Liam grew up as an average person on earth. He didn’t expect much from life because of it. He got average marks in school and got an average job after finishing college.

“Being average gets you nowhere in life…” was something he hated hearing. So what if there were people better than you?

But he could relate to it sometimes.

He had never even gotten a girlfriend because of his average disposition. The girls he did confess to(using all his courage) would always say “No” and not even give him pity dates.

But being reborn as Arnold von Berkley had changed his life immensely.

He was someone equal in talent to the Hero from The Rising Of a Hero DLC. He had knowledge of the future, like a god.

And the best thing was that he was able to get a girlfriend—Victoria.

A woman who had no dating routes in the game. The game only allowed you to play as the hero so you couldn’t quite unlock her as a love interest. She didn’t have feelings for the hero after all.

But Arnold achieved the impossible.

He made Victoria his woman. Well, she was the one who came onto him but the point was that he was able to get a girlfriend. His only goal was to live peacefully now after eliminating his death flags.

But what was up with this situation?

“M-My name is Ruria and I’ve joined the academy earlier this year! I-I’ve always watched y-young master from afar. You’re soooo cool! You’re not afraid to stand up to others, even if they are professors or knights! Y-young master’s confidence and charisma is also sooo amazing that my heart always beats so hard like ‘boom-boom’ that it wants to fall out of my chest! I-I know I’m just an average girl with no power as a noble... B-But I-I can become a woman young master will come to love if we just try! I don’t care if I have to lick your shoes or mop your floors to receive your love! I’ll do it! I’ll do anything for your love, young master!”

“…”

Arnold was speechless.

The people standing around couldn’t help but look at this development.

‘No… Why me? Wasn’t Luke supposed to get the first confession on the day of the opening ceremony!? Where’s the love at first sight!?’

Arnold suddenly heard someone clap. Another clap followed. Then another.

“You go, girl!”

“So brave!”

‘No, this is troublesome.’

Arnold had an idea as to why this girl came out of the blue to confess to him. The academy itself wasn’t just a place where students could polish their skills and learn things. It was also a convenient place where marriages often happened.

Fairly or unfairly.

Say for example there was a girl who was interested in a young bachelor who seemed to have a bright future. She could seduce the man, get pregnant with his child and get financial aid or even married.

Many women had tried this trick on Arnold before. They claimed they were impregnated by Arnold and would demand money from him or his father. Arnold—being the playboy that he was—wouldn’t care about throwing money at the women if it meant that they would get out of his face.

Of course, he had miraculously avoided having any children despite the accusations which died down after just a few months.

‘Sorry but I’m not that stupid,’ Arnold put on a fake smile as he responded to the simpleton girl in front of him. Her motive was as clear as day.

“I think it’s rather unwise of me to simply say no to such a cute girl.”

Her entire face reddened when Arnold brushed her hair.

“””Kyaaah!””””

The girls applauded when Arnold looked down into her eyes with the handsomest smile he could make. The guys screamed things like “Kiss her!” and “Hold her hands!”.

“But. Would you give me some time to think it over? We can be friends in the meantime. So can I give you an answer later this month?”

“O-Okay.” The girl nodded her head like a puppy.

“I’m sorry.” He had a feigned apologetic expression.

“N-No, I was the one who came on too strong…”

Arnold was lying about the part where he would give her an answer. He didn’t outright deny the girl like he would’ve done in the past. He had to see what uses this girl had first. Bringing a nobody into his life would only be burdensome.

Elora was his first mistake. He almost lost her so he vowed to never again make the same decision he made back then. She admired Nova so he didn‘t need to seduce her. That meant that she was loyal enough and he would make sure to keep it that way.

“What’s this? A confession on the first day?” Arnold heard a familiar voice from behind him.

“It’s princess Olivia… She’s engaged to a first year if I recall correctly. Who was it again?”

“His name’s Luke. I heard from our professors that he’ll join the sword division as a supposed transfer student.”

“Luke? Isn’t he the new heir of the Berkley family?”

“Yeah, I heard he kicked Arnold’s butt and took the heir position.”

‘I’ll ignore that last guy.’

The crowd surrounded Arnold and the girl called Ruria. Olivia was accompanied by Elna and Lauran who were carrying all her bags.

Arnold turned around to face Olivia.

Narrowed blue eyes, long straight hair and an oval face with no blemishes whatsoever. Her uniform was a short skirt with thigh-high leggings and a pair of black shoes. She wore a blazer with a blue shirt underneath. There was a blue tie around her neck which was the sign that she was a fourth year student.

There was also something familiar around Olivia’s neck. It rested over her chest.

The blood crystal he ordered Luke to give her. It was already made into a necklace.

‘Hmm… I never expected her to wear it out in the open. Well, it’s not like people will know how much valuable the crystal has just by looking at it so it’s fine if she wears it.’

But it did indeed fit her. It made countless boys and girls alike turn their heads towards her. It really brought out her eyes. Arnold wasn’t a poet so he could only describe it like that.

“You’re as gorgeous as ever, Livia.”

“You’re as handsome as ever, Arnold.”

Olivia and Arnold spoke at the same time. The fact that she called him “Arnold” instead of “Al” already told everyone over the kind of relationship they had. Especially Lauran who had known them for almost three years.

The two smiled at each other. Of course, neither were genuine.

“So how is it going with old big brother Jurius?”

“….” Olivia’s face didn’t move at all. She only stared at Arnold with the same empty eyes.

“I heard the guy disappeared shortly before his trial was over. You wouldn’t happen to know what happened?”

“…” Olivia ignored Arnold and looked at the crowd, “Why are all of you standing here as if there’s a play? Go to your designated seats in the school hall and wait until the opening ceremony begins.”

The first year students hurriedly scattered when they faced Olivia’s glare.

Only then did Olivia face Arnold, “I do not know what you are implying, Arnold.”

“Nah, I’m just asking because I’m concerned. The two of us started off on the wrong foot.”

‘I know you helped him, Olivia.’

Even if Olivia didn’t really like Jurius, she probably pitied him. She had saved him before in the past as well so this time wasn’t any different. But since Arnold had no proof to back up his claim, he decided to not continue the subject.

‘I’m sure it’s not because she reciprocates his feelings, though. She probably wanted him out of her life forever.’

Olivia rolled her eyes, “I must go to the student council office so I can’t waste my time with you,” she checked her watch, “Are you free on any day during the week after school?”

“I actually have some business but I can postpone it if something urgent comes up. Why do you want to know?”

“Celeste has been asking to meet you. I don’t know the details as to why but she said it has something to do with her business. She also said that you might be able to help.”

“That’s a little cold. I thought she only wanted to see her little brother Arnold.”

Olivia spoke expressionlessly, “You should know where her office is. Drop by when you have the time.”

Olivia walked past Arnold as if she had said what she wanted to say. Lauran looked between Arnold and Olivia before deciding to follow Olivia.

“Huh? Where’s that girl?” Arnold looked around in confusion seeing that the girl had disappeared.