NOVEL NEXT Chapter 52.1
Stage 2-21. A Twist At The Lottery
“Wow…! Is this really all-you-can-eat…!?”
“Most of the students at Rishburg are nobles. So the food standards are set pretty high.”
“Really? Hehe, I’m so glad I joined the Magic Academy!”
“…You already ate so much cake earlier. There’s still plenty of days ahead, so don’t overdo it.”
“Sweets go to a different stomach! I’m going to eat a ton!”
“If you get too full, you’ll end up feeling sleepy.”
“Hehe, don’t worry! I’m feeling super energetic today!”
A few dozen minutes later.
“Ugh… I can’t eat another bite…”
“Just as I expected.”
After finishing our tour, Mashiro, who had parted ways with Karen, was wide-eyed at the buffet spread at dinner—and ended up eating as much as she could.
If Karen had seen it, she might have envied Mashiro’s freedom to eat whatever she wanted.
Apparently, Mashiro’s body doesn’t gain weight easily. Probably because all the nutrients get absorbed into her ample chest.
Thank you, God, for giving Mashiro the “boob-nutrient pathway.” I offered my thanks.
With her stomach fully satisfied, she played cards with me until the lottery drawing… then started dozing off, eventually drifting into a light sleep.
Now, she’s in my room, comfortably sleeping and dreaming on my bed.
“Hmph… such an adorable sleeping face.”
I brushed her hair back and gently stroked her head.
Her hair was soft to the touch, well cared-for.
“Alice. I need to head to the drawing. Mashiro will be fine here, but could you keep an eye on her?”
“Certainly. Please be safe on your way.”
“I’m counting on you.”
With Alice bowing and seeing me off, I left the room.
The accommodations for each magic academy were arranged like a snowflake when viewed from above, with the lottery venue at the center. It’s directly connected to the entrance on the first floor, so there’s no worry about getting attacked or lost.
Only one representative from each participating team needs to attend the drawing, so it’s fine for Mashiro to keep sleeping in the room.
I could’ve kept admiring her sleeping face, but I wanted to get a sense of the strength of students from other schools.
We have information on the other contestants from each academy, but it’s based on last year’s data. Some of them may have made rapid progress.
Just like in my duel with Arnia, I’ll refrain from using the [Magic Erasure Delete], but let’s see how far I can go without too much trouble.
“Oh, Ouga. You’re here too.”
Just as I reached the entrance, I happened to make eye contact with Reina, who was about to go inside.
“Yeah, I wanted to see what kind of people we’d be up against.”
“That kind of dedication makes me happy.”
If only she’d look a little more pleased… but I guess I shouldn’t expect that.
“Did you enjoy the time with your family?”
“…Yes, thanks to you. By the way, I don’t see Riche or the maid anywhere…”
“Mashiro is sleeping after eating her fill. Alice is keeping watch over her.”
“Hehe, that’s so like Riche.”
“That’s one of her cute points… but enough chatting. Let’s take our seats.”
“You’re right. It looks like it’s about to start.”
The lottery venue was even larger than I’d imagined. It was comparable to Rishburg’s grand hall.
On the stage at the far end, tournament brackets for each division were displayed; it seemed that the other divisions were already settled except for the magic combat division.
A quick glance around showed that students from the other academies had already arrived, leaving our seats the only vacant ones.
It was just the two of us here, drawing a lot of attention… as expected of Reina Milfanti.
Some students even threw looks of barely-concealed jealousy our way.
Not only is Reina highly skilled, but she also possesses a natural charm that captivates people.
It can’t be helped, then, that the so-called “dropout” is seated beside her.
“…Don’t worry about them too much.”
“I’m used to it. I’ll consider it a badge of honor.”
If they’re jealous, it means they see me as someone who suits being by Reina’s side.
“Looks like it’s about to start.”
A man in a suit took the stage, holding a magic amplifier microphone.
After a small bow, he began to speak.
“Thank you all for gathering here. This is the Academy Magic Tournament Organizing Committee. We will now begin the lottery for the magic combat division. Although many of you may already be familiar with the procedure, I’ll briefly explain it again—”
To summarize his explanation:
Each academy submits one team, totaling nine teams. One team will be granted a random bye through the draw.
From the highest-ranked academies from last year, representatives will draw lots from magical slips placed on the podium—imbued with magic so the letters appear when magic power is channeled into them.
Two matches will take place each day, with rankings determined over six days. The magic combat division will be the final event on each day of the tournament.
Magic combat is held last simply because it’s the most popular division.
Opportunities to see top-quality magic clashing live are rare.
This makes it a highlight event, and popular representatives often draw intense cheers from their fans.
“Which of us should go draw?”
“My luck isn’t great.”
“Then, I’ll go.”
While we discussed it, the name of last year’s winning academy, Misosona Magic Academy, was called, and their representative ascended the stage.
“Misosona Magic Academy. I’m Sherba Anthem, representing our school. Nice to meet you all.”
…Huh? Did he just glance over here…?
…No, I’m certain. That look… I received the exact same type of look just last month.
Without hesitation, the glasses-wearing Sherba took the slip on the far right, and the letters “1-A” appeared.
This confirmed that Misosona Magic Academy would participate in the first match.
“Rishburg Magic Academy’s representative, please come to the stage.”
“Then, I’ll be going.”
Reina stood up, moving gracefully to the front.
Without hesitation, she reached for the slip in the middle.