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 - 20

Chapter 20: The Birth of a Hero

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It felt like it had been a long time since I had stepped on the academy’s cobblestones. Actually, it had probably only been two days. My injuries had been treated by the academy’s exceptional in-house healer, and I myself had felt fine, but they had told me to rest, so I had spent all of yesterday lying in bed. After persuading both the doctor and Yuka, I was finally released.

“…Being healthy is wonderful.”

I muttered it to no one in particular. It wasn’t like I had been unhealthy, but the world outside after being freed from bedridden confinement felt exceptional. Suddenly, Yuka, walking beside me, cast a brief glance my way.

“If you push yourself, you’ll be sent back to the infirmary.”

“I’m just attending classes today. There’s no way to overdo it.”

“It’s only a precaution.”

She was the same as ever. And somehow, as we approached the school building, I felt like the number of gazes on me was increasing.

Whispers echoed.

“That’s Luka-sama…!”

“I heard he really stood up to them alone.”

Hey, hey, cut it out. I just almost got killed, that’s all (seriously).

Without thinking, I quickened my pace.

“Being famous is rough…”

“It’s only natural. If anything, perhaps you’re not grateful enough?”

“Is it really that big of a deal?”

When I entered the classroom, the air shifted slightly. It didn’t go completely silent. But the gazes clearly gathered on me. I took my seat.

…I can’t relax.

“Luka-sama!”

The first one to come over was Allen.

Honestly, you’re always adorable.

His eyes were literally sparkling.

“Is your body really okay!?”

“Yeah. I’m perfectly fine.”

“It was truly amazing! I really have something I want to say…”

His words stopped for just a moment. But he quickly smiled.

“…Luka-sama, you were so cool!”

I was glad Allen seemed to have regained his energy. Everyone had been in a funeral-like mood. That said, please stop saying that so loudly.

“Anyone would’ve done it. It just happened to be me.”

“Ordinary people wouldn’t!”

Maybe that was true. If I kept spraying blood every time I got attacked, I wouldn’t last long either.

“Next time, I’ll become strong enough to protect you, Luka-sama!”

I greatly appreciate the sentiment, but isn’t everyone trying to protect me lately? Did they figure out that I’m actually weak?

It didn’t feel bad. In fact, hearing that from a friend made me happy.

“You don’t have to push yourself.”

“Is that something Luka-sama should be saying?”

I had no comeback to that. As I continued chatting animatedly with Allen, Kaiel approached. As usual, his back was straight, his gaze serious.

“Congratulations on your return.”

“Thanks.”

“…Regarding this incident, I wasn’t able to do anything.”

Cut it out. That attitude spreads, you know? It’s a bad influence on our Allen-chan.

“…That must be why…”

Why what? I’ll hold back from asking, so go back to your seat.

“Next time, I’ll catch up.”

What’s that supposed to mean?

“Catch up?”

“To your back.”

I have absolutely no recollection of ever surpassing Kaiel in any way.

“…Is there anywhere I’m better than you?”

“Yes. In everything.”

If you’re serious about that, can I slap you twice?

Before I realized it, Elysia was standing behind him. Perfect posture as always, a beautiful smile.

“Good morning, Luka-sama.”

She was so worried about me yesterday, but I was glad she looked well. But—

“Is your body truly all right?”

Her fingertips were clenched just a little tighter.

“I’m fine.”

“…I see.”

Huh. Maybe she still wasn’t feeling okay.

I really shouldn’t make my friends worry. Should I do a quick joke or something? (Out of nowhere.)

As I was thinking that, I noticed Elysia’s gaze flick briefly toward Yuka. It was only for an instant, but her eyes were unlike anything I had seen before. At the very least, they weren’t bright. Before I could think about it, her gaze returned to me.

“Please, at least don’t overexert yourself.”

Her smile didn’t falter. But behind it, there was something quiet. If I had to guess, Elysia probably felt some guilt toward me as well. She had said as much yesterday.

After that, everyone returned to their seats and class began. Elysia and Kaiel were not beside me. It felt a little lonely.

After class. When I stepped into the hallway, a different voice called out to me.

“Luka.”

A girl’s voice, but I knew it wasn’t Elysia. When I turned around, it was Serena. That was rare. Actually, we had never really talked before, had we? Her silver hair swayed in the light from the window. For a moment, her gaze wavered as if searching for words.

Then she looked straight at me.

“About the other day… thank you.”

She bowed deeply. It wasn’t a formal courtesy.

“No, I didn’t really do anything.”

Isn’t everyone misunderstanding something? I was just trying to help Yuka. Does that really warrant their thanks?

Serena lifted her face. Her eyes curved slightly in a soft smile.

“Even so,” after a small pause, she continued.

“…At that moment, you were able to move.”

She swallowed the rest of her words. Instead, she smiled quietly.

“You really did look like a hero.”

Now you’re exaggerating! I just got beaten one-sidedly and ended up bedridden, you know?

“Being called a hero is a bit much for me.”

“No, that’s not true.”

Her voice sounded somehow happy.

Please direct your thanks to the one who actually defeated that guy… Wait. Come to think of it, who defeated that attacker dressed in black?

After school.

For some reason, I received a summons from the student council room. Given that it was right after yesterday, I had nothing but a bad feeling about it. When I opened the door, the only one there was the vice president, Lizel. I had just met Serena earlier, so now that I thought about it—were Serena and Lizel sisters?

“Thank you for coming.”

As always, her voice was beautiful. It wasn’t the kind of mature elegance a third-year high schooler should be able to produce.

“First, on behalf of the academy, allow me to express our gratitude once more. Your actions bought valuable time for many students.”

So stiff. Personally, I prefer hard gummy candy, though (?).

“…And also.”

Her voice shifted slightly.

“On a personal note, please allow me to thank you as well.”

I felt the air soften a little.

“Serena is my precious younger sister.”

I knew it.

You can’t fool these eyes (adjusts glasses).

“For saving her, I am grateful.”

There was unmistakable respect in her words. It was clear she was a good person who cared deeply for her sister. I shrugged.

“I wasn’t trying to save Serena.”

“Even so, you did save her as a result.”

Lizel’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“In such situations, very few people are able to move.”

…Most of the time I just act on reflex. When I think about it later, I realize I was being pretty stupid.

“…You probably aren’t aware of it.”

“Aware of what?”

“No. It’s nothing.”

She shook her head lightly.

“Truly, thank you very much.”

She was thorough with her gratitude.

“That concludes today’s matter.”

And with that, I was dismissed. When I stepped into the hallway, the sky outside the window was dyed with the colors of sunset.

I heard someone’s voice in the distance.

“Hey, isn’t that Luka-sama?”

“Knock it off…”

So this is one of the downsides of becoming quietly famous… I seriously hate it.

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From a short distance away, Serena watched the scene. She let out a soft chuckle. What dwelled in her eyes was something that could not quite be called love.

Simply… Admiration toward the back that had moved within the flames that day.

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