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Rumor

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The day after the relationship between Sonia and I had slightly changed. Unfortunately, it didn’t snow, but I woke up earlier than usual. I wrapped a scarf around my neck to keep warm and walked confidently into the classroom. To be honest, I was a little excited.

I opened the door, thinking that Saxon would probably be there, and sure enough, I saw Saxon and Roy-kun sitting close together, talking with serious expressions on their faces. When the two noticed the sound of the door opening, they looked over, and Saxon said, “What is it, Lux?” in a gruff tone, while Roy-kun waved me over, saying, “Just the person we needed”.

I approached the desk where the two were sitting in response to Roy-kun’s invitation, and Saxon immediately asked without any preamble.

“Just how much have you heard from Maria?” (Saxon)

From Maria? …Oh, could it be about that?

“Is it about the ceasefire…” (Lux)

Before I could finish, Saxon grabbed me by the collar.

“Hey. Lower your voice. That’s still information only known to the nobility.” (Saxon)

Ah, right. It’s bad if anyone else overhears this.

“Sorry, sorry, I’ll lower my voice.” (Lux)

When I apologized, Saxon released me with a grunt.

“Hmph.” (Saxon)

“…So, how much have you heard?” (Roy)

“I heard that, right after the new year, there will be an engagement announcement for the princess of Lemnos, along with a ceasefire agreement between the two countries. That’s about it. However, I heard this from Maria a while ago, so the Bell Household might have more detailed information by now.” (Lux)

Roy-kun looked satisfied with my words.

“The information is almost the same. But I got some new information today. That’s what I was discussing with Saxon.” (Roy)

“New information? From your side?” (Lux)

I was a bit surprised, since compared to Saxon’s family, Roy-kun’s family is smaller in scale. If any information were to come in, I’d expect it to come from Saxon’s side. It seemed Roy-kun read my thoughts, as he gave a wry smile.

“Remember I told you before that my family serves in the court? Well, we’ve been called in to help with the ceasefire negotiations.” (Roy)

“Oh, I see. Was it okay for me to hear that?” (Lux)

“Yeah, it’s fine. You’d probably hear it from Maria sooner or later anyway. I just wanted to align our information when there’s no one else around. And also…” (Roy)

“And also?” (Lux)

After a brief pause, Roy-kun continued.

“The place where the ceasefire talks are going to happen, guess where it is?” (Roy)

“Where? Isn’t it one of the royal palaces?” (Lux)

At my answer, Saxon looked at me as if I were an idiot.

“You idiot. If you suggest a place like that, the other side will just suggest their own royal palace, and the talks won’t even happen.” (Saxon)

“Now that you mention it, I suppose that’s true… Then, is it somewhere near the frontlines, along the border?” (Lux)

“Yeah, that idea isn’t bad. If it weren’t winter, it would be the right answer.” (Roy)

At Roy-kun’s words, I tilted my head in confusion. After thinking for a moment, I murmured, “Could it be…?” (Lux)

“Could it be… here, at this school?” (Lux)

“Correct. It seems the Oran Knight Military Academy is the most likely location.” (Roy)

So, this is what it means. As Saxon said, holding talks in the capitals of both countries would be problematic. A meeting near the frontlines would be a reasonable compromise, but it’s winter now. Although it only snowed yesterday in Rodon, there’s already heavy snowfall in the northern areas, making the location unsuitable.

Naturally, the territory of Solar, which lies north of the frontlines, is also the same. I personally didn’t think it would matter where the talks were held, but it seems that both sides wanted to avoid the possibility of getting stuck in the snow if something happened. Also, they’d prefer a place that, while suitable, wouldn’t seem too out of place to the public.

“I don’t quite understand the part about ‘not out of place,’ though?” (Lux)

At my question, Roy-kun answered.

“Well, it’s not so much about it being out of place, but more about making sure it ‘won’t be out of place.’ Apparently, alongside the announcement and ceasefire declaration after the new year, there’s a plan to hold a ‘school competition’.” (Roy)

“A school competition…?” (Lux)

“Yeah. It’s going to be a mock battle between the representative teams of our Oran Knight Military Academy and the military academy from Solar.” (Roy)

“What does that have to do with the ceasefire agreement?” (Lux)

“Well, first of all, it’ll serve to relieve some of the pressure from the anti-ceasefire factions in both countries. Even though we’re students, the fact that the representatives from each side are fighting will draw attention. It’ll at least be good as entertainment for the people. Secondly, it’ll provide an opportunity for the key players in the ceasefire negotiations to make secret arrangements under the pretext of accompanying the students.” (Roy)

“…So, that’s why the schedule for the later competition was moved up.” (Lux)

“That’s right. The teachers must have known about the school competition already.” (Lux)

Saxon continued with the explanation.

“Of course, all this is just a prediction from me and Roy. But the school competition seems to be a certainty. Anyway, Lux, I’ve got something to ask you.” (Saxon)

“Something to ask me?” (Lux)

“You… no, it’s more like ‘you all,’ huh? You all must know something about the ceasefire, don’t you?” (Saxon)

Saxon asked bluntly. Whether or not we knew anything, we might very well be one of the people involved. However, I wasn’t sure if I should say that right now.

So, I tried to act natural and asked.

“Why do you think that?” (Lux)

“It’s about when you suddenly asked us what we’d do if the war ended when we were having tea with Gellar. At the time, I thought you were just being weird… But now, not long after, here we are with this news. The timing is too perfect.” (Saxon)

It was because of my careless remark that Saxon and Roy had started to wonder.

After some hesitation, I replied.

“…Sorry. I can’t say anything right now… But I promise, once the ceasefire happens, I’ll explain everything. For now, though, I’d prefer if we pretended this conversation didn’t happen. I know it’s selfish, but can you do that?” (Lux)

I could have just completely avoided the issue, but I knew that Saxon and Roy-kun weren’t fools. Sooner or later, they’d find out. I thought it would be better to tell them the truth about the situation for now.

I thought they might press me further, but to my surprise, Saxon gave up without a fight.

“…Tsk. Well, if there’s a situation, I won’t ask right now. But once you’ve promised, you’d better tell us eventually.” (Saxon)

It wasn’t just me who was surprised by Saxon’s words.

“Saxon, are you sure? I thought you’d be the one to say ‘tell us now,’ but…” (Roy)

Saxon sighed and then replied, with an exasperated look.

“Do you guys really think I’m that much of a fool?” (Saxon)

When I replied, “I think you’re a reliable classmate,” Saxon just clicked his tongue and turned away.

 

—

 

*Today’s Diary*

 

After hearing Saxon and Roy-kun’s conversation this morning, something clicked in my mind. It was about Linkert-san’s encouragement before the later competition. I think Linkert-san must have known about the school competition.

If that’s the case, then it probably meant that if I advanced, I would be chosen for the team. But what’s the purpose of being chosen as a representative? What does it lead to?

At the very least, it would bring honor, and military officials would likely value it. Perhaps Linkert-san’s words were meant with that in mind. Well, there’s no point in thinking about it too much now. After all, I don’t even know if I’ll be chosen.

Also, what exactly is the school competition? Just a mock battle? How many people will participate?

There are too many unknowns. I’m getting tired of thinking about it, so I’ll stop here for today.

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