Special Student
The girl who had been bullied was likely one of the students attending the academy through the new admission system introduced this year.
――In the royal capital, there are orphanages for children who have lost their parents for various reasons.
Normally, those attending such facilities wouldn’t even have the right to take the academy’s entrance exam.
However, according to the information I’ve gathered, a "special admission slot" was established this year for a certain reason.
And that reason is the commoner girl standing before me.
Her name is Connie Lyle.
A cute girl with distinctive silver bob-cut hair.
She has magic aptitude… but not just any magic aptitude.
The details are classified as state secrets, so I couldn’t gather more specific information.
However, testimony from those close to the facility suggests that she possesses an extraordinary talent for magic.
To tell the truth, she was at the top of my list as a candidate to lead the magic division of my business venture.
A talented and adorable commoner.
She fits perfectly into the type of individual I’ve been searching for.
――But naturally, someone like that tends to become a target of bullying.
You could say that the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
Wealthy or high-status individuals often dislike being outdone by those of lower social standing.
This was something I’d seen far too often in my previous life.
Still, this situation is favorable for me.
If I swoop in and rescue her now, her affection for me will undoubtedly skyrocket.
The male students picking on her come from the upper class—though only from insignificant families that are hardly worth fawning over.
My ultimate goal is to dominate the power held by the nation's three great houses.
Any other conflicts along the way are inconsequential.
No time like the present.
I grabbed the arm of the male student who was about to punch Connie.
"Who the hell are you!?"
"No matter the reason, raising a hand against a woman is deplorable."
"Huh? What nonsense are you—ahhh!"
I twisted his arm slightly, applying just a bit of pressure.
That alone was enough to make the male student cry out.
Isn’t he a bit too fragile?
"You bastard!"
Another male student rushed to help his friend, but I loosened my grip and let go just in time.
The released student and the attacker collided head-on.
And… oh dear… their mouths bumped.
If that was their first kiss, I’d feel bad—though not even remotely.
"Don’t get cocky!"
"Take this!"
Two others came at me together. That worked to my advantage.
I smoothly dodged one, delivering a front kick, while grabbing the other by the collar and tossing him aside.
Behind me, Lucina seemed eager to join in, but I signaled with a glance that her help wasn’t necessary.
Incidentally, the underside of her maid uniform skirt is packed with hidden weapons.
“I’m not fond of maid outfits, but I do appreciate how many weapons they can conceal,” she once said with a smile.
Though, I doubt maid outfits were designed specifically for weapon storage.
Regardless, her help wasn’t needed; the opponents had already lost the will to fight.
"Still want to go?"
"Tch… Remember this!"
The four students staggered to their feet and fled.
Hmph, they’re just weaklings who can only act tough when in a group. They were no match for me.
"Impressive as always, Master Lake."
"Hmph. Dealing with them was only natural. – More importantly, are you alright?"
I directed my attention to Connie, who was still sitting on the ground, trembling.
She hadn’t yet realized she was safe, her gaze darting nervously.
She must have been terrified.
"The ones who tried to harm you are gone now. You can relax."
"Th-thank you."
I offered her my hand, and she took it, standing up.
"May I ask for your name?"
Although I already knew a lot about her, I couldn’t break the pretense of this being our first meeting, so I asked for her name.
"Ah, um, I’m Connie Lyle."
"I’m Lake Gallard, also a new student. And this is my attendant, Lucina."
"Nice to meet you."
"N-nice to meet you, too."
The fear disappeared from Connie’s face.
She finally seemed to realize she had been saved.
Frankly, she seemed a bit clumsy, though.
"Really, thank you again for saving me from such a dangerous situation."
"Don’t mention it. I only did what was natural. Well then, we’ll be on our way."
"Y-yes."
"Let’s go, Lucina."
"At once! Always at your side!"
With that, I swiftly left the scene.
――Normally, I would seize this chance to bring her into my fold with some sweet words, but… for now, I’ll hold back.
This decision was based on my quick assessment of Connie’s personality.
With her type, it’s better to pull back initially and close the distance gradually.
As a commoner, she’s unlikely to attract the attention of the aristocracy.
I’ll take my time building a connection and eventually invite her to a ball.
Meanwhile, my rescue of a girl from delinquents seems to have sent Lucina’s loyalty soaring past the limit and into uncharted territory.
It’s only the beginning.
I need to proceed cautiously with my plans.
What do you think about this chapter?
