Chapter 27. 13. It's a Misunderstanding (2)
Rather, Bumer took it a step further and continued the conversation as if nothing had happened.
"What? She asked you to buy her a meal? Since when did you two get so close?"
"Well, we're not that close. Honestly, I just know her name..."
"Just knowing her name and she asked you out for a meal?"
Bumer was about to add, 'The most beautiful woman in the Knight Faculty, with you? Are you lying?' but quickly shut his mouth.
In a position where he wanted something from Rumian, saying such things would be poison.
Fortunately, Rumian missed the nuance and moved on.
"I don't know. She suddenly came up to me, found some strange fault, and asked me to buy her a meal..."
"But why did she suddenly turn back?"
"I don't know. She brought it up quite a while ago. I have no idea what she's thinking."
"She probably wants to recruit you into a social club."
Teoro, who had been listening to their conversation, interjected.
Rumian made a face asking what that meant, and an explanation followed.
"That senior always does that to people she thinks meet her standards. She coaxes them by saying things like, 'Wouldn't it be good for future talents who will lead the kingdom to build strong relationships beforehand? It'll be helpful to each other'... but really, she's just managing her own network."
"Really? Did she come to you too?"
"Yeah. I declined though. I don't really like bothersome things."
"What? She didn't make that offer to me? Do you actually know what you're talking about?"
"I guess she didn't like you. Don't take it out on me."
Teoro's expression as he needled Bumer was utterly indifferent, as if he didn't have even a grain of interest.
But Rumian was somewhat interested.
A social club.
Just hearing the name gave the feeling that something romantic between men and women might blossom.
"By any chance... are there women there too?"
Rumian asked in a subtle tone.
Only his tone was subtle; his expression was blatant.
Teoro, who sighed lightly at his consistent desire, nodded.
"Probably? It's not just people from the Knight Faculty, there are many from other departments too... There are probably quite a few women in Humanities or Magic."
"Then there'll be pretty girls among them too, right?"
"I suppose. Girls from Humanities are usually quite decent."
"Ah man, I should've gone first instead of waiting for her to come."
"...Would you be able to?"
"Huh? What?"
Teoro's face remained expressionless even after hearing Rumian's question.
But his eyes were saying it all. Can you really act without making mistakes in front of women?
Noticing this, Rumian chuckled.
"Hey, I've learned the basics. Isn't that too harsh?"
"..."
"...That's a pretty harsh assessment."
"No, honestly, even now, unless it's a practiced situation, you're a little..."
"That's only in front of girls I'm interested in. That senior isn't like that, so it's fine."
"What? Are you crazy?"
Bumer, who had been pondering why Tania hadn't made an offer to him, shouted loudly.
Rumian asked back with an absurd expression.
"What, suddenly?"
"No, you're saying you have no thoughts at all while facing Tania Eloyze senior? Not just anyone, but you?"
"So what? If she's not my type, that could happen."
"What? Not your type? That face?"
Bumer muttered as if he couldn't understand.
Saying the beauty counted among the top of the entire Academy, not just the Knight Faculty, wasn't his type!
He wanted to tell him to know his place with a sharp rebuke.
But as someone seeking guidance, he couldn't bring himself to do that.
Instead, his trembling body spoke for his position.
Rumian looked at him indifferently and spoke again.
"No, her face is definitely really pretty."
"Right! Even if you ask for the top three, no, top two in the Academy, she'd definitely be included! But she's not your type?"
"Yeah. She's not my type."
"What exactly is lacking? Appearance? Skill? Personality? Status? She's perfect in everything..."
"She has no chest."
"..."
Both Teoro and Bumer couldn't help but flinch at Rumian's words.
Suddenly, silence fell.
In an atmosphere where even the air seemed frozen, Rumian spoke once more.
"Her chest, it's nonexistent."
"...No, I heard you. Stop it."
Teoro shook his head.
Though he often shook his head normally, this time the motion was even bigger.
'I didn't know there'd be someone worse than Bumer.'
How could someone be so filled with desire?
The fact that he had no courage to properly make a move despite that was also comedy.
Anyway, watching from the side, there was never a dull moment. Even if he didn't have outstanding swordsmanship skills, they would have continued to be close.
Thinking about it, it was amazing.
Teoro himself didn't have a very sociable personality. Moreover, his pride was strong.
If there was someone outstanding, he would strive to trample over them and rise above, never trying to get close and befriend them.
At least until now, that was the case. His poor relationship with Kal Krone, the top of their grade, was also because of that.
'Well, he's an annoying guy regardless of his skill.'
But Rumian was different.
Tremendous swordsmanship skills, and his handling of aura was also far superior to his own. Perhaps even with a lifetime of effort, he might never be able to defeat this guy.
Of course, he wouldn't give up, but the guy possessed that absurd level of talent.
Yet, despite that, no inferiority complex arose.
Rather, a friendly and pleasant feeling was much greater. It was strange.
What on earth could be the reason?
'What else? It's because he's a dumbass.'
Teoro chuckled.
It wasn't a curse in a bad sense. It meant he was that comfortable a guy.
He hadn't become close enough to open up completely yet.
But he could feel they were gradually becoming that kind of relationship.
Amidst that not unpleasant feeling, Teoro watched the conversation of the two dumbasses.
The two were exclaiming in admiration with precise portraits of Academy beauties spread out on the bench.
Naturally, the portraits were ones Bumer carried around.
Rumian said with wide eyes.
"Wow, this person... who is she? Totally... crazy."
"Not bad, right?"
"Right? But is this real? Not exaggerated at all?"
"Not at all. Not even 1 percent error!"
"Wow, how can a person have this kind of body..."
Gulp, Rumian swallowed his saliva.
On his face hung a lecherous smile to the point it couldn't be called that of a youth. Bumer also continued speaking with a similar expression.
"She's Leyton Wino, a History major. The most beautiful woman at Tarajan Academy. She's a year above us, and as you can see..."
"Excellent chest."
"It's not just the chest that's excellent. Everything is just..."
"...You crazy bastards. People around can hear, so stop it."
"Ah, sorry."
Rumian quickly apologized upon hearing Teoro's rebuke.
A sincere and warm model student showing such an appearance was problematic. He quickly managed his expression and looked around. Fortunately, there didn't seem to be anyone focusing on him.
Rumian quietly closed his eyes and imagined Leyton Wino's appearance.
A bewitching figure that seemed to simultaneously possess the fresh feeling of late teens and the dense charm of a lady in her twenties!
Her figure seemed like it would linger in his head all day long.
He muttered with a dazed expression.
"Ah, to da... date a beauty like this, what should I do?"
"What did you just say?"
"To date, what should I..."
"No, before that."
"Just a slip of the tongue. Anyway, what should I do? If I could really date a lady like this, I'd have no other wishes."
Bumer shook his head. It was an expression very similar to Teoro's earlier.
This guy has no dating experience but his eyes are too high.
Honestly, when he said Tania senior wasn't his type, he almost punched him. He held back because it was Rumian, but if it were another guy, he would have kicked his ass.
That's why the advice he gave didn't contain much sincerity either.
Bumer spoke carelessly.
"It's all the same, isn't it?"
"What is?"
"To be comfortable in dating, you need popularity, and to gain popularity, you need to show your prowess."
"Hmm."
"So just keep showing your prowess like you're doing now. Well... to make a high-and-mighty woman like that interested in you, ordinary prowess won't be enough though."
"Hmm... that makes sense..."
Rumian nodded.
Though Bumer said it without much thought, to Rumian who had already experienced effects through synergy with his concept-building, it felt like quite persuasive advice.
Here, Rumian's cowardly nature also played a part.
Not having the courage to approach a woman he likes first, his psychology hoped the woman would notice him first.
He said with regret.
"Too bad. It would be nice if 2nd years could participate in the Swordsmanship Tournament too."
"Well... there's no stage as good as the Swordsmanship Tournament for drawing attention."
Teoro agreed with Rumian's words.
The Swordsmanship Tournament, a festival for knight students, is a grand event that everyone in the Academy pays attention to.
Not only professors and students, but figures from the royal palace and high-ranking officials of knight orders also observe, so its importance is inevitably greater.
However, only graduating students can participate in the Swordsmanship Tournament. And it's held in the second semester, not the first.
In other words, it was too distant a story for Rumian, who was only a 2nd year.
"Sigh, let's just go eat."
"Sure."
"I'm buying!"
Bumer quickly said, and the two nodded.
Though none of them were short on money, there was no reason to refuse a free meal.
They walked while discussing how to show off their skills even more coolly and brilliantly. It was truly a topic meant for Rumian.
However, a scene with people bustling about caught their eyes.
It was the campus bulletin board.
Rumian, who focused aura in his eyes, jumped up. Though it was only a very brief moment, thanks to his superhuman cognitive ability, he had no trouble grasping the content.
He said.
"...They say from this year, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years can also participate in the Swordsmanship Tournament?"
"!"
"And 3rd and 4th years will do it in the second semester, while 1st and 2nd years will do it this semester. It's not far away."
"Then..."
"That means..."
Teoro and Bumer's eyes sparkled.
With expressions just as heated as Rumian's.
***
As mentioned earlier, the Swordsmanship Tournament was quite an important event for knight students.
One could show off their skills to many people and gain fame through it.
One could catch the eye of high-ranking knight officials and make connections, and the weapons received as prizes were also excellent.
At the thought that such a wonderful opportunity was being given to them as well, the three knight students couldn't hide their excitement.
'If upperclassmen don't participate, the only rivals are Rumian and Kal Krone. If the bracket is favorable, I can aim for 3rd place, no, even 2nd place. If I show my prowess here and catch the eye of a high-ranking knight, joining the Royal Knight Order as an apprentice isn't just a dream!'
This was Teoro's thought focused on career and success.
'If I just exclude Kal Krone and Rumian, everyone else is just chaff, so I can rise high. I'll catch the professors' eyes, and incidentally show off my skills to women too! Good, very good!'
This was Bumer's thought, half knight's desire and half man's desire.
For Rumian, there was no need to mention.
His head was filled with desire and agony.
'Popularitypopularitypopularitypopularitydatingdatingwomenwomenwomenwomenwomenwomenpopularitypopularitydatingdatingwintotalwinwin...'
Unlike Teoro and Bumer aiming for runner-up at best, Rumian was aiming only for unconditional victory.
Actually, it wouldn't be that difficult either. Who among teenagers could stop him, having reached Sword Expert?
He snorted and declared.
"In this Swordsmanship Tournament, I'm definitely winning."
Teoro and Bumer nodded at Rumian's ambition.
Though there was a strong favorite for winning separately, Rumian was still not someone to be dismissed. He was also a strong enough fighter to be called a monster among 2nd year students.
At that moment, a rebuttal came from a completely unexpected place.
"What? How dare someone like you say you'll win?"
"H-huh?"
Rumian looked at the person who rebutted with a flustered expression.
She was a cute female student with baby fat still remaining, making her cheeks plump.
She pointed her finger and hurled insults.
"Kal Krone is participating, but a squid like you is going to win? Are you crazy?"
"Huh? Huh?"
"What? That person said such a thing?"
"Really?"
"For real?"
Thud thud
After the cute female student's words, women started standing up thud by thud throughout the cafeteria.
And they began glaring at Rumian as if to kill him.
Cold sweat formed and his breathing quickened, and Teoro and Bumer said to him simultaneously.
"Let's run."
"Let's bail."
"Huh?"
"Just follow for now."
The two with hardened faces quickly left the cafeteria, leaving money on the table.
Rumian, drenched in sweat, hurriedly chased after them.