Interlude: A Fresh Set of Talents

It all started with the Sword-Magic Cup, the inter-school competition.

My parents had dragged me along, using their influence to secure special seating. As I sat there, I waited for the matches to begin with zero expectations. I’d seen a few adventurer tournaments before, but none of them had ever really managed to pique my interest.

I mean, most of those people were way weaker than me anyway.

"Belk! Once this is over, let’s go shopping in the Royal Capital, okay? Come on, you have to say yes!"

My arm was being squeezed, and my whole body was shaking along with it.

"If I feel like it, Meryl," I muttered.

"They just got a shipment of new necklaces from the Liria Region! They’re supposed to be incredibly cute!"

"Right, right. If I feel like it."

"And then, and then—"

Meryl was my childhood friend. Our parents were close, so we were basically attached at the hip. She was slender, but her height was about the same as mine—not that I was short, per se, but I wasn't exactly tall yet either. My father was a giant of a man, so I knew I’d overtake her eventually.

Meryl’s limbs were thin. She had almost no physical strength. However—and it frustrated me to no end—she had more magical talent than I did. She had even graduated as the top student from the Ludria Noble Kindergarten. Thanks to her, I’d been stuck in second place. Yeah, I’m still holding a grudge over that.

Her hair was a beautiful shade of purple, the kind of color that caught the eye every time. I just had short blond hair—nothing special or rare about that.

With those idle thoughts drifting through my head, I prepared to zone out and watch the tournament with my usual boredom.

But then, I was absolutely floored.

I can't believe it. There’s someone out there stronger than me.

[Winner: Weiss Fancent. Noblesse Magic Academy!]

He couldn't have been much older than me, but in that moment, he looked like a goddamn giant.

And he wasn't the only one.

[Winner: Cynthia Violetta. Noblesse Magic Academy!]

The rest of them... they were incredible. It was overwhelming. What was even happening with that Ice Magic?

"...Amazing," Meryl whispered beside me.

It had been a long time since I’d seen her look that shocked. She wasn't exactly the arrogant type; she just usually didn't give a damn about anyone else. To be fair, I was the same way.

But this... this was something else. It was too much.

How the hell is he moving like that? Wait, he’s already over there? Whoa, what was that?!

...His attribute is Darkness? Incredible. I see.

Wait, is he seeing things in slow motion? That last move... what was it? A composite with Light? Ah, I get it. Auto Defense. Since that's a Non-attribute technique, I probably can't pull it off.

So cool. He must be training like a madman every single day.

Whoa! Is he actually weaving Formula Destruction into his standard moves?

That other guy was insane, too. Was Allen a commoner? Wait... is his power the ability to Copy techniques?

—This is getting interesting.

"Father."

"What is it, Belk?"

"I think I’ll go to Noblesse after all. I’m going to accept the recommendation."

"Oh! Truly? Your father is proud of you, son!"

I can’t wait.

"...Amazing," Meryl whispered again, a smile spreading across her face.

In that moment, she looked a little bit cuter than usual.

◇

As the carriage swayed, I looked down at the white uniform I was finally wearing.

I look good. Yeah. I wonder if he’s wearing this too?

"Meryl, that look really doesn't suit you," I joked.

"Eh?! Really? I think it’s super cute! Look, don't my thighs look great in this?"

"Did you gain weight?"

"It’s muscle! Ugh, you really don't understand a maiden’s heart at all!"

"Right, right. Anyway, weren't you supposed to become a Royal Capital Court Mage?"

"I can do that whenever I want, so it’s fine."

"Sure you can."

Meryl was dressed in the same white uniform as me. It was frustrating to admit, but it actually suited her perfectly.

Honestly, I was a little anxious. She didn't really need to go out of her way to follow me here. Even without formal schooling, her magical prowess was already famous. She’d even had direct scouts from the Court Mages trying to recruit her.

...But I guess it’s not so bad. Going to school with Meryl might actually be fun.

"Belk? What’s wrong? You look like you're overthinking something."

"I was just thinking about how I'm going to crush everyone here."

"Hehe, I can't wait to see that."

"Yeah. And Meryl? I’m taking first place this time. I won't lose to you again."

"Same here. If I’m doing this, I’m going all out."

Her eyes and her voice were dead serious. When Meryl got like this, she was terrifyingly capable. I’d have to make sure I didn't slack off for even a second.

When we stepped off the carriage, a massive, heavy gate loomed over us. Dorm life started today. I wondered if it would be inconvenient, but I figured I’d manage.

Suddenly, I noticed someone walking nearby and my eyes nearly popped out of my head.

"Weiss, the cherry blossoms are beautiful, aren't they?"

"Yeah. This is a good time of year."

"They suit you perfectly, Lord Weiss!"

It was her—Cynthia-san, the woman from the tournament. And walking next to her was definitely Lilith-san.

Holy crap, it’s the real deal! Wait, I can't let this chance slip away—!

"Senior!!!! Please, wait up!" I shouted from behind.

My idolized senior turned around.

"U-Um! I saw your match at the tournament, Senior! I thought it was so cool! It’s the reason I wanted to come to Noblesse in the first place! And so—!"

"Huh?" Weiss grunted.

"So, um, you're amazing! Seriously! I want to be just like you, Senior Weiss!"

"—Don't talk to me."

"Eh?"

Wait, was that... a bit cold? Is he actually kind of scary?

I mean, yeah, he was scary during the tournament too, but...

No, wait! This is a stern encouragement! He’s telling me that as a Lowerclassman, I still have a long way to go at Noblesse. He’s saying the path he walked was steep and painful, so I need to toughen up. He’s telling me to shut up and just move forward.

"I totally get it! Thank you, sir!"

"What the hell are you even saying—"

Just as Senior Weiss was about to respond, Meryl screamed from beside me.

"SENIOR CYNTHIA!!!!!"

What the—?

"And you are?" Cynthia asked.

"I-I saw your match at the tournament and I thought you were so, so cute! You're cool and cute and just so beautiful! You're incredible! And you’re Lilith-san, right? And Weiss-san too! B-But Cynthia-san, you're even prettier in person! Um, please shake my hand!"

"Oh, thank you. —Of course, I don't mind."

She looked a bit bewildered, but Senior Cynthia placed both of her hands over Meryl’s.

Dammit... I'm so jealous. I see! I should have tried that!

"Senior Weiss, please let me shake your hand too—"

"I’ll kill you. —Let’s go, Cynthia, Lilith."

"Yes. Well, see you later, Meryl-san!"

"Yes! Lord Weiss!"

Wait, did he just say he’d kill me? Was that his first reaction to meeting me?

No... I get it. He’s saying that if I want to shake his hand—if I want to fight him, if I even want to touch him—I have to climb to the same heights he has.

That’s it! That’s exactly what he meant! As expected of a senior. He’s strict, but he still gives great advice.

So that was why Meryl suddenly wanted to come to Noblesse.

"Ahhh, Senior Cynthia is so cute-cool-beautiful..."

"Meryl, your face is bright red."

"Eh? I-Is it?"

"Completely. Anyway... that senior is so damn cool."

"Yeah, she was so cute!"

"Alright, Meryl! Let's aim for the top so the seniors will actually pay attention to us!"

"You bet! I'm going to do my best too!"

I’d heard that Senior Weiss had been the top-ranked Lowerclassman before moving up to the Intermediate-year.

I’m definitely going to take that spot for myself.

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[An Important Request]

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