Sometimes, I wonder.
How much sway can I hold over the Trial's characters, steering them away from their original paths?
I wanted to 'force' a change that happened naturally along the way in the original novel for Alexia Midgar.
Cid Kagenou, the original protagonist, wasn't around to be the object of her affections. I had to take his mantle and spark that change, somehow.
It's just that I don't have his ability to do things at random and everything is naturally sorted out...
So, my only recourse is to portray a living manifestation of her problem, letting her unravel the rest on her own.
'Will the swordsmanship you birth be interesting enough to assimilate?'
As I've reiterated numerous times, I refuse to dance on the System's strings.
To find any semblance of value in dealing with this haughty princess, I identified something she could potentially offer me in return for the inevitable hassle I'm about to endure.
That is, Swordsmanship.
Alexia Midgar is, without a doubt, weak. However, that doesn't imply a lack of talent. Despite a lifetime shadowed by the need to emulate her sister's swordsmanship, she has persistently advanced, reaching her current level.
No one bothered to lend her a helping hand, dismissing her due to the glaring flaw molded by her harsh upbringing.
Yet, that doesn't excuse her penchant for belittling and mistreating those weaker than her at this Academy. The thrashing she received was well-deserved.
Not that I intervened for the sake of others. She simply grated on my nerves with her baseless bullying, and I decided it was time to set things straight.
Let's say we're even, little princess.
I mused silently as I caught her mid-fall.
Her consciousness slipping away, she muttered curses under her breath, begrudgingly accepting my help as I lifted her up.
Despite my limited experience with women, I could decipher subtle cues in their body language to some extent. Had she shown any signs of disgust, I would have gladly let someone else handle the task.
Yet, I couldn't bring myself to abandon her. There was a simple reason—I saw a reflection of myself during the final moments of my past Trials within her.
The memory of that scene from the past suddenly flooded my mind, and before I could process it, instinct took over. I closed the gap between us, and in a split second, I found myself catching her in my arms.
I may not hold her in high regard, but I still have a sense of decency. She got what she deserved, so now she should rest and heal properly, so that she can milk the talent she has to produce a decent swordsmanship for me...
Geez, I've got to hand it to myself—I'm impressed of my own shamelessness.
I'm certain you realize this is just a defense mechanism my mind concocted to shield myself from getting too emotionally involved. You never know what can transpire when a man and a woman spend too much time together, so allow me to indulge in these stoic thoughts to preserve my sanity, thank you.
As I exited the Gymnasium, the instructor scurried away like a frightened rabbit, and the rest stared at me like deer caught in headlights, frozen and mute.
Well, I must admit, my reputation certainly precedes me. It's not every day someone walks out, and the whole place turns into a scene from a horror movie.
Am I really that intimidating? Come on, folks, you can just ask if you're so curious, though don't expect me to spill all my secrets for free.
A rare book on Magical Power, perhaps? Something I can't procure from the Academy's Library or the Duke's collection might loosen my lips. After all, quality comes at a price, and I'm not one to offer discounts.
Anyway.
While my [Sky Sword Technique] is a fusion of various sword styles, meticulously blended to eliminate imperfections better than each on its own, it doesn't mean its journey has reached its end.
Think of it like a program. You can keep adding new code to fill in the gaps or go back and tweak the old ones to significantly improve its efficiency. Sure, it might be a pain to edit all the other parts to make that one change fit seamlessly, but in the end, it's worth it.
It's a task I'll inevitably undertake as I gather knowledge that surpasses my current capabilities.
My expectations for Alexia Midgar aren't sky-high, but there's a glimmer of hope nonetheless.
As for her true potential, it's still a mystery. Whether guiding her to realize the error of her ways this way is a blessing or a curse, I can't say for certain.
I'll find out in the future.
Should Alexia Midgar prove utterly lacking in every aspect, I'll weigh the option of marrying Iris Midgar, even if I have to become a King.
After all, I don't have the time nor the luxury to have a weakness at my side.
Ideally, I'd prefer a partner who's more than just a decorative trophy. Sure, girls like Mahiru Shiina are adorable and evoke that instinct to cherish and protect, but I'm a pragmatist.
I can't even protect myself. How could I protect someone else?
I'd be kissing my last brain cell goodbye if, even for a moment, I delude myself into thinking I can play the knight in shining armor.
No, what I desire is a partner, a strong and independent ally.
Someone I can lean on both emotionally and physically, as I am willing to do the same for her, no matter what. Love, if it ever comes, should be a two-way street, grounded in reality.
...Not that I'd consider my wife of this second Trial my woman or anything.
It's simply engaging in make-believe, playing house to appease a 'child' throwing a tantrum, demanding the grandest romance imaginable...
I didn't even realize I had wandered into the Infirmary; lost in my thoughts.
'Being human is a real pain in the ass. Luna Azentine managed to switch from Human to Demon. Does that mean I can change my race as well in the future?'
Well, I'll delve into that possibility when the time comes.
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Author's Additional Thoughts:
In this chapter, we start learning a little more about Akira's way of thinking. Although he has a strong and resilient mind, there are unavoidable cracks which he is aware of and is trying to fill on his own. I believe there is space for character development.
Well, what do you think? I'll wait for your opinion.