The Final Day

"Weiss, it looks quite good on you."

"……You think so?"

"That hat is absolutely wonderful! Let's buy it! We are definitely buying this!"

Reflected in the full-length mirror was a hat sitting atop my head—a stubby, ridiculous little thing that defied easy description. Honestly, I was the one who had put it on, but still... It was a riot of colors and decorations, practically oozing an 'ethnic' vibe.

Apparently, these were popular souvenirs here in Chuko. Since it was the final day of the trip, we underclassmen had been turned loose to shop.

Thanks to Olynn, we had zero expulsions and zero deaths. There were plenty of injuries, sure, but nothing a little Recovery Magic couldn't fix. I suppose that was to be expected from the students of Nobless Academy after surviving a Calamity.

As for the Demon that had been floating airily beside me earlier, it was nowhere to be seen. According to Olynn, as long as a servant’s magical power is strong enough and their ideologies align with their master's, they can hide within the master's mana pool. To be honest, I didn't really grasp the mechanics of it, but I didn't want to hear "Debibi?" whispered in my ear every five seconds anyway, so it worked out perfectly.

By the way, we settled on the name "Debi." Lilith was technically the godmother, though she insisted on calling it "Debi-chan."

Since subjugated monsters supposedly retain their Unique Ability, it should be capable of something useful. In the original game, Allen didn't have any aptitude as a Tamer, so I’d have to squeeze Olynn for the finer details. How much mana it consumes, whether it actually listens to orders—I’d just have to investigate all that later.

It was entirely possible my fighting style would have to shift 180 degrees, but that was a happy miscalculation. It would likely be a drain on my nerves and my mana, but there was no doubt that I’d become stronger.

I’d mentioned the situation to Teacher Milk just in case, but she just shrugged me off. "Subjugation is outside my expertise. Ask Olynn." I knew she wasn't the type to take interest in things she didn't know, but wow, she really didn't mince words. Incidentally, she never did tell me whether she actually fought a demon or not.

And then, there was the other matter—.

"Eh? Are you sure?"

"Of course. Here, take this one too."

"Hey, don't try to outshine us!"

"Olynn, you can have this one, too!"

Thanks to the business with the rings, Olynn had been fully accepted by the class. Was it just my imagination, or were the guys looking at him with slightly lecherous expressions? Well, whatever. It was a good thing, I suppose. At the very least, I didn't dislike the guy. He was excellent as a tactical asset, and I wanted him to keep up the good work.

—Stare—

Suddenly, I felt a strange gaze prickly against my skin. Thinking it might be another Calamity, I whirled around, only to find Cynthia watching me intently.

"W-what is it?"

"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how you always seem so concerned with Olynn-san."

"T-that's not true."

"Is that so? Well, it’s fine. If Weiss wishes to consume him, I shall respect that to the utmost."

Cynthia is certainly generous, but her wires are seriously crossed.

Somehow, my gaze drifted back toward Olynn anyway. When he noticed me looking, he gave me a bright smile. Seeing this, Cynthia and Lilith both glared at me with narrowed, judging eyes.

"So, Weiss-sama... you were an all-rounder after all."

"Lilith, did that word even exist in the world of Noblesse?"

"It’s quite alright. You only need to be honest with us."

Good grief... Weiss, whoever you were before I took over this body, please help me.

"Yo, Weiss! That hat looks great on you!"

Right on cue, Duke (the artist formerly known as Shishitsu) swaggered over. I immediately snatched the hat off my head and shoved it toward him, telling him it would suit him much better. I had to change the subject, and I had to do it now.

"Seriously?! Maybe I should buy it..."

"I think you should."

"To think Weiss would actually praise something... I guess I have no choice but to buy it!"

Bless his loud voice. Cynthia and Lilith looked at him with exasperated expressions, finally letting the previous topic drop. Alright, Duke. I'm promoting you from Shishitsu to Mineral. Stay hydrated, buddy.

"Allen! Weiss says this one is good! You gonna get one?"

"Heh, it does look pretty cool. I actually don't have a hat."

"Then maybe I'll get one too," Shari added, joining the group. "It’ll be a nice memento."

Things got livelier than I expected as Allen and Shari merged into our group. Wait, now it looks like I’m actually enjoying this trip. Dammit... another unexpected miscalculation.

"If we're all getting them, why don't we get matching ones?"

At Shari's suggestion, Lilith raised her hand enthusiastically.

"Shari-san, I agree! Right, Cynthia-sama? Weiss-sama?"

"Fufufu, why not? I think a black one would suit Weiss best, don't you?"

"Uh, yeah. Sure. Whatever..."

Since I was the one who’d suggested it to Duke, it felt wrong to back out now. ...I wonder why I'm even going along with this.

"Cecil-san! Carta-san!"

Lilith even called out to the two standing a short distance away. She really was personable, talking to everyone without discrimination. The politeness and bright demeanor she’d cultivated as a maid were top-notch. It made me all the more curious about the sheer bloodlust and madness she’d shown last night. I’d have to ask her about that eventually.

In the end, we all bought hats in colors that supposedly suited us. Shari was smirking at me the whole time; she definitely knew I was embarrassed. That girl... she did this on purpose.

Afterward, the teachers led us to a lunch featuring "Paeria," a local dish packed with seafood. It was a stir-fry of vegetables, shellfish, and meat mixed with rice. Teacher Milk and Darius went back for seconds and thirds, bickering the whole time like siblings. It was actually pretty funny.

The biggest surprise, however, was Chloe. Unlike during the Point System, she was actually chatting with the students, asking if they’d had fun and fussing over the exhausted ones to make sure they stayed hydrated.

Sometimes I forget when I'm on guard, but I really am a student. This school trip had become a vital event for me—one that reminded me of my place in this world. Avoiding my destruction is the top priority, but I am actually living here. Because these are days I never got to experience in my former world, I need to carve them deep into my heart.

Finally, we were given one last block of free time by the sea. I was "full" in more ways than one, so I didn't feel like swimming. Instead, I sat in the shade and watched the characters I knew from the game running around and playing. It was, honestly, fun.

The memories were growing thicker by the day. But I knew the original story. From here on out, things would only get more brutal. If one of them were to die... how would I feel?

Anxiety, frustration, and a sense of urgency gnawed at me. I thought deeply about the Demon Race. ...But strangely, I didn't feel discouraged. If anything, I was overflowing with motivation.

Total Domination. A perfect Game Clear. That is my goal.

"Weiss-kun."

As I sat by the shore, Olynn approached me. The squirrel on his head... was it just me, or was it bigger?

"Did that thing grow?"

"Ehehe, actually, it seems my mana capacity increased."

"That affects the summon too?"

"Yeah, though it depends on the individual. —But more importantly, thank you."

"For what?"

"For coming to save me. If you hadn't been there, Weiss-kun, I probably... would have died."

I'm a calculating man, Olynn. If it hadn't been you, I might have abandoned you. It was all for the sake of the future; there was no need for him to be grateful.

"It was for my own sake. You’re useful. I’ll be sure to have you repay the debt eventually."

"Fufufu. Anytime, for anything. If you need me, just ask."

A sea breeze blew, and Olynn brushed a strand of hair behind his ear. Good grief, is this kid really going to be subjugating dragons later?

"By the way, how is the Demon?"

"Who knows? —'Debi.'"

The next instant, a black rift opened beside my face. Out popped the tiny, highly-deformed Demon.

"Debibibi?"

"That's how he is. I have no idea what he's saying."

"I'm sure you'll understand him as you get closer. It was like that for me and Pippin. If you have questions, just ask. I'm so happy to have a fellow Tamer!"

"Yeah. When we get back, you can help me see how well Debi follows my orders. I want to see if he inherited that immortality, so I'll probably have to kill him a few times to check."

"Debibibibi!?"

Apparently, the little guy understood my words just fine, as he let out a terrified shriek.

"W-Weiss-kun, you're merciless..."

"I'm not big on coddling."

We spent a while longer just staring out at the ocean until the ship's departure time drew near.

"Ah, we have to go."

"—Olynn."

As I stood up, I reached out and plopped something onto Olynn's head.

"Fueh? Eh? A-A hat?"

"A reward for the Tame. I just happened to pick it up."

"Ehehe, thank you. But... why pink?"

"Well, it makes you look like a total feminine boy, doesn't it?"

"I-Is that so? Ehehe..."

Summer was almost over. There are four seasons in Noblesse Oblige. Autumn, winter... and when spring comes, I’ll be an intermediate student. There are certain upperclassmen I need to meet before then, but for now, the first thing on the agenda when we get back is more special training.

"Debibibi?"

"Alright, Debi. Shall we start by seeing how many of my attacks you can tank?"

"De—DEBIIIII!?"