Chapter four

“I will explain the different aspects of the equipment you’ll be using in training now.” Unlike the first and second periods, Nero's sister Artoria led the class instead of Ms. Summer. But Ms. Summer was still around carrying a notebook, it seemed. “Oh, but first we need to select a representative for the class league match in three weeks,” Artoria said, offhandedly. “The class representative is just that. They won’t just participate in the league match, but also on the student council, as well as committee meetings. They’re the class president. The class league match determines the various levels of competition between the different classes. Right now there won’t be much difference, but competition engenders improvement. It’s only going to take place once, then the ranking is fixed.”

The girls began to talk among themselves. Nero had no idea what was going on and just sat there. he had figured they were talking, ostensibly, about electing a class rep. It was probably kind of a pain in the butt. Bless the one who ended up with this chore.

“Well then, I suggest Nero.” One girl said.

Hm? Did my class have more than one Nero? How funny. Nero thought. The name Nero is primarily a male name but it's not uncommon for girls with that name.

“Yeah, I agree.” said another girl

Wow. I don’t care who turns into the class rep, as long as it isn’t me.

“Then the first candidate will be Nero Pendragon. Any others? No self-recommendation.”

everyone was looking at him, hoping he would solve all their troubles. "H-Hold on! I’m not going to do—”," Nero was trying to argue against this development when he was cut off

“Nero, You’re disturbing class. If they recommend you, you can’t refuse it. Any others? If not, then we don’t even have to vote on this. Nero Get ready to do your job.” said Artoria

“Please wait! I cannot agree to this!” Cecilia slammed her table and stood up. “What is this farce of an election? Do you want to disgrace this class by having a male representative? I, Cecilia Hyrule, will not abide this humiliation for an entire year! If an ability is what counts for class representative, then I should be a natural choice. I will not accept this FN monkey as my representative just because he’s a rarity. I came to the Academy to study Dolls and train, not to participate in a circus sham! The best fighter should be the class representative, and that is clearly me!” Cecilia's rage did not subside; if anything, she was getting more and more worked up.

"If the best fighter should be the class representative then that is Nero," said Artoria.

"your only saying that because he is your brother," Cecilia said red-faced

"Nero is the only one in this class that has any real combat experience..." Artoria gave a sideways look over at her bother before continuing. "He has over one year of experience of being a Huntress, that is more than anyone in this class... How many times have I said Nero is a Huntress today?"

"To be fair most noble just pay some Huntress than take the credit," Nero added. "and to answer you have brought up that I'm a Huntress four times."

“Y-You! are you insulting me! I have you know I'm known as the General Princess, the nickname had even spread to neighbouring countries."

"I don't care."

“I challenge you to a duel!” Cecilia slammed her hand on the table, she even throw a glove at Nero.

"Nope."

“Just so you know, if you lose on purpose, I will make you my maid... No, my slave... W-what did you just say?"

"Nope," Nero repeated himself. "I"m not going to duel you. I don't even what to the representative. If you what to by the representative, go for it."

"Sorry, Nero, once a noble issues a duel you have no choice but to accept," said Artoria.

“What kind of handicap do you think is okay?” Nero asked.

“Oh, are you already begging?”

“No, I just want to know how much of a handicap you want.” Suddenly, the entire class started laughing.

“N-Nero, are you serious?”

“Men aren’t stronger than women anymore. That was ages ago.”

“Nero, maybe you can use a Doll, but you’re living in the past.”

They were all laughing. Well, Nero guessed they were right; men were way weaker than women. Physical strength was useless. If war erupted on gender lines, then the male military wouldn’t last three days. Maybe not even three hours.

“Okay, no handicap then.”

“Yes, yes. Of course. If anything, why, it should be I who gives you a handicap. Fufu. A man, stronger than a woman? FN men have a sense of humour!” she responded smugly; her rage had all but evaporated.

“Hey, Nero. It’s not too late. You can still ask Cecilia to give you a handicap,” said a friendly girl.

“No, I suggested this. I don’t need a handicap.”

“You’re not taking General Princess seriously enough... Or maybe you don’t know.”

“Looks like we have a conclusion. The battle will be next Monday. The third arena, after school. Nero, Cecilia: make your preparations until then. We will begin the lesson now.” Artoria clapped her hands once to end the discussion.