Akatsuki Translations

In the evening twilight, the main hall in the center of the academy grounds was filled with light. The space, about the size of a gymnasium in my original world, was decorated like a hotel ballroom. It was a celebration party held in conjunction with the knights’ triumphant return. The venue was overflowing with dressed-up students.

“Two people” from the academy had made significant contributions in preventing this disaster.

One of them was, of course, my female classmate. She was currently surrounded by many students and teachers in the center of the venue. Her simple white dress was dazzling even from a distance. The one beside her was not that female knight, but an unfamiliar young lady.

Students praising the priestess kept greeting her one after another. It hadn’t even been a month since that scene in the courtyard.

Were the ones bowing their heads with desperate looks on their faces the same people who had distanced themselves from her when she was being shunned? Of course, I didn’t approach her. Or rather…

“Why do I have to attend?” -Ricardo

I was busy dealing with the new situation Vinder was facing. Work was piling up like there was no tomorrow. In terms of the number of documents, I could easily rival the students surrounding Alfina.

“It’s because you carelessly interacted with Her Royal Highness and Her Grace the Archduchess, Senpai.” -Mia

“It couldn’t be helped. If Leiria had been destroyed, our business would have been ruined. No, wait, I shouldn’t have received an invitation in the first place.” -Ricardo

Mia turned her face away. Come to think of it, she had parted ways with a female friend on the way here. Did I do something wrong?

Only those who were invited could attend this venue. Most commoner students were celebrating modestly in a separate room. I hadn’t even intended to go there, though.

“It’s an invitation from the faculty. You can’t refuse.” -Mia

“That old man…” -Ricardo

The other main character of the banquet, Fuglsig, was being spoken to by a bald head a short distance away from Alfina. If I remember correctly, he was the academy principal. He remained the library director while also becoming an honorary board member and receiving the title of sage, along with the accompanying lifetime pension. It seemed they were going all out to dilute Alfina’s achievements.

The words “lifetime pension” had an appeal to one’s self-preservation.

“Come to think of it, why isn’t that woman with her master? I thought she would be here with a proud look on her face, taking every opportunity to boast.” -Ricardo

I looked at Claudia, who was standing a short distance away. Her expression, having turned into a wallflower, lacked her usual vigor. Where was the spirit that made her draw her blade at me without hesitation? She could even say something like, “Why is someone like you here?” That would give me an excuse to leave.

“It seems she’s been kept at a distance for a while.” -Mia

Mia’s tone lowered.

“From Alfina?!” -Ricardo

“No, it seems her father ordered her to keep her distance due to the prophecy incident.” -Mia

Come to think of it, when we went to Leiria, there was talk of her returning to her family home. Her proudly touted family home opposed her important master. And during that time, her master achieved great merits. The pride of the self-proclaimed loyal retainer was in tatters.

“Inconsistent behavior is no good.” -Ricardo

“Senpai’s actions were consistent. While saying you wouldn’t get close, you consistently closed the distance with Alfina-sama. Your words and actions were inconsistent, though.” -Mia

“Don’t say such absurd things. If I stand out too much, my self-preservation will…” -Ricardo

“Senpai, you should re-examine the meaning of the word ‘self-preservation.’” -Mia

Perhaps noticing my gaze, Claudia looked in my direction. Oh, here comes the haggard-looking Count Rowan’s son. Rowan was complaining about something to Claudia.

“Even between counts’ families, things don’t seem to go well.” -Ricardo

“Count Rowan, a key figure in the Second Knight Order, has seen his reputation plummet quite a bit. It’s probably because he’s thought to have concealed information despite being Alfina-sama’s aide.” -Mia

“Ah, there were rumors that he had teamed up with Drefano to try to obstruct the suppression of the monster flood, right?” -Ricardo

“…Yes. Until recently, it was a ridiculous rumor that no one took seriously. But then, a monster flood that shouldn’t have happened occurred in the west, and the Second Knight Order, unable to respond due to a shortage of supplies, had their spotlight stolen by the Third Knight Order. Through an unfortunate coincidence, the rumors gained credibility all at once. It was like a ‘prophecy.’” -Mia

Mia looked at me with an ironic expression. The timed bomb of rumors had exploded spectacularly.

“For some reason, Kenwell, who was able to accuse Drefano without delay, also played a role. The chairman of Drefano was removed from his position as guild master. His honorary baron title was revoked.” -Mia

“Coincidences can be scary. You can never let your guard down.” -Ricardo

“The scary one is you, Senpai.” -Mia

“If they’re business rivals, I’ll deal with them in business. If they’re political enemies, I’ll deal with them in politics. I didn’t take their lives. I didn’t kidnap their son either.” -Ricardo

I recalled the scene from earlier in the day.

The Third Knight Order parading down the main street in a triumphal return, led by the head of a giant warg. Each time the prince in silver armor waved his hand, cheers from the people resounded. The cheers of the people praising the prince, the priestess, the king, and the kingdom. It was a truly beautiful sight of the royal family taking the lead in protecting the people.

On the other side, in the center of the royal capital’s commercial district, the signboard of the Drefano Company was torn down, and the guild master’s seal, which had shone with prestige, was scraped off. The crests of the noble families that had been their patrons had all disappeared as well.

Of course, this didn’t change Vinder’s position within the guild. We didn’t have the power to manipulate the next guild master. However, the guild had been dominated by Drefano. It would likely become a troika system[1] of second-place and lower merchant houses. When there’s no overwhelming top figure, history has repeatedly shown that balance is maintained by three people.

However, the troika system is ultimately a transitional one. Order and hierarchy store up distortions in search of a new form.

Vinder’s room for maneuver had increased slightly. Seeds for the next upheaval had also been sown. The next step was to create hypotheses with high probabilities based on that, gather information to verify the hypotheses, and make the next move. It would take time, but I was originally a cautious person by nature, so it was just right for me.

“The son also left the academy.” -Mia

“…That’s right.” -Ricardo

When I reluctantly returned to the academy for the party, I saw Drefano’s son leaving through the back gate. The group of followers, which had numbered at least ten, had been reduced to two. But it was impressive that they remained. It seemed he wasn’t completely devoid of people’s favor. Moreover, one of them was a girl.

“I hope he realizes that those two who stayed have as much value as the original ten.” -Ricardo

My enemy was only the chairman of Drefano. As for his son, I was just irritated by him.

It’s not that I sympathize with him. If Drefano had targeted our company, the people around me would inevitably suffer as well. The reverse is also true.

It’s nothing compared to leaving a large number of Drefano’s employees and their families to wander the streets.

“Even though there were various unexpected things, in the end, it went quite well.” -Ricardo

As I said that to Mia,

“You’re Ricardo Vinder, aren’t you?”

A well-bred young lady in a yellow dress approached. She was a beautiful girl with a small face like a ballerina, her chestnut-colored hair tied up. I had a feeling she was next to Alfina earlier.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Luitza, daughter of Count Adelheid.” -Luitza

“…I am Ricardo Vinder. What business does someone like you have with the likes of me?” -Ricardo

I remembered. She was the count’s only daughter that Her Grace the Archduchess had mentioned. Could it be that she had told her that I had declared her to be of less value than a small merchant house?

“I came to greet Ricardo, who has the deep trust of the Priestess.” -Luitza

Don’t give me strange titles. I glanced to the side. It seemed I was too late. After Rowan left, Claudia, who had been standing there dumbfounded, was approaching. You should have come before it turned out like this.

“What in the world are you talking about?”  -Claudia

“Oh, you’re Claudia from the Adel family, aren’t you? You served as the Priestess’s aide.” -Luitza

She spoke in the past tense. I thought she would get angry, but Claudia stopped in her tracks.

“Ugh, I… No, that’s not it. It’s irresponsible to say that this commoner has gained Alfina-sama’s trust.” -Claudia

“Oh, that’s not strange at all. Everyone seems to be pretending it never happened, but since Alfina-sama spoke that prophecy, many people suddenly started questioning her mother’s blood and distanced themselves from her. Including you and your family.” -Luitza

“Th-That’s…” -Claudia

“At a time when Alfina-sama must have felt so alone, the one who listened to her prophetic words and helped her was none other than Ricardo.” -Luitza

“What?! …That’s impossible. There must be some mistake. This man just saw it as a chance to cling to Alfina-sama.” -Claudia

Claudia shook her head as if rejecting reality.

“Clau, how could you say such a thing…” -Alfina

“A-Alfina-sama.” -Claudia

At the worst possible timing, for both Claudia and me, Alfina appeared. Claudia looked like a villainous noble daughter.

“It was thanks to Ricardo that we were able to prevent this disaster.” -Mia

“Indeed. There’s no doubt about his achievement. Mia’s contribution was also significant.” -Fuglsig

Behind Alfina, Fuglsig, the other main character of the banquet, nodded in agreement. I started to panic. At the words of the two main characters of the banquet, Claudia turned pale. I wanted to turn pale too.

In our rare uniform appearance, which made it obvious that we were commoner students, the main characters of the banquet had approached us together. The eyes of those around us focused on us in an instant.

“Your praise is too much. It’s a great honor. But while Mia is one thing, I just ‘happened’ to know about the location of the prophecy, ‘that’s all.’ It’s all thanks to Alfina-sama’s courage in speaking the truth for the sake of the country. And it’s thanks to the ‘profound’ knowledge of the Sage.” -Ricardo

I desperately tried to correct the course while breaking out in a cold sweat. The princess looked at me with a sad expression. Please stop looking at me with such a pained look. I properly secured my profits. I’m even ruining my classmate’s family.

“My, how modest of you, just as the princess says. Even my aunt praised you, saying you painted the entire picture.” -Luitza

Luitza said, posing with her hand on her cheek. Her attitude was as if she was impressed, but this woman seemed to have more than a few quirks. I didn’t need any more difficult-to-handle noble acquaintances. As it was, the number of people I could deal with was below average.

By the way, Claudia’s face had already turned completely white.

“E-Even Her Grace Berthold…” -Claudia

“It’s true, Claud.” -Alfina

Claudia trembled. What should I do? For the sake of my self-preservation, should I restore the position of this female knight, whom I once wanted to sic orcs on? But how…

At that moment, the music changed. People dispersed from the center of the venue. I tried to take this opportunity to withdraw. However, Luitza winked meaningfully at the princess.

“Will you dance with me, Ricardo?” -Alfina

As if to stop me, Alfina said something outrageous. I looked at Claudia. It was her turn. But the female knight didn’t react, as if dumbfounded.

“I’m afraid I don’t have the knowledge to dance with Alfina-sama. I-It would be a shame to dampen the festive mood…” -Ricardo

There were classes for commoner students, so I had learned the basics. But having the real thing be this was too much.

“My, so there are things even Ricardo can’t do. I understand. I’ll teach you. It’s my first time dancing with a boy, so I’m not sure if I can do it properly.” -Alfina

Alfina’s remark caused a stir among those around us. If I remember correctly, didn’t the first person a noble lady danced with at her social debut have some special meaning?

“If she has a fiancé, it would be that gentleman. If not, it means the man she trusts the most. Usually, it would be her guardian.” -Mia

Mia explained with a stern look. My question was answered. Alfina’s guardian was the archduchess, so that made sense.

Alfina extended her white hand to me. The gazes around us intensified. Of course they would. Even if she weren’t a princess, even if she weren’t the main character of the banquet, she was a beautiful girl worth glaring at. Especially in her current appearance, wearing a pure white dress…

My tolerance level was at its limit with the angel standing in the dimly lit corner of an unpopular bookstore.

In the first place, what was with this proactive behavior? Was this a change in her character?

Only Luitza was smiling in amusement. She must have instigated something.

A waltz-like rhythm began to be played. All eyes were focused on us. If I refused now, I would be the rude one who embarrassed the savior priestess, the main character of the banquet. That kind of situation had been created. There was no way out.

I timidly placed my hand on her slender, beautiful fingers. My palms were sweating terribly, but Alfina firmly grasped my hand in return.

A path to the center of the venue opened up on its own.

The dance began. Probably to match my level, Alfina kept to the most basic of steps. I just wanted to praise myself for somehow matching the pace of my petite classmate.

Eyes, eyes, and more eyes pierced me as I monopolized the beautiful princess, the main character of the banquet. It felt like an all-out bombardment was about to begin. While gazing at the kingdom’s most beautiful princess, I was stunned at how easily my self-preservation plan had crumbled. I wanted to punch my earlier self who had been gloating.

I looked to Mia as if seeking salvation. Mia was talking with Fuglsig and Luitza. Our eyes met for a moment, but she looked away. Communication with my subordinate hadn’t been going well since coming here.

My hand was pulled with a jerk. Alfina gave me a gentle look of protest. I made up my mind.

Summer break was in a few days. I would take a break from the academy for a while starting tomorrow.

When I slightly tightened my grip on Alfina’s soft palm, she instantly broke into a smile. Making an effort to ignore the gazes around us, I looked at my partner. A partner out of reach, no, one I had no intention of reaching for. Yet, a partner with whom I had overcome various difficulties together in a short time.

It was inevitable that a slight sense of possessiveness had sprouted, feeling glad that it was her and not someone else in this position.

And so, the first disaster ended with my self-preservation as a precious sacrifice.

Arc One Complete. Thank you for reading.

TL Note(s)

[1] A troika is a group of three or an administrative/ruling body of three (like a triumvirate)