Noblesse Oblige

From Eric, Who Became Elize's Perspective

After the first lesson, I stood up to go to the bathroom. The girls' restroom always has a line—it's such a hassle. Even urinating feels different; the muscles used to relax the bladder are subtly different from boys', and I'm still not used to it.

I also have to start building a relationship with Akira—it's going to be a challenging journey.

As I wandered down the hallway lost in thought, I nearly collided with a large boy and a small girl in front of me. I tried to dodge, but the big guy crashed into me anyway, and I was sent flying.

"Ouch!"

"Whoa!"

It appears I'm not capable of screaming in a cute way like "kyaa!" yet.

"Watch where you're going!"

"I'm sorry!" I quickly apologized, even though it was clearly his fault.

"Hey, isn't that Elize?"

"Oh, the girl who made snide remarks in the bath!"

I recognized the face as someone I'd had unpleasant dealings with.

"Isn't your name Boulay?"

And I recognized the boy too.

"Chopin!"

I, Eric, was the second top of our year, but the top student was the guy standing in front of me now.

"I've heard about you. Started off talking big when you enrolled, and now you're relegated to the loser class?"

"Grrr..."

"If you kneel and apologize right here, I might forgive you. 'I'm sorry for being an idiot and getting carried away.' Ohoho!"

Even though I'm not myself, being insulted like this was too much.

"Elize, is something wrong?" Akira arrived just in time.

"Look who's here, bottom-rung guy!"

"Is that nerd your partner? Haha, I heard he can only use whirlwind magic. Perfect match for a dumb girl!"

Their taunts were blatant, and as I struggled to respond, Akira confronted them.

"I don't mind if you insult me, but I won't allow you to disrespect Elize."

"What's wrong with calling a stupid girl stupid?"

"You may be the top student or whatever, but have you ever heard of 'noblesse oblige'? It's a phrase from France in the world I come from, meaning that one must act in a manner that conforms to one's position. Sadly, I sense no such dignity in you."

"Talk back to us, will you? Step outside! It's time for a duel!"

There was no way Akira could win.

If he gets hurt because of me...

"Just stop! I'll kneel or do anything you say, just let it go!"

"Don't stop me, Elize. I have my pride too, even if I know I'll lose."

One of the onlookers pulled out a student handbook and read aloud:

"According to school rule article 50, section 4, duels among students are permitted only between males and only on the school grounds!"