The creeping hand of evil and poison

　When Alto and Mia arrive at the dueling grounds, they train together as usual.

"Fireball."

　Artoo unleashes his skill.

　Mia countered with a "Dispel Shot".

　The fireball is shot out by Mia's light bullet and disperses.

"...!

　It's a great way to get the most out of your time and money.

"Well then, the next one is-- 'Fire Lance'!"

　Alto then unleashed his intermediate skill.

　Mia's "Dispel Shot" was fired again, but missed.

　But this one misses.

I'm not sure if it's still possible against intermediate magic. ...

　Mia's dispel shot is affected by the magic power of her opponent's skills.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

But it's getting better now and then, which is good.

Yeah. I'll try harder. ...

　And so the two of them continued their training for the final exam.

　And.

Mia.

　Suddenly, a voice rang out in the dueling arena.

　I'm not sure if you'll be able to find the right one, but I'm sure you'll be able to find it.

　The emblem on his chest indicated that he was an official of the court.

　However, his figure was toned and his gaze was sharp.

... Father.

　Mia Knightley's father.

　That is, the Earl of Knightley.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money.

"I heard you failed both of your knight exams.

　--Count Knightley said sharply to Mia.

"... Yes.

　I'm not sure what to do.

　It was clear that the Count did not support his daughter's challenge.

　But the Count confronted it with cold-hearted words.

"Do you still want to continue?

　Mia couldn't say anything.

It's a rumor at court. Count Knightley's daughter has no talent to be a knight at all, but she is being disgusting.

"I'm also sorry, ....

　The only thing Mia could do was to squeeze out her voice.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm sure you'll be able to understand that.

　I'm not sure what to say.

　However, Count Knightley took one look at Artoo and snickered.

What is it with you? This is a matter for the Countess Knightley family.

　That was a perfectly valid argument.

Anyway, don't disgrace the Countess of Knightley any further.

　That's what the Count said to Mia.

　Mia could only stare blankly.

　The Count had said what he had to say and left.

　Artoo didn't know what to say to her.　

　Artoo himself had a history of not having his power recognized by his father.

　Therefore, he understood Mia's feelings well.

　He knew exactly how Mia felt, and that's why he couldn't speak to her.

I wasn't expected at all, was I?

　Mia said to herself.

I wasn't blessed with any magical talent. So my father was against me entering the knight school in the first place, and in fact I kept failing the exams.

　I'm not sure what to do.

But Alto. I'm not sure what to do.

"Oh, ... you're right.

　I'm not sure what to do.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

Oh ... I know.

　In the end, all Alto could do was to nod next to him.

　†.

　A little further back, on the night of the second exam, the court--

Count Bourne. There's nothing left for you to do.

　Minister Wylow spoke to him.

I am truly sorry.

　Count Bourne bowed his head deeply.

　Count Bourne had completely misjudged Artoo's power. He had easily passed through the obstacles that Count Bourne had prepared for him.

"Minister Wylow. I'll make sure I succeed next time.

What exactly are you going to do?

Next is the team competition. Here, I'll make sure that Alto and the weakest student are paired up. The Count Knightley's daughter will be the best candidate.

Oh, the girl who is rumored to be completely hopeless?

In addition, I will poison Alto on the same day. He will be poisoned on the day.

"I see. Then make sure you do it.

"Of course, sir!

"Then I'll announce the pairs for tomorrow's exam.

　The day before the final exam. The day before the final exam, the examiner, Captain Arthur, announced the pairings for the mock battle.

"Alto. And Mia Knightley.

　When their names were called, Arto and Mia looked at each other.

　They hadn't expected to be paired with each other.

"Then, Bon Temps. And Gregory Panns.

　Bon Bourne's partner was the man who had easily defeated Mia in the first test.

　They were a pair of aristocrats.

Followed by ....

　In the next few minutes, the announcements came to an end.

I wish you all good luck in the final day of exams tomorrow.

　Then the day was dismissed.

　Each team's opponent was to be announced on the day.

I didn't think I'd be paired with Alto.

　"I didn't think I'd be paired with Artoo," Mia said, looking downcast and a little embarrassed.

I didn't expect it either. But I'm glad. Let's work hard together.

"I'll do my best not to drag ... down.

"Well, it's the day before, so there's no point in getting too excited, let's just take it easy today.

"Yeah.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.

　--But there was someone who held him back.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?

　The person who called out to him was none other than Bon Bourne.

　Artoo looked at Bonn with caution.

　He smiled as if to show that he meant no harm.

I just wanted to apologize for the way I've been acting. I've been acting like an adult. I'm sorry.

　Bon suddenly bows his head.

　Artoo flinched at the suddenness of it.

"No, it's fine. ...

I'm sorry I was so hostile to you because you're so good. But I was wrong.

　Artoo felt a strong sense of discomfort at the 180-degree change in Bon Born's attitude.

　But then, Bonn pressed him even harder.

I want you to let me apologize to you. I want to apologize to you, and I'd like to have dinner with you afterwards. I'll treat you to a meal at one of the popular restaurants around here.

(To be honest, I'm not too keen on the idea. ...)

　(To be honest, I'm not too keen on the idea. ) That was Alto's honest opinion.

　However, he could not ignore the person who was bowing to him.

Oh, okay, .... For lunch, you can go to ....

　Bon smiled as Artoo said, "Good!

Good!　Let's get going!

　He said goodbye to Mia and followed her.

　†.

　--After that, Alto ate dinner with Bon, but to be frank, the conversation between Bon and Alto was not very lively.

(Well, it was delicious.)

　As a restaurant introduced by a nobleman, the food was delicious.

　In addition, during the conversation, Artoo continued to apply the physical enhancement skill to himself, and was able to gain experience, so he did not feel that he had wasted his time.

Now, I'm going to go home for the day to prepare for tomorrow. ...

　Artoo went straight back to his dorm.

　However, a feeling of discomfort soon spread through his body.

(Is that ...?)

　Artoo felt his body getting heavier and heavier.

　By the time he reached home, he felt so dizzy that it became difficult to stand.

(What's ...?)

　Alto collapsed into bed.

　He lay there for a while, but it became more and more painful.

　He also felt chilly.

What's going on with ...?

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