Chapter 18 - Engagement, Rewards, and a Foreboding

Jack's face distorted. It seems like he really hates Roland deeply. I saw him clutching his hand hard and he asked while gritting his teeth.

『What do you want?』

『Oh, you know. I'm asking how your parents are. They're on their deathbed, right? Why don't you...』

He stared at our direction and Elizabeth gave a low shriek. She hid behind me and finally realized what this guy is up to.

『Let me marry your little sister? I'll promise I can save your parents.』

Roland grinned, almost menacingly. He stared at our direction again and we met eyes. I gave him a look of contempt and he let out a murderous aura for a milisecond, but I noticed that.

『Hey, who's that guy behind Lord Roland's fanceé?』

『That's Roland's fianceé? No wonder she's so beautiful.』

『Hey, wasn't that the guy who left after Lord Roland? You know, that Lake Thawst?』

The gymnasium erupted with various kinds of conversation, spreading rumors everywhere.

Jack restrained his will to punch Roland on his face and went down. He arrived beside us, still clutching his fingers and a a teardrop fell from his eyes. Elizabeth comforted him, I did too, and so did Ciel.

『I'm sorry, guys. It's just that... Remember when you found us into the woods years ago? We were left to die there, right?』

I nodded. I already knew who the culprit was, or at least I have an inkling to who it is, but I still listened.

『It was Roland's family. Those guards with us and everyone on the trip were people of his family. They wanted to kidnap Elizabeth and leave me to die, but when they came back... We were already gone.』

Tears started to flow down from his eyes, fast. Elizabeth hugged while I patted his shoulders. Ciel was giving words of comfort and then a voice erupted from the stage.

『Hey, hey. My dear Elizabeth is crying. What have you guys done this time?』

Roland's voice resounded from the large gymnasium. Heads that were not already on us started to look.

I sent a telepathic message to Jack, Elizabeth, and Ciel.

『Hey, guys. I have a plan, but... It needs Jack's, Elizabeth's, and your family's consent.』

Jack was alarmed by the sudden voice in his head and so did Elizabeth and Ciel. I forgot to tell them it was telepathic and told them about it. My face also reddened by what I was about to do.

『I won't force you, but this is the only thing I could think of now.』

『Okay... Hit us up.』 Jack said

Elizabeth, too nodded.

Ciel was just standing there like a log.

『So... Why don't us announce that Elizabeth is already engaged to someone? Like Ciel or someone you're close to?』

『Wha– I'll... This is concernint Elizabeth's future, so it's her choice.』

『Uhm... If... If it's with someone I like, then... It's okay.』

She stared at me with her emerald eyes longingly, putting her porcelain-like hands on her chest like she's praying.

She likes me? Don't get me wrong, Elizabeth is really cute, but I feel like I don't deserve her at all. I gathered up my words and asked her using the right words.

『Are you really fine with someone like me..?』

She eagerly nodded her head. She really does, but I should tell her that I also like someone else.

『You know... I also like someone else. Her name was Lily. Remember her? You were playing with her everyday when you stayed there.』

I braced myself for rejection, but her next words surprised me.

『Also? So that means... You also like me?』

Elizabeth asked with her head tilted. Her glittering eyes glowed even more beautiful. I scratched my head.

『Well... I do, but I also Like Lily. I'm not sure if I could be engaged with two people at the same tim–』

『You know polygamy is allowed in our world, right?』

I was cut off by Jack. Looks like he also approved, but his words... Now that I think about it, father had mother and my stepmother. I thought about it deeply and decided.

『If you won't change your mind, then I would gladly be Elizabeth's betrothed.』

I forgot to say it vie telepathy and my voice was loud, so everyone including Roland heard them. Roland's face contorted to the extreme and he went backstage.

『Hey, wasn't Elizabeth Roland's fianceé?』

『No, you moron. Roland pursues Elizabeth. He even went as far as poisoning their parents to force their marriage, or so i heard.』

The words of the last guy was heard by almost everyone and it spread like wildfire. This time, Roland will surely avoid going out and bother the twins for a while.

I scratched my face and apologized to them for saying it aloud. They didn't mind it. Ciel was still standing there like a log.

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The next morning, it was the day to receive our test rewards. I was still on the top, Jack fell down to third place, Elizabeth was on fifth and Ciel was fourth.

Us top ten, not including the "ill" Roland gathered up on the gymnasium. The headmaster arrived and we were led around the school down to the treasure vault.

『Lake Thawst, you may enter the treasure vault and take one treasure of your liking.』

I used my skill [Appraisal]on each and everyone of the treasure and found one that suits me. There were other treasures I wanted, but rules are rules.

｢Robe of Life: A robe found from the depths of a dungeon. Wearing this will improve the wearer's Healing Magic by 100% and the robe may also protect the wearer from harm. This robe is indestructible.

Rank: Epic ｣

I'm planning to give this to Elizabeth as a gift. I'll also be giving Jack and Ciel one when I choose from the Academy's equipment vaults.

I got out and showee them what I chose.

『Lake Thawst, Yr Elleinad, Jack Quasar. You may enter the equipment vault. Lake Thawst can get two while Yr Elleinad and Jack Quasar may only get one.』

I stared at the second placer. He was an elf. Elves were said to be blesses by nature and have excellent senses. Looks like it's true because this guys was giving off a nature-like aura. He had a long black silky hair. Quite uncommon for an elf with a black hair. His eyes the same color as mine, azure. His clothes looks like what elves would wear. Green all-around clothes. He noticed my staring and he gave me a nod. I nodded back.

At the equipment vault were various kinds of equipments. They're not at the same quality as those at the treasurt, but they're still good. Jack grabbed two daggers and was hesitating at what to choose, but he kept the black one and put back the white dagger. I also looked for a katana. Ciel likes to use katanas so he may want another one and found one that contrasts to his other katana. I picked it up together with the white dagger and used [Appraisal] on them.

｢Light Dagger: A dagger made of refined titanium. Light, but sharp. It was injected with high concentration of light energy. When used together with the Shadow Dagger, it's powers multiplies by triple and the wielder gains the ability to use the skill [Invisibility]for an infinite amount of time.

Rank: Rare ｣

｢Katana of Frost: A katana imbued with Ice Magic. Wielding this katana gives you the ability to shoot ice blades when you swing. The power and quantity depends on your level.

Rank: Rare ｣

I finished choosing mine and notices that the elf picked up a green bow. I left the vault together with the three and everyone gave me stares because of what I chose.

『Can I give my rewards as gifts, headmaster?』

He nodded, uninterested at my decision.

I'll give these items when this is over.

We were now on our way to the Alchemy Lab when the headmaster received a telepathic message. He explained to everyone that someone else will be leading us and left.

Dumbfounded, we waited for minutes and the headmaster's twin, Ridel Rullen, arrived. Everyone was confused but that was later on cleared when he introduced himself.

『The headmaster received a call from the kingdom that's why I will be leading everyone from now on.』

I don't know why, but I felt a chill run down my spine.