Chapter 40: 17.3

After washing off the sweat and dust in the showering area with the other participating students, I throw some clothes on in the changing room.

Upon glancing at the town’s clocktower, Alfred bolts the moment the award ceremony ends. Looks like he’s heading to his part-time job.

He doesn’t even plan on staying for a little longer.

I mean, since the match is supposed to last the whole day, he should have just asked for a day off. What was he thinking? That brat’s certainly unmotivated. How could he have actually thought of throwing the match just to leave early?

Seriously.

And ever since the match ended, that trio of groupies looks like someone told them Santa Claus doesn’t exist, tears and snot running down their faces.

The atmosphere’s kind of depressing here.

What’s up with them?

On the other hand, I’m feeling great and refreshed, as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

“Boohoo, Lian-sama, Lian-sama… This is too heartrending!”

“That guy must have cheated!!”

“You’re right! He must have done something, right!?”

I shake my head.

“Alfred didn’t do anything, okay? This is something that can happen to anyone. Don’t worry about every problem too much. But thank you for caring about me,” I tell them as I bow in gratitude.

“L-Lian-sama, your words are truly mature!”

“How mature! W-we don’t deserve to have you say this while bowing to us!”

“As expected of Lian-sama, you’re truly wonderful!!”

Well to be fair, I’m actually an adult. Mentally, at least.

Still, I feel like I’ve been forgetting myself these days.

“Even so, it’s bewildering how that Alfred guy was h-hugging Lian-sama! I’m jealo— I mean, he’s too rude!”

“That’s right! How shameless!”

“Right!!”

“Ahh… Y-you’re right.” I forced a stiff smile.

That idiot, what was he thinking, hugging me where everyone can see?!

Since he kept clinging to me, everyone stared at us weirdly. I felt so embarrassed that I had half a mind on running away.

I don’t like standing out. He still did it anyway!

When I see him again on Saturday, I’ll scold him properly! He won’t hug me in public ever again!

“…Lian Owen?”

“Yes?” I say, stopping in my tracks.

As the trio and I look over our shoulders at the same time, I catch sight of two men wearing long, blue cloaks. They’re staring at me. Smiling. Upon closer inspection, they’re in uniform, also a shade of blue. Attached by each of their waists is a long, bejeweled sword.

They’re members of the Royal Knights Order.

I recognize their faces. Previously, they sat in the VIP booth during the event.

One of the men stands tall, his skin a shade of chocolate and his body rippling with muscles. His hair is slicked back with wax. Although he’s smiling, his eyes give him an evi—er, I mean sharp look.

The other man is fair skinned, his wavy silver bangs falling right above his eyes. Coupled with his drooping eyes, he looks like quite the casanova. It’s impressive.

Both of them are well-dressed, not a thread out of place.

They look like a pair of spectacular royal knights, envied by everyone.

Both boys and girls are watching them with sparkling eyes while making a ruckus. It’s like when ordinary people catch sight of entertainers.

In the VIP seats are the other knights. Some have scars marring their strong-looking faces. There is even a bald knight with bulging muscles. However, no one is paying them any attention. How pitiful. Guys, please give them a little love. Act like they exist. They’re probably the ones working the hardest.

Because of their handsome faces, the first pair of knights clearly stand out among the rest of their colleagues.

They’re aware of everyone fawning over them and make a clear distinction between them and their colleagues. I’m hesitant on how to define the feelings they inspire from me, nor do I know what to make of my first impression.

Seeing how haughty they act around the students, my impression of them worsens.

Since they’ve yet to say anything, even after all this time, I’m a bit impatient. “What is it?”

The dark-skinned man with the slicked-back hair smiles.

“Ah, I apologize for the abrupt call. I must have surprised you. I’m Viper Serpantine, the captain of the Royal Knights. And this is the vice captain…”

“Saular Tetar. Nice to meet you.”

His droopy eyes droop even further as he swipes his bangs to the side, flashing me a brilliant smile as well.

“After watching Lian’s impeccable match, we immediately thought of calling you out.”

“Is this a scout?”

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”S-scout…!?”

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“S-seriously!?”

The trio are as loud as always.

Turning to the trio, the captain and vice captain of the Royal Knights nod.

“You can think of it like that. I’ve been planning on finding a new recruit for one of my squads. Of course, they must be up to my standards for me to recruit. Lian, you are… very good. Right, Saular?”

“Yeah. If you allow me to say my personal opinion, you are… the best I have seen so far.”

“Right? That’s why, Lian, won’t you discuss with us for a while?

I shake my head.

Why me?

“I’m sorry. I believe the winner is Alfred… Flam, isn’t it?”

The smile on the black-haired knight deepened.

“Yes, that’s true. But he is… indebted to the church, right?”

The moment I hear that, I immediately understand the implications.

And my heart feels heavy.

This guy is saying that because Alfred is an orphan with no money or backing, he is not worth scouting.

And in that respect, I am the son of the lord. I have both the skills and the status, a perfect resume..

I’m annoyed, but I manage to fake a smile for them.

“I see. But, I──”

I have no intention of becoming a knight in the capital.

If I’m still alive in two years, I plan to spend my days in leisure in one of the Owen family villas. Help my brother manage the village now and again. That’s if I don’t return to my original world.

I also want to help out Marie’s orphanage.

Once I settle down, I want to travel occasionally.

Slowly explore this favorite world of mine with my own two feet and my own eyes.

In spite of my rejection, the black-haired knight’s smile doesn’t falter.

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“I’ve already told Lord Owen that I will talk to you today, so you don’t have to worry about anything. You just need to follow us, and listen to what we have to say.”

Ugh.

So this is the arrangement of Lian’s father, huh?.

Perhaps Lian’s father bribed them. Yeah, he definitely did. Isn’t using bribes to get a promotion outdated? It’s like that old historical play my grandpa used to watch, where the magistrate seals a case after receiving a nice chunk of cash.

I feel like bashing my head against the wall.

“L-Lian-sama! You’re so amazing! So cool! Wow, Lian-sama! You’re actually going to be a knight in the capital…”

“W-wonderful! Capital… Lian-sama will live in the city!”

“Wow! How fantastic!! Please let us hear the details later, alright!?”

The trio’s looking at me with sparkling eyes.

“Yeah, I have already made a reservation at the Martina Laffinato Hotel. Let’s talk over dinner. A carriage is already waiting outside. Come on.”

I have no way to escape.

The Martina Laffinato Hotel is one of the finest hotels in this area.

It only accepts those of the upper crust of society as patrons. Formal attire is also required for entry. The building flaunts elegant and exquisite architecture, akin to that of an art museum. The staff are extremely hospitable, elegant, and polite. At least, that’s what the guidebook says.

Even some celebrities from the capital frequent this hotel, according to gossip from the trio and my classmates.

A lot of money is moving below the surface. I’m curious as to how much Lian’s father has spent on this, but I’m also afraid to find out.

I sigh.

This is no longer something I can turn down in the school hallway. I have to have a personal talk with them myself. Thankfully, Lian’s father won’t be around, or else it’ll be even more troublesome.

That will be my chance to refuse.

“…I understand.”

Hearing my acknowledgement, both of them smile.

“Haha, I really like you. You’re a smart and good kid. Then, let’s go.”

Escorted by the two knights, I head to the luxurious carriage parked in front of the school gate.

I’m really happy that one of my very very favourite JP BL novels got translated by someone…! I want to talk about it weeks ago but the chapter is still just a few, but now that it got published, I NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT AHHHHH…!! And the cover, SO PRETTY AAAAAAA *licksthescreen* Read here!

The story is super duper cute but also has its serious bits, in short it is amazing!!! I just love Ruth and Alec so much huhuhu T.T I’m sure most people will agree with me after 50+ ch *nods*

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Other than that moment of gushing, uni is starting again next week huuu I’ll start stocking again…

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