NOVEL NEXT Chapter 37
“It’s been a while since I last came to school… Well, not much has changed.”
I had just passed through the school gate for the first time in a week, as my suspension period had ended. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded being suspended for another year, but I guess I’ll have to endure it.
By the way, I came here by carriage, but my body still aches as usual. Can’t this pain be relieved somehow?
“Well, let’s think about that later… It’s been a while, Rud.”
I spoke to Rud, who was hiding in the shade of a tree near the main gate.
I didn’t know why he was hiding, but it wasn’t like he was hiding as desperately as he did yesterday, so I figured it out right away.
“Tch… I thought I could go unnoticed a bit longer…”
“It’s pointless. I can spot that level of stealth in an instant. So… why were you hiding?”
To be honest, I didn’t see the point in hiding at all. I couldn’t help but feel that he was just a weirdo… and if that’s the case, I’m starting to not want to get involved with him.
As I took a step back and seemed somewhat hesitant, Rud began to explain in a hurry, gesturing wildly to emphasize his words.
“N-No! Well, it’s not entirely untrue… but…”
“…So?”
“I was trying to sneak a peek at how Jin would react when he saw the students’ reactions!”
Rud, who had easily succumbed to my intimidating gaze, spoke honestly, as if he were reporting to a superior.
I took a look around for the first time in response to Rud’s words.
Then, I noticed that the students who made eye contact with me all quickly averted their gaze and ran into the school building as if they were fleeing.
“…What’s going on? Why did everyone start running the moment they made eye contact with me? Ah… I see.”
“Do you get it now? You’ve become someone to be feared. And it’s not just a rumor; everyone saw it.”
When Rud said that, I couldn’t argue.
Certainly, when I listened closely without looking, I could hear…
“Hey, isn’t that Jin Divine Sword?”
“Yeah? …Oh, you’re right. He’s back at school starting today.”
“Ugh… I definitely don’t want to talk to him. I don’t want to end up like Eugene…”
“Me neither. We have no idea what will happen if we catch his attention.”
“That magic was so terrifying!”
As Rud said, everyone was afraid of me.
Well, from my perspective, it’s much easier on my psyche than being talked about behind my back, so I’d rather they keep talking.
“How about it?”
Rud had somehow come over to my side and asked with a smirk.
So, I replied, “It’s fantastic.” I couldn’t help but smile.
As I entered the classroom, it was clear that everyone was avoiding eye contact with me, and it seemed that the duel had brought even better results than I had expected.
However, there was one exception – the main heroine, Sophia. She approached me confidently the moment she saw me. For a moment, I wondered if she was like the others, but it was evident that her attention was focused on me, and there was no one else around me except Rud. With a hint of annoyance, I greeted her.
“Well, well, Your Highness Princess. What can I do for you? I won’t apologize for Eugene, you know.”
“It’s not about that. Well… Eugene caused trouble, and I’m sorry for that. This time, we want to apologize on our behalf.”
What’s with the sudden apology? It’s making me uncomfortable. However, I refrained from making any disrespectful remarks, as it would likely lead to social repercussions when dealing with royalty. Besides, everyone ignoring me was quite convenient.
“I accept the apology from Your Highness Princess. However… Eugene has already apologized plenty. Could you please tell me the reason for your visit?”
I asked as politely as possible, and Princess Sophia, while momentarily frowning, pointed at me and said with an almost comical sound effect, “You can treat me this way, but… make sure you don’t treat those who come in the future like this!!”
“…Huh?”
With that, she turned and returned to Aria, who had been watching our exchange with concern. I watched her figure absentmindedly and then turned to Rud, who was equally bewildered.
“What was that about?”
“I have no idea. Well… maybe we shouldn’t worry about it? Those who are coming now probably won’t have anything to do with us anyway.”
Yeah, that’s true. Anyone who wants to get involved with me now must be either a complete weirdo or an assassin, for that matter.
I followed Rud’s advice and took my seat without paying much attention. It had been a while since I had attended a class, and I wondered if I could keep up with the swordsmanship lesson.
Suddenly, a female soldier who was our class teacher entered with a young girl in tow. The moment they walked in, the class became even more agitated than when I had arrived. Both boys and girls were captivated by the girl’s presence.
As the female soldier and the young girl moved to the front of the classroom, she addressed the class, “Good morning, everyone! I have several announcements, but let’s start with what everyone’s curious about. So, please allow me to introduce her.” With that, she bowed to the young girl.
I became slightly curious about the unusual atmosphere in the class and casually turned my attention toward them.
“Nice to meet you all. My name is Cynthia von Brilliant Proof. I’m 14 years old, but I was admitted early through the acceleration program.”
Our eyes met perfectly.
Furthermore, she sent a telepathic message to me while smiling in a way that captivated everyone else, “Nice to meet you. Jin-sama?”
Ah… I’ve caught another weird one.
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Here comes the trouble!