Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Ainz’s First Year in the Academy [After]

Translated by Tods

Edited by Phantom0408

Special thanks to the translation supporter: Asekhan

Dill had told him about the academy competition. It was only a short time, about a month, before the day of the tournament, but the atmosphere in the Academy City was intensifying day by day, and even Ainz, who was not participating in the tournament, was caught up in the festive atmosphere.

Then the day of the competition had finally arrived. The battle was held over three days, and although the Academy City was always crowded with people, it became even more crowded.

The weather was clear and sunny, and with the competition finally here, many students were aiming high to win.

The competition was divided into different days of the week. On the first day, there would be a competition in Liberal Arts such as speech. Academy students that aim to become Civil Servants and academies where many nobles attend, participate in the competition.

The venue was held every year by renting out some academy facilities. Depending on the event, public facilities are often used.

Ainz, accompanied by Chris and Dill, had been enjoying the competition since the first day.

Since there were many people his age participating, he was able to receive a lot of inspiration.

Warren and the others had considered Ainz’s request to watch the competition after receiving a report from Dill. The result was that it was judged to be a good experience for Ainz, and permission was granted on the condition that he take Chris with him.

Ainz enjoyed the speech contest on the first day, and on the second day, there was a magic-focused competition, and Ainz spent a good deal of time until the finals of the many events in the evening.

Most of the people who worked at White Knight were knights, and the training that Ainz had received was mainly in the physical arts.

Warren had also planned to educate Ainz about the magic system as well, but at the moment they were only doing so in the classroom.

That’s why the opportunity to see so much magic was a precious experience for Ainz to enjoy.

It was the evening of the second day. Just as they were about to move to another venue to watch another competition, a problem arose.

「Shall we go then, Ainz-sama?」

「Yeah. I can’t wait to see what’s next」

At Chris’s urging, Ainz begins to move with Dill standing by his side.

「Ainz-sama, I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying today’s event more than yesterday’s」

「It’s not often that I get to see so much magic. But I would have liked to have seen Dill’s fight. The martial arts event is tomorrow, right?」

「Yes, it’s scheduled for tomorrow. I am honored by your interest... I’d be happy to show it to you in the castle, with my father’s permission, of course!」

Dill has yet to show off his sword skills to Ainz. Rather, he had not been allowed to show it off.

His father, Lloyd, who was the Grand Marshal of the Knights Order of Ishtalica, did not allow him to do so. Dill was still inexperienced, and that was why he was not allowed to show off his skills because they did not want Ainz to get hurt if he did.

「I’m looking forward to it」

Dill couldn’t show off his skills in the competition. This was because he was also from the First Group at the Royal Kingsland Academy. He, just like Ainz, could not participate in the competition.

He was not sure if Dill would have wanted to fight on the big stage of this competition. When Ainz thought so, he felt a little bit empty.

「...Hey you, don’t tell me, is that you Dill?」

「Hmm? You are... No way」

「Long time no see, Dill! I never thought I’d met you again in here」

The man who suddenly approached Dill seemed to be an acquaintance of Dill’s and was greatly pleased to find out that it was Dill. His appearance was not so bad. His short golden hair was neatly combed, and he was tall for a man of Dill’s age. He also had a sword on his hip.

「Yeah, me too, Clive. It’s been years since we’ve seen each other, even though we’re in the same Academy City... But, I’m sorry, we’ll talk later okay? I’m on my duty right now」

「On duty? You’re supposed to be a student just like me though...」

Clive turned his head toward Ainz and Chris with a questioning look on his face. Today Chris was hiding her face with her helmet, and she was wearing the armor of the King’s Knight Order. Therefore, we could not see her face.

「I’m sorry about my rudeness. I apologize for accosting you when you were on duty」

Clive saw the armor that Chris wore and guessed the target of his escort. He didn’t expect it to be Crown Prince, Ainz, but he still thought of him as the heir of a high-ranking nobleman and apologized honestly.

Before Dill could reply to that, Ainz replied.

「I don’t mind. Dill, you can go talk to him for half an hour or so. I’ll have the other guard cover for you at the next venue」

Dill noticed that he didn’t call Chris by her name. And since he didn’t want to make a big commotion, he shouldn’t mention Ainz’s name too. Thinking so, Dill chose his words carefully and replied to Ainz.

「I can’t do that! I shouldn’t leave the escort for such a personal matter」

「Escort Captain, you can manage it by yourself if it’s only for half an hour, right? Or is it dangerous if I only have you alone with me?」

「...No problem. Dill, it must have been years since you’ve talked with each other. Why don’t you take your time to at least enjoy a little talk with him?」

Chris also gave her permission if it was only for that long. Dill was told to take his time and talk with him, but he thought it would be a little rude to hold back any longer, so he decided to take at their word.

However, even though it was only for half an hour, Dill realized how inexperienced he was when he was told that there was no problem even if Dill was not there.

「Very well... I’d like to take your word for it and enjoy a little conversation with my old friend」

「Yup, that’s fine. We’re going then, so come back later, Dill」

Then, together with Chris, Ainz headed for the next venue. They left the place quickly so that no one would find out who Ainz was until the end.

「I’m surprised that Dill had already gotten to the point where you could take an escort mission. You’re full of surprises, huh?」

「It’s an honor」

「... You can’t tell me who are you escorting huh?」

「Yeah, sorry, I can’t tell you about them. Even though I’m so close to you, I wish I could tell you」

Clive was curious about the subject of Dill’s escort. It was a well-known fact at the Royal Kingsland Academy, but they hadn’t bothered to inform the outside world. If the information spread slowly, it was unavoidable, but there was no particular advantage in announcing it themselves.

「Well, I guess so. By the way... You won’t be participating in the competition huh?」

「It’s settled, that’s why」

「I’ve been looking forward to fighting you in the competition for a long time. But you entered the Royal Kingsland Academy and never got the chance」

「Me too. I was thinking how fun it would be to fight there with Clive, who I used to compete with when we were little」

「Then...! If that’s the case, why did you go to that academy!?」

They had been competing against each other for a long time as childhood friends. That’s why Clive was looking forward to competing with him on this stage.

However, Dill decided to enter the Royal Kingsland Academy and joined the First Group in his first year.

As a result, Dill was unable to participate in the competition.

Clive was not happy about it and felt betrayed, even though he had never promised to do so.

「... It’s, It’s my dream」

「You never told me about that dream or any of this! Why? Is it a dream you’re so reluctant to tell me about?」

「No! I joined the Royal Kingsland Academy to make it... happen. It’s nothing to be ashamed of!」

「Then why can’t you tell me!」

Dill had one dream. But he has never told anyone about it. Not even his father, Lloyd, or his mother, Marche.

But Dill’s dream was a big, great dream that no one would ever be ashamed of. He just didn’t dare to say it now.

「...Someday, when I can say it with pride, I will. I’d like Clive to be the first one to hear that. So please wait a little longer」

「...! Are you becoming a coward just because you got into the Royal Kingsland Academy, Dill? Forget it, I’ll go on with my own, I’ll... be the strongest knight in Ishtalica sooner or later!」

Clive, who looked a little annoyed, told Dill that he would be the strongest knight and turned away.

「Today. I was happy to see you, but I was also a little sad. I don’t know where you’re going or what your dreams are. Still... I’m waiting for the day when I can compete with you again with my sword」

「Me too, Clive. I’m sorry. I’m just not brave enough」

「I know. You’ve always been somewhat reserved though, and there’s a lot about you that I can’t understand with... But, will you come to see me tomorrow?」

What Clive was referring to was one of the most exciting competitions held on the last day of the competition. It was a competition to determine the strongest knight of the Academy City. Of course, Clive was going to participate, and he was the top candidate to win it.

「I’ll probably go see it. I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to it too」

「The one you escorted huh? I see... Then, you should take a good look at how strong I’ve become」

Clive then walked away without waiting for an answer. Dill found it hard to put into words and felt somewhat sad. Did he want to participate in the competition? But the closest place to make his dream come true would have been the Royal Kingsland Academy. When he thought about it, he couldn’t figure out what the right answer was.

After that, he went back to Ainz’s place. He thanked him profusely for letting him take time to talk with his friend and returned to his escort duties.

But his appearance was different from before their separation, he looked somewhat sad. Ainz and Chris noticed that, but in their caring way, they didn’t ask about it.

Although Dill’s condition was bothering him, he tried to behave the same as usual and watched the next competition. By the time he left, Dill seemed to be back to his normal self, and he was able to relax a little.

***

「Dill. We need to talk」

「Father?」

When Dill came home at night, Lloyd called out to him.

「What happened? Be honest with me」

Lloyd immediately noticed that Dill was acting differently than usual. Marche had also noticed it, but today was the day he had escorted Ainz. She left it to Lloyd, thinking that he was more qualified than she was.

「...It’s not a big deal, it’s just that I met Clive for the first time in a long time」

「You’ve been apart since you entered the academy after all. It was good to see him again, wasn’t it? Your expression was inexplicably bad. I was worried that you might have gotten into some kind of trouble」

「If Chris-sama hadn’t reported anything, then it’s not a problem right? It’s just that, I felt uneasy when I was talking to him, I was wondering if I had taken the right path」

「...It’s about your dream huh?」

「Yes. I don’t know if this was the best way to make my dreams come true, that’s all」

「Come with me」

historical

Lloyd forcefully pulled Dill’s hand after saying so. Dill just went where Lloyd was taking him.

The place they arrived at was the courtyard of the Glacier Family’s house. It was also the place where Lloyd and Dill used to train.

「Take it」

「...What are you going to do, all of sudden?」

Lloyd handed the training sword to Dill. Dill didn’t understand the significance of this sudden turn of events, but he did as his father said and took it in his hand.

「I’m not as smart as Warren-dono. I’m not a caring person like Marche. Nor am I as gentle as Ainz-sama. But even so, I have never lied to my sword. I’ve been working hard all my life. That’s why I believe that I can put my heart into this sword more than anyone else and keep swinging it」

Lloyd did not arrive at his current position by talent. He had worked several dozen times harder than others to reach the position of a Grand Marshal.

And just like Dill, Lloyd picked up his training sword.

「There’s not much I can do. But I thought I could convey my honest feelings to Dill through my sword. I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to go with me... Here I come!」

The night training started abruptly. Dill was beaten by Lloyd twice as much as usual. He was worried that it would interfere with his escort duties tomorrow, but he thought that it made him feel much better.

Dill felt grateful to his father, though he didn’t say it in words.

He thought to himself, “I’ve come so far so easily compared to my father”. His father’s words and his connections have given him a lot of exposure. As a result, He had even been given the task of escorting Ainz.

When he thought about it, he realized how simple his situation was. After all, he had inherited his father’s power as a Grand Marshal, and his mother’s many talents as well.

He had such an obvious result right in front of his eyes.

The man named Lloyd continued to work hard and became the strongest knight in Ishtalica despite being said to have no talent back then.

Realizing this, Dill was grateful for everything that had happened this day.

***

It was the third and final day of the competition. The venue for the competition that would conclude the festivities was a melting pot of excitement. This year’s competition, which attracted a large number of spectators, was held in a rented arena near the Academy City.

There was a reason why the excitement was so high. It was because today was the moment when the strongest knight in the Academy City would finally be decided.

On this day, even Ishtalica was paying attention to this event. That’s why Lloyd, the Grand Marshal, was in the VIP’s seat as a guest.

Ishtalica National Knight Academy. Its name was simple, but it was also a famous knight academy. And Dill would be watching his friend, Clive, who was enrolled there fight.

His opponent was a male student from the Royal Kingsland Academy, a fifth-year from the Third Group. The game seemed to be evenly matched in the beginning, but by the middle, the difference in strength began to show, and Clive gradually began to dominate the match.

And the moment of closure finally arrived. The male student from the Royal Kingsland Academy swung his sword and went on a head-on fight, but Clive broke him down and held his sword to his opponent’s neck then shouted a battle cry of victory.

『It’s decided! This year’s strongest knight in the Academy City competition... is a member of the Ishtalica National Knight Academy! Clive!』

Clive’s classmates, sitting in the audience, shouted with great joy. And the venue was filled with loud applause and cheers.

A year ago, Clive had been defeated by the sixth-year students of the Royal Kingsland Academy and had finished as the runner-up. Since then, he had used his frustration to train even harder.

Then Clive went to Lloyd, who had moved near the VIP’s table, to collect his commemorative medal.

「...Long time no see, Lloyd-sama」

「Long time no see too, Clive. I’m glad to see you become even stronger」

After a small talk, Lloyd took out a medallion and tried to put it around Clive’s neck, but Clive stopped him.

「Lloyd-sama. I’ve heard that the winner has the right to receive an exhibition match with a regular knight. Is that right?」

「Hmm...? Sure, there is something like that, although you can also nominate a partner. What’s wrong with that? Well, first things first, here is your medal」

「If that is the case, there is one person I would like to nominate. He may not be an official knight yet, but he has been commissioned by Ishtalica」

In response to Clive’s insistence, Lloyd decided to ask him about it first.

「...With whom?」

「With Dill. I’d like to have a sword fight with him... right now in here」

The conversation between the two of them could be heard in the venue through a magic tool. Dill, who heard it, could not hide his surprise at the suddenness of it.

「I see. So that’s how it is, huh...?」

Lloyd somehow understood what had happened to Dill last night. It was true that Dill was registered as an apprentice knight. So, there was no problem with letting him fight in this exhibition.

Lloyd confirmed this in his mind. Then he spoke to the audience.

「The winner, Clive, wishes to have an exhibition here and now! As the Grand Marshal, I will allow it! We will now have a match between the winner, Clive, and the apprentice knight, Dill!」

The audience was even more excited. Dill was a famous figure in the Academy City, so it was only natural if he would be fighting here.

「Dill. Go ahead」

「A-Ainz-sama! But I’m on escort duty」

「You’re happy, aren’t you? Go ahead, I think it’s okay to have something like this at least for your last year at school. Right, Chris-san?」

「Well, Lloyd-sama has given his permission... So, I have no authority to stop it」

「Tsk...!」

Dill had tears in his eyes, perhaps from happiness. Then he told Ainz.

「Ainz-sama. As Ainz-sama’s escort, I will show you a fight without shame!」

When Ainz heard those words, he said, “Go ahead!” Dill was patted on the shoulder by Ainz. Dill then walked away from Ainz to go down to the arena. Dill’s face was radiant, and he looked somewhat happy and refreshed.

***

「So you came huh?」

「Well, you asked for me」

Dill arrived at the venue. In front of him, Clive, the winner of this tournament, was waiting for Dill to come.

「But is it okay with me? It might be a good experience for Clive to fight a knight of the Kings guard though」

「You’re the one I want to beat, Dill. I wanted to fight you in this place, so I had decided that if I won, I would nominate Dill」

「I see. I’m glad to hear that」

「You were watching, right? How my final fight goes?」

「I was surprised to see you’ve gotten a lot stronger」

Both of them continue their conversation quietly. They could no longer hear the loud noise in the venue.

『Both of you. Get ready!』

The referee calls out. They opened some distance after hearing that voice. Then their expressions and air changed in an instant.

『...Start!』

Then the unusual exhibition began. Clive was supposed to be tired, but on the contrary, his movements seemed to be faster than in the previous final.

「Kuh...」

「It’s hard when someone cuts you off this fast, isn’t it? I can still go!」

Clive takes the lead. Dill, on the other hand, was now on the defensive.

「You can’t win if you keep on defense you know!」

Clive’s physical strength seemed to be inexhaustible, and he continued to deliver powerful blows to Dill. The fierce momentum of the fight was breathtaking for the audience.

「What’s the matter, Dill! Are you a coward? Even though you said you had a dream!」

「Yea I have a dream! That’s why I took a different way than you to make it happen」

「So why don’t you at least show me how strong you are! Come on! Throw away those dreams you can’t even talk about!」

In general, it was considered rude to refrain from private conversations during a match. But the two of them didn’t stop and fought with their feelings on their swords.

But Dill had shown his immaturity. He was upset by Clive’s words that he should throw away his dream, and let his guard down.

「Ghaa... S-shit...!」

Clive’s blow was heavy, and Dill, who could not defend himself well, let his body fall to the floor.

「Haah... Haah... Oi Dill! What’s with your pathetic appearance! Are you saying that I’ve been waiting all this time to fight you like that!?」

「Not yet. I’m not done yet... Clive!」

Dill gets up and swings his sword at Clive. But he couldn’t get over the upset he felt from his words from before, and his attacks were lackluster.

「...Dill. I used to want to support you in your dream. But now I just feel so disappointed. I don’t know how you have become so cowardly, but that’s fine. I’m going to keep going and leave you behind... I’m going to be the strongest knight in Ishtalica... Zeyaaah!」

An attack was coming at Dill. He no longer felt like he could do what he usually does.

He thought Clive had been honest about his dream and had worked hard to achieve it.

But what about himself? He no longer knew what the right answer was, and he was slowly losing the strength to swing his sword.

Dill thought “I am sorry, Ainz-sama. It was not my place to be your escort” in his mind. He should’ve made up his mind after meeting Lloyd yesterday. It was a shame that his mental strength was so weak that he could be so upset by just one word from his childhood friend.

As if in slow motion, he could see the movement of the sword that Clive has raised. “I’ll never be able to guard it. I’m going to lose” he thought.

「Dill!」

He could hear Ainz calling him from afar. “Aah... I have nothing to say, I’m sorry” That’s what he was thinking.

「...You are sworn to me, right!? Don’t think it’s difficult! You said you’d be the strongest knight you could be for me, right!?」

...That’s right. Dill had made a vow. He had made up his mind to become the strongest knight for Ainz.

「I’m sorry, Clive... But I’m not allowed to lose」

Clive was surprised to see how much the mere words of the one he escorted could change him. His face and aura were different from before.

「Tsk... What is wrong with you? What’s with the sudden change...!?」

「I’m sorry for making him say something like that. But I understand now. It’s not difficult. I just have to keep going to get the results... That’s all」

On the spot, Dill swung his sword as if he was doing a preparation. In direct contrast to what he had just done, he moved softly, as if his body had been untied. Dill was not the type to use forceful techniques. His strength lied purely in his soft and fast swordsmanship. His swordplay was as beautiful as a painting and as gentle as a stream.

「Hey, Clive」

「...What」

「It’s about my dream, maybe I could tell it to you... I can say it. Because I’m afraid of it now」

「Tsk!... I see. Then I’m looking forward to the day you tell me it and let’s continue this fight... Orraa!」

Clive attacked with the same ferocity as before. The only difference was the condition of Dill, the receiver.

「I’m used to your attacks now. But I can’t hide my annoyance. It’s because I’ve shown him such a shameful fight」

Clive, who was supposed to be the one who attacked, collided with the ground. He couldn’t seem to kill the force of the attack and hit the ground head first. His attack was easily swept away by Dill, and he was hit with the momentum of his attack.

「Y-You...!」

「Let’s continue, Clive. It’s not anyone’s sword, it’s mine. I’m going to give you a taste of what this Dill has in store for you!」

***

「Good grief, What a mess you’ve made of yourself...」

「Lloyd-san. I didn’t know you were coming」

「Handing over the medal is the only job I’ve been entrusted with, so the hole my son had left. I should be the one to fill it」

「...But it was strange, wasn’t it, Lloyd-sama?」

Lloyd walked over to the seat where Ainz and Chris were sitting.

It was easy to find them because they were sitting in the seats reserved for nobles.

「Yes, Certainly... But after Ainz-sama’s words, he seemed to have regained his usual self」

「Hey, Lloyd-san, what is strange?」

「Ainz-sama, there’s no way someone who fights like that can be Ainz-sama’s escort」

「...But it was strange, wasn’t it, Lloyd-sama?」

「That’s right, Ainz-sama. Dill was chosen because he was excellent. Even if he was still an apprentice, he won’t be chosen even if he was good enough for his age」

「So the usual Dill has always been a good match for that Clive guy, huh...?」

「I’m sorry to say this, but I don’t think he’s good enough to be Dill’s opponent. They used to be pretty close in the past, but Dill has been trained by me and Chris-dono, and he’s already been trained in the castle. Having that said, it’s only natural that he’s no match for him. The problem was that he was still too mentally immature...」

Hearing Lloyd and Chris’s words, Ainz thought.

If that was the case, he wondered, why were they fighting so desperately?

Now, for some reason, he was starting to gain the upper hand, but even that seemed strange.

Even as Ainz and the others were having this conversation, the fierce battle between the two continued. Dill, who had already gained the upper hand over Clive, gained even more momentum and launched a fierce attack on him.

「...I think we have the winner」

「Chris-dono is right. Clive can only swing his sword harder now」

They seemed to be getting more excited, and their voices became even louder and began to reach under Ainz and the others.

「From the beginning... You should have done that from the beginning, why are you always... Tsk!」

「I had my share of troubles too! But I’ve already made up my mind... So, no matter what happens, I can’t lose!」

「Then tell me! Tell me about your dream! You said you can tell me right!? Come on, say it!」

The two of them continued their conversation as they fought fiercely. As they got closer and closer to the end, their conversation became even louder and louder.

「Yea, I’ll tell you! Clive... My dream... I’ll tell you about my dream!」

「Say it, Dill! If that’s something you’re proud of!」

Clive swung his sword with an even faster speed than he had ever seen. Clive’s sword, Dill parried it to the side of his body and used the momentum to break Clive’s stance. Then he thrust the sword at his neck from behind.

「My dream is not just to be the most powerful knight! My Father... The Grand Marshal, Lloyd, I want to defeat him and take his place as the strongest!」

The exhibition came to a dramatic end. Dill’s words echoed throughout the venue and were heard by the audience.

***

There was a lot of fuss at the venue after the exhibition. It was not only because of Dill’s remarks but also because the excitement of the fight had not cooled down.

In the end, Ainz managed to find a way to get on the carriage and return to the castle.

It would have taken a lot of time if they hadn’t used the -->>

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