TL/Editor: Raei
Schedule: N/A
Illustrations: Posted in discord.
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The weekend passed, and another weekday began.
Life at school resud, a little different from before...
Well, vastly different.
While the atmosphere had lightened after exams, group projects ca around almost daily.
Group projects always made Eugene feel lonely.
But not anymore.
Other students began to recognize him, and they approached him to form teams.
It was no longer difficult to form groups.
He still refrained from making close friends, to avoid reducing his personal ti.
However, his casual acquaintances multiplied.
And so, ti flowed gently and peacefully.
"Thank you so much, Tina! Truly!"
"It's alright. Lift your head, okay?"
"No, really! Thank you! Without you, Eugene's reputation would've suffered terribly!"
"..."
Other than Luna's brief visit to thank Tina, nothing really happened.
Eugene consud a mana elixir and dove deep into ditation, pushing himself into an intense personal training regin.
His focus beca so intense that he thought of nothing else.
Then one day.
"Eugene!"
Celine called out to Eugene as he was leaving school.
"My brother asked if you could co to the swordsmanship club. Today's your initiation ceremony."
Today was the day of Eugene's initiation into the swordsmanship club.
Whether or not he attended, his mbership was a given.
However, such ceremonies were deed important by the club.
"Alright, I'll be there soon."
"Okay."
Eugene was swamped with his personal training, but he knew he had commitnts to keep.
'The mana elixir isn't so potion that's just lying around.'
Thanks to the elixir, Eugene's mana increased, and he felt more energetic than ever.
'...Was the swordsmanship club here?'
Relying on his mory, he found himself in front of the swordsmanship club.
A cold aura emanated from within.
Could his body be instinctively rejecting this place because his predecessor had his heart broken by Celine around here?
'That doesnt seem likely.'
It would be better to personally confirm rather than ponder over it.
Eugene opened the door and entered.
And then he saw the source of the cold atmosphere.
A female student sat elegantly at a desk.
She had white hair cascading down to her waist, coupled with eyes as deep red as blood.
Her pale, beautiful face contrasted sharply with her icy expression.
'That person is...'
Eustia von Reisen Lucia.
The 5th princess of the Holy Lucia Empire, currently in her third year at the Royal Academy of Lucia.
'...She was also in the swordsmanship club.'
She was another 'heroine' in the sa ga as the three female leads.
She was similarly breathtaking, and depending on individual preferences, was considered the most beautiful, garnering her a fair share of fans.
'Her cold deanor kept her from being among the top three though.'
Having endured an unfortunate childhood, her character was... rather icy.
Born to a beautiful but powerless concubine, she had led a sorrowful life.
Her life's goal, after becoming the Empress, was to purge those who drove her mother to death.
For Eustia, who had grown up treading on the blade's edge, she would easily give love to anyone who would aid her in achieving that title, even if that love held no genuine emotion.
She was, without a doubt, a person who grew up under starkly different circumstances than the three leads who led privileged lives.
'...Since she's a senior, I should at least greet her.'
Eugene slightly bowed his head as he entered the swordsmanship club.
"Hello."
"Hi."
Upon hearing the greeting, Eustia looked up to examine Eugene.
'Is she expecting to say sothing?'
Her unwavering gaze was a bit unsettling.
When he dared to steal a glance her way, her rosy lips parted.
"Are you the freshman everyone's been talking about?"
"Yes."
"I thought so."
Eustia rose from her seat and approached Eugene.
"Pleased to et you. I am Eustia von Reisen."
She smiled softly, a beautiful smile indeed.
Despite no genuine emotions, how could she muster such a warm smile?
"I'm Eugene von Lennon."
Of course, Eugene was a true swordsman, having chosen a celibate life to achieve the pinnacle of his art.
No matter how enchanting a beauty might be, he wouldnt be swayed by a re smile.
However, it seed Eustia had already taken an interest in him as she casually perched on a nearby desk.
"Anything you'd like to know about the swordsmanship club?"
If you have questions, I'll answer.
As she sat, her short skirt rode up slightly, revealing her fair legs.
"There's nothing in particular I'm curious about."
"Is that so?"
With a distant look, Eugene replied.
'She's probably approaching because of the rumors.'
She must be intrigued solely because of the gossip surrounding Eugene.
She would continuously assess if soone could aid her ascent to beco the Empress and lose interest once they proved unhelpful.
While Eustia's beauty was undeniable, Eugene wasn't the type to entertain a woman with ulterior motives.
'I ca too early...'
He should have co late, as usual, not caring about what others might think.
Eugene disregarded Eustia's attention and waited for the other mbers of the swordsmanship club to arrive.
Soon after, mbers began pouring in, led by Celine and Cillian.
A little while later, the entire club was present, save for one.
"The president* hasn't arrived yet?"
"Well, he's always the last to arrive."
Eugene recalled that the president of the swordsmanship club hailed from the sa Luberuta family as Celine.
Just then, the door opened, and a silver-haired man with a fierce countenance entered.
'As I expected.'
It was just as Eugene rembered.
Diel von Elysia Luberuta.
Celine's older brother, a fourth-year student and the eldest son of the Luberuta Duchy.
He was a swordsman known for being among the top talents of the Royal Academy.
Given his age, he had nearly reached the peak of his physical growth.
His skills were excellent enough to graduate imdiately and make a na for himself in the outside world.
'It seems he was also quite talented.'
His talent with the sword was exceptionally high.
Until Celine picked up a sword, he was praised as the family's most talented, even being selected as the next head of the household.
With his resolute and upright nature, prioritizing the family's well-being above all, he lacked nothing.
'Only because of Celine, things beca complicated.'
The head of the Luberuta family had always been the finest swordsman within the family.
If not for Celine, he would've effortlessly beco the head.
"Thank you all for being on ti."
Diel, standing before everyone, began to speak.
"Today, we're here to welco a new mber into our swordsmanship club with a brief ceremony."
It was a known affair, but Diel spoke for formality's sake.
"As many of you have heard, our new mber is Eugene von Lennon Grace, a first-year from the Barony of Grace. Having defeated a teacher, he more than deserves his place in our swordsmanship club. As the club's leader, I wholeheartedly welco him."
Applause echoed.
As Diel began clapping, the other mbers joined in, filling the room with warm applause.
When the clapping subsided, Diel called Eugene forward.
"Could you step forward?"
"Yes."
Eugene moved to the forefront, standing before everyone.
"I've heard you've been quite busy. Word is you might not be able to attend our weekly training sessions."
"That's correct."
"That's unfortunate. Still, I hope we get along well during the ti we do spend together."
Diel extended his hand for a handshake.
Eugene grasped it firmly.
"I look forward to it."
"Good."
Diel offered a gentle smile.
However, Eugene felt a slight pressure from the handshake.
"So, we're about to start today's training. Will you join us for today's session at least?"
'Didn't he say I didn't have to attend?'
Eugene cast a glance at Cillian, who was whistling nonchalantly, looking elsewhere.
'I told you. There's only so much I can do.'
Cillian had the authority to bring Eugene into the swordsmanship club and had the authority to speak to its president.
But his influence only went so far, given he wasn't the heir to the Luberuta family.
'Haah.'
Eugene, grasping the situation, turned back to Diel.
The serious look in Diel's eyes indicated a strong desire for Eugene's participation.
It seed Cillian's opinion was irrelevant.
'It's not that I don't understand, but...'
As soone responsible for the swordsmanship club, it would be disheartening if a young, bright, junior missed the very first training session.
Yet, Eugene couldn't easily give in.
If he attended today, excusing himself from future sessions would beco difficult.
'This isn't going to be easy.'
If he hadn't taken anything in return, he would've imdiately left.
But he had already consud that precious elixir.
'It's quite the problem.'
Feeling the ever-increasing grip strength of Diel, Eugene sighed inwardly.
Just then, Celine unexpectedly stepped between them.
"Eugene's hand is going to get hurt at this rate."
She pulled away Diel's hand and voiced her opinion.
"He was brought here with the condition that he won't attend the daily training sessions. What's the point of pressuring him like this?"
"I'm not saying he should keep attending the training sessions, but since it's his first one..."
"Enough."
She cut off Diel's words and turned to Eugene.
"Eugene."
"Hmm?"
"Is it difficult for you to attend the training?"
"...Yeah, it is."
"I thought as much."
Celine nodded and continued speaking.
"I'm not asking you to participate, but can you do a favor?"
"A favor?"
"Yes. You said I could ask you if I needed sothing."
Right. There was such a thing.
"What do you want?"
Celine hesitated for a mont, her lips quivering, and then said timidly,
"Can you... look at my sword? Just for a bit."
The faces of those around them stiffened.
'What?'
'She's asking him to assess her swordsmanship?'
Celine's words acknowledged that Eugene's level of swordsmanship surpassed her own.
This alone could elevate Eugene's reputation within the swordsmanship club.
Despite what the others thought, Celine asked.
Seeking guidance from soone superior in skill was only natural.
'She looks really serious.'
Just by the look in Celine's eyes, he could tell.
'Plus...'
He had a faint idea of her underlying intentions.
This was a deal between Diel and Eugene.
Diel would be content that Eugene, instead of leaving right away, was following Celine to the training session.
Eugene, on the other hand, would avoid having to attend the sessions in the future.
It was beneficial for both Celine, who needed advice on her swordsmanship, and Eugene, who found himself in a tricky situation.
"Alright, I'll take a look."
"Thank you."
Celine's face lit up with a smile.
'Finally, getting advice from Eugene...'
Even though her intent was to help Eugene out of his predicant, the re chance of getting insights into her swordsmanship made her genuinely happy.
No one was as sincere about the sword as she was.
Unknowingly, a genuine smile crossed her face.
"Hmm."
"Ahem."
Seeing her rare smile, so of the older students awkwardly cleared their throats.
'So, she can smile like that too.'
Eugene found it sowhat unexpected.
In the mories of his predecessor, Celine's face was always cold.
"Let's go, then."
"Alright."
Eager to showcase her skills, Celine started walking, and Eugene followed suit.
From behind, Diel chid in.
"You're quite friendly with Celine. I heard you stopped following our younger sister around, but perhaps there are still lingering feelings?"
Eugene imdiately acted on Celine's request, and that seed to displease Diel.
Or maybe he just wasn't fond of Celine.
'Bringing up the past again...'
Eugene's steps stopped abruptly.
Whenever he heard about the previous owner of this body, an indescribable sense of injustice welled up inside him.
Any explanation felt inadequate, and he had no way to vent his frustration.
He had no way to prove that the owner of this body had changed.
There was no benefit in proving it either.
'There's nothing to say.'
Ignoring was the only option.
So, Eugene kept his mouth shut and resud walking.
"Hmm?"
But Celine had stopped in her tracks.
With a slight furrow in her brow, she gazed at Diel and slowly opened her mouth.
"Don't speak to him like that."
"Huh?"
"Eugene doesn't follow around anymore, so dont badmouth him."
"What?"
Diel's eyes widened in surprise.
Even the mbers of the swordsmanship club looked stunned.
It was rare to see Celine, who rarely showed her emotions, to speak out like this.
'Why are you doing this...?'
Of course, the most flabbergasted among them was Eugene.
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