I Have a Stalker of Noble Status. And to Make Matters Worse, their Numbers are Increasing (BL) - Chapter 44

“I-I can’t believe it!!”

“Is this truly the power of a Hero!?”

“Such ferocity—it’s as if he’s a war god incarnate!!”

I could hear the knights dispatched by the royal family murmuring in astonishment behind me.

Noooo, this isn’t what I intended at all!!

I hadn’t even done anything, yet slimes, goblins, and other monsters kept charging at me—only to hurl themselves straight into my Holy Sword and explode on impact.

Why is this happening!?

Max and Ange were trembling as they desperately held back their laughter, Ray was anxiously hovering around me, and Lord Douglas—of all people—was enthusiastically shouting, “Lord Patrick! Let’s see who can slay the most monsters!” while cutting down everything in sight.

The knights, who were originally meant to assist in my first monster subjugation, had effectively turned into a cheering squad.

“Magnificent! We must report the Hero’s valiant deeds to His Majesty at once!”

“We must spread word of his arrival to the people!”

Noooo, stop!!

“Wait, no, hold on—!”

“What are you saying, Patrick? Let them spread the word!”

I had been about to stop the knights from exaggerating my feats, but before I could, Max firmly grabbed me by the collar, preventing my escape.

“Wh-why!?”

“Why? Because if you’re aiming for the Ultimate Ending, you need to raise your popularity through the roof.”

I opened my mouth to argue but was immediately silenced.

Damn it, Max has a point.

“Or what? Do you want me to take you as my bride instead?”

“What!?”

“Lord Patrick, are you really marrying Lord Max!?”

Max whispered his teasing remark straight into my ear, and before I could react, Ange overheard and immediately began squealing in excitement.

This duo is absolutely insufferable!!

“No, Lady Angelica! Ultimately, I am the one responsible for Patrick!”

“Oh… is that so…?”

Ray suddenly inserted himself into the conversation, his words so serious that Ange’s cheeks flushed slightly.

No, no, noooo—she’s definitely misunderstanding something!!

“No, Ange, that’s not it! What Ray means is—”

“Everyone! We are still in the middle of a subjugation mission! Please take this more seriously!”

Just as I was about to clear up the misunderstanding, Lord Douglas cut me off with a sharp rebuke.

And while he was technically right, it was hard to take his words seriously when there was already a mountain of defeated monsters piled up behind him.

Yeah… Lord Douglas, maybe dial it back a bit?

And so, my first-ever monster subjugation was hailed as an overwhelming victory, and within just three days, news of the Hero’s triumph had spread like wildfire across the royal capital.

◇◇◇

And then, the new school term arrived.

We had officially advanced to the next grade—Ray to third-year, while the rest of us became second-years.

Seeing the fresh-faced first-years in their pristine new uniforms made me realize that I was now officially their upperclassman. The thought was sobering.

But I couldn’t let that fool me.

After all, this was Edelstein Academy—a prestigious institution reserved for the highest-ranking nobility.

No matter how much younger they were, there were still plenty of students with higher social standing than me.

In the face of the noble hierarchy, seniority was meaningless.

One strong gust of wind, and the concept of juniors and seniors would scatter like dust.

As usual, we stepped out of the fabulous carriage, walking through the usual path lined with female students who had gathered to catch a glimpse of Ray on his way to class.

Or at least… that’s how it should have been.

Wait. Something feels… off?

“Look, that’s the Hero!”

“Oh wow, he’s even cuter than I imagined!!”

“That kind of strength paired with such an innocent look? The contrast is absolutely swoon-worthy!”

The girls lining the hallway… were looking at me!?

“Hey, Ray, doesn’t something feel… off?”

“Ah, I see. It looks like I’ll have to be even more vigilant from now on.”

Huh?

The sense of unease I was feeling and the threat Ray was sensing—were we even talking about the same thing?

Wait—could it be!? Are assassins after me now that I’ve been recognized as the Hero!?

With the sudden fear of a surprise attack settling in, I anxiously made my way to the classroom—where Ange and Max (now in full Maxwell mode) naturally drifted over to my side.

“Oh my, Lord Patrick, you’re so popular now!”

“The news about your Hero recognition has already spread. It must be a lot to deal with all at once. Are you holding up okay, Rick?”

“Honestly? No. This is way too much change all at once…”

I slumped into my seat with a heavy sigh—only to lock eyes with Prince Chrisford, who was hovering beside me in his usual invisible presence.

Seriously!? This hasn’t changed at all!?

“Ah, but of course! No matter where you go, Ricky, I shall always remain by your side. You have nothing to worry about!”

No, this isn’t just sticking by my side—this is haunting me. There are way too many things to unpack here.

Since today was just the first day of the semester, there weren’t any actual classes.

Once homeroom wrapped up, it was already time for dismissal—a blessing for someone as mentally drained as I was.

As we left the classroom, Ray and Lady Violetta joined us, and our usual group chattered away as we walked home together.

Dodging the countless curious glances thrown my way, I stepped out of the school building—only to immediately spot a familiar tall, lean figure, surrounded by a group of excited female students.

Oh no. I already have a bad feeling about this.

“Lord Douglas!? What are you doing here!?”

“Ah, Lord Patrick! The knight apprentice who had been instructing the academy’s swordsmanship students has now officially joined the knight order. I have been assigned as his replacement!”

“From now on, I’ll be working here as well! I look forward to our time together!” Douglas beamed, flashing a grin.

My vision blurred for a moment.

My… my peaceful academy life…

While I stood there in stunned silence, the rest of the group, who had walked ahead, turned around with bright smiles, calling out to me.

“Pat!”

“Rick.”

“Lord Patrick!”

“Ricky!”

“Lord Patrick!!”

…And just like that, a smile naturally found its way onto my face.

After all, I was surrounded by a very distinguished group of stalkers.

“Oh wow, look at that! That’s a royal carriage!”

“Kyaa! So elegant! It’s His Highness, the Crown Prince!”

Wait. No. NOOOO!!

Whipping my head toward the school gates, I was met with the spectacular sight of a very familiar royal carriage—parked regally at the entrance.

Beside it, Prince Ethelbert stood, his smile impossibly graceful, casually waving at me.

“Ah, Hero! I’ve come to pick you up!”

—And it looks like my collection is still growing!!