Vol. 1 - Chapter 150.2 - Bolstering the Defense of the Border Post (2)

Uh-huh...... I could relate having no interest in the hodgepodge that was politics and frankly, I couldn't see myself being interested in it in the future as well, so I never paid attention to what happened in the background.

The thing that intrigued me was Bester's future plan. I didn't know that he liked to study so much that he wanted to be a scholar later down the line.

Adding firewood into the bonfire, I cheered him on, my tone nonchalant.

"You sure have it tough too, huh?...... Well, you should go for whatever you like because it's your life!"

Bester's head drooped in dejection.

"You don't say...... I heard from Fey and Jeu how you let Ruderio-sama continue his shenanigans, and asked them to ignore him despite having plenty of means to sort him out.

You know, even those two were taken aback at your way of doing things. They didn't know your plan all along was to thoroughly crush him on that spot so that he would have nightmares recalling it.

I mean, yeah, it was Ruderio-sama who picked a fight with you first and the fault lies with Diarmaq, but please, I beg you, hold back next time...... Due to what happened, there had been voices calling to nominate me to be the successor. You have no idea of the lengths I had to go through to deny those voices!"

Bester let out a defeated dog-like howl, his expression extremely pitiable.

"Hahaha! It's been so long that I’ve even forgotten about Rudge-senpai, so there's no way he would be plotting anything now, right? It's all a coincidence, honestly!

Anyway, so you guys still have to care about your family’s situation while in the Academy? Man, must be rough, eh? Well, not that it matters to a country bumpkin like me, ahaha!"

Talk about wasting your youth and friendship just for family politics. I’m amazed anyone would do that.

Bester heaved a heavy sigh.

"Haa~. You really surprised me... No, I’m scared that I don't even feel that you're joking.

I mean, the situation was already under scrutiny as everyone's eyes were on Fey and Jeu, guessing if there would be a confrontation after the entrance exam between the Dragoon and the Levarance, who were like cats and dogs. As individuals, they got along just fine, but you know their caliber and personalities...... However, your presence immediately brought both of them closer.

The Marquises had to hold meetings many times and decided to hold a youth gathering at the end of summer vacation, right after the first term. You should know the significance behind it, since you actually did show up there.

Zatsinger, who had a neutral stance in politics, had BBQ together with the Dragoon and Leverance people in Rovenne's house. Furthermore, there are even rumors that Leo is considering bringing the two families, Rovenne and Zatsinger, together through marriage.

'I'm just a country bumpkin, you say?' You really have the nerve to say that when the Kingdom is ushering in a wave of transformation capable of repainting the current power structure."

......That damn Leo...... I didn't expect him to make a move on my Elder Sister behind my back. Out of all things, he just had to focus on that even though they were supposed to be 'neutral'.

Hmm. Frankly, I was fed up with all the talk about politics, and I really didn't care about what could happen.

"Who the hell wouldn't be surprised?! For the love of god!!!! Do you even have the slightest idea what you just blabbered?! Not only is the Dragoon and Leverance already on your side, now even the Dosperior is connected with you?! My god, if Zatsinger becomes your supporter as well, the power dynamic of the kingdom would be shattered thoroughly into dust!

I wouldn't be surprised if the royal family takes this as a sign of rebellion! And the heck did you just say, only I know that? What the hell are you thinking, bringing me into your mess! I was right, I should have kept my ears shut!!!"

I waved my hand, asking him to take a deep breath and calm down, for now.

"Come now, I’m not going to dip into a joint faction with everyone, and I’ve already had a chat with His Majesty, so your fears are unfounded."

"Y-You had a chat with his Majesty!!? In the name of all that is holy, stop! JUST SHUT YOUR MOUTH, PLEASE! I only want to be a scholar. Why are you muddying the water for me as well?! And before you get bummed out, I don't have any information to share in exchange!!! Not even a fraction of it!!"

Bester beautifully performed a bow that he had been learning lately with a haggard appearance, and then glared at me with teary eyes.

“Don't sweat over such stuff and take a seat,” I said as I held him by the shoulders and brought him to a log in front of the bonfire, retaking our seat.

Then we silently stared at the bonfire for 30 odd seconds, and after loosening the atmosphere, I suddenly asked.

"Is there someone... you like, Bester?"

The flames flickered as the firewood made crackling sounds intermittently.

Perfect setup...

I finally pushed for what I had been dying to ask. Bester wore a bashful look, giving off an air of self-importance as if he was really proud of it, and readily replied.

"Huh? Ah, umm. Though it’s more than a crush, I have a fiancé in Class 1-C. She's the second daughter of Count Kayneridge, located in the Diarmaq territory as well. Her name is Kanon Kayneridge."

"Kanon Kaynridge...... You mean that sweet, adorable, and demure girl is your fiancé?"

"Yeah. We do have a disparity in status, but our betrothal was decided when I was able to enter Class A of the Royal Academy. Honestly, I think she's wasted on me... She's been quietly supporting me from behind when my standing was being dragged into the water due to the Hill Road Club situation, never once trying to get away from me. Enough of that, what was that you wanted to ask?"

"...............By the way, what do you call each other?"

"Kan-chan, and Bes-kun.... Hey, don't switch topics. I was asking something! Stop putting on airs!"

I crushed a nearby firewood, tossed it into the bonfire, and answered with a smoldering sensation inside me—

"Go and explode, you Normie!”

T/N - Damn, all that setup for that......MC really has one heck of personality. It suddenly occur to me, I guess Godotfun’s assignment in starting was all along to push Allen up.

E/N - MC's comment about his classmates worrying about their family situation even while in school makes me wanna facepalm. He really should at least keep it in mind, otherwise his dad will likely get a heart attack before he graduates ????