“Hmm, I see. An Officer Academy in Duke Quento’s territory. I have heard stories of that place as well.”
To say it was every night would be an exaggeration, but Elena and Rei spoke once every two or three days via the Paired Orbs. Since Rei had spent the last several days traveling toward Gracial, it felt like an eternity since they had last conversed.
“Is it that famous after all?”
“Indeed. Word is that it produces many talented individuals for Duke Quento’s Knight Order. We have something similar in Duke Kerebel’s territory, but it isn’t on the same scale as the academy in Gracial.”
Hearing Elena’s words, Rei nodded in understanding as he recalled the sheer size of the school. In fact, the academy grounds were quite vast, and it was obvious that a great number of Officer Academy students resided there.
Rei himself had hardly seen any of them yet. After leaving the Academy Director’s Office, Samaloon had guided him through the academy facilities, but perhaps out of consideration, the mage had avoided crowded areas. Even so, Rei had managed to catch glimpses of a few students from a distance.
“I was wondering why I had not heard from you these past few days, but that was the reason. Still, things have become quite interesting once again.”
“As the one standing in the middle of the storm, it doesn’t feel all that interesting to me,” Rei muttered with a small shrug of his shoulders.
Elena flashed him a gentle smile. Because she naturally possessed such dignified features, the soft expression she unexpectedly showed was truly captivating. Rei tried his best to remain composed as he spoke.
“Anyway, it looks like I’ll be staying at this Officer Academy until spring, so as for the Seed of Restraint...”
“It is no matter if the removal is delayed slightly. Besides, it is somewhat regrettable to say, but a few problems have arisen on my end as well.”
“Problems?”
“Yes. There is a house within the Noble’s Faction that recently underwent a change in leadership. The new head has been pestering me.”
“...Pestering you?”
Two possibilities immediately sprang to Rei’s mind. One was someone who viewed Elena as an obstacle and wanted to remove her by force; the other was someone who desired Elena as a woman. Given how incredibly attractive she was, the latter was highly likely.
“It seems he wishes to form a connection with Duke Kerebel’s House and is doing whatever he can to catch my eye.”
Rei’s fears were spot on.
“...Heh.”
The low murmur that escaped Rei’s lips carried an intensity that would have undoubtedly sent shivers down the spine of anyone listening. However, hearing Rei’s mutter, Elena’s expression was one of delight rather than fear. It wasn’t a strained or bitter smile, but a radiant one full of genuine joy.
“Fufu, do not worry. I have no interest in such a man, of course. I rejected him on the spot.”
“I just hope he gives up after that.”
She possessed the power of Duke Kerebel’s House, the Alias of the Princess General, and a beauty that would captivate any man. Furthermore, though it was only known to a select few, she had also inherited the Ancient Dragon's Power at the Altar of Inheritance. Being single and without a fiancé, she was the ultimate prize for any ambitious noble.
In that context, Rei’s existence was hardly considered an issue. To those pursuing Elena, Rei was merely an Alias Holder B-Rank Adventurer, and they believed that a marriage between nobles was an entirely separate matter. Even if they were told the two were in love, they likely wouldn't have believed it.
“There is no problem. Duke Kerebel’s House has no interest in the proposal either. Besides, if he were to attempt anything foolish... I would not be able to remain silent.”
The smile Elena wore as she spoke those words was incredibly bellicose. It was the kind of smile that would have been much more at home on Vihera. If that man were to lose his mind and try to attack Elena to create a fait accompli, he would surely come to regret it in more ways than one.
Understanding the danger, Rei spoke up to change the subject.
“Come to think of it, what happened to Iero?”
“Hmm? It seems he ate too much for dinner. He is asleep right now.”
Elena likely sensed Rei’s desire to shift topics, but she went along with it without comment. She likely didn't want to talk any more about other men—especially regarding marriage—in front of Rei.
“I see. Seto is probably sleeping in the stables about now, too.”
“I wonder what kind of food they serve at an Officer Academy? If it is for a tamed monster... especially Rei’s tamed monster, then we can have high expectations, can we not? Particularly in this case, where Rei ended up being dragged into the King’s Faction’s mess.”
“Who knows. The food I had at the Staff Dormitory dining hall was just ordinary.”
That said, Rei’s tongue was by no means sensitive to subtle flavors. In fact, considering his dislike for alcohol, his palate could even be described as childish. Even so, he quite enjoyed things like mountain vegetables that children usually hated.
“Knowing you, Rei, you likely ate a massive amount of food, did you not?”
“I won’t deny that.”
Elena saw right through him, but Rei didn't find the feeling unpleasant. If these words had come from anyone else, he probably would have felt differently.
I guess this is what it means to have someone you can truly be yourself with, Rei thought as he reflected on everything that had happened since he first met Elena.
His sentiment must have shown on his face. From the other side of the Paired Orbs, Elena, who was reaching for her black tea, looked at him with curiosity.
“Rei, is something the matter?”
“No, it’s nothing. I was just thinking that even though it feels like a long time since we met, it’s actually only been a few years.”
“...Hmm. True. I also feel as though a great deal of time has passed since I met you. It feels as if... no, it is nothing.”
“What’s wrong? It’s not like you to stop mid-sentence like that.”
“Be quiet. I have my off days as well.”
Rei tilted his head slightly as Elena spoke, her cheeks turning a faint shade of red. The Elena he usually spoke to wouldn't act this way. Of course, to Rei, a maiden’s heart was one of the most incomprehensible things in this world. He could easily imagine that if he pressed the issue, it would eventually come back to haunt him. Therefore, Rei changed the subject yet again.
“I heard that the King’s Faction is going to push for the enforcement of discipline over this latest incident, but what about the Noble’s Faction? If you ask me personally, the Noble’s Faction needs to enforce discipline just as much. I mean, I know the Neutral Faction isn't completely safe either.”
Though the topic had shifted abruptly, a faint shadow of grief crossed Elena’s face as she listened. She understood all too well what kind of people existed within the Noble’s Faction that her father led. Perhaps the name "Noble’s Faction" brought out the worst in them, but there was no end to those who acted with a heavy hand toward the people they ruled.
Naturally, many within the upper management understood this, and those who behaved tyrannically were few. However, "few" didn't mean "zero," which implied that even within the upper management, there were still those stuck in a noble's sense of privilege.
“Since the King’s Faction has taken such a step, it is certain that we must also take some form of action. If we do not, people will say that the Noble’s Faction lacks the ability to self-purge, unlike the King’s Faction.”
“I see. So that becomes a point of attack. Well, even so, it’s an undeniable fact that the King’s Faction made such a disgraceful display of themselves. I don’t think they’ll be able to act as they please for a while.”
“You are too naive. Nobles are experts at exploiting the weaknesses of their opponents. Do you really think they would let such a perfect opportunity slip by?”
“If you put it that way, wouldn't the King’s Faction have even more weaknesses?”
The reason the King’s Faction was trying to enforce discipline now was, without a doubt, because of the incident involving Rei. Specifically, it had started with the attempt to forcibly take a maid—not because of love, but simply to make her a plaything. On top of that, it had turned into such a massive uproar, causing them the greatest possible embarrassment. If that point were pressed, the nobles of the King’s Faction would be defenseless.
Rei spoke with that thought in mind, but Elena shook her head.
“You understand the meaning of the words ‘King’s Faction,’ do you not? They can ultimately use the method of bringing forth His Majesty the King. However, if they did nothing but that, everyone would lose faith in them, so it is not something that can be done easily.”
“But you’re saying this time falls into the category of things that aren't easy? I guess so.” Even as he voiced his doubt, Rei quickly convinced himself.
“That is how it is. Regardless, it seems we shall both be busy in our own ways starting this spring.”
“Yeah. Vihera said she was coming to Gilm too... It’s definitely going to be a huge commotion.”
Just being a former princess of the Empire was enough to make her a major topic of conversation, but Vihera’s appearance was also extremely flashy. She wore thin raiment that made her look more like a dancer or a prostitute, possessing a physique that would never fail to catch a man’s eye. Rei could vividly imagine the sight of adventurers who knew nothing and couldn't see her true strength picking a fight with Vihera, only to be utterly thrashed.
In terms of allure, Vihera isn't losing to Marina, but Marina’s is more of a gentle adult allure. Well, that’s just the impression of someone like me who doesn't know much about those things, so it might be different for an expert in romance.
While Rei was thinking that Marina possessed a gentle adult allure and Vihera possessed an aggressive allure, he suddenly realized that Elena was staring at him intensely from the other side of the Paired Orbs.
“What’s wrong?”
“...It is nothing. I just remembered something unpleasant. More importantly, you said you were going to do mock battles as an instructor, did you not? Do not overdo it. If you fight in earnest, Rei, you will crush the students' confidence.”
Unlike before, this time it was Elena who changed the subject. Understanding this, Rei felt that if he said the wrong thing now, a miserable future awaited him, so he went along with the new topic.
“I don’t intend to go that far. The problem is that most of the people attending the Officer Academy are older than me. People who underestimate others based on age are everywhere, after all.”
“Fufu, that is true. You are quite small in stature, Rei. If you did not lower your hood, it would not be strange for someone to mistake you for a student. And when you take off your hood...”
“I’ll be underestimated.”
Rei understood better than anyone that his face was by no means tough-looking.
Well, it’s true that this was better than having an ugly face. Besides, if I had a tough face with this height, the balance would be all wrong. I wonder why Zephyle made me this height and gave me this face. If he was going to call me a masterpiece, he could have at least made me look like I was in my twenties. Then I wouldn't have looked so out of place standing next to Elena.
He didn't know what the creator was thinking when he gave him this appearance, but since it was the culmination of Zephyle's technology, Rei pushed his dissatisfaction deep into his heart.
“Regardless, once you show your true strength, no one will dare oppose you for long. It would also be good to take Seto with you. Even those active on the front lines flinch when they see Seto, so there is no need to mention the Officer Academy students, is there?”
“I suppose. To those who don't know any better, Seto is nothing but a symbol of terror. Even though it’s actually so friendly.”
“Fufu, it is a Gryphon, after all, so that cannot be helped. People are inevitably influenced by their preconceptions. One cannot truly know how friendly Seto is without actually touching it. Though Seto also resembles its master in its lack of mercy toward enemies.”
“That’s an undeniable fact. I don’t think Seto does that because it wants to; it’s mostly just instinct.”
As the night grew deeper, Rei and Elena spent about an hour conversing through the Paired Orbs, enjoying their brief tryst.