The Academy’s Crude Pink-Haired Martial Artist

Why is Stella’s last name Behrhaigen?

And why on earth did Kaloso leave descendants?

And how in the world are those descendants stepping into the Empire? I didn’t have time to think about that.

Because, at that moment, Stella and I were right in the middle of the Signia training grounds, recovering the artificial magic stone.

“Hey! You’ve come out!”

Not to mention, a serious-faced headmaster and four or five professors were lined up.

What’s going on?

A celebration of this scale is a bit embarrassing.

I stood there awkwardly, feeling my instincts ringing alarm bells. There was no time to figure out what was going on. Should I escape? If I run, Stella’s in danger. I immediately channeled all my mana and wrapped it around my arm. I steadied my feet and raised my arms, gritting my teeth to brace for impact.

“Hey, lower your head.”

“Huh? What are you—”

Boom—!

“Ugh, huff…!”

“Whaaaaah!”

A terrible pain shot through my arms.

My mind went dizzy. My legs wobbled. It felt like my arm had shattered and exploded.

There’s no hostility, no aggression. But one wrong hit from this attack would surely lead to my demise. I narrowed my eyes and glared at the opponent in front of me.

I could see brown ears. Fluffy hair fluttered like a lion’s mane. Below that, golden eyes sparkled. Slit pupils, predator’s eyes were fixated on my face.

And then there’s the tail brushing against my leg.

“What?! You blocked it?! You actually blocked it??”

“Damn it. Should I just stand here and take it?”

“What?! Hahahahaha! Look what Sedil is saying!”

A cheerful laugh echoed throughout the training grounds.

This person was a bit taller than me. Comparable to Stella.

Probably about the same age too.

A beastman.

A lion beastman.

With just one hit, I realized the gap between us. Right now, I can’t win. Absolutely not.

Even so.

“What the hell is this…?”

I couldn’t hold back the curse.

“Who the hell are you? Why are you kicking people on the first meeting?”

“And calling me a damn it! Baseless accusations!! Wuhahahaha!”

Stella paled as she glanced back and forth between me and the dazed beastman.

Sedil, who rushed over in a panic, used some unknown magic to shove the beastman far away.

“Gahhh! Don’t grab my tail!”

“Are you alright?! Are you hurt anywhere?!”

“What? Well, I’m not exactly fine, but what’s up with that guy?”

My arm wasn’t broken. It wasn’t even cracked.

It felt like he controlled his strength, but my arm was still tingling.

At least for the next hour, I might struggle to even hold chopsticks or a spoon.

But seriously, what’s up with that crazy beast?

I’m not weak, to be honest.

Even when I walk around without a hood, most people recognize me as the daughter of the Eustetia duchess, so what’s up with that beast kicking me?

And he even seemed to know me.

“…I’m Leona Meganberta, the Vice Headmaster.”

“Huh? That beast… I mean, Vice Headmaster…?”

“Yes. I’m truly, truly sorry. I had a hold on him, but he somehow slipped away…”

I looked at the struggling beastman, who was crumpled behind the Vice Headmaster.

“Eliaernes! You pass!! Absolutely pass!! Anyone who says otherwise, I’ll break their head off!! Got it?”

I blinked a few times and looked at Sedil.

“…It seems you really like me a lot.”

“…Yes. During the previous meeting as well, you showed significant interest in Lady Eliaernes. I sincerely apologize for what just happened. The Academy takes responsibility for—”

“No. It’s fine. It’s not broken or anything. By the way, didn’t you come here to tell us something?”

It was getting late.

I wanted to wrap things up as quickly as possible.

I fixed my gaze on Sedil, conveying my thoughts.

Sedil, who had been alternating glances between Stella and me, finally exhaled in relief and spoke slowly.

“That is… the magic tools you two were wearing broke down…”

“Are you talking about the bracelets?”

“Yes. The location-tracking magic inside, the life signal detection magic, and the situation-monitoring video transmission magic—all of it broke down. So, we couldn’t grasp the internal situation; we were discussing whether to halt the exam.”

Stella’s complexion turned pale.

“Are you saying that the headmaster’s remark means… we couldn’t escape even if we pressed the button?”

“Yes. That’s correct. I sincerely apologize.”

Sedil bowed, making Stella’s body tremble.

There was no need to bow down like that for such a mistake with mere kids.

“There’s no need for such a fuss. Even if we couldn’t see the situation, we still have proof. Surely, we won’t have to retake the exam just because we couldn’t see what happened, right?”

“Of course not.”

Nodding, Sedil looked at the artificial magic stone hanging from Stella.

“…Uh, what is this…?”

“It’s the artificial magic stone of the Basilisk.”

Sedil’s previously shadowed face lit up immediately.

The other professors in the room echoed in awe, some even shedding tears.

Among them, the bald professor with a sinister expression frowned.

What’s with that guy’s expression?

“Did you hunt it…? The Basilisk?”

“Yes.”

The headmaster’s jaw dropped open in disbelief.

Heh, good, good.

I don’t mind this reaction at all.

As I shrugged off the good mood, however, Stella’s expression darkened.

And she was cautiously glancing at me.

Does she think I’d say I caught it alone?

“I’m sorry, but I need to verify something first.”

“Sure. Please do.”

“Verify what?? Sedil! I told you I blocked the kick?! Huh?! Listen to me!!”

While Sedil and several professors talked among themselves about the artificial magic stone, I approached Stella.

“Hey, loser.”

“You, you… You think I’m not a loser… Uh… Ugh… Why? Why are you calling?”

“Why are you looking so down?”

“…What? I’m not down.”

“Are you scared I’ll say I caught it alone?”

“W-What? No! Hah! That’s not it! If I fail, then I fail! So what?!”

As Stella said that, she fidgeted and tightly grabbed her hood’s hem.

“Really? I was going to ask nicely if you were feeling bad, but fine. I’ll just say it truthfully.”

I chuckled lightly and turned away.

Then…

“Wait, wait a second.”

I heard Stella’s voice, filled with defeat.

“What?”

“W-Well… I also caught thirty-seven, no, forty-two Lizardmen!”

“Sure. I caught a Basilisk.”

“Ugh… If I… If I hadn’t been there, you might have struggled.”

“Do you really think that?”

“Uh… Well, that’s…”

Stella, at a loss for words, chewed on her lower lip while glaring at me.

There were tears gathering at the corners of her eyes, her nose was turning red, but she was barely managing to keep her composure.

Ah, this is amusing.

“Got nothing else to say?”

“…You… You really don’t like me, do you?”

“What’s to dislike? I’m just stating facts.”

“That’s… true, but still… you don’t have to tease me like this… You… you’re really going to get punished…”

“Punished? I’ve already been punished.”

Being born as the descendant of Arisa and becoming a Martial Artist is the ultimate punishment.

Giggling, I turned to look at the professors.

“Have you finished your confirmation?”

“Yes, confirmation is complete. This is definitely a magic stone that could only be obtained by hunting the Basilisk. Truly impressive. Truly remarkable. Hahahaha!”

Sedil responded enthusiastically to my question.

Then, he approached us, grinning broadly.

“The two of you took down the Basilisk, right?”

Stella’s body shook in response.

I casually glanced at her and saw tears streaming down her cheeks again.

But she was still glaring at me fiercely.

This is way too fun.

So, I said quietly enough for just her to hear.

“Do me a favor later.”

Stella’s mouth dropped open in shock.

I didn’t care whether she reacted, I responded to Sedil.

“Yeah. We took it down. Right, Stella?”

“…Uh? Uh? W-Well… Yes, th-that’s… correct.”

Upon hearing our answers, the bald professor’s mouth dropped open wide.

Immediately, I continued.

“Surely, you don’t need to verify this separately, do you? If necessary, I can swear on my mana, but the Academy should be held responsible for the re-test due to your negligence.”

I gazed steadily at the bald professor, who had been grimacing.

His complexion turned pale.

“Well, as I’m young, I think someone from our family will come directly to ask.”

Now he was completely white.

You really did this, didn’t you?

“No. Since it’s Lady Eustetia and Lady Behrhaigen speaking, I’ll trust it. We have the magic stone right here. Also, with Vice Headmaster Meganberta talking so much… I can’t doubt this, haha.”

Well, that’s great.

I shrugged and looked at Stella.

…Wait a second.

“Headmaster, what did you just call Stella?”

“Huh? I called her Lady Behrhaigen.”

“…Lady Behrhaigen?”

“Yes.”

“…Huh? Stella Behrhaigen, the Lady? That brat—no, Stella is a Lady?”

“Correct. Were you not aware?”

A Marquis? A Marquis??

A maaaaarquis?

This is ridiculous.

So, the brat from the demon race was given a noble title.

And not only that, but a Marquis title?

No, Kaloso might not be the one to get the title.

That descendant might have received it.

If that’s the case, then the Empire doesn’t know about Kaloso’s betrayal?

Did Arisa return without saying a word?

What were Luna and Paulo doing? Didn’t they come back together?

If it were Luna, she would definitely have prattled on about Kaloso’s misdeeds.

So, why?

Questions keep spawning more questions.

My head feels like it’s going to explode with endless inquiries. In the midst of my chaos, the irritating sound of heels echoed in my head.

“Hmph. Did you hear that, Lady Eustetia?”

Stella approached me without a hint of awareness, using that unnecessarily elegant tone.

Her eyes were still damp, her nose red, but her expression was that of a noble lady.

Seeing such a foolish demeanor made me chuckle.

Thanks to that, I was able to clear my chaotic mind a little.

“Why does your tone sound like that?”

“Wuh… Lady Eustetia…? I received help in the Labyrinth, and since everyone’s watching, I need to show respect to Lady Eustetia. That means you should also show a degree of respect—”

“Eww, creepy. Don’t.”

“…L-Lady Eustetia…?”

“If you keep this up, I’ll expose everything here. Huh? What should I do? Say or don’t say? I’m ready anytime. What about you? Huh? C’mon.”

“…Ugh, heh… You! Why are you like this? What’s your issue?! Huh?! Why do you keep—ugh…”

“Hey, are you crying?!”

“No! I’m not crying! Get away! Go away!”

“You came to me, so why are you telling me to leave?”

“AAAAAAAH! Huh, huh… Waaaaah…”

I watched Stella getting comforted by Arkand before turning my attention back to Sedil.

He seemed utterly confused about what was happening, only managing a bitter smile.

“In any case, it turned out like this. Also, I’d like you to keep today’s events, that is, the special enrollment matter, confidential.”

“Why should it be kept a secret? This is quite an honorable matter, you know.”

“Well… It’s a bit cumbersome for various reasons. Talking about it here feels inappropriate, so I’d appreciate it.”

Father and Mother.

No, Mother can be fine.

If Father finds out, he might suddenly barge into the Academy without regard for propriety.

Not only would that be uncomfortable, but if the practical exam comes up, what’ll happen?

It absolutely can’t happen.

“I’ll take my leave, presuming this will be the end.”

“Well, if that’s your intention, yes. Understood. Then, I’ll see you both at the entrance ceremony next time. Hahaha!”

“That sounds good. See you at the entrance ceremony, Sedil Mershdoff.”

I bowed to Sedil.

I nodded to the professors and Arkand, and gave the bald one a quick glare.

And finally, to the Vice Headmaster, who was still floundering in the air…

“Whehehehe!! Bye! See you at the entrance ceremony!! Bye!!”

Without saying my farewells.

I approached the furious Stella behind me.

“I’m leaving. See you next time. Since this happened, I hope we’re in the same class.”

“Ugh… I absolutely don’t want that. If I end up in the same class as you, I’ll drop out.”

I genuinely wish we’d end up in the same class.

I have many things to ask Stella.

There’s a lot I need to figure out.

It wouldn’t hurt to visit Behrhaigen’s estate if possible. There might be information about their ancestor, Kaloso.

And.

Considering Stella shows an interest in the demon realm and possesses a genius-level talent for magic, I think she could sufficiently help me achieve my goals.

Of course, it wouldn’t be easy.

Actually, it might be impossible.

While thinking she could be a help, the thought that Behrhaigen could be conspiring with the demon race also crossed my mind.

If that’s the case.

If Stella is involved with the demons.

Then, at that time.

“Hey.”

“What? Why… ugh… I-I won’t drop out. I’m just saying that as a phrase! Why are you glaring at me like that?!”

I looked into Stella’s purple eyes.

They were clear and intelligent.

Not clouded by mana.

Not eyes that could accept magic.

No signs of darker feelings, only a passionate desire for magic.

Betrayal.

For reasons unknown, Kaloso Behrhaigen, who pierced through my stomach and sided with the Demon King.

The descendant of that bastard, Stella Behrhaigen.

It’s foolish to blame a distant descendant for the sins of their ancestor. Judging by her name, it looks like she knows nothing about Kaloso.

On the other hand, she seems to know about Eustetia and has been exhibiting emotions different from others.

An emotion close to fear.

What are they afraid of? The things Eustetia does.

Why is there fear?

At the moment, I don’t know.

However, just because she’s a traitor’s descendant doesn’t mean I can assume she’s a traitor too. It would be a shame to miss out on such talent.

Killing her without certainty is madness.

So, for now, I will do things like I’ve always done.

I’ll do what I want.

I’m not a fool to let the same thing happen to me twice.

I wanted this, so I don’t regret it.

In fact, when I died instead of Arisa, I had no regrets.

If my choice leads to something I feared,

At that time, I wouldn’t hesitate.

I finished my thoughts.

For now, I’ll keep her close.

That’s my choice.

“Loser. Let’s be friends from now on?”

“NO! I don’t want to be friends! And I’m not a loser! I’m Stella Behrhaigen, you know? Just because you’re Eustetia doesn’t give you the right to insult me! Understand?!”

“What insult? Huh—!”

Shaking off my complicated thoughts, I stretched my arms and handed over the last macaron to Stella.

“Eat this and live a good life. Don’t get caught doing something bad, okay?”

“W-What…? Wuhhh…! Hey! Who are you to tell me what to do?! I hate you! I really hate you!!”

“We’re the same. I hate you too.”

Ignoring the squawking Stella, I stepped out of the training grounds.

I didn’t head to the bathroom.

I wasn’t in a hurry to finish because I wanted to go badly.

“Oh! Young Lady!”

“You kept me waiting for so long.”

“No! I was entertained watching people, so the time flew! Anyway, did you catch the Basilisk?”

Yurasia, whose lush golden hair was twisted over her shoulder to dry from the sweat, ran up to me.

“Yeah, I caught it. What about you, Yurasia?”

“I caught it too!”

Just as I thought.

I smiled lightly and stood on my tiptoes.

“Good job. I knew you could do it.”

Then I patted her head calmly.

Every touch made my arm throb.

I need to ask Sara for a heal.

“Hehe… Oh, young lady! The crepe! We need to hurry! If we stop by the dorm to wash up, we might be late!”

“Why should we stop by the dorm? We can just go straight there. Sara’s probably waiting in front of the Academy anyway.”

“Uh… I think you’d be fine with the sweat smell, but I can’t stand it…”

“Sweat smell? What the heck is that? Are you a pervert?”

Ignoring the strange comment, I moved closer to Yurasia and sniffed her.

A faint smell of sweat wafted, but more noticeable was the strong citrus scent unique to Yurasia.

“Uhh?!”

“You’re fine. Just let’s go. After eating, we’ll end up washing again anyway, right? So why bother?”

“Ehh… I-I understand. And, um… please don’t sniff my sweat!”

“Are you in puberty or what?”

“Ugh… I hate you, young lady.”

*

“Why did both of them come out without a scratch?”

“…I’m sorry.”

“That’s not what I wanted to hear; I was just wondering.”

“That… I have no idea why. The magic tools that came into the Labyrinth broke down…”

“Broke down?!”

In a dimly lit room in the basement of a mansion.

A woman with an alluring voice spoke.

“So, you can’t even tell how the two managed to escape from the Labyrinth?”

“…I’m sorry.”

“How strange. I clearly granted you a power from the Labyrinth. And you received that power from me. This is a true labyrinth. How could two girls possibly escape from it, let alone claim to have taken down a Basilisk?”

The man couldn’t answer any further.

Even he was aware that this situation made no sense in his head.

However, he couldn’t admit he didn’t know.

Otherwise, he would die. Two admissions of ignorance would guarantee his death. Thus, he bowed his head.

“Did they not catch its tail?”

“Yes. I heard that the Academy’s magical tools also broke like ours. The artificial magic stone was swapped with the Academy’s as planned, leaving no traces behind. However, if the ‘Crow’ moves, it might discover our tracks…”

“Hmmm…”

The alluring woman lounging on the vast couch, with only her feet playfully swinging, pulled back her irritation and chuckled.

“It’s okay. You can’t control if the Crow moves or not. Robert, you’ll do better next time, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’ll trust you.”

With a sweet sigh, a wet snake slithered out from the woman’s skirt.

It quickly crawled up the body of the man named Robert and burrowed into his mouth.

He felt a terrifying pain and struggled to breathe, but Robert bowed his head, accustomed to the agony.

When the wet snake completely disappeared into his body,

“Thank you for your mercy.”

He too vanished from sight.

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