I Have been Reincarnated As a Lazy, Arrogant Noble, but When I Destroyed The Scenario Through Effort, I Became The Most Powerful With Extraordinary Magical Power - Chapter 247: Cecil Antwerp’s Short Trip

Chapter 247: Cecil Antwerp’s Short Trip

At Noblesse Magic Academy, we occasionally get days off.

During those times, I often go on short trips.

Of course, the main reason is related to Battle Universe.

In rural areas, they often sell special edition game pieces.
Some are monochrome, some colorful, and some are entirely new types of pieces.

Although these pieces can’t be used in official matches, I enjoy wandering around and experiencing the local culture.

“Watch your step.”
“Thank you.”
“And… um…”
“Yes?”

As I was stepping off the carriage, the coachman called out to me.
I tilted my head curiously, and he handed me a piece of stiff parchment.

“You’re Cecil, right!? The Battle Universe World Champion!?”
“Huh? Uh, yes, that’s me.”
“If it’s not too much trouble, could you… write your name for me? Sorry to spring this on you—I got too excited!”
“It’s fine. What’s your name?”

Occasionally, I’m asked to sign my name like this.
People always look so apologetic, but honestly, it makes me happy.

The reason I can continue enjoying this game is because others love it as much as I do.

Still, I never expected to be asked for an autograph on a carriage ride.
This is a small town, but Battle Universe seems to be very popular here.

The reason, apparently, is that a knight who inspired one of the game’s pieces hailed from this town.

Grist Oldin.

One of the most famous figures in history.

I’m a big fan myself, so my steps grew lighter as I thought about it.

As I approached the town, a gendarme at the entrance stopped me.
Was this town particularly strict? I wondered, but—

“Are… are you Cecil Antwerp!?”
“Huh? Uh, yes.”
“Could I shake your hand!? I watched the Battle Universe tournament up close! You were amazing!”
“Fufu, of course.”

Being recognized twice in one day was a first for me.
It put me in a really good mood.

The town was filled with small buildings, and the clear blue sky stretched above.
Being by the sea made me feel even more refreshed.

When I entered a nearby shop, even I—who am usually reserved—couldn’t hide my excitement.

“This is incredible…”

It was a specialty shop.
The shelves were lined with Battle Universe pieces, neatly displayed.

There were custom-made pieces and even rare items officially released in the past.

Amazing, amazing, amazing.

…Do I have enough money?

I’d brought a lot, but I started to worry.
As I mulled over this, someone spoke from behind me.

Oh no, did I hum a tune out loud?
Someone once told me I do that when I’m happy.

“C-Cecil!?”
“…Huh?”

It was the shopkeeper, a young woman wearing an apron adorned with the Battle Universe logo.

“I’m a huge fan! Oh my gosh, why are you here!? Ah, I’m so sorry!”
“Ah, thank you.”

What surprised me was that she was not only very cute but seemed to be around my age.
Though it’s a popular game, female players are rare.

I was happy, but then—

“Um, if it’s not too much trouble…”
“Yes?”
“Could I play a match with you? Sorry if that’s asking too much!”

I was thrilled but also a little nervous.
What if she ended up disliking me?

But my curiosity won out.

I gladly accepted, and she led me to the back of the store.
There, a few tables were set up, and Battle Universe boards were ready for play.

“This is an amazing shop.”
“Thank you. It’s my grandfather’s store, but he’s out right now.”
“It’s wonderful. Let’s have a good match.”
“Yes, let’s.”

After exchanging bows of gratitude, I learned her name: Rafi.

As the game progressed, I realized something—I would never forget her name.

Because she was incredibly, unbelievably strong.

“I lost! As expected of Cecil!”
“No, you were amazing. That was a lot of fun, Rafi. Is that your name?”
“Oh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t even introduce myself! I’m Rafi Eriri.”

Her name sounded familiar somehow.
Before I could think further, a shout came from behind.

“Cecil Antwerp!?”
“…Could it be, Dalia?”
“What are you doing here!?”
“It’s been a while. I came for sightseeing.”

I turned around and stood up instinctively.
Dalia was an old man I’d faced several times in tournaments.
He was incredibly strong and always had unique strategies.

So, she was his granddaughter.
…Now I remembered.

“Grandpa, do your best!”

“So, you lost, Rafi?”
“I was crushed.”
“What’s that!? Cecil, how about a match with me?”
“Of course.”
“Alright!”

Before I knew it, I was completely absorbed.
It had been so long since I’d faced a worthy opponent.

“Grandpa, look at the time!”
“Oh no! Sorry, Cecil, I didn’t mean to keep you so long.”
“It’s fine; I had a great time.”

But my carriage would leave in an hour.
I was wondering what to do when—

“I’ll show you around town! I know some great spots!”
“Really? That would help a lot.”
“Rafi, take care of her.”

As we toured the town, Rafi told me stories about the knight Grist.
I was grateful for this unexpected encounter.

But as I was about to leave, I heard surprising news.

“Rafi, I’ll visit again.”
“Please do! But… actually, we’re closing the shop.”
“…What?”
“My grandpa’s health isn’t great, and I’m usually at school in the capital. So, we can’t keep the shop open. That’s why playing with you here meant so much to us. Thank you!”
“I see. That’s a shame, but thank you too.”
“I’ll send you the rest of the pieces by mail!”
“Fufu, thank you.”

On the carriage ride back, I reflected on how much fun I’d had.

It was bittersweet, though.

Later, I received a letter with the game pieces.
It contained some happy news.

“…I’m glad.”

The letter said Rafi had decided to take over the shop after all.
She wrote, “Please visit again, and bring him—the one who made me love Battle Universe again.”

When did I say that?
I don’t remember.

Looking at the clock, I realized it was time.
At the Noblesse Library, I met Fancent.

“Sorry for calling you, Cecil.”
“It’s fine. This is about the calamity, right?”
“Yes, probably—”

He was always thinking about the future.
I felt bad for bringing up something so trivial.

But still.

“Fancent, I found a wonderful town with a Battle Universe specialty shop. Would you like to visit with me next time?”
“Sure, I’d love to.”

He answered immediately.

“Great. I’ll invite you again.”
“Thanks.”

I’m excited, so excited.

Now, how should I tell Cynthia?

I’ll think about it today.

But I can’t wait.