December had arrived, and winter had set in for real.
The air had grown cold enough that my breath turned white with every sigh.
The trees had completely shed their leaves, leaving them looking thin and gaunted. While I hadn't seen any snow yet, it was the time of year when it wouldn't have been surprising if it started falling at any moment.
"Morning, then."
I woke up. It was quite chilly now, but I got out of bed at my usual time. When I pulled back the curtains, the refreshing morning sun poured into the room.
Winter light felt different from summer's.
I couldn't quite put it into words, but I loved winter mornings too.
Evi was still asleep, his steady breathing filling the room.
Lately, he had been coming back late, seemingly putting in a massive amount of training. We often engaged in idle chatter when we were both in the room, but we never touched upon the subject of the Magics War.
It was something like a tacit agreement between us.
It wasn't that things were awkward; rather, it was more that we were conscious of each other as rivals.
Since today was a holiday, I planned to head out into the city. Recently, I hadn't been able to take any time for myself due to training and other matters, making this my first rest day in a while.
Amelia and Ariane were shaping up quite well.
Ariane’s growth in particular was remarkable, and her coordination with me was reaching its peak. Amelia seemed to be struggling with controlling her Butterfly Effect, but she appeared to be growing through her training with Lise.
Lately, I felt that the quality of her code construction especially had improved significantly.
At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if Amelia became one of the Seven Grand Sorcerers one day.
"Alright."
I took a quick shower and changed into my casual clothes. Since the temperature was quite low, I put on a black long coat. It was a gift from Master, and I often wore it during the winter.
Stepping outside, I felt a sharp, solid chill.
However, my body temperature was relatively high, so winter wasn't much of a struggle for me.
I walked down the slope extending from the Academy toward the Central District and headed straight into the heart of the city.
The trees lining the path didn't have a single leaf left. Furthermore, a light frost had accumulated on the weeds along the ground.
While enjoying the seasonal atmosphere, I made my way to a bookstore.
I had recently finished reading every book I owned, so I intended to pick up some new ones.
Additionally, Luna Eter's new book had been released a few days ago and was currently the talk of the Kingdom. Since I had been a fan since before I knew her true identity was Lise, I naturally intended to buy her new volume during this trip.
"Oh, there it is."
When I reached the bookstore, I found stacks of the new release on display. I reached for one without hesitation, and my hand brushed against a woman's at the exact same moment.
"Ah... my apologies. Are you alright?"
"Yes. I am sorry as well."
The woman was very beautiful. She was likely a noble.
She had delicate, pale blue hair, and her features were perfectly balanced. She had a straight, refined nose and lips tinted a soft vermilion. Her eyelashes curved upward beautifully, and her makeup was applied in a way that enhanced her natural charms.
Furthermore, there were two others behind her—twins, perhaps.
Two maids were standing behind her.
"Are you a fan?" I decided to ask.
Thinking this was as good an opportunity as any, I spoke up, and the woman answered with a shy smile.
"Yes. I own every single one of Luna Eter's works. I've reread them countless times."
"I'm the same. Her books are truly wonderful, aren't they?"
"Yes! Even the previous volume was—"
And so, the two of us got excited about Luna Eter right then and there. It seemed our tastes in books were very similar, as our favorite authors overlapped quite a bit.
"Ah, I apologize for the late introduction. I am Charlotte Hartnett, the eldest daughter of the upper noble House Hartnett. I am also a third-year at Mercrose Magic Academy. The two behind me are my maids..."
When she shifted her gaze, the maids gave a polite bow on the spot.
"I am the elder sister, Casey Charlier."
"I am the younger sister, Cathy Charlier."
Then, I introduced myself as well.
"I am Ray White. I'm a first-year at Arnold Magic Academy."
The moment I spoke those words, her face clouded over instantly.
"Ray White?"
"Yes."
"...Don't tell me, the one who is an Ordinary?"
"That's right. I am indeed an Ordinary."
The atmosphere shifted palpably from what it had been just moments ago. However, hearing that name made me remember as well.
Team Hartnett.
I recalled that these three were the members.
Charlotte Hartnett. Casey Charlier. Cathy Charlier.
I considered them the greatest threat within our Group League. I had already obtained information regarding their specialized magic and tactics, but I hadn't grasped their appearances yet.
To think we would meet in a place like this.
"...Don't you feel any shame? It is outrageous for an Ordinary to participate in a sacred tournament."
Her tone had suddenly shifted from polite to harsh... I see.
She was clearly a proponent of bloodline elitism, even by upper noble standards.
It was no wonder she viewed me with hostility. I hadn't dealt with people of this sort at the Academy lately, but a part of me found the interaction almost nostalgic.
"No. I don't think it's shameful at all. I am qualified to participate because I am a student of the Academy. I fulfill all the requirements."
"Hehehe... Ahahaha! Did you two hear that? He says he's not ashamed!"
She laughed loudly.
It was clearly a look of mockery.
However, I had no intention of arguing back. If that was what she thought, then there was nothing to be done about it.
"Indeed, Milady."
"Yes. It is exactly as you say, Milady."
The two maids affirmed her words as well. That said, I didn't feel a gaze from either of them that looked down on me. They just seemed to be standing there calmly, observing the situation.
"It is a wonderful thing that our tastes in books align. However, an Ordinary needs to know their place... Wait, hold on a moment!"
My shoulder was grabbed firmly.
Since there was no point in staying here any longer, I had intended to quickly buy my book and leave... but I was completely stopped.
"I would like to buy my book."
"Ah. Then let's buy them first."
"Understood."
And so, the two of us stood side-by-side in silence and purchased our books.
Then, we went out to the walkway in front of the bookstore and exchanged parting greetings.
"Hartnett-senpai. I shall take my leave now."
"Yes. Good day to you."
She gave a small smile and waved her hand with elegant movements. I gave a quick bow and turned on my heel, but...
"W-wait just a moment!"
"Is there something else?"
"You... you're surprisingly capable..."
"? What do you mean by that?"
Then, in the background, the two maids whispered.
"It's just that Milady is a klutz."
"Well, you're right. Milady is indeed a klutz."
"Hey! You two! I can hear you!!"
When she raised her voice to scold them, the two of them feigned ignorance and looked away.
"You get along well."
"W-well, even though they're maids, they're childhood friends, you know?"
"I see. Regardless, all three of you are beautiful. Are all people of noble lineage like this?"
"...!"
Hartnett-senpai's face suddenly turned bright red. Master had once told me that whenever I found myself in a dispute with a woman, I should simply offer a compliment for the time being.
I wanted to get to the next shop quickly, so I tried to make my escape after offering the praise, but...
"S-say that one more time! Properly!"
"I think you are beautiful. Your hair seems well-maintained, and your makeup suits you very well. As expected of a daughter of the upper nobility."
"Hmph... I see. W-well, you certainly understand well enough, don't you?"
She tossed her hair back, appearing quite restless. It seemed her mood had improved significantly.
"Well then, I'll be going now."
"Yes... Wait, hold on! I have something to tell you!"
My shoulder was grabbed firmly again.
In the background, the two maids were completely stifling their laughter with their hands over their mouths.
"We will absolutely not lose to the likes of you!"
She made that declaration with her chest puffed out. Of course, we couldn't afford to lose either.
"No. We will be the ones to win."
"Hmph! You can say that for now! I'll teach you that an Ordinary can never match a noble!"
"I see... I'm looking forward to our match."
"——!"
Then, her face turned bright red again, and she seemed to be trembling.
This time, I had absolutely no idea what was causing her to act that way.
"Well then. This time, I truly shall take my leave."
My shoulder wasn't grabbed again.
I thought I heard a faint voice from behind me... but I simply walked away.
◇
"Uugh..."
Charlotte crouched down on the spot. After her interaction with Ray, she was feeling all sorts of conflicting emotions.
"Milady. What is the matter?"
"Does your stomach hurt? You did eat too much this morning, after all."
The two maids teased her slightly, but she stood up and suddenly let out a loud cry.
"Nobody told me he was so handsome!"
Yes. Ray's appearance was a complete bullseye for Charlotte.
Among women, there were those who found Ray difficult to deal with because his atmosphere was a bit too sharp.
Generally speaking, his features were well-defined, but whether one liked him or not was a matter of personal taste.
However, Charlotte preferred masculine men like Ray. While she would be intimidated by someone overly muscular, his build—and especially his clean-cut, sharp face—was very much to her liking.
When she found out their book tastes aligned, she had actually been incredibly happy deep down.
However, after he was revealed to be Ray White, she had tried to behave stoutly like a proper noble... but even she felt that it hadn't gone well.
"Well. He certainly is your type, Milady."
"A man like him often appears in those books under your bed, after all."
The maid casually exposed Charlotte's secret, but she was in no state to care.
"...Guh! I-I will definitely win! And then, I'll make him mine! Yes! I'm going to teach him the magnificence of the nobility!"
How exactly would Charlotte and her team fight against Ray and his companions?