366: The Melomelon-wich

The school festival—and our wager for "all-you-can-rub jiggling"—was finally over, and my ordinary daily life had returned.

Much to my surprise, the sales ended in a dead heat.

I’d been braced for a total loss given the Upperclassmen’s relentless barrage of "secret weapons," but I’d underestimated the sheer power of the main cast of Noblesse Oblige.

The Cosplay Cafe had been a massive hit.

My class and Sierra’s class shared the victory. Consequently, we agreed that both sides would get to make one request that the other must fulfill.

Honestly, I would’ve been fine with just calling the whole thing off, but I figured I should follow through for the sake of propriety.

Sierra had told me, "I’ll let you know once I’ve decided what I want," so now I was just waiting for the hammer to drop.

On a separate note, I was preparing to move forward with a plan Allen and I had discussed.

The idea was to use the Artifact Recall of Memories to set a trap and lure out the Demon Race. That was the same item I'd had Cecil win at the auction and then defended from an ambush.

Of course, the plan was riddled with holes. We were nobles, so manipulating information was the easy part—the real question was where to spring the trap.

We’d debated it endlessly without reaching a conclusion until I caught wind of an incredibly useful rumor. Apparently, someone connected to the Demon Race had appeared at a soirée.

The lead actually came from Neil.

"I don't have the specifics," he’d said, "but money is the only language they speak in politics. If you let them catch the scent of profit, they'll likely take the bait."

And so, we set out to find this person.

The stage was already set; our mission was to attend a certain soirée and find our "star." We were still students first and foremost, so our time was limited. In the end, it was decided that the two of us who’d been exempted from exams due to our top-tier grades would go.

The first was me. And the second was—

Outside the gates of Noblesse Magic Academy, the autumn air was biting, but I stood my ground and waited.

The person who eventually appeared was the genius Battle Universe player, a girl with glasses and glossy black hair: Cecil Antwerp.

"I'm so sorry I'm late," she panted. "It took me longer to get ready than I expected."

"Don't worry about it."

I took the heavy-looking garment bag from her hand. She offered a soft "Thank you" in return.

As we walked toward the carriage, Cecil shot me a worried glance. "Was Lady Cynthia really okay with this? And Lilith?"

"I think so," I replied. "For now, anyway."

I only added "for now" because I'm genuinely living moment-to-moment here. Last night was... intense, in more ways than one. Lilith was also... well, "intense" doesn't even cover it. It was so overwhelming I'm trying to scrub the memory from my brain.

We climbed into the carriage and began the journey to the Royal Capital first. From there, we'd be hopping between ships; it would be a while before we reached our destination.

If we found our target, we’d have to pose as allies. At this point, "Weiss Fancent"—a.k.a. me—was famous for repelling the Calamity, but I figured I could work around that. I'll just lean into my shitty reputation to get close and sniff out the Demon Race's movements.

Because of their grades, Allen and Lady Cynthia were set to arrive later. That part definitely rubbed me the wrong way.

"Fansent... are you sure you're okay with me being your partner?" Cecil asked.

"What's there to be anxious about?"

"...I'm not like the others. I don't have a massive pool of mana. I mean, I'm confident I can hold my own in a fight, but..."

"Don't sweat it. I'm the muscle here. Just treat me like one of your game pieces."

As someone who spent way too much time playing the original story, I knew there was no better partner than her. Plus, I was actually excited. I'd finally get to see that genius brain of hers in action up close. Talk about a job perk.

"...Please don't talk like that. I'm here because I trust you, Fansent."

"Right. Sorry."

"Hehe. Actually, I think that's one of your better qualities."

What's that supposed to mean? Before I could ask, Cecil started rummaging through her bag.

Rustle, rustle.

Oh, is it time? Ha! As expected of Cecil. It was way too early for breakfast when we left, and it's a long haul to the Capital. That means... the sandwich!

Back when we first met, she was munching on one while crushing people at Battle Universe. If it’s a Melomelon-wich, this trip is officially a win. Come on, show me the goods!

"...What is that?" I deadpanned.

"Isn't it incredible? It has a built-in Magic Magnet so the pieces don't slide around when the carriage shakes. I've been dying for a chance to use this!"

With a beaming smile, Cecil held up a folding game board. When she flipped it over, I saw the pieces held firmly in place by magnets.

She's looking at it like a kid with a new toy. Honestly, in moments like this, she really does just feel like a brat. Also... my Melomelon-wich...

"I'm so glad I'm with you, Fansent. We can play as much as we want!"

"I mean, sure, we've got time to kill, but..."

"One match? Just to start?" She looked at me with those sparkling, expectant eyes.

Seriously? Does she even realize the stakes? If anyone finds out we're trying to bait the Demon Race, we're dead meat. Well, I guess you could call it having nerves of steel.

"Fine. But I'm winning this time."

"Yes! I'm so excited. I look forward to a good game."

"Yeah, me too."

And so, the opening salvo was fired.

"I resign."

I was the one who spoke first.

"You've definitely gotten stronger!" Cecil chirped. "Oh, should we eat breakfast now?"

"Wait, Cecil, is this...?"

"A Melomelon-wich. I figured you hadn't eaten yet, Fansent."

"...You really are a genius."

The Melomelon-wich was, without a doubt, the greatest thing I'd ever tasted.

"I resign."

By the way, I lost the next game, too.

――――――――――――――――――――

It has been a while. I am Kaisei Kikuchi.

I am working hard on the production of the third volume of the I Reincarnated as a Lazy and Evil Noble light novel, but it has been delayed due to poor health and other factors. I believe I will be able to share various pieces of information soon, so I would be happy if those who are waiting could look forward to it.

Now, the festival has ended, and next will be the journey with Cecil. For the time being, the story might focus mostly on Weiss and Cecil.

Also, I have started a new serialization.

The title is: I Reincarnated as the Sloth of the Seven Deadly Sins Who Will Eventually Perish, but While I Was Struggling to Avoid My Doom, the Other Six (Evil Beautiful Girls) Swore Lifelong Loyalty to Me. Wait, Their Love Is Too Heavy!?

https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16818093094765597393

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