The True Hero

When the principal and vice principal were arrested as criminals, my hands were full of flowers.

I was patting the heads of Monaka and Kotone, who were sniffling against my chest.

“Honestly, Monaka’s crybaby habits seem to have infected Kotone too.”

“Uuu… I’m not a crybaby,” Monaka sobbed.

Kotone wore a tearful smile.

“Since childhood I was taught to remain dignified at all times.

I followed that teaching faithfully, but after serving Master, that changed.

Just thinking of Master loosens my cheeks and tightens my chest.

But Lady Monaka told me that was fine.

So I stopped pretending to be strong.”

She awkwardly giggled.

As if imitating Monaka.

“And if Master will cherish me like this… tears are not so bad…”

Kotone lowered her face shyly.

Like synchronized twins, Monaka lifted her face next.

I thought she would say something, but after hesitating,

“Um… Leo-kun… We obeyed your instructions and stayed quietly in the residential district. So… could we have our ‘special reward’?”

I answered lightly.

“Special reward? Sure, what do you want?”

I noticed Kotone had lifted her face too.

“No, Master. We wish to give something to Master…”

“It’s supposed to be your reward but I receive it? Isn’t that strange…”

I trailed off.

Because both Monaka and Kotone stared at me with tearful eyes.

The followers behind them glared at me sternly.

It somehow felt like I’d be heartless if I refused.

“W-well… feels backwards but fine. As long as it’s not a Slave Ticket, I’ll accept anyth—”

I stopped again.

Because I felt something soft like falling flower petals pressed against my cheeks.

Time rewound a little — the residential district stage.

Weiss was wrapped in thunderous applause.

“To think Weiss-sama saw through the principal and vice principal’s scheme!”

“Of course! He’s the Sage! A genius beyond us!”

“Thank you, Weiss-sama!”

“Aaah Weiss-sama! So wonderful! I’ll follow you forever!”

Having condemned the corrupt duo, Weiss had become the academy’s hero.

“Class 1-20’s rank dropped, but it really was the classmates’ fault!”

“Obviously! The others were dragging Weiss-sama down!”

Members of Class 1-20 received criticism and looked uncomfortable.

Monsoon shouted back, but his voice was drowned out.

From the height called the stage, Weiss surveyed the students below.

No trace of his former downfall remained.

He wore a flawless smile as if he’d never known failure.

—I really am a genius…!

Not only did I get revenge, I used them as stepping stones to restore trust!

This plan would have worked whether success or failure!

If they killed Leopin, they would owe me greatly!

If they failed, I would eliminate them myself…

And appeal my achievements to the new principal…!

Once they know I’m the hero, they will value me highly…!

And with that power, I will… I will…!

Pass divine judgment upon Leopin…!

Even death is too merciful…!

Noticing his grim face, Weiss hurriedly fixed his expression.

Then he raised his hand.

The crowd instantly fell silent like trained pets.

“Today marks the defeat of the first evil. I will give everyone a special reward.”

Cheers erupted.

“The right to kiss my cheek…!”

The reactions split.

Shrieks of joy and gray disappointment.

“This time, two people will be chosen by lottery. Any ladies volunteer?”

Most female students raised their hands.

Cyaruru muttered with folded arms, “Idiotic.”

Weiss first searched for two particular girls.

But they weren’t there.

—Those two are pure and modest.

They must be too embarrassed imagining kissing me.

Well, they’re my main course anyway.

Dessert is best saved for last.

My glorious popularity will last forever.

I’ll endure with appetizers for now…

He randomly selected girls.

The chosen girls squealed in ecstasy.

Like grand-prize winners, they staggered onto the stage.

Weiss wrapped his arm around their waists and leaned in for celebratory kisses—

Before it happened, murmurs rose.

“H-hey… look…”

“No way!? Getting kissed by two girls!?”

“Impossible! That can’t happen!?”

Weiss scoffed inwardly.

—What are they surprised about?

A genius, athlete, and handsome man like me…

A Sage far above a jobless loser…

Kissing two girls is hardly rare…

Foolish masses…!

But just before lips touched his cheek, Weiss noticed.

No one was looking at him anymore.

All gazes were directed above.

“N-no way!? Move, you ugly girls!”

He shoved them aside and looked up.

There—

On the crystal screen was a close-up of Leopin’s face.

And the profiles of those beautiful girls pressing their lips to his cheeks.

The Sage screamed like a fool.

“U…UOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!?!! LEOPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN!!!!”