CH 146

“Thank you to all the families who gathered and to all the spectators who cheered the children on. This concludes the Oblivion Academy class competition. Please take your trash home with you. If you try to leave it behind, our former Master Thief teacher will stop you.”

Rosalia-sensei was speaking in a calm voice, warning the people who were leaving with a “megaphone”.

The former Master Thief teacher was a homeroom teacher for the senior students, and she was very good at hiding her presence. So even if they are planning to make a dangerous disturbance, the teacher will prevent them from doing so.

Verna-sensei and Tigre-sensei were nowhere to be seen, and we were walking along the ground field towards our families.

“We’re lucky to be going home like this today!”

“I got first place, so I hope they’ll let me have whatever I want for dinner.”

“I think I’d like something different once in a while.”

Jack, Ryuuze, and Urka hold their stomachs and say such things. I’ve used up all my energy and magic, so I’m exhausted.

“I’m hungry too-…….”

“That’s right! Thanks for the support, Sarge!”

“Yeah-“

Nora, who is always in good spirits, is having a hard time holding Sarge in her arms, so I’m going to take him.

“Here, Sarge, get on my head.”

“Fufu, thank you.”

Sarge immediately understood my intentions and climbed on my head, while Helena and Kudelica laughed. I’m sure they’re all exhausted, but–

“This jacket is really nice! I think I’ll treasure it! And I can’t believe everyone in A-Class matches!”

Makina was still in good spirits. It may have been because of Reiss’ drink, but she looked like she was about to have a nosebleed. Helena is amazed and puts her hand on Makina’s shoulder.

“You’re really so energetic …… Unlike me, you’ve participated in combat competitions and such. But I’m glad I got the jacket, because it won’t get dirty and I can wear it when it gets cold.”

“I feel so much lighter. Like I can still fight!”

“Ahaha …… Let’s take a break today, Makina-chan. Ah, it’s Sis and Dedite-kun.”

Makina who is turning her arms around was calmed down by Luciel, In the midst of the crowd of students, I noticed my brother and Luciela coming towards us and waved.

“Hey, good work, everyone. You’re in first place after all.”

“Good work, too, brother. Didn’t you handle it easily too?”

“You were so strong, Dedite-kun!”

I touch my brother and Nora extends her hand to him. As if to interrupt her, Luciela stood and opened her mouth.

“Of course! After all, they have me and Dedite-kun there.”

“Muu-, Luciela-chan, you’re in my way! Even though you didn’t get a princess carrying.”

“Ugh ……!? What!”

“Muu-!”

They started to play with each other and we went to the place where my dad and the others were waiting. I thought we’d go home in our own way from there, but…

“Yeah, yeah, it’s off tomorrow, right? Let’s have a party at my place today. Don’t worry, we won’t charge you!”

“Is that okay? But, since we’re at it, I’d like to join you.”

“We’ll also join you.”

–To my surprise, all the A-Class’ families were gathered around, talking with my Mom about something. As I approached, I could hear my Dad and the other fathers laughing and talking.

“It’s a memorial, how about it?”

“We’ll be there, Roen …… Oh, we’ll have to bring drinks …… Would you like to join us, Leor-san?”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. You’re our business partner, after all. The fathers are also welcome.”

When Urka’s father saw the alcohol, he gulped and screamed.

“What a good drink …… I’m going, Mom! ……Oh, Urka! Today we’ll have dinner at the lord’s house!”

“What!?”

Urka was surprised, and I agreed with him. I think Mom wants to congratulate the whole class for coming first based on her character.

“Yay! We’re all having dinner together today!”

“Really, Dad? Wha?”

There was one person who came in late. When we saw him, Ryuuze raised his voice.

“Mom!”

“Whew, we’re just in time, aren’t we? Marianne, may I join and Ryuuze also join you?”

“Oh, Nerine! Of course! …… We have a lot to talk about, after all.”

“Yes, it’s been a long time to you too, Nina. Brao has caused you a lot of trouble, I’m sorry I couldn’t help you.”

Ryuuze’s mother, Nerine, tilted her head and smiled. Ryuuze said that she was scary, but she seemed kind. Brao was a servant, maybe Nerine-san was also a friend of my mom’s.

“Nerine-san ……! It’s been a long time …… No, it’s nothing for you to worry about, Nerine-san.”

“I’m sorry, really …… So you’ve found someone nice, didn’t you?”

“Yes!”

It seems that she knows Nina, so she might have been a maid. I hadn’t seen her since the incident, so maybe Mom and Nina hadn’t heard from her.

“All right, let’s go back to the mansion then! Shall we go back and change once?”

It seemed that they were not allowed to drink alcohol in the afternoon, so Dad and Sorio were feeling a little better and said this as they stretched. But the kids were all in agreement that we should keep going, so we decided to keep going.

“It’s a feast!”

“Hehe, Lars’ cook is an old man who’s been around since I was here, so it’s good. I want some beef stew!”

“Come on, don’t demand!”

“Ouch!?”

“Hahaha, now, now. It’s okay for today.”

Dad quieted down Nerine’s poking and prodding, and us kids walked along with a smile on our faces. When we got to the gate, we saw Lux’s figure.

“Hey, isn’t that you, Lux-kun?”

“It looks like, he said he were the second son of a lord, but there’s only one woman ……?”

That black-rimmed glasses is definitely Lux. However, the maid-like woman was smiling as she patted Lux’s depressed head. Dad muttered to himself when he saw the scene. 

“…… He’s a child of Corea territory, isn’t he? He says he’s the second son, but he’s the son of a concubine. That’s why he doesn’t seem to get along well with his family, especially his mother-in-law. I’ve also heard that his older brother doesn’t even think of him as his brother.”

“So it’s like Verna-sensei ……”

Makina said with a sad look on her face.

“True. But Verna was lucky because her sister was a very understanding person. Doesn’t she have a real mother?”

“I don’t know that much about him, either. And I don’t want to ask too many questions too.”

Dad was scratching his head and his shoulder’s lowering back at Mom’s words.

“So that’s why he wanted to win by any means necessary ……? To be recognized.”

“Lars?”

My brother called out to me with a strange look on his face, but naturally, my feet were directed towards Lux. As I approached, I could see that Lux had tears in his eyes, and the woman next to him …… was about the same age as Mizuki-san. I can hear her talking to him.

“Come on, don’t cry! You did your best. I’ll be sure to tell them. The headmaster also said you were smart, didn’t he.”

“B-But, he’s not going to be satisfied unless I’m the best, is he ……?”

“I guess …… Hm? You are?”

“Nice to meet you, Big Sister. My name is Lars.”

When she noticed my presence, she stopped mid-sentence, stood up, and looked at me. When I greeted her, she smiled with a toothy grin.

“Oh, you’re the strong kid from A-Class! I’m Nadja, this kid’s sister.”

Apparently, she’s Lux’s sister. As we shook hands, Lux came up to me, wiping away his tears. He had reverted to his resentful, rivalry-like expression.

“…… What are you doing here? Are you here to laugh at the losers?”

“That’s not a good thing to say, Lux.”

“Shut up, sister. Hmm, you’re lucky, your parents are nice, your brother is calm. And the girls like you. Why don’t you just leave me alone and go somewhere else already. No, I’ll go. Let’s go, sister.”

He wipes his hands away and starts to walk away. I call out to the back of Lux, who’s acting tough.

“I’ve heard that you’re a concubine’s child. But what does that matter?”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden? …… Well, if you knew, it would be easier for you to understand, my sister is also the child of another mother, and although we are in that house, we are living apart. So I needed to get first place to get back at him. If you understand, then get the hell out of my sight.”

“So that’s how it is.”

When I looked at Nadja, she smiled and cowered with a troubled look on her face. It seems she’s not going to say anything at this moment.

“Let’s go, sister. I don’t like seeing his face.”

“Are you alright with that? You can at least say you’re going to win next time.”

When I said that, Lux slowly turned around and looked at me. His eyes are telling me what he wants to say something, so I continue.

“I understand your situation. You must have wanted your father’s approval. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t be rotting in here, should you? Do you really think that’s enough to get back at me?”

“……! You–“

Lux turned red and tried to punch me in the face. I don’t avoid it, but I dare to catch it. I looked Lux in the eye and continued talking.

“…… No matter how hard you work, you may not get any praise. You may not get the recognition you deserve. I’ve been there.”

“…… What?”

“But don’t give up. As long as you live, something good will happen to you, and hard work will never fail you.”

“W-What the hell, are you talking about ……?”

“…… That’s right. You can tell your parents that you don’t want them to be your parents either. Let’s get the strength to do that, Lux.”

“……”

Lux listens to my words in silence, sweating coldly. I said the words as if I was telling them to the old me, and then said the last word.

“I’ll always be your opponent, and if you want to get stronger, I’ll help you. Just let me know when.”

“…… Why are you saying that?”

“Well, you know. I might not have said it if you weren’t making an effort. But, you mustn’t make a mistake in the direction of your efforts.”

“I didn’t think you’d lecture me …… No, you’re right …… You’re in the same situation as me, so you understand ……?”

Well, I’m happy in this life, so it’s no wonder you’re confused. I’m sure you’re not going to take my seemingly happy words to heart–

“Ahahahaha! This is the first time I’ve seen a kid say something like this to Lux. It looks like you have a good friend, Lux. Hee’s right, you know. If you can’t get them to accept you, why don’t you just leave the house someday and study for it now?”

“Sister …… okay. That’s also a good idea …… But, Lars-kun, next time, I will not lose, okay? If you think about it, I can’t afford to lose all the time!”

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it.”

“Kuh …… is that the composure of the winner ……?”

My cheeks relax as I see Lux back to his normal self. I decided to make a suggestion.

“I’m going to have dinner with my class now, do you want to come?”

“Of course not! I don’t want to see how popular you are! Let’s go, Sis, I’m going to eat a lot of food today to beat this guy!”

Lux walked out of the gate in exasperation. Nadja smiled and called out to him.

“I’ve got money, so eat up a lot! …… Bye Lars-kun, he was depressed, but thanks to you, he seems to have gotten over it …… Take care of Lux for me.”

“I’d also like to tell his classmates but if he asks me for help, I’ll help him.”

“Fufu, that’s fine. Thanks.”

Nadja laughed and followed after Lux. She was probably going to eat something outside. The school cafeteria is not open, after all.

“…… I wish I didn’t have parents like you too, huh. I …… I guess was wrong too …… Dad, Mom, Akira. Why did you guys want to get rid of me, your own child, to that extent ……? No, it’s too late for that.”

As I said these words to Lux, I also said goodbye to my former self, whose circumstances overlapped with my own.

I had a chance encounter with Lux, and next time, a festival!

Thank you for reading!

[Afterword Theater]

I hope he turns out to be a decent kid.

“Well, there’s also his classmates, so he’ll be fine. His sister seems like a nice person too.”

That’s right. Maybe he’ll show up again sometime in an important story?
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