Breakthrough with the Forbidden Master Chapter 9 – Jumping to Conclusions

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The bell rang, signaling the end of today's classes, and it was time to head home.

『Oi, Child. Going home? Then, show me a bit more around the Imperial Capital today.』
「Yeah, yeah…」

Well, even though I said I was going home, I would actually be taking a detour at the request of the Great Demon King.
It didn't really bother me much to deviate a little, so I didn't refuse.
But…… Before that……

「But I can't go home! It's because of you that I ended up with extra lessons!」
『…… I am not at fault…』
「It's your fault!」

Yes, in the end, it was because of the Great Demon King that I got scolded by the instructor, and ended up facing the absurdity of having to stay after school for supplementary lessons.
Actually, if I had thought calmly, I probably would have been able to answer the question posed by the instructor correctly... Damn...

"……Hey……Earth."
"Hm?"

It was then.
Standing before me, as if looking down on me with cold eyes, was the Princess.

"……Um…… Princess… or rather, Phianse…… Do you need something?"

I asked the Princess who suddenly stood before me, while recalling that addressing her as 'Princess' or using honorifics would be no good.
No, it really was sudden, isn’t it? I wondered…

"Ah~… Earth. It seems you were giving me quite a heated stare earlier…"
"Hm? Ah…"
"I assumed you had something to say to me, so I came here personally."

During class just now… no, I just happened to glance at her while being caught in the flow of the conversation with the Great Demon King, it’s not like I was gazing passionately at her…

"No, no, it’s nothing, really. Well then, I’ll be going…"

Anyway, let’s hurry up and leave before she starts complaining. With that in mind, I tried to slip past Phianse –––

“D, don’t hold back! No, whatever it is, I understand! You have something to say. That’s why I’ll listen to you!”
“Huh, eh, hold on, Princess!?”
“Heeey, don’t call me 'Princess' at a time like this!”

I couldn’t slip past her.
No, seriously… Ha? She firmly grabbed both of my shoulders as I tried to escape, and the usually composed Princess came closer to me eagerly.
Eh? Did I do something?

"L-Look, it's about time for you to be decisive and, um, confess this and that to me …"
"N, no, it’s nothing, really, there’s nothing in particular…"
"Heeey, don’t be shy! No, are you? Is it because it’s in front of everyone in the classroom? I’m sorry for not considering that! Should we go somewhere else? Is behind the school building, okay? A- lright, if we’re going then let’s go! I'll graciously accept it!"

W-What is it? Behind the school building? Is it a fight? A duel? Wait, why am I being seriously challenged by the Princess when I’ve been consistently losing to her in mock battles?

"W-What’s the matter? Is it that difficult to say? Are you, p-perhaps, thinking about our difference in status or something trivial like that? Then, you don’t have to worry. First of all, your family has a sufficient social standing, and my father is close friends with your parents. In fact, they have even discussed matters regarding the future each other’s children. In other words, there are no problems or obstacles in that regard. It’s all up to us!”

Damn, I have no idea what's going on.
No, really… Without worrying about social status and such…Is she really suggesting that we should fight seriously?
Even in our regular mock battles, regardless of social status or the fact that the Princess is a girl, I always fight with all my might and still lose... Does this person not realize that?

"Hey hey, what do you mean?"
"Could it be that finally… Kyaaa!"
"Oi oi, are you serious?"
"What will happen? Eh? If things continue like this..."
"Oh damn, awesome! Are we casually witnessing a historic moment that may determine the future of our country?"

And so, the Princess, who was unusually excited, naturally became the center of attention in the classroom. The atmosphere around us became filled with curiosity as our exchange was observed with amusement by those around us.

"No, um, I have to go to the instructor's office now… for my supplementary lessons…"
"Guh, you coward! Are you…… A-are you that afraid of me? With that attitude, you'll never defeat me, no matter how much time passes!"

Mind your own business, it’s not my fault that you’re a child prodigy.

"Listen, Earth. This time… in the Imperial match… the event to determine the strongest young warrior…… There's no doubt that both you and I will be selected."
"Y-yes…"
"And in my plan… the, the finals should be down to you and me, t-then, at that point, I intend to declare various future plans to everyone. But if you continue to be so timid, you won’t even make it to the finals!"

What? This Princess, is she saying that she wants to beat me up in public and declare her victory? What a great personality you have.

"Even if you say that… I haven’t been selected yet..."
"No, there's no doubt that both you and I will be selected. In fact, the public would definitely want to witness the 'Battle of the Children of the Seven Heroes'."
"Well, that might be true…"

Yes, although I did mention that I haven't been selected yet, considering my track record so far, there shouldn't be any problem.
Also, there seems to be a trend in society where people want to see the event of the 'Battle of the Children of the Seven Heroes', as the Princess mentioned. So, without a doubt, both the Princess and I will be selected.
After all, we have the top two rankings.
But honestly, I'm not really enthusiastic about it. In the first place, I've been losing to the Princess every time.

"Ah~ forget it! Seriously, you're such a coward… Make sure you step up when the selection comes, alright?"
"Well, Princess…"
"Anyway! If you have something to say, you should say it first! Well, I initially thought of saying it to you since you seem hesitant, but I also want to hear it myself... I've heard that it's something men should say first. So, the main point is, give it your all! That’s all!"

And with that, without paying any attention to my response or reaction, the Princess stormed out of the classroom with an indignant huff.
Such was the exchange between the Princess and me...

""""*sigh*~…… oh dear……""""

And, my classmates sighed in disappointment, and…

『I see…』

Beside me, the Great Demon King crossed his arms and...

『The Princess, whom I deemed a prodigy, has revealed herself to be surprisingly clumsy... And you, whom I thought to be a genius, are nothing but an airhead.』

「Wh-what do you mean!?」

『Furthermore, with regards to you... Your insensitivity has reached a level where one could argue that there lies a defect in your very existence. It goes beyond mere concern and becomes downright unpleasant… It truly enrages me to the core.』

「Haah!?」

『Or rather, if you are unable to comprehend something as basic as that, how can you claim to understand anything about the human heart?』

For some reason, I found myself being scolded and heavily ridiculed.

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