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 - 22

Chapter 22: I Feel Like I Can Win

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The seasons turned more quickly than I had expected. The commotion over the attack, the summons to the student council, the magic power measurement… All of it, before I knew it, had sunk quietly into everyday life.

When I noticed, the colors of the trees had changed, and the air had grown a little colder. And then…

“The end-of-year exams are approaching.”

Of course this would happen… I naturally hated it.

A ripple ran through the classroom. The exam would make use of the magical practical skills and academic knowledge we had learned so far, culminating in a group-based mock monster subjugation. It really felt like a summary of the entire year.

After class ended, I rested my cheek against my hand at my desk.

“It’s already that time…”

So fast. The last test had already shaved years off my life.

“Luka-sama, have your preparations progressed?”

A quiet voice came from beside me. As usual, Yuka sat upright, attached to my side.

“They have not.”

If they had, I wouldn’t be wearing an end-of-the-world expression like this.

“I thought as much.”

Isn’t that a bit harsh?

Then Allen, seated nearby, joined the conversation.

“Luka-sama, what will you do about your group? If you would like—”

“Ahh, I’m a dead weight, you know.”

If you team up with me, your grades will plummet. Don’t underestimate the frailty of this guy.

Even so, Allen’s expression remained serious.

“You are not dead weight. You were amazing in the last exercise!”

“…I was just lucky.”

I didn’t want to remember. During the last individual exercise, the teacher had allowed Yuka to accompany me out of consideration. When Yuka supported my magic, the result was a massive explosion that killed something like a goblin and nearly blew my arm off in the process.

That had been dangerous. Just recalling it gave me goosebumps. Kaiel, arms crossed, glanced over at me. He said nothing, but his gaze was intense.

What? Don’t tell me you’re going to talk about catching up to me again.

At a desk a short distance away, Elysia quietly took notes. She still chose a seat beside me during class, but we didn’t talk much. It felt like there was a little distance between us. I didn’t think she disliked me, but it made me slightly uneasy.

And the one whose relationship had changed the most was probably Serena.

Our eyes met briefly. She quickly looked away. This happened often. I probably shouldn’t be staring either, but it was amusing and I couldn’t help myself.

“…Let’s do our best.”

She said it softly. I shrugged.

“I’ll try not to get left behind.”

The air in the classroom felt tighter somehow. Over the past year, everyone had grown. Their magic power, their skills, their confidence.

Everyone except me, that is! (tears)

My magic power was still unreliable. I didn’t feel like I could stand on the front lines. But the way people looked at me had changed, just a little. Despite my many screw-ups, no one looked down on me lightly anymore, and fewer people excessively praised me. I was happy. It felt like they finally understood what kind of person I was.

After school.

The exam details were posted on the bulletin board. Team competition, mock battle format. Up to low-tier magic permitted. Time limit applied.

“Luka-sama, it has been posted.”

Yuka said it calmly.

“Is it against other people?”

“Yes, it appears so.”

“It’s over (blank stare).”

I let out a sigh. I had assumed it would be dungeon monsters. If it was people instead… Well, whoever faced me would have it easy. I was basically a free prey.

…Wait, but this was a team mock battle. If that was the case, there might actually be a chance.

“…If we’re doing it, I want to win.”

I muttered. Yuka narrowed her eyes slightly.

“You must not overdo it.”

“It’s fine. I’m actually more competitive than I look.”

I was still bitter about losing the reincarnation talent lottery.

“Alright, let’s do our best!”

I heard Allen shouting encouragement in the distance. Kaiel was already reading through the materials. Elysia closed her eyes quietly, as if deep in thought. Serena stared at the notice with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

One year. It had felt long, yet short. And now, the final exam of the elementary division was about to begin.

I looked up at the bulletin board.

“Well then, how are we supposed to win this?”

I myself couldn’t fight. But I could think. That much, at least, I could still do. A new sheet of paper was posted beside the board.

“Submit group members by the end of today. Teams will consist of three people.”

Three. The classroom erupted as everyone hurried to secure group members.

“Luka-sama! If you would allow me—”

Allen came to me first. Ever since teams had been mentioned, he had been trying to call out to me. But…

“You should team up with someone other than me, Allen.”

“But—”

“I’ll only be a hindrance in this exam.”

Allen swallowed his words. Maybe he didn’t know, since he had never seen it, but my hindrance was no joke. I truly wished it were a joke…

Beside him, Kaiel spoke calmly.

“Allen, would you team up with me?”

Kaiel, who had been sitting farther away just moments ago, was now right beside us.

“You and I are compatible. We can surely achieve high marks.”

His gaze shifted toward me.

“I cannot afford to lose.”

…As serious as ever.

“That settles it. Find one more person besides me.”

At that, Kaiel snorted lightly and walked off. Allen followed reluctantly. Throughout the classroom, groups of three were being formed one after another. I tried calling out to a few people myself, but they were already grouped up. 

I’m a duke’s son, you know (abuse of power).

Before I realized it, the only ones left near me were..

Elysia and Serena. An awkward silence stretched between us. I spoke first.

“…It’s rare for both Elysia and Serena to be left over.”

“That is incorrect.”

Elysia responded immediately. Her face and voice were gentle, but her eyes alone were slightly intimidating.

“I intended from the beginning to team up with Luka-sama.”

Eh? Are you sure!?

The surrounding students murmured. I saw Serena take a small breath.

“Ah, but I can’t fight, you know?”

“Of course I am aware.”

She smiled sweetly. Elysia was kind of scary. Then Serena stepped forward, albeit hesitantly.

“…I also…”

Her gaze wavered.

“I want to team up with Luka.”

The classroom filled with surprise once more. I blinked.

“Eh, why?”

I asked honestly. Serena’s cheeks flushed slightly, but she answered straightforwardly.

“You saved me before.”

Ah. Still hanging onto that, huh.

“No, that was—”

“And besides,” Elysia added quietly. “Luka-sama will surely guide us.”

…Aren’t you overestimating me? I haven’t done anything that impressive.

Serena nodded softly.

“I’m good at magic. But Luka can do anything.”

What part of me gave you that impression? Both of you…

Gazes gathered from around the room. Curiosity and a bit of jealousy. A lot of people probably wanted to team up with them… yay! Both of the two you wanted are in my group now!

I calmed myself down.

“I might really only be able to stand in the back and give instructions, you know?”

“That is fine.”

Elysia answered with a smile.

“That would be preferable.”

Serena nodded as well. Even though I had been celebrating, I had to ask…

Why are you two deciding so quickly?

I thought for a moment. These two were top-class frontliners, not just in our class but across the entire magic department. All I had to do was give instructions from behind. There was even a chance they would finish before I could say anything. I had seen a bit during practice. Despite their cute appearances, both were overwhelmingly capable.

…Did I just win in life?

“…It’s too late to complain now, you know?”

“I will not.”

“I won’t.”

What was that resolve? I let out a small laugh.

“Then, I’m counting on you. Elysia. Serena.”

At that moment, Elysia’s eyes softened ever so slightly. Serena smiled with visible relief. Behind us, Yuka quietly observed the situation. The three of us wrote our names on the submission form.

Luka Noctire

Elysia Gladio

Serena Alfilia

That settled it. The final exam of the elementary division. Me, who couldn’t fight and two of the magic department’s finest.

Now then, time for a strategy meeting.

If we were going to use magic against people in a group battle, we would definitely need practice. Still…

I looked at the two of them and grinned.

“Let’s do our best, you two.”

Elysia nodded elegantly. Serena nodded as well, a little shyly.

“Yeah.”

With these two, we could win. My chance had finally arrived! With the final exam of the year ahead of me, I was getting excited all by myself.

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