Chapter 233

After the break. In the staff room of the Royal Academy.

The martial arts tournament that had been held in the royal capital had ended, and Clael had returned to work as usual.

"Still though... it was surprising, wasn't it? Did you see the final match?"

The one who asked with a relaxed expression was her colleague, Yurii Kanesta.

"In the semifinals, Guardly, who was favored to win, lost, and in the finals, it was Flame and an unknown swordsman who fought, you know?"

"Is that so? That's an unexpected turn of events."

Clael responded without showing any particular surprise.

It wasn't surprising at all.

It was the same match-up as in the game's scenario.

The final match was between Vincent Flame and a samurai named Jubei. Both were main characters from Beyond the Rainbow Gleam.

"Exactly! The one who defeated Guardly was a swordsman from another country, and he was super strong!? He had an intense battle with Flame, and it was just amazing!"

"Sounds like it was really something. If it was such a thrilling match, I should've gone to watch it."

He had thought about at least going to cheer at the finals... but during the tournament period, he was busy with work and got dragged around by Erika and Reina, so he ended up forgetting.

(Well, they're students I don't have much to do with anyway... Did Reina end up not going to cheer?)

In the game, Reina went to cheer and got caught between Vincent and Jubei... but she didn't seem very interested, and maybe she broke the flag.

(Doesn't seem like she's progressing with Vincent's route either, and she's ignoring Jubei too? Well, if Reina's fine with that, I've got no complaints.)

"In the end, Vincent won! I'm really glad a student from our academy came out on top!"

"Indeed... if a wandering swordsman had snatched the victory, it would've been quite embarrassing."

"I'm sure Mr. Rock is relieved too. He was cheering so passionately!"

Big Rock, the academy's physical education teacher, was also the swordsmanship instructor, so he must've really wanted a Royal Academy student to win.

When Guardly lost to Jubei in the semifinals, he was probably the most nervous of all.

"Anyway... classes are back to normal from today. The final exams are over, and winter break is just around the corner. Do you have any plans for winter break, Mr. Clael?"

"Hmm... nothing's really set yet. I was thinking of going back home to Eggbell, but..."

Clael let out a thoughtful "Hmm" as he pondered.

Even if he went home, there wasn't anything in particular he needed to do.

Though he exchanged letters with the townspeople, it seemed the new priest was doing a great job, and Clael probably wouldn't have a place there even if he returned.

(Reina... what will she do? Will she serve at the Grand Shrine, or will she go through the winter break events...?)

How Reina spent her winter break depended on the progress with the main characters.

If she was on Eric's route, there would be an event where she traveled abroad with him.

On Vincent's route, it would be mountain training in the snow. On Will's route, a date at the library. On Luy's route, an event where they got lost together in a place called the Fairy Realm.

(But... it doesn't feel like she's on any of those four routes. If that's the case, is it the common route?)

"Excuse me."

The door to the staff room slid open with a rattle... and the one who appeared was none other than the very person he had just been thinking of—Reina.

When Reina spotted Clael, she smiled warmly and walked over.

"Good day to you, Lord Clael."

"Ah, Reina. Is something the matter?"

"There's something I'd like to ask of you... do you have a moment?"

"Sure, I don't mind...?"

What could it be? Clael tilted his head in curiosity.

(Feels like this has happened before... well, whatever.)

"Well then, Mr. Yurii. See you later."

"Yes, see you."

After greeting Yurii, Clael was led out of the staff room by Reina.

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