[An unexpected upset in the collaborative class between second-year Knight Department and Magic Department. Breaking everyone's expectations, first place was claimed by Luina Berchef, the second-ranked student of the Knight Department, and Gerhard Goldenheim, ranked 10th in the Magic Department.]
[Gerhard Goldenheim, who defeated the Carlo Deneb and Allia Torta pair and imprisoned ten students for about 5 minutes. Was he hiding his power?]
[How did Luina Berchef and Gerhard Goldenheim become a pair?]
The joint class between the Knight Department and Magic Department became a major issue for not just the second-year students but the entire Academy.
Aint checked the daily newspaper and exclaimed in admiration.
"As expected of the Goldenheims. And the Berchefs, though they've lost their rights to the Golden Decree, are still Berchefs."
"Hmm, that upstart has achieved quite a good result."
"No, is it because of the Berchef bloodline?"
"The status of those upstarts rising while House Berchef falls close to ruin. The world is truly in decline."
The Ego residing in the sword, Gardner Alpenfassen, clicked his tongue as if displeased.
"You seem to dislike the Goldenheims but like the Berchefs?"
"Don't compare those two families. The head of the Berchef family was the only knight who could stand alongside the former emperor and me on the battlefield."
"I miss those days when we scoured the battlefield together and took the heads of those demon bastards."
Gardner's voice, which had been immersed in nostalgia, hardened again.
"In contrast, those Goldenheim bastards...!"
"Never compare them again. It's disrespectful to the Berchefs."
"But now the Goldenheims are more respected. The Berchefs have also incurred a massive debt to the Goldenheims."
"That's why the world is in decline."
"A hero's family is trampled to the ground while the status of those wretched upstarts soars to the sky."
"If I didn't need the military funds, I would have struck them down with my own hands... Wait a minute."
The sword where Gardner resided trembled.
"That's it."
"Huh? What do you mean by 'that's it' all of a sudden?"
"Didn't that Gerhard or Berhard fellow say that? To come find him anytime if you need something."
"...Senior Gerhard never said such a thing."
He did deliberately seek him out, but he only engaged in meaningless chitchat.
"Didn't I tell you? It might not have been direct, but showing goodwill and deliberately seeking conversation is their method."
"Your equipment isn't very good anyway, so go ask him for some money."
"...What?"
"Why are you surprised?"
"You also agreed that you should make those fellows your patrons."
"But isn't it too sudden to do that now?"
"Sudden? On the contrary, that's probably what he's hoping for."
"I guarantee you. He'll probably give you the money as if he's been waiting for this."
Gardner grinned confidently.
"Of course, they'll try to collect it back with interest later, but who cares? When the demons become active, they'll have no choice but to cling to your pant leg."
"...Demons."
At that point, Aint's face hardened.
"...Honestly, it's still hard to believe. Are the demons really becoming active again?"
"Yes."
Gardner affirmed.
"The reason the former emperor made me an Ego of the sword was to prepare for the demons' activity, which he foresaw."
"The fact that I've awakened means that the future is flowing as predicted."
"...Hmm."
"Don't worry. You will definitely defeat the demons and save the world."
"I will make it so."
"...Yes."
"So for now, go to that upstart and extract some equipment."
"As a hero who will save the world, he should naturally provide at least that much."
His voice, which had been solemn until just now, turned frivolous again.
Aint was a bit confused about which was Gardner's true nature.
"...But won't he be wary of Schwaben?"
"That's all the more reason to do it."
"Aren't you curious why he deliberately approached you despite Schwaben?"
"If my prediction is correct, he will definitely help you. Of course, if you go openly, he won't because of those watching around him."
Gardner spoke with conviction.
And that conviction...
"...I'm sorry, but Young Master Gerhard said he has no reason to meet you."
"...What?"
...was shattered as he was turned away at the door by the clerk of the store where they had held their secret meeting.
***
The perception had changed.
From the beginning, Gerhard Goldenheim had attracted people's attention since his admission.
But that was quite different from the attention he was receiving now.
The prestige of the Goldenheim family and the expectations that came with it.
There were no direct expectations or cheers for Gerhard himself.
Even if he ranked 10th, it was considered natural because he was a Goldenheim. Rather, he was evaluated as not particularly talented because he only ranked 10th.
That was completely flipped in an instant.
Although it was thanks to forming a pair with Luina, and he had only placed first once, it was completely different from before.
"You must be pleased."
"It's just a flame that will soon be extinguished."
They might treat him like an amazing talent now, but they would quickly cool down as if it never happened. If his grades turned bad even once, it would happen even faster.
Therefore, Gerhard didn't particularly respond to the cheers of others.
That wasn't what was important.
"Didn't you say this was your first time getting first place and that you were happy?"
"I thought so, but now I don't particularly feel that way."
Luina shook her head.
"Even though you've finally beaten Almon?"
"It's just a simple exercise, not a midterm or final exam, isn't it?"
"It's the exercise that gives the most bonus points after those two. Grad might not, but Professor Rosalia doesn't lie."
This time, she nodded slightly. But her determined gaze didn't change.
"It's only been once so far. They were just caught off guard by your unexpected blow, and we don't know what will happen from now on. We need to work harder and continue our victories."
"You always speak so stiffly and formulaically."
"I'm just talking about the fundamentals."
She took a sip of tea and changed the subject.
"So why did you call me this time?"
"The Academy gives scholarships as rewards for good grades."
"...You mean you're going to give me something because we got first place?"
You? Luina's face distorted slightly.
"Well, I am your sponsor after all."
"I don't need it."
"But you do. And giving is my choice."
"I almost raised suspicion from my friends after receiving the equipment. A second time..."
"Take it."
Gerhard didn't properly listen to Luina's objection and took out a small box.
"What is this...?"
"You still haven't eaten the mandrake."
"I haven't finished my preparations yet."