Chapter 39 – String (4)

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Why did my heart twist when Iris's name escaped the principal's lips? Could it be the lingering guilt from the last encounter, where I treated her so harshly? Or perhaps, deep within my subconscious, remnants of affection for Iris still linger? Everything else seems fine, yet why does my body react so intensely, uncontrollably, when the topic shifts to Iris…

Enough. Let's forget the past. I had anticipated that such occurrences might happen. From the start, my existence differs from the original, and not everything can unfold exactly as it did in the familiar narrative. Looking back, this version feels more plausible. It's not surprising that she quickly got close to him after experiencing such a thing with me…

In any case, I won't have anything to do with her from now on, so let's not worry about it anymore.

It's someone else's story now. Fortunately, I still have two days left before returning to classes.

I spent the remaining time cleaning the mansion, sorting out the knowledge of the original that sometimes came to mind, and so on. As I focused on those things, I was able to regain my composure to some extent.

And time passed quickly, and it was finally the day I returned to the academy. I left the mansion and headed towards the classroom of Class-D, not the usual Class-B.

* * * * *

As I approached the classroom, the number of students moving around increased steadily.

Initially, I wondered if it was just a misconception, but the growing number of people whispering and casting furtive glances my way confirmed that it wasn't just my imagination.

I couldn't figure out what it was because most of them were small whispers from a distance, but the collective averted gazes indicated that the content wasn't particularly positive.

Could it be that they recognize me as Edwin and are spreading gossip? But how could they know? Did someone from the administration leak information? Pondering this alone, I quickened my pace, finding myself in front of the tower where Class-D was located.

The exterior of the weathered stone tower was adorned with creeping vines and patches of green moss nestled in the shadowy crevices, resembling a testament to the structure's enduring passage through time.

When I entered the classroom, the front was already occupied by a fair number of students, so I went to the back of the classroom where there were still many empty seats and took a seat.

And as the bell rang five minutes before the start of the lecture rang out in the building, the Class-D professor finally opened the front door of the classroom and came in.

The professor was a kind-looking old gentleman, with white hair and beard. His appearance, with his neat uniform that fit him perfectly and his single-lens glasses with gold rims, was a dignified presence that seemed to be perfectly imbued in every corner of his body.

Although this old professor also appeared in the original work, he wasn't a very important person, as I remember. I can't remember his name. Was it Professor Fletcher?

"Now, good morning, everyone. I hope you all had a good weekend. I believe you all had enough rest during the break, so let's work hard for another week. Now, let's take attendance. Curtis?"

"Yes."

"Carol."

"Yes."

"Randolph."

"…"

"Randolph? Is Randolph not in his seat?"

"Randolph is not feeling well and is going to the infirmary, Professor. He asked me to pass on his message."

"Oh, tsk tsk tsk. I told you so, but I guess he ran around too much on his day off. I see. Well, let's continue. Ellie."

"Yes!"

"Hahaha, it's very good to be lively. Well, next, Woodburn…"

The professor was calling the names of the students in turn and taking attendance, and the students responded by raising their hands or something.

However, seeing that the vast majority of people did not have last names attached, it seems that the percentage of commoners among the students was high because it was also a lower class.

And this was also the reason why demotion to a lower class could act as punishment for some noble freshman.

From their point of view, with their abnormally high pride, they would feel a sense of humiliation and shame just by being assigned to a place where these commoners were bustling.

Of course, this was of no concern to me at the moment.

On the contrary, I feel a lot more at ease because I can avoid some of the unnecessary rhetoric that nobles exchange and the brutal political games that are taking place under the surface. I'll go back to the upper class later, but for now, I'll stay here for a while.

"Ah, it seems we have a new student. Pardon me. Edwin Reed?"

As the professor was about to finish taking attendance, he seemed to have forgotten something, opened the attendance sheet again, and called my name last. And when the students heard that name, there was a great commotion.

"Edwin Reed? Edwin Reed, is that…?"

"That's right. I heard he was suspended for 60 days or so, and it's about that time now!"

"So I'm going to be in the same classroom with that bastard from now on…?"

"But where is he…? I heard that Edwin Reed looks just like a troll in terms of his size and appearance, so he should be easy to spot…"

The students chattered among themselves and made a few negative comments about me, and they tried to figure out where I was by turning their heads around.

Although I was prepared for this treatment, to be honest, it doesn't feel very good to experience it firsthand. There's no way around it. It's my karma, so I have to bear it…

I sighed and answered the old professor who was looking for me, saying, 'Edwin Reed, is he not here? Edwin?'

"Yes, Professor. Edwin Reed, here."

"Aha, there you are. There are empty seats in front, but why don't you sit in front?"

"Ha ha…"

"Hmm, well, let's start the lecture now, shall we? Everyone, please turn to page 68 of the Magic Theory textbook and look at the third section of 'The Origin and Composition of Mana'. Well, the wizard who wrote the Magic Theory, isn't it? According to Sir Benedict Haywood's hypothesis…"

As the professor concluded attendance, he began the lecture. However, it was evident that the students were struggling to concentrate.

When my voice echoed from the back of the classroom, students turned around one by one to glance at me. After confirming my location, they engaged in fervent, albeit hushed, discussions with their neighbors, their faces filled with astonishment…

'A troll, they say! Who the hell said that? Kick him out of the academy. Do you even know what a troll looks like?'

'But really, it doesn't make sense. Is that really a nobleman…? I've never seen anyone like him since I entered the academy…'

'Hey, wake up! Do you know why that human is in our class? He's been bullying people like us, commoners…'

'I don't know! It's not even certain. How do you know they started the fight? Hey, Michelle. Do you want to go and talk to him after class?… Aren't you curious?'

'Abi! Me too, me too!'

"Quiet! Be quiet!" 

Throughout the first period, the whispers continued unabated in the Class-D classroom.

* * * * *

'Something is definitely not right.'

On the third day after my return, I finally managed to escape the extra classes meant to catch up on the missed curriculum after finishing the regular classes for the day. The sun had already set, casting a dim hue over the surroundings. Street lamps powered by magic stones emitted scattered light along the roadside.

As I made my way back to the mansion, leading my tired body, my thoughts revolved around the peculiar behavior I had encountered.

'Something is seriously wrong.'

If the students of Class-D had heard my name during attendance, they should have recognized me as the infamous troublemaker. However, their attitude was entirely different from what I had anticipated.

During the short breaks between classes, students would gather around my seat, curious and eager to strike up conversations. Unwanted information had been thrust upon me and thanks to it, I learned a lot of information I didn't want to know. 

The orange-haired freckled girl was Michelle, the tall one with black hair was Abi, and the fiery red-headed girl seemed formidable—Jessica. Come to think of it, they were all girls. Perhaps their curiosity stemmed from the fact that girls are sensitive to appearances. But the male students, although not openly hostile, mostly observed me with curious eyes, not approaching actively but staring at me with a keen interest.

Despite my efforts to portray the arrogant noble image, whether ignoring them completely or responding with an intimidating and dismissive attitude when bothered, it seemed less effective than I thought. Seeing students consistently gathering during break times…

Looking at this, it's highly likely that the students around me whispering to me on the way to school were not talking behind my back, but just curiosity… 

The things I did were weathered in people's heads little by little as time passed, and I wonder if it's because no one in this place has directly experienced my evil deeds, so I don't really feel the extent of it. 

The lack of immediate consequences was also problematic. I couldn't resort to burning hair or slapping cheeks like before. I just couldn't. It's not allowed now, and I didn't want to face expulsion.

If things continued like this, my carefully laid plans could deviate significantly. The dilemma deepened.

* * * * *

"Hey… wait a moment…!!"

While contemplating my predicament on the path toward the academy's rear gate, someone suddenly blocked my way. Raising my gaze, I saw the silhouette of a girl standing about ten paces away.

In the dim light of the street lamps, I could discern the details of her appearance. Dressed in a white shirt and a navy-blue long skirt, she appeared to be an academy student. Why did she call me?

Though night had fallen, the bright glow from the street lamps illuminated her features. Long light-brown hair, a petite face with delicate features, long eyelashes, large and round pupils, a refined nose—she exuded a charm that balanced cuteness and innocence.

Initially, I frowned, unsure of who she was. However, the familiarity of her features triggered a memory.

"…Do you remember me…? I told you my name back then…just in case you forgot…"

"…Ellie."

With a shy voice, the girl spoke to me again, and almost instinctively, I murmured her name.

The connection forged in the back alleys of Drakton had come full circle. Like a breeze, fate had found its way back to me.

If you want to read the first 25 chapters for free and read up to the final chapter for a cheap price patreon.com/Makima02