I Was Reborn in Another World, but Hold On – No Parents? Was I Abandoned? - Chapter 13

Chapter 13: The Regular Crew and Occasional Rivals

It had been a few days since school started.

The level of private tutors seemed peculiar, and the studies weren’t particularly challenging—more of a review, really.

Practical combat classes and similar sessions hadn’t started yet, making it honestly quite dull.

Scholarship students, if they scored above a certain level in tests, were exempt from classes.

There wasn’t much need for me to attend class, but I found myself with nothing else particular to do.

So, I went to classes, lay in the garden, read books in my room, and generally lived my life.

Come to think of it, scholarship students not only skipped classes but also enjoyed significant privileges.

For instance, since it was an all-dormitory system, basic rooms were assigned to two or three people.

However, scholarship students had individual rooms, and they were quite spacious and luxurious.

They could even have their preferred meals delivered to their rooms without going to the dining hall.

This appeared to be a support system for scholarship students engaging in research, training, and self-directed study, but it was almost excessively comfortable.

It felt like staying in a hotel.

For the time being, I opted to create a to-do list to utilize my spare time more effectively, but even that wasn’t making much progress at the moment.

Since I had nearly completed reading the books I brought for daily reading, I intended to send a letter to the mansion to request more.

In short, if you’re wondering what I’m trying to say: I’m bored.

Very, very bored.

There’s nothing special to do today either.

That’s why I left my room at the usual time.

The dormitory, not heavily segregated between boys and girls, could be described as a large mansion.

However, for some reason, boys and girls appeared to be subtly separated, and an unwritten agreement prevented much interaction between the two sides.

Moreover, the dormitory is divided into six sections, each corresponding to a different grade.

However, the same dormitory assigned upon enrollment is used until graduation, so there’s no need to move even if you advance to the next grade.

As I stepped outside, a familiar girl was waiting there.

“As expected of you, Arus. Always right on time.”

It was Maria, with whom I had somehow formed a friendship since the duel challenge on the day of the entrance ceremony.

And there was another person waiting.

“Good morning, Aniki!”

A boy with long green hair tied back and a menacing look…

Yes, it was Torus.

Since that day of the duel, he had challenged me numerous times, getting beaten up each time—or rather, irritating me from midway, and I ended up really beating him up.

Yet, for some reason, he started to respect me, almost worship me.

Could it be that he’s a masochist? It’s unsettling to be liked by a masochist, but surprisingly, when he talks normally, I realize he’s not a bad guy.

That’s why, somewhat reluctantly, I’ve come to accept Torus, who follows me around almost like a stalker.

Me, Maria, and Torus, we’ve been together a lot recently.

Strictly speaking, there’s one more person, but she usually wakes up a bit later than us.

Incidentally, Torus’s father holds the title of viscount and serves directly under my father, Keires.

Upon learning about the duel, Torus’s father became enraged, summoned Torus home, and dedicated an entire day to lecturing him.

Whether it made any impact is known only to Torus himself.

“So, Arus, have you found something you want to do?”

“Hmm, not really for now. Well, if I have to say, acquiring advanced magic and training in combat, but it’s not urgent.”

“Aniki, what’s the point of getting stronger? You’re already surpassing the strength of regular army members, right? Even your magic is exceptional.”

“But you know, getting stronger doesn’t hurt, right? You only have one life.”

Torus nods in agreement with my words.

“That’s right, Aniki!”

However, Maria has a different opinion.

“Sure, that’s true, but Torus also has a point. You’re abnormal. Handling multiple intermediate-level magics at your age is impossible. And you’re also exceptional with swords and martial arts. It’s freakish.”

“H-Hey, do you have to put it that way!? Who’s the freak here?”

While we were arguing, a red-haired girl appeared.

Another member of our usual group.

Lately, she’s been complaining but still sticking around.

It’s Mira. Mira is one of the scholarship students and passed the written exams in second place. Moreover, she enrolled from the more competitive general admission.

As a side note, Mira’s father is the president of a renowned trading company in the capital.

“Maria’s right. You’re already feared by our classmates. Your swordsmanship is better than most teachers, your martial arts are even stronger, and your magic is already at the level of someone several years ahead! And on top of that, you’re intelligent and knowledgeable… it’s just creepy! Are you even human? I mean, I don’t have that much talent…”

“Alright, alright, I get it! I’ll try to find a more wholesome hobby or something.”

“Well, that wouldn’t be very Arus-like…”

“That’s just weird.”

Ugh, can I just smack these two?

With veins pulsating on my forehead, we arrived at the classroom just in time.

Torus opens the noisy classroom door, enters first, followed by Maria, Mira, and then me.

The classroom, which was still quite noisy until Mira entered and fell silent with my appearance.

Well, this is the usual scene.

As Mira mentioned, it seems I’m genuinely feared.

Should I try greeting them cheerfully?

No, I have a feeling that might backfire.

Most of the other scholarship students, apart from me, Mira, and Maria, rarely visit the classroom.

Oh, by the way, Maria is also technically a scholarship student.

So, in a way, the three of us are idlers. Some are dedicated to advancing magical research in their rooms, while others tirelessly swing swords at the training grounds.

All scholarship students are deeply engrossed in something.

Why is that?

Why do we, who attend classes properly, seem weird?

We’re genuinely taking our classes!

The classes continue with mostly familiar information, and before I know it, it’s already lunchtime.

As we plan to leave the classroom with Maria and the others to have lunch at the cafeteria, I feel someone’s gaze from the entrance.

“Arus Reynard! I have something to discuss.”

A rough-looking blond guy, emitting a vibe similar to mountain folk, is staring at me.

I don’t think we’ve talked before.

In fact, today is the first time I’ve seen him in the classroom.

Another troublesome matter, perhaps…

Give me a break.

“What do you want, huh? What’s the matter with Aniki?”

Torus approaches aggressively, but the guy responds,

“I haven’t talked to you.”

To avoid any further commotion, I decide to walk towards the mountain folk…

I mean, the blond guy.

“Torus was an exception, okay? Unauthorized duels without permission are not allowed.”

Maria grabs the sleeve of my shirt, cautioning me.

“Well, isn’t it okay to throw a punch or two? But, don’t hurt him too much!”

It seems Mira is also giving me some kind of warning.

“I get it! Besides, I don’t think this is a duel atmosphere… Well, I’ll just go for now.”

I leave the classroom, pass through the corridor, and sit on a bench in the courtyard.

What is this situation!

It seems almost like a love confession.

“Arus Reynard, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a long time! I often heard stories about you! However, I got so absorbed in training that I forgot. I apologize for forgetting to greet you.”

Huh?

Who is this guy…

Does he know me?

It doesn’t sound like he heard rumors or anything.

“Well, I don’t know your name, so I can’t say much. Have we met somewhere before?”

Upon closer inspection, I can’t say I’ve never seen him somewhere, and a feeling of skepticism crosses my mind.

“Oh, right! I forgot to introduce myself! I’m Leo Triden, the eldest son of Baron Triden.”

Baron Triden!?

“Huh? Are you Baron Triden’s son?”

“That’s right! My father was indebted to you before! I often heard stories about you from him. ‘There’s an amazing guy of the same age!’ So, I was looking forward to meeting you. In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that I’ve been training to rival someone I’ve never met.”

“Oh, really! I’ve heard a lot from Baron Triden too! He often said, ‘My son is quite a capable guy! You could become friends!’, so I really wanted to meet him!”

We found ourselves shaking hands without realizing it.

It feels like meeting a relative.

I see! Baron Triden’s son!

“But man, I got nervous when I saw the practical exam. It easily surpassed my imagination! The examiner for that combat test, later, when I asked my old man, turns out he was a former military guy, and supposedly the strongest among the examiners. And you defeated him quite effortlessly, right? I got one-upped just watching it.”

“The speed you entered your opponent’s guard, and intentionally dropping the sword mid-air, swiftly changing its trajectory—normal folks can’t pull that off. Even I probably would have been blown away if I tried to intercept it. Even if he was holding back, he maintained a certain speed to ensure accuracy.”

To have observed it so closely.

Indeed, this guy seems to be quite skilled.

“And, I went to see the magic test afterward! Isn’t it unfair to handle magic like that! Plus, you’re at the top academically. I’ve been training non-stop since the entrance ceremony after seeing that. Can’t afford to lose!”

He seems rough and clumsy, but he’s straightforward and passionate.

“We’re just getting started, right? This isn’t a battlefield here… Our real test starts from there, doesn’t it? At least for now, it’s about how much we can train to reduce the chances of getting killed.”

“Not a battlefield, huh? Indeed, you’re right. You’re quite the passionate guy too!! Alright then, occasionally accompany me! Training alone only gets you so far.”

“Yeah! Sounds good! I was getting tired of training alone anyway.”

“But it’s great! Having a rival who seems to get along well! Truly the son of my father’s best friend. It looks like it’s going to be fun from now on!”

Nevertheless, their personalities don’t seem very similar, do they? To Baron Triden’s.

When clashing swords, Baron Triden is indeed a passionate guy like him, but otherwise, he’s different.

That’s probably the only similarity.

After finishing our conversation, I suggest we grab a meal together.

“Why not eat together?”

Leo agrees, saying he’s hungry.

Heading to the vast dining hall where students from all grades can eat together, Maria and the others are already seated at our usual spot.

We first went for a buffet-style meal and then joined them at the table.

“So, did you guys make up?”

Maria immediately asks as she sees Leo and me.

“To be honest, we weren’t even fighting! Actually, we just found out we know each other! Although we met for the first time today. He is Leo, the eldest son of Baron Triden, a close friend of my father.”

“I’m Leo Triden! Nice to meet you.”

“Oh, I see. You’re the son of Aniki’s father’s close friend… We must treat you with respect. I’m Torus Longdard, the eldest son of the Longdard Viscount family. Nice to meet you.”

“I’m Maria Reistov. The daughter of Count Reistov!”

“I might give off troublemaker vibes, but surprisingly, I’m pretty ordinary! I’m Mira. Nice to meet you.”

In this school, there’s a clear understanding that discrimination based on social status is forbidden, whether you’re a noble or a commoner.

Therefore, even if you’re from a higher-ranking family, casual conversation is encouraged.

However, identifying oneself with titles like Viscount, Count, or Baron is considered noble etiquette and is recognized as such.

While it’s not a common sight for the eldest son of a Baron, the children of a Count, the son of a Viscount, and a merchant’s daughter to share a meal at the same table, the open-minded perspective of the students and the school’s rules make such situations feel entirely normal, and no one feels uneasy about it.

“This omelet is delicious!”

“Come on, Arus, you’ve got it all over your face.”

Maria wipes my face with a cloth—embarrassing at first, but now it’s become a routine.

“Arus, here’s an omelet for you.”

Mira, despite her usual sarcastic tone, reveals her kindness by consistently providing me with my favorite things.

“Aniki! I’ll share my omelet too!”

“Torus, he can’t eat that much.”

“Still, it’s nice to eat together like this occasionally! Food is meant to be enjoyed together.”

Certainly, if I had been training alone all the time, I would probably have had my meals in solitude in my room.

So, despite appearances, Leo might unexpectedly feel lonely.