Everyone present stood there slack-jawed.
Most of the classmates had assumed Louise really had found a commoner to pretend to be a familiar she'd "summoned."
But now—even Guiche the Bronze had been beaten by Hayashi Maki in a single move, and that white beam had exploded up in the clouds. It was obvious that if that sword-light had hit any of them, they'd be in serious trouble.
Guiche collapsed to the ground, legs trembling, face ashen.
"I… I lost!"
To lose to a commoner—what a humiliation for a noble's son! Still, he could swallow defeat.
But… why did his scalp feel so drafty?
As the students came to, their eyes drifted to Guiche's head—and they burst out laughing.
"Pfft—Guiche, you look ridiculous!"
His crown was slick and shiny; the sword-aura had grazed his scalp and shaved off his hair—classic Mediterranean bald patch. A face that had been fairly handsome now looked absurd paired with that hairline.
Feeling his head, Guiche shrieked,
"Aaaahhhh!"
"Just you wait—this time I lost!"
And with that, he bolted. He needed to find a hair-growth potion and salvage his image.
Hayashi Maki didn't chase. By crushing Guiche, he'd made a solid first splash. The crowd's gaze burned on him; and as the familiar's master, Louise received looks of open envy.
At the edge, Siesta stared blankly at Hayashi Maki, shocked to the core. A commoner, daring to defy a noble—he'd lit a spark of courage in her. Thinking of her own situation, she clenched her fist and bit her rosy lip.
Kirche and blue-haired Tabitha also watched Hayashi Maki at Louise's side, their eyes complicated. Tabitha was curious, and a little shaken— a commoner dueling a noble and winning was unheard of. Nobles, when facing nobles, always held back for one reason or another. But Hayashi Maki had been utterly unruffled—from issuing the challenge to defeating Guiche—with no hesitation and no fear.
Kirche's eyes turned into hearts; it felt like an arrow had struck her own. Seeing that confident man bask in everyone's admiration, her heart fluttered like a startled fawn. Such an unusual man, with an unprecedented aura—and that calm confidence in front of nobles—stoked her curiosity to the full.
Louise quickly smoothed her expression, then, smugly taking Hayashi Maki by the hand, sauntered off under all those stares.
Back in the room, she gave him a heated up-and-down.
"What is it, Louise? Do I have something on me?" Hayashi Maki asked, puzzled.
Louise shook her head. "No. I'm just curious—how many abilities haven't you told me about? That sword-light—was it magic?"
"You could call it magic—mana compressed and fired through the blade," Hayashi Maki said casually, flopping onto the bed like a lazy cat.
Louise bit her lip, a little bashful.
"Um… I want to learn. How can I learn to use magic properly?"
Seeing him crush Guiche, she finally realized she'd summoned someone extraordinary. He'd said she could use magic—so there had to be a way.
Smiling, Hayashi Maki nodded and held out his arms.
"Sure. If you want to learn, come here. I believe I mentioned the method already."
Louise's face darkened at once.
"Dream on!"
"What are you thinking, you lech? Isn't there any way besides that to help me use magic?"
Flustered and annoyed, she stared him down—mortified yet indignant. How could he be so indecent? She was being serious—and he only thought about doing that with her.
Hayashi Maki only shrugged helplessly.
"Sorry—there really isn't. Louise, ours is a follower contract. To hatch the magic seed in you—so it can bloom and give you the power you desire—we can only raise our intimacy. I'm not lying; try it and you'll see. So—shall we?"
He finished and looked at her with expectant eyes. Louise puffed her cheeks and refused flatly.
"As if!"
"I'm not that kind of girl. I'm a noble—the Vallière duke's daughter. How could I just… do that with you?"
The more she said, the redder she got, steam practically rising off her head. She hadn't imagined she'd meet a man bold enough to propose such a thing so bluntly.
She didn't want to, and Hayashi Maki didn't force it. The contract was sealed; sooner or later, she'd be his. For now, they could cultivate feelings. This otherworld trip—he'd treat it like a vacation. Exploring a magic world and spending time with noble beauties—fun enough.
"Alright, if you don't want to, we'll leave it. But for your safety—here."
He flipped his right hand; a ruby necklace appeared. Even if he could watch her status via a "God's-Eye view" after the contract, a guardian amulet was safer.
Louise eyed the necklace, curious.
"What's this?"
"A guardian necklace. If you're attacked, it'll generate a full-body mana shield. I also sealed a blast of hellfire inside; in a pinch, you can direct it outward," Hayashi Maki explained, fastening it around her neck with practiced ease. "I made it with alchemy. Please carry it at all times, Miss Louise."
His intimate touch made her cheeks pink. Fingering the pendant, she felt warm inside and mustered her courage.
"Um… thank you."
"No need. I'm relying on you to keep me, after all—protecting you is my duty too," Hayashi Maki said, ruffling her hair before pulling out his phone and snapping a picture.
"Ah!"
"What are you doing? What is that thing?"
She jumped at the flash.
"Here, look," Hayashi Maki said, showing her the photo. "This is a phone—an everyday device from my world. It can take pictures to keep memories. You're too cute, I couldn't help it. May I keep it?"
"Mmm… I suppose," she murmured, pleased by the compliment despite herself.
Seeing her curiosity, Hayashi Maki pulled out another phone and handed it over.
"Here—one for you too. It runs on electricity. When the battery runs out you can't use it—give it to me and I'll charge it."
Louise turned the strange object over in her hands, puzzled but accepting. Hayashi Maki taught her the basics—how to play stored music, take photos, and record video. Sure, you could do "photos" and "recording" with magic—but having a little metal box do it was convenient and novel.
~~~
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