The Ugly Orc Strikes Back ~ Reincarnated as the Cruel Crown Prince of a Twisted Doujin Eroge with No Happy Endings, But as an Inexperienced Guy, Cruel Play is a Hopeless Challenge, So I'll Give My Best to Break the Flags and Strive for Survival ~ - Chapter 25: Too Difficult for an Uncool Guy Like Me

Chapter 25: Too Difficult for an Uncool Guy Like Me

“Your Highness Ludwig, I’ve said it many times, but I believe a combat style focused on defense with a shield suits you better than wielding a sword in both hands…”

“It’s fine, this is how I prefer it.”

Behind the dormitory on a sunny morning, in front of the warehouse, I wonder how many times this person has bothered me about my dual-blade Sakura.

“Your Highness Ophelia, please tell Louie-sama. I’ve pointed it out many times as well…”

Resting her cheek on her hand, Ilse lets out a sigh. 

By the way, when did Ilse and Ophelia become so friendly? What’s going on?

“It’s fine. Even if it doesn’t suit me, there’s meaning in fighting with the dual-blade style.”

That’s right. Even if they don’t acknowledge it, I will stick to this style.

In my past life, I could defeat boss monsters more easily with a one-handed sword or a lance, but in the end, I reached the Master Rank with dual blades.

“W-well, I won’t say anything more for now…”

It seems like they reluctantly gave up for today. 

They’ll forget about it by tomorrow and say the same thing again.

“By the way, Your Highness Ophelia, I heard from Claris-sama that the students have come again…”

“Yeah, really, it’s such a nuisance.”

In response to Ilse’s question, Ophelia shook her head with a bitter expression.

It had been a month since the duel, and our surroundings had changed to some extent.

Firstly, as I had declared, I gave instructions to the soldiers guarding the Imperial Academy and handed over Thomas, the instigator, to the judicial authorities. 

As a result, Thomas was permanently expelled from the Waldberg Empire, without any money or belongings, and left in a destitute state.

He was sent to the eastern border, the opposite direction from the Beruga Kingdom.

Moreover, this information was not conveyed to the Beruga Kingdom, and even Sophia was not informed. 

Since it was a permanent exile, he couldn’t simply cut across the empire to take the shortest route, and considering the vast territory of the empire, I wonder how many years it would take to return home. I don’t know, though.

Next, regarding the students who had caused a commotion by siding with Thomas, as expected, they only received a stern warning from the imperial family toward their respective households. 

However, it seems that some students who were feared to be disliked by the emperor due to this failure received rather severe punishments from their own families. There were even a few young heirs who faced the threat of disinheritance.

After experiencing such hardships, perhaps the students finally understood, as they no longer engaged in slander or disrespectful behavior towards me and Ilse. 

However, that only meant they chose to ignore us, and their gazes still felt unpleasant as ever.

What was even more mysterious was the treatment of Sophia.

In order to avoid the death penalty, Thomas confessed the entire course of events during the interrogation. 

Nevertheless, the empire did not impose any punishment or even raise a complaint to the Beruga Kingdom, nor did the royal family or the academy reprimand Sophia.

Considering the emperor’s personality, it wouldn’t have been surprising if he had declared war…

“Sigh… It’s frustrating to see that they haven’t learned anything from our battle a month ago.”

“Ah, ahaha…”

Ophelia said, her shoulders slumping as she let out a deep sigh.

But she’s right, they haven’t learned anything.

I mean, those guys… all they do is fill Ophelia’s head with things like “Getting involved with the ‘Ugly Orc’ will tarnish your dignity” or “Princess Ophelia is being deceived.” Why don’t they think I can hear their conversations? Are they just stupid? Yeah, they must be stupid.

“Well, as long as they don’t directly bother me, I’ll turn a blind eye to their gossip.”

If they were to badmouth Ilse again, I would definitely confront them though.

And then…

“Ufufu, it seems we made it in time.”

…Of all days, the sly Saint had to join in today.

Ever since our one-on-one battle, this sly Saint occasionally shows up for morning training like this. She’s a troublesome heroine… or rather, I can’t help but think she must have ulterior motives.

“Saint-sama, have you finished your prayers to the esteemed Minerva as part of your daily routine?”

“Of course, I have already finished my prayers to the goddess.”

Sly saint replied, unaffected by Ilse’s icy stare.

Or rather, how can she endure Ilse’s absolute zero gaze? If it were me, I would definitely curl up, trembling and crying.

“Your Highness Ludwig, it would be better for me to stay by your side, wouldn’t it?”

“”!?””

No, no, no! Wait, wait, wait! 

Why is this girl clinging to my arm?

“…Considering the auspicious day, it seems fitting for the Saint’s memorial.”

“S-Saint-sama! Please, immediately separate yourself from that filthy man!”

With a smirk on her face, Ilse drew a dagger from her side, and the mob holy knight (Batista) pointed his sword at me.

Me? I’m immobilized by the troublesome debuff of the sly Saint whispering into my ear and caressing my chest, so I can’t move, you know?

However…

“Ah!”

Somehow regaining my composure from the stunned state, I managed to escape from the clutches of the sly Saint, leaving behind even my two beloved swords.

This is way too much for an uncool guy like me.