18

The red-haired guy Arc called "that redhead" is actually Surtr, the original protagonist.

Surtr and Ruine being attacked by monsters was supposed to be an important anime scene.

They were meant to fight a "High Orc," a dangerous orc, and win together.

But Arc barged in and ruined that moment.

So they never fought as a team.

That event was how Surtr and Ruine were supposed to get closer, but now it's gone.

On top of that, Surtr lost a big chance to grow, because Arc stole the show.

As usual, Arc is messing up the storyline.

Because of this, Surtr now resents Arc, and Ruine grows more intrigued by him.

So Arc ends up involved with all the key characters over and over.

By the way, after that High Orc attack, a marquis's servant disappeared.

No one brought it up, and the topic quietly faded away.

◇　◇　◇

Today is the welcome party for new students.

It's already been a month, so it's a bit late.

Oh well, whatever.

I hate parties.

Too many people outrank me.

But this time, it's just the students.

Most of them are below me anyway.

Not many people here can surpass me in both name and deeds.

Commoners are all in a corner.

Yeah, that's where they belong.

A big fancy party is perfect for someone as great as me.

I stuff myself with food.

Party food tastes amazing.

Why? Because I'm indulging in luxury.

Tuition fees pay for all this food.

That tuition comes from taxes the people in my domain pay.

Thinking about that makes it taste even better.

They sweat and toil so I can have a blast at this academy party.

Fwahahaha!

Being a noble is sweet!

Nothing beats living in an unequal world!

While I eat, nobles and commoners both come up to talk.

I know what they want.

They want to cozy up to me for my power.

They flatter me, pretending to praise me.

Hahaha.

I don't care if it's fake.

All that matters is that I'm above them.

That's enough to make me happy.

That blond pest, Lost, also comes over.

He looks like a noble, honestly.

Maybe he is one.

Could he also be trying to take over the commoners' cafeteria?

Yeah, right.

I go there every day.

It's practically mine now.

No way some fancy blond guy is stealing it from me.

So I grab some of his food to show him I'm the boss.

Hahaha.

Other people's food is so good!

"You really like meat, Arc."

"Yeah, but it's even better when you take it from someone else."

"Pffft. I never knew you could joke around, Arc."

No idea why he thinks that's funny, but he's laughing hysterically.

Creepy.

I'm done with him.

Later, the duke's daughter comes to thank me.

I don't remember doing anything special.

Sure, I saved her, but mostly just to show off.

I basically stomped all over her pride in front of her.

She probably hates me.

People like her are usually too proud to stand being shown up.

Hahaha.

But she actually lowers her head.

"Arc… thank you for saving me back then."

Hah! I win!

Making someone of higher rank thank me is priceless.

Even that Medusa, the student council president, praises me.

Hahaha.

When even the student council president is watching her words around you, that's when you know you're powerful!

Still, I'm getting bored.

Too many people keep crowding around.

Being praised is nice, but this is too much.

I head to the balcony.

The red-haired guy is there.

The one from the monster attack.

He's got that burn scar.

He sees me and frowns.

What's his issue?

He's a commoner. He should watch his manners.

Whatever, I'm in a good mood.

We pass each other, and then a female student appears.

It's the Second Princess.

Ugh.

I was trying not to meet her.

But I have to at least pretend to be polite.

"May I join you?" she asks.

Why do you need my permission?

"Certainly. Please do."

I bow and start to leave.

Being alone with someone who outranks me is torture.

But…

"Would you mind talking for a bit?"

She stops me from leaving.

Crap.

She's so polite, I can't say no.

"…All right."

I reluctantly nod, and she smiles like she's happy.

What's she so pleased about?

Is she going to tell me I'm below her?

This is a pain.

I'll make it short and go.

"I've been wanting to talk with you," she says.

Oh, really.

"Thanks."

I don't mean it.

"So what did you want to talk about?"

"I want your opinion about equality."

Huh?

What's she talking about?

Wait, is she going to lecture me on how she's higher than me?

"Equality…?"

"My whole life, I've felt something odd about the world. We're all human, so why is there so much inequality?"

"…"

Is she bragging because she reaps the benefits?

"It makes me sad."

Wait, she's actually upset about inequality? But she's royalty.

She must be unbelievably naive.

The world is full of unfairness.

In my old life, I died in a traffic accident thanks to a horrible boss who pinned the blame on me.

"What exactly makes you sad?"

"The gap between nobles and commoners. Between the rich and the poor. Between those who can use magic and those who can't. Between men and women. Different births, upbringings—everything. Why does the world have to be like this?"

I don't know. Ask the gods.

"I wish things were more equal. What do you think, Arc?"

Wow, she's clueless.

"I believe in God," I say.

"God…?"

Yeah, God.

Otherwise, how would I be so lucky?

I look her in the eye.

"If God cared about fairness, this world would be a total failure."

"Wh-what do you mean?"

It's simple.

Life is unfair, and I'm fine with that.

She doesn't get it, so I explain.

"Everywhere you look, there's inequality. You, blessed with looks, rank, wealth, preaching 'equality' from above—how many do you think will listen?"

"That's…"

"Where do you think your clothes come from?"

"From a tailor? Isn't that obvious?"

No, that's not what I mean.

"From the blood and sweat of your people."

"…!"

"That goes for your food, everything you touch. Almost all of it is made by your citizens. If you really want equality, go try being a farmer. Your hands would be covered in cuts, your hair oily with sweat, your legs bitten by leeches, your whole body in mud—and there are still many who can't eat enough."

I once made my little sister do farm work. She hated it at first but then got weirdly into it. She's strange.

As for me, no thanks.

I'd rather drink tea while they do the work.

I like enjoying this unfair world.

"Inequality is normal. No matter how society changes, it won't vanish."

In my old world, which was more advanced, there were still gaps.

"People like us, on top, get the most from inequality. So we might as well use what we've been given. That's what I think."

In other words, I'll use my noble power as I please.

If the world is unfair, enjoy it.

Use my taxpayers' money however I want.

That's what being a noble is.

"Yes… you're right. I was foolish," she murmurs.

"No, no. I'm not saying I'm definitely right. It's just my opinion."

But deep down, I think I'm correct.

Call me an evil noble if you want, I'll live how I like.

I won't suffer like I did in my old life.

"One more thing, if I can ask."

"Sure."

"Why do you eat in the commoners' cafeteria?"

That blond guy asked me this too.

Isn't it obvious?

"I do it to see inequality for myself.I like eating while seeing the huge gap between us."

She opens her eyes wide.

She can't possibly get it.

I watch those who can't afford the meals I can, and it makes my food taste better.

I doubt a princess would enjoy that kind of twisted fun.

"You're… amazing. I could never do that," she says.

"Please don't."

I don't want her showing up there and ruining my fun.

"Princess, may I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"Don't go around trying to push this 'equality' thing just because it sounds nice."

"Huh…?"

If she uses her royal power for some ridiculous "equal society," that would be terrible for me.

I can't let that happen.

So I'm warning her.

Then I say my goodbyes and leave.

Talking to someone ranked above me is tiring.

I hate dealing with people I can't boss around.