Having ascended to Fourth Rank through a fierce comeback, we welcomed Weiss into our Faction, leaving two open spots. As expected, today we would be gathering new members to finalize our selection in the best possible condition. But before that, we decided to hold a meeting with the existing members.

…That being said, Freesia and Weiss had already met, albeit briefly, so I expected the introductions to go smoothly without any need for a formal introduction—

"Are you the one joining the faction?"

"Yes! It’s a pleasure to meet you!"

For some reason, their exchange began as if they were complete strangers meeting for the first time. Or rather, it was more like Freesia was directing an unprovoked hostility toward Weiss, leaving the so-called Hero flustered.

—What is this???

Well, technically, the only time they had seen each other was when Weiss was intensely training, so one could say this was their first proper meeting. But even so, something seemed off about Freesia today.

Normally, in public or when meeting someone for the first time, the battle-crazed duke’s daughter would maintain a dignified noble façade. Yet, for some reason, that mask had completely fallen from the start.

"Listen up. I was the first one invited into the faction by Clay. That means you, who joined later, are my subordinate. Got it?"

"Yes! Understood, Miss Freesia!!"

"No, don’t just agree to that. And what’s with that unpleasant senior attitude of yours, Freesia…?"

I couldn’t help but interject at the bizarre exchange between the arrogant girl and the obedient boy. The atmosphere was heavy—or was it really?

"Anyway, I am Clay’s right hand. As for you… well, the left side is open, so I suppose I can give you that."

"Really!?"

"Yes. But in return, I am absolutely the right hand, got it? It feels more like being the true partner that way."

"Of course!!"

"……"

What are these two even talking about? Right hand, left hand—does it even matter? Apparently, Freesia has some weird fixation on this.

—Well, at least they aren’t at odds…

For some reason, the battle-maniac looked pleased with herself, while the Hero gazed at her—not with admiration, but something closer to envy. Their compatibility didn’t seem too bad.

—Still, could they at least greet each other normally…?

Originally, I had planned for a brief introduction before getting straight to action, but my plans were already going off track.

Today was our once-a-week rest day, meaning there were no classes. But even on rest days, students still came to the academy, and with the Promotion Duels ongoing, rest days were practically nonexistent. Being the last break before the final selection, most students were using this day for an intense push. In other words, duels were breaking out all over the academy from morning onward. It was turning into something straight out of an apocalyptic scene—not that it was funny.

—Well, considering the final selection starts in earnest after this, it’s no surprise everyone is desperate…

We weren’t exempt from that either. Ideally, we wanted to find promising candidates and recruit them into our Faction today.

Regaining my focus, I looked at the two of them.

"Alright, introductions are done. Make sure you two get along."

"Hmph…"

"Yes!!"

Freesia seemed strangely dissatisfied, while Weiss responded cheerfully.

Honestly, I had my doubts about whether this would work out, but we were already in too deep to back out now. There was no choice but to push forward. Clearing my throat, I reaffirmed our objective.

"As you all know, we’re here today to recruit the remaining members. For now, we’ll each patrol the academy until noon and identify promising Fourth Rank students. Understood?"

"Got it!"

"Yes."

Weiss answered seriously, while Freesia casually raised her hand. There wasn’t any need for permission to speak, but since she had gone through the trouble, I decided to call on her like in a class setting.

"Yes, Miss Freesia. What is it?"

"Just like how Clay recruited this unfaithful sidepiece Weiss, I also found a promising candidate last night."

"…I feel like I just heard something weird in that sentence, but I’ll ignore it for now. So, who is this candidate?"

I hadn’t expected her to have already found a potential member like I had, but this was a promising development. Urging her to continue, I noticed her gaze shifting toward the classroom door.

"Actually, I already called them. They should be arriving soon."

"Oh, well-prepared, I see—"

Following her gaze, I turned toward the door just as it opened. The ones who stepped inside were—

"Pardon the intrusion."

"…Excuse me."

A very familiar pair—none other than His Highness the Prince and Lady Gravitell from our Special Advancement class.

I was surprised by the unexpected choices, but I quickly understood. Even Freesia, as sociable as she was (supposedly), wouldn’t summon complete strangers here. If she had called them without hesitation, it meant they were students she had at least some rapport with. Given that, it made sense that two fellow Successors—who she had close ties with—would appear.

—And it wouldn’t be surprising if these two were Fourth Rank as well.

I wasn’t sure about them in my first life, but in this one, they undeniably possessed the strength of Fourth Rank or higher. Even so, a question remained.

"Uh, not to be rude after calling you here, but… Your Highness, aren’t you planning to form your own faction?"

That was what puzzled me—why would Prince Chronos consider joining my Faction?

With his charisma and popularity, he could easily form his own faction, probably even one strong enough to challenge the Top Five Knights. That was why this decision baffled me. In response to my confusion, the prince gave a self-deprecating smile.

"Clay, you seem to overestimate me, but that’s what you’d call flattery. I’m not someone overflowing with talent like you. That’s why I’m betting on the winning horse. Just like I did at the start."

"That’s not…?"

There was something different about him today, and I found myself at a loss for words. As I struggled to respond, he cast his gaze downward and continued speaking, almost as if to himself.

"That’s why I want you to evaluate me again."

"Huh?"

"I know I’m being selfish, but even so—"

His words left me unable to fully grasp his intent. But he didn’t wait for me to figure it out.

"If I let myself be swept along here, I’ll remain a coward forever. That’s why I want to duel you—Claym Bradley."

When he finally raised his head, his eyes held an unshakable determination.

There was no way I could refuse such a heartfelt request.

But still, let me just say one thing—

"How did it come to this???"