order of things.
Wherever she’s placed, she just needs to keep winning. That’s the straightforward mentality she has.
As the opening stirs continue, the draw proceeds, and all the schools are revealed.
This information will be relayed through the organizers across the Kingdom of Lambdarb, likely causing a big stir tomorrow morning.
“Well, shall we head back too?”
“Yes, we should. But first, about tomorrow’s meeting…”
Reina stops mid-sentence as three people block our path.
One of them is Sherba, who was looking at us earlier.
“Well, well, Milfonty. You sure have some nerve.”
Despite his intelligent look, that’s quite a combative greeting.
An unexpected confrontation… Is every school full of people like Alnia…?
If so, it’s annoying. It’d ruin my external harem plans.
“When you say ‘nerve’…what do you mean? At the very least, I’ve put together a team I expect to win with, you know?”
“Oh, come on! You think adding a first-year newbie is gonna cut it? Irregulars like you don’t show up in droves.”
“Well, be that as it may… hmm. I think he’s far stronger than you lot. Right, Ouga?”
…She’s throwing it to me now?
Reina grabs my shoulder, pushing me forward as if using me as a shield.
Sherba glances at me, letting out a condescending sigh.
“…How low Reina Milfonty has sunk. You really are unfit to be Frone-sensei’s pupil.”
“—Hey. Take that back.”
Seeing how much Sherba looks down on Reina, I reply with strong words.
I don’t mind being insulted.
But standing by silently while a cherished friend is disparaged in front of an audience would be shameful—I’d never be able to face my family again.
That would truly be a “disgrace to the Vellet Dukedom.”
If he wants to throw punches, he should be ready to take them.
“Huh? Why should I? The fact is, she lost to us.”
“If that’s your point, wasn’t it a narrow victory against just one person? Quite bold to brag about that.”
“You’re blaming your teammates? If anything, that makes it worse! This year’s even more hopeless! First-year representatives are rare throughout history, and none have excelled—except for Reina Milfonty over there, that is! The disciple of that hero, Frone of Thunder! What else could you call her but a failure?”
“Doesn’t matter. There’s no Ouga Vellet in the past, so that data’s meaningless.”
“Ha-ha! True, data doesn’t matter to a dropout like you!”
Having realized my identity, Sherba laughs loudly.
He’s not alone; his laugh spreads to the two behind him, mocking me as well.
“I’m certain now. Reina Milfonti plans to throw away her teammates this year, only saving herself. She’s chosen this team because she knows she can’t beat us.”
“I see. In that case, your eyes must be really blind.”
“…Don’t get too cocky, dropout. Watch your tone when you talk to me.”
“For someone who can’t even grasp the difference in ability, this is more than enough…or am I wrong?”
In an instant, his hand reaches for my collar, grabbing me by the chest.
Through his glasses, I see a face full of rage.
“I’ll make sure you can never show your face again.”
“If you can’t even tell that I deliberately didn’t dodge, then you’ll never manage it.”
“…Tch. Mouth as arrogant as any duke’s, huh?”
After a few seconds of glaring at each other, Sherba mutters a parting insult and walks away.
He’s certainly fixated on Reina.
“Sorry about that, Ouga. I didn’t think it would get this bad…”
“Don’t worry. But what’s your history with him? Seems like more than just students from different schools.”
“He asked to become Sensei’s apprentice last year, but was turned down. I guess he’s frustrated and taking it out on me, the one who remained her apprentice.”
“I see. Well, I’m relieved.”
“Relieved?”
“Yes. When I beat him, it’ll knock his arrogance down a peg.”
“…You’ve got more fight in you than I expected, Ouga-kun.”
“Of course I’d be angry when someone insults someone important to me.”
“Oh, you mean Riche?”
“No, Mashiro too, but Reina—you’re one of them too.”
Hearing my words, Reina blinks in surprise.
I wonder why she’s so shocked. I thought we’d spent enough time together by now. Haven’t I made myself clear?
…But, no worries. This makes her all the more interesting.
Not giving in easily shows she has a strong sense of duty.
If the day comes when she works for me, she won’t be quick to betray.
“…Do you say things like that to just anyone, Ouga-kun?”
“Of course not. Only to people who are special to me.”
“…I think I understand Riche and the others’ feelings just a little now.”
“Hm? What do you mean?”
“Nothing. Is it alright if I stop by your room tomorrow morning? I’d like to review our strategy.”
“It’d be a shame to wake Mashiro, so sure. Let’s do it after breakfast and head to my room from there.”
“Understood. Well then.”
After confirming our plans for tomorrow, Reina heads towards her own room… but halfway there, she turns back.
“…Good night.”
With an awkward wave and a voice so quiet I almost miss it, she says it.
“Yeah, good night. See you tomorrow.”
“…Yes, see you tomorrow.”
This time, Reina finally turns her back and walks away.
Although her steps seem quicker than usual.
…Was she that tired?
She’s really considerate about staying up just to say goodnight.
Alright, I’m exhausted from walking all day too.
In this unfamiliar place, there’s probably a weariness I don’t even notice. I should get some good rest to face tomorrow in top shape.
――When I open the door, I find Mashiro kneeling apologetically on the bed.