Chapter 97 - Chapter 96: The Bonds of the Leventein Group
The second month of Fire, the fourth week, the day of Fire. Time to wake up.
"Hmm..."
Mika sat cross-legged on his bed, arms folded, deep in thought.
"What is the matter, Mika-dono? It is time to rise."
Basal had gone out for training early in the morning and had just returned.
He had splashed water on himself from a bath or a well, so his body was wet.
He was currently naked, changing into his uniform.
(Stop it, cover yourself up.)
Since they are both men and often go to the baths together, maybe it is not something to worry about anymore.
But I just do not want to see that first thing in the morning.
Mika got off the bed and changed into his own uniform.
While doing so, he muttered quietly:
"Limiter Off. Absorb."
When did this start?
Even after waking up in the morning, Mika's magic power is not fully recovered.
(As I thought. My magic power has recovered a little.)
A sensation seeping through the skin of his entire body.
To Mika, it is a small amount, but there is room for recovery.
It will recover to full capacity immediately, so there is no need to use "Absorb" any further, but for some reason, every day it is just a little short of full recovery.
(Is there a limit to the amount of magic power that recovers in one night?)
Staying at an inn and fully recovering magic power is a common setting in games.
In this world, sleeping for one night also recovered it, but if you think about it carefully, it is a strange phenomenon.
(Why does it recover while sleeping, but not while awake?)
How is it recovering while sleeping?
Gradual recovery?
How many hours of sleep are needed for full recovery?
Or does it recover all at once after a certain amount of time passes?
Since it happens while sleeping, there is no way to check, but it is a very strange phenomenon.
Mika and Basal headed for the cafeteria, took a tray, and lined up at the counter.
The Cafeteria Lady busily served dishes onto the tray.
Of course, they requested seconds.
Depending on the Cafeteria Lady, she might serve a large portion from the start, but today's Cafeteria Lady was always a regular portion type.
"Mika-dono really eats a lot."
"Basal eats too, doesn't he?"
He was served about the same amount as Mika.
"I train every day, so if I do not eat, my body cannot hold out. But Mika-dono does not move his body that much, does he?"
"Ah... yes, indeed."
At the Magic Academy in the Leventein Territory, there was exercise time every afternoon.
But since coming to the Royal Capital, I have not exercised that much.
(Oh no?)
It is common for retired professional athletes to get fat.
Even if exercise decreases after retirement, if the amount of food eaten does not change, the calories consumed will be excessive.
That surplus will cause weight gain.
(Still, I have been fighting Wraiths quite often lately, so maybe it is not that excessive...?)
After school, I go to request sites and explore the source of curses.
As simple physical activity, it might be less, but I am moving my body in a different quality than before.
Mika took three large portions of bread and looked for an empty seat.
There was an empty table a little distance away, so he decided to head that way.
Mika sat down, quickly made a prayer gesture, and started eating.
Biting into the bread, he held the tray and shoveled side dishes in.
"Mika-dono, it is better to pray properly, you know?"
Basal looked a bit exasperated.
Is he a devout follower of the Church of Light?
No, he is probably just serious about everything.
"Hah-fu-hi-ha-ho-fu..."
"Speak after swallowing what is in your mouth!?"
Indeed.
Mika gulped it down.
"Phew..."
"Mika-dono should be grateful to the one who provides the food and the servants who cook it."
I am not saying I am not grateful.
But, indeed, Mika's eating style has become messy.
Speaking of which, when I was in my original world, I don't think I ever ate like this, did I?
Why is that?
The memory of the poor life of the Noisheim family and the "Just eat." of the Leventein dormitory fused together, solidifying into the current style.
Moreover, everyone in the Leventein Group started imitating it as if saying "Follow Mika."
The boys of the Leventein Group eating messily might be Mika's fault...
Mika stopped his hand and took a breath.
"...I think eating fast is a virtue."
"I have never heard of such a virtue!"
Well, normally that would not be considered a virtue.
"It is the mindset of being always on the battlefield. Sorry to say this during a meal, but 'Fast meal, fast poop is a virtue'."
"...What is that?"
Was it originally "Fast meal, fast poop is part of the art"?
Basal seems to be from a swordsmanship family, but has he never heard of such things?
"It becomes a matter of result, but if there is an enemy attack in five minutes, who can survive? The one who finished eating in five minutes, or the one who spent almost five minutes praying?"
"That is..."
Whether they actually survive is irrelevant at this point.
The point is, between those who can face an enemy attack fully prepared and those who must face it with an empty stomach.
It is just a matter of whether that makes the difference between life and death, or light and dark.
Although I am speaking grandly about this, in reality, Mika does not think about "always on the battlefield" at all.
He is just rationalizing himself with a convenient phrase.
However, he does not think he is saying something wrong, and in some cases, this could truly be the difference between life and death.
He is teaching Basal with the intention that it is not a loss to know it.
Basal, who is serious at heart, thinks seriously about such things too.
This honesty is probably the true virtue for Basal.
"Leave thinking for later, just eat for now?"
"Yes... yes, that is right."
Perhaps he was strictly disciplined, Basal eats neatly.
The common sense up until now, and the exact opposite thought.
If both seem to have "logic," what answer would Basal give?
While Mika was thinking such things, a voice from next to him suddenly caught his ear.
"...So, I told you it was just a sleep talk."
The boy sitting next to Mika was talking to another boy on the other side.
"Is that so...? But I really saw it, you know?"
The boy who was told it was sleep talk let out an unsatisfied voice.
"There seems to be someone saying such things occasionally lately, but you are worrying too much. So you just slept and felt like you saw it."
"Hmm... but still..."
It seems he is not satisfied, and the boy looks dissatisfied.
(Saw...? Saw what?)
The main part is unknown.
Mika listened closely, but in the end, he did not know what they were talking about, and the boys took their finished trays and left.
(Did they see a ghost?)
Schools, workplaces, and places where people gather often have stories of the seven mysteries or ghost stories.
(Well, I see ghosts every day though?)
And I hunt them normally.
If they are opponents I can defeat, Wraiths and Sou-Labi are not much different.
(Well, whatever.)
Remembering that his own meal was not finished yet, Mika started eating again.
■■■■■■
The second month of Fire, the fourth week, the day of Earth.
"Is that true, Rimliche? Such a thing... Really...?"
Cleiria trembled and pressed Rimliche.
Rimliche looked down, as if finding it difficult to say something.
Cecilia and Charl were also there, but both looked awkward.
Mika had gone to the toilet during a break in class and had just returned.
As soon as he entered the classroom, he noticed the uneasy atmosphere and hurriedly headed toward Rimliche and Cleiria.
"What is wrong? Did something happen?"
He called out to Rimliche, but Rimliche kept his head down.
"What is this, Mika."
Cleiria came to Mika's side.
Her tone seemed to have a strong color of accusation.
It is rare for Cleiria to press Mika like this.
The children in the classroom were also looking this way, wondering "What?" or "Fighting?".
Cleiria's spirited eyes pierced through Mika.
"Why did you go out to play with Rimliche, but you did not invite me to play!?"
"..."
What is this about?
Cecilia and Charl were clasping their hands and apologizing behind Cleiria.
What is going on?
Anyway, he asked Cleiria to explain in detail what was going on.
The origin of the matter was that Cleiria happened to see a servant from her house making a promise to go out to play on a day off.
The two seemed to be good friends, and they said they would go shopping this coming holiday.
"I see, please have fun."
"Thank you, Lady Cleiria. Lady Cleiria, why don't you go out sometimes too?"
"Fool, you, what are you saying? I am sorry, Lady Cleiria."
"I, I am sorry. Lady Cleiria."
The servants bowed their heads and apologized.
"It is fine, do not worry about it."
Commoners stroll around the town easily, but noble daughters usually do not go out to play.
If there is something they want, they can just call a trustworthy merchant to the mansion.
Sometimes they are invited to tea parties by nobles from other families during the day, but tea parties are not play; they are serious social gatherings.
Such tea parties are mostly attended by people five or six ranks above Cleiria, and in some cases, even ladies participate in most tea parties.
As a member of the Marquis family, she cannot be looked down upon just because she is young, so she prepares quite a bit every time before facing them.
When she returns to the mansion, she is truly exhausted, and she has never felt happy even once.
Still, thinking about the Leventein Territory and the Hailhord Region, it is necessary, and she understands this is something she should naturally do, so she had no intention of complaining about it.
(Strolling around the town with friends... I am envious, but given my position, such things are difficult.)
Cleiria had walked around the Royal Capital only once.
That was when she sneaked out of the mansion to meet Mika.
When she walked with Mika on the way back, the misunderstanding was resolved, and it was a very happy time.
It was not a stroll, but just walking together made her heart flutter.
It was only a few months ago, but remembering that time, her chest ached slightly along with nostalgia.
And today.
Three girls in the same class, Rimliche and others, were discussing plans to go out to play tomorrow during the day.
Although they are friends with Rimliche and others, there is still a difference in status.
Mika does not make them feel a wall much, but with other children, a wall of noble and commoner inevitably forms.
She understands that this itself is unavoidable and thinks it is natural.
But still, there is a part where she feels lonely.
"Rimliche probably wants to go with Mika, you know."
"I, I am not... that kind of... person... but..."
Cecilia seemed to be teasing Rimliche.
Rimliche turned bright red and denied it shyly.
Cleiria listened to the girls' conversation with a smile.
Going out to play with Mika sounds fun just imagining it.
But Mika is busy.
After school, he always runs back without even saying hello properly.
He says he has activities as an adventurer.
(I cannot interfere with Mika's activities as an adventurer.)
Because Mika was active as an adventurer, Cleiria was saved.
Knowing this, Cleiria supported Mika's activities as an adventurer.
She always prays for him to be safe.
"You should just invite Rimliche next time. Didn't Mika invite you before?"
"...It is fine, I can do it..."
What did you say!?
Hearing Cecilia and Charl's words, Cleiria involuntarily stood up.
Mika invited Rimliche...
How... how...
(How envious!)
Mika is considerate, but it seems he does not go out to play much with the children of the Leventein Group either.
Most of his life is occupied by the academy, but most of the time outside the academy is allocated to adventurer activities.
Given Mika's personality, it seemed he would not go out to play with girl friends.
(I must confirm this properly. It is possible that I am jumping to conclusions.)
Thus, while suppressing her excited feelings, Cleiria stepped forward toward Rimliche's seat.
Mika heard the story and slumped his head in disappointment.
(Grrr, useless...)
I worried for nothing.
If a daughter of the Marquis family like Cleiria presses you, Rimliche would not feel alive.
Thinking that, I hurriedly spoke up...
"That was about a year ago, you know? I knew Cleiria... well, I knew her, but it was before we became friends."
"Even if that is so, I have not been invited yet!"
".................., should I invite you?"
"Of course!"
Cleiria answered immediately.
Her face was more serious than ever.
Mika glanced sideways at the guard knights waiting behind Cleiria.
"...Your master says so, but what about you?"
But the guard knights only looked away awkwardly.
It seems they have no intention of objecting to Cleiria.
(It is escort in the town! You guys are the ones who will suffer!?)
At a time like this, if Virone were here, he would surely stop her.
I never thought losing Virone would cause such side effects in a place like this...
Mika sighed.
"Well then, tomorrow---"
"I am sorry. Tomorrow I have a tea party schedule that cannot be missed under any circumstances."
Cleiria said with an apologetic look.
But her eyes looked at Mika as if a kitten were clinging to her.
"............"
"............"
Silently, they gazed at each other.
Her eyes full of expectation were pleading "Invite me, invite me, quickly, quickly."
With those excited eyes, "Next week" is probably not the answer she is hoping for.
Those eyes eloquently speak, "There must be a day sooner than that, right?"
"Well then, it is a bit sudden, but today---"
"After school! Understood, I will adjust."
Cleiria quickly ordered something to the guard knights waiting behind her.
One of the guard knights went out of the classroom, and soon another knight came to replace him.
"It is fine if I invite others too, right?"
"Yes, of course."
Cleiria was in high spirits.
She looked so happy she seemed like she would start dancing at any moment.
Mika glared sharply at Cecilia and Charl.
"...You two, you are not thinking you are not involved, are you?"
It started with their slip of the tongue. You will take responsibility.
"U..."
"...I have to go... right...?"
Charl asked in a low voice.
When Mika stared at him silently, he replied softly, "Yes..."
"I would like Rimliche to join too if she can make it."
Mika called out to Rimliche as well.
Usually, Saturday afternoons are special training. There should be no business.
But this time, Rimliche can be said to be the victim.
I cannot force her.
However, if possible, I would like Rimliche to participate.
To disperse Cleiria's attention.
"Y-yes. It is fine."
"Thanks."
Okay, next.
Mika turned around sharply and looked at Murt.
Murt seemed to be watching the situation from his own seat.
Mika suddenly turned around, so their eyes met perfectly.
At that moment, Murt made a face of "Oh no," but it was too late.
Sensing Mika's intention to grin, Murt slumped his shoulders in disappointment.
I understand your feelings, but the Leventein Group is in this together.
Our bonds are strong.
"Hey, Polnard?"
Right?
He approached Polnard, who was sitting at his seat with his head down, with a smile.
And he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Well, that is settled. Nice to meet you."
I saved you, didn't I?
You will not abandon me, right?
Did Mika's thoughts reach Polnard? Polnard did not lift his face, but nodded slightly.
Mika lifted his face and looked at the classroom entrance.
There, Messerite was trying to sneak out into the hallway.
Mika took a deep breath.
"Messerite too! That is what I mean! After school, okay!?"
He shouted loudly so everyone in the classroom could hear, so there was no escape.
Messerite flinched and covered his face.
"Messerite-kun, who was trying to sneak out of the classroom! You are not going to refuse, are you? You know who is inviting you, right? Right, Messerite!?"
Messerite collapsed right there.
Seeing that, Mika nodded satisfactorily.
It is fun when everyone is together.
You all, drag everyone along with you.