A boy raised by a demon king and a dragon king seems to be peerless in his school life.

Volume 9 Chapter 23 Intrusion

Upon the appearance of an unexpected person, Ruisha and the Third Eye group found themselves unable to move from their positions.

While Ruisha and the Third Eye members were desperately pondering the best course of action, Chrome appeared relaxed, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads as they contemplated their moves. Chrome seemed to be enjoying the situation.

In the tense atmosphere, the first to make a move was the man from the Third Eye. Suppressing his earlier excitement, he approached Chrome with a respectful manner and posed a question.

“Lord Chrome, why are you here? What has happened to His Majesty the Emperor?”

“Hmm, I can’t just answer that easily. His Majesty isn’t glued to my side or anything. …Anyway, have I seen you somewhere before?”

Chrome said this, observing the man carefully.

Then, as if recalling something, Chrome clapped his hands.

“I remember now. You were the one I saw when I met the old retiree a while back. I don’t remember your name, but you were definitely there.”

“Only you would dare to refer to our leader as an old retiree. Nonetheless, I’m surprised you remember me. Although I introduced myself back then, allow me to do so again. My name is Liebe Porphonica.”

Saying this, the man in green clothing, Liebe, bowed respectfully.

However, Chrome made a disinterested sound, “Hm,” at his response. Despite the rather rude attitude, Liebe maintained a smile on his face. He knew the peril of displeasing Chrome.

“Your name doesn’t matter. What’s more important is that you were by that old man’s side. With the Third Eye, you should hold a decent position. It’s disappointing that such an important figure like you would get involved in kidnapping. Your organization has truly fallen.”

“Kidnapping isn’t a gentle affair, Lord Chrome. I was merely scouting, always with a peaceful intention.”

“If in your organization, scouting involves using brainwashing magic, then perhaps it’s true. The real issue is whether this fits within the laws of this country… What do you say? Shall we go and find out together?”

Upon Chrome’s words, Liebe grits his teeth. He never expected to be caught in the act of using brainwashing magic. Being observed from the shadows means they had been watched for a while, waiting for the right moment to intervene.

It’s an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation with no way to defend or explain. When you can’t win with words or strength, all that’s left is to admit defeat, even if it means letting go of a golden opportunity.

“…What is it you desire? I doubt you did this out of a sense of justice.”

“That’s quite disappointing, Liebe-kun. I’m a knight sworn to protect the nation, you know? This sword is always here to defend the people and peace.”

“Heh… Even with that wicked look, your words lack conviction.”

“Oh, dear. It seems my smile is a bit too frightening. I try not to smile too often as my subordinates find it intimidating, but it seems it slipped out.”

Liebe responds with a polite smile to Chrome’s words, but within his heart, a fiery anger swirls. Not only was his scouting disrupted, but he also felt a strong anger towards Chrome for not even attempting to explain. However, Liebe decides that further probing would yield no answers. He chooses to quietly leave the scene.

Sanctria strictly prohibits acts of violence within the country. If an incident occurs and it comes to light, it would inconvenience the organization. This is the least desirable outcome for him, someone who holds great respect for the organization.

“Understood. I will quietly leave for today. However, it doesn’t mean I’ve given up on that boy. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I will come for him again soon.”

Saying this, Liebe turns his gaze towards Ruisha, a smile playing on his lips.

“Well then, until next time. I believe I’ll hear a favorable response next time.”

With those words, the trio from Third Eye disappeared into the crowd.

Ruisha, after observing their movements for a while using magical detection, couldn’t detect any signs of an ambush, confirming that they had indeed left.

“Phew, it seems they really left.”

Ruisha heaves a sigh of relief.

However, it’s still too early to let one’s guard down. He tightens his loosened nerves once more and turns his attention to Chrome this time.

“Thank you, Chrome-san. Thanks to you, I’m safe.”

“Heh, it’s alright, Ruisha… you. Aren’t we on good terms?”

Being called by his name, Ruisha’s back shivers. He doesn’t remember introducing himself by name when they last met. Therefore, the fact that he knows implies that he must have looked him up.

And Chrome, of course, is aware that calling him by his name would convey this. Essentially, he’s indirectly conveying his interest in Ruisha.

(I need to leave this place right now…!)

Ruisha, feeling the urgency, made up his mind.

For the time being, he thought he could discuss this with Yuri once he got through this situation.

“…I apologize, for the help you’ve given me, but our team’s match should be over by now. I think it’s about time we head back. Can I thank you properly another time?”

“That’s fine. I didn’t do this expecting anything in return. I just thought it would be very boring if you couldn’t enjoy the school festival because of something so trivial.”

Saying this, Chrome casually rested his hand on Ruisha’s shoulder. Even though he should have used very little force, Ruisha felt as if a huge block of iron was perched on his shoulder.

“I have expectations for you. Please don’t disappoint me.”

With a smile, Chrome released his hand from Ruisha’s shoulder and strode away.

Confirming that Chrome was completely gone, Iris hurried to Ruisha’s side.

“He withdrew surprisingly easily. I wonder what he’s thinking…?”

“I don’t know. But one thing is certain; that person is… strong.”

The sensation of Chrome’s hand lingering on his shoulder.

Ruisha felt both fear and excitement at that touch. The strongest swordsman among the humans—how powerful could he be? And how effective would his own strength be against him?

“Ruisha-sama, is something the matter?”

“…Oh, it’s nothing. Let’s hurry and join everyone.”

Suppressing the rising urge for combat, Ruisha, along with Iris, walked toward his friends, leaving behind the excitement surging within him.

◇

Volume 9 Chapter 24 Noble Academy

While Ruisha and Iris were enjoying their date, their classmates gathered in the athletes’ waiting room.

“Everyone, we now know our next opponents. Our second-round match will be against ‘Grandill Noble Academy.’ It’s a school located in the capital, so you’ve probably heard the name at least once.”

Yuri spoke at the center of the classmates, taking up the role of leading them while Ruisha was absent.

“Ah, I do recall hearing about it. Isn’t it a school attended by the noble brats?”

“That’s right, Charlotte. Grandill Noble Academy is a school where only nobles can attend, just as the name suggests.”

Yuri’s explanation seemed to be accompanied by a hint of irritation in his expression. It was rare to see him openly express dissatisfaction like this.

“What’s wrong with you? Do you have some kind of grudge against that school?”

“…That school deviates significantly from my father’s ideal of an ‘academy where everyone can study equally, regardless of status or race, and talents can be found in anyone.’ It’s a regressive, feudalistic institution that determines grades based on family background, engaging in nothing but filthy political wrangling.”

Yuri’s father, King Floyd, had reconstructed the existing school into the current magical academy, where grades were determined by merit, not social standing, aligning with his vision of equal opportunities for everyone. However, some nobles opposed this move and, defying the king’s persuasion, forcefully established the Noble Academy. These nobles held ill feelings toward King Floyd and continued to obstruct his politics.

For Yuri, who held deep respect for his father, these individuals were detestable adversaries.

“Many nobles have a high amount of magical power, so the students from the Noble Academy are likely to be the same. But they probably don’t have decent classes at the Noble Academy anyway. They aren’t our enemies, given that we’re constantly trained by Ruisha.”

Saying this, Yuri smirked in a sinister manner, and even his attendant, Ibuki, involuntarily flinched at the deep-seated grudge in that smile.

“So, who’s going to compete? It’s not like you’re going, right?”

“Hehehe, what are you saying, Charlotte? This is an unparalleled chance to put those Noble Academy brats in their place. Of course, I’ll be the one competing.”

Yuri’s words caused a stir among the classmates. The opponents were nobles who didn’t particularly favor the king. Naturally, they would view Yuri as an adversary too.

“You going out there is like a slime wielding a sword. It’s too dangerous.”

“Well, they’ll probably think that on their end. But those folks over there have no idea how much Ruisha has schooled me at the magical academy, you know…”

Yuri chuckled, and his classmates were repelled by his creepy laughter. At this point, no one tried to stop him.

“Well, if the prince is going, then I can’t just sit this one out. It’s a hassle, though.”

Ibuki said, sounding indifferent while adjusting his helmet. He was Yuri’s attendant, and he couldn’t stay out of this.

Then, Sharo raised her hand, the last one remaining.

“Since Ru isn’t here and I have some free time, I’ll participate. Don’t worry, I won’t get in your way.”

“It’s reassuring to have you participate, Charlotte. We can count on you if things get tough.”

“Sure, sure. I’ll help out if I feel like it.”

And so, the second round of the Grand School Festival commenced with these participants.