I’m the Slit-Eyed Character at the Academy, but I’m not the Mastermind

Luna held out the ring to me.

A ring carrying the hidden penalty of “Certain Death for Anyone Else Who Wears It,” courtesy of Caron.

Naturally, I recoiled, trying to put as much distance between myself and the ring as possible.

“Keke, no thank you.”

“What’s the big deal? Why are you so against it? Just try it on, won’t you? We might find out what it actually does.”

Dodging her attempts to hand me the ring, I found myself backed up against a wall.

Who knew if Caron was lurking somewhere, watching this?

I pressed my hands to the wall in exaggerated surrender, trying to make it clear that I had zero interest in the ring.

“I-I’m not worthy. Surely, it’s a ring that suits someone as lovely as Miss Luna perfectly.”

“Of course, any ring would look great on me! Are you really not going to take it? That’s going to make me feel bad…”

“As Teacher Caron said, you earned the top spot fair and square, Luna. You should be proud.”

“Still, I can’t help feeling bad about it. Just say the word, and I’ll do anything you ask to make it up to you.”

Luna smiled innocently as she said this.

Anything, huh? Sometimes, our dear Luna really lets the most astonishing things slip without a second thought.

Hm? What’s so astonishing, you ask?

You’re too young to understand, but that phrase she just uttered—it’s as magical as an incantation. The kind of words that fuel a man’s imagination to no end.

“Are you serious? Anything at all?”

“Of course! I don’t go back on my word.”

In that case, there was definitely something I wanted to ask.

Zing!

Just as I was about to open my mouth, I involuntarily shivered. [Hyper Sense] had activated.

A skill that only triggers when I’m in danger, or when someone’s targeting me.

‘Who’s there?!’

I scanned the area, and soon enough, I spotted it.

A pair of fierce eyes glinting behind a long fringe of hair that fell like a curtain.

It was Rezé, glaring at me with a look that promised she’d shoot me with her magic gun the moment I suggested anything inappropriate.

Why does this rabbit only ever show her fierce side to me? Truly a mystery.

“Keke, I’d love something delicious to eat.”

I offered a safe, generic answer that anyone could grant. I’d rather not end up with a bullet to the head, thank you very much.

Yet for some reason, Rezé’s eyes rolled upward, and her whole body started trembling bizarrely, as if she were possessed.

‘A haunted rabbit now? What’s her problem this time?’

All I did was tell Luna that I wanted something delicious. There was no reason for anyone to be upset over that…

…

After a moment’s reflection, I finally understood.

Ah, I see. I guess that could have a double meaning, huh?

Before Luna could reply with an enthusiastic “Sure!”, I hastily clarified.

“The tavern-style restaurant we visited last time. That would be nice.”

“Oh, that place? Yeah, the food was good, though the atmosphere wasn’t the best.”

At last, Rezé’s eyes returned to normal, taking on the innocent look of a simple rabbit once again.

To be honest, I felt wronged. This was the request I’d intended all along.

I mean, come on. Do you really think I’d have any improper thoughts about someone with a figure as childlike as Luna’s?

My type is someone, er… taller and more, um, well-endowed, let’s say!

“Since you helped me secure the top spot, I suppose it’s only fair to treat you. Anything else you want? Really, it could be anything…”

“Ahem, no, that’s quite alright. Besides, everything’s gone according to plan.”

“Plan?”

“Yes. To earn honor, spread your name, and eventually clear the stigma around the Lester family.”

“Oh, that? But do you think I’ve gained much honor yet? Being the top student is impressive, but… it’s just the first-year ranking, isn’t it?”

“That’s true. Nobles who are constantly on the lookout for talent may have heard of you, Luna… if this had been a ‘normal midterm’.”

“Hmm?”

“This time, it was a special midterm, remember?”

Luna’s eyes widened as she finally understood what I was getting at.

Exactly. This midterm was a special, incredibly unique one.

Although it was called the ‘Carpathia Defense,’ it was no different from an actual war.

And to achieve such great feats in a battlefield simulation, as a mere first-year?

It was a remarkable accomplishment—one that would reach not just the aristocracy but likely the emperor’s ears as well.

An achievement significant enough that it wouldn’t be surprising if the emperor himself visited the Academy to bestow honors.

‘But given the silence, someone must have intervened behind the scenes.’

Most noble families with children attending the Academy would’ve tried to downplay Luna’s achievements.

If they didn’t, then their own children wouldn’t have a chance to make names for themselves or rise to positions of power.

Though Luna was robbed of the chance to gain the renown she deserved across the continent, it was actually beneficial for us.

‘If she’d caught the attention of high-ranking figures like the Emperor, it would’ve been impossible for us to travel freely around the continent.’

‘Not to mention… it would increase the chances of him finding out about Luna.’

Luna, the last surviving member of the Lester family.

Her loyalty to me was a blessing, but in truth, Luna was a double-edged sword.

If he or Duke Aziz learned that a Lester family survivor was still alive, they’d undoubtedly send assassins after her.

‘And in the process, I’d get caught up in it too.’

Couldn’t Caron just help us? Hah…

‘I’d be lucky if he doesn’t come after us himself.’

Considering everything I’ve seen so far, some might think, “Caron wouldn’t harm Luna—he’s practically attached to her.”

But I know better. I know the true nature of Caron’s character, and the ‘secret’ behind the downfall of the Lester family.

‘Which only makes me more curious.’

The Caron I knew from the game.

The Caron I’ve encountered here.

They’re supposed to be the same person, yet they feel completely different.

Like two entirely separate individuals.

‘Luna’s survival must have triggered some hidden element.’

What exactly is Luna to Caron? What’s the connection between the Lester family and Caron? And why did he have no choice but to kill Renia?

I’m dying of curiosity.

‘I’ll find out, no matter what!’

Because the truth is always singular!

Come to think of it, the person who ensured that Luna’s fame wouldn’t spread…

There was a chance it was Caron, rather than just the noble families.

I’ll have to investigate that next time.

“In any case, there are probably a few people who know Luna’s name now. For a starting point, that’s a solid achievement. And next time an opportunity for glory arises, this recent event will likely be brought up again.”

“So, what do I need to do going forward?”

“First, people will begin approaching you. Among them, let’s look for someone who holds the Lester family in high regard. They’ll make a dependable ally.”

“They’ll be helpful when it comes to proving my family’s innocence. Alright. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure to give you credit for everything you’ve done.”

“Keke, there’s no need. I’m fine with staying in the shadows. That’s where I belong, after all.”

Putting Luna in the spotlight was partly because I was curious about the story of the Lester family, but it also allowed me to operate outside the public eye.

If I became famous, it would restrict my movements.

I need the freedom to roam the continent, and if fame starts tying me down, I’ll be at a disadvantage.

So when I say I’m happy to be Luna’s shadow, I mean it.

“A shadow lurking behind me, huh? That sounds suspicious…”

“Keke, just an ordinary shadow, that’s all.”

“Well, fine. I know you have your reasons. In any case, you can count on this big sister to take care of you. And of course, you too, Rezé.”

“Heh… hehehe… As long as I’m with M-Miss Luna, anywhere is… g-good…”

Rezé gave a bright smile.

I returned it with a smile of my own, which meant…

“That your stamina has recovered.”

“K-Kyik?!”

“It seems we took too long of a break. Let’s resume training. We’ll start with a light sprint, shall we?”

“Hiiiieek!”

Rezé, who had been walking on two legs, dropped to all fours and crawled along the ground until she eventually collapsed, becoming one with the dirt floor.

With that, today’s training came to an end.

“Phew… so, is training over for today?”

“Keke, indeed it is.”

“That ended quicker than I thought. Well, we’ll be heading out first then. Don’t cry just because we’re leaving!”

Luna hoisted Rezé onto her back and headed out of the training grounds.

‘Going out again? I thought she’d quit after a while, but she’s been pretty consistent with it.’

Since the summit meeting, Luna had been frequently meeting with Yuridia and Victoria.

‘She keeps saying she’s going to dig up some “useful intel” for us, but…’

Honestly, I’d be relieved if she doesn’t end up as a laughingstock. Though, considering Yuridia and Victoria’s fangirl-ish obsession with Luna, that probably wouldn’t happen.

‘So, what should I do for fun today?’

It was just as well. Now I had some time to myself.

This was the only time I could escape the watchful eye of stalker Luna, so I had to make the most of it.

‘I could keep training, but…’

My stat-gaining training with [Fleur Family Style] had a strict limit of two hours per day.

Training for too long in a single day drastically reduced the stat gains I could achieve the following day.

I’d figured out this optimal window during my training sessions in the midst of the Carpathia invasion.

Two hours a day. That was the sweet spot for maximum efficiency.

‘If this were my second playthrough, I’d have done it that way from the start… I can’t even begin to count how many stat points I’ve missed out on.’

That’s why experience and knowledge are invaluable.

Reminding myself of that truth, I was wandering around the Academy when—

Zing!

Out of nowhere, [Hyper Sense] activated. Someone was targeting me.

Luna’s prank? Rezé finally deciding to assassinate me?

Caron showing up to berate me because he’s in a foul mood?

Or maybe… a beautiful young lady who couldn’t suppress her feelings any longer, coming to confess?

Hmm, no matter how I look at it, the last option seems most likely.

‘So yet another maiden has fallen for me, huh? I tried to keep a low profile, but it looks like I failed.’

Naturally, I was curious about the identity of the smitten girl.

Leaving the crowded area, I moved to a quieter spot with fewer buildings and people around.

An open space with almost nowhere to hide.

I glanced back and finally identified my pursuer.

‘…Rodelin?’

The Vice President of Annwood Academy’s student council and the youngest of the Lucid family.

It was Rodelin, following me with a leafy branch clutched in each hand.

‘So it was Rodelin?’

My mood, which had been soaring to the sky, plummeted straight back down.

Not that there was anything wrong with Rodelin. I was actually thrilled. She was both beautiful and, let’s be honest, one of the few students here with a figure that matched my taste.

The idea of Rodelin liking me? That’d be a dream come true.

If that ever happened, I’d gladly forsake Earth to live in this world as her loyal servant.

‘Wait, no. That’s not the point right now.’

The reason my mood sank upon realizing Rodelin was following me?

I already knew why she was here.

‘She probably feels guilty.’

I had taken down four lesser demons and even held my own against a greater demon.

That level of achievement deserved not one but two top rankings.

But due to my penalty points, I hadn’t made the top spot.

And the majority of those penalty points—twenty-three of them, to be exact—had been given by none other than Rodelin herself.

Now that a week had passed, she must’ve heard the news, and knowing her personality, she was likely weighed down with guilt.

So why was she following me now?

‘She’s probably looking for a chance to apologize… and maybe even offer me some merit points to make it up to me.’

To offer words of encouragement along with an apology, no doubt.

— It wasn’t because I disliked you that I deducted so many points, you know. I just wanted to help you grow.

— I understand now, senior. This foolish junior finally sees the light. I’ll follow you with unwavering loyalty! Please continue guiding me!

— Good, good! Let’s build a better empire together!

…I imagine she’s fantasizing about a conversation something like that.

Rustle, rustle…

In any case, the fact that she was following me to give me merit points was just… adorable.

Knowing Rodelin’s intentions so perfectly, there was only one course of action for me…

‘Time to mess with Rodelin.’

Why, you ask?

‘Because she’s cutest when she’s flustered.’

So teasing her was basically an obligation. Almost like an act of fate, really.

‘Go ahead and give me those merit points if you can.’

If you’re even able to, that is.

Whoosh!

I tossed a piece of trash from my pocket onto the ground.

The bushes behind me shook violently, but Rodelin didn’t step out.

She should’ve blown her whistle and leapt out to deduct points on the spot, but that would ruin her plan of awarding me merit points.

‘You’re holding back? Alright, how about this?’

I started kicking up well-manicured patches of grass. Each time I disturbed the ground, the bushes shuddered.

But she still didn’t come out, instead enduring it, hoping for her chance to give me merit points.

You’ve grown, Rodelin. This proud dad couldn’t be happier.

But…

Let’s see how you handle this.

I sauntered over to a trash can in the park and began stretching beside it.

Realizing what I was planning, Rodelin’s hiding spot grew noticeably restless.

Should she rush out to stop me, or continue waiting for a chance to award me points?

Her indecision was almost palpable.

Meanwhile, my stretching was complete.

Just as I drew back my foot to kick, Rodelin finally leapt out of the bushes, having decided to intervene.

But my foot was already in motion.

Its target, of course…

The trash can.

Call it “Kicking the Trash Can” or, more accurately, [Summoning Rodelin].

Crash!

“K-Kicking over a trash can is grounds for penalty points!”

Rodelin shouted, looking utterly exasperated.

–TL Notes–

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