Chapter 13. 7. No, That's Not It
"Lumian, do you have money?"
"Money? I do. Why?"
"You eat at the free cafeteria every day... never mind. As long as you have some."
"Ah. I thought about going other places too, but the free cafeteria suits my taste so I just keep going there. Thanks for your concern."
"What concern... as long as you have some."
Theoro Schuttgarn. And Lumian Caled.
Until last year, the two had never even conversed, let alone gone near each other, but in just a few days, they had become quite close.
Many students of Class E witnessed this and grew curious, but they couldn't openly ask them about it.
Theoro was difficult to approach in the first place. He was the type who would approach others first, but others felt intimidated approaching him. While that aspect was charming, he was a burdensome opponent when it came to finding out something.
Lumian's case was similarly difficult. If he were in the same situation as last year, that would be one thing, but his atmosphere had changed so drastically that they still didn't know how to treat him.
In the end, all the Class E cadets could do was simply watch the two. And make baseless speculations.
"Definitely, Theoro must have acknowledged Lumian."
"The swordsmanship professor needs to hurry back so we can see his skills."
"Didn't they say he's been dispatched? He'll be back next week, right?"
"Probably? I'm really curious. How good he is."
'Damn it.'
The big guy who overheard the surrounding conversations muttered complaints internally.
Irritation surged through him. He was angry that a guy who used to be treated far below him was doing well, and he was even more angry that he could feel some of the kids looking down on him.
If it were up to him, he would hide secretly and stab Lumian in the back, but now even that was difficult.
Since he had become close with Theoro, the best fighter in Class E, he couldn't do that even out of fear of retaliation.
'Cunning bastard!'
The big guy had been beaten badly once, but he still couldn't acknowledge Lumian's skills.
If he didn't underestimate his opponent, if his condition was a bit better, if it was a swordsmanship match rather than bare-handed.
Various excuses boosted his confidence.
But the fact that he couldn't treat Lumian recklessly like before was an unavoidable reality.
'If I can't do it, I can just use someone else's hands.'
After all the day's classes ended, the big guy went with his followers to meet a student from Class F.
"Hup, hup, hap!"
'Still monster-like as always.'
Just like usual, he was exercising without a care in the world.
One would believe he was Professor Arnold's son.
The big guy waited until his workout ended. After continuing strength training for another 30 minutes, the opponent finally acknowledged the big guy after finishing his shower.
"Hey. Why'd you come? Is there someone you want to beat up?"
"Haha. Hello, Boomer. Let's talk outside first."
'Brainless bastard!'
George Jr. was suggesting they talk openly in the indoor training facility. This guy had no sense of discretion.
Even though he was Class F's top fighter and a prospect competing for 2nd or 3rd place in the second year alongside Theoro, he was too fearless.
'Well, that's why I'm asking Boomer Simpson. Ogre-like bastard.'
It was fortunate they had at least some acquaintance.
The big guy, who inwardly insulted Boomer Simpson, brought up the subject with a smiling face.
"You know Lumian, right? The scrawny guy who always walked around with his head down."
"Huh? Lumian? You mean... oh, I know. Isn't he your underling?"
"What underling. He doesn't even belong in that category."
"So what about him? Did he snitch to a professor or something?"
"He did snitch. But not to a professor... he latched onto Theoro."
"What?"
Boomer Simpson's face contorted sharply.
His already ugly face became even uglier. The big guy, who took half a step back, continued speaking.
"That guy has a nasty personality. Annoying. But he clung desperately somehow. I secretly overheard what he was saying while sucking up, and Lumian was badmouthing you to Theoro."
"What! Those bastards badmouthed me!"
Hot steam puffed out from Boomer Simpson's nose. The big guy laughed inwardly while making a sympathetic expression.
This guy hated Theoro extremely.
The fact that they were rivals competing for second place in their grade, the fact that Theoro was a handsome boy unlike himself, and because of that, he monopolized the women's cheering during every inter-class competition - those were the reasons.
That was why he got excited just at Theoro's name. Before even hearing the reason, he exploded with anger like a volcano about to erupt.
'At this point, that Lumian bastard won't know what hit him.'
The sparks would probably fly onto Theoro too, but that didn't matter. It wasn't the first or second time Boomer and Theoro fought.
He would be satisfied if Lumian's back just got broken in their whale fight. The smile in the big guy's heart grew even wider.
"Theoro, that pretty-boy bastard, dares to talk behind my back? This won't do. I need to teach him a proper lesson this time."
"Huh?"
"That bastard's going out this weekend, right?"
"Huh? Oh... probably. I heard something like that."
But the situation became strange.
To be precise, it became much bigger than the big guy had thought. Boomer Simpson continued speaking with an expression of unbearable anger.
"I need to properly wreck him outside. Outside, there are plenty of places to avoid eyes, so even if I beat him to death, no one will stop me."
"Uh, uh?"
"Find out when that Lumian bastard is going out too. After Theoro, it's that bastard's turn."
"Right..."
"And first, get weekend passes for yourself too. Your lackeys too."
"Huh, huhing?"
The big guy made a flustered voice. Boomer Simpson asked him why he was reacting that way.
"Obviously to keep watch. What, don't tell me..."
"No, no! Of course I have to help. We're taking down that annoying Theoro and Lumian bastard."
"That's right."
Boomer grinned.
It felt like a threat that he would crush his skull right then and there if he didn't listen. The big guy let out a laugh with an awkward expression.
"Haha..."
'Damn, how big is he planning to make this! Is he even thinking about the consequences?'
He couldn't know.
All he could do was pray internally that no big sparks would fly onto himself.
***
"Hello, friend! My name is Adele Friedman. I'm not a knight cadet, I'm in the humanities track."
"Ah, hello. I'm Lumian Caled. I'm in the same class as Theoro Schuttgarn."
On the weekend, Theoro introduced a new person to Lumian who had come outside the Academy.
He seemed to be a friend Theoro hung out with whenever he went to balls. Unlike Theoro, he had a very enthusiastic feeling. He also had a slightly greasy side to him.
'For some reason, this guy seems like he'd have a lot of chest hair.'
While making a completely baseless speculation, Adele looked at Theoro and Lumian with curiosity and spoke.
"It's amazing that this stoic guy has a friend other than me. Even I wouldn't have been able to talk to him if it weren't for our parents. His expression is scary."
"Haha, well..."
"Stop with the useless talk and let's go look at clothes. Lumian, you brought enough money, right?"
"Of course. Shall we go over there?"
"Mm."
"Oh, that place is..."
A pure white building decorated with splendid ornaments. There were even magical devices here and there.
One could tell at a glance it was an expensive place. Theoro's friend, Adele, spoke.
"Are you sure about this, friend? This place is really expensive."
"Still, since it's my first time going, I thought it'd be better to dress well."
"That's not a wrong way to think..."
"I have plenty of money, really, so no need to worry."
"Welcome, customers. What are you looking for?"
"Ah, I'm going to a ball for the first time, and I want to look at clothes, shoes, and gloves."
"I see. Would you please follow me this way?"
Lumian entered the building with a confident attitude, and Theoro and Adele exchanged glances.
They were slightly anxious, but if he said he was fine, what could they do?
"Whew. Since we're spending money anyway, I should send him off with clothes that suit him."
"Right."
Theoro nodded.
There was something that people just getting into fashion misunderstand - they think that if they wear expensive clothes, they'll automatically have style.
But this wasn't true.
Body type, skin color, face size, harmony between clothes - there were far more important factors than price. If these were overlooked, there was a danger of spending an enormous amount of money and still becoming a laughingstock among many people.
'Since they're such high-end clothes, it probably won't be a complete failure, but...'
Still, it would be safer for him to choose.
Theoro closed his eyes. It was to think about styles that would suit Lumian.
At that moment, a flustered voice flowed from Adele's mouth.
"Friend, calm down!"
"Huh? Why?"
"You're not buying expensive clothes without even thinking! You need to try them on before buying!"
"But I already bought them?"
'What? Already bought them?'
Theoro's eyes grew wide. It was rare for him, who rarely showed facial changes, to show such a reaction.
He quickly approached the two and let out a sigh. Then he spoke to Lumian as if scolding him.
"Lumian."
"Yeah."
"These aren't clothes that cost a penny or two. You should at least try them on once before buying."
"Hmm, is that so?"
"Of course. The size might not fit, or it might not suit you. You need to try on several outfits that seem okay and buy the best one."
Theoro let out another sigh. Then he glanced at the clothes.
Fortunately, it wasn't a bad feeling. The latest trendy design. The colors were a bit flashy so it would depend on the person, but it seemed to suit Lumian reasonably well.
But that didn't mean it wasn't a mistake.
Theoro wanted Lumian to acknowledge his mistake.
But completely unexpected words flowed from his mouth.
"I don't think there's a need to try on various things. That's annoying."
"Hm?"
"I checked what clothes there were while coming in, and I also gauged the size with my eyes. This fits my body perfectly."
"...You saw all the clothes?"
Theoro, Adele, and the employee wore dazed expressions.
There were hundreds of men's clothes in this place, and to check all of them in such a short time.
Honestly speaking, it was hard to believe.
But Lumian didn't look like he was lying at all.
"I don't know about swordsmanship training or physical conditioning, but I find wearing and taking off uncomfortable clothes a bit difficult... Ah, still, I'm sorry. Regardless of size, my eye for clothes might be terrible. I should have asked you before buying. There were a few other ones I liked too."
"...What are they? Tell me about them."
Theoro asked, and Lumian moved.
As if his claim that he had checked all the clothes in the shop wasn't a lie, his footsteps were unhindered.
Lumian quickly moved around the interior, picked out 4 more sets of clothes, and spoke to Theoro.
"How is it? Is it okay? I chose them because I thought they suited me."
"...."
Not bad.
Honestly speaking, it was excellent. Theoro had pride in his eye, but Lumian's choices were flawless.
Just in case, he told Lumian to put on the purchased clothes and come out, and they suited him even better than he thought.
They were better than the other four sets he had chosen.
It was like clothes made specifically for the existence called Lumian.
"Wow, amazing? Your eye for clothes is really excellent? Are you really going to a ball for the first time?"
"Hmm, it is my first time."
"Wow. You were born for fashion. There are people who can't dress well no matter how much you teach them."
Theoro also nodded in agreement.
He praised Lumian with an expression that showed he was seeing him in a new light.
"You didn't waste money. You might even do better than me at the ball."
"At this level?"
"Since you always walked around in just cadet uniforms, I thought you had absolutely no interest in dressing up, but I was thinking wrong. Sorry for misunderstanding."
"No, well..."
Lumian smiled as if embarrassed.
This life's Lumian was his first time, but during his time as Ryan Promhart, he had participated in many balls. It was natural since he was a royal guard.
He just hadn't thought about seducing women because he didn't have the equipment, but he had raised his eye for clothes while watching the fashion of many, many men.