Sheesh, were the people of this world so free to name any random piece of news a top secret information?
I mean, who didn't know I was a mere mob character by virtue of my exceptionally ordinary appearance. Any student would be able to clear that, so why in the world are these people making me some male god-like character from manga for god's sake?
And the crowd, they were so adamant about 'my theory being correct' that any of my attempts to subvert that theory met deaf ears. Old age civilization was so right; people only look at the thing they want to believe in more often than not. I think it was said by a general of the Roman Empire maybe?
......Whatever. It had been just a galore of rumours since a while ago. Haa, I didn't expect to get my mouth bitter with this, but atleast I managed to try out all the desserts. Guess, time for me slip away.
"Excuse me, Makite-san. It's about time for me to go back. Thank you very much for the etiquette instruction."
Just like he had first approached me, Makite-san bloomed a kind smile and turned around---when his smile froze, as if encased in millenia old ice.
At the same time, a familiar 'Kukuku,' smile reached my ear. Just like how the tide receded, the buzz all across the hall gradually died down.
"Fufu, if you ask me, I would say the proper manner is to at least greet the host of the party once before leaving, dear Pork-san. This is basic etiquette, you know? Speaking of, your attire is quite dashing. ...Either way, I'm delighted to see you again after so long~."
Tsk, were they practising to be a ninja or what? I didn't even notice them.
"Oh heavens, I'm but a mere commoner, son of a piggery owner, and I have no worth more than being a porter. How could I come to greet the great---"
I spoke in a made up tone and quietly moved my legs toward the exit, not stopping to look behind. However Fey moved in front of me and stood there.
"Alright, enough with jokes, Allen. I'm really glad that you atleast come here, but you know, you could have at least come to greet us, even for a moment. It has been like, two months, and yet you just had your fill and quietly tried to slip away.
There had been so many things I wanted to do together this summer vacation, but you seemed to have vanished somewhere, riding the wind. I might not show it usually but even I am hurt with that cold shoulder."
For once, Fey showed a forlorn expression, sighing amidst her words.
"Hey, hey, since when have you been so delicate to cry at no greeting?! ......I also was about to come for greeting, alright, before returning just for the record. Now that we have, see ya later."
"Kyahaha! I see you're still thickheaded, maybe you should learn how to read a girl's girl? I'm not that stout-hearted as you're imagining me to be. I definitely think you're in urgent need of it.
Anyway, what did they talk about manner when you meet someone on an occasion? Aren't you going to say any word about my dress or accessory? Come, feel free to praise me."
Fey said and twirled on her spot, as if mimicking a model.
Was that so...? Why didn't Makite-san mention it?
But putting aside that, she was wearing a knee-length sequin style black dress with exposed shoulders. It seemed to be a work of a talented designer, though for someone like me who had been into the water of commoner for whether here or Earth, Fey's dress was just 'too classy' in my vocabulary.
It reminds me of those foreign fashion shows I had occasionally seen on TV on earth. In ears, she was wearing something like earring, though the dangling design was almost as big as an atm card. Did her ear not hurt from the pain?
I was at loss on how to make a follow-up here, but not saying anything wouldn't get me out of this deadlock either, at least I felt so and decided to speak what I could come up with.
"Your dress is so glamorous I almost felt dazzled by just taking a look, Fey. Just like you. Your earring also looks prettier, that rectangle design seems nice."
I had said this when someone's laughing sound echoed.
......Well, I knew I was no smooth talker, but that was honestly the best I could muster out.
"Thank you, Allen! Your jacket also looks good on you!"
I truly expected her to fume at my lacklustre words. But she instead let out a sheepish smile, as if she was embarrassed, and then broke into a joyful grin.
Girls… are truly a mysterious creature.
It seemed whoever was mocking in snide was now tongue-tied, no more laughter from them.
After her, Kate followed up.
"It's been a while, Allen. I see you didn't spare the Rising Star Cup from your antics either, huh? Imagine my surprise when I saw you picking a fight with representatives of the Rosemieur Empire.
Do you even know what being cautious is? Well, not that I need to put words since you must have your reason as usual to jump on fray... Anyway, where were you intended to go after sneaking your way in and out without saying as much as a simple hello?"
Hey, it was Goderfun-sensei who had his reason, alright. I was a mere puppet on the stage.
I was simply here out of my curiosity to see the so-called first class hotel, and maybe to see the swing of the party and all. ---I was about to speak when I caught the shadow of a certain figure, quietly refraining at the backside of the Royal Academy's student group.
He was wearing a tacky, red dress. A bit resembling the cutaway coat that I knew. How did no one find the odd person out?
"I mean, do we need to know when we will see each other at the academy the day after tomorrow? I was simply here for---"
I briskly walked up to that person and raised my voice in a friendly manner.
"Yo, it's been a while, Lil' Dui! Did you visit your house during this vacation?"
I just raised my voice when everyone's gaze focused on Duid-chan.
◆◆◆
Duid-kun was totally flabbergasted at the situation transpiring without his acknowledgment. I felt a bit guilty but it would leave a bad taste in my mouth if Makite-san lost here, so I needed to somehow subvert the situation. Besides, it seemed like our fathers were always on good terms? In that case, we should also try to become one, at least I wanted to for sure.
Fortunately, Duid-chan nodded at my greeting, and I continued.
"Oh, so that's where you have been! Lucky you~, my schedule was a bit too messed up and I lost the opportunity. How was the production of wheat this year?"
"Huh, ah. Yes, the yield looked pretty good for our and Rovenne territory......Lil' Allen?"
Damn, yes. No wonder everyone in the Royal Academy were only geniuses! He immediately picked on the cue!
Yeah, we're already practically neighbours, I'm sure we can become good friends definitely!
"Phew, I also returned back to the dormitory yesterday from our viscount residence here, and man, it truly felt more calming than ever. Hehe, we were correct to choose general dormitory right from the beginning. It's practically like our second home, no?!"
I firmly hold on to his shoulder.
"......Is that so, Lil' Dui? I can't believe you were keeping a secret behind my back. You know what, how about having dinner at our residence while you tell me about it? Marquis Dragoon is also there so it would make perfect."
Fey's feline-like eyes gleamed as she feigned ignorance and asked lil' Dui. A buzz immediately set off the otherwise pin-drop silent crowd.
"S-So......Pork-san......is truly the rumoured Allen-Rovenne-sama......"
"Who cares, but did you see Allen Rovenne-kun giving cold shoulder to Fey-sama and Jeu-sama but immediately headed toward that person?"
"Even Fey-sama is talking with him......"
" "Who in the world is he?!" "
Kukuku.
It seems like everyone has totally become curious about Lil' Dui. However the surprise had still yet to end.
"Goodness, the cat is out of the bag, Lil' Dui. I didn't take in account of the excellent people we seemed to have in our Leverance Information Department.
Someone have already connected all the dots to guess the relation between Rovenne and Moonlight family (even I didn't know). I'm astounded beyond, truly. ......Let me introduce the said persona to you---Makite-san."
I unwittingly snickered at Jeu's follow up and beckoned at Makite-san. This time, everyone's gaze shifted to Makite-san from Duid-kun, the buzz spreading even more.
Makite-san quietly looked back, then back at us while pointing himself, as if saying 'are you perhaps calling me?'.
Jeu chuckled and walked up to Makite-san, holding out her hand toward him.
All noise in the hall ceased that instant.
"Makite-san is it? I have something to discuss so please visit our Leverance Estate after the party. Marquis Leverance would be there as well and we will get through it over dinner."
"......Hmm, but it would be a hassle to share all the information again, Jeu. I have an idea. What do you say about our Lil' Dui and my grandma joining you over dinner as well? Of course, we will have Allen too."
Fey suggested smilingly.
"It's a pity but I have something else to do, so I will take my leave here. Oh, and yes, Lil' Dui! I am recently all over the magic car~. So I was thinking of putting up a new club over it, wanna do it together?
I will fill you in on the details at the dorm! And you two, please don't go overboard and trouble Lil Dui and Makite-san, alright? See ya tomorrow then!"
I swiftly announced and stepped toward the exit.
A dinner with their parents, who are marquis no less? Never ever! I am sure while it was dinner, the only things filling my stomach would be holes from their astute probing.
Besides, I had my bow practice to do at the academy either way, which was more important since I haven't done it for quite a while.
I was almost about to leave when Lil' Dui called out to me, his face red.
"L-Lil' Allen! I-I too like magic cars!!"
Oh, great. So he too likes them!
I presume he was saying this from the bottom of his heart as well. The words might lie for once, but that intense look gleaming in his eyes was the proof.
Then again, anyone from faraway hinterland would be interested in it. We had nothing but horse carriages, and magic cars were a symbol of city prominence.
How could one not admire the marvel it was, right? He was probably an amateur, not that I was any different, so it all boils down to passion, which he seemed to be brimming with.
"I knew you would! So get ready to be the club's president, alright! Bye, catch you later!"
I quickly left behind my word and made my exit this time for sure.
Phew~, I'm glad Makite-san's honour was saved and the situation didn't go south. I also get to become friends with Lil' Dui so that's a plus. Maybe I should talk about our hometown next time, this would make a great topic.
......Still, this was the end of summer vacation huh?
I wished it could last longer, but at least, it was definitely a blast for me!
◆◆◆
In this way, the curtain drew over the Allen Rovenne's first-half of first term academic life.
Nary a place had left in the kingdom who didn't hear about him, his fame as an unprecedented boy echoed throughout the kingdom as he leaped to become the face of his generation. Yet, in a twist, contrasting his tumultuous first-half of first semester, his name remains in the memories of people but little so they heard about him for raising another wave in the second half of his first year.
In the meanwhile, his prodigal classmates continue to emerge out as the shining jewel, which consequently diverted the attention from Allen Rovenne to him, perhaps standing to be one of the reasons behind his low presence.
But the greater reason was assumed that it had been his foresightedness all along. More than anyone, he seemed to have read the undercurrent, and in lieu of it, brought the talented persona in one place. He perhaps feared if not now, then there might never be another chance.
It was this otherworldly foresight of him, one that everyone would agree on, that earned Allen Rovenne the alias of
<A Boy from the Future>
. For everyone---------He was the seer of the future itself, a domain perceived only by the God.