Chapter 10

After the incident with Ginny was resolved, we began to move to return to the upper levels.

We passed through the room of the floor master and proceeded down the corridor.

Our destination was the transfer room.

In dungeons managed by people, there is invariably a transfer room at regular intervals. By entering that room and activating a specific ritual, one can warp to any floor.

I prayed that this dungeon had one as well, and I proceeded with the two of us.

It was during this journey that it happened.

"…What's this? A door?"

We had discovered a mysterious door.

It was so large, it seemed to be for giants, and it had a keyhole.

【It's locked!】

【To open it, an Alumatite Key is required.】

…If it can't be opened, then this door is of no use to us. We hurried on.

The rest of the journey was peaceful, and we arrived at the transfer room as usual.

We returned to the first floor and to the instructor and Olivia.

There, other students had already gathered and were staring at us. They must be expecting great results.

Sorry, everyone. The Minotaur's body was incinerated. The materials were not stripped.

This time, I will leave with an ordinary grade and a clear conscience.

"Welcome back, all of you. Let me check the materials right away."

The calm instructor, Ilina, showed the three skins with a proud look.

"These are passing… These are passing…"

In the dungeon, the value of obtained items is clearly determined, but this is only at the time of acquisition. Therefore, false value reports are possible.

However, this does not apply to the Hobbit race. Their innate skill, Appraisal Eye, allows them to determine the value of any item.

The Hobbit instructor did not show any special reaction.

I won. This time, I won. With this, Olivia's suspicions will be somewhat cleared—

"～～～～～～! W, what is this～～～～～!?"

—What?

"V, value 300～～～!? T, that's the level of high-quality materials～～～!?"

………………

…………

Sh, shit! I forgot to make them discard the skins obtained by special methods!

N, no! Wait! There's still time to make an excuse! There's still time to—

"J, just what is this～～～!?"

"Hehe～n! This is what Ard stripped!"

"This skin was stripped using a special method! By Ard!"

Hey! Why did you say that!? Why did you say that!?

We had an agreement! No telling others, please!

"Ard, Ard! Please take me as your disciple～～～! I beg you!"

The Hobbit instructor performed a perfect dogeza. Behind him…

"Special stripping method, huh. I used to hear that phrase a lot from one of my former subordinates."

Olivia stood there with a radiant smile, her cat ears twitching.

"Ah, I like you more and more. Why don't you come to my mansion tonight? Mr. A-r-d?"

Hiiiiiiiiii! My status has been upgraded to 'sama'!

A, and I'm invited to the mansion!?

T, this is it! It's a declaration of intent to torture me to death in the near future!

"Sounds nice… I wish Olivia-sama would invite me…"

"Why should a commoner like you…! Switch places with me, you bastard…!"

Then switch! I'd gladly take your place in this situation!

You'll regret it, not me! Absolutely!

Ah, why did it come to this!

After the dungeon lesson, Olivia, the instructor, summarized the day in the classroom, and the day's curriculum ended.

In a school that teaches general social education, there would be club activities after this, but there are no such things in a magic school.

However, according to the girls, there are suspicious secret clubs that operate covertly in this school, but I have no particular interest, and I will never be involved.

So, I returned to the dormitory, my new residence.

The dormitory is within the school grounds.

The vast schoolyard has the main building in the center, with dormitories for nobles and commoners on either side. Thus, the residence changes according to one's status,

"Why aren't you in the same room as Ard! I can't believe it!"

As soon as we left the main building and said our goodbyes, Ilina was furious.

I feel the same way, but there's nothing I can do. The rules must be followed.

I suppressed my desire to follow Ilina and parted ways with her.

After walking through the unnecessarily large schoolyard, I arrived at the commoner's dormitory. Its appearance suggested that the maker thought, "This is good enough for commoners."

But I have no complaints. I've lived in much worse conditions…

Most importantly, it's a single room.

Just that alone makes me incredibly happy.

If I had to share a room with someone, the trauma from my student days in my previous life would resurface.

So, after finishing dinner in the cafeteria, I lay on the bed, closed my eyes, and reflected on my first day at school.

…There were many things, but if I had to describe today in one word, it would be "moving."

I felt something, and my heart moved. In both positive and negative ways.

The negative part, well, it's Olivia. Yes, everything is Olivia.

On the positive side… it's the fact that everyone treats me normally.

This made me very happy. The kind of human relationships I wanted are here in this school.

If things continue like this, I might be able to achieve my dream of having 100 friends without it remaining just a dream. It was a hopeful first day.

However—just before my thoughts landed on a new idea, there was a knock on the door, and then,

"Good evening!"

Ilina, in a negligee, entered the room.

"I checked with the dormitory master! Commoners aren't allowed in the noble dormitory, but nobles can enter the commoner dormitory! So I came!"

She made a victory sign and showed a happy face.

I probably had the same expression. I could feel my cheeks relaxing.

"Welcome. This place is shabby, and I can't offer you tea…"

"I don't need that! As long as I'm with Ard, I'm fine anywhere!"

…These words were more effective than the Hero's sword.

After that, we sat on the bed and chatted.

Time flies when you're having fun, and the clock in the room quickly moved to 10 PM.

"Ms. Ilina, you should return soon."

"…Can't I sleep with you?"

She tugged at my sleeve and pleaded with puppy eyes. It was incredibly persuasive.

"I can't sleep without you, Ard…"

Can anyone refuse such a request?

I nodded in agreement and turned off the lamp.

Then, Ilina and I got into bed together.

"It's a bit cramped, I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I like sleeping close."

Ilina, using my left arm as a pillow, smiled. She's a real angel.

Because it was a single bed, we naturally ended up in a close embrace. I held Ilina while lying down, and naturally…

The soft sensation of a woman's body and the floral scent stimulated me.

Especially her chest.

Ilina's ample breasts were pressed against my chest, and every time she breathed, they squished and changed shape.

The soft, changing shape and the pleasant sensation of her body made me aware of her physical growth.

Her large, bouncy breasts, like freshly made mochi.

The soft, sad breathing on my neck.

Her white, soft, plump thighs entwined with my legs. The sensual scent unique to girls.

However, there was not a trace of impure desire in my heart.

Ilina is my friend and a beloved daughter entrusted to me by Weiss. I must never direct any monstrous desires towards her.

"Mmm… Ard… I love you…"

The only feelings I can have towards Ilina, who says such innocent words in her sleep, are pure friendship. I stroked her beautiful silver hair and smiled.

While doing so… I returned my thoughts to the idea I had landed on during my earlier self-questioning.

If things continue like this, I might be able to make many friends. However—

Even if that happens, if everyone comes to fully understand me, they will surely leave.

Just like my former friends who drew a line as subordinates.

Everyone will treat me as a monster.

Everyone will look at me with the same fearful eyes as Erald.

I'm sure this would be the same for Ilina.

Thinking about this, my relaxed cheeks tightened.

I don't want this child to fear me.

I don't want to experience that feeling of something precious slipping through my fingers again.

So, I made a strong vow in my heart. I will never do anything to stand out—

…A few days after making this vow.

After school. For some reason, I was called to the principal's office, where the principal, Duke Gordo, and—

Olivia, with a haughty look, were waiting.

"Thanks for coming, Ard! I've heard a lot about your excellent performance! Truly remarkable! You are indeed a man who will be remembered in history!"

Stop it. Olivia, who is standing next to you, is smiling more and more.

Her smile is becoming very beautiful.

"So, Principal. What is the purpose of your call today?"

"Ah, yes. Our school holds a battle event every spring, involving the students. Are you aware of it?"

"No, I've never heard of it."

"Hmm. I see, I see. Well, that's not a problem."

Gordo stroked his chin and continued.

"So, I have a request of you."

"…What is it?"

A bad feeling was bubbling up, but it was probably not just my imagination.

Sure enough, the principal's request was,

"Participate in the next battle event and put on a spectacular winning performance!"

……………………Ha ha ha! This guy!

Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

I refuse. Absolutely refuse.