Gatekeeper A is the Best!

From this point forward, the story diverges between the web novel and the published light novel.

Volume 3 has been revised and polished to fix certain developments that weren't well-received in the web version. From Volume 4 onward, the content will be entirely original to the light novel, so please be sure to check those out as well.

Claire-neesan won the Bushin Festival.

For a moment there, I’d wondered how things would play out when President Rose barged in, but I was glad I managed to create a highlight with a little ad-libbing.

The atmosphere of the arena had been completely hijacked, but then I had a momentary flash of inspiration: Wait, I can totally make this work. It was the classic pattern where I swoop in and steal the show back.

I nailed it.

The world was always in motion, and people lived their lives driven by their own thoughts and feelings. My stage never followed a script. I decided then and there to keep valuing flexible thinking and to continue honing my improvisational skills so I could handle any situation.

And so, once the Bushin Festival drew to a close, the Royal Capital returned to its mundane daily life.

Apparently, things were still pretty hectic in some circles due to the mess in the Oriana Kingdom, but that didn't matter to an ordinary noble like me. The academy didn't care either, and the Second Semester kicked off like usual.

Rumor had it the Oriana Kingdom was split between the "Something-or-Other Faction" and the "Whatever Faction," and they were currently at each other's throats. Everyone was saying they’d be in a full-blown civil war before the end of the year. If a civil war actually broke out, I’d definitely want to crash it. I was genuinely looking forward to it.

Life at the academy without President Rose was the same as it ever was.

It was a bit of a pity, but that was just the way the world worked. People were saying all sorts of nasty things about her regarding the incident—claiming it was a lover’s spat or a struggle for the throne—but the truth remained a mystery. Regardless of her reasons, I supported the way she chose to live her life, so I hoped she was doing well for herself somewhere out there.

Neesan seemed busy for a while after her victory, but things settled down before Autumn Break, and she eventually returned to her classes.

She had become the woman of the hour overnight.

Since she was suddenly famous and had nothing but free time, she spent every day being loud and annoying, which meant I was eventually forced to host a victory celebration for her.

That brought us to the present: my sister and I were having dinner at a restaurant run by the Mitsugoshi Company Group.

I was certain I’d made a reservation for the Limited-time Super Cheap Poor Person Course, so I couldn't help but wonder why the spread was so obviously luxurious and over-the-top.

"I never would have guessed you had this much initiative. They didn't even serve food like this at the castle parties..." Neesan remarked, staring at the glittering array of dishes.

Not to mention we were in a private, Super VIP Room.

I’d honestly thought they’d mistaken me for someone else, so I double-checked with the staff on my way to the restroom. Apparently, there was no mistake.

Since this was a Mitsugoshi establishment, I figured it was probably some "Friend of Gamma" service. I was still sweating bullets, worried they’d hit me with an outrageous bill at the end.

"Actually, the president of the Mitsugoshi Company is a friend of mine."

"Liar."

"No, really. That’s probably why they’re giving us such great service."

"If you're going to joke, at least say something funnier and more believable. Don't worry, I'm not doubting you. I know you worked hard to do this for me."

Neesan gave me a bright smile.

I hadn't seen her in such a good mood in ages. Well, whatever works, I thought.

"I love the food at Mitsugoshi restaurants. It’s always so new and delicious. Oh, this is the first time I’ve ever tried roast beef!"

"Huh. Neat."

We continued to enjoy our meal like that for a while.

"Annerose was defeated, Princess Iris withdrew, and that weirdo Jimina whatever-his-name-was got disqualified... My victory was really just down to luck," she admitted.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Deny it!"

"No, no! Your victory was purely a result of your own skill, Neesan!"

"Exactly. It was obviously my skill. But the world doesn't see it that way."

"Well, yeah, that makes sense."

"Try again."

"The people of this world have zero taste! How could they not recognize your overwhelming talent, Neesan?!"

"It can't be helped. The masses are like that. But I'm not the kind of woman who stays quiet when people underestimate her."

"You really should try being a bit more ladylike, Neesan."

"I'm about to get actually angry."

"Those foolish commoners! I'll make them all acknowledge your beauty and power!"

"That's the plan. So, you're going to help me."

"Pass."

"'Pass' isn't an option. This is for your sake, too."

"My sake?"

"Yes. What do you plan to do after you graduate? You won't get a decent job with those mediocre grades of yours."

"Even if you ask what I plan to do..."

Come to think of it, I hadn't given much thought to life after graduation. Neesan would inherit the house, so I’d have to find some kind of employment. A flashy career like the Knight Order didn't seem right. I needed something more... mob-like.

Wait, I had it.

"I'm going to be Gatekeeper A."

I’d be the guy who tells the protagonist, "I'm not letting you through unless you pay the toll."

"Gatekeeper A? What's the 'A' for?"

"I guess it stands for 'Average'?"

"Listen to me. Being a gatekeeper isn't a job for a noble. It's grueling, low-paying labor with two shifts and almost no time off."

"Oh... I see."

No time off sounded terrible. That would definitely interfere with my Eminence in Shadow activities.

"What about a jailer?"

"Even worse. That's a job for human scum."

"Scum, huh? Well, I can decide on the future when the future gets here. As long as I can do what I want, I don't care what the job is."

"And what is it you want to do?"

"It’s a secret. I make it a rule never to tell anyone the things that are truly important to me."

"Right, right. So you don't actually have anything you want to do. Stop talking nonsense and trying to run away from your problems."

"How did you even reach that conclusion?"

"Maybe you'd understand if you took a look at your own behavior."

"Whatever."

"It's not 'whatever.' This is your future we're talking about. Keep your schedule clear for Autumn Break. If you do exactly what I tell you, I'll find a way to wedge you into the Knight Order."

"What are you planning?"

"Hehe." Neesan gave a fearless, predatory smirk. "The subjugation of the Progenitor Vampire—the 'Queen of Blood'—is about to begin. You just stay right behind me."