A Declaration

Morning. The daily journey to the academy feels rather awkward and stiff today. Because my muscle pain is just terrible.

I murmur to myself, “Ah, my legs are heavy.”

Enuma said, "Hmm. After all child, we never got to the forbidden spell lesson yesterday."

In the end, after phantom sparring yesterday, I was exhausted and mentally drained, and I couldn’t do anything, so my special training with Enuma only went that far. 

However, today after school, in addition to the same regimen, magic training will be imposed. This all for a good cause, but before that, I will have to manage the academy.

Enuma chimed in, "Why not just forgo it? It is a waste of time. Seeing to your training all day would be more effective."

I reply, “Well, that’s what I’d like to do as well. The other day, I just skipped the afternoon class, so I’m sure Sadie will be upset next time.”

 Sadie is my motivation, and I cannot afford for her to get angry, and my father will be shocked if such things like skipping academy classes reaches his ears.

I think to myself, “Although, I might fall asleep in most of the classes.”

Enuma replied, "That will truly be a waste of time. As such, tis training in class."

I ask, “What can I do!”

Enuma had a new mandate for me, "You are up to task with classes. All you have to do is meditate quietly. That way, you can utilize your time effectively without distressing the class."

No way! I didn’t think he’d bring a training session even during class. I mean, I’m almost always training except when I’m sleeping. “Eh, practice with meditation. What?"

Enuma elaborated, "This is image training. Are you making light of image training? Unlike with shadows, there is no need to move the body."

I reply, “Seems easy enough”

Enuma said, "But, I have devised something excellent. There is magic that may prove more effective than image training. As soon as you arrive at the Academy, sign a Magical Contract."

I asked, "Ah, I’m going to sign a contract at the Academy!?”

Enuma showed a motivated expression after suddenly thinking up some good training. Is he really going to train me in class?

A girl voice called out to me, asking, “Hey, what are you thinking about so hard in the morning, Terran”

slightly astonished, “Hmm? Oh, Princess. Uriko… , Good Morning.”

Uriko replied “Ah. Good morning.”

No way, I didn’t think the princess of the empire would be standing alone in the morning on the busy street of the city. Well, I guess the escort Knights are watching over from a distance.

Uriko asks, “What’s going on? You always—“

I am still worn out with fatigue, and cough, interrupting the question. 

Uriko continued with her question, ”… What’s going on? You usually go to the academy in a carriage”

Today is not the case, part of the training for me as per my new mentor. 

I ask Uriko, "Why are you walking and alone? 

She replied, “It’s this.”

Then the princess showed me a cup of juice. It is fresh juice from a recently opened fruit shop in the capital.

Uriko said, “My classmates recently said this juice was very delicious, so I was curious to try it.”

I replied, “Oh”

Uriko nervously said, “Well, that’s why, don’t get the wrong idea. It’s not like I was waiting to ambush someone or anything, also we met here just by chance! We’re heading to the same destination and the classes anyway, so let’s go to school together!” 

I calmly agreed with the sentiment, saying, “Well, I don’t mind.”

Uriko replied, “Um, Um, it looks like. There’s no reason to refuse.”

I’m still amazed she can talk so fast, but I understood that we would go to the academy together for the time being. There was no reason to refuse, so when I agreed, the princess ran up and stood next to me.

With a chuckle, Uriko said, “Fufu… But this is the first time I’ve been to the Academy with you. We were in the same class for three years. By the way, I didn’t have to talk to the principal directly and force us into the same class for three years, so it’s really a coincidence.”

I cited, “Well, Uriko takes a carriage every day.”

The princess replied, “That’s true, too, but you could pick me up in a carriage, right?”

I said, “You should walk for your health, that’s what Sadie says.”

Sadie is also a childhood friend of the princess. Father and His Majesty are best friends and companions from the time they were kids, and in the same ‘Seven Heroes’ party.

Because of that, this princess and I often met when we were little, and we used to play. Sadie, who was still small, was there to look after me.

Uriko trying to not be surpised, says, “Um… Sadie… Hmm.”

However, although they played together, they were not good friends.

Due to our fathers, the Princess and I were forced to play together with Sadie looking over us. I don’t know why the princess has a bad relationship with Sadie, but I was stuck in the middle of it.

Uriko asks, “Terran, then when you go home, you study and train with Sadie. Just the two of you?”

I reply “No, not as much lately. I just solve a collection of her math problems, and we eat our meals together.”

Uriko relaxing a little, says, “Oh, yes. Well, it’s not something special. It isn’t, is it?” 

Something special, I think I’m making progress. In that sense, for ‘now’ there has been no progress. However, it is only ‘now’ that is. It all depends on the outcome in two months.

Uriko spoke again, ”Hey, Terran.”

“Hmm?”

Uriko asks, “The discussion about after graduation, have you heard anything from your father?”

I replied, “From father? Not in particular, I haven’t seen much of him lately.”

Uriko continues, “Oh! Well then, the future, what do you think of it?”

What’s this all of a sudden? She looks a little serious, it’s hard to say. I answer freely, “I’m thinking. Thinking about everything. Graduation, no, with the victory in our match, I will show our fathers, the people of Imperial Capital, and people from other countries. Everything.”

Uriko replied, ”Victory?…Oh, Terran. I’ve fought with you many times, and I’ve been with you since I was little. Besides, you’re not as smart as I am, but you’re smart. So, you’re my… you know what my feelings and wishes are!”

The princess’s feelings and wishes. I know that. This person continued to make efforts to be disciplined and superior to anyone else, even though she was royalty, and became recognized not only by the Academy but also by many people. It’s all for something bigger, which I can’t even imagine.

I sigh and say, “Oh, Somehow--”

The princess said, “Huh!? Oh, I see, you noticed after all”

For the Empire. For the world. For mankind. For the future. We will continue to protect the present peaceful world. Perhaps she continues to have such lofty feelings.

Uriko said with full confidence, “I’ve never lost to you. That’s why I won’t lose at the games. And when I win the championship. I get everything! Everything. That’s it.”

The princess made her declaration to me with a serious expression while her face blushes slightly as though she is a little embarrassed to state her goal. 

It made me feel her strong will. It’s a real, unwavering will. So, I replied, “Really”

Uriko said “Oh, yes.”

Assuming she had such lofty goals for the future and compared to my reason why I fight. If I win the championship and earn my date with Sadie. I truly can’t say that out loud and not to the princess. I’ll very likely get beat up.

But still, that’s my motivation, so I can’t help it. And that’s not all. I decided to say, “I’m not sure I’m thinking that deeply about the future compared to you.”

Uriko asked, “Terran?”

I declare “I’m serious about this tournament, too. I’m going to take it extra seriously to gain victory.”

Uriko taken aback, “Wha-What?”

When the time comes, I hope to look back at my father’s surprised face, and most of all, Sadie’s. I also want to be cool in front of the woman I fell in love with. More, be in a relationship that has progressed.

I say with confidence, “I’m the one who wins the championship!”

Uriko astonished, “Huh!?”

I say, “As a man, I’ll be cool. And I’ll get what I want.”

It is not for the empire, it is not for the world, it is not for humanity, nor for the future. Just me thinking of Sadie body all over me with many naughty ideas. 

I said, “It’s just for me, but even so, I’m getting motivated, so I can’t help it.”

Uriko said “Terran”

I said again, “I’m going to win the championship!”

Have I ever said words like “to be at the top”, “win”, or “absolutely win”? When I was a kid, I felt like I was screaming at things like that and working hard, but recently I thought I couldn’t beat the princess or my father.

I also wanted to return the declaration of war. Then the princess began to be upset by my attitude.

Stuttering and full of emotions. Uriko says, “T-This is, is, is it that? That is your c-confession, to look cool as a man.”

I replied, “This is-”

Uriko continued, “B-Because, it’s that sort of thing?”

Damn, have I been found out. Well, my feelings have been exposed since I was a kid.

“Tha-That’s right. You are yourself, but I-”

When the princess heard my proclamation, she doesn’t get angry or retort, but she seems to be upset about something. 

Uriko then says, “But I’m the one who wins the championship. Otherwise, even if you get it. I can’t just sit on my thumbs, I mean, I can’t lead.

I replied, “You want to win the championship and gain recognition and influence from everyone? But still, I won’t lose.”

Uriko still stammering says, “Th-That’s right. Yeah.”

She gradually calmed down, and on the contrary, the princess suddenly smiled at me. A bright smile that I’ve never seen before. The princess says, “Then, win or lose, no complaints. We’ll settle it in two months!”

Certainly, no more words were needed. The reasons are different from each other, but there is no choice but to fight and decide.

I understood it, too, and nodded.

Enuma, who had been silent by my side, started talking to me, "She said that didn’t she? Child you are intelligent, so you should understand the princess’ feelings."

I give a confused look at the ghostly spirit for his comment. 

Enuma "I must say. This child is surprisingly naïve, he lacks the faculty to understand anything. And as such, the situation is likely to become so unscrupulous it will provide much hilarity. It is interesting; hence I shall remain silent on the matter."

I’m not sure. Is he trying to say I’m still immature?

However, Enuma said nothing more, as Uriko and I went to the academy side by side.