Chapter Text
Transmigration refers to the process by which a soul moves from one body to another after death. This concept, also known as metempsychosis or reincarnation, suggests that the soul or spirit continues to exist and is reborn in a new physical form within the realms of philosophy and religion.
Basically, it's the idea that after you die, your soul moves into a new body.
Something that's currently popular in Japan. You read those similar types of manga and light novels where the main character is transported to a new world right after being killed by good ole Truck-Kun (real ones know what I'm talking about).
Isekai'd: an introverted nerd's wet dream where you're the overpowered main character and every female character, for no apparent reason, is thirsting after you after one meaning. Surely, anyone would want this, right? A chance at adventure and magic?
Well, I'm here to tell you–
"Caleb! Coach Brawn just called. They're having an emergency team meeting at your school!" yelled my wonderful mother.
I sighed as I paused what I was doing and closed my laptop. I guess I'm not going to finish my Re:Zero fanfiction. Great. If I lose my momentum now, I won't remember what I wanted to write later. This meeting better be important if they need the water boy to be there.
I glanced down at my watch. What could Coach possibly want at eight at night that he can't wait to tell us tomorrow at practice? I grabbed my hoodie and house keys and headed downstairs into the dining room, where my mom was sitting at the table, going through her mail.
She must have just gotten home.
My mother smiled when she saw me. "Happy birthday, sweetie! Did your dad give you your present yet?"
I grinned as I showed her the car keys. My dad had given me my brother's old car, a 2015 Honda Civic. My brother bought a new car recently and decided to give me his old one. I have fond memories in that car, and it feels like I have a piece of my brother with me.
My mother squealed as she hugged me. "My little boy has become a man. Where has the time gone? You know you're going to be driving me everywhere, right? I'm kidding…maybe." My mom joked.
She's not kidding.
"Mom relaxs, I'm only seventeen, I'm still a baby. I'm not an old fossil like Jerry." I tell her playfully.
My mom narrowed her eyes at me. "I gave birth to Jerry; if he's an old fossil, what does that make me?"
"Ancient," I said without skipping a beat.
My mom smacked my shoulder playfully. "Get the hell out of here before you're late to the meeting. You're giving me gray hairs," she mumbled.
"Did Coach say what the emergency was?" I asked curiously.
Mom shook her head. "It's a surprise; you're going to have to find out when you get there," my mom tells me.
Okay, now she piqued my interest a little bit. It had to be good news, right? Did we qualify for nationals? Damn, I wish I had paid more attention.
I kissed my mom on the cheek goodbye and told her I'd text her when I got there.
I got in the car and turned the key, but it wouldn't start. Crap. Please don't do this; I was just having a good day. I turned the key again, and finally, my car started.
Oh, thank god-
I looked up and blinked, then blinked again. What the hell? I glanced around and suddenly realized I was on a train—a sort of old-fashioned train car. Panic surged through me, and I stood up abruptly. What is going on right now? An elderly man got up with me and reached his hand out in concern.
"Are you okay, Master Bennett? Are you feeling out of sorts?" asked the concerned elderly man. What did he just call me? Do I know this stranger? Now that I think about it, he is starting to look familiar. Au...gu...st. August.
"It's fine, August. I just need to use the restroom. Excuse me," I mumbled the last part. Anxiously, I started walking aimlessly down the train car. I hear a voice on the intercom.
The next stop is…Leeves. Levees.
We will be stopped for…
Levees? Why did that sound familiar?
By some miracle, I managed to make it to the bathroom. I closed the door behind me, slid down to the floor, and sat with my knees pulled to my chest. Come on. Breathe. Just breathe. I wiped away the tears that had started to prick my eyes and took a deep breath.
In and out. In and out. In and out.
Okay, let's try to figure out what is going on here. I was in my car, and then suddenly, I wasn't. Now, I find myself on a train heading to... Leeves? I recognize the name. I dug through my pockets and pulled out a small device that looked like a cell phone. The cover was white and black, featuring a blue oval shape in the middle, with a lion adorned with a unicorn horn on it. Above that design were the words: "Thors Military Academy."
"Thors Military Academy," I repeated to myself.
Like that game I played when I was in middle school? Trails of Cold Steel? It was in the PlayStation Store, so I decided to buy it one day because I was bored. It was filled with a bunch of corny ass anime tropes. Mechs, magic, monsters, witches, and demons. It had everything, and I ended up enjoying it.
I played the sequel last year because I enjoyed it so much and was looking forward to part three. Don't tell me I'm in a video game! How? Why?
I love Isekai as much as the next person, but I really don't want to end up in a situation like in Re:Zero. A chill ran down my spine as I recalled how similar we were transported to another world. I definitely do not fancy death loops, though isn't that a common anime trope now?
No. I'm pretty sure the game only stuck to classical anime troupes.
I took in the room before me; everything looked so real. I wondered... Slowly, I stood up and walked in front of the mirror. The person staring back at me was someone I barely recognized. They had long, shoulder-length black hair styled in a spiky man bun and the bluest eyes I had ever seen.
I was wearing a Thor uniform, but it was blue. Wasn't the official uniform red? Perhaps they made a switch.
I touch my face, and the person in the mirror copies my actions. It feels real, so this is definitely not a video game. I wonder, though…
Status Magic.
A blue screen appeared right in front of me.
My eyes widened in surprise as I couldn't believe it actually worked.
[Welcome Player]
[Loading Screen]
[Loading…Loading….Loading]
[Main Menu] :
[Equipment]
[Orbment]
[Items]
[Player Status]
[Notebook]
[System]
Wow, this feels like something out of a light novel. Do I need to click on the screen physically, or can I just think about it?
[Player Status] :
[Name: Bennett Reise Arnor]
[Age: 17]
[Transmigration of Soul Complete]
[Synchronizing of Soul at 10%...11%]
[Loading…Loading…Loading]
[Synchronizing of Soul at 15%...]
Synchronizing of souls? Wait, is that how I was able to recall that man's name? Was it from my own memories? As a matter of fact, he didn't look like anyone I know from the games. And Bennett Reise Arnor… that's my name in this world.
The Royal family is known as Reise Arnor. However, I believe the emperor has only three children: Olivert, Alfin, and Cedric. If my soul has been sent into this body, then it means Bennett... I already exist. Could this be an alternate world? Or maybe... no, I'm just overthinking my situation. I don't actually know anything concrete at this moment.
I went back to the main menu and tried other options.
[Erorr]
[Please wait till synchroniztion is complete]
[Synchronizing of souls is at 17%...18%]
That was a bust, but maybe I could gather more information once it's completed. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
"Master Bennett, are you alright in there? Do you need assistance?" asked a concerned August.
I winced internally.
Of course, being part of the royal family meant someone was monitoring me twenty-four seven. And since this is an anime-like world, there are bound to be people spying on me—both allies and enemies—whom I can't see.
Given everything I know about the 'Iron Bloods,' that's even more likely.
"I'm just about finished, August! I'll be coming out now!" I called out to him through the door. Alright, 'Bennett,' you're going to bullshit your way through this and have a complete meltdown later. I opened the door and smiled politely at the patiently waiting August.
"Sorry for the wait, August. It was nothing more than an upset stomach. That's all," I apologized.
August quietly observed me for a few painful seconds before nodding his head in satisfaction.
"Let's return to our seats. We should be arriving in Leeves momentarily. I believe Master Rean will be escorting us around campus." August informs me.
I know that name, Rean Schwarzer, he was the main character of the game. I believe he's the main character of the third game, too, if I'm not mistaken. But why would he be showing me around campus? Unless…Rean did seem older in the trailer. Could this be the passing of the torch from the former main character to the new main character?
There are too many similarities between me and Rean. I have dark hair and a mysterious power, and so does Rean. I don't look that much like the royal family. Adopted like Rean? Wait! Can royal families even adopt? Never mind that! I don't wanna be a main character of the anime world. Suffering is definitely going to be involved.
"I think it's a bit much to have the Ashen Chevalier show me around campus. I don't want the other students resenting me just because of who I am," I complained to August.
August's eyes widened at that.
Shit, did I mess up just now?
"Hmm, what is it, August?" I asked casually, but on the inside, I was panicking.
August cleared his throat. "Apology, your highness, I just never realized you felt that way. You're one who usually keeps what you're feeling to your chest. That's why it caught me by surprise. But you must know, given your status, it would be rude of the branch campus to send anyone else." August inform me.
The Branch campus…
My mind raced at this new information, and it gave me further insight into how I was supposed to act. I could use that.
"Exactly. This is supposed to be my new start at the branch campus. Even if it is selfish of me, I wanted to be simply 'Bennett' here. How else am I going to make friends besides my own siblings?" I tell August.
I must have said something right because he looked at me with emotion.
"Your highness…I'm sure if we requested it of Master Rean, he wouldn't mind a bit of discretion given this unique situation," August tells me positively.
I gave August a small smile and a nod of approval.
"That's all I'm asking for August," I tell him.
That and the fact that it would give me more time to get my act together. I opened the main menu to check my progress again.
[Synchronizing of souls is at 23%...24%]
I sighed internally.
Now arriving at…Levees Station. Levees Station.
The voice announced over the intercom.
I looked out the window and was amazed at how old-fashioned the station appeared. The technology in this world is quite strange. How is it possible to have giant mechs while only just now inventing things like cars and motorbikes? A normal person might assume this era is set somewhere in the early 1900s, but since this is an anime world, normal logic doesn't apply here.
"This is our stop, young master. Let me gather our things," August said.
We exited the train along with the other passengers and waited at the front entrance for Rean. Part of me felt a bit excited to meet him; it's like encountering your first C-list celebrity for the very first time. Don't get me wrong, Rean is one of my favorite characters, but he's on the lower end of the tier list.
I wonder who Rean ends up with. It would be quite fun to tease him about it. It's likely either Laura or Alisa. If you ship him with Fie, Sara, or, God forbid, Elise, then I really can't trust your taste in women. Personally, I'm rooting for Laura; I'm a sucker for the underdog.
As I was stuck in my internal debate, I finally noticed a tall, dark-haired man in a long white jacket stroll up to us.
This is…
"You sure know how to keep someone waiting…Rean Schwarzer." I say impatiently, giving the older man a pointed look.
I really did a whole anime introduction. I love it, but I would die of embarrassment if I did this at school.
Rean offered a nervous chuckle. "I appreciate your patience, Your Highness. I am still becoming acquainted with the lay of the land."
I sighed in frustration. "Since I don't want to keep repeating myself, I'm only going to say this once, Rean Schwarzer, so listen closely. I'm just 'Bennett' here, and you're simply my instructor. I came to the branch campus to escape my past and start anew. I'm not my brother Cedric, and I don't want special treatment. So please treat me as you would any other student." I said to Rean pointedly.
Rean sent a questioning look towards August, who nodded in agreement to what I said.
Rean gave me a knowing smile. "Apologies. You sure have grown, yo–Bennett. The old you would have been lecturing me on 'decorum' and giving you the proper respect."
I blushed. Seriously, Rean, why did you have to bring that up? Am I being bullied by the former main character? Can't he read the room? I'm trying to create a new image here. Rean's lack of awareness is off the charts.
A cough was heard as I turned around to see my aide, August, give me a pointed look. "Young Master, you're going to be late for your first day of class. First impressions are very important, as you like saying. You and Master Rean can reminisce about the past at a more appropriate time. I, however, shall go prepare your room in the meantime." August lectures me.
Damn, now I know how Bruce Wayne feels when he's getting sass by Alfred.
Rean shakes his head. "There no need to call me Master, Au-"
August stares blankly at Rean.
"Uh... call me whatever you want, August." Finish Rean lamely.
August smiled at him. "If that's what you would like, Master Rean."
Why does it feel like I am witnessing a crime scene?
Rean starts to lead us to the academy. "In any case, how about I give you a tour later tonight? This is your first time in Leeves, isn't it?"
I nodded. "I'd appreciate that very much, Instructor Rean." As we made our way to the main building, I absorbed the lively atmosphere around me. The town square buzzed with energy. Kids happily chased each other while their mothers watched and gossiped with each other.
In the shade of a grand, stone fountain, women dressed in elegant, vintage gowns shared delighted whispers, and giggled as they watch us walk by. I prayed that Rean was their source of their amusement and not me. I have enough on my plate.
I spotted the Septian church in the left corner of the square, and is that an inn? Barneys? I can imagine that's where the staff would go to unwind after a long day. But what's even more surprising is how lively everyone is. This feels real, doesn't it?
I tucked my hands into my pockets, trying to manage my nerves. "Stay cool and confident," I remind myself. If Rean and August seem to pick up on my unease, they choose not to say anything.
I gathered myself and followed Rean towards the path to the school.
We arrived at the branch campus, an impressive structure that stands out with its striking grey stone and notable Art Deco features, it screamed "modern" and "edgy". Wow, this is basically like the X-mansion from the X-Men's comics; next thing you know, we'll have a secret airship under the basketball court and a Danger Room in the basement.
August stops suddenly. "I'm afraid this is where we part ways, your highness. I have to set up your room and also do a Perimeter check and see if security is up to par. Then I have to set up in the servant quarters."
Set up…I guess August is staying here. I wonder what our relationship could be? My money is on Butler/bodyguard. But I don't remember hearing about him in the game. It's possible that August is a new character altogether for the Trials of Cold Steel III.
"You're not coming with me to the school?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
"Like I said it would be best if I scout the parameter while you're away and get acquainted with the staff here. I'll leave the rest to you, Master Rean." Said August. August bowed his head at us and began making his way to the dorms.
Is it bad I'm glad he's staying with me and not returning to the capital? Part of me doesn't want to say goodbye to the only person I know in this world. I'll have to ask his thoughts on the security here and what he thinks of the branch campus later.
"What class did they put me in, Instructor Rean?" I asked curiously.
Rean stared at me in surprise.
"You mean you weren't informed?" Rean asked.
I shook my head no.
"Er…You've been placed in my class, Class VII," Rean informed me.
I stared at him, dumbfounded.
Not because I'm in Class VII; I kinda suspected that. But because Rean is now an instructor for a class he was previously in. I figured he would be a mentor-type character, but this is ridiculous. He's basically in his new game plus.
"Hmm, did I say something interesting?" Asked Rean curiously.
"Not really. I would have suspected this was Olivert's handiwork, only…" I trailed off as I narrowed my eyes. Memories of my suppose brother came to the forefront of my mind.
"This doesn't sound like his handy work at all," I concluded.
"In any case, we're here," said Rean.
We made it just outside of Class VII. To think I would be a part of the new Class VII…I wonder who my new classmates will be.
Rean cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room. "Excuse us," he said, opening the door for us to enter. As I scanned the faces of my new classmates, a sense of surprise washed over me when I recognized three of them.
Wait a minute. I just met these people, so how can I already recognize three of them? One of them is Altina Orion, who goes by the moniker the Black Rabbit. She plays an important role in the second game. Is she a spy posing as a student? If I apply anime logic to this situation, I'd say this is the moment when the expressionless anime girl learns about emotions by being in a school setting and making friends.
But wasn't that Millium's storyline? Wait. Again. That's not important right now.
Jessica Schleiden and Kurt Vander.
Kurt Vander was Cedric's friend and former bodyguard. While Jessica Schleiden was Alfin's former bodyguard. Though how did I know that? This could be the result of the soul synchronizing thing. I have to check my Status Window later when I have privacy.
My last classmate was someone I didn't know—a pink-haired girl. I guess every anime troupe has to have a pink-haired girl these days. I wonder if she has a personality similar to Sakura. Probably, a tsundere is pretty popular for the main girl. She wasn't a noble, so maybe a commoner?
Kurt nearly choked. "Y-Your Highness?!" Kurt quickly stood up to bow to me. The black rabbit and Jessica followed his lead, albeit in a calmer manner. The pink-haired girl stood up in shock. "What? What do you mean, 'Your Highness'? Then this is.."
Rean gives me a worried look, and I let out a sigh. There's no point in hiding it any longer. "I guess I should introduce myself. I am Bennett Reise Arnor, the third son of Emperor Eugent Reise Arnor and a prince of the Erebonia Empire. However, I don't expect any special treatment; I'm here as your peer and a fellow member of Class VII. Just call me 'Bennett.' By the way, it's a pleasant surprise to see you here, Kurt. Jessica. Also, I noticed... Pardon me, but I don't think you introduced yourself last time."
The Black rabbit perked up. "Last time, as in when I attempted to kidnap you? Although you have your own way of framing it, very well. You can simply refer to me as Altina," Altina said in a monotone voice.
Wait, wait, wait! You tried to kidnap me! Alfin wasn't enough for you? Just what the hell happened in the past?
"Right…It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Altina." I said diplomatically.
Kurt and the pink-haired girl gave Altina weird looks while Rean facepalmed. Jessica sighed as if for the hundredth time that day.
"Why does it feel like I heard something I wasn't supposed to..." The pink-haired girl muttered.
"Uh..Altina's socializing can use a lot of work…" Rean muttered to himself, although I can still hear him.
I frowned. "I was trying to be discreet about our unusual meeting last time, but I suppose transparency does build trust. In any case, at least I know I can count on such a reliable classmate in the future." I said, straightfaced.
Especially if I need information on the intelligence agency.
Rean POV:
"Prince Bennett isn't any better... though given his upbringing, that should be expected," Rean thought.
Bennett gives Rean a sharp look.
"Is something the matter, Bennett?" Rean asked nervously.
Bennett narrowed his eyes at Rean. "I get the strangest feeling you're poking fun at me.." Bennett tells him suspiciously.
Rean laughs nervously, "Haha..."
Back to Bennett's POV:
I turn to our final classmate. "Apologies, I don't believe we met…" I trailed off, waiting for her to introduce herself.
The pink-haired girl's eyes hardened. "Juna Crawford." She says, short and clipped.
I nodded. "I see…You're from Crossbell." I concluded. "Anyway, it's nice to meet you, Juna Crawford," I tell her politely.
Juna's eyes widen. "How did you-"
"It was merely a guess. You couldn't have been someone from the empire, you actually looked me straight in the eye. Excluding the present company, no one else would even think of doing that…" I said, matter of fact—that and the fact that it would make it entertaining to have a character from Crossbell. Given what happened at the end of the last game, we'll be there for the plot.
Juna scoffed. "Oh..I see. Because you're the prince, is that it? Unbelievable, so you can't even stand the thought of your own–"
No, that's not it. For some reason, my chest tightened at the thought of her misunderstanding.
"Juna!" Rean says sharply.
Juna blinked back in surprise.
I shake my head at him. "Rean–Instructor Rean, it's okay. She's allowed to feel how she feels. I'm actually pleased. To be treated as just a peer…it's why I'm here in the first place." I reminded him.
Rean appears to disagree but ultimately decides to let it go. Kurt frowns, while Jessica gives me a look of pity. Juna looks around, confused, likely wondering what she's overlooking.
I cleared my throat. "In any case, please take care of me. Now that we've finished introductions, shouldn't we start homeroom, Instructor?"
Rean blushed and scratched the back of his head.
"Right, how about you go take a seat beside Jessica," Rean tells me.
I sat down next to Jessica, who was behind Kurt in the front row. I gave her a nod of acknowledgement and a small smile.
She stares at me, gobsmacked that it wiped the smile from my face. I guess I'm not known for smiling at people. I turn away from her, utterly embarrassed. After that, I kept my head down; I was surprised to learn how normal homeroom was here. It was a bit underwhelming.
Everyone except Rean seemed to try to avoid me, making me wonder if I had developed a bad reputation. As a result, the following few classes were challenging since I had a limited understanding of the world around me. Other games are connected to Trails of Cold Steel, but I've never played them.
Sometime later that day…
Juna strolled through the bustling lunchroom alongside Altina and Jessica, her voice laced with frustration as she vented about a particular prince. "I just can't stand his attitude," she exclaimed, rolling her eyes. "He struts around here like he owns the entire place, expecting everyone to cater to his every whim. It's infuriating!" The noise of laughter and conversation surrounded them, but Juna's annoyance stood out amidst the cheerful chaos.
"Technically, given who his family is, he does indeed 'Own the place,' as you said," Altina tells her drily.
Juna blushed. "You know what I mean, Allie. He says to treat him like normal, but it's like he doesn't know what normal is."
Altina hummed. "First, don't call me Allie. Second, given his upbringing, it's not surprising he doesn't know how to act around people."
Juna frowned. "What do you mean?" Juna asked, genuinely confused.
Altina gives her a look of realization. "Ah, since you're from Crossbell, you might not know that Bennett is a prince who is not well-liked by most Erebonians."
Juna's eyes widened. "Wh-what?"
Altina nodded. "Unlike the debaucherous Prince Olivert or the crown Prince Cedric, Bennett is known as the cursed Prince of the empire. Born with unnatural dark hair, the Erebonian people have always thought he was cursed. Why else would he be so different from his golden-haired siblings? There had also been…rumors."
"What kind of rumors...?" Juna asked softly.
"They say Bennett was born without emotions. As a quiet child, he was so still at birth that doctors initially thought he was dead. Given his appearance and the circumstances of his birth, rumors began to spread that the third prince was possessed by a demon—what other explanation could there be? His behavior only fueled these whispers. With his cold exterior and the frightening rumors, he became a pariah among his peers. His only true friends were his twin siblings, though even that connection didn't last long." Jessica added.
"Even his siblings.?" Juna trailed off.
Altina shakes her head. "Not from anything you're thinking. It's because of the assassination attempts on his life. Certain Erebonian... franatics thought Bennett was a danger to his siblings and…in any case, Prince Bennett would soon have to go into hiding with a few trusted bodyguards for his safety. Most Erebonians don't know what he looks like anymore. That would explain why he's here and not at the main campus. Though I wouldn't be sure unless we asked him directly." Altina finished her thoughts on the matter.
Juna looked down deep in thought. She can't say that what she just learned didn't disturb her. Things weren't as simple as she thought them to be. Juna looked up just as Bennett made his way to the cafeteria with Instructor Rean by his side. Juna guessed the Instructor was showing the prince around. It made sense, given who the Instructor really was and the prince's own status. Juna took a deep breath and made her way over to the prince with steel determination.
Bennet POV:
I leisurely scanned the café while Rean engaged in polite conversation, attempting to put me at ease. Today was more complicated than I had anticipated. My classmates seemed more distant than I had hoped, and even Kurt Vander made himself scarce. Was I really going to spend lunchtime alone? Even worse, just with Instructor Rean for company? I tried to suppress my disappointment and maintain the polite smile I had given Rean for the past few minutes.
Rean paused mid-sentence as he glanced over my shoulder. Curious about what had caught his attention, I turned around and spotted Juna, the girl from Crossbell, striding toward us with determination.
I mentally prepare myself for some kinda tongue latching, it's my people who are occupying Crossbell after all. As second in line for the throne, it's my responsibility to listen to the troubles of my subjects. I stood up straight and opened my mouth to greet her, only for her to cut me off. "Hey! What are you doing just hanging back awkwardly with the Instructor? Didn't you say you wanted a regular school experience?" Demanded Juna. I exchange a confused glance with Rean. What in Aidios' name is she going on about?.
Juna takes my hand and starts dragging me with her. "Come on! You're eating lunch with me, Jessica, and Allie–Oh no, you don't! I see you, Kurt! You're eating lunch with us, too. Jessica, grab him!" And sure enough, I looked over to see Kurt, red-faced, being manhandled by the so-called 'Snow Princess'. He looked as bewildered as I was. I turned to Rean for reassurance, and he gave me a small smile and a nod of approval.
"What? J-J-Jessica!" Kurt stutters in surprise.
I stared curiously at Juna as she dragged me toward an empty table alongside Kurt, Jessica, and Altina. She gave me the cold shoulder almost two hours ago, but now she wants me to eat lunch with them? Wow, she really is a Tsundere.
Juna catches me looking at her after we sit down.
She furrows her eyebrows at me. "What?" Juna asks defensively.
I shake my head at her. "Nothing, although this must be the most polite kidnapping I've ever been in. Excluding your attempt, Black Rabbit." I joked.
"It wasn't for the lack of trying on my part," Altina says dryly.
Kurt and Jessica exchange bewildered glances while Juna shakes her fist at us.
"Would you two knock that off!" Juna exclaims, exasperated.
"I am curious to what you two might be referring to, as Prince Bennett was noticeably absent during the civil war. Alfin had told me you were in a hidden location after your last..." Jessica paused after she realized her slip-up. She flushes and gives me an apologetic look.
After my last what? I feel like I'm forgetting something significant. Bullshit powers…activate!
"It's fine, Jessica? Is it? I'm afraid what we're referring to happened before the war started. There was some scheme or another that eventually led me outside of the empire. It was just me, my aide, and my teacher." I told them.
"But enough about me. I heard an awe-inspiring tale from Alfin about you, Jessica. It seems I owe you thanks for taking care of my sister. That one is quite the handful." I said, impressed.
Jessica sighed for like the hundredth time. "That's an understatement, your high–er–Bennett. I can't say I'm not worried about what havoc she might cause if I'm not there to ring her in. Though she has another impressive companion by her side." Jessica muttered that last part.
"Can I ask you something, your highness?" Kurt asked.
I raised an eyebrow at him. "If it's about why I'm here, I'm afraid that isn't much of a mystery. Olivert suggested I come here, and I was told I might find the answers I seek." I told them. Complete bullshit but what else could I possibily say?
"The answers…you seek?" Asked a confused Juna.
"Never mind that for now. I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to ask questions about Bennett later. Why don't we catch him up on what he missed?" suggested Jessica.
"Oh yeah… you did come a day late after that," Juna said absentmindedly.
"After… what?" I asked, feeling confused.
Juna blushed when she realized what she had just said. "Oh, I just meant the test we took yesterday," she answered vaguely.
"I thought you meant that Amorous moment you had with Kurt—" said Altina before Juna cut her off by putting her hand over Altina's mouth.
Kurt? Juna and Kurt is already a thing? I'm pretty sure Juna is a leading lady in this. And since this world is following anime logic…does that mean Kurt is the new main character? I glance at Jessica, who can definitely be the second love interest. The childhood best friend? Come on now!
"I see... you really have it tough, Kurt. My condolences," I told him with sympathy in my voice.
"I'm afriad you're misunderstanding, your highness." Kurt says dryly.
I'm misunderstanding? Oh so it's Jessica that's in the lead? My bad Kurt, I didn't think you would be so bold in front of poor Juna.
I gave Jessica a thumbs up after making eye contact with her for a few seconds. Honestly, the childhood friend direction is kinda cute.
Jessica raised an eyebrow at me. "I see being delusional is a family trait, just where is that wild imagination taking you?" Jessica asked dryly.
Sheesh, the personalities in here.
"Just for that, I'm going cheer on Juna. You got this Junie, I'm sure Kurt would appreciate a girl that isn't a stick in the mud. Plus Tsunderes are really popular with guys." I say, trying to be encouraging.
"Don't call me Junie—Wait a second! What you called me?" Juna asked, indignant.
"I wouldn't call that cute but Juna is rather unique." Kurt cuts in.
"Unique is it.." Juna growls softly .
I snorted. "We need to work on your wording Kurt, you're never going win her over like that. But I guess you're not wrong with that assessment." I said, humourously.
Jessica facepalmed and Altina let out a "Oh dear".
Juna's eyebrow twitched. "Oh really.." Juna says dangerously.
Juna slams her palms to the table and stands up abruptly. "And to think I was worried…about a jerk like you!" Juna roared at me.
Jerk? Wait, don't me this is the troupe where the Tsundere–
Yup. Juna slaps me into next week.
Juna gives Kurt a look, and he jumps back instantly. She glares at me one last time before stomping away. Jessica sighs and gets up to follow her alongside Altina.
What the hell did I say? Shit I should go apologize to her after she made the effort in including me with the main cast.
I rubbed the side of my face that she slapped. "She's strong as hell, though. Kurt, in the future, don't ever forget your anniversary, you might end up dead." I tell him sagely.
"You don't know what you're talking about, but I appreciate the sentiment all the same, your highness." Says Kurt.
He's not going to drop the "highness" part is he?