Episode 2: A Certain Noble’s Request

“Hah!!”

Along with the spirited voice of a boy who still retained some childishness, a pleasing clang rang out.

One person sitting on their bottom, another pointing a roughly carved wooden sword at them.

A boy and a man with a considerable build were facing each other.

The one with the advantage was not the latter, but the former.

That boy, handsome though shadowed, stood exuding a presence intimidating enough to put adults to shame.

Just who was he…

“Match over! Winner, Arcs!!”

That’s right, it’s me.

Simultaneously with the declaration of victory, I sheathed my wooden sword.

“Well well, you got me! You’re really something, kid!”

“Amazing! He beat all the adults in the village!”

“Arcs is incredible!”

The plaza filled with cheers and excitement.

Since the winner of the strength competition was a 7-year-old boy, it seemed to be quite the event.

(Well, there aren’t any adults who can handle a sword properly. I have to at least be able to do this much)

It’s not like I’ve been swinging a sword for nothing these past few years either.

Against amateur adults, it would be laughable if I couldn’t win despite the difference in physique.

“Congratulations, Arcs. Will you become a fine knight in the future?”

“Director, thank you very much.”

The director of the orphanage where I live came over, clapping her hands.

She was also the person who organized this strength competition.

“But being a knight would be difficult for me. I’m a commoner without any title.”

“No, someone as wise and strong as you will surely become one.”

Being praised so unreservedly was still a bit embarrassing.

And I felt it was a bit of an overestimation.

Due to carrying over my mental age from reincarnation, I’m still in the excellent category for now, but… as they say, a prodigy at ten, talented at fifteen, just an ordinary person past twenty.

Eventually, truly excellent people will surpass me.

“Your humility is also one of your good points.”

The director placed her wrinkled hand on my head.

Then, after closing her eyes for a moment, she continued speaking.

“And… there’s something I’d like to ask of you.”

“…A request?”

I was a bit bewildered by the director’s formal manner, but she apparently had a request for me.

What could it be?

I owe the director a debt of gratitude for taking me in and raising me, so I want to respond to it as much as possible.

“If it’s something I can do, I’ll do anything.”

“…Fufu, that’s very reassuring.”

She smiled while making a troubled face.

And I could somehow tell that a bit of guilt was mixed in there too.

“Then, could you come with me?”

I braced myself a bit, but as told, I followed after her.

***

“It’s huuuuge!?”

When I saw that building, I involuntarily let out that exclamation of surprise.

After being told “could you come with me?” and doing as asked, I was shaken about in a carriage for several tens of minutes to get here.

Where we came to was Egenhardt, a town in a central position for the region including the village where I live.

I had somewhat of a premonition from that point, but as expected, the place the director brought me to was this absurdly huge mansion.

“I-is this really the place we’re going!?”

“Yes.”

After answering with few words, the director spoke to the gatekeeper about something.

And then, wouldn’t you know it, that huge gate was opened.

When did she get such connections…?

“Please follow me.”

“…Yes.”

Having come this far, I couldn’t exactly not comply.

I followed behind as told.

And where we were shown to was the mansion’s reception room.

I understood once I entered, but the inside was ridiculously huge too. And on top of that, the interior was truly gorgeous.

When I saw what appeared to be a pure gold statue, I honestly felt dizzy.

Why am I being called to a place like this?

“Pardon me, I’m a bit late.”

After waiting for a while with cold sweat forming on my forehead, a truly dignified figure entered the reception room.

He appeared to be middle-aged, but his body wasn’t slack, and his sharp gaze looked like it could kill small insects.

“No, there’s no problem.”

The director stood up and bowed.

As expected, he seemed to be an important person, so I followed suit.

“Hmm, you have good manners. Is this the boy in question?”

“That is correct, though he still has room for improvement.”

What’s this, what’s this, there’s an atmosphere like something’s being discussed without my knowledge.

“Ah, sorry. I haven’t explained things to you yet. Let’s talk a bit. Please sit.”

As prompted, I lowered myself onto an extremely soft sofa.

From somewhere, a person in what was unmistakably a maid’s outfit appeared and placed down very fragrant tea.

I’ve never experienced anything like this even in my previous life.

“First, let me introduce myself. My name is Adalbert Anciness. I’m the count who governs this area.”

A count!?

Isn’t that super noble!?

No, I had vaguely suspected from the size of the building, but…!

“U-um. My name is Arcs Leefort…”

“Mm, I’ve heard. Rainbow Arcs, Fort—an auspicious name, isn’t it?”

“Haha, yes indeed,” was all I could manage to reply.

Actually, I just learned for the first time that my name had such meaning.

“Regarding why I called you here today… let me be direct. Would you please become my daughter’s friend?”

“…Friend?”

I had swallowed nervously wondering what I would be tasked with, but a request came flying from a completely unexpected angle.

However, since he was speaking in such a formal manner, there must be a reason why it’s not just a simple “oh, is that all!”

“The truth is, my daughter possesses power beyond human understanding… Because of that, it’s difficult for her to communicate with friends her own age, let alone ordinary people.”

“…I see?”

The loneliness of genius, is it?

No, it seems a bit different.

Perhaps it’s about hurting people with overwhelming power?

“I won’t know unless I meet her once…”

“Mm, that’s true as well…”

Ah, so she’s here now too?

Still, for a parent to request someone become friends with their child, what kind of child is going to appear?

…Wait, come to think of it, did this person say he was Count Anciness?

Could that family name possibly be…

“Um, your daughter’s name is…” “Eleanore, please come in.”

Before I could even finish asking, the answer came.

The door opened modestly with a creak.

There stood a girl with jet-black eyes like jewels yet harboring not a single bit of light, and long hair extending beautifully like silk thread.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Eleanore Anciness.”

Eleanore Anciness.

She was far younger than the one in my memories, but I certainly recognized that name.

Because in this Celestia story, it was probably the name you’d hear most often…

It was the name of the villainess who served as the final boss in every route.