The day's classes ended, and Absolute was having lunch with his subordinates. These meals served as an opportunity to hear updates from those in different classes.
"Huh? Absolute-sama, you beat the Hero to a pulp during the recreation?!"
The main topic of conversation was, unsurprisingly, the showdown between the Hero and Absolute. The fact that their leader had defeated the Hero made their hearts swell with pride.
"It wasn't just that! He completely shut him down barehanded, without using magic or a sword!! I've been tearing up all day. Right, Oriana?"
"...Yeah, super emotional. My eyelids are gonna burn off."
Those who had actually witnessed the match recounted the details, making the others envious. Chris, in particular, seemed extremely dejected.
"I'm so jealous... I wanted to see it too."
Mist tried to cheer up the crestfallen Chris.
"Well, try your best to get into the same class next year. How's Class B, Chris? Any problems?"
"No, almost all the high-ranking nobles are in A, so there aren't many problems. The 【Ark House】 faction members who didn't make it into A are all in B, so we're not outmatched in terms of power. If there is a problem... I'm sorry, Absolute-sama, Uris beat someone half to death in the mock battle class and got put on house arrest."
"...I see."
Uris Kokuto.
The daughter of the Kokuto Viscount.
The Kokuto Viscount is the head of "Mushi," one of the dark organizations in the Rainana Kingdom.
"Mushi" operates not only in the Rainana Kingdom but also in other countries. They weaken enemy nations by spreading highly addictive drugs, and expand their organization by annihilating other dark organizations in other countries, taking over their territory and rackets. In the Rainana Kingdom, the 【Ark House】 keeps a tight rein on them, so they are relatively quiet, collecting protection money from restaurants and brothels in other noble territories, or selling high-end bread.
(She used to be a timid, meek girl, but somehow she's become such a troublemaker... I guess the environment you grow up in really matters.)
Absolute stared into the distance.
"I was wondering why Uris-chan wasn't here. So, she got put on house arrest. But isn't the punishment decided a little too quickly? The Hero hasn't even been officially chosen yet!"
"Well, the other guy was a viscount too. Plus, he was scared of retaliation, so he cried and begged the teacher and Uris not to make a big deal out of it, so it wouldn't become a problem between the families. So, it seems like it's just being treated as a case of going too far during class, hence the house arrest."
Chris explained it clearly to Lady Cruel.
Problems that occur at the academy are often resolved through discussions between the families if nobles are involved. However, if a settlement has already been reached between the students, the academy will often avoid making a big deal out of it and issue a light punishment. This time, the other party was intimidated by Uris and feared retaliation, so this was as far as it went.
"Uris-chan... Forcing the person she beat up to cry and apologize is way too hardcore. But still, was there a reason for it? I want to believe she wouldn't just beat someone up for no reason..."
"Apparently, the guy said something related to Absolute-sama. Uris worships Absolute-sama more than anyone else, so... I'm sure she couldn't hold back. So, please don't be too angry with her, Absolute-sama."
(She got angry for my sake... I'm happy, but it's not good if Uris gets punished for it. It's a luxurious problem, but Uris is being a little too extreme.)
"Well, this time it didn't become a big deal, so let's be lenient. Don't you guys go on a rampage too, okay?"
"Weren't you about to hit that guy who said something rude to you in class with some seriously dangerous magic?"
Mist retorted at Absolute.
(This guy always hits where it hurts.)
Then the conversation shifted to what happened in magic class, and it became lively again.
As the meal was coming to an end, Maria called out to Absolute.
"Master, Alicia Mirai from the Mirai House is requesting a meeting. What would you like to do?"
"Alicia Mirai, huh."
(Probably apologizing for the Hero's rampage. Even though it's all the Saint's fault, the Hero's taking all the blame. It's gotta suck to be a backer of the Hero. I feel bad for her, but I'm going to deal with the Hero severely.)
"I won't meet with her. Tell her that I will formally protest to the Mirai House and will listen to her side of the story then."
Absolute didn't meet with her immediately, intentionally letting a day pass to mentally corner her.
"Understood. I will convey that. Also, I have a report..."
Absolute was then informed about the incident that morning when Uru was hit on by the Hero. He clutched his head at the unbelievable story.
"What the hell is that Hero... Well, whatever. Uru seems fine, but she might be hurt inside. On the way back, I'll take her to that cafe we went to before."
(From a woman's perspective, some guys can look pretty scary. It wouldn't be funny if she developed a fear of men when she's still so young.)
"I think that's a good idea. Then, I will relay what you said to Alicia-sama."
◆
Alicia felt as if she were having a bad dream.
She couldn't believe that the Hero, who had a habit of going on rampages but whose fundamental goodness she believed in, would actually insult Absolute in front of their classmates, blast away the homeroom teacher, and launch a surprise attack. Before she knew it, Alicia herself had lost consciousness and fallen to the ground.
"It wasn't a dream... First, I have to apologize to Absolute-kun for the maid's matter this morning as well. I have to improve his impression of me, even if only a little."
Alicia found Absolute eating and requested a meeting through a nearby maid.
However, the meeting was denied.
"Master said, 'I will formally protest to the Mirai House and will listen to your side of the story then.'"
(Is he planning to mentally corner me by making me wait? As expected of him, he accurately targets the things I hate. At this rate, he probably won't show any leniency either. Ugh, I wish he'd go easy on me, even just a little.)
Alicia's faint hope was crushed, and she replied powerlessly.
"I see. I understand. Just tell him, 'Let's meet again another day.' The formal apology will be at that time. It's also your fault for letting our people do something so stupid. I'll punish them later."
"No, please be careful on your way back."
Alicia left after being seen off by Maria. Afterward, Alicia returned to her mansion and thought about what to do next.
(I hope it'll be settled with just compensation... But it won't end there. The royal family is also involved with the Hero, so they'll probably mediate if I make excessive demands. As an individual, I'd be happy to have the engagement broken off... But from the Mirai House's perspective, I have to avoid that.)
As Alicia was deep in thought, a knock came from the door, and then a servant conveyed a message.
"Alicia-sama, your husband is calling for you."
Her body stiffened for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.
"I understand. I'll go right away."
(He's not going to just scold me after doing all that. Ah, why do I always have to go through this?)
Alicia headed to the room where her father was waiting, her steps feeling heavy. That day, the head of the house's scolding and the sound of something being struck echoed throughout the mansion.
◆
After school, Absolute had come to a cafe in the royal capital with his maids Uru and Maria. This cafe was a place he had found when he splurged with the compensation money from the king. The interior wasn't too flashy, but he liked the chic design and the relaxed atmosphere. The only thing that bothered him was the taciturn shopkeeper's scary face.
(He's still unsociable and has a scary face. Well, it's not really my place to say that.)
As Absolute and the others waited at their table, the scary-faced shopkeeper brought their order.
"You still have a face like you're about to kill someone."
"Don't talk like that, kid. Three herbal teas, strawberry tart, shortcake, and Mont Blanc. Is that all? Call me if you need anything else."
The table was filled with appetizing sweets.
"Wow, they look so delicious! Absolute-sama, thank you for bringing me here again! I'm so happy!"
Uru was overjoyed to be taken to a sweets shop after so long.
"No need for thanks. Just eat it quickly."
Absolute urged Uru to eat quickly, and he himself reached for the Mont Blanc he had ordered.
(This Mont Blanc is so delicious. I didn't like it that much before I was reincarnated into this world. Is it because I'm influenced by the original Absolute?)
Maria was watching Absolute quietly eat, looking surprised. Absolute noticed Maria's gaze.
"Maria, why are you staring so intently? Are you trying to gouge out my eyeballs?"
"Ah, no, I'm sorry. It's just that it's the first time I've seen Master eating so deliciously... I just felt it somehow from the atmosphere. Um... if you don't mind, should I offer it at the mansion from now on?"
Maria asked gently.
They had been together for a long time, but Absolute had almost no likes or dislikes. That's why Maria was happy that he was finally showing such a reaction here.
"I don't need it. It's good because I eat it occasionally. Well, it's definitely delicious, though. If I were to eat something before I die, this would be it."
"If I were to eat something last, this would be it." Those words, which came out unexpectedly, were his true feelings. Although it wasn't mentioned in the original story, Absolute loved the Mont Blanc here and often brought Uru to eat it.
Perhaps the Absolute from before he was reincarnated was still somewhere in his heart.
"Uru wants to eat it every day!"
"I'll let you if you want to die young."
"Muu! That's troubling."
(...From the way she's talking, it seems like Uru's okay? I thought she would be mentally scarred since she's still young, but...)
"Uru. I heard from Maria that you were bothered by the Hero this morning. Has anything happened since then?"
"The Hero? ...Ah, he bothered me this morning. He suddenly started talking to me all friendly-like, so it was gross. But, like Master said, Maria dealt with him assertively!"
(Gross, huh. It's true that a lot of protagonist characters have a messed-up sense of distance, so if you look at them without rose-tinted glasses, they're gross. I get how she feels.)
"...I see. I'll say it again, but both of you, protect yourselves when I'm not around. I intend to give you the power to do so."
""Yes! Master.""
After that, the three of them enjoyed teatime before returning home.
