Ren considered the possibility that Lady Fiona and the others might refuse, though he knew deep down that it was undoubtedly a needless worry.
"So, the Executive Committee will be composed of the Neutral and Imperial Factions," Radius noted.
"I wonder if the Hero Faction will have anything to say about that?" Ren asked.
"Hardly. The Executive Committee isn't as prestigious as you seem to think. It stands out, certainly, but it's nothing compared to participating in the competitions. Taking this on won't have a massive impact on one's future."
As Ren had reflected many times himself, it wasn't that the role carried zero weight. A job well done would earn a positive evaluation, but achieving results in the actual competitions was the top priority. Beyond that, maintaining high grades in the academy’s written exams was many times more beneficial. For a role taken on voluntarily, the burden of administrative busywork was simply too high for most.
"While we’re on the subject, there is a member of a Heroic Archduke family over there," Radius said.
"Eh? Where?"
"Look there. By the tree at the edge of the schoolyard."
Ren stood up from the bench and looked toward the corner of the yard Radius indicated.
"I believe his name was Vane. The boy with your classmate is the one from that Heroic Archduke family."
Ren looked, and sure enough, there they were. One was Vane, Ren’s fellow student in the Special Merit Class. The other was an upperclassman who had just started his second year.
His name was Kaito Leonard.
He was tall, with a lean, muscular build. Since students were allowed a degree of freedom in how they wore their uniforms, Kaito went for a casual look, wearing a simple T-shirt over his slacks.
Ren recognized the scene. This was the event where Kaito and Vane first met. Vane would eventually become acquainted with the various heirs of the Heroic Archduke families at the academy, and Kaito, one year his senior, was the first. Kaito was a pleasant person, possessing a refreshing personality that suggested he could laugh off almost anything.
In the original story, he joined the protagonist's party after a scripted loss in the finals of the Lion King Grand Festival's martial arts tournament. Once he became an ally, he served as the party's primary shield-user. His role was deeply rooted in his lineage; his ancestor, one of the Seven Heroes, was legendary for protecting the others with a Greatshield.
"We can leave the academy's honor to them," Radius said nonchalantly. "The Heroic Archduke heirs should produce more than enough results in the practical competitions."
"Is that really okay? I thought it might affect the factional conflict."
"I won't say it has no impact, but the Imperial Faction isn't exactly falling behind. We have the advantage in fields like debate, so there’s no need to get worked up over it."
"Ah, so it’s a difference in specialties."
"Exactly. The person I mentioned inviting earlier actually won the debate competition at the last festival."
"Wow, that's impressive."
"Besides, people who bring petty noble politics into a venue for students to showcase their skills are out of their minds... though I realize those words are mere platitudes," Radius added with a self-deprecating smile.
As they continued discussing the committee, Ren was repeatedly struck by how reliable Radius was. Realizing more time had passed than he realized, Ren stood to leave.
"I should get going."
"Wait," Radius said, stopping him. "Regarding the Forest-Eater from the other day—I’ve used my resources and magic tools to investigate. There appears to be no connection to the Demon King Cult."
"So it was just a natural occurrence?"
"So it seems. It’s common for monsters that lose a territorial dispute to migrate across the sea. It was likely something like that."
Ren nodded. "I see." He felt a wave of relief that the incident wouldn't escalate into something more sinister.
"I'll stay on guard regardless, but let me know if you find anything else."
"I will."
The two finally parted ways. Ren left the rooftop and headed for the hallway leading to the academy entrance. Licia was waiting for him, a smile touching her lips when she saw him.
"Were you able to talk?"
"Yes. I only meant to ask for an introduction, but Radius decided to cooperate personally."
"Is... is that really okay? Having the Third Prince help us with administrative work?"
"I was shocked at first too, but he insisted we shouldn't worry about it. I think it'll be fine."
Ren said it simply, but it was a sentiment only he could voice. For Licia, whose father had only recently been elevated to a Baron, it wasn't something she could accept quite so easily. However, considering the unique friendship between Ren and Radius, she didn't find it particularly strange.
Around the same time, Vane and Kaito Leonard were still in the schoolyard. Sera Riohalde had arrived to pick up Vane, and the three of them were deep in conversation.
"I’m telling you! He really is that strong!" Sera insisted.
"No way! It’s the same Ren Ashton Kaito saw at the entrance ceremony! I’m telling you, he took down those Demon King Cultists in the blink of an eye!"
"Nnaaaa-hahaha! Riohalde, are you an idiot?" Kaito boomed. "A first-year—someone our age—being a legendary Strong Sword User? Not a chance! Are you making fun of me just because I fail every written exam?"
"I’m being serious! And Kaito, do you really fail every time? How did you even make it to the second year?"
"I make it up in my other classes! My father and the others hit the roof every time grades come out, though!"
Sera and Kaito were well-acquainted. The heirs of the Seven Great Archduke Families were all on a first-name basis. Being only a year apart, they spoke to each other without reserve.
"Back to the point," Kaito said. "Your story is a stretch. Especially the part about the Strong Sword. You're saying a kid our age can use techniques from a school that's famously difficult to master?"
"I’ll say it as many times as I have to. He really is that strong."
"Look, if it were the Saint of the Clausel family, maybe I’d believe it. but him? It sounds like a tall tale."
"Hmph... fine. Let’s go, Vane."
Sera turned her back on Kaito with a huff. Vane followed as she walked away with light steps. Kaito called out to their retreating backs in the same relaxed tone as before.
"I doubt it. I don't think anything's going to change even if I see him for myself."
"Fine. You're a typical Leonard, aren't you? Insisting you can block anything with that precious shield of yours."
Sera stopped walking. Vane paused beside her. When Sera spoke again, her voice had shifted, taking on a tone that sounded almost like a warning.
"No one in history has ever shattered the Greatshield held by a member of the Leonard family. That's always been your pride. My family respects that, and I personally hold it in high regard."
She turned back to Kaito and sighed.
"Except for the time it was shattered by the Demon King’s sword. Did you ever get that fixed, by the way?"
"Ouch... low blow, Sera..."
"I'm not mocking you. The Leonard shield protected the Hero, and because of that, the Hero slew the Demon King. I’m just saying there’s no guarantee history won't repeat itself."
"Hm? Are you saying Ren Ashton is the Demon King?"
Vane almost burst out laughing at the absurdity. Sera was stunned by the leap in logic. There was no way the Demon King was a knight's son serving the Clausels and spending his days by Licia's side.
"That's not what I mean. I’m saying if you underestimate Ren Ashton, your Greatshield might actually end up in pieces."
"I knew it! He really is the Demon King!"
"Good grief... why can't you imagine a strength like the Lion King's instead?"
"Well, you see... my ancestor never fought the Lion King, and we've never had a Strong Sword User break our shield before."
"That’s exactly why I’m saying it might happen now!"
"Sera, calm down... here, take a breath," Vane said, trying to soothe her.
Sera looked up at the sky and exhaled slowly. "In... out... thanks, Vane. I’m a little better now."
Having cooled off, Sera had no intention of arguing further. She simply wanted to state the reality of the strength she had witnessed. Knowing Kaito's prowess, she felt he needed to know that Ren was not someone to be taken lightly.
"My bad," Kaito said, a grin returning to his face. "I was just messing with you."
"I figured. You're not the type to actually belittle a fellow warrior."
"But I’ll admit, I’m surprised. You’re telling me Ren Ashton is even stronger than the Saint who beat you? That’s one hell of a story."
Kaito started walking again. He let out a massive yawn and strolled away.
The next morning at the academy, Ren approached Fiona Ignat.
"I’d be happy to help, if you’ll have me," she said instantly, a dazzling smile lighting up her face.
They were in an empty classroom, leaning against the window frame as the spring sunlight poured in behind them.
"Are you sure? If you were planning to enter any of the competitions, please prioritize those."
"Oh, I'm quite fine. My teacher suggested I participate, but I wasn't very interested."
"Does that mean you have duties for the Ignat family?"
"No, nothing like that either."
Ren was surprised by how easily she agreed, but he was delighted to have her help. "Thank you so much."
"It's unusual, though. I heard almost everyone tries to enter the competitions."
"Ahaha... perhaps. But I wanted to spend the festival with Ren-kun—"
Fiona stole a glance at his profile. She tried to hide it, but when their eyes met, her cheeks flushed, and she looked away in a panic.
"I-I-It’s nothing! I just wasn't in the mood this year!"
"Haha... if you say so. But with you helping us, Lady Fiona, I feel like we have nothing to fear."
"Fufu, I'll work hard to meet your expectations. By the way, is it just the three of you—you, Licia-sama, and the Third Prince?"
"No, Radius is inviting one more person."
"The Prince is? I wonder if it’s someone I know..."
"He mentioned the daughter of the Archayse family."
"Oh, I know her! He’s invited someone incredible!"
Fiona began to share details Ren hadn't heard. The more she spoke, the more the girl sounded like a female version of Radius.
"She participated in the entrance exams just to test herself and passed every single subject with a perfect score. Even now, she apparently never gets anything less than a perfect hundred on her tests."
"Isn't that... a little too incredible?"
"I think so too. Since she stepped down as Student Council President, teachers have been begging her to take the position again."
"Why did she quit, though?"
"I suspect it’s because the Third Prince enrolled. They’ve been together since they were children, so she likely wanted to be free to stay by his side within the academy."
Fiona’s intuition was correct. The Archayse daughter had handled everything perfectly during Radius’s first year, but the duties of the presidency interfered with the time she wanted to spend attending to him. So, she had resigned the previous year.
Ren realized he hadn't actually seen the woman who was always by Radius's side. As they talked, Fiona described her further.
"I’ve heard she’s an Atavistic Variant. Her parents are pure-blooded, but there were demi-humans in the Archayse lineage long ago. She isn't a full demi-human herself, but I’ve heard she’s treated as a mixed-blood."
"Heh... I didn't know an atavism could manifest like that."
"It’s very rare. Also... my father said she occasionally performs duties at the castle as well."
Fiona had seen her a few times at the academy, but they had never spoken. Whenever the Archayse daughter was with Radius, she focused entirely on her role as his attendant, never speaking unless addressed.
Ren wondered if she had been intentionally avoiding him during his meetings with Radius. Radius had mentioned she was active during the Great Clock Tower Incident, so she likely just gave the two boys their space when they were hanging out.
"Yawn..."
Ren let out a tired yawn. Between his morning training at the Lion Sanctum and his classes, the afternoon slump was hitting him hard.
"Oh my. Did you train again this morning?"
"My apologies. That was disgraceful of me."
"No, not at all. It’s just proof of how hard you’re working..."
Fiona was secretly pleased. The fact that he felt comfortable enough to show a bit of weakness around her was proof that they were becoming closer.
"Licia-sama used Holy Magic on me, so I’m actually more recovered than I look."
"I’d heard Licia-sama was making great strides with the Strong Sword, but her Holy Magic too?"
"Her growth in Holy Magic actually puts her sword skills to shame. Lately, she’s been surprising even herself."
Licia was a diligent genius. Every day, alongside her sword training, she practiced her magic with a focus that Ren often observed at the manor. She sometimes even called him over to help her practice. Using magic on him after his grueling morning sessions at the Lion Sanctum was apparently part of her training regimen.
"Changing the subject..." Ren said, recalling something important. "Lady Fiona, how has your health been lately?"
"Since when? You mean since the Asval incident?"
"Yes. Lord Ulysses said you were fine, so I wasn't worried, but I wanted to hear it from you."
"I’m perfectly healthy. Since that day, the aching mana of the 'Black Priestess' has disappeared completely."
Ren let out a sigh of relief. Fiona looked at him, her heart fluttering at the realization that he had been genuinely concerned for her.
Ren checked the classroom clock and saw that their next class was about to start. "Shall we go?"
"Please let me know if anything else develops. I'm usually in the dormitory, so you can come by anytime."
They left the room and walked through the school. Soon, Licia and Sera appeared ahead of them. Licia jogged over to Ren, and Sera, trailing slightly behind, shrugged as she watched them.
"You two are as close as ever," Sera teased.
"Is that a problem?" Licia replied.
"No, do as you like. By the way, Ren, have you seen Vane?"
"I saw him heading toward the second floor a moment ago."
"Thanks. I’ll go find him. Don't be late for class, you two."
Sera started to walk away but paused and turned back. "In May, the selection trials for the Lion King Grand Festival start, right?"
"Yes, what about it?"
"What do you mean? You two are entering, right? Surely you're both aiming to be the Martial Arts Tournament Representatives?"
"Actually, Ren and I aren't entering."
"Wh-Why!? I was looking forward to testing myself against the two of you!"
Once they explained the situation with the committee, Sera finally nodded in understanding. For students participating in the competitions, the Executive Committee members were people to be thanked, not questioned. Sera gave them a small bow.
"Well, the swordcraft classes start soon, so I’m looking forward to that at least."
In the Special Merit Class, students had a high degree of freedom in their curriculum. They could choose from a wider range of subjects than regular students and focus on the areas they wanted to develop, provided they met their core credits. For Sera, the swordcraft class was the highlight of the semester.
"We should head to our room," Licia said.
"Right."
Ren talked about the committee with Licia as they walked. By noon, the recruitment period closed. As expected, the committee consisted of five members—but given their combined talents, Ren knew they had nothing to worry about.