Time flowed by quietly after that.
It wasn't as if anything major happened. Rather, every day simply became a little more normal. The tutor’s lessons remained as baffling as ever, so I continued to ask Yuka about the parts I didn't understand. She, in turn, continued to teach me with her usual accuracy and ruthlessness.
There were moments when I felt like the stress would make my entire body spontaneously combust, but I somehow managed to keep my physical form together and continue functioning as a human being.
I also had some wonderful news. Before I knew it, her responses—which used to be nothing but a robotic "Yes"—began to include phrases like "Um" or "That’s right," and her expression softened ever so slightly.
Just looking at her made me break into a grin that was probably a bit too wide for my own good. Someone help me (I’m serious).
As for the baths... well, after that second time, I naturally left the task to my mother and the maids. What happened to that "naked bond" theory? It’s all about daily communication, isn't it? (Tears of an old man.)
◆◆◆
It was finally the day before enrollment at the Royal Academy.
The mansion had been a whirlwind of activity since dawn. Servants scurried back and forth, and luggage was lined up in the hallways.
"...Isn't this a bit much?" I muttered to myself.
My gaze was fixed on a pile of bags for the academy, a set of uniforms, and a literal mountain of textbooks.
"Is all of this mine?"
"Yes, Luka-sama. It all belongs to you."
Yuka nodded at my side. She wasn't standing half a step behind me anymore; she was right there next to me. It made me genuinely happy, like watching a stray cat you rescued finally start to warm up to you.
"I still really don't want to go, though."
"You must."
I felt like I was forcing her to say nothing but "no" to me lately. Sorry, Mama Yuka.
Just then, I heard the sound of heavy footsteps.
"Oh? Are preparations coming along well?"
When I turned around, Father was standing there. He was a tall man with a sturdy build. While he was often seen in his armor, today he was unusually dressed in plain clothes. I didn't get many chances to see him, but he treated me like a normal father would, despite my lack of talent. Maybe they didn't place that much importance on magical ability in this world after all?
"You start at the Academy tomorrow. Are you nervous?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."
When I answered honestly, Father gave a small smile.
"That's as it should be. A man who isn't nervous isn't thinking at all."
"...That’s deep."
Father placed a hand gently on my head.
"Talent isn't everything. Go and see for yourself how you think and how you choose to stand."
He didn't mention mana once. I was deeply grateful for that.
"Father, please do not spoil Luka too much."
A voice called out from the side.
"Oops."
It was my brother. To be precise, I have two older brothers; this one was the second son, Fazil, who was engaged to Elicia’s older sister. He was tall, had perfect posture, and exuded the aura of a high-achieving, model noble. Couldn't he just tear off a piece of his talent and share it with me, like a certain bean-paste-headed hero?
"The Academy isn't a playground, you know."
"I know that."
"That is the face of someone who does not know."
"Isn't that a bit harsh?"
My brother looked down at me, his expression relaxing slightly.
"Well, anyway... don't overdo it."
"Are you the one to talk, Brother?"
"What a cheeky little brother." He grabbed my head firmly and gave my hair a vigorous rubbing. Then, his gaze turned toward Yuka. "Yuka-san."
"Yes?"
"I’m counting on you to look after my brother."
"...Yes."
Yuka hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering clearly. Seeing that, Father gave a small, satisfied nod.
"Good. Now, get some rest early tonight."
"Understood."
On the way back to my room, I suddenly stopped in my tracks.
"Yuka."
"Yes?"
"Yuka, about the Academy..."
"I am going with you."
Whoa, that was fast.
"I hadn't even finished my sentence yet."
"I know." Yuka smiled, just a tiny bit. "Because I do not believe Luka-sama can manage on his own."
...Oho, I’m being underestimated, aren't I? If you add my current age to my previous life, I’m about twenty-two, you know?
...Wait, am I already over twenty? That’s terrifying. I’m going to stop thinking about it.
"...I see."
Still, it wasn't bad to hear Yuka say that. It meant she was worried about me.
The night sky visible from my window was quiet and clear. Tomorrow, my academy life would begin. My talent and mana were both mediocre, but for now, I had Yuka, and my family was behind me.
—Maybe this isn't such a bad start after all.
Well then. One way or another, I'm actually looking forward to the first day of school.
◇◇◇
The main gate of the Royal Academy was a scene of chaos that morning.
Carriages for nobles arrived one after another, and attendants displaying their respective family crests escorted their masters with practiced ease.
"...There are so many people," I whispered, the words slipping out.
I tend to shrivel up in large crowds. As far as I could see, almost everyone was a noble. There were a few students in different clothing here and there, but they were rare. They were likely the exceptions—commoners handpicked by the Academy because of their exceptional talent. At this school, aside from those few, it was expected for everyone to have an attendant.
That’s why—
"Luka-sama, please watch your step."
Yuka, walking beside me, naturally navigated through the crowd for me. She was already playing the part of a professional attendant perfectly. Originally, Moore was supposed to accompany me, but Yuka's growth had been so tremendous that Mother decided she could be trusted with the role.
"Yuka, you don't really look like a new student, do you?"
"Is that so?"
"You're way too dignified."
We exchanged light banter as we headed toward the school building. Then, a conversation from ahead caught my ear.
"Hey, I heard that person is among this year's new students."
"Which 'that person'?"
Is there a specific "that person"?
"The one with silver hair, rumored to be top-tier in both grades and magic power..."
"Ah, Selena Alphyria-sama?"
The students nearby stirred for a moment. I thought it might be Elicia when they mentioned silver hair, but it was someone I'd never heard of.
"So she really is coming..."
"Of course she is, this is the Royal Academy."
"Is it true she’s a candidate for the next Court Mage?"
I see, so that's the vibe. I nodded internally and let it slide. It was a world far removed from mine, anyway.
...Or so I thought, until I heard another voice.
"More than that, there's one more..."
"Eh?"
"You know, from the Sword Arts Department..."
"Ah, Lene Gladio!"
"Yes, her! They say she's already being treated as a reserve for the Knights, even though she's a girl..."
"I heard she was granted admission despite being from a commoner background."
This time, it was a pure talent-type. Magic and swords—two "notable figures" with completely different specialties already.
...Yeah, just listening to this is interesting. This is exactly like a game’s opening sequence.
"Luka-sama."
"Hmm?"
Yuka lowered her voice slightly.
"Are you bothered by the gazes around you?"
"N-No, not at all."
She's sharp. To be honest, the vibration function in my hands had malfunctioned, and I couldn't stop the tremors. Help me. It seemed I wasn't as used to the attention as I’d hoped.
"Being surrounded by famous people makes me feel like I’ve become transparent, which actually makes it easier."
I’ll keep acting tough anyway, at least until I get home.
"...You are quite strange."
I’ll take that as a compliment. Just then, I heard another group nearby.
"—I heard someone from House Noctear is also here."
"Eh, that Noctear?"
"The Ducal house, right?"
"I heard the children of that family are all incredibly beautiful and talented..."
Only the family name was mentioned. No individual names came up.
...Yeah, that’s fine. Being just the youngest brother is enough for me right now.
Yuka glanced over at me.
"...You are famous."
"The family is. I’m not at all."
When I said that, Yuka thought for a moment before speaking quietly.
"Even so, I am proud."
"Pardon?"
"To be the attendant of Luka-sama of House Noctear."
In that instant, my feet stopped, and I had to use everything I had to suppress my emotions.
Augh! Where did that sudden burst of cuteness come from?! She's so adorable! Everyone else has no eyes, it’s pathetic... Feast your eyes on my Yuka. Actually, don't. She's mine!
"...I’ll treat you to something sweet later."
"That is not necessary."
"Then I’ll eat it myself."
"In that case, I will accompany you."
While we were having that exchange, the doors of the school building came into view.
The first day of enrollment. The center of the rumors was someone else. I was still just a figure at the edge of the stage.
—And that’s fine. I’d like to stand out once in a while, but I'll just lurk in the shadows and enjoy being a loner for now!