Reincarnated as the Legitimate Son of a Duke Family's ~ Just Trying To Live Live My Life Normally, But Somehow I've Got a Harem?~

Chapter 16 : Harem?

Though It is a side note, our academy functions somewhat like a university from my previous world.

The size of the classrooms, the vacant spaces, the cafeteria, and the variety of clubs are all abundant.

Above all, the school grounds are vast, with horse-drawn carriages waiting within the school premises.

It’s not an exaggeration to say; it might be considered as large as a small town.

Considering how vast the capital itself is and the fact that it’s the best academy in the royal capital, such spaciousness is likely permissible.

“Well, it’s still so spacious. It’s easy to get lost in a place this big.”

“When I first came here, I was surprised. If there hadn’t been someone to guide me, I definitely would have gotten lost…”

“Alex is a lost cause, but for Merle-san it can’t be helped. This capital itself is quite vast.”

Merle’s surprise is understandable.

The expanse of the beastkin’s kingdom is about one-tenth the size of the human kingdom.

Honestly, this capital alone could probably fit the beastkin’s kingdom entirely.

‘Huh? But, why would I get lost?… It’s definitely not because I have a terrible sense of direction!’

Even in the previous world, I would often take wrong turns or board the wrong train.

I wish I weren’t directionally challenged even after being reborn… Sigh.

“Yeah, that’s right. It takes hours just to get from the gate to the school. And going from the dormitory to the school is also a hassle.”

“Oh, Merle-san lives in the dormitory?”

“Yes, that’s right. I live in the building over there… in the dormitory.”

Merle-san’s face slightly darkened when she mentioned living in the academy dorms.

Something strange must have happened in the dormitory.

I don’t want to pry too much, but I should offer some support if needed.

“Hmm?… Is something wrong?”

“N-No! It’s nothing!”

“Really? Well, if you say so.”

“…You are too kind to Merle-san huh.”

“Well, of course. Merle-san is cute after all.”

She’s a bit of a tomboy, and her fluffy ears and tail are wonderful making it too irresistible to touch.

I’m not a furry enthusiast, but I’d love to touch them at least once in my life.

“Huh?! A-Are you saying I’m cute?”

“Yeah, definitely.”

“Arghh! I can’t believe that you said those words so nonchalantly In front of your former fiancée…. Was I not cute for you?”

“No, if anything, Serena, you’re more beautiful than cute.”

“…Huh? R-Really?”

She blushed hard, then lightly punched me on the back.

Why did she do that again…? I even gave her a compliment!

“So stop hitting me! Can’t you do something about that habit of yours?”

“You’re so annoying! It’s your fault for playing with a maiden’s heart!”

“Is that so?”

“Uh-huh, you two seem to get along well.”

Her smile is blindingly bright for us.

It’s as if our hearts are being purified.

“…Let’s drop it.”

“…Yeah.”

“Hey? Uh, did I do something?”

“Not at all.”

And thus, thanks to Merle, peace was maintained between us.

☆☆☆☆☆☆

We boarded the waiting carriage and arrived at the specialized club building.

By the way, the academy is mainly divided into five sections.

The main building is in the center, the dormitories to the southeast, the research facility to the southwest, the club activity square to the northeast, and the commercial facilities to the northwest.

Among these, we arrived at one of the club activity squares, the tennis court.

Nearby, we also saw activities like basketball and soccer taking place.

“…Things didn’t change even when I started living in another world… Well, it’s not really strange for me to get surprised by these things anymore.”

“What’s up? Are you interested in basketball or soccer?”

“No, it’s not like that. I mean, if we’re doing it, let’s do it quickly.”

“That’s true. Merle-san, you’re not familiar with the rules, are you?”

“Y-Yes. We also play ball games, but it’s a game where we hit the ball at each other, and if you get hit, you lose.”

Is it probably something like dodgeball?

In a world without games or television, we don’t have many options for play.

They have card games and archery and stuff, more classical games.

“In that case, you should be fine to play a bit. For now, let’s change and explain along the way.”

“O-Okay.”

“Hey, what about me?”

“You can just ask Kaera there to prepare something for you, can’t you? Seriously, where did you come from?”

“Huh? …Hey hey, when did you…”

Behind me, Kaera had appeared out of nowhere.

And in her hand, she held white tennis attire.

“Miss Serena, it’s been a while. I’m relieved to see that you’re doing well.”

“Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you. You’re as composed as ever and your expressions are still the same.”

“U-Um? E-Elf? But your hair is silver…”

That’s right, though it’s easy to forget, but silver-haired elves are considered bad omens.

It seems it’s the same condition even for the neighboring beastkin kingdom.

Rumors spread quickly after all no matter how small or big it might be.

“Merle-san, this is Kaera, my personal maid. She’s an elf with silver hair, but she’s a precious part of my family. If you want, you can get along with her.”

“Master… To be called a precious part of your family… even though you haven’t proposed to me yet…”

“Hey? We’re actually having a nice conversation here. What’s with the sudden sighing?”

“What is this…? Did you dissolve the engagement with me for the sake of forming a harem? So, it’s not a big deal if there’s another person…”

“What are you talking about? Geez! I was trying to have a nice conversation, and you just ruined it!”

“Um, um… I understand! If Alex-kun says so… If the elf-san is okay with it, then maybe it’s okay for me too?”

“Merle-san? Sorry, I didn’t catch the last part…”

“W-What are you talking about! T-That aside, there are a lot of people here watching us!”

“True…”

When I noticed our surroundings, many students had gathered without us realizing.

“Hey, hey… That’s Serena-sama, an elf, and even a beastkin.”

“Did that worth for nothing son of a duke dissolve his engagement with the princess because he intended to make a harem?”

“Alex-sama, you seemed to be a bit more motivated, but… Is this the same for you?”