Chapter 26. 13. It's a Misunderstanding
After the mid-term evaluation results were announced, there were a few fixed topics that the 2nd year knight cadets would discuss.
Who achieved better results between Theo Ro Schutgarn and Boomer Simpson, who were competing for second place in their year.
Whether Kal Krone, called Tarajan Academy's greatest talent in history, would take first place again.
Whether Lumian Callad, the shame of the 2nd year and the worst underachiever, would be last again this time.
However, this time the situation changed a little.
Voices of female students nearby reached Boomer Simpson's ears as he looked at the results announcement board.
"What? Isn't that wrong? Like they wrote the name that should have been written below up above or something..."
"No, I'm telling you. He really got 1st place."
"Wow... what happened? That Lumian got 1st place? That wimpy guy who looks weaker than philosophy majors got 1st place in swordsmanship evaluation?"
"But I asked someone from Class E, and they said he's changed a lot from last year."
"What? His skills?"
"His swordsmanship skills obviously, but well, he couldn't really explain properly either... anyway, they said the guy has gotten much better. Said he looks more confident or something."
"What is that?"
"Ah, I don't really know either. Anyway, they said he's changed from before, a lot."
"Now that you mention it, I'm getting curious. Should we go take a look? Does he still go to the student cafeteria?"
While most couldn't believe Lumian's good performance, some women showed interest.
Their tone clearly held favor.
Boomer, sensing Lumian's changed status, hardened his expression.
'So this actually works.'
He recalled the dating advice he had given him. That a knight cadet just needs good swordsmanship skills. Then popularity and women would naturally follow.
He spoke as if he were a dating expert, but this wasn't actually Boomer's experience.
He was just passing on exactly what his father and his older brother who had already become a knight had said. In fact, Boomer had never dated a woman before.
That's why the current Lumian seemed very fascinating to him. The sight of him quickly building a good image the moment he decided to reveal his skills felt unreal.
'Even if not as much as Lumian, I'm pretty strong too.'
This time was like that too. His evaluation result was tied for 3rd place with Theo Ro.
He was positioned right below Lumian.
Despite that, he had no popularity.
'Or is that not it? Am I pretty decent now too?'
Boomer adjusted his clothes and looked to the side. He made eye contact with a fairly pretty female student. He gave her a gentle smile.
The female student with a stiffly frozen face quickly left her spot.
Boomer made a "hmph" sound and shook his head.
'Well, if I become as strong as Lumian or Kal Krone, I'll probably gain popularity too.'
Throwing away useless worries right away was Boomer's strength. He spat on the ground to release his twisted feelings.
And he smiled while looking at the brown envelope in his hand.
This was a bribe. A bribe to offer to Lumian.
It was an erotic book.
'I prepared something much more intense than before.'
The previous one was decent too, but not as excellent as this.
Surely the moment he receives this, Lumian won't be able to push him away.
Swallowing his saliva, he thought that after receiving the book, he would teach him more carefully than Theo Ro.
'I absolutely have to stick by that guy's side!'
After the mid-term evaluation ended, Boomer could clearly realize how amazing the aura utilization method Lumian had taught him was.
It was like a custom-tailored suit prepared just for him. Through this seemingly extreme method, Boomer was able to grow quickly and even received praise from the swordsmanship professor for the first time in a while.
The problem was that Theo Ro had also become as strong as him. The fact that he was still tied with that guy proved it.
This wasn't the end.
If that guy continues to learn sword from Lumian, and he doesn't...
'No! Me being below Theo Ro! That absolutely can't happen!'
Boomer shook his head vigorously. He exhaled sharply and made a decision.
These were very precious items, but it couldn't be helped.
This is the sacrifice of the small for the great. To become stronger, he shouldn't stop investing.
Rather, he should continue to put in even more effort. To satisfy Lumian, that lecherous guy, he needs to keep bringing good items.
Having finished his thoughts, he quickly turned around. To run to where Lumian was training.
But someone blocked him.
Average height, slim build.
And beautiful looks that made all the women around her fade in comparison.
It was Tania Eloyse.
'Damn it!'
Boomer, with a startled expression, urgently tried to pull his body back.
But he couldn't overcome inertia. Both frowned and raised their arms, and a collision occurred.
Thump!
And Boomer Simpson fell on his butt.
At that amazing sight, the people around opened their mouths.
A large man and a slender woman collided, but the man was sent flying?
But the moment they confirmed the woman's identity, people had to nod and accept it.
'She's the 3rd year top ranker.'
'Then of course. No matter how strong Boomer is, the difference in aura possession is just that big.'
'Still, it's amazing. That big frame got sent flying.'
Even Boomer showed an attitude of admitting he lost.
Of course, it wasn't out of respect for a senior. It wasn't admiration for a strong person either.
The reason he didn't get angry was simply because Tania was a beauty.
In this respect, Lumian and Boomer were very similar. Though they wouldn't admit it to each other.
"What. It's Boomer?"
"Ah, Senior Eloyse..."
"What do you mean suddenly turning around. It's good it was me, if it was someone else, they could have gotten hurt."
"Th-that, um, I'm sorry."
"Be careful next time."
Tania, who brushed off her clothes a couple of times, pouted her lips.
Boomer Simpson. He was a promising talent enough for her to remember his name, but he wasn't a guy she liked.
'No manners, short-tempered, and thinks too shortly.'
She had no desire to get close to the type who would constantly cause trouble.
She passed by Boomer to check the mid-term evaluation results.
No, she tried to pass by. But she couldn't.
Because the item that spilled from the brown envelope Boomer was holding caught her gaze.
"...."
"Ah, um..."
Boomer hurriedly covered the book's cover.
But it was too late. Tania had already seen everything.
She shook her head and spoke.
"That's... a bit... too much..."
"...."
Boomer couldn't say anything to Tania, who passed by while looking down at him coldly.
He stayed still for a while, hugging the envelope.
"...Well, it's fine. It's not like she's going to date me anyway."
To say again, Boomer wasn't the type to dwell on useless worries for long.
He stood up and ran vigorously.
To meet a pervert just like himself.
***
'How can he look at something like that?'
Watching Boomer running off in the distance, Tania frowned.
She didn't deny that male students in their prime had a lot of interest in lewd things. Besides, they were hot-blooded knight cadets, so she could fully understand.
But the book Boomer had... crossed the line.
The cover was so extreme that she couldn't help but keep a straight face.
If she were to express the level of pervert as a noble title, it would be at least a marquis or duke.
'Lumian is much better than that.'
Yes, Lumian is better.
Tania nodded while looking at the 2nd year evaluation results announcement board.
After experiencing a shocking event at the ballroom, she had diligently looked into Lumian.
The results weren't bad. He was showing an appearance as excellent as his good first impression.
'Good attitude in class, sincere, and even looks after others...'
Since this was the result of combining the words of several Class E juniors, it was probably certain.
She even heard that in this exchange competition, he didn't just perform well alone, but took care of other cadets as well, leading the whole class to victory.
'Individual skills seem to have improved much since the beginning of the semester, plus leadership that encompasses the whole class... the growth speed is very fast. A talent with an even brighter future.'
The more she looked, the more covetous a talent he was.
If only that verbal slip hadn't happened.
'No, that much of a mistake can be sufficiently overlooked.'
Tania recalled the situation at that time.
She remembered Lumian's appearance, seeming quite flustered after speaking. It was definitely not an intentional attempt to harass a lady.
Yes, it's a mistake. A mistake anyone could make once... well not to that extent, but still a level that could be understood.
'To turn away from a future excellent knight just for that kind of mistake... that would be too much!'
Tania raised both hands and slapped her cheeks.
Right. She can't delay any longer.
If she delays more, someone else might take him. Before that happens, she needs to build a solid relationship first.
She exhaled.
Lumian's line "You have beautiful breasts" kept circling in her head, but she shook her head to dispel it. And she created a bright expression for business.
For connections, for success.
For her brilliant ambition!
Tania, having steeled her mind, moved with quick steps.
She already knew well where Lumian would be. At this time, he would probably be swinging his sword at the public training ground.
She moved toward the training ground without delay, and was able to find Lumian as she wanted.
And she made a puzzled expression.
'...Boomer is with him?'
Was Lumian close with Boomer?
It was a fact she didn't know. She had heard he often hung out with Theo Ro, but she didn't think he would be with such a low-quality pervert.
'Since they're both in the 2nd year upper ranks, maybe they're trying to improve their skills through sparring or something?'
Thinking that way, it wasn't that big of a flaw.
Actually, Boomer Simpson wasn't that much of trash either. It was just that his image had become much worse because of what happened just before.
Using this to find fault with and undervalue Lumian didn't make sense.
Tania tried to erase the prejudice that kept trying to form, and approached Lumian with an even deeper smile.
Until she saw the brown envelope in his hand.
"...!"
Tania's face turned red like a ripe apple.
Suddenly her breathing became rapid. Like a person betrayed by someone she trusted, she stared fixedly at the envelope Lumian was holding for a moment.
And 5 seconds later, she turned around and quickly disappeared.
Tat-tat-tat-tat-tat
Watching Tania hurriedly disappearing, Lumian tilted his head.
"What. It looked like she was coming to me."
"Senior Eloyse? Were you two acquainted?"
Theo Ro asked. Actually, he thought she came to see him, but when Lumian said that, his interest was piqued.
The greatest beauty of the Knight Department approaching first - was Boomer's advice actually having an effect!
But Tania Eloyse, who had run far away, did not return.
Theo Ro, with question marks in his head, asked Lumian.
"What, you said she came to see you."
"Right. I thought so too. Last time, she asked me to buy her a meal."
"Really? What then... did something urgent suddenly come up?"
"...."
Boomer Simpson listened quietly to their conversation.
He thought he knew. Why Tania suddenly kept a straight face and avoided the place.
'...Let's stay quiet.'
Looking at the brown envelope he had given to Lumian, Boomer maintained his expression as if nothing was wrong.
It was something he absolutely shouldn't say.