“…And that’s about it. Man, the mistakes of youth sure are something, eh?”
“Huh?”
I figured we were going to talk about today’s class. Something sensible. Not…whatever all that rambling was.
This guy seriously just confessed to me that he’s spent years masterminding some kind of awful plan to groom his sister into his ideal girl. Who does he think he is, Hikaru Genji?!
I felt a chill run down my spine.
“So, let’s talk about the future for a minute,” Yolande continued. “Luke, will you allow me to be one of your pawns?”
“What the heck are you even talking about?”
“Ah ha ha. I know you understand me.”
What’s he laughing about so casually? I feel like I’m finally seeing the terrifying, hidden underbelly of the human race up close.
“This arrangement offers you three advantages,” Yolande asserted.
Ugh, my head hurts… And what’s this terrible sense of déjà vu I’m getting?
“First, I would be an incredibly capable and supremely pliant pawn in your service. I will perfectly accomplish whatever you ask of me, no matter how dirty the task may be. I suppose you don’t trust me in that respect just yet, but don’t worry, I intend to prove my worth to you.”
“…”
“Second, I’ve had a lot of experience with manipulating the emotions of others. Additionally…” He paused and looked around expectantly. “Hm, he should be here soon… Ah, there!”
A bald-headed man wearing a Magic Division uniform floated down from the sky. Upon landing, he deferentially dropped to one knee in front of Yolande.
“I apologize for my lateness, Sir Yolande.”
“Not at all. You’re right on time.”
Flight magic? Pretty impressive, but I’m not in the mood for any of this right now. I’m tired… How much longer do I have to listen to him blather on?
“Allow me to introduce you. This is Gordoba, division commander of the Second Royal Magic Division—of which I am a part, may I remind you.”
The division commander’s taking a knee and bowing to his assistant commander… I see. So this is what he wanted to show me. He’s demonstrating his talents.
“Okay, that’ll be all. You can go.”
“Yes, sir! I’ll take my leave, then!”
Gordoba floated slowly up into the air once more, then disappeared into the sky.
That’s the only reason you called him here?
“He seems quite disciplined,” I commented.
“I did my best with him, that’s why. Most of the Second Division have already sworn loyalty to me. What I’m trying to say here is this—I’m not the only pawn you’ll be acquiring.”
“…”
At this point, I’m confident this guy just isn’t sane. Why’s he trying so hard to win me over? Whatever he’s thinking, it’s so crazy I can’t follow along.
“Lastly…I don’t know if this counts as a bonus for you, but you’ll be able to show me just how happy you make Alice every day… W-wouldn’t that make you happy, Luke? It’d make you feel superior, right?!” Yolande seemed to be working himself up a little too much, and his breathing grew heavy. “Oh my… All I’d be able to do is sit and, ah, comfort myself, you know…? Uh…where’d you go? L-Luke?!”
I walked away and did not turn back even once.
Several days had passed since I learned the terrifying true nature of Yolande, Alice’s older brother. The things that happened that day, however, remained seared into the back of my brain, vivid and fresh in my mind.
I may never be able to forget the things he said. I mean, of course I won’t—I’m engaged to Alice. He’s going to be my brother-in-law someday, which is a horrifying thought. I never thought I’d ever sympathize with Alice either. Seriously, I feel really bad for her. Without that gross older brother hanging over her head, she might have grown up to be a kinder, better-adjusted woman.
Or, who knows, maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part? No point in conjecture, anyway. All I can say for sure is that Yolande guy is so evil he makes me nauseous.
However, the conversation with Yolande did have one large, positive impact on me. That was the day I began to form an interest in the idea of “pawns,” as he phrased it.
Up until this point, I’d only thought to make myself stronger. I never compromised on that, and I don’t intend to start. I’m going to keep learning and growing, of course… But there’s a limit to what one man on his own is capable of. Sooner or later, I’ll need followers who will obey me.
“…Tch.”
I hated the thought of doing what Yolande had suggested. Worse still, I had a rational understanding of how useful he would be to me as a pawn.
As I lamented that fact, a thought occurred to me. There’s another option, another way to pick out the strongest followers, and it’s built right into the very culture of the academy.
I had little interest in them at first, but those rank duels might prove quite convenient for my purposes. One of them must be defeated in the end, after all.
“Mwa ha, perfect for an experiment, then.”
Come to think of it, isn’t this the day Mia and Lloyd are dueling?