Posted: 2025 11 20

Some of my unpleasant ‘fans’ threw ink at me. 

The uniform I was wearing ended up horribly covered in it. The laundry collection time was far away, and it would end up wrecked if not immediately dealt with. Bradley sighed and headed outside. 

He avoided the washroom nearby, and opted for washing at a fountain farther away, near the rose garden. Not many people came over here, so Bradley felt free to take the clothes of his body to wash, until someone called out. Turning around, he saw a short student standing behind him. 

The color of his tie meant they were the same age. Most of his face was covered by a black mask, leaving only his mouth exposed.  

I've heard that many magicians wear masks due to their magic crests. He must be a student in the magic department. Long, flowing silver hair and translucent white skin. Thin and red painted lips, a delicate jaw and slender neck. His voice was dignified and cool, resulting in a unique air that Bradley had never seen before. Like someone who was peering into the world as though they were not a part of it.

He asked if I needed help doing my laundry, and it was cleaned in no time. The stains were removed, perfectly pressed, almost like it was brand new again. When I thanked him, he gave me a small smile. 

They're in the Magic Department, so they probably don't know about my background. I haven't had anyone treat me kindly lately, so it warmed my heart a little. But that warmth quickly faded. Bradley grimaced at the realization.

This man who had approached him was none other than the mastermind behind it all, Renatus Ashfield. 

“If you really want to get rid of me, I will fight back. Cowards like you are the worst.”

Renatus seemed confused by Bradley's words. As expected of a high-ranking nobleman, he was good at pretending not to know. 

Even though I know it's just an act, it makes me feel uncomfortable because it feels like I was bullying someone innocent. 

Bradley just turned around and left. Unlike the other knights, it was hard for him to attack someone who looked thin and weak. 

I couldn’t think of attacking him when I could only see him like that. 

I hope my threat was enough to make him back off. He looks so weak, I think I'd break his neck if I tried to choke him.

Just a few days later, Bradley received a summons from a senior student. 

Here we go again. 

When I arrived, I found a large group of students in the common room on the second floor of the cafeteria. When I opened the door, they all turned to look at me. 

That's a lot... Can I really fight everyone? 

Bradley braced himself. 

"Come in, Bradley. Don't worry. We’re not here to harm you." The man who had spoken was standing in the center of the lounge. He was wearing a knight's uniform and appeared to be an alumni. He is a handsome man with a gentle demeanor, but also has a strong physique. His aloof posture gave him the air of a powerful noble. 

"Nice to meet you, I'm Clarence Ashfield, Renatus's older brother. Renatus contacted me and asked me to help you since you seem troubled. Since he's in the Magic Department and doesn't have any connections in the Knight Department, he asked me to look into it. Look, the core members who were harassing you are being held here." Clarence points to a classmate being held captive. There were about three familiar faces, but they were people who he hadn’t dealt with yet.

Clarence... the "Emperor"? Renatus asked you to help me? Isn't he the cause of all of this?

At that moment, the room became noisy. I turned around and saw Renatus peeking in behind the cracked door. Renatus, who had initially been intimidated by the pressure in the room, straightened up and entered the room with the dignified stride of a high-ranking aristocrat. 

He came and hid behind Clarence. From there the explanation began. Apparently the harassment was simply because the students tied up on the ground wanted to drag Bradley down from his first place position, so Renatus had no involvement whatsoever. In that case, Renatus probably didn't understand Bradley's words earlier. Even though he didn't understand, he sensed that something had happened. 

"Lord Clarence! Bradley grew up in a filthy slum! It is unacceptable to have such a person around Lord Renatus!" One of the tied up students raised his voice. Bradley grimaced. 

Until now, I never let that bother me, but in front of him…

Bradley couldn't raise his head, his eyes lowered to look at the floor. 

Renatus would probably think that Bradley, who came from the slums, was dirty. After all, he came from a powerful noble family. Moreover, Bradley had accused him of being the mastermind behind the bullies. 

Renatus probably blamed Bradley’s strong aggression as the result of a poor upbringing. 

That’s just the way it works.

Even though I thought that, my heart ached. Why does him getting rid of the bullies for me make me feel so guilty? 

A calm voice spoke up, bringing Bradley, whose thoughts were racing, back to reality. 

"If it’s acceptable or not, isn’t that up to me to decide? If he is an excellent student, I would like for him to pair up with me." 

It was Renatus's voice. Bradley looks up in shock. 

Renatus stood firmly, facing the kid who had shouted Bradley's origins. Although he was shorter, he didn't look intimidated.

He behaved with the grace of a high-ranking aristocrat and let loose on the harasser. Bradley instinctively braced himself as Renatus turned towards him, scared about what he was about to say. 

Renatus stood before him, his demeanor softer than before. 

"Bradley, I apologize for all the trouble I caused you. If we both get top scores in the final exams, we will be partnered up in a joint exercise together. I would be happy to be with you." Renatus said, extending his right hand. 

Bradley was shocked but hiding it on his face.

You’re happy? To team up with me? Don't you think I’m dirty? Shaking hands... is it even okay to touch you?

He even apologized, even though Renatus had nothing to do with the incident. He was just being used as a scapegoat. 

Even his own father called that brothel a pigsty. To the nobles, the people of the slums were no better than pigs. There was no need for him to apologize.

"...You've done nothing wrong. Don't apologize so easily." 

He carefully held Renatu’s hand, so as not to hurt the smooth and soft skin. The slightly cool temperature only added to his cool attitude. 

"I'd be happy to pair up with you too." 

When I said this, Renatus gave me a gentle smile. 

Of course, all I could see was his mouth. But even that alone made Bradley's heart burn like it was on fire.

This is bad. I can’t lose sight of my goal. This is someone I shouldn't have feelings for... No matter what... and he's the son of a duke.

Even if you try to reason with logic, it's a different matter for your heart. 

I knew immediately that I was quickly growing affection for him. My heart was beating so fast, it was obvious on my face. I turned away from him to hide it before Renatus noticed. 

Bradley's feelings were obvious for someone else though. Clarence came closer and trapped Renatus in a hug. He was held in a position that prevented him from seeing anyone else, intentionally.

Clarence's face changed. 

Although there was a smile on his face, his eyes had no warmth in them. 

"...Bradley, please take good care of Rena. It wouldn’t be good if such a good kid were to get hurt." 

A lower voice. It was a warning. I heard that Clarence doted on Renatus. He probably wanted to warn the ‘stray dog from the slums’ to ​​not get carried away. 

I know that, but it pisses me off when someone else says it... But it’s his own family.

"……Yes." 

Without taking his eyes off Clarence, Bradley replied. 

– 

After that, the harassment towards Bradley stopped. He was just ignored from now on, but the perception of Bradley as a "filthy slum boy" remained unchanged. Better than before at least. 

As long as it doesn’t interfere with my studies. 

I have final exams coming up, and I need to come in at the top of my class. I looked in the direction of the rose garden, wondering if Renatus is there, and if I can meet him if I go there. 

...Why don't I just go see him? But I haven’t before. To meet him... Ah, that's right. I didn't say thank you. I can use that as an excuse.

-- -- -- 

T/N:

Sorry for the gap in updates. But I'm going to have to take another break since school should really be my biggest priority right now. 

As for some good news! There is a manga that I have planned to also translate! This is a first for me so I apologize about the learning process, but if you are interested please check it out. (Linked on the home page or in the navigation bar, posted on Bato)