I Became a Swordsmanship Genius at the Academy

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Hana-rin’s teasing words made Hazuki’s expression stiffen.

“…You’re saying something strange.”

Hana-rin, who had invaded the space meant for just the two of them, and her current stance. Also, the night when contact with Kim Il-shin had been severed.

These thoughts made Hazuki envision difficult scenarios.

In fact, it was something she had imagined even before coming here.

However, since she hadn’t wanted it, she had simply buried it.

“Why is it strange?”

“If you want to restrain yourself, you can stop; it’s just exercise.”

“Well, you might think that.”

Hana-rin’s confident expression was blatant.

Dishonest words, a hostile attitude, and a subtle glare. At this point, they were impossible to ignore.

‘So, this is how it is.’

Hazuki realized that her imagination had turned into reality.

Last night, the two of them had grown closer—both physically and emotionally.

And Hana-rin had learned about the happenings between her and Kim Il-shin.

So now she had come here to directly state her position and issue a warning.

‘We’re already in this situation. So don’t mess around… I suppose that’s what it means.’

After finishing her thoughts, her mind cleared.

She hadn’t expected it to happen this quickly, but she had prepared for this situation. She even had a plan.

‘I have no intention of giving up.’

Hazuki, recalling her determination from before, let her eyes shine.

Ding—

At that moment, the bell connected to the personal room on the first floor rang.

With a smile, Hazuki looked at Kim Il-shin and said,

“I guess the food I ordered earlier is ready. Could you bring it over?”

“…Got it.”

Kim Il-shin reluctantly got up and went outside.

If he went out, surely the conversation would start again. It was strange that Hazuki was backing down like this.

However, regardless of how it turned out, it seemed beneficial for everyone to create a space for the two to talk.

‘You’ve got it now, right?’

Unaware of their thoughts, Hana-rin merely raised her lips in satisfaction.

She believed she had understood well enough, seeing Hazuki’s deep gaze.

Then, her attention shifted to the cake.

Now that the situation had ended, this action held no particular significance.

The cake was just delicious. It would be even better if Kim Il-shin fed her.

‘I’ll have to ask him again when I get home.’

Just as she thought that and moved her fork,

Clack.

“……?”

Just before Hana-rin’s fork touched the cake, a hand abruptly shot out to block it.

Hazuki, stretching her hand out, took the half-eaten cake plate in front of Hana-rin.

Hana-rin was taken aback by that action.

Holding the plate in her hand, Hazuki said nonchalantly,

“Oh, sorry. This is my favorite cake. You’ve already eaten half of it, haven’t you?”

An incomprehensible action.

Hana-rin’s face once again took on a guarded expression.

“Just order a new one. That’s the one I was eating.”

“I quite like this one. I have a personality that insists on keeping what I like.”

Regardless of anything, Hazuki scooped up a generous bite of cake and put it in her mouth.

Feeling the sweet taste, she beamed and wiped her mouth while looking at Hana-rin.

“Mm… it’s delicious, after all. So delicious I don’t want to share it with anyone else.”

Hazuki expressed her intent. She had no intention of giving it up.

Just as Hana-rin was about to respond, Hazuki handed over the cake plate.

“Still, if it’s with you, I can make an exception.”

“……Huh?”

The suddenly changed atmosphere.

With a bright smile, Hazuki stood up and approached Hana-rin, continuing,

“I know you like it just as much as I do, so how could I just take it away?”

“Uh, uh…?”

“You’re first, and I’m second. That’s only fair, right? In fact, it’s right for you to spare me.”

To others, Hana-rin appeared to be a hot-headed prodigy blacksmith.

Proud and unwilling to yield, but undeniably skilled.

That was the evaluation from those who didn’t know her.

‘I didn’t see it that way.’

However, having seen Hana-rin’s true self beside Kim Il-shin, Hazuki knew that assessment was wrong.

She only raised defenses towards strangers, not wanting to expose her true self.

Surprisingly, she was someone weak to affection.

And thus, the strategy Hazuki devised was ‘persuasion using emotions.’

“No, wait. Why are you acting like this…?”

“Why?”

“‘Sister’? Why would I be your sister? Are you sick or something?”

Hana-rin asked worriedly, thinking Hana-rin might be going crazy.

“Since you’re older than me, it makes sense for you to be my sister.”

“No matter what, you….”

Just as Hana-rin was about to say something to the mischievous Hazuki, Hazuki’s face turned gloomy.

“And… um… I’ve wanted a sister for a while now.”

Thus began the story.

Seeing that there seemed to be some circumstances, Hana-rin decided to listen quietly for now.

“I only have my grandfather as family. It’s complicated, but growing up, I had no one to share my inner thoughts with. So I always wanted a sibling to rely on.”

It wasn’t a lie.

Hana-rin had spent a lonely childhood and wished for someone she could open up to.

However, bringing up that story now carried a clear intention.

It was empathy.

She tried to draw empathy from Hana-rin, who claimed to have grown up alone.

“……Is that so?”

And that intention successfully landed.

Sadness and compassion colored Hana-rin’s voice.

“Yes. Of course, while I have retainers and friends who help me, there are things I can only share and empathize with a blood-related sibling.”

“…Huh? Then why am I your sister? By your logic, aren’t I just like those people?”

As she listened, something felt off.

According to Hazuki, Hana-rin was merely another person without blood ties.

“Oh, well…”

Hazuki shrugged off her gloom and smiled brightly again.

Then she added a nail to the statement.

“If we place Kim Il-shin as a cornerstone, forming a family, wouldn’t it be the same as being blood-related? Right? …Sister.”

“……What do you want to say? Just say it straight.”

Now it was time for logical persuasion.

“I’m asking you to accept me. There’s nothing strange about forming a family together.”

In this world, polygamous relationships were common.

Especially for high-ranked heroes, finding a monogamous relationship was often even more difficult.

That was common sense, not unfamiliar to Hana-rin either.

“But I don’t want to take your place either. I just want a harmonious family. That’s why I’m asking for your understanding.”

Hana-rin didn’t open her mouth hastily. She needed to think.

The fact that she was pondering meant there was room for acceptance. Hazuki continued her persuasion.

“Kim Il-shin may seem amazing and perfect on the outside, but up close, he’s unstable. He always comes back injured, and sometimes it feels like he might just disappear.”

Hana-rin unconsciously nodded. It was a relatable point.

“I’ll help. Despite appearances, I’m the heir of the Endo family. I can support you perfectly from the outside. I handle the exterior, and you handle the interior. Wouldn’t it be better if we divided the roles?”

If that were the case, it would indeed provide support.

Continuing with the flow, Hazuki pointed to the cake.

“That cake might not be enough to eat by yourself, but those of us who enjoy it love big cakes. It’s tough to finish alone.”

Hazuki spoke thinking of Kim Il-shin’s strength and the status she would gain in the future, but Hana-rin took it in another context.

It had been a bit overwhelming yesterday.

“……That’s true.”

But Hazuki would never know those thoughts.

She only rejoiced at seeing Hana-rin nod in agreement.

Thus, Hazuki’s choice came to an end.

Everyone listened as Hana-rin pondered for a moment before delivering her answer.

“Do as you wish. I won’t interfere.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“But don’t forget. I’m the first.”

“…Of course.”

It was a rational decision, yet it didn’t sit well.

“Well, it doesn’t change anything just because I said it’s okay. After all, the choice is hers to make.”

“…That’s something I have to work on. Thank you, sister.”

However, being called sister wasn’t too bad.

Clack.

Just as they finished their conversation, Kim Il-shin opened the door and walked in.

In his hand was a candy shaped like an apple, showcasing the essence of sugar art.

“I’m back. I asked what shape you wanted, and I told them to make it an apple. Isn’t it nice?”

“Wow… Wow….”

Hana-rin’s eyes sparkled in wonder as they focused on the candy apple.

Since she had been so focused on Hazuki from the start, it seemed Hazuki was now out of her mind.

Judging by Hazuki’s satisfied expression, it wasn’t hard to guess that some agreement had been made between them.

‘…That’s a relief.’

Though Kim Il-shin didn’t expect them to be completely on good terms, he hoped things weren’t too bad.

“Sister, would you like to have mine too?”

“……Thank you.”

“……Sister?”

This was somewhat surprising.