The lesson dragged on, the three of us caught in a lingering awkwardness.
Well, I might have been the only one who felt that way.
"Now then... next, we will move on to practical application," the teacher announced flatly from the podium.
"We will be checking your reproduction of Basic Magic. This is to confirm your Magical Power Manipulation and spell construction."
"I’ll have you come forward one by one to perform."
Ah, the classic random practical skills check you always see in schools. My legs were shaking so much I thought I might vibrate right out of my seat.
The air in the classroom grew slightly tense.
Come on, guys. There’s no one here who’s worse at magic than me, right? You should all just relax and look cool.
"A simple spell is fine. Fireball, Wind Pressure, Water Creation—the basics will be sufficient."
Excuse me, Teacher! My fire is micro-sized; is that going to be a problem?
Several students went to the front and handled the task without any issues.
"Oh."
"As expected..."
"So beautiful..."
Yeah, yeah, amazing, wonderful.
I offered a silent round of applause in my head.
The "have-nots" possess a certain breadth of spirit, but if they keep showing off like this, I’m going to want to roll for a second life in the Reincarnation Gacha.
"Next is..."
The teacher's gaze traced down the roster.
Bad premonitions always have a way of coming true.
"Luka Noctear."
...And there it was.
A buzz rippled through the classroom.
"It’s Lord Luka."
"I wonder what kind of magic he’ll use."
"I bet it’ll be incredible."
Stop, please. Don't keep stacking those expectations. It’s just the basics, sure, but I don’t even have the confidence to manage those. I’m about to knock that tower of expectations down in record time.
"Step forward."
I hesitated, trying to buy as much time as possible to find some way out of this.
Yeah, it was impossible. Well, here goes nothing. (Acceptance).
I stood up.
My legs were trembling so minutely that no one but me could have noticed. My face, however, remained a mask of calm.
But inside, I was a mess of panic and directionless frustration.
Setting aside the fact that my academy life might be hitting a dead end for a moment, since it had come to this, maybe I should try to pull off a miracle?
I could release magical power itself. But I wasn't stable enough to show it in front of an audience. It was at a level where it only took shape if Yuka was watching over me constantly.
The gazes of my classmates were starting to sting. So were the expressions of the two sitting next to me.
Sorry for worrying you. Shall I show it? My magic, otherwise known as a miracle.
I started to take a step forward—and then.
"Teacher."
A voice rang out.
From right beside me.
"…?"
I turned to see Caiel.
His back was straight, his expression calm and unwavering.
"Would it be alright if I performed the demonstration instead?"
The classroom fell silent.
The teacher raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Your reason?"
"Lord Luka showed signs of fatigue during the morning lessons. Furthermore, I don’t believe this is a matter that requires Lord Luka to trouble himself personally."
"If it is merely a check of the basics, I believe I can fulfill the objective."
...Wait, what?
Is that okay?
Wait, I think I’m actually catching feelings here.
You're the only one who tried to protect me.
You're a lifesaver!
Is he a god? Is the Marquis House full of gods?
Yes!
With this, the route where I humiliate myself, rumors spread through the academy, and I get exiled from the Ducal House has been officially avoided!
The teacher thought for a moment and then nodded.
"...Understood. Very well, Mr. Valdio."
"Thank you very much."
No, thank you. I'll never forget this as long as I live.
Caiel gave a polite bow and stepped to the front.
As he passed me, our eyes met for a split second.
The corners of his mouth curled up just a tiny bit.
I see. So you’re saying "leave this to me," huh?
What a cool guy...
"..."
Elicia's gaze turned toward me.
It wasn't reproachful or worried. It was just a quiet, gentle look.
...Honestly, Elicia looked cute regardless of the expression she wore.
Caiel began to deploy his magic.
It was efficient and clean—perfectly by the book. But beyond that, it felt exceptionally stable.
"Splendid."
"As expected of his house."
"The Valdio family, huh..."
The teacher nodded with satisfaction.
"That was an excellent example."
Caiel bowed again and returned to his seat.
"Thank you very much," he said as he sat back down next to me.
"That was amazing. You were the perfect model."
"Not at all."
In a low voice, he added, "It was simply for the sake of a fair fight."
Huh? What was that supposed to mean?
...Wait, could it be that he doesn't even consider this a favor?
...I see, I see. So you’re just that kind of guy, then. (Full of admiration).
For now, I’ll just be grateful.
As Caiel settled back in and the atmosphere in the classroom began to relax, it happened again.
"...Teacher."
Another voice rose. Clear and firm.
It was Elicia.
"I believe today's practical check has been sufficient."
"The reproduction of the basics has been confirmed. I suspect there is little more to be gained from continuing further."
The teacher considered this for a heartbeat and nodded.
"I agree. Let's call it a day for this."
A wave of relief swept through the classroom.
Honestly, I was the most relieved of them all.
Immediately afterward, Elicia looked to her side.
"Lord Caiel."
Her voice was quiet, but it had a sharp edge to it.
"Your performance was wonderful."
Exactly. It was so cool—
"However—"
She paused for a fraction of a second.
"If you stepped forward merely to steal the spotlight from Lord Luka, then your actions were misplaced."
Wait, what?
The air in the classroom tightened once again.
...O-Oh.
Caiel blinked in surprise, then gave a small, soft laugh.
"I had no such intention."
He turned his gaze toward me.
"Today, I was merely granted an opportunity through Lord Luka's mercy."
...That's right, okay? Can we please stop fighting?
Elicia stared at him for a long moment before nodding slowly.
"...If that is the case, then it is fine."
She said only that and looked forward.
The lesson moved on to the next explanation. No one raised their voice, but something had definitely shifted in the room.
"...Lord Luka."
It was a small whisper from Elicia beside me.
"I am truly sorry for Lord Caiel’s behavior. Really."
Um, he’s sitting right there, you know?
He probably didn't hear her, but still...
"It's nothing to apologize for. He actually saved me."
"...Is that so?"
For a moment, her voice softened.
"Even so... I really wanted to see your magic, Lord Luka."
"...Haha. I'll show it to you someday."
If I can. If I actually can...
While keeping my eyes fixed on the front of the room, I lightly clenched my fist.
I was saved. I was really, truly saved.
I won't run next time. I won't let myself keep troubling Caiel like this. I won't cause any more trouble for him or Elicia.
So please, just for now, cover for me!