241 Beyond Happiness

I brought my sword down with zero hesitation. Total, ruthless intent.

I poured every ounce of strength I had into the blow, ensuring that even if Priscilla used every drop of her mana, it would still result in an instant kill.

If we lost this match, everything was gone.

I wasn’t about to let the resolve Cynthia and the others had left me with go to waste.

However—

“—Why are you interfering?”

The person who caught my blade was none other than Eva Avery.

Is she serious? Even at this stage, is she still just looking for cheap thrills? Is she telling us to fight more? To suffer more?

I’d been mistaken. I’d actually started to think that maybe she was different from the version of her in the Original Story.

But no. Nothing had changed. She was just a combat-obsessed freak.

“Because killing her would be meaningless,” Eva said calmly.

“If I kill Priscilla, we win. How the hell is that mean—”

“Wrong. She isn’t the King. Neil is.”

“...”

That was impossible.

Priscilla had no reason to lie in this do-or-die situation. She had staked her life to sever the enchantments on her training uniform just to stay in the fight. She’d done it so that even if she lost the duel, she wouldn't lose the match.

If Neil were the King, her sacrifice would have been a pointless waste.

“I don’t believe you.”

“I don’t lie. Have you forgotten that?”

“Whatever. I’ll just kill Priscilla first and then confirm it myself.”

“If you’re truly set on that, I won’t stop you,” Eva said, her eyes narrowing. “However, that’s assuming you’re okay with this entire match losing its meaning.”

“What are you—”

“If you kill her, Neil’s heart will shatter. Whether that results in total despair or absolute hatred, even I can’t predict.”

“...Even if Neil points his blade at me again, I’ll just have to put him down. Or are you implying I’d lose? Is that what you think?”

“No, you would win. I don’t know how much you’d have to sacrifice to get there, but in the end, you would be the victor.”

I couldn’t follow her logic. I let my killing intent flare, directing it straight at Eva.

“Then what’s your point? What are you trying to say?!”

“You’ll regret it.”

“I’ll what...?”

“You will certainly regret this choice. You’ll spend the rest of your life asking yourself, 'Why? Why did I do it then?'”

“...I won't. I don’t do regrets.”

“What did you feel when you crossed swords with her? Madness? Obsession? No, that’s not it. You should have felt it—her conviction. Her bonds.”

“...So what, you’re telling me to just lose? To give up on everything? There are no draws in this match. Are you saying my only option is to roll over and die?”

“That’s why I’m telling you: Neil is the King. Besides, you’ll win just by waiting.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“I was the one who personally tutored that boy,” she said, her voice softening slightly. “Take a break once in a while, Weiss. You’re pushing yourself too hard.”

Just then, Priscilla coughed up a spray of blood, apparently regaining a shred of consciousness. What kind of monstrous vitality is this? She’s still trying to force a self-recovery?

I tightened my grip on my sword.

But Eva stepped toward her instead.

“You did so well. I’ve always liked hardworking children. But dear, you aren’t the King.”

“...No... I am...”

“Neil changed the roles at the very last second. He said he couldn't let you bear the responsibility alone. Even we didn't realize you were cutting the uniform's magic. That’s why your death would be meaningless.”

“I don't... believe it...”

“An ending like this is just boring. Good night, Priscilla-chan.”

With a casual flick of her hand, Eva put Priscilla to sleep. She solidified the girl's blood and began casting high-level healing magic.

As I turned to leave the scene, Eva called out to me.

“Where are you going?”

“...I’ve realized that if defeating Neil doesn't work, I can just come back and kill Priscilla later. Simple as that.”

“I see. How disappointing.”

“Disappointing?”

“Yes. Because I’m fairly certain it’s already over.”

[『Shari Elias has been eliminated. Points awarded to Neil Albert and Priscilla Shertz.』]

At that exact moment, high in the sky, Shari was sent falling.

“Dammit, Neil...”

“Weiss-kun, you should watch. This is part of your education. Behold the state of your... rival.”

◇

“Shut up! Shut up! You’re just a commoner! You don’t know anything about the world, so stop acting like you do!”

“You’re right. I don’t know anything. Or rather, I didn’t. But I’m starting to understand now! I’m learning how to fix the laws! I’m learning how to make the world better! Your way doesn't save the truly weak, Neil! But I won’t abandon them! I’m going to save Priscilla-san, and I’m going to save everyone else, too!”

“...Don’t give me that crap! The world is built to weed out people like you! You understand nothing! Power is everything! Fear and terror are the only things that matter! We don’t need 'good' people!”

“You’re wrong! Your way is a mistake! Look at Priscilla-san’s face! She might adore you, but she’s suffering! There has to be a better way! A way where nobody has to hurt!”

“Shut your mouth, you damn commoner!”

High above, Neil and Allen were locked in a desperate screaming match of blades and ideologies.

I watched, stunned. Even though the circumstances were different, their dialogue was almost a perfect match for the Original Story. The ultimate villain, Neil, and the champion of justice, Allen.

It felt like the rest of the world had faded away. It was just the two of them in their own private universe.

The strength slowly left my hands. Right. This is his story, too.

Unlike his old self, Allen wasn’t just some starry-eyed moron anymore. He’d been studying law. He’d been working day and night with Shari, Duke, Meryl, and Belk to find a way to make slavery illegal.

The characters of Noblesse Oblige were clashing with everything they had. This wasn’t something I—a person who shouldn't even exist in this world—had any right to interfere with.

Weiss, sorry, but let me be selfish just this once.

He was an idiot. But he was the protagonist.

I decided to see it through. I’d watch and see if he really was the hero this world needed.

“Allen, you just don’t get it! You think the world can be saved with kindness alone?!”

“I know it can’t! I’m just doing what I know is right!”

Neil’s movements were incredible, but Allen’s swordsmanship was even faster—agile enough to surpass even Priscilla.

What the... how is he moving like that?

I activated my [Magic Eye] and couldn’t help but smirk. I glanced at Eva.

“When did he learn that?”

“That boy... he really is something else, isn't he?”

Just like Eva, Allen was using an [Invisible Hand]. He only had one, but he was mastering it. He used it to parry attacks, weave in spells, and maneuver through the air with terrifying freedom.

Heh. You protagonist bastard. How the hell did you overtake all my hard work in a single instant? You damn idealist.

“I can’t lose! I’m going to overturn the common sense of this world! I need more power for that! I need terror!”

“No! I’m going to prove that righteousness wins!”

Neil’s attack slammed into Allen’s chest, right over his heart.

However, Allen’s sword was just a fraction of a second faster.

The visual effect for an [Instant Death Determination] flashed. A clean strike to the heart.

He’d known. He’d realized that was the only way to end it.

And then...

[『The King, Neil Albert, has been defeated. The Intermediate-year Student Team is the victor.』]

I watched as Eva and Priscilla were enveloped in the light of teleportation magic.

Heh. Eva was right.

“Well then, I’ll see you later, Mr. Champion,” Eva chirped.

“...Let me ask you one thing.”

“What is it?”

“If Priscilla had stayed the King, what would you have done? Would you have stopped my blade?”

“Who knows? If it seemed like it would lead to something interesting, I might have.”

“...I see.”

“Fufufu. Until next time.”

Eva really was different from her game counterpart. She hadn’t stopped me for her own pleasure. She’d done it to prevent a tragedy that served no purpose.

Regret, huh?

Seriously, why are the people in this world so damn cool? Does an outsider like me even belong here?

Hey, Weiss. What do you think? Am I actually necessary for this story?

...Answer me, dammit.

Allen floated down to the ground near me.

“We... we somehow won,” he panted.

“Heh. Look at you, you tattered mess,” I scoffed.

“But we won.”

“You only beat the second-best guy. Don’t get cocky.”

“I mean, technically I beat the King...”

“Priscilla was stronger than him.”

“That’s not true. Neil was incredibly strong.”

“Idiot. You don’t know what you’re talking about. You don’t even know the Original Story.”

“The original what?”

“...Forget it.”

Allen walked up to me with a massive, goofy grin on his face. He raised his hand.

“What?”

“High five!”

“Hah?”

“Lilith-san is coming back because of this, Weiss!”

“Tch.”

Scumbag. But yeah... he’s right.

“Put your hand away.”

“Why?!”

I didn't need to get chummy with him. I only cared about results.

[『Commencing teleportation for the Intermediate-year Student Team.』]

White light poured from the sky, wrapping us in magic.

“Fine. I guess you did okay... Allen.”

“Fufufu. That’s a first. Thanks, Weiss.”

◇

“Priscilla! Priscilla!”

“Neil-sama... I’m so sorry... I lost...”

“That doesn’t matter! Why did you do that to the training uniform?!”

“Ehehe... it was my ace in the hole... But please, tell me next time if you’re going to swap the King role...”

“...I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

When we returned from the teleportation, everyone was stunned by Neil’s state. He was weeping openly, clinging to Priscilla like a child to its mother. Even Allen was at a loss for words.

“Welcome back, Weiss.”

“...Cynthia.”

“I believed in you. I knew you would win.”

“Even though the spotlight got snatched at the very last second?”

“No. We wouldn't have won without you.”

“...Maybe.”

After that, Priscilla was treated by Teacher Coco and Neil.

Surprisingly, I wasn’t reprimanded, though I felt a bit out of place. There were whispers that I was the one who had tampered with the training uniforms, but Neil and Priscilla shot those rumors down immediately.

As we were boarding the carriage back to the Academy, I spotted our MVP and ruffled her hair.

“Yo, Cannon.”

“Fueh?! W-W-Weiss-kun?! What’s going on?!”

“Good job. We owe this one to you.”

“Eh?! Ehehe... ehehe. Thank you!”

Carta really was incredible. I’d have to find a way to properly thank her eventually.

And then... Lilith returned. Naturally, she was a blubbering mess.

“I’m so sorrrrry, Weiss-samaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

“You’re crying way too much.”

“I’m never, ever leaving your side againnnnnnnnnn!”

“Yeah, yeah, I get it.”

“Lilith, this is the last time for this, okay?”

“Yessssssssss!”

Daily life returned to normal. We struggled, we fought for points, we lived. If this were a game, this would be the end credits. Peace restored after defeating the villains.

But...

“Fancent-kun, thanks for everything,” Cecil said.

“Yeah. Thanks to you too, Cecil.”

“I wasn’t very helpful at the end. Cynthia-san, I’m sorry to you as well.”

“Not at all. It was because you were there that we gained the advantage so early on,” Cynthia replied with a smile.

Shari, Duke, and Allen were standing nearby.

After the exam, Neil and Priscilla stopped coming to school. If they didn’t submit a formal leave of absence, they’d lose a massive amount of points. They’d likely end up dropping out—just like in the Original Story.

I eventually learned the truth of their relationship. I learned how they’d supported each other on a razor-thin tightrope in a world that treated them like garbage. I didn't know everything, of course. And I didn't need to.

A few days later, we visited Neil’s mansion.

The courtyard was enormous—way too big, honestly. But it felt lonelier than it had before.

Priscilla was the one who met us.

“...Weiss Fancent-kun.”

“Hello. So, what’s my pathetic excuse for a senior up to these days?”

“How can you say something so—”

“Weiss, please stop. Priscilla-san, could you please bring Neil-senpai? We have something we need to discuss with both of you. It’s very, very important.”

“...I don’t think Neil-sama will come out. He’s... lost everything.”

“Just tell him it’s about the Slave Crest. He’ll come.”

“...Understood.”

A few minutes later, Neil trudged out to the courtyard. He looked like a walking corpse. Hah. What an idiot.

“Yo, senior. You look like hell.”

“...Are you here to gloat?”

“I’m here to mock you, actually. I heard you had some grand dream about 'raising the value of slaves.' Pretty ironic, isn't it?”

“You! I won't let you talk to him like that!” Priscilla hissed, her face contorting with rage.

Neil didn't even blink.

“I guess a crappy master deserves a crappy maid,” I said.

“You... there are things you should and shouldn't say, Weiss!” Neil snapped, lunging forward to grab me by the collar.

“Your business model was flawed from the start,” I said, ignoring his grip. “While you were trying to raise the 'value' of slaves, you were abandoning everyone who actually had a Slave Crest or lacked talent. No matter how hard you tried, the discrimination against the brand itself was never going to disappear.”

Because of Neil’s business, the social standing of anyone with a visible Slave Crest had plummeted. That was likely why Priscilla had stopped trying to hide hers.

“What do you want?! What could you possibly know?!”

“The solution is simple: just erase the crest entirely.”

“Don’t talk nonsense—”

“It can be erased. We’ve been working on it this entire time.”

“What...? How?”

“The magic we used to break the crest's brainwashing was just a prototype,” Cynthia explained, stepping forward. “Our true goal was to find a way to remove the crest without leaving a trace. And we’ve succeeded. But it wasn't just my and Weiss’s doing. Allen-san, Shari-san, Duke-san, and Cecil-san all helped. Even Eva-san.”

“...Eva?”

“Yes. She actually 'borrowed' several dangerous research papers on healing and crest-work from some very high-security locations. Honestly, just hearing about it gave me chills.”

“Hah... I can’t believe it.”

“Then let us show you. Priscilla-san, are you ready?”

“Don’t you touch her!” Neil barked.

But Allen stepped between them.

“Please. Believe in us.”

The look in his eyes... the weight of his words... I realized in that moment that only those two could truly understand each other. Is this it? Is this the 'unreleased' content of the game?

Cynthia placed her hand over the Slave Crest. A soft light began to glow, and slowly, very slowly, the mark began to fade.

Watching it happen, Neil began to cry. Priscilla did, too.

“Ah... it’s... it’s gone...”

“...Priscilla! Priscilla!”

Once the mark had vanished completely, the two of them collapsed into an embrace.

You really can’t judge people by the surface. What they’ve felt, what they believe in, how they’ve survived—only they will ever truly know. And honestly, I’m not the kind of person who should be meddling in those depths.

But I have a goal. And this wasn't an act of charity.

“I’ve compiled all the research on the magic,” I said, tossing a bundle of papers toward them. “The rest is up to you. But don't think this is a gift. Senior or not, I use people. You owe me one now, Neil. You too, Priscilla.”

Neil and Priscilla both nodded solemnly.

“...Yeah. I understand. Weiss... I’m sorry. And Lilith Scarlet... I’m sorry for what I did to you.”

“It’s okay!” Lilith chirped. “Everyone is smiling now, and that’s what matters!”

With that, we left. It wasn't a bad outcome. I’d just secured one of the strongest 'cards' in the deck for the future. An immortal shield to protect me? Heh. I’ll take it.

“Alright! After-party time!” Sasami yelled.

“Shut up, Sasami. What did you even do this time?”

“Eh?!”

“You couldn't even protect Cecil. You got knocked out in like three seconds.”

“B-But! There were so many upperclassmen! And they kept flying away!”

Shari and Allen patted Sasami on the shoulder with mock sympathy.

“It is true that you were basically useless,” Duke added.

“Duke! Don’t say that! Everyone has off days!” Allen defended him.

“Guh... that’s exactly why we need a party! Right, Cecil?!”

“And here I was, believing you’d protect me...”

“W-Why are you ganging up on me too, Cecil?!”

Laughter erupted among the group. God, they’re so noisy. A bunch of idiots.

They didn't get it. They didn't realize how much of a miracle this scene was. They didn't see the mountain of coincidences and effort it took to reach this specific moment.

Actually, it’s better that way. Let this be their normal.

In a way, I was an observer just like Eva. I wasn’t doing this for them; I was doing it for a Total Clear. Avoiding ruin, finishing Noblesse Oblige with the best possible ending—that was it.

And, obviously, I was going to crush the Demon King. After that, I’d probably just turn these guys into my personal soldiers or something.

“But fine. Sasami’s right about one thing: I’m thirsty.”

“Weiss?! I knew you were a good guy! You’re not 'The Degenerate Noble' at all!”

“Shut up.”

“I’ll go let the others know,” Shari said. “Allen, fly over there and tell them.”

“Eh?! Me?!”

“Come on, I’ll help you with the magic.”

“O-Okay...”

Watching Allen and Neil fight had taught me one thing.

I might be necessary for this story. But I’m not the protagonist. At this rate, avoiding the ultimate ruin is going to be damn near impossible.

I have to work harder. Much harder.

“Weiss, I love you,” Cynthia whispered.

“...Where did that come from?”

“Fufufu. There’s never a wrong time to say it.”

“Me too! I love you too!” Lilith added.

Yeah. I guess I’ll keep working hard for their sake, too.

◇

“Priscilla-chan, you’re looking lovely today. Here, I threw in a little something extra!”

“Ehehe! Thank you so much!”

I finished my shopping in the Royal Capital and started heading home. Now that my Slave Crest was completely gone, I... I felt like I could smile more naturally.

Maybe I’ll buy some pretty clothes next time. Maybe I’ll start wearing skirts like Nicola, or do my nails like Celia.

Hmm, if only my legs were as slender as Reina’s...

When I got back to the mansion, the children came running up to me, looking frantic.

“E-Eh? What’s wrong?!”

“Neil-sama! He’s acting weird!”

“...What do you mean?”

Oh no. Not again. Please, I don’t want anything else to happen.

Ever since the exam, Neil-sama had been working tirelessly to free everyone with Slave Crests. He’d been using his old connections, his wealth, and petitioning the government to change the laws. I knew it wouldn't be easy. Our reputation was in tatters, after all.

Is it failing? Is he breaking down?

“Neil-sama!”

I burst through the door, only to find him...

“Kukuku... Hahaha! Those guys...”

“W-What is it?! What happened?!”

He was laughing. Not a sad or broken laugh, but a genuinely happy one—just like the old days.

“It arrived,” he said, holding up a stack of papers. “The response to the legal proposal. Do you remember how we asked for signatures and donations from the other noble houses?”

“Yes... of course.”

I’d assumed it would fail. Most people hated us now.

Neil-sama handed me the documents. I looked at the names, and my jaw dropped. A small smile spread across my face.

“It’s unbelievable, isn't it?” Neil said.

“...Fufu. Yes, it really is.”

The proposal for the dignity of slaves and the nationwide removal of Slave Crests had gained some incredible backers. It was officially supported by House Stone and House Friede—the families of the lowerclassmen, Belk and Meryl.

And the list of signatures and major donors was staggering:

(Milk) — House Abitus (Shari) — House Elias (Duke) — Billian Family (Carta) — House Wiore (Cecil) — House Antwerp (Tura) — House Enizzi (Olynn) — House Pastel (Cynthia) — Violetta Family — (Weiss) — House Fanscent

There were countless other signatures from Allen-kun, Lilith-san, the students and faculty of the Academy, and even House Witch—a family we were supposed to be enemies with.

But the very last name was the most shocking of all.

“Did she send this to you personally?” I asked.

“Yeah. She said it was 'payment' for letting her see something interesting.”

“...Fufu.”

Eva Avery had pledged the full support of her influence to House Albert. She had never taken a side in politics before. This was going to be an earthquake. The legal process would move at light-speed now.

Finally.

It would still take time, but now, our dream would actually come true within our lifetimes.

“Priscilla, thank you. This is all because of you.”

“...No, Neil-sama. It’s because you’re a kind person.”

Neil-sama gave me the most wonderful smile—just like the one he’d given me the day he first brought me home.

Nicola, Reina, Celia, Isaac-sama, Mother... I’m going to keep protecting him.

...But I wonder when he’ll finally notice how I feel about him?

“Priscilla.”

Suddenly, Neil-sama dropped to one knee.

Wait... what?

He was holding a small, beautifully crafted white box.

“I wouldn't even be alive if you weren't by my side,” he said, his voice trembling slightly. “I can’t imagine a future without you in it. Priscilla... will you marry me?”

I couldn't help it. The tears just started falling. Neil-sama jumped up to support me.

“What’s wrong?! Are you okay?! Does something hurt?!”

“...No,” I sobbed. “I’m just... I’m so happy. I’m so, so happy.”

“...I see. Thank God.”

“But... is it okay? Is it really okay for me to be this happy?”

Will everyone be mad at me for being the only one left?

Neil-sama handed me the ring. Wait, why isn't he putting it on—

“Look at the inside of the band,” he whispered.

“Eh? ...Ah... ehehe.”

Engraved on the inside were the names: Nicola, Celia, Reina.

Nicola, who always had the kindest smile. Celia, who was cooler and more reliable than anyone. Reina, who was so smart and so very, very cute.

“Neil-sama!”

“W-Whoa! What is it?!”

I hugged him with everything I had.

“Let’s be happy! Let’s be the happiest people in the world! We have the right to be! We’re allowed to be selfish! We’ll be happy for everyone else’s sake, too! I’m going to make you so happy, Neil-sama! So... please, make me happy too!”

I held him tight with Nicola’s arms, with Celia’s strength, and with Reina’s heart.

“Yeah,” he whispered back. “I promise. I’ll make you happy.”

Ah... I’m so glad... I’m so glad I lived to see this day.