The Villain is Too Good at Sniping

33. Classes and Daily Life (5)

“It won’t work.”

Rebecca’s tone was different from usual, with a sense of determination I hadn’t seen before.

“What do you mean?”

“Didn’t you say it yourself? Esperand and Grandeur are closely cooperating.”

“That’s irrelevant right now.”

I remember agreeing to reveal the hidden piece in the Laknia Cave. There’s no way to back out now.

“No. You must have come to see me for a reason. Maybe it’s because of your family’s voice.”

But Rebecca shook her head. It was an unusual sight, as she rarely showed her emotions.

“If you’re representing Esperand, then Grandeur should also show you proper courtesy. That’s the custom and tradition between our two families.”

I was taken aback. I couldn’t think of what to say. Rebecca’s words were unexpected, to say the least.

I thought I just had to receive courtesy from Grandeur and that was it. Esperand didn’t tell me anything more than that.

“If you’ve received something, you should return it. That’s a trade. Our trade may be over, but the relationship between Esperand and Grandeur is still ongoing. So—”

Rebecca von Anastasia Grandeur, the eldest daughter of the Grandeur family, a renowned northern swordsmanship family, and the current student council president.

It was rare to see Rebecca speaking so seriously. She probably wouldn’t even speak like this during student council debates. Most people would just nod in agreement.

“I, as the eldest daughter of Grandeur and the student council president, will grant you the right to use the currently unused 7th floor of the guest house.”

I was taken aback by Rebecca’s words. But I kept a straight face and looked at her calmly.

“You mean the 7th floor of this guest house that I’m renting? The rental agreement is until I graduate from Arsene, and only a few people are staying there now. It’s an unused space.”

So, if I understand correctly…

“Are you offering to lend me the floor you’re using, Rebecca-nim?”

“That’s right. If I don’t do this, my position will become awkward.”

I wondered if she had any other intentions, but Rebecca’s expression remained determined, as if it was a matter of course.

Rebecca was asking me to acknowledge her position. It wasn’t just a casual remark.

According to Rebecca, if I represented Esperand, then Grandeur should also show me proper courtesy.

But I had already cleanly rejected Rebecca’s offer before she even spoke. I had handed her the hidden piece and unilaterally declared the end of our trade.

If we examine it closely, it’s true that I owe a debt to Grandeur. As Rebecca said, if there’s a problem in Grandeur, it’s only natural to make an issue out of it.

…Why did I send Espère back empty-handed?

As the eldest daughter, Rebecca stands at the center of Grandeur, whether she intends to or not. From above, they try to suppress her, and from below, they try to usurp her position.

That’s why Rebecca came to Arsene. She sought Arsene to break free from all the shackles that bind her, and she became the student council president.

However, despite her efforts, Rebecca couldn’t escape the fate that binds her to her family. She’s trapped, and her path is one of self-destruction.

The first trial that Kael must overcome is Rebecca’s role. Her fate, which couldn’t be changed even after 18 attempts, was predetermined.

Thinking about it, I couldn’t refuse. On the contrary, it might be a good stimulus to push her favor beyond what’s necessary.

“Will you accept my proposal?”

“If you put it that way, I have no choice but to accept.”

But not as Sion Illionheart, but as Sion Espère.

I accepted Rebecca’s proposal.

“You can use the 7th floor of the Guest House as your residence.”

“Did you mention it beforehand?”

“I’m the eldest daughter of Grandeur. I don’t spread unsubstantiated information carelessly.”

Rebecca added a remark, as if she had forgotten something.

“However, please refrain from entering the room I used.”

Well, that’s not a big deal. As the landlord, she’s setting rules, and as a tenant, I should follow them.

“Lastly, let me add that this is an investment from me, Rebecca, to you.”

“An investment from Sion Espère, not Sion Illionheart?”

“Yes. This matter is only between Rebecca and Sion.”

I felt a sudden sense of discomfort, and my spine tingled. It was the first time Rebecca had called me by my name.

Rebecca, who had been standing still, looked at my luggage scattered on the floor.

“It seems you haven’t unpacked yet.”

“I just arrived.”

“It’s truly fortunate.”

Leaving those brief words, Rebecca turned around and left. There was no farewell, and we parted ways without emotions, having only discussed official business.

After Rebecca disappeared, I sat back down on the sofa. The soft leather seat was inferior to the high-quality furniture in Rebecca’s 7th-floor suite.

I turned my head to look out the window.

Originally, I should have seen the night view of Arsene beyond the glass window, with the Ariana Highway running through it.

Even in the original story, the guest room of the Guest House boasted a magnificent view, but from down here, all I could see was the forest hidden behind the trees.

But this is the top floor, the 7th floor.

The view from up there would be different from this place.

“A true bourgeois is a bourgeois no matter where they are placed…”

While Espère’s wealth is considerable, Grandeur’s wealth far surpasses it.

Unlike Espère, who operates in the shadows, Grandeur operates openly and proudly in the spotlight. It’s absurd to put them on the same level from the start.

The two families are like opposing poles, with complex interests intertwined like the saying “extremes meet.”

Rebecca must have thought that I might feel burdened in some way, so she blocked my advance notice. Well, I appreciate her consideration.

Also, Rebecca told me not to enter her room, but I already know what she’s hiding.

I saw it in the setting collection, and I explored the Guest House several times in the original story. So, in reality, it’s a meaningless warning.

“The end of Act 1.”

In the original story, after the first act is over, you can visit the guest house. At this time, you’ll have the opportunity to investigate Rebecca’s room.

Arsene couldn’t dispose of Rebecca’s room because he was worried about the Grande Duke’s attention, and the player is given a temporary reprieve to explore Rebecca’s room during that brief moment.

The items found in Rebecca’s room are research materials related to the demon tribe that must not be revealed to the outside world. They are also connected to the final boss.

Anyway, the first act has already begun. Rebecca’s condition will gradually worsen, and she’ll soon be at odds with Kyle.

However, unlike in the original story where Rebecca was just a target to be defeated, this time she might have a different ending. She had already changed since she accepted my gift.

My [intuition] is telling me so.

“What’s going on…?”

Until now, my [intuition] had only been leaning towards the bad side, but this time it’s shining in a positive direction.

***

Arsene’s student council building. The underground training room.

It’s late at night, and only the minimum lighting is on, with faint sounds echoing in the background.

I carefully went down the stairs, my right hand injured, unable to engage in intense exercise, and simply couldn’t sleep, so I came to take a look around.

Unlike Esperando’s training facility, Arsene’s training room is always open. Anyone can use the facility whenever they want.

Of course, condition control and routine are things that students need to take care of themselves, but Arsene is an organization that invests heavily in its students’ development, so it’s very generous in this aspect.

If necessary, you can even request a personal coach. There’s no additional cost.

If you request one, a coach will be assigned to you one-on-one, taking care of everything from diet control to curriculum planning. For someone who’s used to going to the gym, this is a paradise.

I hadn’t walked far from the lobby when I reached the source of the sound. A familiar, fiery red-haired female student was wielding a sword.

I watched Iri, who was training, for a moment.

Iri De Sugamond, standing alone in the empty space, her sword at the ready, her eyes tightly closed.

…!

Then, Iri suddenly opened her eyes. She swung her sword horizontally, and a silver hologram rushing towards her was shattered.

Next, human-shaped holograms appeared. At first glance, they looked like standing shadows, each holding their own weapons and charging towards Iri.

It’s a magic simulator, similar to the one I saw at Esperando. It’s probably a bit too difficult for Iri to handle at her current level.

However, Iri stood tall, her sword flashing as she confronted the enemies rushing towards her from all directions, although her stance was still a bit immature.

But even if she’s immature, Iri is a swordsman.

Swish—! Bang!

Her sword pierced through the hologram, scattering light particles everywhere. However, Iri didn’t notice the last enemy sneaking up behind her.

I gripped my Glock with my left hand and pulled the trigger towards the last enemy.

Bang!

“Ah?!”

Iri was startled by the sudden gunshot, but soon regained her composure, her shoulders relaxing.

I habitually spun my Glock and tried to put it back in its holster, but instead, I just gripped it again. The holster was on my right side.

“What level were you on?”

“I was… on level 3.”

“I thought first-years were only supposed to do up to level 2.”

“Ah, haha, ah…”

The red light on the ceiling was still on. The stage wasn’t over yet. I pressed the button to end the mock battle, taking the place of Iri, who was still stunned.

“…Um, where did you start watching from?”

“From when I closed my eyes and got into position.”

“Ah, that’s…!”

Airi spread her arms wide, her eyes darting back and forth like a middle school student who had been caught doing something wrong. There must be a reason why she chose this time to come to the training room.

The stance Airi had taken earlier was the Sugarmond family’s secret sword technique, a task that only she could complete.

“What’s going on? I thought you were going to rest.”

“I just happened to pass by and thought I’d drop in.”

“You don’t need to train anymore, do you, Shion?”

Suddenly, a burst of laughter erupted. It was a ridiculous story.

“If that were true, I wouldn’t be injured like this. In fact, you’re more amazing than me.”

“Huh?”

“Look at this.”

I held up my right hand, which was in a cast.

Even though we had gone through the same hardships, Airi was unscathed, whereas I was battered and bruised. That was because I had received training from Esperand, which had allowed me to reach this level. Thinking about the road ahead, I couldn’t afford to slack off.

Before and after training, Shion’s abilities were stuck at a level that was only suitable for extras. She could grow, but her abilities were a few steps behind those of the main characters.

If Shion were strong, she would have been mentioned in the setting or would have appeared as the main villain.

“I think I’m just not talented…”

Airi smiled awkwardly, scratching her cheek.

It was half-true. To correct Airi’s statement, she wasn’t untalented; she just hadn’t blossomed yet.

But on the other hand, Airi had reached this level despite being untalented. That was impressive.

“Being able to put in effort is a talent in itself. Not everyone can work hard in the same way.”

“Huh?”

“Let me tell you… just for a moment.”

If there was a story to be told in this situation, it would be about my time at Esperand.

“Before I came here, I trained at a place where the training process was extremely harsh. Many people had talent but lacked the effort to hone it, and most of them dropped out.”

“Did you train too, Shion?”

“I did.”

Airi didn’t know, but I had worked hard to survive.

“There are people who are born with talent and those who cultivate it. It’s different for everyone, so it’s hard to say what’s right. In my case, it’s more like I honed my talent.”

However, based on what I had seen…

Thinking about the big data from my time at Esperand…

The ones who survived until the end were not those who were born with talent, but those who cultivated it.

“So don’t worry too much, and just keep doing what you’re doing.”

There are all sorts of talents in this world.

There are people like Kael who have both talent and effort, and they can do anything. It’s like a sparrow trying to follow a swan – it’s just a waste of effort.

Of course, this doesn’t take into account the difference in levels.

Since we’re different beings from the start, each person has their own way. So don’t worry too much, and just do things your way…

That’s what I wanted to say.

I’m not sure if my message got through, but…

Anyway, Airi definitely doesn’t have talent. At least, not yet.

However, in the near future, Airi will awaken to her talent. And it’s a unique talent of the same grade as mine.

Right now, we’re in a situation where we’re struggling together, but Airi will eventually surpass her sister, who attends Yoahim, and become the master of the Sugarmond family’s secret sword technique. Airi’s hidden efforts will finally be rewarded.

Airi’s face was deep in thought, as if savoring my words, and then she suddenly lifted her head. Her eyes, filled with admiration, sparkled brightly.

“So, does that mean Si-on doesn’t have talent like me?”

“No, I do.”

“What?! This is totally a scam—”

As drowsiness began to overwhelm me, I turned to leave.

“What’s going on, anyway? I’m leaving now.”

“Wait, what’s going on up until now? Wait a minute! Where are you going?!”

“Try to understand, okay? You’re smart, after all.”

“It’s too late to compliment me now! I’m—!”

I could hear Airi’s protests behind me, but I ignored them and quietly closed the door to the training room. The vibration from my watch followed shortly after.

[Arsen A.C: You have successfully completed the Peltoos mission!]

[Arsen A.C: You have earned 0.2 special service points (current accumulated points: 0.2 points)]

I didn’t intend to, but I ended up successfully completing the Manito mission.

…Well, it’s not bad to have a high score. Even if it’s just a decimal point, it’s better than accumulating demerits.

I should get some rest for tomorrow, anyway. Today’s lesson was basically an orientation, and starting tomorrow, we’ll be diving into Chapter 2 in earnest.

Time remaining until the event – 09:14:59