Episode 31

Early in the morning, Sonia and I arrived at Stellarium Academy.

“Where’s the venue for the entrance ceremony?” I asked.

Sonia sighed.

“It’s at the open-air theater.”

“Ah, right.”

“Did you forget?”

“Sorry. I was preoccupied with something else.”

Sometimes, when I delve into theories, I feel as though I become detached from the world.

“We should hurry. Otherwise, we might not find any seats.”

“It’s okay about the seats.”

Because I have the privilege of being an outstanding scholarship student.

Being admitted as a scholarship student for academic excellence means you’re assigned the front seats. Essentially, these are the seats of honor.

We easily found the best seats.

“Just a moment, please.”

Just as I was about to sit down leisurely, Sonia’s hand darted to my chest.

“Why?”

“You tied your tie oddly.”

She sighed softly and straightened my collar. Her movements were quick and skilled, true to her being an android.

“School uniforms are a symbol of Stellarium students. Make sure not to wear it carelessly or improperly.”

“Ah, yes.”

Though I am mentally a full-grown adult, wearing a uniform made me feel oddly out of place.

“Yah, yah.”

That’s when it happened. Ceti, who had arrived earlier, poked my shoulder and said,

“Dad’s here.”

Arnold wasn’t the most affectionate head of the family.

He was too preoccupied with his primary occupation to lavish all his love and time on his family.

Yet, he wasn’t heartless enough to disregard his children’s entrance into prestigious schools.

“Father!”

Far away, the daughter of his second wife was waving.

His pace quickened.

“It’s been a long time.”

“Have you been keeping well?”

“Yes.”

They exchanged customary greetings, a conversation too rigid for a moment of reunion.

“I knew you would make it.”

An Adelwein is an Adelwein, even if by marriage. It’s an undeniable fact she’s intelligent, just like her mother.

So, it wasn’t really a surprise.

However, today wasn’t just about visiting Ceti.

The reason Arnold had cleared his morning schedule to come to Stellarium Academy was specifically for his third son.

“…Aidel.”

Arnold’s gaze sharpened as he called out to his son.

A child conceived with the love of his life, yet seemingly at the cost of that very person’s existence.

The complex emotions brewed within him—resentment, aversion, an urge to distance himself.

Yet, wasn’t this the child of his beloved? Wasn’t this child his own flesh and blood?

Initially, Arnold found it impossible to harbor open disdain.

However, as time passed, Aidel’s behavior became increasingly problematic.

Ultimately, Arnold chose to disengage. He relegated the childcare responsibilities to androids and immersed himself in his duties on the front lines.

Neglected, the youngest son’s behavior grew more aberrant.

Crossing lines that should never have been approached.

Faced with no other choice, Arnold issued an ultimatum.

“Do you recall my words?”

“I do.”

Repay the fortune squandered through gambling, enlist in the military, or secure admission to Stellarium Academy.

“Fail to meet any of these conditions, and you must leave.”

Aidel activated his watch, bringing up a display. A small screen showcased the freshman representative’s oath.

Arnold’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“…That’s…”

“Father.”

Aidel’s voice was gentle, yet carried weight.

“I am the valedictorian.”

The significance of his words was profound.

He had not only become the student chosen to deliver the oath but had also secured admission as the top student.

Neither Arnold, the eldest son destined to take over the family business, nor the second son had achieved such a feat.

The shock was different from what Sonia’s direct message had conveyed. How had he managed it?

None of his other sons had achieved such distinction, and Arnold had doubted Aidel’s ability even to gain admission.

Was it possible he had developed Savant Syndrome unbeknownst to them?

Arnold was thrown into turmoil.

“Father, didn’t mother come?”

Ceti, scanning the surroundings, inquired.

“She did not accompany me.”

“Is that so…”

Ceti’s voice lost its vibrancy.

Arnold’s relationship with Ceti’s mother was fraught, marked by mutual disinterest rather than conflict.

Their marriage, a contractual alliance to enhance family prestige, left little room for affection. In some families, decisions were dictated by an ‘Elder Council’, and Arnold was bound by their mandates.

Ceti, a product of such circumstances, likely felt the absence of parental affection.

Fortunately, Ceti’s upbringing was more balanced compared to Aidel’s. Arnold offered as much love as he could muster, but it was the best he could manage under the circumstances.

However, discussing these matters openly was challenging. Arnold sighed, concealing his true emotions.

“Your mother is currently preoccupied with her patients.”

“…”

“Have a good entrance ceremony. I must be going now.”

“Are you leaving already?”

Ceti asked, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Arnold nodded, his expression solemn.

Attending his child’s entrance ceremony was important, but there was something even more crucial he had to attend to.

“Problems arise if the front lines are left unattended for too long.”

Far away, monsters born from black holes were approaching.

Every time a monster sent by an Outer God reached a planet inhabited by people, the Federation suffered astronomical damage.

In just one war, at least hundreds of thousands died, and even more people were left maimed.

Even deploying countless medical androids wasn’t enough. A single doctor was invaluable.

“Your mother and I need to be there, so we can save at least one more person. Ceti, you’re smart; you understand what I mean.”

“…I understand.”

Ceti nodded deeply, her head bowed.

She often said it was okay not to have the care of parents, to get by bravely as if it were a habit.

She spoke as though she was accustomed to it.

Yet a part of her heart couldn’t help but feel lonely.

Deep down, she wished her parents would show a bit more interest.

After finishing the conversation with Ceti, Arnold’s gaze swept over to Aidel.

Two pairs of golden eyes met in a silent exchange.

“…”

“…”

With this, Arnold confirmed with his own eyes that Aidel was the top student.

“So, the talk about being disowned by the family is off the table now?”

Aidel asked, his voice carrying a mix of emotions as Arnold prepared to leave.

“Hmm.”

Arnold waved his hand without turning back.

A promise is a promise. If not kept, it also undermines trust with others.

But now, leaving Aidel in the family presented a problem from a different angle.

Not just any admission, but securing the position of top student at that.

“…This is serious.”

What if Aidel continued to exhibit such an outstanding performance?

What if he stopped his reckless behavior and started living a diligent life?

What if he surpassed the achievements of his two older brothers?

The power succession structure of the Reinhardt family business might very well be overturned.

The business was passed not to the eldest but to the most capable child. That was the unbreakable rule of the Reinhardts.

This had become troublesome. Arnold sighed, one of many, and left the ceremony venue.

Thus, my father vanished suddenly right before the entrance ceremony began.

“Sigh.”

I think I have a rough idea of why Aidel became twisted. Being the head of the family yet failing to take care of his own.

Soon after, the entrance ceremony started.

No, what unfolded was essentially the universe’s grandest headbutting contest, masquerading as an entrance ceremony.

“Regarding the incident during the practical test, we wish to express our apologies and offer compensation…”

Contestant number 1, a gentleman with a receding hairline. His notable side hair impressively falls forward every time he bows.

Contestant number 2, an elderly man with deep-set wrinkles, appeared too frail to even grasp the microphone, eliciting a wave of pity.

Contestant number 3, a female teacher, likely serving as the head of academic affairs, given the pronounced dark circles under her eyes.

As the contestants made their entrance, the evaluation panel—comprised of parents—began their critique.

“Are you out of your minds?”

“Can we entrust our children to you?”

“My daughter nearly lost her life. How exactly do you intend to take responsibility?”

Sigh, what a disaster.

This isn’t how an entrance ceremony should be! I thought, surveying the scene.

“What’s wrong?”

Ceti inquired, noting my distraction with concern.

I replied, “Where did Rustila go?”

Ceti’s expression turned somber.

“She’s probably over there. She mentioned she’s sorry she couldn’t sit with us…”

Just by observing my sister’s demeanor, I grasped the gravity of the situation.

She must be facing a difficult time.

“Where are you headed?”

“I’m going to bring Rustila back.”

“And after you bring her here? This area is reserved for honor students only…!”

“It’s reserved for honor students, which means it belongs to them.”

“What do you mean?”

“An honor student can freely invite another student to sit here.”

After requesting Ceti to save my seat, I set off on my quest.

It wasn’t long before I located Rustila.

She was encircled and safeguarded(?) by androids.

“Wow.”

Merely catching sight of her was awe-inspiring.

“Rustila!”

I waved and approached her. Her eyes then widened as if they were as large as lanterns.

“…Aidel!”

“What are you doing here?”

As I attempted to draw closer, the nearest android obstructed my path.

“I’m sorry, but you cannot approach this area… oh…!”

Tak.

With a swift motion, I produced the calipers and gently applied them between the robot’s legs.

The android, as if struck by an electric shock, shuddered violently before collapsing.

“How could this happen!”

The fall of the Azure Dragon of the East sent shockwaves through the remaining Guardians of the Four Directions, sparking outrage.

“You cannot be allowed to approach the Miss! Ugh!”

Double kill.

“No, you? The rascal of Reinhardt… kuak!”

Triple kill.

“Ah, we need to inform the lord…! Kyaa!”

Quadra kill.

The Aidel priest, who had chastised the naive muggles with a magic wand, arrived at the location of Princess Rustila.

“W-what, why have you come…?”

Rustila asked with a quivering voice.

It’s common sense to answer when asked.

“Let’s go and sit over there together.”

“Over there? But that’s the seat of honor. It’s only for outstanding students…”

“You deserve to sit there.”

I asserted confidently. Rustila looked at me with a dazed expression.

That’s when it happened.

“Who dares to approach my daughter?”

A somewhat irritable voice was heard. At that voice, Rustila momentarily tensed her shoulders.

Her blue eyes trembled as if distressed.

“Father, mother…”

“Rustila, who is this person? Do you know him?”

“He’s, he’s a friend.”

Rustila replied in a voice that seemed to retreat inward.

Blocking my path were a couple in suits, both middle-aged. Judging by the atmosphere they exuded, it was clear they belonged to a high-class family.

So, these are Rustila’s parents.

“Young man, what have you done to our androids?”

Her father asked with a growl.

“I didn’t touch them. They just collapsed as I approached.”

I pushed aside the fallen androids, maintaining a friendly expression.

What’s this? Why did the mood turn hostile when I spoke so gently?

“What?”

“Truly.”

“Where are you coming up with such absurd lies?”

Before the Kersil couple had a chance to look, I had already put the calipers back. In short, a perfect crime.

Without evidence, they can’t catch me. It’s a fundamental principle that any legal professional would undoubtedly know.

“Student, who are you?”

“I am Rustila’s friend.”

I sat down in the space the android had cleared for me and extended my hand toward Rustila.

“Looking forward to enjoying the entrance ceremony with Rustila.”

Rustila looked surprised, then slightly bowed her head. Her blue eyes swayed from side to side.

“Student!”

Tak!

Rustila’s father swatted my hand away with displeasure.

“Don’t you dare touch my daughter carelessly.”

His gaze pierced through me.

It seems I’ve thoroughly made myself unwelcome.

This is quite troublesome. I acted impulsively, but now, how do I extricate myself from this situation?

While it might be one thing with an android, it’s another to use violence against parents.

Rustila’s parents don’t seem like ones to be reasoned with…

But withdrawing now could deeply disappoint Rustila.

In that moment of contemplation, Rustila took my hand.