26

"I never thought Arc's warnings would be correct…"

The headmaster felt guilty about dismissing Arc's concerns.

He'd thought Arc was just another noble complaining to avoid the training exercise.

Wealthy nobles often try to skip survival training.

Since this program was something the headmaster introduced when he took office, it's mandatory for all first-year students.

Magic has been advancing quickly, and the headmaster understands the dangers of giving special lessons to nobles alone.

His idea of equality means pushing magic's progress forward for everyone, so even noble students can't skip this training.

He assumed Arc was just like the other spoiled nobles.

"How could I have missed that Arc wouldn't say something like this without a reason?"

He was ashamed for brushing aside Arc's words.

Because of that, this incident happened.

Fortunately, no one died.

Arc took out almost all of the black golems that appeared out of nowhere.

Teachers and students finished off a few smaller ones.

The headmaster even let Camilla's unauthorized presence slide.

Instead of blaming her, he was grateful.

He praised Arc's foresight.

Without Arc and Camilla, it wouldn't have been surprising if there were casualties.

They also discovered that someone had pre-loaded the golems with special control and enhancement magic, turning them into black golems.

The biggest one—supposed to be just another part of the exercise—was also tampered with.

It looked like an insider job.

This academy is home to many talented students, including nobles and even the Second Princess Magisa.

It's no surprise there might be people trying to cause unrest.

"Arc might know something,"

the headmaster thought, since Arc had sensed the attack beforehand.

But when he asked Arc:

"I'm sorry, sir. I don't know anything."

Arc answered politely.

The headmaster figured Arc was hiding information because he didn't trust him.

"Well, that's fair. I did ignore his warning."

But in truth, Arc really didn't know anything.

And so, once again, Arc's actions were misunderstood, and his reputation grew for all the wrong reasons.

◇ ◇ ◇

Yes!

That awful training exercise is finally over, so now I can relax!

Apparently, that black golem wasn't part of the academy's plan.

Whatever, it's over.

All that matters is that I'm free to live as I please.

We got two weeks off after the exercise.

I had big plans to do whatever I wanted.

But—

"Damn it—!"

The annoying Second Princess hijacked my vacation.

She made me tag along to visit families who'd been harmed by monsters, offering official condolences.

Why me?

I have no clue.

I couldn't refuse because she asked in front of everyone, and I didn't want to look bad.

I really hate that princess.

So, I dragged a couple of others with me:

The duke's daughter and that red-haired guy.

They're coming too.

No way I'd deal with the princess by myself.

I'd go nuts.

Surt looked at me like, "Why me?!"

Fwahahaha!

He'll be my scapegoat.

I'll let him deal with the princess while I finish this condolence tour ASAP, so I can enjoy the rest of my break.

◇ ◇ ◇

Magisa's condolence plan actually started because of Arc.

She'd been worrying about how to help people in need and decided to visit areas hit by monsters, hoping to give at least a little comfort.

Arc never realized it was indirectly his doing.

In the original storyline, something similar happens with almost the same people: the princess, Surt, and Ruine.

This time, Arc is also roped in.

Because it's in the original story, it's definitely not going to be a peaceful trip.

The original is a tragic tale, so naturally, something terrible awaits the main characters.

Will Arc be able to avoid the tragedy that's coming?