It's Not Like I Want to Play the Role of a Misunderstood, Good-for-Nothing Prince in a Villainess Story! - Chapter 79: Male Friendship?

The class suddenly became lively.

At the center of the conversations were Levin and Toprak.

Since then, the two apparently frequently lent each other books they had, and when they arrived in the morning, they were critiquing the books they’d read.

Furthermore, during class, Toprak was teaching Levin Seiran swordsmanship.

…Why?

Levin was listening earnestly to the teachings, and if anything, he’d ask others besides Toprak if necessary.

He seemed to have completely changed since that day—a complete transformation from his previous arrogant noble demeanor.

It was too sudden for a change of heart, and if anything, even from my perspective, he looked like he was desperately working hard at both studies and swordsmanship.

Before, he seemed so relaxed.

I’m curious… what happened to that guy?

And so—

During swordsmanship class, I immediately went to ask.

“Hmm, Zeke. It’s unusual for you to come.”

“What do you want?”

When I approached, Toprak and Levin stopped practicing with their swords.

“Not really business, but you two have become quite close.”

“Not really, we just have matching hobbies.”

“That’s right. When we talked, this guy just turned out to be interesting.”

Both their tones suggest it’s not a big deal, but compared to when we enrolled, they clearly seem friendly.

“Also, Levin, you suddenly changed, didn’t you? How should I say it, you’re desperate. And Toprak is even teaching you swordsmanship.”

“Oh… so you noticed too.”

When I asked, for some reason Toprak crossed his arms and nodded with a smug face—what are you to Levin anyway?

“True, Levin Lindol has changed. You could say it’s thanks to the favorite book I gave him, but…”

“Zeke, I’ve realized. If I don’t make an all-out effort, I won’t obtain even what I could obtain.”

“Huh… is there something you want to obtain that badly?”

I wonder what Levin is so desperate to obtain.

The position of head of the house? But this guy is the heir to the Lindol Principality.

“Riti.”

Riti, huh… wait?

“Huh, wasn’t she your betrothed?”

Though I’m concerned about the “provisional” part.

Hmm? Why is it provisional in the first place?

“It’s no exaggeration to say I’m working hard for Riti’s sake.”

“H-huh…”

“We’ve been together since childhood, but I don’t have the ability, I’m not balanced.

In the end, I’m just the successor to the Lindol Principality. My sword, magic, and political abilities are all insufficient.

There’s no way someone like me should be Riti’s betrothed. So I tried to break off the engagement.

But Father and Riti’s parents stopped me, so I reluctantly made it provisional.”

What he’s saying sounds cool, but I can feel negativity in the details.

“Are you really that lacking in ability?”

“Totally insufficient. Look at Joshua. He’s completely different from me.”

“No no no no.”

You mean Joshua from ‘Talking with You,’ right?

That guy punched a wyvern bare-fisted and sent it flying about 10 meters.

Don’t compare yourself to a fictional superhuman like that.

There’s no one in reality who can compete with Joshua!

Just as I was about to retort, Toprak came in with a serious face.

“Zeke, I felt favorable toward Levin Lindol after hearing his story.”

“Favorable?”

“Yeah, I don’t dislike those who make efforts. This guy is desperately working hard to become equal with the woman he fell for. Without caring about appearances.”

“Zeke, I realized when I read the book Toprak lent me. True, I’m lacking in ability, but I probably have talent. If I make efforts while thinking that, my talent will surely blossom. My master Narsos said I should believe in myself more.”

“Who’s that?”

Really… don’t talk about characters in books like they’re real people…

You’re calling him your master, but that guy is just a weirdo who loves himself, you know?

“Zeke, I’ll work hard. I’ll work hard, gain ability, and proudly confess to Riti in the future.”

“How about it, Zeke? Don’t you want to cheer for him? When you hear a story like this, don’t you want to help even a little?”

“Well…”

By that logic, I was working hard for Misty’s sake too.

So I wouldn’t be abandoned by Misty, who was overwhelmingly superior in talent… oh? Oh my?

While putting my hand to my mouth, I realized.

Could it be Levin is similar to me?

I’m not influenced by books, but thinking about making efforts for someone you like…

“Honestly, I don’t dislike it.”

“Right?”

“Yeah, I might even be able to cheer for you.”

“Really!?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Because if I just listen to the reason, it’s not much different from me.

“Then Zeke, teach me too. You’re good at swords, magic, and studies, right?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Then Zeke, let’s do mock practice with me too.”

“Huh, why with you, Toprak?”

“When you’re done, do it with me too.”

And so the three of us—me, Toprak, and Levin—often worked up a sweat together.

☆☆☆

“Zeke-sama, I have an important matter to discuss.”

After school, I was brought to an empty classroom by Misty.

“An important matter?”

“Yes, first let me introduce them.”

When Misty said “please,” unfamiliar men and women appeared.

“Um?”

To my confusion, Misty said—

“I’ve finally found the person who’s been interfering with Zeke-sama.”