Chapter 10: The Soft Truths and Shifting Shadows

Thud

Back in her room, Sofia lay on her bed, gazing at the photos of Bisus plastered around her space.

They were snapshots she’d secretly taken over the past two days with a camera crafted by the republic’s finest artisans.

“Bisus…”

Bisus had effortlessly defeated the Schreig heir.

It was like watching the swordsmanship of the Bisus from her future memories.

The difference in physical ability was notable, but still.

Even so, Sofia’s heart swelled with anticipation.

If Bisus regains the memories of the Bisus I know, he’ll truly be my Bisus!

A Bisus who won’t be swayed by the likes of the princess or the saintess!

The Bisus who crossed the line of death with me.

The Bisus who defeated the Demon King with me.

…The Bisus who gave his life for me.

Having regained all her past-life memories through a dream a few days ago, Sofia realized she’d returned to the time of her academy enrollment.

Her first act was to check on Bisus, the most precious thing in the world to her.

Thankfully, he was alive and well due to her return to the past, but he’d forgotten all their shared journeys.

When he instinctively mumbled her name upon seeing her, she hoped he might retain some memories, but his reactions soon dashed that hope.

But that swordsmanship.

At dinner, Bisus mentioned he’d had a strange dream about wielding a sword on a battlefield, and somehow, he could use that swordsmanship afterward.

Unlike her, he only had fragmented dreams and didn’t believe they were past-life memories, but he’d figure it out soon enough.

That everything happened in their previous life.

And when Bisus regains all his memories…

He’ll be my Bisus, untouchable by the saintess or the princess.

“I don’t like it.”

The saintess lay on her bed, clutching a doll of Bisus she’d crafted with her holy power, muttering to herself.

“That woman. She acted like she knew my lord husband’s swordsmanship. It must be from the time he spent with her.”

Janice, Bisus, Artoria, and Sofia had eaten together.

The topic of conversation was Bisus’s victory.

His swordsmanship had overwhelmed the heir of the renowned Schreig family.

Janice asked when he’d gotten so strong.

Bisus replied that he’d dreamed of wielding a sword on a battlefield, and somehow, he could use that swordsmanship.

And that woman’s expression when she heard that!

Crunch

The Bisus doll’s arm tore off, unable to withstand the saintess’s strength.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry, my lord husband!”

Artoria hurriedly repaired the doll with her holy power.

“But this is your fault, my lord husband! You promised to be with me forever, so why are you dreaming of her instead of me?!”

She didn’t fully understand Bisus’s swordsmanship or his dream, but based on Sofia’s reaction, it must be tied to the future Sofia claimed to have shared with him.

“I don’t like it!”

She and her lord husband were divine envoys, far above a mere mortal like that woman.

They were angels destined to return to the heavens, reserved for a place beside their god.

Any ties with mortals were temporary.

“Just you wait… One day, my lord husband will regain his memories with me!”

“Sorry! I accidentally grabbed your chest!”

“Thanks, but, uh, a guy touching another guy’s chest feels weird! Haha… I’m not into that sort of thing.”

It was so soft…

Bisus clenched and unclenched his hand, savoring the lingering sensation.

Janice’s disguise as a male student was so perfect that no one could tell otherwise.

Crafted with a rare artifact, it was flawless unless scrutinized by a high-ranking mage.

So Janice assumed Bisus wouldn’t suspect her true gender even after touching her chest.

But Bisus, knowing her secret, was even more shocked.

It was… that big?

In Eclipse, there were no detailed descriptions of the protagonist’s figure or chest size.

Bisus hadn’t cared about such things anyway.

Survival was his priority, why would the protagonist’s chest size matter?

But the softness he felt caught him completely off guard.

“Uh… Bisus?”

Janice grew nervous as Bisus stood there, lost in thought about the sensation.

He didn’t figure it out, did he?

“Oh, sorry, Janice. I’m just exhausted today, not feeling great.”

“Yeah, a lot happened today. I never thought my friend would charm not just the republic’s princess but the saintess too!”

“I didn’t charm anyone.”

“The saintess had hearts in her eyes.”

Their conversation returned to normal, and Janice sighed in relief.

I could tell Bisus.

But if he learns I’m a girl, he might distance himself.

I don’t want to lose my precious friend like that.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, get home safe.”

Parting with Janice, Bisus returned to his room.

Bang

Thud

Closing the door, Bisus unconsciously fidgeted with his hand.

A woman’s chest is so soft…

Shake shake shake

He suddenly shook his head vigorously.

What am I thinking?

She’s not interested in guys—she’s the protagonist of a yuri story.

And she’s my friend.

My most reliable friend, chosen to help me survive.

Sure, he’d taken some of the protagonist’s events and planned to claim more opportunities, but he intended to reinvest just as much into Janice.

There was no one as dependable as the novel’s protagonist.

“I… didn’t give it away, right?”

The softness of her chest made him react strangely without thinking.

I hope she didn’t realize I know she’s a girl.

Bisus feared their relationship might become awkward.

In a dimly lit room, several figures gathered around flickering candles.

“The saintess, the republic’s princess, and even the imperial princess are all interested in this guy…”

“It’s not just interest. The saintess was seen actively pursuing him, almost like courtship. The princess wasn’t as overt, but her rivalry with the saintess suggests both have romantic feelings for the student.”

“Romantic feelings. Captivating women of their stature, huh?”

Only two days into the academy’s semester, and he’d already won them over.

The apparent leader of the group picked up a photo of Bisus from the center of the meeting table.

“…He doesn’t even seem that handsome.”

Maybe a little alluring.

But enough to make those haughty women fall for him?

“It might not just be his looks. In this morning’s practical swordsmanship class, he reportedly overwhelmed the Schreig heir, from a renowned swordsmanship family.”

“There’s also a theory that the imperial princess’s visit to the academy was to meet this student. If true, it means his abilities were significant enough to draw her here, despite her ongoing conflict with the crown prince.”

Alice, a high-ranking member of the organization, frowned at the reports.

“That significant?”

He’s just from a lowly baron’s family.

His past is utterly unremarkable.

Why’s a nobody like him suddenly causing such a stir?

The organization’s grand plan was nearing completion.

Everything was going smoothly, but now there’s a saintess, the republic leader’s daughter hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent, and this mysterious student who’s caught the attention of such highborn women.

“Should we take care of him?”

“No, don’t.”

Ordinary methods won’t work.

He’s got the saintess clinging to him.

Even poison wouldn’t work—she’d heal him instantly.

This generation’s saintess is said to be the most talented in history.

I’ll have to handle this myself.

“I’ll deal with him personally.”

“What? You, Alice?”

“Yes. No more variables. I’ll see what kind of guy he is myself.”

Bisus Granginol.

Any obstacles to the organization’s plans will be eliminated.