I Became the Son of a Corrupt Lord, so I’ll Enjoy an Easy Life in Another World ~but Please Stop Revering Me as a “Saint”!~

Stage 2-28. Behind The Scenes Of The Stage

Standing on the ship’s deck, I gazed wistfully at the receding port of Lambdave.

Because the person who’s always by my side remains on that island nation.

“…Ouga-kun said there was something left to do. I wonder what it was? Alice, do you know?”

“…No, but Ouga-sama is supposed to board Miss Revetzenka’s ship. It shouldn’t take long.”

“I hope so…”

“For now, let’s watch the sea and clear your mind. Better to make your last memories pleasant.”

“…Yes! I’ll do that!”

Alice is right. There’s no use moping. It’s not like me!

…But still, all the other ships have vanished.

Huh~? Did that much time pass? Maybe I got too caught up watching the port.

…Even so.

“…There’s no one else around. It’s eerily quiet.”

“Everyone must be exhausted from stress. They’re likely resting in their rooms.”

“—That assumption is wrong, Chris… Ragnika…”

“Oh, Headmaster, good aft—”

“—Stand back, Miss Riche.”

The sudden change in Alice’s tone made me instinctively step back.

Looking, I saw Alice pointing her sword at the Headmaster.

And the Headmaster’s clothes… were stained deep red.

“…!”

Before I realized, I was readying magic as a reflex.

But… my teeth chattered, and I couldn’t stop trembling.

The Headmaster, seeing my state, laughed with amusement.

“To withstand my killing intent and remain conscious… Such a gifted vessel indeed.”

“…What did you do?”

“Don’t you see the blood? I despise talentless nuisances. But—”

“—Seeing their final desperate cries is quite delightful.”

“—[Slashing Bloom Strike]!”

“—[Double Thunder Rond]!”

“Ahhhh!”

Alice’s strike and the Headmaster’s spell clashed head-on, causing the ship to shake violently.

I barely held on to the railing to avoid falling.

“You still use such strange techniques. No one but you dares challenge a magician directly.”

“Then surrender and be cut down.”

“I refuse. I don’t want to die. I loathe aging. I want to live forever.”

“…Is that why you’re targeting Miss Riche?”

“…Huh?”

Targeting… me? What’s going on…?

No good… My head is spinning, and I can’t think straight.

“So, that brat attached you to Mashiro Riche… as I suspected.”

“Surrender. Ouga-sama has seen through all your schemes.”

“Your beloved master… He’s likely being killed by my apprentice.”

“Ki-Kill…? Reina… is going to kill Ouga-kun…?”

“Yes. Despite being a worthless, failed creation, he might finally prove useful.”

“…That laugh is sickening.”

“…You’re bold. Can you protect her and fight me?”

Alice glanced at me briefly.

And smiled fiercely.

“…Of course. Ouga-sama ordered me to protect Miss Riche. Even if it costs me my life, I will kill you!”

“Then show me. [Lightning Vortex]!”

A deafening roar echoed, and the sky lit up.

“—!”

In an instant, massive bolts of lightning rained down on us.