BXBX NOVEL Chapter 19 – Busy Freshman (3)
Chapter 19 – Busy Freshman (3)
Chapter 19 – Busy Freshman (3)
Around the time Deus headed to the infirmary with Neferti.
“Huh, where did it go…?”
With a can of cat food in one hand, Yurishia looked around the backyard.
After being introduced to the kitten Jojo, by Deus, It didn’t take long for her to become quite close with the young one. They had a lot in common. Both were shy and introverted.
If he heard that, Deus would probably shake his head and say it was nonsense.
But in reality, Jojo barely lets anyone else near her except Deus. Yurishia also didn’t have any real conversations with anyone other than Deus.
The one Jojo playfully throws her ‘meow punches’ at, the one she approaches without hesitation, The one Yurishia stutters to talk to, the one who helps her overcome her shyness, It was the same one person, though the person involved didn’t know.
“Kitty? Ah, no. Jojo?”
If she called like this, she would peek her head out from somewhere with a meow. Then Yurishia would open the can for her and she would gobble it up.
She had let her near. Jojo did not run away when Yurishia approached; instead, she even rubbed against her. However, she did not allow Yurishia to touch her, backing away whenever she reached out. Yurishia pondered, realizing that Jojo doesn’t seem to follow her as much as she does Deus.
—Meow
After calling a few times, Jojo finally appeared quietly. Surprise filled Yurishia’s eyes, who was about to greet her happily.
“Jojo?”
—Meow
“Did you get into a fight with someone?”
She wasn’t hurt, but it looked like she had a rough encounter.
There must be more than one cat in the Cradle. Among them, there must be some who were territorial.
It seemed that one of those cats had bullied little Jojo.
“Are you okay? It looks like you’re not hurt, thankfully.”
—Meeeooow!!
It was a very spirited meow. Almost like an answer. ‘Who do you think I am?’ kind of feeling.
“That’s good. Deus would be very sad if you were hurt.”
And she was not sure how that sadness would be expressed. At Yurishia’s words, Jojo was busy grooming herself with a meow. ‘Would that human worry about me?’ she seemed to answer.
“Anyway. I fed you so I’ll be going now. I’m starting a part-time job today…”
—Meow
“Actually, I’m not confident. I’m worried and embarrassed… I’m still regretting whether I made a mistake…”
But.
“But. I’m still going to do it. I want to be like Deus too. Kind and warm, but confident in front of anyone. To do that, I want to… try to shake off this timidity a little.”
—Meow
Jojo, who came next to Yurishia, gently touched her leg with his front paw. Was she asking for more food? Or was she cheering her on?
Whatever it was, her cute appearance alone gave Yurishia great strength.
“…Jojo?”
But, this was unexpected.
The part-time job Yurishia was taking on today was as a one-day employee at a cafe. With the influx of new students, the owner and one employee couldn’t handle it alone. So they urgently recruited one more person and Yurishia was chosen.
However, Jojo followed her all the way into the café.
“Hmm? Hey, student? What’s with the cat?”
“Well, um! So, it’s like….”
“Hm. It looks pretty cute up close. Hold on a second.”
The owner hurriedly brought a basket from somewhere and tried to put Jojo inside. Of course, he retreated right away when Jojo hissed at him.
“Are you trying to put Jojo in here?”
“Yes, student. Can you manage it? This little one is feistier than I thought.”
“Jojo? Could you, um, go into this for me…?”
―Meow
Jojo seemed to agree to her request and went straight into the basket. The owner placed the basket right at the place between the inside and outside of the café.
So that every student passing by could see this small and cute creature.
And one hour later.
“Aww! So cute!”
“What’s this one’s name?!”
“If you want to know the name, you have to buy a coffee!!”
Jojo became the star of the cafe much faster than expected.
***
Meanwhile, Nefereti returned to the hospital room, announcing she had to leave urgently. It seemed like another issue had arisen with the Student Council.
“I’m sorry, senior. I came all this way just to leave so soon.”
“No, I know you’re busy. Go on now, Student Council President.”
“I’ll see you again later, Senior Luciel.”
“Oh… yes. You too, Junior Deus. Ahem. Take care.”
The hospital room door closed, and the sounds of their conversation gradually faded away. Luciel, who had been watching them leave turned her gaze aside.
“Now you can come out.”
At that moment, a figure suddenly popped up from below the window.
“Greetings to Her Highness, the Princess.”
“It’s been a while.”
A middle-aged man bowed his head and entered the hospital room. Interestingly, though he took steps, there was neither a sound nor a trace of his presence.
“I’m sorry for this. I know you’re a busy person, yet I had to summon you here.”
“Please, don’t mention it. This is my duty.”
The man straightened up and looked at the door through which the young man and woman had just disappeared.
“Did you see them? What do you think?”
“Actually, I couldn’t observe them closely. The young man is so sharp. If I had gotten any closer, he might have noticed my presence.”
“Is he that perceptive?”
“He might have noticed at the very last moment.”
Or maybe he had known all along and pretended not to notice.
…No, that was impossible. He was one of the best stealthy skill users in the Empire. Even Saber said to be the strongest, couldn’t find him when he was hiding with intent.
“What did the imperial palace say?”
“Both concern and welcome.”
A freshman with unbelievable skills had appeared. It was a welcome development for the Empire, which desired qualitative improvements. This freshman might be the greatest talent since Saber.
However, this freshman defeated none other than the Princess of the Empire. It was merely a friendly match with no ill intentions, just a sparring session between students. But in the Empire, such an event was bound to stir up talk.
“I can understand the welcome part. As for the concern, I can guess.”
They said the prestige of the royal family had fallen. Those who were adept at flattery were the ones making noise about it.
“The incompetence of the royal family has been exposed. That’s what some disloyal people will say.”
“The news has already spread outside the cradle. It’s highly likely that extremists will soon be touting ‘superior ability’ once again.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
The proponents of ability superiority were individuals who argued that society ought to be restructured based solely on abilities, disregarding status or other factors. They were extremists who even spoke of overthrowing the Empire to create a new state for ability users.
“Unfortunate, you say?”
“They want to use the fact that a commoner defeated a royal. They emphasize abilities but are still entangled in the notion of status themselves. For me, it was simply a clash of abilities.”
Outwardly, they claim equality but in reality, they seek to establish a new hierarchy based on the strength of abilities.
A sigh had escaped. Dealing with the gates and monsters had already been a heavy burden. Instead of using their god-given powers to save people and the world, they saw themselves as gods. They aimed to ruin everything for their absurd fantasies.
“…One more thing, Saber has heard the news.”
“My mentor? If it reaches him, he won’t stay quiet.”
“The commander has already had to restrain him from heading straight to the cradle.”
“Everyone’s working hard because of me.”
At this, the man kneels, insisting it was absolutely not the princess’s fault. It was no one’s fault, he said.
“Anyway, please tell them I’m really fine. In fact, my heart is racing more than ever. I’m truly looking forward to this last year.”
“It seems you are quite fond of the young man named Deus.”
At the man’s words, Luciel paused in thought, then smiled. This time, the man was slightly taken aback and looked at her.
“Your Highness?”
It was the first time since her mentor that someone understood her passion. Not just understood, but called it beautiful, saying it sparkled and cheering her on. While everyone else focused solely on the efficiency of abilities, tilting their heads in confusion.
Who knows? Perhaps like herself, he too harbors some romantic ideals.
He might possess a sense of justice that never overlooks the misfortune of others.
A kind heart that willingly helps anyone in need.
‘And like me, he holds a romantic view of the sword.’
Without wielding any other weapon just relying solely on his steel-like body, he might be a towering figure who fights against all the world’s evils.