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 - 19

Chapter 19: An Ominous Atmosphere

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Morning light streamed in through the window of the infirmary room.

A white ceiling. The smell of disinfectant. Orderly silence. I sat half-upright, doing nothing but idly killing time. My injuries were completely healed, so why couldn’t I move around?

“…I’m bored.”

“You were told to remain at rest.”

Yuka’s voice came back immediately.

It’s not like I’m going to run around or anything. Don’t they have card games or something? Let’s hurry up and duel already (battle maniac).

Well, not like they’d have that. Guess I’d just look at Yuka and pass the time. I turned my eyes to Yuka, who was naturally standing beside my bed. Her maid uniform was perfectly arranged today as well. Her posture was straight, without a single opening.

“…How long is this going to last?”

“Until the physician determines you are fine, I imagine.”

“I’m bursting with energy like a hundred times stronger.”

“Hm…?”

Ah, Yuka wouldn’t get that reference. Ever since coming to this other world, none of my past-life jokes landed. It was rough.

At that moment.. A restrained knock echoed. Yuka stepped forward.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and three people entered. Elysia. Kaiel. Allen. For a moment, the air froze.

…Why does everyone look so gloomy?

◇◆◇

“Ah, good morning, everyone.”

Luka raised a hand lightly and greeted them with a smile. That alone made my chest tighten. He was alive. The smile I had admired so many times was there. And yet, every time I looked at that face, the scene from that day flashed across my mind. His small body breaking through the flames, blood spraying into the air. And myself—powerless, able to do nothing but watch his back.

(Luka-sama does not need me.)

That atmosphere between Luka-sama and Yuka. It was not those of protector and protected. It was a place where they wagered their lives for each other. I was not included there.

“…Luka-sama.”

My voice was slightly stiff.

“Are you… all right?”

“Yeah, as you can see, I’m perfectly fine.”

“You mustn’t overdo it. Your injuries were extremely severe.”

It was Kaiel who cautioned Luka-sama. The conversation continued, and the air softened a little. Allen stared at Luka.

“…I’m sorry, Luka-sama. I couldn’t do anything.”

His voice was low with regret and helplessness.

…I knew that feeling well. It overlapped with my own. I was aware he had laid his honest feelings bare. 

Luka shrugged.

“No, no. I only jumped in because I couldn’t do anything either.”

“Th-That’s not—!”

“It’s fine. It’s already over.”

He—Luka-sama—had always been like that. To others, it was not something simple, and yet he carried it out as though it were nothing special. My gaze naturally shifted to the side.

Yuka, the slave Luka-sama had purchased. The girl standing right beside Luka-sama. They were closer than the last time I saw them. Too close. Too natural. As if that were her place. A sharp pain pricked deep in my chest.

I couldn’t do anything. Luka-sama protected Yuka. Yuka protected Luka-sama.

And yet I…

My feet would not move.

“…That time…”

I found myself speaking without thinking. Everyone’s eyes turned toward me.

“I was scared…”

My voice trembled. But it would not stop.

“I couldn’t move.”

Silence.

I knew there was no meaning in saying this, and yet I still hoped. And Luka-sama had always answered that hope. Luka-sama smiled gently again.

“That’s normal. It’d be stranger if you weren’t scared.”

“But—”

“I was scared too.”

I held my breath at those words.

“I was scared, but Yuka was right in front of me, so I just moved.”

That was not something to say so lightly. Yuka’s fingertips tightened slightly. I found myself noticing even that small reaction.

I couldn’t enter. A quiet heat gathered in my chest.

Frustrating. Frustrating. Frustrating. But it was not anger.

“…Next time,” I muttered so quietly no one could hear. “Next time, I will protect you.”

By the time I raised my face, I wore my model-student smile again. But deep in my eyes, a faint obsession lingered.

◇◆◇

While I was enjoying the conversation with Elysia and the others, there was another knock. This one had a good sound to it. That was the sound of someone who was experienced at knocking (knock sommelier).

Once again, Yuka went to the door. She opened it. Standing there was our homeroom teacher with the perpetually sarcastic look, and…

The air in the room changed.

“Excuse us.”

A low, composed voice echoed through the room. A tall, handsome man with slightly reddish-brown hair tied back spoke.

“First of all, I’m glad you’re safe, Luka Noctire. I am Arvel Reinhardt, a third-year in the high division and the student council president.”

Next to him, a woman with beautiful white-indigo hair flowing down her back introduced herself.

“I am also a third-year and serve as vice president. Rizel Alfilia. Pleased to meet you.”

“I heard you regained consciousness yesterday. How are you feeling?”

“So-so.”

I answered lightly. Arvel nodded once.

“I will get straight to the point. We would like to conduct a brief inquiry. Is that acceptable?”

That really is straight to the point. I’m not great with this kind of thing. Kaiel stepped forward.

“Now?”

“We will not take much time. We would ask you to step out for a short while.”

Vice President Rizel added calmly.

“As those responsible for managing the academy, there are matters we must confirm.”

The air grew tense.

…Well, if it’s quick, fine. The ones who say they won’t take long usually take an hour, though. It’s probably mandatory anyway, so sure.

“…Everyone, that’s how it is.”

Elysia’s fingertips twitched.

“But—”

“It’s fine. It’ll be over soon.”

Do I just answer yes to everything?

“Yes, even you, the attendant, will need to step out.”

“…Understood.”

Yuka hesitated for just a moment. Even so, she bowed her head and left the room.

“If anything happens, please notify me immediately.”

“Yeah.”

The other three quietly left as well. The door closed. After a brief silence, Student Council President Arvel stood beside the bed.

“I will ask bluntly. If you know anything about those wearing black cloaks… the attackers, tell us.”

Straight to the point, huh.

“Any distinguishing features?”

I recalled the scene from that time, unconsciously staring at the ceiling. I hadn’t fought them directly, but what stood out was…

“…That dagger.”

Arvel’s eyes narrowed.

“A dagger?”

“A dagger with a jet-black blade. If I’m not mistaken, it nullified magic.”

For an instant, Rizel’s eyes gleamed sharply.

“What was it like?”

“What was it like…?”

I only remembered that it was pitch black. Didn’t they confiscate it?

“…I’m sorry. I don’t remember anything beyond that.”

The air froze. Arvel placed a hand on his chin, thinking, then spoke.

“…No such dagger was found at the scene, nor was it in the possession of any of those apprehended.”

What?

“However, everyone present at the scene also claims they saw a black dagger.”

…Please don’t suddenly turn this into a horror story. That’s terrifying.

“This incident differs from previous attacks.”

There have been previous attacks? Now I’m genuinely worried about the security of this place.

“…No, I apologize. We should not burden you further. We will take our leave. If the opportunity arises, we would like to speak with you again.”

I turned my gaze to the student council president.

“Yes, if the opportunity arises.”

The president exited, and as Rizel bowed and moved to close the door, Yuka entered before it fully shut.

“Are you all right, Luka-sama?”

“Y-Yeah.”

You know, I appreciate it. I really do, but you don’t have to be here every second.

“Shall I prepare some tea?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, please.”

“Yes.”

…Please just let me live a slow life like this.

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