Chapter 20: True Identity of the Bloodlust

“Everybody gather up!”

A bellow from Rivalz rumbled forth, sending tremors through the maneuvering ground.

It was during a class of practical combat exercises, a day at the school under Kanaki’s tutelage.

“The formal selection rounds for the student knight tournament will take place the following month. You need to psych yourself up for that since this week will see the beginning of more hands-on training sessions.”

Hearing the words “student knight tournament,” the students surrounding him, especially those in their third year and higher, exuded an unparalleled fighting spirit. Even Fina, who was standing next to Karen, could sense the fighting spirit silently sparking in her heart.

“Speaking of the student knight tournament, it is one of the grandest events held to crown the most dominant student of the year. Each year, five students from Selbeth Academy participate in this tournament in the royal capital as representatives of the school. Advancing to the finals would entitle them to the distinguished honor of competing in front of the King’s eyes. Should they be successful there, their future career paths will be secure!”

True to Rivalz’s words, the bulk of the students who have made it to the finals have embarked on promising professions.

The student knight tournament not only served as a platform to determine the most powerful students but likewise as an opportunity to “bid” for the most promising young talent. Not surprisingly, those in their third and fourth years who were approaching graduation from the academy have their eyes lit up.

However, should Karen, who was the most likely candidate to accede to the throne at the time, come out on top in this tournament, such a feat would earn her the title of a ruler in the future, and her already solid reputation might be further spread among the public. Karen likewise had an intention of participating in this tournament.

Rivalz then delivered lines of encouragement to the students before dispersing them to work on their own exercises. It was at this point that the students were relatively free to conduct themselves as they pleased when Karen and Fina were approached by an unexpected person.

“Ortesia, Trinity, may I have a word with you?”

It was Luis Albas, another student in the same class as Karen and the others.

A black man of southern heritage, he was frank with everyone and well-liked. Even to this day, he remained one of the few people who could strike a casual tone with Karen, the country’s Princess.

“Oh, what is it?”

“My boss wants to speak to you. Will you follow me?”

In the direction Luis pointed, a short distance away from the group―the boss, Rain Aldar, folded his arms.

“Mr. Aldar? What business does he have with me?”

“Senior Aldar, about that, you see, I have not heard the details either actually. Anyway, will you follow me?”

“Excuse me for interposing, but if he has a business with Lady Karen, I suppose he should come here directly, instead of summoning her, even though he is her senior.”

“Eek, Trinity is as perverse as ever. Otherwise, you could have gotten a boyfriend or two in a heartbeat.”

“I-It’s none of your business!”

Fina was uncharacteristically flustered by Luis, who did not break free from his playful demeanor.

Regardless of his birth or upbringing, Luis was an easy conversationalist with Karen and her group, which struck a favorable chord with her as well.

“It’s fine, Fina. Let’s spare him here and allow us the pleasure of walking up to him.”

“Oh, as expected of Princess! Unlike a certain uptight follower, you understand what I’m talking about!”

“…If you insist, Lady Karen…”

Fina withdrew reluctantly, to which Luis, who was in a positive mood, led Karen and company on their way.

When they eventually reached Rain, he released his folded arms with a subtle smile.

That was a startling sight, prompting Karen to momentarily falter. She had expected him to be more unsociable than this.

“You’re here. I’m sorry you had to come all the way here.”

“Absolutely. Aren’t you being a little aggressive just because you are a bit stronger in this school by calling out Lady Karen?”

Perhaps her words were in retaliation for Luis’ earlier comment. Even Rain had a troubled look on his face at Fina’s tone, which lacked any hum and haw.

“I didn’t mean it that way… It is true that lately I have been calling on others so much that I may have slipped the mindset of voluntarily going to them. Sorry, I’ll be careful from now on.”

“As long as you understand.”

When Rain behaved in a responsible and thoughtful manner, Fina felt relieved. Luis beheld the spectacle with eyes as if he were gazing at an unbelievable event.

“As expected of the female knight… Only you and the Princess can say such a thing to the boss.”

“I have no regard for anyone who disrespects Lady Karen.”

“Haha, it’s okay, Fina. Thank you.”

At this rate, the conversation was not in its proper stride. Karen discontinued the conversation and urged Rain to go on.

“…I’m sorry. Then, let’s cut to the chase. Would you both join our corps―’Kaguya’?”

“…Again, you brought up the subject out of the blue.”

Karen’s eyes, nevertheless, narrowed at the half-expected proposal.

“The other day in the mock battle, you performed truly brilliantly. Such realistic combat maneuvers are strenuous for many first-year pupils, even semi-first-class magicians, to execute. Your presence in ‘Kaguya’ will be an immediate asset.”

“Of course.” “That’s a given.”

The two men exchanged wry smiles as Karen and Fina nodded in agreement without pause at Rain’s commendation.

“But as you are aware, neither do we have much time on our hands either. I don’t mean to belittle the work you guys do, but do you think we will be given something worthwhile in return?”

“Right. The public’s faith in you will likely be the key reward as you are not concerned with having flexibility in choosing your future career path.”

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“…Well, that’s about right.”

All of this was predictable. And this alone was a tenuous reason for Karen to join “Kaguya”.

Indeed, the public’s perception was critical to cultivate, but there were numerous other, more ingenious ways to accomplish the very same aim.

“Unfortunately,” Karen was replying when Rain interjected at that point, “Oh, and there’s another thing. The greatest reward you can get―is that I can train you.”

“―Yes?”

Karen snapped—so easily that even she could tell—at those words and the flash of Rain’s smile.

“…Did I mishear you? Is this all in my head, or did I just hear some remarkably pompous words?”

“You always appear cool-headed, but your high self-esteem is no different from that of other aristocrats. That’s one of your few weak points, isn’t it?”

“I am… the same as the other aristocrats?”

To Karen, that was a taboo phrase that can’t be directed at her.

The immediate scene in front of her eyes flickered, and she unconsciously generated magical power.

Yet, quicker than Karen could act, there was a figure leaping toward Rain.

“―Even I find that utterly disrespectful.”

Without even a moment to generate magical power, Fina seized Rain. She twisted his arm straight away and attempted to lock him in a joint, but whatever technique was used, seconds later Fina was the one being locked in an arm joint right in front of Karen’s eyes.

“…That’s a move I wouldn’t expect from a first year.”

“You…!”

That was the deciding move.

In the distance, Rivalz was saying something, but it fell on deaf ears, and right when Karen was about to unleash her magic with the intention of “killing” him, a cold bloodlust was shot through her back, as if she were being pierced by a pillar of ice.

[――!?]

Rain and Luis were equally as terrified as Karen as they all turned to stare in that way.

An icy hand was quickly placed on Karen’s shoulder once she turned around, and the sensation was felt even through the fabric of her clothing.

“―The three of you, what’s all this racket about?”

“…Teacher Kanaki?”

In a slightly fluttering voice, Karen announced his name, to which Kanaki responded with a warm smile.

That was enough to thaw her frozen heart, and as if she had just been reminded of it, a breath of air was released from Karen’s lips.

“Aldar. Now release Fina. Whatever has occurred, I don’t advise you to continue caring for her in any way. Right now, I can keep that fearful instructor in the back quiet.”

“…I am sorry. I went out of line. I appreciate your concern.”

After Rain squeezed out those words, Karen felt him exhale heavily as well.

Fina, who had been unbound, stood up awkwardly. Rain then bowed his head toward the two.

“Excuse me, both of you. I intended to test your strength for a moment, but I overdid it.”

“…No. It was Fina who made the first move, and I, for one, was immature to react in such a fit of rage at that level.”

Waving her hand to indicate that an apology was superfluous, Rain nevertheless apologized again to Fina. He turned out to be more sincere than she had imagined.

Karen snuck a sideways glance at Kanaki’s face.

He was viewing the scene of reconciliation between Fina and Rain with a benevolent smile on his face, as usual.

“It looks like things are settled. Then, I’ll make up an appropriate excuse to Instructor Rivalz.”

“Thank you, Teacher.”

She kept an eye on his back as Kanaki left.

Did I just feel an abnormal bloodlust, or was it just my imagination? No, with such a bloodlust, there is no way I could have been mistaken…

Karen was convinced, though, when she witnessed Rivalz, with a terrific expression on his face, peering at them from behind Kanaki.

“…Was that from Instructor Rivalz?”

Even though the dispute has been resolved, a strong bloodlust can still be detected from Rivalz. He was, after all, the former commander of the royal guard knights. He was once known as the “Surging Iron Wall”.

Karen turned her attention back to Rain, who was still scrutinizing Kanaki with a hint of skepticism in his eyes.

He seemed to be perceptive, but his insight was not as keen as expected.

It would have been fine to address his doubts, but he had just provoked her and she was responding in kind. Keeping her mouth shut here, she decided to join “Kaguya” instead. Despite her reluctance to acknowledge it, there was undoubtedly much to be learned from him at this time. In turn, that will contribute to winning the student knight tournament. Even Karen had the decency to acknowledge the reality of the situation.

In line with her resolution at the time, Karen joined the City of Seal Security Forces “Kaguya” with Fina that day.

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