The Failed Swordsman Who Became the Strongest After Spamming the 100 Million Years Button-Novel

206. Entrance Exam and Valentines Day [3]

Tenshi-sama said something that was too staggering.

(The reverse card that turns everything upside down… is me?)

And, even if she calls me a『singularity』and whatnot, I am troubled as to how to respond.

「S-Sorry, but I don’t quite understand what you’re saying…」

「I didn’t think it was true, but… You don’t seem to be self-aware of it.」

She widened her eyes as if she was astonished for a moment, and then slowly began to explain.

「『People』gather around Allen-sama day by day.」

「People…?」

「Yes.『Black and White Princess』Ria Vesteria, the next king of Vesteria. Rose Valencia, the legitimate successor of Sakura Blossom One-Sword Style which was once hailed as the strongest in the world.『Bloody Fox』Rize Dorahain, the boss of『Fox Financial』.『Joker』Clown Jester, who refused the seat of Seven Holy Swords. Rain Glad, one of the Thirteen Knights of the Oracle. World-renowned swordsmen are attracted by your personality, future prospects, and mysterious charm, and are coming together into the『Allen Faction』one after the other.」

「A-Allen Faction?」

I smiled bitterly at the exaggerated expression.

「This is not a joke. There are not many outstanding individuals like Allen-sama in the world. At just the age of fifteen years old, your sword cut down three Thirteen Knights of the Oracle, who are national war class. In addition to that, you have a mysterious power that continuously attracts people. As you stand now, the『position』of the Allen faction can massively shift the power balance of the Imperial Kingdom. Your existence has grown to that extent.」

「S-Such exaggeration…」

No matter what, it’s too much of an exaggeration.

I, who had been scorned as the『Dropout Swordsman』until only about a year ago, cannot possibly shift the power balance of the Imperial Kingdom.

「It’s not an exaggeration. In fact, I and Rodis came to this place today to show Allen-sama our『good faith』.」

「Good faith…?」

「To put it simply, it’s a declaration that I don’t wish to be hostile to you.」

Tenshi-sama looked serious from beginning to end, and spoke with sincerity.

「In yesterday’s incident, Allen-sama probably grew a distrust towards me and the Imperial Kingdom.」

「…Yes, that’s right.」

When I nodded honestly, fear was reflected for just a slight moment in her eyes.

「…The noble faction would definitely take advantage of this opportunity to try to contact Allen-sama. And if by some chance, you side with the other faction… We of the royal faction, who are already at a disadvantage even at the best of times, can no longer do anything about it.」

Tenshi-sama stepped forward with a gloomy expression, and grasped my right hand tightly with her small hands.

「I won’t go so far as to ask you to join the royal faction. You probably can’t accept all of what I’ve just said as truth. But please, don’t be fooled by the sweet words of the noble faction. At the very least, please remain in the position of『neutrality』!」she said, looking me straight in the eyes.

Her eyes were so clear that I don’t think she’s lying.

「…I’m sorry. This is too much information to process at once, and I couldn’t keep up with it.」

The Royal Faction, the Noble Faction, the Allen Faction….

It is unreasonable to expect me to make the right decision directly after being told all this.

And in the first place, there is no confirmation that all of Tenshi-sama’s stories are true.

(In fact, she tried to stab me once at the Keishinkai.)

I can’t trust Tenshi-sama, unfortunately.

「Is that… so…」

She must have felt a negative nuance from my words.

She whispered so without power. Her small hands trembled.

「I can’t make a decision right now, but… There’s one thing I can say with certainty.」

「…And that is?」

「There are a lot of important people to me in this country. That’s why I want to protect everyone to the extent where my sword can reach, regardless of the royal or noble factions.」

Mother and bamboo geezer back at Goza village.

Paula-san who supported me kindly when I was suffering from bullying during those days at Gran Swordsmanship Academy.

Ria, Rose, the president, Lilim-senpai, Ferris-senpai, and all my classmates.

Sid-san, with whom my relationship has improved a little recently, and Cain-san, the enthusiastic believer.

In addition, Idol-san, Rize-san, and Clown-san.

There are a lot of important people to me in this country.

(To be honest, I don’t really understand difficult things like national politics and factions.)

That’s why I want to protect my precious friends to the extent where my sword can reach.

This swordsmanship I acquired over a billion years of training must surely be for that purpose.

「…I see. I feel relieved to hear those words.」Tenshi-sama smiled with peace of mind.「Director Leia. Thank you for your time in spite of our sudden visit. Thanks to you, I was able to successfully solve the misunderstanding with Allen-sama, and I was able to have a fruitful conversation. Well, then. I still have government affairs to attend to, so I will take my leave here.」

She bowed gracefully, and turned on her heels.

She passed by us and just when her hand touched the handle of the black door, she stopped.

「…Hey, Allen-sama.」

「Yes, what is it?」

「Would you like to have tea with just the two of us again someday?」

「…Yes, with pleasure. But please refrain from being violent like before.」

「Fufu, of course.」

Tenshi-sama laughed like a mischievous child, took along Rodis-san and left the director’s office.