I Was Reincarnated as a Duke as a Matter of Course, So I Bought a Slave on a Whim and Now There’s No Turning Back - 11

Chapter 11: What a Great Guy Kaiel-kun Is

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While the three of us remained awkward, the class continued. Well, maybe I was the only one who thought it was awkward.

“Now then. Next is practical application.”

Standing at the podium, the teacher spoke in a flat tone.

“We will reproduce a basic spell. This will be a confirmation of your mana control and construction.”

“I’ll have you come forward one by one.”

…Oh wow, the classic random practical check they always do at school. My legs are shaking so hard they won’t stop.

The air in the classroom tightened just slightly.

Come on, there’s no one here worse at magic than me, right? Stand tall, guys.

“A simple spell will suffice. A fireball, wind pressure, water generation. Basic magic is enough.”

Yes, teacher! My fire is microscopic in size! Will that be okay?

Several students stepped forward and handled it without issue.

“Ooh.”

“As expected…”

“So beautiful…”

Yeah, yeah, amazing, amazing.

I applauded in my heart only.

Those who lack talent are generous in spirit. But if they keep showing off like this, I’m going to want to spin the reincarnation gacha one more time… One way or another…

“Next is…”

The teacher’s gaze traced down the roster.

You know what they say… Bad feelings always come true.

“Luka Noctire.”

…Here it is.

The classroom stirred.

“It’s Luka-sama.”

“I wonder what kind of magic he’ll use.”

“It’s probably going to be amazing.”

Stop. Don’t build up expectations. I’m just doing the most basic and I’m not even confident I can manage that. I’m about to collapse that expectation tower right now.

“To the front.”

I hesitated quite a bit, trying to buy time and search for a way out.

Yeah, no chance. Welp, here I go (resigned).

I stood up. My legs were trembling so minutely only I would notice. My face, however, remained calm. Inside, though, I was filled with panic and misplaced anger.

Putting aside the fact that my academy life might completely implode here, now that I’ve come this far… maybe I should dazzle them…. With a miracle.

I could release mana. But it wasn’t stable enough to show in front of people. With Yuka constantly watching over me, I could barely manage to give it shape. The stares around me were starting to hurt and so were the expressions of the two beside me.

Sorry for making you worry. Shall I show you? The magic known as my miracle.

Just as I was about to step forward…

“Teacher.”

A voice rang out from beside me.

“…?”

I turned. It was Kaiel. His back straight, expression calm yet unwavering.

“May I demonstrate in his place?”

The classroom fell silent. The teacher raised an eyebrow slightly.

“And your reason?”

“Luka-sama appeared fatigued during the morning lesson. Besides, this is not something that must specifically be done by Luka-sama. If the goal is to confirm the basics, I believe I can fulfill that purpose.”

…Huh? Is that allowed? Wait, I’m actually swooning right now. You’re the only one who stood up for me. I’m saved~~~!! Are you a god? Is the marquis house divine or what? Yes!! This means I avoid the route where I humiliate myself, become the academy’s gossip topic, and get exiled from the ducal house!

The teacher thought for a moment, then nodded.

“…Very well. Valdio-kun, then.”

“Thank you.”

No, thank YOU. I will never forget you for the rest of my life.

Kaiel bowed and stepped forward. As he passed me, our eyes met for just a moment. The corner of his lips lifted ever so slightly.

I see. So you’re saying, leave this to me? How cool are you, seriously…

“…”

Elysia’s gaze turned toward me. It wasn’t reproachful. Nor was it worried. Just quiet and gentle.

…Yeah. No matter what expression she makes, Elysia is cute.

Kaiel began casting his spell. Efficient, clean—just like the textbook. But even more than that, it felt stable.

“Splendid.”

“As expected.”

“The House of Valdio…”

Even the teacher nodded in satisfaction.

“A fine example.”

Kaiel bowed and returned to his seat.

“Thank you.”

He sat down beside me as he said it.

“That was amazing. Truly textbook perfect.”

“No.”

In a small voice, he said to me.

“Fair and square, after all.”

Huh? What are you talking about? …Wait, does this guy not even think of it as doing me a favor? …I see, I see. So that’s the kind of guy you are (admiration). For now, I’m just grateful.

Just as Kaiel settled back into his seat and the classroom atmosphere began to calm..

“…Teacher.”

Another voice rose. Clear and firm this time. It was Elysia.

“I believe today’s practical confirmation is sufficient.”

“The reproduction of the basics has been confirmed. Continuing further would yield little additional learning.”

The teacher considered briefly, then nodded.

“Very well. We shall end it here for today.”

A wave of relief spread through the classroom. Honestly, I was the most relieved of all. Right after that…

“Kaiel-sama.”

Elysia looked to the side. Her voice was quiet, but steady.

“Your demonstration was excellent.”

Right? So cool~

“However—”

She paused briefly.

“If you stepped forward to take Luka-sama’s place, then that would be incorrect.”

Huh?

The classroom air tightened again.

…O-Oh.

Kaiel blinked in surprise, then gave a small smile.

“That was not my intention.”

His gaze shifted to me.

“Today, I merely received the opportunity thanks to Luka-sama’s kindness.”

…That’s right~? Let’s not fight~?

Elysia stared at him for a moment longer, then quietly nodded.

“…If that is so, then it is fine.”

That was all she said before facing forward. The class moved on to the next explanation. No one raised their voice. Yet undeniably, something in the atmosphere had shifted.

“…Luka-sama.”

A small voice. It came from Elysia beside me.

“I truly apologize that Kaiel-sama intervened so many times.”

Mm~ he’s sitting right next to us, you know? He probably can’t hear, though.

“It’s nothing to apologize for. I was saved.”

“…Is that so?”

For just a moment, her voice softened.

“Even so, I did wish to see Luka-sama’s magic…”

“…Haha, I’ll show you someday.”

If I can. If I can, okay…?

Still facing forward, I lightly clenched my fist. I was saved. Truly saved.

Next time, I won’t run. I can’t keep troubling Kaiel-kun over and over. I won’t cause trouble for Kaiel or Elysia again in the future. So just for now, please cover for me.

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