NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38.1
Stage 2-7. Target Determined
A handshake… really?
She’s asking me for a handshake in front of me…? Hahaha, she’s quite an amusing woman.
Seeking a handshake from someone you’re in opposition with… She’s definitely looking for a duel.
To think there’s a woman who cares so much for Arnia… Love is truly terrifying.
I know all too well how scary a woman’s grudge can be.
But… for her to want a duel despite trembling so much, she’s quite the brave soul.
I sift through the faces of the students I’ve memorized to find someone similar.
Judging from her attire, she’s not from a high-ranking noble family… as I search, a familiar face pops up.
“…Schulto Sathia , right?”
“Y-Yes…! You remembered my name…”
“Of course. I’d be troubled if you underestimated me too much.”
After all, I’m a genius in this life.
I’ve memorized everyone to properly secure a… competent team, not a harem.
Her rank is that of a viscount.
Even so, challenging me to a duel—Is she brave or just foolish?
Luark was a fool too. What on earth is wrong with the education in noble society these days—Wait, huh!?
“…Th-Thank you… so much…! Sniff…”
Is she crying!?
Did she think I’d reject her challenge?
And now she’s crying from joy because I accepted it…?
What depth of love… Admirable, even as an enemy.
Maybe someone like her is what Arnia really needed.
But, in this state, it won’t be a satisfying duel.
I also want to focus on my conversation with Milfonty right now. Let’s throw her a lifeline.
Maintaining composure is the mark of a true villain, after all.
“Sathia. We’ll discuss this at another time. Leave for now.”
“You’ll give me time…?”
“Yes, I neither run nor hide. I’ll face you anytime.”
“Y-You can’t mean…”
“Whether you believe me or not is up to you… what do you think?”
“I trust you!!”
Oh… What an enthusiastic reply.
Where does this trust come from?
Between the tears earlier and her intense belief, could she be a fan of mine…? No, that can’t be.
I’ve never done anything to be liked.
She’s probably just reminding me, “Don’t run away.”
“Then, will you follow my suggestion?”
“Yes, of course. I shall take my leave now. Farewell, Vellet-sama.”
With a sharp clap of her hands, she quickly departed.
…Not just her, but all the students around us also began scattering.
Perhaps they overheard our conversation and decided to clear out. Only the gods know.
“…Sorry for the wait.”
By chance, we were now alone.
At last, I could take my time talking to my real target.
“No need to apologize. I just finished preparing here as well.”
Returning to my seat, Milfonty had already poured hot water into the pot and cups, warming them up.
In this world, magic makes simple tasks like this quite easy with small magical devices.
“Would the maid care to join us as well?”
“…For future learning, I would appreciate it.”
“Then, three servings it is.”
Without hesitation, she put three spoonfuls of tea into the pot and poured the freshly boiled water from a height like a waterfall.
“It’ll be ready in a few minutes after steeping. In the meantime… shall we talk?”
“I don’t know what misunderstanding you have, but I’m only interested in the tea you brew, Milfonty.”
“Haha, well, let’s leave it at that.”
No, really, that’s all there is to it…
She tends to read too much into things.
Now that I think about it, when we first met, she was also observing me cautiously.
Being Frone’s apprentice must be tough.
…Now, what should I do? First, I need to break down the wall between us.
It’s a wall I built, so it’s my responsibility to tear it down.
“Milfonty, I’d like to apologize. It seems I was mistaken.”
“Mistaken…?”
“I misunderstood you. From now on, I’d like to get along better.”
“Oh, that makes me happy. Let’s be ‘Uga Uga’ from today.”
“Please spare me the ‘Uga Uga.'”
“How about ‘Rei Rei’ then?”
“That’s not the issue, Reina.”
“…! Got it. Let’s get along better from now on, Ouga-kun.”
When I called her by her name, she smiled and called me by mine.