Chapter 3 Part 2: Renatus and the judgment stage.

Translator: Michiko

Editor: LastinLine

“Bradley.”

“…”

When Renatus called out, Bradley looked at him with his sharp eyes.

It was no longer the stern look he saw at the Rose Garden. He just seemed perplexed by the situation.

“I would like to apologize for any inconvenience I have caused you. If we both rank first in the final examinations, we will have to do the joint exercise together. I would be happy if we were partners.”

Renatus chose his words carefully to convey that he had no issue with Bradley’s origins. Then, he extended his right hand to Bradley.

Bradley’s pupils shook in shock. 

Then he looked down and shook his head slightly. 

“…You did nothing wrong. Don’t apologize so easily.” 

Bradley said with a hoarse voice. 

He strongly grasped Renatus’ extended hand with his right hand. 

“I’d be happy if you were my partner, too.” 

It was a heartfelt handshake between men. 

Renatus was deeply moved. It was a handshake with the protagonist. Bradley’s hands were large and calloused since he was a student of the knight department. That’s the protagonist. Even his hands were cool. 

“Haha. I’m glad the misunderstanding has been cleared up.”

Bradley turned away abruptly as Renatus laughed unwittingly. Even though things were going well at the time.

Was there something disgusting oozing through the mask, after all? He hoped Bradley’ll forgive his fan mentality.

With his head turned away, Bradley awkwardly scratched his head.

“…I’m sorry about the other day.”

Renatus was taken aback by Bradley’s apology.

The other day would be when Renatus washed his uniform for him. He was surprised, but he was rather glad because it had helped him find out what was going on and solve the problem.

“No, I don’t mind.”

“A-alright.”

He tried to reply lightly so that they could quickly move on from this, but Bradley’s face changed slightly as if he was having indigestion.

As may be expected of the protagonist, Bradley’s innermost feelings were obvious. He was probably distressed by the fact that he had wrongly accused a person.

(I hope he isn’t distressed by it for too long like my older brother was…)

As Renatus was thinking this, an arm reached out from behind him. It was Clarence. When he turned around, he was hugged tightly just like that.

“Rena.”

Clarence’s voice came from over his head in a pampering tone that he used when they were at home.

“What happened the other day?”

“No, it is nothing.”

“I see.”

Clarence responded calmly and stopped talking for a moment. Then he started talking again.

“…Bradley, please take good care of Rena. I don’t want this gentle child to get hurt.”

Clarence’s tone towards Bradley was a notch lower as if a switch had been flipped. Renatus had never heard this kind of tone from him before, and it scared him a little bit.

Renatus was so tightly hugged that he could not see anything even if he had wanted to check Clarence’s face.

“…Yes.”

As Renatus struggled in his older brother’s embrace, he heard Bradley’s voice from behind his head. His voice sounded meek.

“The first-year students who harassed you will be suspended for half a month. This matter will be left as a special remark in their records. Do you wish for them to have a heavier punishment?”

“No.”

“Oh, and I will overlook the fact that you beat them up, just as if it had never happened. I’ll talk to the director about it.”

“Thank you for your generous care.”

Clarence told Bradley what the punishment for the harassers was.

Suspension for half a month was surprisingly harsh. It was time to catch up in the classroom, just before the final exam. It would greatly hurt their grades. If the special remark was also left in their files, it would affect their future.

Speaking of which, at the time of the encounter in front of the Rose Garden, Bradley had said, ‘I put the screws to the guy who was harassing me.’

If he had beaten his opponent so thoroughly, this judgment would double the payback.

When they finished talking, Clarence’s arms, which had been holding Renatus, relaxed. Renatus raised his face.

“Thank you, older brother.”

“Fufu. I was happy that you turned to me for help. Contact me again if you need anything else.”

Renatus smoothly escaped from Clarence’s arms. It was rather embarrassing to be hugged like that in a room full of people. Moreover, it was right in front of Bradley.

Bradley looked at Renatus with an odd look on his face.

He seemed to think, ‘This young master, how badly was he pampered while growing up’. Renatus’ lips quivered with shame.

(We might end up being paired together for the joint exercise… What will I do if Bradley thinks I’m a pathetic guy….and he doesn’t want to be paired up with me.)

Renatus was worried, but they agreed to meet each other again before the joint exercise.

Three days later, Bradley was standing in front of the Rose Garden.

TN: The next update will be around December 10th as I got jlpt exam on December 4th. Wish me luck. Enjoy reading.