121 Coincidence and Necessity

It all started a few days ago.

"Whoa! This is incredible! I don't think I've been on a boat since our school trip!"

"Duke, stay back from the edge. You're going to fall."

"There’s no way I’d fall! Look, even if I do something like this—whoaaa-aaaa-aaaa-aaaaa!?"

Duke had been leaning precariously against the railing of the ship when his feet slipped. Shari and I both lunged forward, grabbing his clothes just before he tumbled into the sea.

"I... I really thought I was a goner that time..." Duke wheezed, clutching his chest.

"Could you please stop being so predictable?" Shari sighed, sounding more exhausted than worried.

"Seriously..." I added.

Since we had been granted a final stretch of vacation, the three of us had decided to take a trip. It had been Shari’s idea; she’d pointed out that once we became intermediate-year students, our free time would probably vanish into thin air.

Our destination was a town called Verdi. It was a quiet place, supposedly famous for its glass workshops. Shari was determined to get a specific pendant from one of the shops there. Duke and I were mostly interested in the town's famous meat dishes, though.

"Still, I can't believe we're almost intermediate-year students," Duke mused. "I can't even imagine having juniors looking up to us."

"I know what you mean," Shari said. "But honestly, doesn't it feel a bit wrong to go up a grade when we’re constantly losing? I’m not satisfied with that."

"You're right," I agreed. "Once we move up, I don't want to lose anymore."

"—Ah, no, no! Stop right there!" Duke shouted, waving his arms. "Let’s stop thinking about Noblesse on our days off! We’re here to enjoy ourselves! We even booked a high-end inn, for crying out loud!"

Duke’s outburst snapped me out of it. He’s right. Whenever I had a spare moment, my mind drifted back to the academy. And, of course, to Weiss.

I could never beat him. No matter how hard I worked, I wasn't catching up—if anything, the gap between us was only widening.

"—Allen."

Before I realized it, Shari was poking my cheek.

"Were you even listening?"

"...Sorry."

"Fufu, it's fine. But once we reach the docks, we are forgetting everything! We've been working so hard. We need to reward ourselves once in a while."

Just then, a familiar figure—and an even more familiar voice—caught my attention.

"Fufu, you are quite right."

"Whatever Lady Cynthia desires!"

"In any case, we should make the most of this coincidence."

Wait. Are those...

"Cynthia-san? And Lilith-san and Cecil-san too?"

"Oh, Allen-san," Cynthia said, looking surprised.

"Hello! Are you guys on a trip too?" Lilith asked with a bright smile.

"Hello. The usual trio, I see," Cecil added.

Since this wasn't a regular liner, the number of ships was limited. Apparently, Cynthia and Lilith were heading to Verdi to do some shopping. Cecil was traveling for a Battle Universe tournament, so her being on this specific ship was pure chance.

"What a miracle!" Duke grinned. "It’s a shame Weiss isn't here, but since we’re all together, let’s grab dinner once we land!"

I always admired Duke in moments like this. I wasn't exactly cripplingly shy, but he had a way of saying exactly what was on his mind without a second thought. Even if they turned him down, he’d just offer a cheerful "Got it!" and move on. That easygoing nature was probably why everyone liked him so much.

"We would be delighted," Cynthia replied. "I shall send word to Weiss, just in case."

"I'll get a messenger bird ready!" Lilith chirped.

"I don't mind either," Cecil said. "If I hadn't won my last match, I probably wouldn't have been able to come. I would have been too busy obsessing over special training."

"""No way."""

We all answered Cecil in unison, and the ship filled with our shared laughter. With a meeting like this, our final vacation was shaping up to be a lot of fun.

---

After arriving in Verdi, we parted ways with Cynthia’s group for a bit and headed toward our inn, taking in the sights. With the port so close, the air carried the salty tang of the sea.

I’d always preferred the countryside to the Royal Capital. Even now, I still thought of my hometown. Once everything is over, I want to go back and rebuild it, I thought secretly.

"Hey, look at that stall! Allen, let's go!"

"That looks amazing... Let’s do it, Duke!"

"We haven't even dropped off our bags yet..." Shari sighed, though she followed us anyway. "Well, I suppose that’s the real charm of traveling."

After snacking our way through the streets, we finally arrived at the inn. But when we stepped inside, I froze.

"Allow me to take your luggage, sir."

"Ah, th-thanks."

"What’s with you, Allen?" Duke asked, looking at me as I gawked at the surroundings. "You’re looking around like a lost puppy."

"I... I’ve only ever stayed in adventurer's inns before."

The entrance was lavishly decorated. Hanging from the ceiling were Magic Lights crafted with an abundance of the town's famous glass. A waiter dressed like a professional butler greeted us with a bow. It was so luxurious it was actually intimidating.

Duke and Shari, however, didn't bat an eye. Even though they were always with me, they were high-ranking nobles. This was probably just a Tuesday for them.

"Allen, I know exactly what you’re thinking," Duke said, leaning in.

"Eh?"

"I know, I know. —That maid over there is pretty cute, right?"

I really wish I could be more like Duke.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"I mean... I want to put on more muscle," I lied.

"Oh! Is that so? Then let’s get a workout in later!"

Whatever. I’ll just stop overthinking and try to enjoy the moment.

---

"Alright! A toast to Noblesse—! Wait, I didn't know this town was dry!" Duke groaned, staring at his glass.

"It can't be helped, Duke. Laws vary from town to town," Shari reminded him.

"But this Melomelon Juice is actually really good," I said, taking a sip.

It was evening, and we had all gathered at a local restaurant. Since the town’s laws didn't allow people our age to drink, Duke was currently lamenting his fate. Cynthia and Lilith had joined us after finishing their errands, and Cecil had arrived after her Battle Universe match.

"Allen-san is right," Cynthia said gracefully. "And more importantly, we were able to find a wonderful present for Weiss."

"I'm so excited! I want to give it to him as soon as possible!" Lilith added.

"Fufu, I can see the look on his face already," Shari giggled.

Apparently, Cynthia and Lilith had come to Verdi to buy Weiss a gift for their engagement anniversary. Meanwhile, Cecil had won her tournament with ease. She’s always top of the class in written exams, too. I should really try to learn from her—no, no! Stop! I’m doing it again. I’m thinking about school.

I stood up, following Duke’s lead. I wasn't usually one to make speeches, but—

"L-everyone, let’s just have a great time! Let’s forget everything else for a while!"

Apparently, my sudden outburst was hilarious, because Duke started howling with laughter.

"Ha! That’s rare for you, Allen. But I like the spirit!"

"He's right," Shari said. "It's hard to truly 'forget everything,' but let's enjoy the here and now."

I really am lucky, I thought. It was because of Duke and Shari that I was able to laugh like this.

Of course, the conversation eventually drifted back to Noblesse anyway. Cynthia always looked so happy when she spoke of Weiss. It wasn't just the affection of a fiancée; I could feel a profound sense of respect in her voice. Lilith was the same.

"Lord Weiss works so hard, he’s truly incredible! I feel like I haven't been able to do nearly enough for him lately..."

"Oh, Lilith, you're always wonderful," Cynthia reassured her. "Let’s keep working hard together."

Everyone was the same. Everyone was constantly aiming higher. The world might be unfair, but these were the kind of people who put in the effort to overturn that unfairness. I have to follow their lead.

Suddenly, I noticed a commotion at the entrance. It seemed a group of monsters had been spotted, and they were recruiting any available adventurers to help subjugate them. Since Verdi was a tourist town, it didn't have an Adventurer's Guild. Monsters rarely appeared here, which was exactly why so many nobles felt safe visiting.

I stood up instinctively. "I’m going to check it out. I’ll be right back."

"I knew you were going to say that," Duke grinned. "Well, the more of us there are, the faster we can wrap this up."

"True," Shari added. "A little practical experience never hurts."

I was so grateful to those two for always entertaining my whims. Sometimes I told them so, and sometimes we just understood each other with a look. I loved the bond we shared.

"Well then, Lilith, shall we go as well?" Cynthia asked.

"Yes! I'll get ready immediately!"

"I'm coming too," Cecil said, standing up. "I just hope I won't be a burden."

"Wait, I’d feel bad making you guys help," I said. "We’ll be back before you know it."

"I cannot allow that," Cynthia said, her eyes flashing with determination. "We are fellow students of Noblesse. Furthermore, I am Weiss’s fiancée. —Let’s see who can take down more monsters. Consider it a contest."

In that moment, Cynthia’s expression looked remarkably like Weiss’s.

I couldn't help but smile back. "Alright then. It's a contest."

We headed outside, treating the whole thing as nothing more than a bit of post-dinner exercise. The report said it was a horde of goblins, though no one knew where they had come from. Still, they were minor monsters. With a group like ours, there was no way we could lose.

But I wasn't going to be careless. To be serious at all times—that was the philosophy of Noblesse.

"Duke and I will take the vanguard. Cecil-san, can you handle the tactical instructions?"

"Yeah, no complaints here!" Duke shouted.

"Leave it to me," Cecil replied.

Cynthia and Lilith nodded in agreement. We promised each other we’d be back by the time the sun finished setting.