S7 The Duke's Daughter

The鉴定 ceremony had caused a minor disturbance, but ultimately concluded without incident.

The cause of the disturbance was not solely due to my and Sū's abnormally high stats.

Using enhanced hearing to eavesdrop on noble conversations, it became apparent that Skill Points are supposedly obtainable only through level-ups. Having 100,000 points at level one makes me an anomaly, apparently.

Incidentally, Sū had zero Skill Points as well.

This likely stems from my being a reincarnated soul. What puzzles me is the recurring mention of the "Duke's Daughter," who allegedly possessed Skill Points from birth.

Summarizing the noble accounts: the "Duke's Daughter" had undergone鉴定 just a few days prior to me.

She had produced stats surpassing any previously recorded, and possessed Skill Points—something supposedly impossible.

And that same peculiar skill—like a written curse—was also present in the "Duke's Daughter."

A hypothesis formed in my mind.

If that were true, I had to meet the "Duke's Daughter" at all costs.

The opportunity came quickly.

After the鉴定 ceremony, the venue was moved, and a light reception was held.

I was led by the king to the center of the reception hall, where we were to greet a line of nobles.

The nobles in line each brought children of approximately my age, or slightly older.

This venue was clearly intended for the introduction and mutual recognition of noble children of similar age.

It was here that I was introduced to the Duke's Daughter.

"An honor to meet you. I am Carnatia Seli Anabald, eldest daughter of the House of Anabald."

A strikingly beautiful girl, with hair like burning red flame, and a face marked by an intense, unyielding expression.

She possessed an immediate, striking presence—but more than that, my magical perception had already detected the sheer volume of her mana.

It matched mine and Sū's almost exactly.

The House of Anabald was one of the most prominent noble families in the nation.

They had a long history of holding key governmental positions, and their lineage traced back to both the royal family and legendary heroes.

Individuals born into the ducal house were raised with exceptional talent and subjected to rigorous Spartan-style education, ensuring they developed the capabilities necessary to support the state.

Yet even so, the amount of mana before me was abnormal.

She already surpassed the red-haired man standing beside her—presumably her father.

"Nice to meet you. Shrein Zagun Anareit. 'Pleased to make your acquaintance.'"

I spoke the final words in Japanese, with certainty.

Her eyes widened slightly for a moment, then narrowed sharply.

The movement confirmed my prediction.

"Father. May I speak with this child?"

"Hmm?"

The King hesitated slightly at my words.

There were still many noble families with children lined up behind the duchess's daughter, the first to be brought forward.

But I could not withdraw now.

"Is that not allowed?"

"Hmm."

The King looked between me, the duchess, and the nobles behind her, then spoke.

"It is fine. Do not stay away too long. Return shortly."

"Yes. Thank you."

I took the duchess's daughter by the hand and dashed out.

Behind me, Syrilis's presence flared intensely—but I had no time to attend to it.

I exited the hall and entered the private chamber designated as a waiting room.

Nobles sometimes leave the party to conduct private business, so such private chambers are built near the venue.

Soundproofing here is thorough. Guards stand at the door. Safe.

"Phew. This place is good."

I speak Japanese without restraint.

"Never thought it'd be true. The prince really is a reincarnated soul."

The duchess speaks Japanese as well.

"Ah, man. Hearing Japanese from someone other than myself after so long... kind of emotional."

Her demeanor remains sharp, but this noblewoman speaks with surprising informality.

"So, uh, any memory of a school called Hei-shin High?"

The name I asked about was my former high school.

"Strong memory. Guess we're fellow alumni—same school, same world."

As expected, this noblewoman had also been drawn into this world through the mysterious fissure in that classroom—she was, in fact, my former classmate.

"My original name was Yamada Shunsuke. What about you?"

"Bwah—?!"

When I stated my former name, the noblewoman erupted into vulgar laughter.

"Bwahahaha! H-ha-ha! You—really? Shunsuke? Shunsuke as a prince? Kuk, that doesn’t suit you at all!"

The noblewoman laughed uncontrollably.

This feeling—something familiar.

I had no memory of this woman at all, yet her mannerisms and gestures overlapped perfectly with someone I knew well.

"Wait… could it be you’re Kanata?"

"Yep."

Now it was my turn to burst out laughing.

Kanata—my former male friend, my gaming partner—was now this noblewoman.

It was as if a being from the opposite end of existence had been reborn into this form.

Don’t laugh. I was actually depressed when I first reincarnated—seriously.

No, sorry. But you laughed too, didn’t you? We’re even.

Yeah. But I’m glad I met you. I’ve been pretty lonely for a while.

Yeah. I feel the same. Glad we met.

My fist collided with Yuta’s.

Then the door to the private room exploded with a deafening crash.

What the hell?

Yuta panicked.

I nearly panicked too, but calmed down once I recognized who stood before the door.

No—another kind of panic set in.

The second crash blew the door inward.

Outside stood Sū, body enhanced by martial magic, fist raised in a magic strike.

Sū locked eyes on us, then targeted Yuta.

"Sū, stop! Stop!"

If I hadn’t slid between Yuta and Sū, Sū’s fist would have sent Yuta flying.

“Brother… I won’t let you.”

Sū whispered against me, clinging tightly.

“Your sister… koe-e.”

Yuta murmured in Japanese.

That day, I met my first classmate again.