I Became The Academy’s Pure Love Dark Knight - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 – The Yellow Dog Next Door and the Red Cat.

 

The battle ended, and I started cleaning my sword.

 

Swordsmanship is good and all, but the durability loss is insane for someone like me without mana.  There was already a small chip in the blade.

 

“Academy… pure love?  Black Knight…?  What’s that?”

 

“It’s like a guardian angel who protects love.”

 

“Like what you did for Ariel and me?  Manipulating things from behind the scenes?”

 

“That’s incorrect.”

 

It’s a bit different.  I can’t change people’s hearts, after all.  That’s just how feelings are.

 

After checking the gleaming blade, I went to the water to wash my helmet.

 

“You really have a knack for finding yourself in peculiar situations.”

 

“I tend to go looking for trouble.”

 

He thinks it’s strange?  I don’t need to tell him it doesn’t come off.

 

Hearing the splashing, someone woke up, rubbing their eyes.

 

“Kai…? What are you doing awake?”

 

“…Ariel?”

 

“Do your best, Kainel.”

 

“Hey!! Licht!!”

 

“It’s late. Think carefully about what I said.”

 

I gave the Hero a light push towards the Mage.

 

I was hoping for a slight change.

 

There might be a bit of blood smell, but that would be even more helpful.  Go for it.

 

“…? Is this blood? Are you hurt?!”

 

“No, it’s just wolf blood. Licht and I took it down.”

 

“Wow, it really is.”

 

Ariel’s eyes widened as she looked at the black fur.

 

A good flag.

 

“…You did that to protect me…?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

“I did wake up to the sound of a wolf howling…”

 

“You hate being disturbed while you’re sleeping.”

 

“Thank you, Kai.”

 

The Hero had changed.  Even if he tried to use the childhood friend excuse now, he wouldn’t be able to deny his feelings. I quietly submerged myself in the water.

 

“So you’re close to that knight now?”

 

“Yeah, like you said, he’s not such a bad guy.”

 

“Right?”

 

“Oh, right. Licht! How did you know I’m the Hero…”

 

I’m never telling.  There can’t be any contradictions in the story, can there?  Let’s keep it our little secret.  Thanks to the special reward, I could hear clearly even underwater.

 

“…He’s gone.”

 

“Let’s really go to sleep now. I’m scared of bugs…”

 

“Okay.  But there’s something I want to say.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“I’m sorry for saying mean things earlier.”

 

“What?!”

 

“And, you look really beautiful today, Ariel.”

 

Whoa, that’s a strong one. You’ve grown a lot, Hero. You’re ready to graduate!

 

“I knew it! I knew you didn’t mean it!”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Hee hee… Kai, you’re so cute when you’re being honest~”

 

“Being called cute isn’t a compliment for a guy… Huh? Ariel?”

 

The two disappeared into the tent, pulled along by her.  Did she learn something today, even though she wasn’t good at expressing her feelings?

 

“I guess it’s okay to come out now.”

 

I rose from the water, only my eyes visible before.

 

My body, soaked with water, felt heavy.  Droplets of water began to fall.

 

“I guess I’ll keep watch while I dry off.”

 

The night was deep. I had plenty of time.

 

I felt like the love story of the two childhood friends would start from here.

 

I added a few logs to the dying fire.

 

After swinging my sword hundreds of times,

 

morning arrived.

 

After completely extinguishing the bonfire with my foot, I entered the tent where Kainel and Ariel were sleeping together.

 

Kainel, with his eyes slightly open, met my gaze.  Wait, he’s already awake?

 

“Time to wake up, you two.”

 

I nudged Kainel awake, feigning ignorance.  Why is this Hero already awake?  Then, there was a commotion next to him as the blanket rustled.

 

Like a chick hatching from an egg, her face peeked out.

 

“Mmm… Just a little longer… Kai…”

 

I confirmed that Ariel was sleeping while hugging him.  Her habit of hugging something while sleeping was real.

 

His childhood friend was being clingy.  So this was it. It didn’t seem like they did anything during the night. I would have heard it.

 

‘Help me… Licht…’

 

Kainel mouthed a cry for help.

 

Endure it, Kainel.  This is the route you chose. I didn’t expect that line.  You have to do this until the confession event.

 

The childhood friend’s attack continued.  She wrapped her arms around his waist, constricting him like a snake.

 

As she snuggled closer, Kainel gathered his courage.

 

He gently brushed Ariel’s bangs to the side.

 

“Ariel, it’s morning.  Time to wake up.  Aren’t you going to the academy?”

 

“Really?  We don’t have to go?”

 

“Of course we do.”

 

“I want to stay like this with Kai forever.”

 

The two calmly exchanged jokes.

 

It was a peaceful morning greeting between lovers.  It would be perfect with some freshly baked toast and fried eggs.

 

“Hee hee… Good morning, Kai.”

 

“Good morning, Ariel. Did you sleep well?”

 

“Thanks to you.”

 

He and she exchanged bright smiles, facing each other.

 

The morning sunlight filtered through the tent.  They looked happy just looking at each other, even their small chuckles were contagious.

 

The scent of lavender lingered faintly.

 

‘I’m actually seeing this.’

 

The so-called event CG.

 

My jaw dropped slightly at the obviously elaborate production. It was even more touching in real life. Better than the game.

 

“Licht. Thanks for yesterday.”

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

Kainel greeted me warmly.

 

He showed no trace of yesterday’s demeanor, and I even felt a sense of closeness.

 

He seemed to have sorted out his feelings.  This meant there wouldn’t be a harem drift.

 

There shouldn’t be any cuckolding before <Knight Heart>.

 

I got into the carriage and reorganized their luggage, since it wasn’t needed anymore.

 

Have a comfortable ride, Hero couple.

 

“Be careful, Ariel. It’s a bit high here.”

 

“You didn’t do that yesterday.”

 

“Looking again, I thought it might be a bit high for you.”

 

“Hmph, you’re just noticing now. Stupid Kai.”

 

The blond hero escorted her meticulously. They looked like a prince and princess.  The fear of losing her to someone else was definitely a strong motivator.

 

‘I’m glad. I thought I’d fail because I’ve never been in a relationship.’

 

My advice seemed to have been quite successful.

 

“There will probably be a lot of prettier girls than me at the academy, right?”

 

“Well, I don’t think so.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Do I really have to say it?”

 

“Yes. Why do you think so?”

 

“…I’m not saying it twice.”

 

Did he realize that even if they clashed, they would come back to each other?  Her assertive side had grown. I hope she maintains this until we reach the academy.

 

Tsunderes are notoriously unpredictable.

 

“I want to go to that famous dessert shop when we get to the Imperial City!”

 

“You’re paying, right?”

 

“Let’s go halfsies~ You can eat some too!”

 

“I already have an outstanding debt.”

 

Was he talking about the candy?  I bought it just in case, thinking of the Saint, so I wasn’t particularly interested.

 

Your love life is more important. It’ll be a headache if things go wrong with the Saint’s route.  Lost in my thoughts, the carriage came to a stop.

 

“We’ve arrived, Sir Knight.”

 

Teacher Coachman spoke to me.

 

“I’m just a commoner named Licht. You can speak comfortably, Teacher.”

 

Was it because of the black helm? I tried to correct him.

 

We’re practically wingman buddies now.  Come on.

 

“You deserve to be called a knight for protecting us all last night.”

 

“There was someone else too.”

 

“I didn’t know that would happen when I woke up in the middle of the night.  You’re quite skilled.”

 

He noticed.

 

Teacher Coachman gave a warm smile and spoke quietly.  Did he wake up when I went to wash up?

 

“The other person seemed like a Hero.  And a swordsman who can stand shoulder to shoulder with him can’t be ordinary.”

 

“Please keep that a secret. It would be troublesome.”

 

Seeing him whisper, I slipped a few more silver coins into the coachman’s pocket.

 

It wouldn’t do for him to be revealed as the Hero yet.  It would be inconvenient if some cult came after him.

 

…Was he already discovered?

 

If he wasn’t, the Shadow Wolf wouldn’t have appeared.

 

“I understand. But I won’t accept the money.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Instead, may I ask your name?”

 

A contradictory polite tone from his shabby appearance.

 

Something was strange.  If this were a trap, I would have been killed.  He must be someone important.

 

“This old man seems to have met a noble person.”

 

His eyes seemed to pierce through me.

 

Was this a fame event?

 

“I’m Licht.”

 

“…A good name. I’ll remember it, Sir Knight.”

 

There was no loss.  The events you could see changed depending on your fame. I actually tried to pay for the Hero’s share too, but failed.

 

If it doesn’t work, I’ll just leave the wolf pelt behind.  It should be enough as hush money.

 

Sorry, Kainel.  It’s for your safety.

 

“Oh, are we here? Licht?”

 

“I think so.  See that statue over there?”

 

As our conversation ended, the Hero spoke to me.

 

The carriage had stopped a while ago, and only then did they realize they had arrived at the Imperial City.  Their reaction was too slow.  What were they so focused on… Oh, they’re holding hands.

 

She seemed happy even when her childhood friend suddenly approached her. This is what a match made in heaven looks like.

 

“As expected of the Imperial City, it’s different from the village. Right, country bumpkin?”

 

“Indeed.  Little miss spitfire.”

 

“…You’ll pay for that later.”

 

They looked truly happy as they walked forward.  This stings a little. I should quickly escape before they realize the carriage fare. I left the pelt behind without you knowing, so…

 

“If you walk straight ahead, you’ll see a fountain.  Go further, and you’ll reach the academy.  I’ll see you at the entrance ceremony tomorrow.”

 

There was one day left until the entrance ceremony, and I didn’t want to be the oblivious guy who interfered with their date until then.

 

“Okay, Licht. See you later.”

 

“See you at the entrance ceremony, Helmet Man!”

 

“Thank you for your patronage.”

 

As I walked through the crowd, I eavesdropped a little on their fading voices.  They were a couple whose voices got louder when they argued.

 

It must be tough living next door when they have a fight.

 

“Helmet Man? What’s that?”

 

“That mister’s nickname!”

 

“Ariel.  Licht is the same age as us.”

 

“But Helmet Man is cuter!”

 

Looking at them, I suddenly thought that they could easily develop into a romantic relationship even without me.

 

It was an intuition bordering on certainty.

 

I went into an inn alone and went to sleep.

 

I didn’t want to be a freshman who showed up late with bread in their mouth, shouting about being late.

 

That’s too cliché now.

 

—–CROW—–

 

Deep into the night, in a study bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, a knock echoed.

 

The source of the noise was the coachman who had transported Licht and his companions to the Imperial City.

 

Gone was his previous appearance; he was now an elderly man in a neat butler’s uniform. He exuded an air of dignity.

 

He opened the door and entered, finding a girl as white as winter snow reading a book.

 

“Enjoying some reading tonight, Lady Fine?”

 

“…”

 

When there was no reply, the butler presented a box from behind his back.  A slice of cake from <Grancia Imperial Bakery>.

 

“I brought you a strawberry cake.  It’s as lovely as ever.”

 

“…Thank you.”

 

“I disguised myself as a coachman and made contact with the individual named Kainel.”

 

“How was he?”

 

“He seemed like an apprentice, still lacking in many areas.”

 

The butler recalled the battle from yesterday. The blond man with the holy sword didn’t even seem to know the monster’s characteristics.

 

“He’s weak.”

 

“When will you break the habit of judging others solely by their strength? I’ve told you countless times that there’s no one like you among your peers…”

 

“That’s not true. Absolutely not.”

 

The girl cut him off and spoke two words filled with conviction. The butler sighed as he heard the familiar phrase and

 

brought up the person he had in mind.

 

“Instead, I saw a rather intriguing individual.  Do you remember the Grand Sword Master, one of the Ten Swords?”

 

“…The Dragonslayer, Drake.”

 

“Yes, that’s correct.  You must have met him when you were young.  It seems he’s taken on a disciple.  The way he held and swung his sword suggested as much.”

 

The swordsmanship the Black Knight displayed was unique.  The technique of cutting through shadows without using Aura was one of a kind.

 

The butler answered with certainty.

 

“…Is he strong?”

 

“He’s probably stronger than the Hero.”

 

“Why?”

 

“He gave all the practical instructions during the battle with the Shadow Wolf.”

 

“Appearance.”

 

“He was wearing a black knight’s helmet. He was quite a unique individual, so if you meet him at the academy tomorrow, you might become good friends.”

 

“Name.”

 

“He said it was Licht. He didn’t have a last name.”

 

A faint smile played on the butler’s lips.  He saw a glimmer of hope that the person he served might change.

 

Someone who knew the weakness of a difficult monster was clearly skilled.

 

“I’ll remember it.”

 

“Then, this butler, Dejour, will take his leave.  Have a peaceful night.”

 

With that, the study door closed, and the candlelight flickered.

 

Atop the head of the white-haired girl left alone in the room were white wolf ears, perfectly still.

 

Her golden eyes were empty, as if their light had faded, and she silently began to read her book, her expression unchanging, like a wind-up doll.

 

Only the silence of turning pages and the rich scent of roses enveloped the girl.

 

—–CROW—–