Published at 18th of July 2022 10:25 am

Volume 11, Chapter 2 – Rebecca’s Graduation Ceremony, Part 1-4

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Part 1

The day after the student council’s new organisation was announced.

In a room in the new Apollo House, Ash lay in a light sleep. He was almost awake and his mind was already clear and sober, but he felt that it would be a pity to wake up like this, so he turned his back to the rising rays of sunlight that shot in through the window.

“Ngh…ngaw…”

Eco began to bite on Ash’s side whilst still asleep.

“Uhh…don’t, Eco…”

Although he said that, Ash was actually filled with simultaneous joy and nostalgia. After all, this was a long-awaited nibble. Nibbling was a characteristic only seen in newborn young dragons, and Eco was probably about to progress from that stage…or so Ash originally thought, but it seemed that she still had this characteristic. However, Ash didn’t have much time to continue enjoying it. Eco’s nibbling grew harder and more intense with each passing second, and it had already exceeded the level of mere ‘nibbling’. Naturally, Ash had already become accustomed to it. As Eco’s jaw gradually increased in strength, he casually rolled over. This caused her sharp teeth to gently part from his flank.

“Unyu…!”

Eco made a displeased grunt as if she was a dragon that had accidentally allowed its prey to escape. Even in a state of deep sleep, she probably still had the feeling of ‘letting prey escape’. Eco then tossed and turned for a while, until she finally ended up resting her head on Ash’s shoulder. She then curled up and began to breathe in a steady, regular pattern. Her adorable appearance made Ash’s heart skip a beat. Up until this point, she had been cute much like a small animal. But it was different now — when she snuggled up close to Ash with an angelic sleeping face, she was undoubtedly a girl. Ash gazed carefully at Eco’s sleeping face. In the latter half of the next month, Eco would celebrate her first birthday. In the process of living together, she had gradually begun to look more and more like a girl.

“Eco…”

Finally, Ash’s gaze rested on Eco’s lips.

Her rich, cherry coloured lips exuded a certain lustre. Ash found his eyes glues to her rosebud-like lips. Eco really is cute — such thoughts welled up in his mind.

“……”

Ash gulped.

—I really want to kiss her.

Ash normally suppressed himself with sound reason and logic, but he was unusually excited and uninhibited this morning. He obeyed his instinctual emotions and slowly yet surely approached Eco’s face.

—Knock knock.

Someone suddenly knocked on his door. Like a child caught in the middle of a prank, Ash instantly shot up.

“Hngh!?”

Because Eco had been resting on Ash’s shoulder, she abruptly fell onto the bedsheets as a result.

—…Knock knock.

The knocking repeated itself. It certainly wasn’t an auditory hallucination. Ash flipped open the cover of the silver pocket watch beside his pillow, noting that it was only eight o’clock. Although it wasn’t considered early, it was still spring break, so it wasn’t a particularly appropriate time for a visitor.

“Who could it be…?”

Ash rubbed his drowsy eyes as he walked over to the door. The locks in the new Apollo House had been upgraded to a two-tier system. Ash unlocked the first one and slowly opened the door.

“…!”

Ash was taken aback as soon as he caught a glimpse of the person outside through the crack in the doorway.

“Rebecca-san!?”

Indeed, the person who stood leisurely in front of his room door was the < Scarlet Empress >.

“W-Why are you here at this time!? Is there an emergency?”

After heaving a sigh, Rebecca crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“You’re too lax, Ash. It may be spring break, but you’re the president now, so you should be trying your best to do simple things like sleeping early and rising early.”

“I’m sorry…”

Ash shrunk back. Upon seeing this, a smile emerged on Rebecca’s face.

“Oh, I didn’t come here to lecture you though. U-Umm…there’s something I have to discuss with you.”

Rebecca’s attitude took a turn as she suddenly appeared shy and her gaze wandered about unsteadily.

“You wanted to discuss something with me, Rebecca-san?”

Ash gazed at Rebecca in surprise. Whilst it was possible for Ash to seek Rebecca out for advice or discussion, the opposite of that was totally unimaginable.

“I’ll be waiting for you in St. Durham Square at eleven o’clock today, and I’d be very grateful if you can come. That’s all I wanted to say…so make sure you come, alright?”

After repeating this confirmation, Rebecca walked off. Ash stood in a daze as a wave of her sweet and refreshing fragrance lingered over him. Rebecca’s request was certainly a surprise, but what was even more concerning was her expression and demeanour. She was practically like a maiden in love who gave off a warm, affectionate vibe. The next instant, a snow-shite hand extended from beside Ash, pinching his cheek hard and pulling it to the side.

“Ash?”

At some point unbeknownst to him, Eco had snuck up behind Ash.

“Eho!? Wore walweady awake?”

“Thanks to a certain someone who suddenly bounced up, my neck hurts, you see.”

Eco answered with displeasure as she let go of Ash’s cheek.

“S-Sorry…”

“Never mind that. So, you’re going on a date with Rebecca today? You’ve got guts to make secret appointments behind my back, you know?”

A chill ran down Ash’s spine as he faced the glare of her fiery red eyes.

“I-I-It’s not a date! It seems like she wants to discuss something serious with me.”

“Rebecca wants to discuss something with you? That’s rather unusual.”

Eco tilted her head in surprise.

“I also get the feeling that Rebecca-san seems to be acting is somewhat different from usual.”

“Okay…fine, I get it.”

After Eco heaved a deep sigh, she let go of Ash’s cheek.

“It feels like I’m the bad person if I stop you from seeing Rebecca, so I’m letting you go.”

“Really!?”

“In return, you have to treat me to a crepe when you come back! Also, if you dare to do anything weird to Rebecca…I’ll trample you!”

Eco sternly commanded before letting out a yawn and returning to bed.

Part 2

With an endlessly clear blue sky overhead, it was truly excellent weather for a date.

“…Geez, what am I getting excited about!?”

After muttering such words of reprimand to himself, Ash stepped into St. Durham Square. In order to commemorate the completion of the Academy’s reconstruction, street vendors who would not normally be seen had set up stalls everywhere. Among the vendors, there was also a stall that sold the crepes that Eco wanted. The restaurants and shops that faced the square also had gorgeous decorations at their entrances or windows, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. There were clearly a lot more tourists around than usual. Ash marched through the crowd and eventually stood beside the statue of St. Durham. It was a customary meeting point that people used when dating. In any case, Ash felt relieved that he had arrived earlier than Rebecca. About five minutes later, when Ash’s silver pocket watch indicated that it was ten to eleven—.

—Clack.

The sound of something knocking on the cobblestone road caught Ash’s attention. He couldn’t help but look toward the direction of the sound. A beautiful lady walked into the square.

“…!”

Ash’s eyes widened. The instant that the beautiful woman entered his field of view, time seemed to stand still. Even the colours of the square seemed to change all of a sudden. The citizens and tourists who were present also focused their attention on the sudden visitor. She simply continued to stride forward, and the crowd naturally parted to the left and right for her.

“She…it can’t be……!”

Ash fell silent as he was mesmerised by the movements of the beauty. Her fiery red hair was elegantly tied up with a ribbon and hung over the left side of her chest. Her pure white blouse clearly accentuated the lines of her cleavage. On her lower body was a black miniskirt and knee-high lace-up boots. Ash watched on in fascination as the beauty crossed the square, the heels of her boots clicking with each step. At last, she stood before Ash and stopped.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Ash.”

As her awe-inspiring voice met his ears, the spring breeze carried a refreshing scent with it.

“Umm……you’re Rebecca-san, right?”

“Ufufu. And who else would I be?”

Her appearance made her seem like a totally different person compared to when she was in her uniform. Although the citizens in the square were all awed by Rebecca’s beauty, none of them seemed to have discovered that she was in fact the former student council president of Ansarivan Dragon Riding Academy.

“It’s because…you feel completely different compared to how you normally are, Rebecca-san…”

“Yet here you are, neatly dressed in your uniform today. It’s currently spring break, so there’s no need to wear your uniform outside the Academy, you know?”

“S-Sorry…”

“Oh, there’s no need to apologise. But, Ash? Don’t you have anything to say about my casual dress?”

Rebecca straightened her back and posed like a model. It was as if her standing posture was enveloped in bright red flames, and she even gave off a somewhat sacred aura.

“Y-You’re very beautiful, and it really suits you…!”

If Ash had the talent for poetry, he might’ve been able to give her more intimate compliments, but this was already the best that he could manage with his vocabulary. Fortunately, it seemed at least his sincerity had been conveyed.

“Thank you, Ash.”

Rebecca smiled contently and then began to walk.

“Since it’s a rare opportunity, let’s talk while we eat.”

Part 3

Ash and Rebecca left St. Durham Square side by side.

—It’s almost like a date…

Everyone who passed by would first take notice of Rebecca’s beauty, and then stare at Ash who walked beside her. Ash began to feel embarrassed by the countless number of gazes that were directed at him. In any case, the current Rebecca seemed completely mismatched with him. However, he gradually began to hear various voices from his surroundings.

“Hey, isn’t that Ash Blake-sama!?”

“It really is! It’s the Nation-Saving Hero Ash Blake-sama!”

“Who is Ash-sama’s companion? Could it possibly be his lover!?”

“I feel as though I’ve seen that beauty somewhere…?”

It seemed even Ash was unaware that both his name and appearance had already become widely known. In particular, Ash sensed a warmth and passion from the eyes of women.

“Fufu. You’ve already become a celebrity.”

Rebecca jokingly said.

“C-Certainly not…I’ve still got a long way to go.”

“This charm is one of your strengths, so just be aware of it in the future. Ash Blake, the young dragon Eco, and Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights have indeed become famous. Especially in the Chevron Kingdom, Avalon’s popularity has risen exponentially.”

“Really!? I always tried to be careful to avoid being in the spotlight…”

“That’s probably something that Oscar — no, Oscaia I did. She publicly declared that she was able to ascend to the throne only because of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights.”

“I don’t think Oscar meant any harm, but it’s a bit troubling to have too much fame and attention.”

“Going by past examples, trends in the Kingdom will spread to the Knight Country in about a years’ time. In another year, perhaps Avalon will be all the rage here in the Knight Country.”

Rebecca said with a hearty laugh.

“Kuh…by that time, I may no longer be able to walk down a main street like this anymore.”

Upon seeing Ash’s shoulders droop in disappointment, Rebecca revealed a mischievous smile.

“Oh, it should be possible with a bit of a makeover. In fact, it seems no one recognises me as Rebecca Randall. Maybe it’s because I leave too strong an impression when I’m wearing my uniform.”

“I see, a makeover huh. In that case, I should wear glasses like Max to try it out.”

“No no, don’t you have the special move called ‘Ashley’?”

“What!? How did that turn into my special move!?”

For Ash, his experience of cross-dressing was a past that he did not want to look back on.

“Haha, I’m just kidding. Max is probably the only one who would be happy about you cross-dressing. Having said that, no one in the world should recognise that that lovely girl is actually Ash Blake in disguise. From this perspective, don’t you think that cross-dressing is unexpectedly useful?”

“Well, I suppose you’re right about that…”

Ash nodded with an anguished expression just as Rebecca suddenly stopped.

“I think this store is good.”

What stood before them was a building constructed of red bricks. The design of the door was rather ornate, creating an atmosphere that was somewhat intimidating for entry. It seemed like a specialty restaurant of Chevron cuisine.

“Do you like Chevron cuisine, Ash?”

Upon hearing this abrupt question, Ash scratched his head.

“Rather than a question of whether I like it or not, Chevron cuisine seems to have a high-end feel, so…I’ve pretty much never had it.”

“Then, this is a good opportunity. To celebrate Oscaia I’s coronation, this store just so happens to be running a discount promotion.”

Rebecca took Ash by the arm. As soon as he was drawn in, his elbow met with Rebecca’s bosom.

“…!”

The surprisingly soft sensation caused Ash to subconsciously hold his breath.

“Oh my, why is your face so red?”

Like a little devil, Rebecca mischievously peered at Ash’s face.

“I-It’s nothing! L-Let’s head in then.”

With Rebecca’s touch and a fragrance that was reminiscent of a mature woman, Ash walked through the restaurant’s door.

Part 4

Since it was just after eleven o’clock, there weren’t many people in the restaurant. The only customers who had arrived earlier than them were an old couple and a pair of young lovers. Even though Ash was unfamiliar with Chevron culture, he could feel the owner’s commitment. Everything in the restaurant from styling to decoration was clearly Chevron-style. Upon a stage at one end of the restaurant was a young performer who played the lyre. Their graceful melody was reminiscent of court music. Perhaps it was a piece of music from the Kingdom. With the waitress’ guidance, Ash and Rebecca sat down at the innermost table. In reading the menu, Ash found that it was indeed a high-end restaurant, but they also had unexpectedly inexpensive meals available. Both Ash and Rebecca ordered a simple set lunch meal. While waiting for their food to be served, Rebecca gazed at Ash with strangely passionate eyes.

“Fufu. This atmosphere makes it feel like a tryst.”

“Y-Yeah…”

Ash nervously answered. He had been restless and unable to calm down.

“What’s the matter, Ash? You’re not nervous, are you?”

“Well, actually…”

Ash made a stiff smile. He was sitting at a table opposite the < Scarlet Empress > in a restaurant. Moreover, a particularly dolled-up Rebecca rested her chin over her folded arms on the table. As she gazed up slightly at him, the smile on her face even appeared to be one directed towards a lover. It would’ve been odd if he wasn’t nervous. Rebecca chuckled as she said,

“Oh my, those aren’t the words that a hero praised by the Paladin should say, right?”

“It’s because I’m here with you, Rebecca-san.”

“……!”

After Ash said so in a straightforward manner, Rebecca displayed a rare expression of surprise. Perhaps it was just Ash’s imagination, but it appeared as though her cheeks were slightly flushed.

“…You’ve matured a lot too. I didn’t expect you to say that so lightly.”

Rebecca’s expression was tinged with a hint of reluctance as she averted her gaze from him. In that moment, Rebecca looked so cute that it was difficult to even imagine her usually decisive manner. Just as Ash’s heart pounded restlessly, the waitress finally delivered their meals. Each meal was only served with a small portion in the centre of the plate. For growing young people, it was on the light side, but this was probably a tradition of Chevron cuisine. Moreover, Chevron cuisine seemed to place special emphasis on the presentation of each dish. Every plate was colourfully decorated to give people the sensation that they were admiring an array of gemstones. It almost seemed like a pity to eat it. The two of them put their hands together at the same time and offered a prayer to Saint Rosa Maria.

“Alright, let’s eat.”

Rebecca gracefully picked up a knife and a fork, and Ash followed suit. The first course that Ash chose was sautéed duck breast.

“I’ve heard that duck meat is the most flavourful of all poultry.”

“Really? It’s my first time having duck.”

Ash gulped and then placed a bite-sized piece of meat into his mouth. The instant that he bit down, he was impressed by the crispiness of the skin and tenderness of the meat. At the same time, the sweet and spicy flavours of the sauce and meat juices on the tip of his tongue intertwined for a lively duet that left both his mind and body in awe.

“It’s so good…!”

“Fufu. That’s great.”

Rebecca revealed a mature smile as she seemed to have finally recovered her usual calmness. Ash and Rebecca discussed the dishes that sat before them while they ate. Because the atmosphere between them was so pleasant, Ash momentarily forgot about the focus of today. Rebecca also seemed to avoid the subject. The sweet serenade of the lyre also added to the pleasant atmosphere. Just as their bavarois desserts were brought to the table — Ash braced himself and finally asked,

“Umm, Rebecca-san? When you said that you wanted to discuss something with me, what did you mean…?”

In an instant, as if a spell had been undone, Rebecca’s expression became serious.

“There’s actually something that’s been bothering me. It’s about…my future.”

In that moment, Ash thought to himself, ‘she’s finally going to say it’. Rebecca wasn’t just the former student council president, she also possessed immense strength and ability as an Ark Dragonar. Ash had always been curious about Rebecca’s future pathway. From Ash’s standpoint, he naturally hoped that Rebecca would continue to stay in Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights. But, if Rebecca wanted to use the opportunity of her graduation to take another pathway, then he couldn’t stop her.

“…Do you know about the ‘Maestro Award’?”

Upon hearing this abrupt question, Ash tilted his head.

“Uh…I think I might’ve heard of it, or maybe not…”

“Back when I was in my second year of the Senios course, Paladin Oswald personally presented me with that award. I think it would’ve been a fairly big deal at the time…”

“Sorry. I didn’t have a Pal back then, so I was too busy worrying about myself…”

“Ah that’s right, Ash Blake used to be called ‘The Academy’s Number One Problem Child’.”

Rebecca made a wry smile as she explained,

“The Maestro Award is given to students for their achievements at the Dragon Riding Academy. A so-called newcomers award, if you will. It’s said that the criteria for the award is very strict, and if you want to find any of the winners before me, you’ll have to go back at least ten years.”

“Ten years!?”

Ash widened his eyes. When it was equated to a newcomer’s award, he thought that someone must’ve been selected every year.

“Naturally, I’m still proud of having received that award…but the problem lies in its prize.”

“What kind of prize was it?”

“To join the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars as an officer cadet. At the time, I signed the contract without hesitation…”

Rebecca directed her gaze to the untouched bavarois as she softly sighed.

“In the past, I’d always aimed to work for the Order of Holy Dragonars. I even went to their training facility as a special trainee and asked Captain Ursula to train me…but, Ash. Now, the Order of Holy Dragonars isn’t that attractive anymore.”

Rebecca lifted her face. Her emerald eyes wavered slightly as she stared straight at Ash.

“Now, I want to be a member of Avalon’s Holy Dragons’ Emperor Knights and support you as I stand by your side.”

Rebecca made a shy expression and she gently extended her right hand. The back of Ash’s left hand which sat on the white tablecloth was smothered by a warm touch. Rebecca placed her hand over Ash’s hand — the distance between them seemed to shorten all at once, and Ash’s heart skipped a beat. With a sincere look in her eyes, Rebecca then said,

“No matter what obstacles appear, I want to be with you.”

“Rebecca-san…”

“For you, I plan to return the Maestro Award back to Paladin Oswald. As for the contract to join the Order of Holy Dragonars, I intend to cancel it—”

Just when Rebecca resolutely said so…

“Don’t underestimate my intelligence network! I know you’re in here, Rebecca!”

A caustic voice resounded through the restaurant. The performer had already taken cover in the back room as their elegant melody abruptly stopped. An uncomfortable silence filled the restaurant. The restaurant’s atmosphere gradually grew more serious, and the lingering silence seemed as though it was on the verge of collapse. Suddenly, a sequence of heavy footsteps like those of a funeral procession resounded. It seemed that the unknown visitors wore iron-soled boots.

“That voice just then, it couldn’t possibly be…”

Ash trembled as he spoke, and his entire body stiffened up. The voice that yelled out earlier was certainly familiar, and he had previously experienced this heavy atmosphere as well. Unsurprisingly, the person who majestically appeared was dressed in a full suit of armour — First Princess Veronica Lautreamont. Behind her, in addition to the captain of her personal guard, Glenn McGuire, a platoon of brawny knights also marched in single file.

“So, you personally came for me, Your Highness…”

Rebecca knelt down politely in front of Veronica.

“Rebecca. You were awarded the prestigious Maestro Award, but I’ve heard that you plan to nullify your contract to join the Lautreamont Order of Holy Dragonars…”

Veronica spoke in a cold voice, and at the same time, she shoved a document into Rebecca’s hands.

“This is the contract that you signed with the Order of Holy Dragonars when you received the Maestro Award. Didn’t you plan to join the Order as an officer cadet immediately after your graduation?”

“Umm…”

Rebecca couldn’t help but hesitate. Due to her serious personality, it probably made her quite uncomfortable to break the contract. Veronica’s insight and mobility was also impressive given that she was able to determine Rebecca’s mood and come to Ansarivan. This was also proof of the high hopes that she had for Rebecca.

“Rebecca. Don’t you think that invalidating a contract that has been officially signed is an act which goes against the spirit of chivalry?”

With a pained expression, Rebecca remained silent. At that moment, Ash finally returned to his senses. Because he had been so startled by the situation, he remained seated in a daze, and only now did he hurriedly kneel down beside Rebecca.

“Princess Veronica, I implore you! Indeed, I also believe that a contract should not be broken. However, a long time has passed since the contract was originally signed. It’s reasonable for one’s life goals to change, is it not? I think Rebecca-san’s feelings right now are most important.”

“Huh!? Ash!? Y-You were here as well…?”

Surprisingly, Veronica’s momentum weakened as soon as Ash voiced his opinion. On that topic, Ash thought back. Veronica’s attitude towards Ash seemed to have dramatically changed ever since the dinner banquet that was held in Fontaine Palace. The reaction that she displayed was like that of an innocent maiden. If Veronica could understand his sincerity, perhaps—

“S-Shut up! Ash, I may owe you a great debt, but these two matters shouldn’t be confused!”

Unfortunately, the slight expectation that Ash had fell short. After all, in order to persuade Rebecca, Veronica had travelled all the way here, and her attitude wasn’t going to be softened just by Ash’s intervention.

“…Sorry to interrupt, Veronica-sama. I think, by now, it’s no longer possible to persuade her with words. How about enacting ‘Plan B’?”

Her guard captain Glenn politely interjected.

“Yes…I suppose it can’t be helped.”

Veronica finally seemed to regain her composure.

“Rebecca. I’ve heard that the Dragon Riding Academy hasn’t held its graduation ceremony yet, is that right?”

Veronica suddenly changed the subject.

“…Yes. We did our best to complete the reconstruction work before the beginning of the new semester. Although the reconstruction was successfully completed, the graduation ceremony was repeatedly delayed…and it has been decided that it is scheduled to be held at the end of this month.”

Rebecca calmly responded.

“Then, for this year’s graduation ceremony, why don’t I plan a special event?”

“…?”

“On the day of the graduation ceremony — you will bet your own future on an official duel against one of my knights. If you win and determine your own path, then I will allow you to void the contract. You will be free to do as you wish. However, if you are defeated, then you will obediently join the Order of Holy Dragonars. Moreover, you will not be given the elite path of an officer cadet, and instead, you will start from scratch as a rookie knight!”

“Princess Veronica! With all due respect, this is—”

“You keep your mouth shut, Ash!”

Veronica bellowed at Ash, and then glared at Rebecca.

“What’s wrong, Rebecca?”

“…It sounds like it’ll be a rather memorable graduation ceremony.”

Ash couldn’t help but shudder as he saw a blaze instantaneously ignite in Rebecca’s eyes.

“I understand. The fault for this lies with me, yet you’ve still given me an opportunity, Your Highness Veronica. I thank you for your generosity.”

Despite the respectful choice and tone of her words, Rebecca’s eyes were undoubtedly burning with the fighting spirit of a knight. Ash was reminded that Rebecca was most certainly a true knight.

“The deal is struck. As for your opponent, I will select them from the elites of the Order of Holy Dragonars. That is all!”

After Veronica made such an announcement resolutely, she flipped her cloak as she prepared to turn around and leave. But…she suddenly stopped. Clang…her iron boots ruffled and made noise.

“By the way, Ash? It might be a bit late to ask, but…why are you here? You wouldn’t be…here alone with Rebecca…on a date, would you?”

—Dooooon!

An astonishing air of intimidation suddenly erupted. Like a frog being glared at by a snake, Ash couldn’t help but sweat.

“N-No! I swear to Saint Rosa Maria, I haven’t done anything untoward!”

“…Hmm. You swear to the Saint, huh. If you say so, then I’ll believe you.”

Ash exhaled and heaved a sigh of relief, but it only lasted for a moment.

“By the way, Ash!”

“Y-Yes!”

Ash straightened his posture, and Rebecca coughed dryly to clear her throat.

“Umm, well…whenever you feel like it…you can come to visit me in the palace.”

“Huh?”

“Anyway, farewell!”

This time, Veronica actually took her leave. In this manner, he somehow managed to survive—

“By the way, Ash?”

Rebecca suddenly leaned towards Ash with a troubled look on her face.

“What’s the matter?”

The two of them grew so close that there was barely any distance left between their noses. Ash found himself at a loss in the face of such a peerless beauty.

“Ash, I’m thinking, there isn’t…something going on between you and Her Highness Veronica, is there? I got the feeling that Her Highness was watching you, as if with a strangely passionate gaze.”

“N-No, that’s impossible!”

“Hmm, how suspicious…”

Rebecca drew even closer. Ash couldn’t help but panic in the face of her unexpected questioning.

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