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

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Chapter 9: If You Ask What’s Fun About School, It’s This

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“Magic is a natural phenomenon reproduced through magical power—”

Standing at the podium was a man in robes who looked exactly like what you’d imagine a mage to be.

…Wait, this felt familiar. Wasn’t that Harrier-sensei from before?

“This will be an application of the basics. Once memorized, it will prove useful in the execution of various spells.”

When the teacher said that, everyone began writing diligently in their notebooks. I watched from the back, chin resting on my hand. Everyone was working hard.

Look at them, like people turned into robots. I refuse to become someone ruled by studying like this. Besides, having Yuka is more than enough. What? I rely on Yuka too much? I’m merely creating opportunities to make communication easier.

…What if she actually thinks I’m a pain? B-But in the beginning, I spoiled her like crazy, you know.

I seriously stayed by her side from the moment she woke up until she went to bed.

For some reason, by the third day Yuka had become independent and before I knew it, our positions had reversed.

Strange, right? If Yuka isn’t bothered, that’s fine… But if she’s forcing herself, I could become a flawless superhuman this instant.

As I was thinking that, the bell rang, signaling the end of class.

“…Well then, that concludes today’s lesson. I shall see you again tomorrow.”

Harrier-sensei gathered his materials and left the classroom. It had been quite an interesting lesson. I didn’t understand more than half of it, though. Looking around the classroom, most of the students couldn’t hide their fatigue.

The only one who seemed fine was… The rumored Serena-san?

…No, rather than fine, she simply hadn’t wavered from the start. I felt like our eyes met for a moment, but she quickly turned forward as if she had lost interest.

Well, whatever. Looks like only Serena-sama and I handled that with ease (observing from the high ground).

“Haaah, I’m tired already on the first day, Luka-sama.”

“Ah, yeah. Good work.”

I’d just been listening the whole time. My notebook was completely blank, though.

“…As expected.”

“Huh? Of what?”

“While everyone was desperate during class, Luka-sama alone looked composed.”

“Oh, hehe. Of course I did~…”

When we got home, I’d ask Yu—wait, was Yuka attending the same lesson? If she was, there wasn’t much point in separating classrooms. Maybe attendants had some kind of special curriculum.

…Putting that aside, it was time for that. Students began flowing out of the classroom. And then…

“Luka-sama, I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

“No, it’s fine. Shall we go?”

Yuka really had good timing. Now then… Off to the dining hall! But before that…

“Allen, status differences aren’t emphasized at the Academy. As friends, you don’t need to use honorific speech with me.”

“Huh? Really!?”

“Yeah. I’m heading to the dining hall.”

“Yes!”

That’s what friends are supposed to be like. Noble status differences are just too stiff for me.

“Hm? What’s wrong, Yuka?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

Her expression seemed slightly softer. She was probably looking forward to the dining hall too. The moment we stepped into the dining hall, the scent of freshly baked bread and soup tickled my nose.

“…The smells that trigger your appetite.”

My honest thoughts slipped out. In the large central hall, students had taken seats however they pleased. But when I gave my name to the attendant at the entrance…

“Luka-sama of the Noctire ducal house, this way please.”

A brief pause. Then the atmosphere around us shifted.

Stares. Whispers. Reactions like, “Is that…?”

So this was ducal-house power. We were guided to the back of the hall. The partition was low, but the atmosphere was clearly different.

“Here?”

“Yes.”

The tablecloth was high quality, the dishes trimmed in silver. Warm soup and bread were already set at the seats.

“…That’s amazing.”

An honest impression slipped from my mouth. Yuka naturally stood beside me. But unconsciously, she started to step back. At that moment..

(—Ah.)

Yuka realized. This was the Academy. There was no need to stand behind her master. And right now, Luka-sama…

(It should be natural to sit beside him.)

After a brief hesitation, Yuka quietly took the seat next to me.

“…Yuka?”

“Yes?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

I didn’t say anything further, but inside, I felt a little relieved.

Yeah, beside me is better. Wait, isn’t this the first time Yuka came to sit next to me on her own? Alright, time for a reassuring first bite (I’m starving).

I took a sip of the soup.

“So good~.”

“I’m glad.”

I tore off a piece of bread and took another bite.

Not bad. At this point, isn’t Academy life unexpectedly a win?

Just as I thought that…

“…Ah.”

At a noble table across from us, I spotted a familiar head of silver hair. Even in the same uniform, she naturally drew the eye. Her posture. Her understated yet striking presence.

“…Elysia?”

When I murmured her name, she seemed to notice me as well. Our eyes met for a moment. And then, she smiled softly.

“It has been some time, Luka-sama.”

Her voice was quiet, but it carried itself clearly.

“Long time no see.”

“I did not expect we would meet at the Academy.”

“Neither did I.”

Behind Elysia stood her attendant. And at a slightly distant table, my second older brother and his fiancée were also visible.

I see~ So I’M the only one left out?

“And this is…?”

“Yuka.”

Before I could say it, Yuka bowed.