Though the sudden voice caught him off guard, Ren didn't let a hint of surprise show as he replied.
"Senior Leonard?"
"Yo! I spotted you, Ashton, so I figured I’d say hi! What brings you to a place like this?"
"I just finished a pleasant lunch, so I was soaking up the sun to recharge for the afternoon classes."
Upon hearing Ren’s leisurely answer, Kaito stepped over to his side and began gazing out the window, just as Ren was doing.
He let out a yawn, enticed by the warm, cheerful weather.
"The representative selection will be starting soon, won't it?"
Ren spoke while looking at Kaito’s profile, recalling the gossip he'd overheard from students in the hallway.
However, Kaito didn't seem as excited as one might expect.
On the contrary, he gave a response that looked far beyond the immediate trials.
"Yeah... but neither you nor the Saint are participating. I guess I’ve just got to look forward to the main tournament, where I can fight students from other schools or Vane and the others."
"Are you not looking forward to the selection matches within the academy?"
"...I'm the heir to an Archduke family, for better or worse."
Kaito spoke with a touch of hesitation, offering an apologetic smile.
Personally, he had no desire to speak in a way that belittled his fellow students, but as a member of the Leonard family, he was acutely aware of his own strength and the responsibilities that came with it.
That awareness was likely what made the words difficult to say.
"So, you feel like you won't find a satisfying challenge even here at the academy?"
"Regardless of the finer details, I was raised as the heir of the Leonard family. Because of that, I can't afford to lose to anyone here."
"Well... I suppose that’s true."
It was the pride and conviction of a member of the Leonard family, one of the Seven Great Archduke Families.
In his world, losing to boys and girls of his own age was simply not an option.
"Anyway, to change the subject, did you know there's another person from an Archduke family in my class, Ashton?"
Assuming he was referring to the second-year Special Merit Class, Ren nodded.
"The young lady, right? I heard she’s quite fond of Vane."
"Yeah. Aside from Vane and Riohalde, she’s a powerhouse. Give her a bow, and even I’d have a hard time closing the distance."
Ren listened to Kaito’s explanation in silence.
"But still, at the end of the day, I really want to clash with sword and shield..."
The representative selection for every event was conducted in several stages.
While the specific criteria varied by discipline, the system ultimately involved a round-robin format where participants competed for points, with the top scorers chosen as representatives.
Ren could easily imagine Vane, Sera, and Kaito becoming the final representatives. In fact, he was certain of it.
"You'll get to fight in both the selection matches and the main tournament, so isn't that enough?"
"Don't be so cold..."
"E-Eh..."
With a heavy sigh, Kaito stepped away from Ren’s side.
He let out a slightly dejected sound, though it seemed to be for a reason other than missing out on a fight with Ren.
"I’ve got to get ready for the next class. I’m right on the edge of failing marks, so I’d better head off. See ya later!"
Once Ren parted ways with Kaito, the voices of other students filled the air again.
The halls were buzzing with predictions that the representatives would undoubtedly be Kaito, Vane, Sera, and the daughter of the Archduke family from the second year.
(—Ah.)
He spotted two of his classmates through the window.
Vane and Sera were heading toward the Training Ground in high spirits. They were off to the swordsmanship class that Ren and Licia were exempt from.
Judging by their pace, they were eager to use the lesson as a springboard for the representative selection.
"I should probably get going too."
Ren lifted his elbows from the window frame, gave a light stretch, and started walking.
Since Licia had mentioned she would meet him later, Ren headed toward the Academy Library alone.
"Ren-kun!"
It was Fiona’s voice. She was coming down from the floor above.
They met on the stair landing.
"Are you going to the library now?"
"That was the plan. It looks like you are too, Lady Fiona."
"Yes! If you like, um... would it be alright if I joined you?"
"That’s fine, but are you sure? If we’re seen walking together, people might start those strange rumors about political factions again."
"No! It’s fine! I don't really mind the rumors—I mean, that's not what I meant!"
Fiona spoke with more force than usual.
"Haven't you noticed, Ren-kun? In this academy lately, perhaps because of everything that’s been happening, many students are looking past factions to form real friendships. So, it will be fine for us too!"
"I-I understand."
Swept up by her enthusiasm, Ren nodded and began walking alongside her. Occasionally, other students cast curious glances their way.
With the representative selection for the Lion King Grand Festival so close, everyone seemed more observant than usual.
"When I went to the Staff Room just now, the faculty spoke to me about our work on the executive committee."
"Did they have anything to say about there only being five of us?"
"Fufu, no. They said this year’s committee members are more reliable than their numbers suggest."
For these five, their administrative skills and general competence were on a level incomparable to the average student.
Radius and Mirei were already superior to veteran civil officials, and Fiona had been personally groomed by the formidable Marquis Ignat.
Even Ren and Licia held their own alongside the other three.
It was only natural that the teachers felt no anxiety whatsoever. With Radius serving as the Chairperson and Mirei as Vice-Chair, the committee’s leadership was beyond reproach.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
"This is for everyone. It’s from the academy."
After school, the group gathered in the room they had finished cleaning just the day before. Radius addressed them all.
He gestured toward a small wooden box on the table, indicating they should each take one.
"The mark of an Executive Committee Member, I assume?"
"Precisely. From today onward, you are required to wear these while performing your duties."
The armbands inside weren't emblazoned with the words "Executive Committee Member" in large letters, but they bore a specific embroidered crest that made their role clear to anyone who saw it.
The four of them began fastening the armbands to their uniforms as Radius continued.
"By regulation, we are mandated to wear these during all official activities. They weren't necessary until today, but consider them essential now that the representative selection has begun."
Ren muttered, "I see," as he finished pinning his on.
Catching his reflection in the window glass, he realized that even this small addition changed his appearance significantly.
"Ooh, this suddenly makes it feel official."
"I agree. Now then, while you four have assisted with the preparations so far, the real work starts today. Let’s divide the tasks."
Radius had already organized the day's assignments.
"I will be making the rounds at the selection matches to handle paperwork and coordinate with the faculty. I’d like you three to organize the data for the upcoming events and review the materials we’ll need to distribute upon our return."
"Understood. By the way, what should we do about the committee room the academy assigned us?"
"I’ve decided to leave the operations there to Mirei. Ren, I’d like you to occasionally move between here and Mirei’s office to keep us updated on the situation."
"Got it. Roger that."
"I’m counting on you. Now then—does anyone else have questions?"
Licia and Fiona seemed satisfied, leaving the rest to Ren.
Once he saw that everyone was clear on their roles, Radius took Mirei and left the room.
The three remaining members immediately set to work as instructed.
Documents were already piled high on the large table in the center of the room.
Shortly after they began, the sounds of students shouting and cheering drifted in through the window. Even from inside, it was clear the representative selection was already in full swing.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Several days had passed since they first donned their armbands.
Amidst the hectic schedule, there came a day when Ren and Radius went on patrol together.
Since tensions occasionally ran too high among the students, the committee members were required to patrol the grounds just like the faculty.
"Ren."
Radius spoke up abruptly.
They were walking down a hallway, listening to the various sounds of competition echoing from the grounds and the classrooms.
"Whenever I leave the Imperial Capital on official business, a Strong Sword User is always at my side. Even though I am here as a mere student now, what do you think about having a Strong Sword User accompanying me like this?"
"If you're asking for my thoughts, I'm just a guy who happens to be a Strong Sword User. It doesn't feel like anything special."
"Well, I’m relying on you regardless. If a student gets a bit too carried away, I’ll need you to step in."
"How exactly should I 'step in'?"
"If necessary, I don't mind if you use your skills to silence them. That’s what several teachers told me when I asked."
For instance, fights frequently broke out among those competing for a spot in the martial arts tournament. If they refused to listen to reason, the committee was authorized to use a bit of force to settle things.
(I guess brute force is on the table, surprisingly.)
Ren gave a wry smile.
"Did you think that sounded a bit more aggressive than expected?"
Radius laughed, having sensed Ren’s internal reaction.
"A little, yeah."
"I think so too, but if a student crosses the line, we have to do what's necessary."
"I’ll pray it doesn't come to that."
"As will I."
As they continued their patrol, the two of them stepped outside.
"Oh."
Ren noticed something while looking toward a section of the schoolyard.
A crowd had gathered where the martial arts selection matches were being held. The spectators were letting out thunderous cheers.
"Want to go take a closer look?"
"It’s fine. I can see well enough from here."
Watching from the edge of the crowd, he saw Vane win a match against an upperclassman. Looking closer, he spotted Sera and Kaito among the onlookers, both smiling and clapping for Vane’s victory.
Ren sat down on a nearby bench to watch them for a moment.
Following his lead, Radius sat down beside him.
(I wonder when Vane’s awakening event is supposed to happen now.)
The idle thought came from the fact that Ren had already changed so much of the original story.
Since Fiona was safe, the possibility of Marquis Ignat losing control was practically zero. The only remnant of Asval was the horn Ren had brought back himself.
Therefore, the opportunity for Vane to awaken on Mount Baldur would never come.
(The Lion King Grand Festival serves as a similar turning point anyway, so it should be fine. He’ll awaken somewhere.)
Ren hadn't taken away those opportunities out of spite, so he didn't dwell on it too much.
As he watched the selection matches with various thoughts swirling in his head, Radius spoke.
"...It doesn't look like you're watching because you want to join in yourself."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Don't you realize? You look very happy right now, Ren. And yet, strangely, you don't look like someone who wishes he was down there competing. It made me curious."
"Ah—"
Ren leaned back against the bench, resting his elbow on the backrest in a relaxed posture.
"Doesn't doing this feel fun to you?"
"What exactly do you mean by 'doing this'?"
"Working behind the scenes of the festival. I actually quite like this—patrolling while everyone else is giving it their all, knowing we’ve got to head back and tackle that paperwork later. It feels good."
In contrast to Ren’s ease, Radius crossed his arms with a thoughtful expression.
He glanced at Ren, trying to process the sentiment.
In the end, he couldn't find the right words to describe it.
"Think about it. We’re under this beautiful madder-red sky, watching everyone have the time of their lives. Even the teachers are watching from the windows over there."
"Y-Yeah... that’s true. But we aren't really part of the festival, are we?"
"That’s exactly what’s so good about it. We’re in a unique position where we can enjoy things most students can't—like staying late at the academy to get work done together."
Radius looked around once more.
The schoolyard was filled with a vibrant energy that was absent during normal school hours. The bustle visible through the school windows was the same. The way the students were bonding and laughing, looking happier than usual, was a captivating sight.
"...This is the first time I’ve ever done this kind of support work."
"And? What do you think?"
At that, Radius broke his formal posture and, rare for him, slumped back slightly.
Even so, he possessed an innate elegance that, combined with his striking features, gave off an undeniable charm.
"It’s not bad."
Seeing the boyish smile on Radius’s face—a smile that suited his age—Ren grinned back.
As the two of them shared a brief moment of rest, a voice called out.
"E-Excuse me!"
Seeing the frantic state of the female student running toward them, Ren and Radius immediately stood up.
She spoke before she could even catch her breath.
"There's a fight breaking out at the Training Ground! I was going to find a teacher, but I saw you two on the way...!"
"...The Training Ground is where the students are preparing for the martial arts matches," Radius noted.
As they stood up, Mirei arrived from another direction.
She seemed to have her own business to attend to.
"Highness, I was looking for you for a consultation—Nya-nya? Did something happen, nya?"
Realizing that a long explanation would be a waste of time, Ren turned to Radius. "I’ll go handle it. Radius, you take care of things on this end."
"Are you sure?"
"Probably. If I can't handle it, I’ll call for help. I'm sure a teacher will show up eventually anyway."
Ren took off at a run, heading straight for the Training Ground.