When the Villain Joined the Knights to Avoid Doom Flags, but Somehow the Heroines Started Approaching Him - Chapter 23: The Aftermath of the Duel

Chapter 23: The Aftermath of the Duel

“Well, Iris, it’s a bit earlier than expected, but let’s laugh at this pathetic senior in the most ridiculous and over-the-top way possible!”

“Understood!”

““Serves you right—BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!””

By the time the training grounds had turned completely white, and the sound of clashing swords had faded, the lively laughter of a boy and girl echoed through the arena.

Lying in front of them, completely defeated and unconscious, was Thor—battered, bruised, and thoroughly humiliated.

“D-Did you see that? Thor got taken down…”

“Hm, looks like the kid’s got some serious skills after all.”

“This isn’t just a fluke. The captain’s judgment wasn’t wrong.”

“Damn it… He’s strong, good-looking, and surrounded by girls…! At this rate, the only option is to ambush him in his sleep!”

Meanwhile, the murmurs from the audience rippled through the training grounds. Though some voices carried envy, the mood had undeniably shifted. Thor’s defeat had changed the knights’ perception of Yulis.

Not that Yulis or Iris cared much about any of that. They were far too busy mockingly laughing at Thor’s sorry state.

“You were amazing, Master! Super cool!”

“Hmph… This is what happens when I decide to show just a little of my true power, Iris. Clearly, there isn’t a single person in this world who can match me!”

“Yes! Master is the absolute best!”

“…You know, I was kind of expecting you to tease me there. If you agree like that, I just sound like a cringey guy full of himself, trying way too hard.”

“You pig!”

“I wasn’t asking to be insulted either, alright!?”

Conversations were truly a complicated thing.

Seeing his cheerful maid gleefully insult him with sparkling eyes, Yulis couldn’t help but let his cheek twitch in exasperation.

“Good work, Yulis.”

Celia, who had been acting as the referee, slowly approached them.

“Thank you, Senior.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…You know, you could’ve beaten him up a bit more.”

“That’s not something a lady should say so casually, you know!”

Glancing at the unconscious Thor sprawled out on the ground, Celia muttered under her breath.

Her comment was far from what one would expect from a noblewoman.

“Well, honestly, I didn’t like that guy. You know the type—those obnoxious nobles with their elite mindset and narcissism. Just their existence is irritating, right?”

“Yeah, narcissists are the worst. Even I almost stepped into that world for a moment.”

“Oh? Were you thinking something like, ‘I’m so awesome, girls just can’t help but flock to me☆’?”

“If that’s what someone on the edge of narcissism says, I’d really love to hear what a full-fledged narcissist would come up with.”

Surely, it would be the kind of statement that makes you want to punch them on the spot.

Yulis silently vowed to steer clear of the narcissistic path for the rest of his life.

“That said… now that I think about it, is it really okay that I just beat up a senior knight?”

Finally noticing the tense atmosphere and Thor lying unconscious nearby, Yulis voiced his concern. Until now, he hadn’t given it much thought, his emotions running high from the fight. But now that he’d calmed down, unease began to creep in.

Day two of joining the knight order, and he’d already knocked out a senior.

When you put it like that, it was hard not to feel like, Is this really fine?

“D-Don’t worry, Master! If you get scolded, I’ll be right there with you!”

“Hmm…”

“And after that, I’ll give you a lap pillow, lie down beside you, and even wash your back!”

“Oh?”

“You’re surprisingly straightforward, aren’t you?”

Watching Yulis’s very obvious interest in Iris’s offer, Celia’s expression twitched slightly in disbelief.

“Well, sorry to burst your bubble while you’re all excited about the idea of being comforted by a cute girl, but honestly, this isn’t going to be a problem.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Sparring isn’t supposed to be a cushy experience. It’s pretty common for seniors and juniors to fight and for the results to surprise everyone. Actually, I once beat up a senior who confessed his love to me, and it wasn’t an issue.”

“What kind of situation leads to you beating up a guy who mustered the courage to confess!?”

“That’s… kind of sad for the poor guy.”

Celia’s quickness to resort to violence left Yulis and Iris a bit uneasy. Instinctively, they both took a small step back from her.

And then—

“Fufu… Well done, Sir Yulis.”

The sound of soft, measured footsteps echoed toward them, accompanied by a graceful voice that made Yulis stiffen reflexively. 

His back straightened on instinct as if he were a soldier being addressed by his commander.

Turning around nervously, he saw Lieselotte, her expression troubled as if she were dealing with a headache. Beside her stood an absolutely stunning girl with flowing golden hair—her beauty so radiant it seemed to draw everyone’s gaze.

“W-Why… Why is Lieselotte with her?!”

“We just happened to meet in the spectator seats.”

“No, no, no! But… but isn’t she supposed to be at the academy?!”

The start date for the knight order and the academy was nearly the same.

In fact, the academy should’ve started before the knight order.

That’s why it made no sense for her to be here… and yet, here she was, standing right in front of him.

It was unbelievable. No, it was something he didn’t want to believe.

That thought consumed Yulis’s mind, leaving him flustered and confused.

But as he stood there, overwhelmed, the girl in front of him smiled playfully, as if amused by his reaction.

“I stayed here this late because you were doing something quite entertaining.”

“…Huh?”

“Oh my, haven’t you been informed?”

And then—

“You see, Sir Yulis Blanche, along with three others, has been assigned as my personal escort. Obviously, I can’t go wandering around without the people who are supposed to protect me, can I?”

At those words—Yulis turned his back and bolted, running as fast as his legs could carry him.