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 49: The Unexpected News

Chapter 49: The Unexpected News

“Hey, hey, Lu-kun! Let’s study together for the end-of-term exams!”

As soon as school was over, bursting into the classroom with a beaming smile was Gilbert Irmgard Gabelot, better known as Gill-senpai.

In a nutshell, I had become quite close with him. And to top it off, he was even a year ahead of us, making it quite surprising to have such a petite senior.

Moreover,

“Gilbert-sama, I appreciate your offer to help Louie-sama study, but doing it every day is a bit much…”

“Why? For newcomers like you who just entered, the end-of-term exams are a first-time experience. And having me, a senior who is familiar with the exam patterns, assist you will definitely improve your grades, right?”

…His fondness was directed solely at me, and his relationship with Ilse and the others wasn’t as pleasant.

Even though it had been over a month since we met, there was still no sign of them getting along.

Yet, as Gill-senpai stood there, trying to intimidate Ilse with an exaggerated bravado, it almost resembled a Chihuahua.

“Or if you hate studying that much, Ilse-chan, you don’t have to stay with us. Lu-kun has me by his side, after all.”

“No!! I am here with Louie-sama, so it would be more appropriate for Gilbert-sama to…”

As I watched this futile exchange between the two of them…

“Mumumu! Ludwig! Today, you’re going to accompany me in my training!”

“Huh!? Hey!”

“”!?””

Taking advantage of the opening between Ilse and Gill-senpai, I was seized by the scruff of my neck and whisked away by Ophelia.

But well… truth be told, I was getting quite fed up with studying with Gill-senpai, so this time it actually came as a relief.

Still, though… Haha, there’s absolutely no romantic comedy element to the way I’m being dragged along.

As Ophelia dragged me, I could only manage a dry smile.

◇

“Hmm… Ludwig, your swordsmanship hasn’t improved at all… huh!”

“!? That’s none of your business!”

In the midst of deflecting Ophelia’s powerful sideward strike, I retorted with frustration.

I mean, I understand better than anyone that I lack talent in swordsmanship.

“Like I’ve been saying over and over! When it comes to defense, I’m superior to anyone who has crossed blades with me! Adjust your style accordingly!”

“Ngh!? Ha!? Oh, come on, isn’t that uncool!?”

In the midst of Ophelia’s relentless assault, I struggled to parry, guard, and dodge.

Each strike was heavy, so my arm was getting tired… it was tough.

“Muu… Ludwig, you really are stubborn.”

“Well, you know…”

Facing Ophelia’s wry smile, I turned my face away with a pout.

Well, you see, I understand too. But I don’t want to waste the love for dual swords I cultivated in my previous life or the twin blade sakura that I invested so much money to create.

As I tightened my grip on the sword’s hilt, lost in such thoughts…

“H-Hey, Lu-kun. If you ever decide to change your weapon, you absolutely have to tell me. I’ll definitely give you the best one as a gift.”

“Huh…? N-No, Gill-senpai, that’s really not necessary!”

“Hehehe, leave it to me! After all, I’m the third prince of the Gabelot Marine Kingdom! We have tons of incredible weapons in the kingdom, so I wouldn’t mind giving you one as a present!”

“Uh… yeah…”

As much as I feel bad for Gill-senpai, who is all fired up and eager, I don’t want to change my twin blade style.

And also…

“? Louie-sama?”

“Oh, no, it’s nothing.”

I want to respond to Ilse’s efforts, even though she knows I’m not talented, because she has been diligently coaching me with my selfishness in mind.

“Hum… my body is getting cold, and I think we’ll end today’s practice here.”

“Yeah, right.”

Phew, we finally finished…

And you know, it’s already quite dark, and it’s dangerous if we can’t see our sword movements clearly.

So, with that, we left the training grounds and headed back to the dormitory.

“By the way, I wonder if Natalia-san and the others are okay…”

“Well, considering she’s a Saint, there’s probably no helping it.”

That Sly Saint and the mob Holy Knight left here two weeks ago upon the request of the Minerva Holy Church. They went to the far western country, the “Kingdom of Borgonia,” to investigate and treat an unexplained illness that suddenly broke out.

Using a magical circle called a “Gate,” they had already arrived at the destination, I think, but… I can’t help but worry, you know. 

The fact that it’s an illness of unknown origin bothers me too.

“Fufu… Well, it’s natural to worry, but all we can do is pray for their safety and welcome them back with smiles when they return in good health.”

“Ahaha, you’re right.”

Ophelia casually saying things like this, she really is so charismatic. 

At the very least, she seems more composed than I am.

Despite feeling a bit down about that reality, we decided to wait for their return.

However…

“No way!!”

Two weeks later, the news reached us that the Saint had been afflicted by the same unexplained illness.