The Transmigrator Doesn’t Dream of Being the Protagonist – Chapter 24

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Mod7
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The atmosphere was tense, like a rubber band stretched to its limit.

Tia, despite her pride, didn’t avoid Sylvia’s gaze.

Why did I feel like I was walking on thin ice while these two women were engaged in a power struggle? Was this the legendary catfight?

I nervously glanced between Tia and Sylvia.

“Haha, Professor Sylvia, a stage play?”

Tia feigned ignorance, as if she didn’t understand Sylvia’s implication.

But Tia, with her sharp wit, couldn’t possibly have missed Sylvia’s hostility.

Sylvia’s words were a clear warning: “Drop the act and show your true colors.”

“I asked if you treat social gatherings like a stage play.”

“A stage play? Social gatherings are just social gatherings. I don’t understand what you mean, Sylvia.”

But Sylvia didn’t seem interested in prolonging the confrontation.

“Ah, you see, for me, social gatherings are a stage play. I was simply curious about your opinion. They are quite amusing, after all. Everyone seems more interested in my disciple than me.”

Sylvia smoothly changed the subject.

Tia’s expression softened.

“Fufu, you’re so funny, Professor Sylvia. That’s the nature of social gatherings, isn’t it?”

Tia didn’t press further about my relationship with Sylvia.

“Waiter, could we get a pot of tea and some chocolates?”

Tia ordered tea.

“I’ll have a parfait instead of tea.”

Sylvia requested a parfait.

The waiter nodded and returned with two cups of tea and a parfait.

The parfait, adorned with waffles and biscuits, looked delicious.

“Hmm, this is good.”

Her tone was casual, but I was surprised.

I had never seen her look so happy.

“Linchester, you like parfaits?”

“Ah, yes. Parfaits, pudding, chocolate… I enjoy anything sweet.”

Sylvia, eating her parfait, looked like a model in a commercial.

Anya’s eating style could be described as a “mukbang,” while Sylvia’s was elegant and refined.

“My father says I have a childish palate.”

But she didn’t seem embarrassed.

As always, she was cool and composed.

A shadow fell over our table.

“It’s been a while, Sylvia von Linchester.”

I looked up.

A blond man with a muscular physique stood before us.

Even his formal attire couldn’t conceal his impressive physique.

“It has been a while, Hark von Uphiros.”

Sylvia gracefully set down her spoon.

Hark von Uphiros.

The Upiros family was the Linchester family’s rival, vying for control of the Imperial Knights.

Naturally, the two families weren’t on good terms.

“May I join you?”

Sylvia nodded.

“Of course.”

A young man in a Neydia Academy uniform stood beside Hark,

Looking like a loyal knight.

It was Ruban, a student from Class 1-2.

“This is my nephew and disciple, Ruban von Uphiros.”

Luban bowed his head.

Arthur and Reus were the strongest students in Class 1-1, while Ruban held that title in Class 1-2.

“Hello, I’m Ruban von Uphiros. It’s an honor to meet you, Sylvia von Linchester.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ruban. I’m Tia Erze, a student at Neydia Academy and a member of the Erze Trading Company.”

Tia introduced herself.

Upon hearing that she was from the Erze Trading Company, Ruban excitedly mentioned that he had purchased a handkerchief from one of their stores.

“I’m Ethan.”

“Ethan? What family are you from?”

Hark chuckled, but I sensed hostility in his tone. He was clearly trying to belittle me with his question.

Or maybe he was just incredibly dense.

But I wasn’t going to rise to the bait.

“You probably wouldn’t recognize the name.”

I’m from South Korea.

I couldn’t exactly say that.

“I’m familiar with most noble families.”

Hark wasn’t going to let it go.

“Hark.”

Sylvia intervened, her voice calm but authoritative.

“Lineage and status are irrelevant when it comes to swordsmanship.”

Sylvia smiled at Hark.

“Haha, my apologies. I’m simply a curious man. I heard that Sylvie, who has never taken on a disciple before, has finally found a student. I couldn’t resist asking.”

Tia smiled awkwardly.

Even though she was from the Erze family, she was still a commoner and had to be mindful of her status.

Ruban remained silent, observing the situation.

“Since I’m so curious, how about a demonstration? Your disciple, Ethan, and my nephew, Ruban. A friendly spar.”

Swordsmanship demonstrations were common at social gatherings.

Most nobles had some training in swordsmanship and magic.

And it was a way to subtly challenge a rival.

Losing a duel at a social gathering was a humiliating experience.

“Hark.”

“A true swordsman wouldn’t back down from a challenge.”

Hark was deliberately provoking me.

“The Linchester family is known for their courage. Surely your disciple has inherited that spirit! What do you say?”

Hark’s boisterous laughter drew the attention of the other guests.

Backing down now would be a disgrace to my master. And losing would be equally humiliating.

“Very well, Hark von Uphiros. We accept your challenge. Ethan.”

“Yes, Linchester.”

“Show them the swordsmanship of the Linchester family.”

I stood up.

Ruban rose to meet me.

As we moved to a clear space, people formed a circle around us.

“This is turning out to be an exciting evening. A clash between the Linchester and Upiros families.”

“Is that boy Sylvia’s disciple?”

“This isn’t a clash between the families. My disciple isn’t a member of the Linchester family.”

I overheard snippets of their conversations.

Ruban handed me a wooden sword.

“Ethan, was it? Let’s settle this in one round.”

“As you wish.”

Ruban looked confident.

He had received elite training since childhood, being a member of the Uphiros family.

But I had an advantage.

Releasing mana was frowned upon at social gatherings.

It was important to avoid injuring fellow nobles.

It was an unspoken rule to fight without releasing mana.

And I, with the exception of the demon encounter, had only trained and fought without releasing mana.

I was used to it.

“Win, Ethan.”

Sylvia placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Yes, Linchester.”

Tia and Benek were also watching us intently.

The spar began.

Whoosh!

A sharp attack came at me.

I blocked it, instead of dodging.

It was a powerful blow, but manageable.

After exchanging a few blows, I could gauge Ruban’s skill. I knew the match would be decided quickly.

Ruban swung his sword again.

I effortlessly blocked it. We attacked and retreated,

The sounds of clashing wooden swords filling the air.

Why?

I was able to wield Linchester Swordsmanship as if I had been practicing it for years.

We danced, exchanging blows.

Ruban, pushing off the ground with a powerful step, launched a decisive attack.

I met his attack with force.

Our wooden swords clashed, devoid of any mana enhancement.

My next move came instinctively.

It was as if this swordsmanship style had been created specifically to counter the Uphiros family’s techniques.

Thwack!

My wooden sword struck Ruban’s wrist.

If we were using real swords, his hand would have been severed.

But Ruban didn’t drop his sword.

I thrust my sword towards his abdomen.

Thud!

Ruban staggered back, but he remained standing.

The match was over.

Silence fell over the ballroom.

There were no cheers, no gasps, no groans.

“I concede. You win.”

Ruban, his expression slightly frustrated, lowered his sword.

Applause erupted, filling the ballroom.

People whispered among themselves, analyzing the match.

“It was quite exciting, even without mana enhancement.”

“It seems the Linchester family has secured a victory.”

“Is Linchester Swordsmanship superior to Uphiros Swordsmanship?”

“This wasn’t a defeat for Uphiros Swordsmanship. It was simply a personal loss.”

I extended my hand to Ruban.

He forced a smile and shook my hand.

“Good match, Ethan.”

“Ruban, I learned a lot from you.”

We turned and walked away.

“Ethan, you’re quite skilled. Sylvie has found a worthy disciple.”

“You flatter me.”

“Well done, Ethan.”

Sylvia patted my shoulder, her expression proud.

The ball began.

Sylvia, arms crossed, stood in a corner of the ballroom.

I stood beside her, observing the dancing couples.

“Linchester, aren’t you going to dance?”

“I’m not fond of dancing. If you’d like to dance, go ahead. I won’t stop you.”

Someone approached us.

“Professor Sylvia, may I borrow Ethan for a while?”

It was Tia, her voice soft and polite.

Her blue eyes met mine.

“You have my permission.”

Sylvia replied coolly.

“Ethan, could you spare a moment?”

I couldn’t help but glance at Sylvia.

I was here as her partner, after all.

“I’m not a very good dancer.”

“Then I’ll wait for you on the balcony.”

“…….”

Tia turned and walked away.

She gracefully navigated the crowd, her dress flowing behind her, as she made her way to the second floor.

I followed her.

Tia was leaning against the railing of the balcony.

I walked over and stood beside her, leaning against the railing. The view from the balcony was peaceful.

A full moon hung in the night sky.

“Tia Erze, what did you want to talk about?”

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