I pointed at her to indicate I was really furious with her, but it seems the bastard in front thinks I pointed at him.
He started shouting nonsense and once again they wanted to open fire, so I grabbed my club and quickly lunged at a pirate on the left. Instead of destroying his head, I went for his torso. The blow was light but strong enough to flip over a bus.
The pirate flew out after the impact, then I went for the others. The bastard with the saw was thrown upwards, but I'm smarter.
With the same motion, I struck two pirates who weren't flying yet; they flew straight to the stern. Then I ignited the thrusters and flew after him. The other pirates moved away from me, wanting to look for an opportunity, but I won't give them one.
I quickly approached the bastard and with a feint made him think I was behind him.
I heard his words of astonishment before kicking him toward the ship's deck floor.
"Impossible!! My Ozymandias is of the Lessar class, the fastest of the—"
Before he could finish speaking, I kicked him so hard that in seconds he slammed into Brynhilt.
I descended after that. The pirates were fleeing from me; it seems the flames had been extinguished at some point. Upon reaching the deck, I put my foot on the bastard and spoke to him.
"You, human scum, committed the worst mistake you could have made in your miserable lives. You sought my wrath!"
After my short, grand victory speech, the bastard screamed as a last resort.
"Faldeus!!!! Use the cannons!!! It doesn't matter if you hit me, but sink this son of a biiiiiiiitch!"
Wow, it seems this scum has some real guts. But guess what? Rudel van Bradford is a man who never enters a battle he can't win, whether with tricks or without them.
I removed my foot from the trash and watched as the pirate ships had a magic circle on their cannons. The generic crest this time was a cross in the shape of swords. The magic circle grew larger and larger.
All the cannons were aimed at me. It seems there are more types of magic than just the 4 basic elements. Is it only this country that uses them, or is it artificial magic? The cannons glowed, ready to fire. Then I just said two words when various colored rays struck my direction.
"Ixion. Shields."
A large rainbow-colored honeycomb appeared in the air, no—to be more precise, it appeared from a tower that was hidden on the airship.
The colored rays impacted Brynhilt strongly, but the attacks were repelled to the sides, hitting the sea and a few floating islands. There were no people there, so it didn't matter if they suffered damage, except for the ecosystem and fauna. It's not a great loss for me.
After the attack ceased, the colored smoke dispersed. The pirates screamed upon seeing how the ship was intact. The pirate I had under me was the only voice I cared about.
"I-impossible!? Something like resisting an attack of pure, concentrated aether is illogical! Son of a bitch, who are you!?"
I didn't respond to his barbaric question. Instead, I did something much better. I lifted him up by grabbing one of his feet, and then, I slammed him against the floor.
The sound was so loud that his left arm came off. He spoke again.
"You... miserable, do you know who I am? I am the greatest threat to this country! I am the most feared pirate captain in the skies! I am the one who made the Republic itself feel terror! I am—"
Because it's a pain to listen to him, I slammed him against the floor once more, and then another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another, and another time! Until I got bored of doing it.
After finishing hitting him—well, one more and that's it—I slammed him against the floor again, and this time I stopped... well, one last one and I really mean I'm done. I hit him again, ending with him flipping onto his front. This guy's armed unit was wrecked; it looked like a car after a NASCAR accident.
A strange orange liquid was coming out of his armed unit. Since I'm done playing with him, I'll now go after the other naughty children. ☆
I directed my gaze toward them. The bastards seemed to want to escape, but no, I won't let them escape.
The moment they seemed to retreat, I executed my move first.
I released the extension for flying from my back, then pressed a button. From Battler's back, legs, arms, and chest, hatches opened. They were hidden missiles, the explosive tips peeking out. I was terrified when I found out a few days ago there were things like this inside, but according to Ixion, they weren't dangerous.
Then, with a slow, childish motion, I pressed the button.
The instant I did, the missiles, which looked like wine bottles, shot out. The target was the air around all the enemies, so they would be safe, but they would still suffer my wrath.
The missiles exploded two meters away from the mobile knights, while those on small ships received the explosion ten meters away. Finally, the ships received the explosion in the rear area, where the engine—the plasma tree—was located.
I watched as, little by little, the missiles hit, and remains of ships, armed units, and mobile knights fell like flies. The sound of the explosions reminded me of a summer festival, only the sound was a hundred times more powerful. That's when I found the situation laughable.
These pirates; these guys who a few minutes ago tried to destroy me, who damaged my ship, who threw me into intense despair, were falling defeated just because I got serious. It reminded me of when I defeated Klein and the prince. I feel good. It feels absolutely incredible to crush those who think they have power, but life's obstacle—that is to say, me—is the one who destroyed their illusions and dreams as if they were crystal. It feels very good. Why did I have to endure this for so long?
In my previous life, I succumbed to others. They used me to bring them things or pay for their lunches. School and college were horrible; I wanted to run away. I remember how I got sick a few days before entering. Upon entering several days after the entrance ceremony, I realized the groups had already formed: the popular ones, the unpopular ones, the weird ones, the athletes, the slutty girls, the gloomy ones, and even the friendless ones. Only I was in a corner, passing days, months, and even until graduation. Not a single person said goodbye to me.
It hurt. My heart ached from being alone. That's why, in this new life, I was happy. Meeting Alisa and Ai—Irisdina had made me feel joy. But... she betrayed me!! She lured me here so these imbeciles could hurt me! Unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, unforgivable, she is utterly unforgivable!!
In this country, women are held in very high esteem due to a ridiculous prophecy. That's why the government lowers taxes for all commoners and nobles for each daughter they have. If a woman commits a crime, whether theft, lying, extortion, or even murder, she would go unpunished due to the ridiculous belief they hold.
That's why it doesn't matter if I report her to receive her punishment; I would be harmed, and even more so if I wanted to take justice into my own hands. Maybe I would receive the death penalty just for taking revenge. That's why I'll take it out on these bastards.
My laughter was so loud that even Ixion became worried about me.
"Master, I notice your mood has improved, but your hormone levels are fluctuating. I recommend taking pills to lower them a bit—"
"Shut up."
I silenced Ixion before he could keep talking nonsense.
"I don't need medicine or anything. I'm fine. In fact, I've never felt so good before. I feel like I've taken a weight off my shoulders. Being able to show my true self is fabulous!"
"Is that so?" Ixion's voice sounded strange. I paid it no mind and kept watching the spectacle. Only the main ship, the flagship, remained.
The wretch tried to flee, but I won't allow it. I was about to go after them when I heard a strange sound. It was as if someone had burped into a tuba. It was a horrible sound for any human eardrum.
From somewhere, a large number of magical beasts came. It's weird to see something like that.
I immediately told Ixion to analyze what was happening. After a few seconds, more monsters gathered. Ixion finished by the time the horrendous creatures had almost completely covered the sky around the pirate flagship.
"Master, it appears those monsters are gathered by the sound. For some reason I don't know, that sound influences their brainwaves through some encrypted command."
"..."
Because I didn't say anything, Ixion got annoyed and gave me a quick, short summary.
"The sound brainwashes the monsters and turns them into its slaves."
"Oh, I see, I understand. Why don't you speak simply and easy to understand like that?"
"If I did, you would never improve your poor vocabulary."
I wanted to throw him overboard, but this is more important.
I directed all my concentration on the hundreds of floating monsters. I no longer had missiles, so it would be impossible to finish them all off... of course, if I were someone without a trick up my sleeve.
Immediately, I ordered Ixion to do something crazy.
"I want you to make the chest reactor go into overload! I'll use its energy to finish them all off in one blow!"
Ixion once again fell silent before speaking.
"Are you sure this is alright?" said the electronic voice. "There's no risk of death for you thanks to me. But... it's an idea unbecoming of you, Master." The electronic voice sounded worried about my sudden and crazy idea. I don't blame him. What's happening is that I'm really irritated. I want to sleep, I want to eat, but above all...
I suddenly directed my vision towards a certain person who was kneeling on the ship's deck. She was the only woman present. Just seeing her filled me with anger and other unpronounceable emotions.
◇◇◇
Inside Battler, Ixion didn't notice that Rudel's skull had mysterious purple veins that were slowly enveloping his entire head. The veins pulsed like a living being, and on the back of Rudel's neck, there was a strange parasite sending horrible thoughts to his subconscious.
—She deceived me.
—Yes, she was my friend. Why did she deceive me?
—Was her real goal all this time to destroy me? In that case, she's not my friend, she's my enemy!
That same creature had been making Airi feel worse than she already was since she boarded Brynhilt. For some reason, Ixion couldn't detect it, so it did its thing with Airi and now Rudel. That thing, that being, was slowly turning Rudel back to his original villainous form.
Nothing and no one could know what was happening, much less prevent it. Rudel was being forced to return to being a villain for the good of the world, for the good of Liam, and mainly for the good of the plot.
The true villain, Rudel van Bradford, had just awakened.
◇
I stopped looking at her and directed my gaze toward the enemy.
The monsters seemed ready to attack at any moment. Ixion finished the preparations.
"Master, the safety measures are ready. You just need to turn the knob on your left to channel the energy and press the button on your right to begin the attack."
I thanked him for that. Now to end this problem.
I did as Ixion instructed. I turned the knob, and the center of Battler began to glow. An intense crimson color emanated from its chest. The light shone brighter each second until it seemed like a large circle.
I aimed at the monsters and then pressed the button.
A huge *zuum* sounded, and a gigantic laser ray shot out. In less than a minute, the laser ray hit the monsters, turning them to ashes upon contact.
I slowly moved the right joystick to turn the body and thus eliminate them.
It was a marvelous sight. A huge red ray turned a hundred monsters to ashes. They didn't flee because the sound kept playing, but when it reached the halfway point, it stopped, and the pirate flagship slowly turned around.
I didn't let it escape. I redirected the ray toward the sails, and they disintegrated. Then I moved it to the rear, where it exploded on contact, destroying almost half of the pirate ship, which was as large as a cruise ship.
It exploded like a balloon.
It was a refreshing sight. It was all over now. The pirates were defeated.
I ordered Ixion to send drones and robots to rescue them so they wouldn't die or try to escape... Now that I think about it, if there are strange magical beasts that float like fish, why aren't there monsters or sea creatures? There are fish in the rivers of the floating islands, but in the sea, there isn't a single one?
This world gets weirder and weirder. Better to stop thinking about it.
I watched as the drones broke the burning ships wrecked in the sea, pulling out pirates, either one or two at a time, held by ropes they had.
The pirates floating in the debris were grabbed, brought onto lifeboats, and handcuffed on both limbs.
I looked back at the bastard with the saw. He no longer had it, but I don't know his name, and I don't care. It seems Battler has run out of energy. Before it shut down, I roughly opened the wrecked chest of his mobile knight.
Upon opening it, I could observe the bastard who annoyed me for almost an hour.
He had unhealthy brown skin, strange blue hair and beard that didn't match his skin, missing teeth that were also yellow, thin arms contrary to his beer belly. He was very wounded at a glance.
I opened the front hatch of Battler to get out. Just as I exited, my resilient companion shut down from lack of energy. I climbed down and gave him some words of thanks.
"Thank you very much for enduring so much and protecting me. I'll have Ixion give you the best repairs."
After finishing thanking him, I walked toward the bastard.
He was lying on the floor since I threw him before getting out. I looked at him just to give him some final words.
"You brought this upon yourselves. If you hadn't bothered me, you would still be destroying or stealing around there. But you sought the wrath of the wrong person."
There was no response. Let's continue.
"You don't need to tell me who sent or hired you. I know who did it, and I'll make sure they pay for this."
Obviously, the person who planned this was Irisdina. There's no other explanation.
The bastard raised his hand, trying to tell me something. I ignored him and instead concentrated on his hand.
He had a ring.
I whistled at that gem.
"Well, well, what do we have here? That's a very precious ring you have there."
On his index finger, he wore a ring; the rim around it was gold, while the center was red. It seemed to have a black dot. It was almost similar to an eye. I don't understand how, but I find it somehow charming.
I tried to take it.
His thin, dirty hand had a very resistant finger, so I opted for the simplest and most humane solution.
I broke his finger.
After breaking it, he screamed like a coward. The finger was obviously twisted backward, making it easier to remove.
It looks very expensive and ancient. Could it be a lost item? No, I think the term here would be more like lost treasure. It gave it a unique touch.
I examined the ring as if I were a specialist.
"It's really very beautiful."
The bastard's hand tried to reach for it. He couldn't achieve it; not only because of the distance but also because I wouldn't allow it.
Again, I performed a very humane and affectionate act.
I lifted my right foot after getting close enough and stomped on his face repeatedly as if he were a cockroach.
"Hey, come on, you're the famous whatever. Do something, defend yourself, come on. Defend yourself, come on!!"
◇◇◇
Airi was watching Battler since it arrived on the deck.
Her heart suffered when she thought Rudel had died, then it suffered even more when a pirate took her prisoner and she thought it would be her end.
Before closing her eyes to think it was a dream, a hand destroyed the head of the pirate holding her, then began to crush others.
She was glad to see that Rudel was okay, but something weird happened. A hand emerged from Battler from among the flames, pointing at the pirate. For some reason, she thought that hand was pointing at her.
Rudel emerged from the flames and began his attack on the pirates.
She had various thoughts about that.
(This is wrong. This is wrong.)
(That is not Rudel-san. The Rudel-san I know is a good person. He has never abused his power against others.)
(Sometimes he was rude to others and even hostile... but this is not something Rudel would do.)
Airi watched as Battler, which had defeated the pirate with the shark fin, was now slamming him multiple times against the floor.
A chill ran down her back as she watched Battler, an armed unit she had called cute, firing missiles at the pirate ships.
Rudel was laughing like a madman because the mobile knights and ships fell destroyed into the sea.
The blue color was turning red, not because there was blood, but because of the flames reflected in the sea.
(No. This is not Rudel-san. He is not the kind of person who enjoys torturing others.)
Airi's mind recalled a certain incident—when Rudel defeated Klein. He acted intimidatingly toward a human being using an armed unit.
Airi didn't understand why Rudel acted like that.
Now he was kicking the pirate in the face.
(Stop.)
(Stop it.)
(Rudel-san, you are not like this.)
(Please stop.)
Airi, trembling, stood up. Her legs wanted to give way from fear. She wanted to go to Rudel to stop him.
Suddenly, Rudel stopped. His foot was covered in blood, and he wiped it on the man's body.
He stood firm and walked toward Airi. She was scared for a moment, but her gaze calmed after seeing Rudel's smiling face.
(That's good. His kind and gentle smile is still there.)
(I'll apologize to him immediately.)
Rudel was two meters away from her.
Airi called him with a joyful smile on her face.
"Rudel-san, I'm really sorry. I didn't know something like this was going to—"
Airi suddenly stopped.
Her smiling face slowly began to show an expression of panic.
The reason was Rudel.
Rudel's face slowly changed from a smile to that of an ogre.
His face was originally scary, but his gaze and mouth were making an expression of disgust. As if he were looking at the person he despised most in this world.
Airi trembled upon seeing the face she never thought she'd see on the person who became her first friend.
(Please, stop.)
(Of all people, please, not you.)
(Don't make the same face they made when they looked at me.)
Airi remembered her childhood. For using magic as a commoner, she suffered looks of disapproval from the people in her village.
That tormented her for many years until she left there and met two people who accepted her after discovering her secret.
Except that right now, one of those people was giving her a look of disgust, as if there were excrement in her path.
Rudel reached where Airi was and passed by her as if she were air, purposely bumping into her.
After bumping into her, he said some words.
"Don't come near me again. Dirty half-breed."
At that moment, Airi's heart broke. Her legs gave out, and tears flowed like waterfalls.
Rudel walked away without even paying attention to the heart-wrenching cry of pain heard behind him.
On that day, a friendship broke like glass.
◇◇◇
After defeating the pirates, Rudel freed Chlust and the others. The reason for doing so wasn't just that there was no danger, but also that they would feel bad for not having done anything.
Chlust was stacking the weapons collected by the robots, storing them inside Battler.
He was looking at the result of Rudel's battle against the pirates. His subordinates were doing the same work or stacking the captured pirates.
Chlust recognized the pirate flag, which was mostly burned. They were the blue-bearded pirates, the greatest threat to date in the Kingdom of Altfode.
His father had told him about them. Chlust didn't know what expression to make upon seeing the captain, who was known for being cunning and winning against numerically superior fleets from the Kingdom.
All the ships, mobile knights, and pirates had been defeated by a single man.
His heart was shattered. The man who defeated him, the one he had beaten and considered a lucky victory, had demonstrated that his power was genuine.
For the first time in his life, Chlust felt impotence and weakness. He didn't want Liam or Frey to see him, so after going back inside to leave the weapons, he began to cry.
◇
I defeated the pirates and was thinking about what to do with them. Fortunately for me and unfortunately for them.
In this world, slavery exists. Thanks to some treaty or another, slaves are those who have been taken as prisoners, whether criminals or innocent. Nobles buy slaves; in fact, they foster the highest percentage of buying and selling, thus generating demand.
That's because this was a disgusting fantasy world. In my world, it would be the same as buying drugs—I say that because there is also a black market. In said market, people gather who desire items that cannot be obtained in broad daylight.
The Kingdom knows it, the Royal Palace knows it, and they do nothing. That's why I compare it to drugs. I was going to use that same system, so I don't criticize them; I just talk about them because they disgust me. Well, they deserve it for trying to kill me.
I was thinking about what to tell the palace regarding Irisdina conspiring with them when Ixion handed me a letter.
It was a little burned, but it could be reproduced thanks to the super technology I have.
The letter was from a certain Rossini to a certain Sellzan. It talked about how he requested that I be killed on the orders of someone who wasn't named.
I thought that with the bribe I made to the palace, there wouldn't be idiots trying to do something like that. I was wrong. I seem to have enemies there. I'll destroy them.
I received a message from Ixion a few moments ago; apparently, a fleet of ships from the palace and the Bismarck house were approaching. This is very good. I'll hand over the pirates to them; I don't want them. Besides...
I took a glance at my new ring, which I obtained after kicking the saw pirate's ass. Found treasures were mine, so I need space for them.
I could see that the sent fleet was thirty meters away.
◇
I was suddenly slapped.
It was Alisa who did it.
When the ships arrived, they sent boats to come see the situation. She was on the first boat that arrived. I tried to greet her, but she ignored me and ran directly toward Irisdina, who was inside her room.
I spoke with a soldier who came with her; I told him everything that happened. Obviously, he didn't believe me until he saw the face of the saw bastard.
Then he ran to a superior officer to tell him everything. After a while of watching them talk, I noticed Alisa had returned. Before greeting her...
She slapped me really hard. The blow left me a little dismayed about what happened.
Why did she do it?
I imagine what lies that girl must have told her, but this is going too far.
She scolded me after that.
"You are the worst! Making a girl cry and treating her as if she were a worm! You can be angry, but that doesn't give you the right to be a jerk!!"
I don't understand. You are my friend, unlike that woman who brought me into this deadly trap. Why are you against me and trying to blame me?
—She was always like that.
It's true.
—I let her come to my island and use my hot springs as she pleased.
I don't understand why you hit me when I'm a victim.
—She never treated me as her friend; she always treated me less than a human and more like an animal, as if I were a...
"Dog."
My anger returned once more, and that slipped out, but I didn't care.
The woman in front of me is the daughter of an Archduke, and I am a mere country Baron. If I try to be hostile, I'm dead.
Looking at her face, I noticed she was very annoyed.
But I am more.
I had forgotten.
She is an aristocrat, and I am a noble.
Our worlds are different environments.
As a child, she went to elegant parties while I collected cow dung with my hands to live.
She ate luxurious and expensive foods while I barely ate something that could be said to be edible.
Alisa, no, Alicelotte was the kind of woman I hated.
She kept yelling at me even after seeing my angry face.
"Why don't you say anything? Don't stay silent like a fool with that expression written on your face!"
That was what irritated me the most.
"Do you prefer that I have an attractive face like your fiancé's? I'm sorry, I forgot. He deceived you because you must have annoyed him with your stupid complaints." —I responded with what hurt her most so she would understand how I felt.
When it seemed she was going to raise her hand to hit me again, I stopped her firmly.
She tried to break free, but I grabbed her more tightly.
"Rudel! My arm hurts, let go, you idiot."
I leaned close to her ear so no one else would hear.
"I'm glad this happened. After all, you were right all along."
I didn't need a mirror to know I was smiling after a crushing victory.
"A despicable woman like you has no one around her. It must be horrible not to have a single friend and to take refuge with a commoner and a peasant."
"I hope your next fiancé doesn't do the same to you again, Alicelotte. Because I won't go to rescue your pitiful aristocratic ass."
After saying that, I released her arm and walked away from there.
I headed toward an officer who seemed to be in charge.
"I hand over all the loot, undamaged ships, and mobile knights to the Royal Palace. The only thing I won't hand over are the pirates. Maybe there's a bounty on their heads, or I'll sell them on the black market."
After finishing speaking with the man, I walked toward an entrance close to the interior of the ship to rest.
I opened the door, and after crossing, I gave one last look at the other woman I called a friend. Her face was looking at the floor, but the area around her feet had a transparent liquid that wasn't there before. I smiled victoriously again.
I closed the door and walked like a champion.
After a few steps, my vision became blurry.
My eyes were distorting what I saw.
Why?
My cheeks became warm from a wet sensation that seemed to fall from my eyes.
"Why am I crying? Don't fuck with me! Don't fuck with me!"
My legs collapsed for some strange reason too.
"Damn it. Why is this happening if I didn't do anything wrong? Shit, shit."
It wasn't just my cheeks that were wet; now a strange sound of pain came from within me.
My mouth opened on its own to release the sound.
"Damn it!! Why is this happening to me if I didn't do anything wrong, damn it! Stop crying, you fucking imbecile!!"
After saying that, I collapsed on the floor, crying and screaming as if I had made the worst decision of my life.
On that same day, another friendship broke.
◇
After being insulted by Rudel, Alisa returned to her family's ship, bringing Airi with her.
They were in Alisa's cabin. She was talking about what Rudel did while Airi was sitting on the bed with her head bowed as low as her body allowed.
"That idiot, no matter how angry he is, saying something like that to me is unforgivable. When we return, I'll scare him by telling him my father found out he yelled at me. What do you think, Airi?"
"Huh, Airi? What's wrong?"
Alisa called out worriedly to Airi. However, the response she received shattered her reality.
"Why do you only speak badly of him? What happened was my fault! I was the one who brought him here; he hates me now, and you scold him for that!"
"You said you were my friend, but you only drag me along to places you want to go! Both me and him, you only took us to places you couldn't go because they were too simple for you!"
"Why don't you blame me? Is it because you pity me? I don't want your pity if that means our friendship is just a master-pet relationship!"
Airi started crying and ran out of the room.
Alisa didn't stop her because what she said was true.
(I never went to places they wanted or did things they wanted; I only dragged them with me to where I wanted to go.)
Tears spilled from her rabbit-like eyes.
(You were right, Klein. I am nothing more than a brute woman.)
Alisa cried silently.
Airi ran away crying.
Rudel cried on the floor.
On that fateful day, a friendship collapsed.
Its foundations were nothing more than a lie.
And it was finally proven that the relationship between a man and a woman cannot become so close without being lovers or obtaining some benefit.
On that day, the game's story was also forcibly returned to its natural state.
◇
After returning to the Kingdom, I immediately headed to the Royal Palace.
I was going to give my report of what happened to an official, but suddenly a woman in armor said that my report had to be given to a person who urgently requested to meet with me.
The place was at the back of the palace. A large red door was in front. The female knight said to enter and be very respectful.
I don't think the King is behind there, is he?
I opened the door and greeted, although there was no response. Besides, the place was dark except for a light on a table in the distance.
This reminded me of a horror movie. I was scared to think that a ghost might come out and devour me. I know it's ridiculous, but my situation gave that sensation.
I was getting closer and closer to the table with the light. My image was clearer; there was a pile of documents on top of it obstructing the view.
"Welcome."
"Uwahh!!"
I screamed in terror because of the sudden voice that came from the pile of stacked documents.
"I'm sorry, I apologize for frightening you. I don't like disturbances, so I usually work in the Royal Library."
Upon hearing it was this place, I quickly looked around and noticed he was right. There were many books on immense bookshelves.
This is supposed to be the place where information about the country, personal or ancient things of the royal family, and important secret dealings were conducted and stored here. Who the hell was this person to have that authority?
His voice was soft and tired, so it couldn't be the King.
When I was about to ask who the mysterious person was, he performed a magic trick—no, seriously, he did.
"This place is too dark. Please let me illuminate it for a better conversation."
He clapped, and red magic circles with crests in the shape of flames appeared on the ceiling—no, they appeared on the candelabras. The lamp also had the same method of lighting, so it went out.
I averted my gaze from the candelabras to see that he was taking documents off a table. I decided to help him since the person in front of me seemed like an old man.
His hands were wrinkled and spotted with warts. He had two rings on his right hand, one on the ring finger and another on the index finger; both were gold.
His clothes were similar to Alisa's—Alicelotte's father, the only difference being that his pauldrons had decorative ornaments.
After putting all the documents on the floor, we sat face to face.
His face was old, with the feeling of being a pleasant grandfather. He also had warts on his face, three on his forehead that gave the appearance of a UFO.
The most characteristic feature of his face was that he had his eyes closed. He seemed to close them from tiredness, as he didn't give the impression of closing them from sleep or the intensity of the artificial light.
"Now then, please, Baron Bradford, give me your report."
I was about to ask him, "Who the hell are you?" when he dropped a bomb.
"Oh, I forgot. How foolish of me. Forgive me, but age is a fearsome enemy. I am Mayer von Ritzburg. Prime Minister of the Kingdom."
Immediately, I wanted to kneel upon hearing that.
Is he serious about what he said?
This old geezer—no, this person here in front of me is the person who is second only to the King and the one who convinced the other ministers not to harm me.
He stopped me before I threw myself to the floor.
"Please wait, Baron-dono. I called you for an unofficial meeting. There's no need to bow. Besides, I am only the Prime Minister, not His Majesty the King."
After listening, I returned to the seat, and he proceeded to speak.
"I'm sorry to have called you after your return. The officer in charge notified us of what happened. That's why I wanted to speak with you as soon as you arrived. Please, I ask you to tell me everything that happened from beginning to end."
I told him everything except for my threat to Irisdina and how I destroyed Alicelotte with my words.
Obviously, I explained that, according to the letter, it mentioned how he used a commoner as bait. Even if that's true, it doesn't change the fact that she manipulated me.
He became thoughtful for a while and then spoke.
"Baron-dono, I understand everything that happened. I am truly amazed at how you turned a disadvantaged situation into a crushing victory. As a patriot and Prime Minister, I am proud of you. If you were my son, I would make sure to find you the best future wife for a man like you."
His words seemed like flirting to me; it made me feel both strange and happy to hear it.
"Thank you very much. I did the best I could. I didn't want to kill them because they were a valuable asset for my future economy."
That's a dirty lie. If I told him I felt bad about killing someone, he probably would have imprisoned me for incompetence.
Better not talk about what I think.
Now that I've given my report, I wonder if he'll let me go home already?
I was about to tell him when...
"Baron-dono, I have a request for you. Would you mind listening to it?"
...He wanted to ask me something I couldn't refuse.
This man saved my ass. I would do anything for him, with the exception of handing over my little sister or my own ass.
"You see, I am a man who hates illegal things. My wife lost her life due to a crime I turned a blind eye to. I regret it every day. That's why I want to clean the filth from this country."
"Baron Rudel van Bradford-dono, would you like to help me clean the filth from our country?"
"Of course, this is like any job; you will receive a reward. Moreover, for your future, you can say you are an honorary member of my faction."
"Since you are not yet the head of your house, you cannot join a faction until you are promoted to one, or are engaged to a girl whose family is from a faction or your patron."
Wow, I didn't know that. I'm glad to know that in this world, things like social circles with benefits exist. Long live self-interest.
I gave him a smile with my terrifying face.
"I don't like the filth in this country, and I have a certain desire for revenge against that Rossini guy."
He also smiled.
"What a coincidence. I was just about to tell you to help me with that family. They are a family that has mysteriously risen to power. My job is to focus on state affairs for His Majesty the King. So worrying about nobles or aristocrats is not part of my job."
"My faction is very small; it only consists of people I fully trust. You, Baron, are someone who caught my interest. I doubted at first, but upon seeing how your desire for revenge against those who can hurt your loved ones is similar to mine."
That scared me.
How does he know I want to crush that Rossini, not for trying to kill me, but because he might go after my family after his failed assassination attempt!?
This man is terrifying. He saw through my lie with his eyes closed.
He seems like a person similar to the veteran accountant at the company where I worked as a slave.
With him, there would never be a missing transaction or payment to the workers because he would make sure the employees received their pay.
In the end, he was fired for not allowing the manager to take money.
I hope he is happy wherever he is.
Returning to the man.
"What do you want me to do, Prime Minister Ritzburg?"
"Please, call me Mayer."
"Of course. Mayer-san."
Then he told me some things. Every second I listened made my wicked smile grow. He also smiled happily, but his pleasant smile gave a true feeling of horror.
"Mayer-san, you are a fearsome man. I like you very much."
"Urara. I could say the same about you, Baron-dono. I would like to invite you for a cup of tea next time we meet."
"I would love that. If you'll excuse me, I'll go carry out your errand."
"Take your time."
With that said, I left the place, heading to Brynhilt, which still needed its paint replaced and destroyed wooden parts.
◇◇◇
The place was an enormous meadow of an estate. The residence was the Rossini house.
Astolfo von Rossini, a fifty-year-old man; he was tall, thin, with indigo hair and not at all healthy pale skin.
He was in the bathroom of his mansion with two girls; they were young, not to say they were minors compared to him.
There was a large bottle of champagne floating in the bathtub. He was having fun with the girls until suddenly a great tremor shook the house.
He shouted.
"Ayayaya!! What is happening here!?"
He got out of the bathtub, grabbed his bathrobe, and ran to a balcony, leaving the girls there scared.
Upon going out to the balcony, his robe wasn't properly tied, so his private parts were in view.
What he saw was...
"What is that strange ship with a dragon on the front!?"
...Rudel randomly attacking parts of his territory.
He shouted once more, bewildered.
"Who dares to attack the territory of Earl Rossini!? Don't they know who the patron of the faction I belong to is!?"
Astolfo shouted, speaking to the air. However, his words were somehow heard.
"Of course I know."
"You belong to the faction of a certain Marquis Cayne von Heivia, don't you?"
He observed Rudel, who was waving at him from the nose of the ship using his free hand that wasn't holding a megaphone.
"Your son, Archisorte von Rossini, and that guy have already been arrested. By the way, what a stupid and ridiculous name Archisorte is. Did you hate your son so much that you mocked him?"
Of course, Ixion was involved so that he could hear that. Another shot hit the residence; this time it was near the entrance.
Astolfo demanded to know what Rudel was doing.
"I will file a complaint with the Royal Palace for this abuse of private property! You will be imprisoned and executed!"
Of course, Rudel smiled terrifyingly at those words.
"That sounds fine. Let's talk."
Brynhilt stopped its attacks, and a boat descended with Rudel in it.
◇
In front of me was a strange man.
He was sweating coldly.
He adjusted his robe, which revealed his horrendous and small existence.
I handed him two letters; the first was about the pirates with his signature, and the other was one given to me by Mayer-san.
It talked about an illegal arms deal for his House. Plus, something secret that didn't make sense about sending spare parts to a place called the Talis Commonwealth.
The guy in front of me was sweating coldly because both letters had his signature.
I spoke to him affectionately to calm him down.
"Well, my Lord Earl? Do you still have any objections about why I'm doing this?"
The sun was setting because after leaving the palace, I headed toward the territory of that Heivia guy. His house was a fortress; they attacked me as soon as they saw me. I understood why he sent me.
This place is very hostile since it's near the border of the Archduchy Belmont, and it seems there is some hatred between the two.
It took time because I didn't want deaths, so I fired endless cannons until they surrendered. Then I went to a club of dubious reputation; I don't want to remember what I saw, so I'll have to read several children's stories to forget those things.
The son was the same as the father, only more cowardly. Kicking his ass made me feel good.
Back to this guy.
He spoke to me in a fearful and ignorant tone.
"Excuse me, Baron-dono, but I have no idea about something like this. I-I think there's a mistake here, and someone set me up. Yes, that's it. It's a trap, maybe from Archduke Belmont!!"
I don't know that guy, but even if it were true, I wouldn't allow this to end in a misunderstanding.
"I'm sorry you don't believe it, Rossini-san, but this is based on what the Prime Minister found out, and the other is what I experienced yesterday. Your signature is on both, so you have no choice but to accompany me to the palace to get to the bottom of this."
Suddenly, someone entered my line of sight. It was his daughter. The girl who bothered me a while ago.
It's impossible to forget her terrible indigo hair color, her unhealthy pale skin, and the freckles on her cheeks.
Her father noticed my gaze and, upon turning around, saw his daughter and ran toward her.
"Ophelia, what the hell did you do!?"
"Father, you see, I, it's that I, that guy, the person who asked me to, I..."
She was just babbling nonsense.
After laughing for a while watching the father hit his daughter, I proceeded to take both of them. I had many things to ask them.
◇
A week had passed since I invaded that guy's territory. It's been a very annoying week because he wasn't the only noble I had to go after.
Currently, I'm walking toward the palace with three guys with weird names: Keehl, Agrippa, and a certain Litchenstein or something like that. These guys also had very macabre things going on.
I stopped for a moment to see something that scared me.
They were the heads of certain individuals I caught; these had been cut off and placed on spears.
The face of that Rossini father had an expression that clearly indicated he suffered and cried before being liquidated.
That didn't matter to me at all. I didn't do anything wrong because the Prime Minister was the one in charge of sending them to their end.
Speaking of Rossini, his son was also there. Executing the current head and the successor was normal.
Deep in my heart, I'm glad that my father and Lyle have stopped doing things of dubious reputation thanks to me.
Since the father and son were sent to the same place, what happened to the daughter?
In this country, women have an almost untouchable social position. But if there is a crime like treason, terrorism, or the life of the Royal Family is in danger, that protection would be annulled, and she would be treated as a man.
I'm not a sadist, so I don't want to know what happened to her, but I heard the Holy Church gets involved in these cases. It's also thanks to them that women can become knights because, according to history, the Priestess left her disciples to watch over the world until calamity strikes again.
Truly a complete and false stupidity. If the church of this world is the same as in my previous life, these guys must be scammers. The real name should be the church of necessary evil.
Although, since I am a reincarnated person, I know there is life after death. Better not try to talk to them about that.
After leaving the criminals in the custody of a soldier, I headed toward Mayer-san's office. I knocked on the door, and someone came out; it wasn't him but...
"It seems that's all for today, Ritzburg-dono. Please think about what I told you... huh? May I know who this young man is?"
...A person from the Priestess's Sanctuary.
His clothes, like all, were pure white. He had gold crosses engraved on his shoulders, sleeves of the hands, center of the chest, a purple stole with golden edges and red crosses.
The most visible feature of him was his whale belly—I'm not exaggerating when I say that. It's a real whale belly; this guy isn't fat; he's obese!!
His belly is so big it looks like two pregnant women fused together. He had a double chin that made it look like he had two lips on his neck. He had gray hair, but he was obviously going bald; the hair was on the sides, and there was a ridiculous attempt to make it seem like he had hair since it was combed toward the center.
As if that weren't the last straw, he had several gold and silver rings on his fingers. His mouth was dirty with food, and the smell of fish and wine was very evident.
Really, what a fucking disgust it gave me to see him.
Mayer-san was the one spoke from his position without moving.
"This is Baron Bradford. He's the young man who helps me catch all the criminals who can't normally be touched."
Upon hearing my name, this obese man grabbed my hand with his hands and shook it up and down while talking to me, spitting his saliva. Cover yourself, pig.
"Ohh!! You are the man who brought us those donations and souls that need to be saved!"
I was just a fraction of a second away from saying, "What the hell are you talking about, obese cow?" when Mayer-san spoke for me.
"This person is the pontiff of the Sanctuary, Sarge van Archimong. His family is of Margrave rank and have been in the position for several generations."
The obese man stopped shaking my hand and turned to Mayer-san, speaking to him with a smile and a friendly voice.
"Please don't mention the rank of my house, Ritzburg-dono. In the Sanctuary, things like ranks or families are unpronounceable. We follow the doctrine of the Priestess. She specifically stated in the Holy Sacrament that using power instead of bloodshed was impregnable."
I noticed how Mayer-san's face gave the impression of saying, "Yeah, right." So I didn't do anything. Instead, I asked what he meant by donations and souls.
With a smile, he responded.
"The treasures you donated are sent to the Holy Church to support our cause."
Certainly, I donated part of the treasures to the palace and to the Bismarck family for bothering their daughter.
...Wait a minute!!
Are you telling me that this pig has the power to steal the kingdom's treasures for such trivial things!?
This is corruption at its filthiest!
Mayer-san, please send this pig to the guillotine.
Then he repulsed me even more with what he said next.
"The souls you sent were daughters or wives of the houses fallen into sin. Our job is to send them on the path of righteousness through prayers!!"
Why do you make a strange, morbid face when saying that last part!?
Irisdina hurt me, but I'm not so evil as to want to send her with this guy. If something like that happened, I wouldn't allow it because her punishment would be to live knowing she hurt me by calling herself my friend. And if she were sent... I think I would have no choice but to rescue her and then have Mayer-san give her a punishment.
Yes, that would be best...
Why am I thinking about that girl's well-being? I still have to keep the lies we shared together in my heart. I must forget that and concentrate on my life from now on.
The obese man left, saying goodbye, and I watched as his belly bounced when he walked. I'd rather see the large breasts of beautiful girls bouncing up and down than this.
I entered and closed the door, walking to the table where Mayer-san was.
I wanted to ask him what happened, but his face had an expression of disgust. It must be horrible to deal with people like that.
"I'm very sorry about that, Baron-dono. There are things that a Prime Minister and a man of principles like me, no matter how much power I have, are unattainable things."
I don't want to ask for details, so I'd better give my report.
After telling him what happened with those three, he sighed.
"I'm very glad to hear that, but with this, the remaining criminals will now be more cautious, since they are not only from outside but also from inside. There is a lot of filth in this country, and thanks to you, a small percentage is being cleaned. Again, thank you very much."
I felt honored and embarrassed by that because it couldn't be a charming grandmother who said that to avoid making me feel weird.
After a pause looking at the table, he asked me something that was obviously going to happen.
"I'm sorry to ask you this once again, Baron-dono, but would you listen to it?"
Without even thinking, I said, "Why not?"
He laughed, and I did too. His expression then became serious.
"Crime and smuggling will keep coming to this country. I don't know what those nobles want weapons for, but I know it must be something terrible. So it seems better to attack the root."
"The root?" I said.
"Who are the ones who bring in the contraband?"
The answer is obvious.
"Pirates."
His expression didn't change.
"Pirates roam like fish in the rivers around these parts. It's not strange to think that they supply them with weapons. We can't locate them... but you are someone who possesses the power not only to fight them but also to perhaps track them."
Please, don't hold me in such high esteem, although you're right. Thanks to Ixion, a super technology from antiquity, I can do almost anything.
I responded, "There's no problem, but what about the academy? I've already lost a week, and I don't know how long this took me." Instead, he responded with a grandfatherly, affectionate smile, "Don't worry about that. I'll send a letter to the director telling him to forgive you for doing my errands. Of course, you'll have to do your homework; education is important for a young man."
He really is a pleasant grandfather. I wish he were mine.
We talked a bit more, and I left there with several documents.
For the next two months, I didn't return to the academy because I dedicated myself to hunting pirates.
◇◇◇
This happened during the time Rudel was hunting nobles.
Chlust was in the academy's gym.
It was a place with equipment that was not at all modern, whose operation used magical power.
He had been there since they returned from the mission to defeat pirates.
He hadn't written to his father to inform him of what happened. He didn't do it because he would be embarrassed to say that a man physically weaker than him was capable of defeating a pirate fleet alone.
It was already night, and only he was there. The other students who were there had already gone to sleep.
Only he remained, exercising his body to forget what happened.
His mind only had this thought: "I am weak."
Rudel had left a great mark on him that couldn't be erased.
Suddenly, he dropped the weight he was using; a loud sound rang out.
The reason was that his muscles had surpassed the limit of pain.
He fell to the floor and couldn't breathe.
Everything he had in his head was about being inferior to Rudel.
Before his vision closed, he saw a small body quickly approaching him.
He could only see the orange hair of a girl with glasses before fainting.
◇◇◇
When he woke up, he observed that under his head there was a towel that served as a pillow.
He looked to the sides to find the person who must have helped him. It was already morning.
Upon standing up, he noticed that on the side, on top of an exercise machine, there were several sandwiches and an energy drink. There was also a letter that said...
"You did your best, so don't get discouraged ♡ I'm sure you went through frustrating times, but I know what kind of person you are and how quickly you will improve. With love, from a random girl."
...From an admirer.
That strange letter made Chlust feel happy and embarrassed inside. He grabbed a sandwich and, along with the energy drink, put both in his mouth.
He grabbed another sandwich and then another until they were gone.
Suddenly, tears came out, but this time it wasn't from sadness but from joy. It was the first time someone encouraged him not to give up.
His mind now thought this: "So... there is a guardian angel in this academy, huh?"
◇◇◇
Erselica was having breakfast after spending the whole night taking care of Chlust.
Her breakfast was eggs with bacon and a large glass of milk.
After taking a bite of egg with bacon, she put her hand on her cheek, making a sound of happiness.
Then she took a sip of milk, burping like a child. No one heard her because of the noise of the girls having breakfast.
"Breakfast is undoubtedly splendid. At home, I couldn't eat something this delicious because my father spent all the money on combat equipment."
Another bite.
"We're just a regular Viscount family. I know he wants to rise to an Earl, but don't spend the money from our daily expenses on armor and weapons!"
Now she took a sip of milk.
"The pirate subjugation event was supposed to involve the prince and that girl, but according to rumors, that wretch Rudel was the one who did it."
"With this, the southern island event that will come soon will be an unpleasant ending for the story."
Erselica's gaze went to a certain table. At that table was a girl with light blonde hair. Her breakfast hadn't been touched yet since the spoon was moving the soup with clumsy movements.
Suddenly, the girl stood up and left the cafeteria without even having breakfast.
"I can't count on that useless heroine... only I can intervene for the good of the plot."
Erselica didn't notice, but she was making a terrifying face with her smile.
"Before the semester ends, I must find that certain item on that island. If I do, that girl will be just an accessory with large udders."
Erselica's gaze suddenly went to the other girls—to be exact, it went to their breasts.
"Guhh~ why do these cows like to show off that pile of fat!? Breasts are nothing more than unnecessary accumulations of fat on the body; a good, slender figure is all that matters."
That's what she thought while touching her flat chest, though according to her, she had some, but in the eyes of others, she was as flat as a board.
After finishing eating, she got up, leaving the dirty plate there. The other girls did the same since the servants would take care of collecting them.
Upon leaving the cafeteria, she had only two thoughts.
"I need to force a bond with the prince and those two. I've already established contact and know their personalities and tastes, so I'll take advantage of this semester to become their friend."
Her fist clenched when thinking the following.
"Then there's the problem of that guy. He's destroying the story all the time. If I don't do something to stop him soon..."
Her steps stopped.
Once again, a macabre smile came to her face.
"I don't need to find how to destroy him. The people here hate him for hitting the prince and poor Klein."
Erselica was not only confused, but she also didn't know what really happened.
"I just need to ask for help from people who despise him and also force a few of his events. After all, it doesn't matter if he's not here; a despicable villain will always be in people's hearts."
With that thought in her head, in the two months Rudel was away, a lot of rumors and acts of vandalism were created at the academy, all in the name of Rudel van Bradford.
◇
These two months I spent hunting pirates were the worst.
I had to let people I don't know onto my ship. Many of them were criminals or criminals in disguise trying to buy me off. Of course, I threw them out and then captured them.
Leaving aside the undesirables, there were people from Mayer-san's faction, or from other factions who wanted to finish off the pirates or at least eliminate the families they hated.
I had to tell Ixion to redesign the interior to make it more elegant and refined. The rooms also had to be remodeled. I was really annoyed with this guy.
My client—or at least that's what I try to think he is—is a man with the surname Collbrande. He came with a letter from Mayer-san. I couldn't refuse. I want to go home. I stink; I haven't set foot on solid ground in a long time. A bunch of weird old men surround me. My clothes are only my usual combat uniform, and for days I haven't been able to reserve the explosive beauties boing-boing magazine edition #44.
I'm really annoyed. I feel like when those girls, those people I used to call my friends, betrayed or looked down on me.
Ixion notified me that there was a pirate ship in sight.
I was inside Battler so that weird old man wouldn't bother me with questions about whether I'm interested in his daughter.
"Master, pirate flag twenty meters ahead. With this, it would be thirty fleets we've destroyed this week."
I didn't respond since I didn't care. I want to go home.
The rear hatch opened, and I came out with the X-shaped thrusters. Ixion said he was working on some improvements, but they were still a prototype.
"I'm ten meters away; they can see me, so I'll start with my usual threat to—"
I was about to do my daily routine when that happened again. I hate it; I truly hate that.
The voices of the pirates could be heard through Battler's super ancient sonar.
"That ship... could it be...?"
"It has a dragon on the front; there's no doubt!"
"T-that's the infernal armed unit that defeated Sellzan; there's no mistake... that is—!"
Who the hell thought of...
"The noble pirate hunter!!"
...Calling me that!
(Seriously, guys, who the hell decided to call me that?)
(It's very embarrassing to be called that; I'm very ashamed. My face is terrifying, so it would look like I'm having a slight orgasm.)
(Really, shut up. You make me remember my battle against that greenish guy. I felt very embarrassed just hearing it.)
I covered my face with my hands to deny reality. Ixion called me.
"Master, stop wasting time; the pirates are escaping."
Just as he says, they were fleeing. I won't allow it for having embarrassed me!
Without much effort, I destroyed their ship and captured them. With this, it can be said that there are no more pirates or secret bandit bases or smugglers in the Kingdom.
I hope to be rewarded with a lot of money. Money is good; money makes people happy. I love money, especially if it's honest.
◇
It became night upon returning to the Royal Capital.
I was in Mayer-san's office talking about the hunt from the last week.
I returned from time to time to the Kingdom with the criminals so they could be tried and to give him my report.
"That ends my report. It seems all the criminal gangs have been captured or have fled. I also gave a powerful cannon to the nobles affiliated with you to sink their ships."
"I see. Your help has been a miracle for me, Baron, no, Rudel-kun."
He just called me "kun." I feel sad and happy to hear it. Sad because it's the first time someone says it to me, and it was from an old man and not a beautiful childhood friend.
Happy to be called that. But the feeling of sadness remains.
"By the way, Rudel-kun, a strange rumor related to you has reached my ears."
"Strange rumor?" I said with great curiosity.
"Yes, they are strange and impossible rumors about you committing acts of vandalism at the academy."
I was amazed by such a thing.
(Who could it have been?)
(I don't have—)
That's when I remembered something.
Who could benefit from ridiculing me?
The answer is simple: those two!!
The women who lied to me from the beginning: Alicelotte and Irisdina.
I have no proof, but I'm sure it was them.
I can't accuse either of them because they are women, especially since one is the daughter of an Archduke. It would be the same as denouncing a mobster without evidence.
Mayer-san noticed my doubtful expression and spoke to reassure me.
"Don't worry; I know they're just lies from students affiliated with the corrupt houses that we served."
"I will secretly conduct a search for this to catch whoever spread these lies."
It reassured me to hear that, but I doubt a Prime Minister can do anything against the daughter of an Archduke.
"Thank you. May I now withdraw to the academy?"
I've been away almost the entire semester; there are only weeks left until exams and spring vacation.
Hmm.
(Now that I think about it, why is there no winter in this world?)
(There are all seasons except winter. What a weird fantasy world.)
(But because of that, my second childhood didn't have to endure cold.)
He responded after organizing some documents.
"According to this, it seems there are no more pirates in the surrounding areas. I'm sure that for a while we won't have to worry about illegal things."
"With that said, you can return to the academy and enjoy the remaining classes. Good night, Rudel-kun."
I stood up and said the same, "Good night, Mayer-san," and left, showing my respects.
"It feels good to set foot on land and not on a ship."
My arms were raised while my body stretched. I walked back the way I came and, unfortunately, ran into him.
What bad luck I have.
"I know you live here, but this place is so big. Why do I have to run into you just now?"
I pointed at my greatest discomfort...
"I can say the same."
...The prince, who noticed my presence upon being called.
"I know you're stupid, but you can't say that because I don't live here."
"See, you're a big idiot!"
I pointed out his mistake. Seriously, how stupid is this boy??
He made a face of disgust upon hearing his truths.
"I-in any case. What are you doing here?"
I responded politely.
"It's not something that concerns you, interests you, or is any of your business. Idiot."
"Your way of responding sounds like you don't even see me as a person!! And the last part was uncalled for!"
"Shut up. I see you as a person, but a very stupid person."
His face was turning red.
I decided to say goodbye to get out of here. Just seeing him bothers me.
"See you never."
"Wait!!"
Without warning, he grabbed my sleeve.
I turned reluctantly to look at him.
"What do you want?" I asked reluctantly.
With his stupid face, he said.
"Is it true that you defeated the pirates??"
A "Yes," without much enthusiasm, I said.
He bit his lip upon hearing it. Then he looked at my face once more.
"Have you been hunting pirates all this time?"
Once again, I said, "Yes," without enthusiasm.
"Then how is it possible that the rumors about you are true."
Once again, the rumors I didn't even know about came up as a topic.
What the hell are they saying about me?
I didn't notice, but he had released my sleeve, and now his hand was on his chin while his other hand was on his hips.
"How strange... if you weren't here, how did those rumors arise..."
"...It's none of my business, but I think I should help you clear this up."
...What did he say?
"Even if you don't like me, you're still a student. So I think starting tomorrow, we'll ask the students in—"
I interrupted him by grabbing his neck with both hands.
"You... have you forgotten that we are not friends or companions!?"
Why am I grabbing him?
He's an idiot, but what he says is true...
Though for some reason, I'm really angry.
I want to hit him for some reason.
Please, give me a reason to hit you!!
I kept talking to him with anger.
"Have you forgotten what you said to Alicelotte? Have you forgotten that because of you, I was almost about to die if it weren't for the Prime Minister? Don't forget that Klein abused his authority and you denied that was true?"
His face looked like he didn't understand what I was saying. It doesn't matter.
"Do me a favor; don't get involved with me anymore, furniture."
"Furniture?"
I smiled at that.
"That's right. You're nothing more than furniture. No one expects anything from you; you only serve to inherit the throne and have descendants. You're less than furniture. Yes, that's it. You're just a royal mascot."
After saying that, I threw him to the ground. There was no one around; that's good.
"I hope this served as a lesson."
I walked straight down the hallway to get out of here. I'm still annoyed.
My head hurts.
It hurts!!
◇
I had arrived at the academy. It became very late.
There's no one around. There are supposed to be guards making rounds, and precisely now there aren't any. What terrible guards.
I was walking in the north building since you can only enter from here.
My head hurts.
The pain doesn't go away.
I want to hit my head.
Ahhhh!!!
My vision is a little blurry.
When I felt something, it was a bump against someone.
I kept going because my head hurts a lot.
I feel like it's going to explode.
"Hey."
A voice sounded behind me.
I turned to see who was calling me. My vision is still blurry, but I think it's a boy.
"It doesn't matter if you're drunk or if you consumed hallucinogens. Didn't your parents teach you manners? You should apologize for bumping into someone."
Indeed, it was a boy. My vision was still blurry, but... if I'm not mistaken, he has a black uniform like me, a wooden sword that indicates he was training. I can't see his face well; I think... his hair is brown and his eyes are green...
(It hurts!! The pain increased more!!)
I grabbed my head due to the pain with both hands. The boy noticed.
"Hey, what's wrong with you? Are you okay? Did you take something very dangerous or what? Let's go to the infirmary!"
He grabbed my arm, and without warning, my hand—more exactly, my fist—buried itself in his face.
He fell to the floor.
Looking at my hand, I noticed I had the ring I stole from the saw pirate.
It was a little full of his blood.
I looked at him lying on the floor.
He was holding his nose, which I seems I had broken.
"What the hell is wrong with you!!"
He insulted me without even knowing me. He deserves punishment.
I approached and sat on his chest.
Then my right hand, which had the ring that was not at all small.
Came down at great speed.
"Take this!!"
He covered his face so I wouldn't hit him. I removed his hands using a bit of magical power.
Obviously, I used a small flame I could generate and burned his hands.
"It buuuurns!!"
After screaming, I proceeded to use the power of justice on his face.
"Take this and this!"
"A noble's justice is absolute!"
Again and again, I hit his face. I did it to calm the headache, which diminished each time I did it.
Finally, the pain ended.
I stood up and was sweating as if I had done a lot of exercise.
I looked at my hand.
It was covered in a lot of blood, and my knuckles were scraped, revealing wounds.
I took a look at the one who offended me.
Now I could see his face clearly; it looked like tomato paste in sauce.
On the sides of his face, there were pieces of teeth. His face looked more like a rag doll. There was also a large amount of shiny liquid coming out and dirtying the floor.
"You got what you deserved," I said while spitting at him to head to my room.
After several minutes, I managed to reach my room.
After entering, I opened my drawer where there was a recovery bottle given to all students as a gift.
I took it, and the skin on my hand regenerated after a few seconds.
"It's very effective."
I heard that its price increases based on the type of healing.
That is, if it could regenerate only this with a small bottle, wouldn't the ones that regenerate more fatal wounds be larger in price and size?
"I don't think they're that big, so it must be a more concentrated dose. I should tell Ixion to analyze it to be able to reproduce it—"
Suddenly, the headache returned. I dropped the bottle, but it didn't break.
I grabbed my head with both hands.
"It hurts!! Ixion, help me!!"
I called Ixion, but he wasn't here since he was on the ship making adjustments.
Help...
It hurts!!!
◇◇◇
In a mirror embedded in a wall, Rudel was reflected.
He was screaming in pain, grabbing his head. He didn't know it, but in the mirror, besides him, something else was reflected.
It was a strange purple ghostly creature.
On the back of his neck, there was a small lump that pulsed, causing veins that ran almost entirely over Rudel's head to penetrate it more and more.
The veins seemed unable to pierce his skull for some reason.
Rudel screamed in pain, and that made the ghostly creature press with more force.
Rudel's scream resembled the scream of pain that Airi let out one month ago.
At this moment, Rudel...
"Please!!! Someone stop this pain!!!"
...Found himself in a point of no return where no one could save him, not even Ixion.