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 - 8

Chapter 8: A Self-Introduction Is the Act of Introducing Oneself

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The moment I stepped into the classroom, the air shifted slightly. It was spacious and the ceiling was high. The decorations weren’t overly flashy, yet the quality was obvious at a glance.

“…Wow, this is so obviously a noble academy.”

The desks were single-person. But beside each desk, there was enough space for an attendant to stand.

“This way, Luka-sama.”

Yuka guided me while checking the roster we had received in advance. My seat was toward the back by the window.

Isn’t this perfect?

I wouldn’t stand out. I wouldn’t be at the front. Which equaled the best possible outcome. The moment I sat down, whispers rose from around me.

“That person is from the Noctire ducal house…”

“A ducal family, right?”

“Amazing… You can really sense the nobility aura…”

Oh really? I didn’t quite understand, but I’d recommend an eye doctor.

If you’re sensing a nobility aura from me, glasses are absolutely mandatory.

Of course, I wasn’t going to say that out loud. Yuka stood slightly behind me, at a diagonal angle. This distance between us had already become natural. She wasn’t going to stay there during class too, right?

“…Excuse me.”

A voice came from the seat beside me. When I looked, a boy about my age was peering over. His hair was a slightly bright shade of brown. His expression was gentle, lacking the oppressive air typical of nobles.

“Um, are you from the Noctire family?”

“Yes.”

When I answered immediately, his eyes lit up.

“I knew it! My name is Allen Milford.”

How energetic. And his sense of personal space was close. This was… He was a sunshine noble.

“I’m Luka Noctire. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you!”

He thrust out his hand energetically. A handshake, huh. I hadn’t had many chances to do that in my previous life.

“Likewise.”

“Yes!”

Allen smiled. That was a good smile. I’d rank it second on this year’s “Smiles I Want to Protect” list. First place was obviously Yuka. Of course it was.

“Your attendant is with you too.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

When I said that, Yuka gave a light bow.

“My name is Yuka.”

“Nice to meet you.”

After nodding in admiration, Allen lowered his voice.

“Hey, did you hear?”

“Hear what?”

“The rumored ones.”

…So you’re on that side too.

“Serena-sama and Rine-san, right?”

“So you do know!”

I knew. I’d heard about them enough in the hallway earlier.

“Serena-sama is apparently in the same class as us.”

“Oh?”

“And Rine-san is in the Swordsmanship Department, so she’s in a different building.”

Are you some kind of information broker?

“Are members of the Noctire family really amazing in magic power?”

“By family standards, maybe.”

“Huh?”

I shrugged.

“I’m average.”

“Are you being modest?”

No, I’m really not. And that actually stings, so please stop.

Still, I had no intention of explaining every detail, so I just laughed it off. At that moment… The front of the classroom suddenly grew quiet.

“…She’s here.”

Someone murmured. Standing by the door was a girl with silver hair. Her back was straight, her gaze direct. She had a presence that naturally commanded the surrounding air.

“Wow, she’s really beautiful…”

“It’s Serena-sama…”

The first of the rumored figures. Apparently, she was indeed in our class. I casually rested my elbow on the desk.

Well then. Maybe I’ll take a nap. I’ve already got Elysia and Yuka for beautiful-girl viewing. They’re more than enough.

Just as I thought that… The classroom door shut crisply with a sharp sound.

“—Silence.”

A low, resonant voice echoed. In an instant, all chatter ceased. The air tightened. Standing at the podium was a man with black hair and glasses. He looked to be in his late thirties. Not flashy, but his posture was efficient and precise. Less like a magic teacher, more like a military officer.

“I will be your homeroom teacher starting today. My name is Raven Crawford.”

He didn’t write it on the board. Simply stating it was apparently enough.

…He looked strict. Actually, he definitely was the strict type.

“Here is the Royal Academy. Among its divisions—”

The teacher scanned the entire classroom once.

“This is the Elementary Division, Magic Department. As you know, it operates under a three-division system.”

He raised one finger at a time.

“Elementary Division. Middle Division. High Division. After graduation, you can join the court, research institutions, the military, or succession of your house. Your paths vary…”

His gaze sharpened behind his glasses.

“But without talent, none of them are easy.”

The atmosphere in the classroom grew slightly heavier.

“This class consists mostly of nobles. However, several commoners recognized for their talent are also enrolled.”

His gaze flicked toward a few students. They straightened their backs.

“Do not rely on status. Do not grow arrogant over talent. That is the Academy’s fundamental principle.”

I see.

Just as expected, he was a strict teacher.

Well, looks like I lost the homeroom teacher lottery (how rude of me).

“Now then.”

After clearing his throat, he continued.

“Details regarding lessons, examination systems, and practical evaluations will be explained at a later date.”

Thank goodness. If he explained now, I’d probably sleep through half of it anyway.

“Today will be orientation only. …However, before that.”

The teacher directed his gaze toward the back.

“Attendants.”

At that single word, Yuka’s shoulder shifted slightly.

“There will be a separate orientation for attendants shortly. Follow the guidance and exit promptly.”

A small murmur rippled through the room.

“During lessons, attendants are not permitted in the classroom. That is the Academy’s rule.”

I glanced back. Yuka, as composed as ever, gave a small nod.

“Take care.”

“Yes. Luka-sama as well.”

Her voice was just slightly softer. The attendants filed out one by one. When the door closed, the classroom instantly became a space for students only.

…What is this feeling?

Suddenly, I felt uneasy. I’d always been with Yuka constantly.

Separating me from Yuka-tan like this…. Whoever made that rule has some nerve. I’ve memorized your name, you hear? (outraged)

“Now then.”

The teacher clapped his hands.

“As of today, you are students of the Royal Academy. First, become accustomed to this place.”

With that, he stepped down from the podium.

“Next, brief self-introductions. Name and house. That is all.”

…Here it came. The self-introduction hell. Saying it wasn’t hard, but the gazes directed at a ducal house were what concerned me. I desperately resisted the urge to collapse face-first onto my desk. Yuka not being here was a big factor, but since that couldn’t be helped, I’d substitute the Allen next to me.

From now on, I will search for the equation that proves Allen = Yuka (sudden declaration in my heart).

“Starting from the front left, in order.”

With that single command from Raven-sensei, there was no escape.

The first to stand was a red-haired boy.

“Lloyd Valgrim. Viscount family. That is all.”

Short. And he sat down fast.

…Is this actually a helpful pattern?

Several more followed. Counts, margraves.. They stated their family name and sat. The noble specialty of “inoffensive competence” was high.

You mass-produced models… I’ll copy that strategy!

And then… The sound of a chair sliding quietly echoed. The one who stood was the silver-haired girl. The atmosphere visibly shifted.

“Serena Alfilia.”

Her voice was clear and composed.

“Second daughter of a ducal house. My attributes are water and light. …That is all.”

That was it. And yet—

“…Ah.”

“She’s different after all…”

Sighs escaped from somewhere. Two attributes, and a ducal house on top of that. No wonder she was the talk of the town. Serena did not look around once. She sat quietly. Her gaze fixed forward.

…That was the unapproachable type.

“Next.”

One by one, it continued, until finally Allen beside me stood.

“Yes!”

He shot to his feet energetically.

“Allen Milford! From a count family! I specialize in wind magic, and I hope to become friends with many people at the Academy!”

…Bright. So bright he almost stood out. But the classroom atmosphere softened slightly. Well done. I suppose I might consider praising you.

“Nice to meet you!”

He finished with a smile. A few students chuckled.

Extroverts truly are justice.

“Next.”

That was me. It had arrived. I stood slowly.

Hmph. Let me show these minor characters something. Even if I was once an ordinary person, I’ve been reincarnated into a ducal house for seven years now. I’ll demonstrate the communication skills Mother drilled into me!

“Luka Noctire.”

A small stir ran through the room.

“Oh.”

“Noctire…”

“The ducal house…?”

Ah, so they do react.

“My magic attribute is fire. …Nice to meet you.”

I sat immediately.

…Perfect. Yes, absolutely perfect. Not one unnecessary word. From beside me, Allen whispered.

“That was quick.”

“I just dislike long speeches.”

After that, there were recommended commoners, and noble children whose voices trembled from nerves. When the last person finished…

“…Good. That concludes it.”

Raven-sensei nodded.

“That is all for today’s class. After this, there will be a campus tour.”

After a short pause…

“Once attendants rejoin you, you are to return home.”

…Thank goodness. I must have successfully played the role of an inoffensive ducal heir.

I leaned back deeply in my chair. I was tired, but instead of just waiting for Yuka, maybe I’d explore the Academy a bit?

Just as I was thinking about my options…

“Luka-sama, I have come to escort you.”

“Whoa, that was fast.”

“Yes. The carriage is waiting, so let us go.”

“Thank you.”

And so, my first day at the Academy ended without incident. I had barely spoken to anyone except Yuka as usual, but just conversing with that sunshine creature called Allen was enough to fill me up. Thinking about learning magic here from now on made my heart race after all.

…Well, regardless of the limits of my talent, I’ll enjoy it. In the distant future is fine, but I’d like to properly meet those rumored figures too.

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