It started as just another ordinary day.
Well, as ordinary as things could be, after the recent terrorist attack on the school. There were rumors floating about, that classes were going to be canceled due to the strain on the teaching staff, which suited me just fine. I wasn't actually learning anything in class, anyway.
Since this morning, things have been going pretty alright, for an average day as a mob character. The weather is nice, classes finished early, and it looks like I was going to have some time to plan my next scheme in the shadows. It's a bit hot outside, as there is a distinct lack of clouds to block out the furiously burning sun; however, I had long ago learned how to regulate my body's temperature via magic. A single thought, and a cool feeling washes over my skin, causing me to let out a satisfied sigh.
There were benefits to my intense training beside combat power, as it turned out. My steps feel lighter than usual as I walk away from one of the crowded schoolhouses, my mood soaring high above to the cloudless sky. Of course, that usually never lasts.
As I'm walking back to my dorm room, minding my own business, I suddenly sense a formidable, determined presence approaching me. I quickly analyze my surroundings, but there's nowhere that I can escape to with just the agility of an NPC.
I sigh, slowing my walk to a crawl as I shove my hands into my pockets, trying to look as if I don't want anyone to talk to me.
"Cid!"
It doesn't work. The golden-blonde drills of the student council president flutter into view, and now Rose is standing before me. I stop, looking up at her fully, meeting her bright smile with a vacant greeting of my own.
"Hey Rose."
"Oh, I'm so happy that I ran into you!" She steps closer, fidgeting with her hands. "I see you so rarely lately, between my various duties and your own busy schedule."
"Yeah. That's me," I shrug. "Always busy."
Rose nods, looking like she wants to reach for my hand but stopping just short. "Well, it must be fate that we ran into each other just now. I am free for the rest of the day, and it looks you're not too busy yourself~"
She beams at me again, like she always does when she's around me. Ever since my apparent sacrifice for her life when the school was taken over, she seems to have developed some kind of… Obsession over me. She continues to insist that we spend the rest of the day together, spouting various ideas about what we can do. Being the pathetic mob character that I supposedly am, I can only nod and say yes, while biding my time for an escape.
We stop for a quick snack in the cafeteria, and then we start making our way to the gates,
As Rose declares that she wants to buy me a gift before we part ways for the summer. This I don't mind, as I'm never one to say no to free stuff. I don't know when she did it, but the Oriana Princess's arm is wrapped around my elbow. She's guiding me along as if I am about to be given away by the father of the bride. Hmm, what's this smell?
"You're wearing perfume?"
"Oh! Yes, I'm trying a new type from the Mitsugoshi Company. Do you… Do you like it, Cid?"
"It smells faintly of honey," I say.
"Oh, what a wonderful compliment!" I don't have to look at her to know that she's smiling again.
"You're always saying the sweetest things to me…" She whispers, almost directly into my ear.
Being this close, I can feel her body heat, which admittedly is not unpleasant, so I have no reason to complain.
Besides the fact that she's bothering the wrong person. But, if I just continue to act as my apathetic self, she should lose interest soon.
I am filled with similarly optimistic thoughts when I sense another presence approaching me, much less powerful, but all the more persistent. Angry footfalls befall us as Alexia saunters into view, sticking her hands on her hips as we stop just short of her. She does not look happy: which is of course, totally unusual and out of character for her.
Trapped between these two main characters, I have no choice but to watch the two members of royalty engage each other, an increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere unfolding in front of me. It's less than two minutes after the second princess showed up, and Rose has just challenged Alexia to a duel… For the right to court me.
I sigh. Being a background character is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.
"I'm an NPC, you shouldn't be dueling over me."
"... What?"
"Well If you don't want us to… Then I retract my challenge, Alexia."
"Hmph. The whole idea was ridiculous anyway," the red-eyed princess mutters.
"It was a bit much," I agree.
"... My apologies…" Rose murmurs, her eyes downcast.
I sigh, wishing I had one of my blood packets on hand for a dramatic exit. Not that being around either of these two MC's is especially bad; it's just that the two of them together are a bit more than I can handle with my current persona.
Alexia takes a step closer to me, her head tilted slightly to the side. "So… You two aren't dating yet?"
"No."
"Soon, I'm sure we will be!"
Hmm, It seems Rose didn't hear my response.
"Well, in that case, I see no reason why Cid can't hang out with me," Alexia offers with a wave of her hand.
Rose shakes her head. "Cid's time is precious, Alexia. I think it would be better spent with myself, given our obvious destiny together."
Alexia rolls her eyes, looking at me. "Well, Pooch? You're just going to stand there, while this harl–princess, I mean, monopolizes your attention?"
"Yes."
Alexia scoffs. "Why am I not surprised."
"... Pooch?" Rose inquires with a tilt of her head.
"Oh, that's just a nickname. He loves it, don't you Pooch?"
Alexia is smiling at me, but her eyes are telling me an entirely different story. She possesses a devilish fire in her gaze, which could make even the most stalwart soul cower before her.
Well, there was only one person with red eyes who could scare me, and it wasn't her.
"Of course I do… Muffin."
I can hear the distinct sound of teeth grinding together.
Ah, there's the hidden beast underneath. If I myself wasn't familiar with maintaining a facade, I would be quite surprised at what lay beneath the seemingly innocent second Princess. At least Rose was genuine through and through, for all the good that did me in this situation.
With one hand already on her sword, Alexia emits an animalistic growl, while Rose looks a bit worried. "Those-those cute nicknames won't stop me!" The blonde declares as she grasps both of my hands, ever the hopeless romantic. "I believe in us, my beloved!"
"Okay."
Rose's determination was something I admired, and normally would applaud, but in this instance it was directed towards the wrong person. Damn, I never would have imagined that using some of my mob techniques would result in her treating me like the protagonist…
I return my focus to the princess squeezing my hands, her eyes closed as she beams at me. I'm starting to feel something else to the side of me. Alexia's glare, stronger than a beam of magic, is burning into the side of my face.
If she stares any harder, it may actually catch fire.
"... What the fu-ahem, what are you doing, Rose?" The silver-haired harpy asks in a carefully controlled voice, the fakest smile I've ever seen plastered on her face.
"Cid has clearly chosen me, Alexia." The Oriana Princess drops her hands, stepping back so she can stare back at her rival. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to find someone else to pamper you."
"Tch!" Alexia faces me, before she tilts her head up. "Cid… I can't believe you'd turn down the opportunity to date a wonderful, talented, beautiful princess."
"Oh, you actually want me to date Rose?"
Rose lets out a quiet giggle, while Alexia shoots me an irritated look. These two may seem to be on opposite ends, but you know what they say about opposites…
Hmm, that actually gives me a perfect idea for a solution to this mess.
"Actually, why don't you two date each other," I offer reasonably.
Alexia stomps her foot, while Rose is startled, glancing at the fuming girl next to her.
"You–you fucking idiot!" Alexia huffs, hands on her hips.
"A-Alexia!" Rose stammers, scandalized.
"Wow. You seem even more irritable than usual." I take a step forward, examining Alexia's face more closely, noting the dark circles under her eyes, which stand out all the more with how bright her furious red irises are glowing.
"Aren't you getting enough sleep?"
"W-what?!" Alexia takes an automatic step backwards.
"You look tired, Alexia," I say calmly.
She stares at me for a moment. Her eyebrows relax as she takes another step back with a quiet, contemplative look.
Rose, practically breathing over my shoulder, has her hand on her chin as she mirrors my observation. "You're right Cid… You should rest, Alexia."
The Midgard princess takes a deep breath, her shoulders slumping as if she's just let go of something. "Yeah yeah, I hear you, Rose…"
Alexia then addresses me, through her eyes keep darting to the side.
"Cid… Would you…" Her voice grows increasingly quiet, and I wonder if Rose can even hear it.
"Would you date me again?"
Her gaze meets mine. The fiendish glow in them is all but a distant ember.
"... Please…"
I put my hand to my chin, looking thoughtful. I can feel gold eyes on me, equally alight with concern and determination. The three of us are standing around like some tropey high school love-triangle. Distant threads of conversation and gossip from other students flutter around us, like waves surrounding a rocky outcropping in the sea, noisy and unchanging.
After a moment of silence, I give her my answer.
"No."
Alexia doesn't move. I don't know when she started, but her hand is now gripping her sword handle so tightly I can see her scabbard shaking.
"... Is that so…" A quiet, dangerous voice leaks from her face, which is partially hidden by her silverish hair.
There's a distinct note of tension in the air, as Rose moves slightly in front of me, her hand on her own sword. If she wasn't here, I definitely wouldn't have answered like that.
As if she's had a sudden change of heart, Alexia straightens, letting her arm drop to her side. Her expression is blank as she addresses me again.
"Cid… I'll pay you."
I don't answer.
I'll pay you double."
I open my mouth to respond—
–But Rose interjects. "Pay him?! Are you implying you want to solicit Cid for some—some inappropriate activity!?"
Alexia groans. "That's—no, that's not at all what I'm saying."
Her voice softens as she addresses me.
"Cid… Do you really dislike me?"
I'm getting flashbacks to a princess's blade swiping across my chest.
"No," I answer. "I don't dislike you."
Alexia looks to the side, twirling her hair with her finger, while Rose puts her hands on her hips.
"Alexia, I don't mind if you two are friends, but my dear Cid and I have something special." She looks at me, smiling as if I understand her thoughts exactly.
I don't.
"Oh? Is that so? And yet, me and Cid were the ones who have already dated, as I'm sure you're well aware."
"That may be the case, but you broke up, didn't you?" Rose turns to me, her hands held together in front of her face. "Cid… I don't want us to rush things, but perhaps we should make
our relationship official…?" She asks hopefully, a spark of innocence gleaming in her eyes that almost makes me feel something.
But I don't.
I shake my head slowly, as if I regret the fact that we must maintain our distance due to our social status. Well, that's what I'll have her believe, anyway.
Rose drops her hands, blinking rapidly, before she wipes the corner of her eyes.
"Of course… You're right, Cid. It's too soon, and I need to clear things with my father first…"
"Hah. At least I'm not the only princess he's rejected."
Rose turns slowly to face Alexia, the mournful expression on her face gone.
"You… You would mock me at such a time…" There's a yellowish glow surrounding her, as her magic forms and shimmers in response to her turmoil.
Alexia spreads her feet, meeting the impressive glare head on. The two are locked in a fierce stare down, almost standing on top of each other. The tension in the air is palpable, steaming like a pot of boiling water. Well, my time to shine!
I turn around and run the other way. I'm careful not to exceed what would be considered normal for a student here, as you never know who could be watching.
I already know Nu is.
I hear the sound of swords being drawn in the distance.
Well, maybe I can get away with running a little faster. After a few minutes, enough for me to work up a fake sweat, I make it to the edge of my dormitory, and the promise of some peace and quiet.
I'm just about to reach the door, when I sense a certain… Fiery presence around the corner. A raven-haired student steps in front of me, causing me to dig my heels into the floor as I come to an abrupt stop.
Oh no.
Standing in front of me with crossed arms, blocking the way, is the only person on this planet that I genuinely feel some amount of fear towards.
My sister.
"Cid…"
Her eyes can't be glowing… Surely it's just the lighting, right?
"Hey, sis."
"Hey. Sis." She pushes her index finger into my chest. "I've been hunting you for three hours, all of my free time today, and all you have to say…"
"... Is that," Claire breathes. Her face is now inches from mine.
I take a step backward.
"If you even think… About running away…"
She takes a step forward.
"There will be hell to pay."
"Don't you have… Friends?" I venture.
Claire grabs my clothes. Well, that was the wrong thing to say.
"Just…" She huffs, before suddenly releasing me. Her head turns to the side. "Do you… Really hate spending time with me that much…?"
I should not take my time answering this.
"No. I don't."
Instantly, her countenance changes, and she's grabbing my hand, dragging me towards the training hall. "Great, now it's time for us to spar! I have to make sure you're keeping up with your training, Cid!"
Oh. Wonderful.
In no time at all, we're in the training area, sparring for nearly an hour before my sister is finally satisfied. She still knocks me down one last time with a furious strike, sending me staggering backwards before I land on my bottom with a loud smack.
"Hmph. Perhaps that amateur princess did do you a favor Cid, when she got you into the rank one Bushin class." Claire peers down at me, sheathing her sword before offering me a hand.
"You have actually improved, somewhat. However…" Her eyes narrow. "You are still far below my expectations."
I take her offered hand, letting her pull me up. "I'm sure I'll get there someday, sis."
She looks doubtful, but nods at me anyway. We both go to change out of our workout clothes, and met up outside the training hall. The afternoon has given way to evening, with the sun getting ever closer to touching the distant horizon. Wordlessly, Claire orders me to escort her back to her dorm room. There's a noticeable bounce in her step as we walk across the academy, her arm wrapped around mine rather firmly.
"... You don't have to hold on so tight."
Claire glances at me, looking rather skeptical.
"It's not like I'm going to run away the first chance I get or anything."
She laughs, as if I'd just said something funny. "Oh Cid, sometimes I wonder if…" She trails off, a shadow passing over her face.
"If what?" I ask.
"... If you're ever going to get married, with that hopeless attitude of yours…"
Hopeless? I'm not the one who's hopeless here. I meet her imperious gaze with a skeptical look of my own. "Isn't it about time for you to be finding a marriage partner yourself?"
Claire glares at me, but surprisingly doesn't immediately lash out. My reaction must be visible, because she then releases her hold on my arm, taking a step back. "Why do you look so surprised?"
"I'm shocked you didn't instantly resort to physical violence."
She scoffs. "Oh please. A little tough love is good for you."
"Don't change the subject, sister."
I meet her red-eyed glare until she relents.
"... I hate to admit it, but you are right Cid… Mother has already started pestering me about it," Claire sighs. "If I could only find someone like you..."
"Like me? Have you tried opening your eyes?" I wave my hand, gesturing to the buildings surrounding us, which are filled with people on the same level of mobness as I am.
My sister's voice drops to a whisper; her cheeks are nearly the same color as her eyes.
"They don't hold a candle to you, Cid… If only we weren't related…"
… She didn't actually just say that, did she? Well, I'll just pretend that she didn't.
"Well, I'm sure you'll find someone," I say tonelessly.
I feel a slight sensation in my shoulder, where Claire has just punched me.
"Prat."
"Mmh-hmm."
I don't know when we've stopped walking, but we're now standing in the middle of a courtyard. There's a surprisingly large amount of greenery surrounding us; planted trees and fields of grass almost give the impression that we're in a forest, were it not for the towering gray buildings behind them. Numerous shades of green meet the blue above us, the sky fading to a darker color as the afternoon gives way to evening. The gentle trickle of a water fountain fills the air. The normal sounds of other students talking or practicing is absent.
"It's peaceful here."
"Yes, it is."
We stand there for a moment. Normally, Claire is constantly pestering me, but for once she seems content to just enjoy my silent company. After soaking in the atmosphere, I look to my side. My raven-haired sister holds her arm by her side, her placid gaze fixated on me.
I know that look.
"What do you want now?"
"... Praise me."
"You're the best sword fighter in the academy, and a wonderful big sister."
She pats my head. "Good boy."
The content expression she had quickly wears off, and I can already see the lecture coming from a mile away. She's always been clingy and strict, excessively so, but lately it seems to have reached a whole new level.
I take a step forward, hoping she'll get distracted or something as I walk away rapidly.
She keeps pace with me instead. Eyes the same shade as blood are drilling into me.
"You know Cid, I can't always be there to bail you out. The terrorist attack on the school should have made that clear, but knowing you I still need to pound it into your skull before you finally realize it."
I wave my hand. "Yeah, you're right, sister. Like always."
She rolls her eyes. "That doesn't work on me, so I don't know why you keep trying it." She crosses her arms, even as she walks nearly backward so she can make sure I'm paying attention to her.
"You've been taking way too many risks, Cid. Especially when I'm not around. Risking your life for yet another princess… I can't believe you!"
I shrug my shoulders. "These things happen."
A hear a low growl, before it quickly fades away. Huh, is there a raccoon or dog somewhere?
"... I'm the one who should be protecting you," Claire states. "I'm the one who should be by your side…"
Uhh… Normally I don't care much about how these things go, but there is something about the way this conversation's been going which compels me to speak up.
"Claire, do you ever feel that you are a bit too… A ttached to me?"
Her eyes narrow as a pair of feminine hands reach for my neck.
"Wait." I say, letting my voice lower ever so slightly from my normal tone. "I'm seriously asking you."
Claire freezes, her eyes widening as she stares at me. She immediately shakes it off, letting her hands fall to the side as she takes a step back. There is still a trace of surprise, and something else lingering in her expression.
Huh. Is that really all it took?
"If you mock anything I'm going to say, I'm beating you to within an inch of your life."
I stare at her; she stares back.
After a few seconds, Claire nods, satisfied. "Cid… You were my only friend growing up. And that whole time, you were teaching me to be a better fighter, far before I ever realized it. I feel like you've taught me more than I've learned here at school."
I'm… Actually not sure if that's true or not, but I nod for her to continue anyway.
"I see… I see so much potential in you. Sometimes I see… Glimpses–" She shakes her head. "Well, nevermind that. But, I do wish you could see yourself like I do." She says quietly.
Well, I wish you saw me like I wanted you to. I sigh, discarding my initial thoughts, instead letting my feelings drive my response.
This is the perfect time to drop one of those vague hints that she'll look back later and say 'oh, it was him the whole time!'.
"It is well that you do not judge a book by its cover," I say gravely. "For the words written within often contain an entirely different story that what you might initially believe."
Claire stares at me. Yes, my wisdom can take some time to digest.
"Cid, that doesn't make any sense… Sometimes I wonder about the things that come out of your mouth."
"Well, I wonder the same about you."
I feel something on the top of my shoe. I look down, seeing her foot stomped down directly on mine.
My sister gives me an odd look, removing her foot. "Jeesh, just how high is your pain tolerance anyway?"
"You'd be surprised. For it is often those who endure the most, that are able to rise high above the trials of life. The pain and agony of existence pales in comparison to the neverending glory that can be gained by suffering through it–"
So engrossed in my acting, I didn't even notice the arrival of two other glowering, determined students until they were almost on top of us.
I turn around, and so does Claire, as we are faced with the sight of two different princesses staring us down, their arms crossed in a remarkably similar pose.
"So…"
"Cid…"
"... This is where you ran off to?" Rose asks. Her voice sounds light and innocent, but her stance is anything but.
"Only your clingy sister is good enough to hang out with you, huh?!" Alexia demands, always the diplomatic one. I notice that there seems to be some small pieces of her clothes missing.
Faced with the intense stares of these two, Claire doesn't even bother to respond. Instead, I can hear the distinctive chunk of a sword being drawn. My sister steps protectively in front of me, holding her weapon out in a guard position.
"I will tolerate you two ruining my little brother's life no longer. Princesses or not, I do not care."
Well. That escalated quickly. I surreptitiously sweep my eyes around, looking for an escape route. That crowd over there is too small, there's no convenient cliffs around, and that tree is too far away to realistically fall on top of me. Hmmm…
I can still sense her nearby. Maybe she can lend me a hand?
"Nu… Save me!" I whisper.
Barely a second after I utter the words, a blur streaks through the commotion, sweeping me up into its arms as it dashes across the school. A few seconds later, and I'm on top of one of the classroom's, being held in a princess carry by the brunette.
Well, this isn't exactly what I had in mind. But I've escaped, so I suppose the mission was accomplished. Mob Technique No. 14, the kidnapping of the background character, is a close enough fit for this situation, so I'll give her kudos for that.
Gamma's disguised agent has a rather tight, almost possessive grip around my body, as she peers down at me through her bespectacled, brown eyes. I can feel some sort of… Excited, almost happy energy emitting from her.
"I'm glad you called me, Master," Nu says, the corner of her mouth skewed with the barest of smiles.
"Nu. Why are you still holding me?"
"Oh! Forgive me, Master Shadow!" Carefully, as if I were a piece of delicate furniture, she sets me back down on my feet. Huh, she's almost taller than me.
"Your timing was excellent," I tell her. "My Cid disguise was rather… Strained at that moment." I brush myself off, putting a few feet of distance between us.
Nu nods in understanding, before she looks across the courtyard, where distant sounds of frantic yelling can be heard.
"Master, I must ask… Why do you tolerate their behavior? I can understand why you put up with your sister, but the other two…"
I cross my arms, letting my voice draw deep. "You see only the surface, Nu. To understand, you must dig deep, to uncover the truth within the truth."
"Oh! Of course! Forgive my impudence, My Lord. I will try to analyze the situation from a more objective point of view."
"That is good. For it is only through careful analysis, and dedicated thought, that we can survive the unbearable darkness of night, and emerge triumphant into the wondrous light of day."
If I'm being completely honest, my words make about as much sense as they usually do, but Nu laps it up. I tune out her words of praise, my thoughts drifting to something more pressing on my mind.
There's something about this recent encounter with my fellow students that has set me on edge. There's something that's nagging me, something decidedly askew that I need to figure out.
Well, let's review some relevant facts: Shadow Garden, my fake organization that puts in a surprising amount of effort to appease me, consists entirely of women my age. I've got two different princesses that want to date me, from two different kingdoms no less, one of whom is the heir apparent. Not to mention all the random girls who've been approaching me ever since word got out about me saving Rose. Sherry keeps on giving me food, which… Is actually the part that I'm the most okay with. And my sister is… Well…
I shake my head, trying to put all the pieces together. All the previous events here at the Academy, once I look at it from an outside perspective, and not like a mob character…
Hey, wait a minute… They're not treating me like an NPC, despite my best efforts.
No… They're treating me like—like a harem protagonist!
No… No no no no!
I snap towards Nu, adopting my Shadow persona.
"Nu. I have a critical task for you. This is the most important mission… I've asked of you yet. Failure is not an option."
Nu instantly drops to one knee, her head bowed. "My life is yours, Master. What is thy bidding?"
Am I overdoing it?
Hell no.
"Tell Alpha to convene a meeting of the Seven Shadows as soon as possible. I will be attending it personally."
I whirl away from her, peering out over the school. I feel my magic throbbing at the fringes of my fingertips, almost as if it wants to lash out on its own. Violet light dances at the edges of my vision.
"I will not stop moving until I deliver this message, Master. I will not fail you," Nu responds, her voice burning with tangible resolve. I can feel the displaced air snap behind me, as she disappears on her mission.
After she's long gone, I take a deep breath, releasing the tension in my muscles. It takes a second, but my magic soon simmers back under control.
Ah, I should probably have asked her to notify me when they were ready. As things were, I didn't actually have any way to contact Shadow Garden, apart from when I encountered them. You know, maybe I should be taking my role a little more seriously, considering the effort my mock organization has put in for me.
My eyes begin to glaze over as I stare into the distance, considering my deeply troubling discovery. After all the work I've put into fading into the background, not sticking out, only doing things that are expected of a forgettable support character…
How can you even stop being a harem protagonist? All the material I've read shows pretty clearly how to end up as one, but never how to escape from it. Ugh, all of my training and power is seemingly useless against these persistent women.
Well, at least I was going to spend some time with the Shadows. They were such great actors, it was like they were born for the role. Hopefully they wouldn't mind me pulling them from their lives to deal with this crisis.
Upon reflection, ordering a meeting may have been a bit premature. If I tell them the actual reason, I'll look like a fool. To be honest, I wasn't thinking straight when I asked Nu.
… I might have told her to do it just because it sounded cool. The members of Shadow Garden have gotten very good at acting out my schemes, so maybe if I dropped some vague hints, they would come up with a solution.
A harem protagonist…
How did it come to this?
Well… Now that I actually thought about it, I suppose it sort of did make sense for an Eminence to have a harem. Still though, that didn't also include my fake mob persona, surely?
Hmmm… I can only hope Alpha has some ingenious answer for me.
Now I just have to figure out how to ask her…
Fortunately, it should take a while to collect all the Seven, so I have some time at least to come up with something that won't be too cringy. I know they tend to spread out, so there's no way they can come together that quickly.
Right?