Title: An Eccentric Noble Part 2

Summary:

For once, I showed up to an extracurricular activity the school had to offer. Admittedly, I had not originally planned to attend, but some of the rural barons had insisted I show up. Something about being able to compare themselves to me to up their standings. A rather rude statement, but I took it in the manner they likely meant. I was the Eccentric Noble, after all.

It didn't hurt to maintain friendly relations with them. Less idiots to hurl themselves at Creare. Plus, it was amusing to watch those boys still fail despite obviously pointing me out.

As I sampled the exquisite selection of food, I watched as Raymond and Daniel get their asses handed to them.

Normally, I would have lamented over the situation as I would have been in their situation had I decided to go marriage hunting, but I wasn't. It was hilarious from here.

Was it petty and cruel of me to be entertained? Perhaps, but any sympathy I would have had was tapped out from being here as a favor. A free favor at that.

"How unexpected. I did not think you would have deigned to show up, Sir Bartfort," someone tittered behind me.

Looking back, I saw the villainess look at me with a vaguely amused look. Honestly, it was odd how cordially she treated me. One would think she would've caught on to the fact that I had helped the scholarship student in cuckqueaning her.

Then again, I had gone out of my way to give her a thorough dungeon experience. Admittedly, it was more to distract her and hide my true intentions, but she had appeared quite receptive of my tutelage at the time.

"Lady Angelica, to what do I owe the honor?"

"A few things, to be honest, but most importantly, I wanted to thank you for clearing up the misunderstanding His Highness had regarding my involvement with the bullying."

I stilled at that. She sounded sincere. Looking around, I noticed that the her usual cronies were absent.

Don't tell me my lie was actually the truth. This girl was truly pitiable if she was destined to be punished without actually having a hand in the protagonist's bullying.

"Oh my, was I not supposed to know that bit of information?" Angelica tittered.

Recollecting myself, I tried to play it off as nothing.

"I merely found myself in the position to correct a misunderstanding. It was nothing particularly noteworthy."

"Curious."

"Hmm?"

"Most nobles would have tried to garner my favor for such an act."

"Politics," I scoffed. Part of the reason why I wanted to get bumped back to baronet. Everything always had strings attached. What a shitty life.

"I'd say you'd get used to it, but from what I hear, you won't," Angelica said with a slight chuckle, but there was an underlying reprimand.

"What can I say, I'm incorrigible."

"I'd caution you about the repercussions, but I suppose such is meaningless when you apparently have the military might to have taken down three pirate clans remotely."

This calculating woman. I wasn't so green not to understand what was going on.

"You flatter me, but I fear you downplayed the role my father and our knights played," I said evasively.

Angelica looked at me skeptically for a moment, but ultimately shrugged her shoulders.

"I suppose that would be far more likely. Though, I'm more inclined to believe that it has something to do with the Lost Item you found on your last venture."

"Ah, you heard about that?"

"Aside from the gossip, the guild does keep records."

Right, future queen. Of course she would have access to those. The question was why she was looking into my records. The answer was obvious.

"So what is it you want?" I said humorlessly.

"His Highness and friends have gotten it into their heads that they should go pirate hunting. They believe the Winged Sharks are responsible for the recent disappearances of multiple heiresses. While an admirable endeavor, it is a risky one. I was hoping you could tag along to ensure nothing too drastic happens."

"... And you aren't asking one of your knights or the palace to do such?"

Angelica grew a tired look. "His Highness's ability to inspire his peers... leaves much to be desired currently. This could be an opportunity for him to gain the loyalty of his subjects but only if he does so on his own. Otherwise, naysayers will simply claim that the prince was riding on the coattails of others."

What to do? I absolutely could not go on this venture personally. While I had interacted with the cast a bit, my involvement had been minimal. I did not want to risk the plot being disrupted further. It was too dangerous when extinction was on the line.

However, I also could not afford for the Winged Sharks to be dealt with by others. After all, they held a key item. If the protagonist could not get her hands on it, it could prove problematic since the Temple required both lost relics to legitimize the protagonist's ascension.

So the only recourse was to have the five deal with the pirates. Except the quest was supposed to be a second year event. I highly doubted the boys were up to task.

What to do? What to do?

Actually, did they have to deal with them now? After all, I knew the reason why the boys were pursuing that particular group. The pirates' relation to the Offreys was known to me, and considering my advice to Jilk... It was pretty obvious it was to take down the Offreys.

"I have a better solution. Offer amnesty to any of Stephanie's lackeys if they confess.

"Something so simple? I highly doubt it would work considering none have come forward yet."

"That's because none feel they can. If Stephanie could get rid of heiress's so easily, wouldn't they too be at risk? I doubt Stephanie holds their loyalty through charisma. Plus, approaching them will be enough."

Angelica nodded. She no doubt saw why the girls would fold so long as someone approached them regarding the matter.

"And what of claims that it is all a conspiracy? Stephanie is from a rival faction from mine."

"Have the royal entourage offer amnesty. It would somewhat mitigate the claims of bias and would make it appear as though the prince and his friends took a lead on this matter."

"And if nothing turns up from this? Would that not make His Highness look foolish?"

"The fact that the heirs are targeting a specific pirate group already shows that something will turn up."

"I would still like to have something to fallback on in case this plan does not work."

... Hmm. Honestly, this was convenient for me. While I had a stockpile of evidence of nobles dealing with pirates, I had bery little in the way of utilizing it. I had initially planned on pawning it off onto Jilk, given our previous dealings. It just came with the caveat that I would have to deal with the snake with an open favor.

With Angelica, she wanted something.

"I have evidence of several nobles hiring pirates. You can use that to mask the intent somewhat. At the very least, people will only think the prince as overzealous if Stephanie comes out clean."

"And you didn't hand over the evidence sooner?"

"Pirates are crooked. I'm still ascertaining whether all of the letters are real. I'll have the confirmed letters delivered to you."

"... For someone who loathes politics, you have a fairly strong understanding of the game."

"Considering that you had to coax it out of me, not really."

"... Very well. I'll follow your plan for now. I wish you a pleasant evening," Angelica said as she bowed oit of the conversation.

As I watched her walk away, I became worried. Despite my minimal interactions, the plot was already derailing. The midgame boss was likely to be removed soon. Whether it be by the royal knights or by fleeing from the plot.

A shame but ultimately salvageable.

I needed to make sure that the necklace did not fall into the wrong hands. No need to risk the protagonist being dismissed for not bringing forth the necklace. I'll simply hide it in the same room as the bracelet.

As I turned to leave for the Partner, I saw a few women looking at me curiously. That was new, or rather, it was the same look they gave me before tagging me as an eccentric.

Ah crap, my talk with Angelica must have raised my stock.

One of the girls approached me. No doubt they thought they could get in Angelica's good graces by going through me.

"I expect an invitation to a tea party starting next term. I do hope you'll brush up your etiquette," one girl said haughtily.

I could only quirk my eyes at the brazenness. Wasn't this one of the girl who had rejected Daniel and Raymond so harshly?

"Yeah, pass," I said as I exited the hall before any more shenanigans could occur.

I headed to the harbor to collect some treasure.

"Yo! Pirate's Bane!" someone called out in the dungeon.

Pirate's Bane? Must be some third year who earned a moniker. Out of curiosity, I looked towards the source of the voice so that I could trace where the person was looking. I wanted to see what this Pirate's Bane looked like.

I saw Red and Purple jog up to me. Eh?

"Going in solo?" Greg asked with a cocky grin.

"Yes... Wait? Pirate's Bane?" I said as I dumbly pointed to myself.

"Well, duh. Who else would I be talking to?"

"First I heard about that."

"Really, the moniker has been circulating since before the break," Brad said curiously.

"Seriously? I wasn't even there for the pirate incursion."

"Oh, you know how it is. People love idolizing heroes. You'll get used to it," Brad said with a pretentiously knowing look.

"Right. In any case, only you two?"

"It's not like we five need to always be together," Brqd said somewhat testily.

"Don't mind him. He's just annoyed over how long it is taking to convince Stephanie's followers to turn on her," Greg explained. It was obvious he was also annoyed.

Odd. I suppose Stephanie had a greater hold on the girls than I thought.

"Well you would be too if your fiancée was responsible for the disappearances of several nobles."

Credit where credit was due, Brad was actually a pretty cool guy for caring. I'd have simply laid the blame at Stephanie's feet entirely and go sleep peacefully.

Wait a minute...

"Should you be divulging this to me?"

"What do you mean? It is your plan, is it not?" Brad asked in an astonished tone.

"... I mean, yeah. But why do you know it's my... Angelica told you?"

"Why would she not?" Greg asked.

Ah... right. I did not tell her to keep me out of this. Even if the subtext was there, it was subtext.

Even if she had correctly guessed my desire to remain anonymous, she probably would have needed to name drop me. The word of the Pirate's Bane probably held more sway than a hated fiancée.

"Oh nothing. Just trying to avoid flak in case I'm wrong. I don't have the same protections as you guys do."

"I suppose that's true," Brad said with a difficult expression.

"Meh, I still say we should have gone to the pirates and collect more direct evidence. I hate all this cloak and dagger shit," Greg huffed.

"Sorry to say this, but if Stephanie is really involved with the pirates, you're flagrant calls to hunt the Winged Sharks likely tipped her family off. You'll be unlikely to find the pirates at all, or worse, you'd be faced off against far more than just them."

"Yeah, yeah."

"I suppose we must cede to your wisdom regarding the matter," Brad said more politely.

"In any case, I must be off. I'm planning to see if I can tick off the graduation requirement today," I said as I stretched.

I had a relic to hide after all.

"You're planning to do that solo? That's pretty arrogant of you."

"Meh, the dive to the thirtieth floor and back is only classified as a mid B-rank. I've dealt with harder."

"Right, you're that solo adventurer," Greg said with a look of recognition.

"Glad to see I have no moniker for that one," I snarked.

"Lucky Dumbass," Greg snorted.

"... Fair."

"In any case, we'll leave you to it. Greg and I picked up a quest to harvest ingredients on the ninth floor."

"Good luck, and mind the alcoves. Rookie Killers love getting the drop on people from there."

"Noted."

Ugh, I was facing Jilk and last year's airbike champion. I hadn't been planning on making it to the final round. I was just supposed to participate as mandated by the school, but the odds were consistently stacked against in the betting pool. I was a victim of my own greed, and now I had to compete with the best of the best.

I should just take the L. I already made quite a bit of Dia on betting on the winners for each match.

Hmm? Why was the third year champion approaching me?

"Leon, right?"

"Yes. Dan?"

He nodded.

"So what's up?" I asked.

"I heard you have a decent standing with the heirs."

"Since when?"

"So it was just a rumor," he said with a sigh.

"What's this about?"

He developed a conflicted look. So it was complicated. Of course it was.

"I can't help if I don't know what's going on," I said to urge him to talk.

"No, it's nothing. I shouldn't have bothered you."

I gave him a flat look.

"Wait here."

I walked across the hangar and found Jilk working on his bike.

"Some guy named Dan wants to talk to you," I said flatly.

It got the heir's attention. He did not look comfortable.

"Ah, I don't believe it wise to talk about that now before the race."

"... Your fiancée?"

"... You know it gets tiresome when you can guess so easily."

"Suggestion, if you're going to break the girl's heart, do it properly. Running away like a coward will only hurt her more."

"..."

"Even if you don't care about her, you must realize it will be more problematic for you in the long run if you don't do this properly."

"..."

I just headed back to my bike. Jilk was just an annoying turd. Makes me want to rub his face into the dirt.

It would be fine, right? Not like this event was necessary for the protagonist. The prize money was pretty minor in the whole scheme of things.

I saw the third year awkwardly hanging around my bike.

"I told him to settle his issues with Clarice. He at least seemed contemplative. Not sure if it would help."

Dan developed a surprised look, but he still looked bitter.

"Still more than we achieved."

"If I were you, I'd consider showing her how much you care for her."

Dan blushed and stammered, "It's not like that."

"Riiiight, and here I was considering letting you win so you could dedicate your victory to her and proclaim your love."

Well, I would have if I didn't know that Jilk had plot armor. I really wanted to knock down that guy a peg or two. What better way than to beat him at something he was good at.

"Heh, pretty cocky of you," he said good naturedly.

"No hard feelings?"

"I'd be more annoyed if you let me win."

"Hmm, guess I'll go place a bet on myself."

"Huh?"

"If you're going to be that insistent, I'll just have to win. Might as well sweeten the pot."

"... Wait, were you going to bow out before?"

"Meh, didn't want to get on Jilk's bad side in case he was a sore loser."

"What changed?"

"I likely pissed in his morning coffee by bringing up his engagement. Might as well shit in it too by beating him in his event."

Dan chuckled.

"To think I'm being looked down on by firsties."

AN:

1) Wasn't expecting to write a second chapter for this.

2) Honestly, it feels way different from the first part. There are still elements of the eccentric status, but it is hard to balance that while also maintaining some semblance of respect from the main cast.

3) This fic is starting to feel like more of test of how to keep Leon away (and possibly ignorant) of the plot while still subtly influencing it.

Review Response

Frosty Wolf: Reddit had links to the Japanese website. I just use the auto translate function from there.

Guest007: Considering Olivia is pretty bi, yes.

JD: Yeah, I feel like Some Random Shitty Rambler grossly underestimates how much people would eat that fic up. At the same time, I can totally understand not wanting to continue something if you don't have the desire to.