Bonus Short Stories
Favoritism?
“All right, that’s enough practice for today. Good work, everyone!”
In the courtyard of the knights’ academy, Rochefort had led the day’s combat training. Given that he had a special-class rune, he was even able to borrow Principal Miriela’s staff Artifact and handle the enhanced-gravity exercises that previously only she could. These exercises had become notably more frequent now that he was an instructor.
“Yeah, I really worked up a good sweat today,” Inglis said.
“That was more than just a good sweat!” Rafinha protested. “This is really tough!”
“That’s right,” Leone agreed. “I think this might be the hardest kind...”
“I’m sure it is quite effective, but...” Liselotte trailed off.
While Inglis vigorously wiped off her sweat, the other three plopped to the ground. And then...
Meltina huffed and groaned beside them. “I-I feel terrible...” She collapsed, not able to take another step.
“A-Are you okay, Meltina?” Inglis asked.
“I... I can’t do this...” Meltina laughed weakly, her eyes blank as if she were about to pass out.
“I guess we used to be like that too,” Rafinha said.
Leone couldn’t help reminiscing. “Yes, we couldn’t even move after it was over. Inglis always used to have to carry us.”
“Even being able to chat like this afterward is a sign of how far we’ve come,” Liselotte said with a faint smile.
“Then I guess I’m the one carrying Meltina back to the dorms?” Inglis asked.
“Yeah, if you could, Chris.”
That’s when their instructor approached. “Nah, you don’t need to.”
“Mr. Rochefort?”
Rochefort had approached, carrying a clean towel, drinks, and a large amount of some decidedly delicious-looking snacks. “Your Imperial Majesty, I believe it would be for the best if you drank this,” he said, while picking Meltina up in one arm and bringing a drink with a straw to her mouth with his other.
“Mm... Ahh, it’s so sweet and cool and delicious...”
“Sweet things are good for getting your energy back,” Rochefort said, while wiping the sweat which dripped from her brow and neck.
“Ah... It smells wonderful...”
“I chose a scent appropriate for yourself, of course. When you’ve caught your breath, I recommend some of these.” He removed the snacks from their bag for easy availability, and waited.
Rochefort was being quite diligent today, though it made sense—having been a Venefic general, of course he would be like this toward Venefic royalty.
Rafinha, though, didn’t seem to quite get that nuance. “That’s no fair, Mr. Rochefort! This is favoritism! Blatant favoritism!”
And Leone and Liselotte were nodding in agreement.
“Hm? I can do no less for her. She’s a princess of the royal blood I once served.”
“But I’m an exiled princess now...so...” Meltina began, but Rochefort shook his head.
“You can say that, but it doesn’t change your birth. It would be easier for both of us if you didn’t insist.”
Meltina fell silent, apparently not wanting to debate it with him.
In that silence, Rafinha came upon an idea. “Wait, I know! Miss Arles! Miss Arles! Mr. Rochefort is all lovey-dovey over some girl!”
“What?!”
“R-Ross?!” Arles appeared from seemingly nowhere, her voice already raised. “What’s going on? Explain yourself!”
“Arles?! W-Wait, it’s not what it looks like!” His attention completely turned to Arles, Rochefort dropped Meltina.
“All right, here’s our chance at the snacks! ♪” Alas, Rafinha’s true goal was obvious.
“Heh, looks like the usual for me.” Inglis picked Meltina from off the ground and carried her back to the dorms.
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