I Became the Academy’s Weakest Strategist

“Wait, Lord Rommel!”

Hurried footsteps quickly approached from behind as the lady called out to me. However, I maintained my brisk pace, heading straight for the library exit without turning back.

“Please wait a moment!”

Ignoring her repeated pleas, I soon arrived at the door and grabbed the handle. Just as I was about to twist it open—

“That sword skill from before, where did you learn it?”

I instinctively froze at those unexpected words.

Sword skill? When had I displayed any sword skills before her?

“Pardon?”

Turning around slowly, I faced the lady who had managed to catch up. She stood there panting slightly, cheeks flushed from her hurried steps.

“That time in the cafeteria courtyard, when that boorish student grabbed you. You twisted his arm in an instant and disarmed him with a single fluid motion.”

The cafeteria courtyard… she was referring to the incident with Hans.

So she had witnessed that scuffle? Just who was this lady?

“Your techniques showed brief glimpses of refined swordsmanship. Yet according to the information I obtained, you are in the failed class, with no particular talents.”

The lady smiled mischievously as she spoke those words while catching her breath.

“Unless the information was falsified from the very start?”

I stayed silent, observing the lady before me with utmost caution. Her earlier cordial air had transformed into a sharper, more piercing demeanor.

“Oh? No refutation? Then the rumors were true – you have simply been hiding your true abilities all this time.”

Her smile deepened as she took a step towards me.

“Tell me, what are your reasons for concealing your skills? And why did you refuse to become my tutor just now?”

Unconsciously, I took a step back in response. This lady was perceptive and extremely cunning. Revealing anything further could prove gravely unwise.

Our tense standoff continued for a brief moment. Then, her brow furrowed slightly.

“Wait, you’re not thinking that I…”

She sighed softly and shook her head. Her aloof, probing air dissolved, and she looked at me with an earnest gaze.

“I apologize for alarming you. I am not your enemy, nor do I wish you any harm. Truthfully, I had simply hoped to learn from you.”

Reaching up, she undid the ribbon holding her hair, allowing her golden tresses to flow freely.

“Rommel, the reason I call you ‘Lord’ is not to mock, but out of respect for your evident skills. I ask that you open your heart and share your knowledge with me.”

Saying so, she extended her right hand towards me.

“My name is Riri Edenburgar, though that was likely falsified information as well. I am sixth in line to the Edenburgar Duchy. Please, call me Riri.”

For a moment, I could not find the words to respond, simply staring at the outstretched hand before me.

Call her Riri? And expose my own name and identity to this lady?

My mind raced, considering every possible risk and threat she could pose. However—

At that instant, looking into her clear blue eyes, I sensed no ulterior motives or ill intentions directed at me.

This lady… no, Riri seemed to genuinely desire nothing more than the chance to learn from me.

Slowly, almost unconsciously, I reached out and grasped her offered hand.

“Griff… Griff Rommel.”

A slight smile graced Riri’s lips as we shook hands, the tension between us dissipating.

“Well then, Lord Griff, might I impose upon you to be my guide in the path of the sword?”

I opened my mouth to refuse, but found myself unable to articulate the words.

Those bright, shining eyes…

How could I turn them away?

“…Very well. I shall do my utmost to live up to your expectations, Lady Riri.”

With a delighted smile, Riri nodded happily.

Just then, the chime signaling the end of the free study period rang out across the library.

“Ah, it seems our time is up for today. I have lessons next, but I shall seek you out again soon for our first lesson, Lord Griff.”

Giving a slight curtsy, Riri brushed past me and exited the library, her golden hair trailing behind.

As I watched her departure, a small sigh escaped my lips.

What had I just agreed to?

This library encounter had quickly spiraled in an unanticipated direction. Yet as unsettling as that felt, a part of me seemed to welcome this new development with honest curiosity.

Just what awaited me by becoming the tutor of a noble lady like Riri?

Unbidden, the words I had so emphatically spoken to Rose echoed in my mind:

“Dreaming the impossible dream. To run where the brave dare not go…”

A wry smile formed on my lips.

It seemed those words were about to bear unexpected fruit for me as well.

Shaking my head ruefully, I too exited the library, the beginnings of a new adventure already unfolding.