In the middle of the enormous square in the Academy area, some shouting could be heard and there was a crowd, even if small. I wanted to blend into that crowd and see what was happening.
I saw two people arguing. One of them was none other than Viola, with her red-white hair, pink eyes, and luxurious clothes. This time, she was wearing glasses, which gave her a different allure. She also looked quite angry.
The likely source of her anger was the person she was arguing with. He was a very old man. He was dressed in a stylish suit. Despite losing some weight due to old age, he was almost two meters tall. He was looking at a young noble insulting him with his green eyes, with his long, graying hair tied back. I thought, 'He clearly resembles a servant.' and my gaze shifted to the man's sword. It was just like the rapier Viola used but the carvings on the hilt were quite detailed and it looked longer.
"How many times do I have to tell you I don't want to see them, Oswando?!"
"Forgive me my lady but you must absolutely stop shouting around. The people are watching us, and it's fitting for the Scarple family..."
"Did it occur to them that they had a daughter when their own pride in their lineage was hurt? I already told you before, by going to the Academy, I have already accepted my position. So, I'm beyond that pathetic pride of yours!"
While saying these words, she directed her finger at the servant's heart. She emphasized her words with her actions, pointing her finger and repeatedly poked the man's chest.
"Let's not discuss private matters here my lady and go to your house. We will explain the situation to your teachers."
"I don't want it. My big brother should take that crown! Why do you keep messing with me?!?"
Viola's words were quite striking. It was clear she was having some problems with her family. I thought, 'Now that I think about it, in all these stories, noble people are never loved by their own families.' I thought.
Apparently, Viola's family was inclined to ostracize her in her affairs. Even if she were a stepchild or adopted, her family might have actively tried to prevent her. However, it was obvious from her hair and eye color that Viola was not in such a position. It would be inappropriate for her own kin to openly mistreat her. After all, they were noble and the Scarple family seemed to see it as their duty to protect their family's reputation.
"I'm sorry for that my lady but I have the authority to forcibly take you if necessary. Please do not cause any more trouble."
The elderly servant named Oswando grasped his sword with one hand but had not yet drawn it from its sheath. It was obvious he was warning his lady. Only someone of higher status could dare to do such a thing to a noble like Viola. However, it seemed that the old man did not have such a position. It was clear that he served not Viola herself but her family. Viola clenched her fists and continued to stare at him sternly with her pink eyes.
"Since you are holding that sword, then draw it from its sheath and end this torment, Oswando. You are a reasonable man. You should know my answer."
"Then please forgive me for what I am about to do, my lady."
At that moment, suddenly, someone appeared and grabbed the arm holding Oswando's sword grip. There was a slight smile on his face.
"Instead of apologizing to the yout lady for actions you had not yet committed, wouldn't you rather respect her decisions?"
Of course, this person was none other than Alex, the main character in my mind. Oswando seemed to think about why this rather unimpressive-looking man was involved in this event. At least, I interpreted his furrowed brows as a sign. Alex continued to hold the man's arm without letting go.
"You..."
Viola also didn't seem to expect this. Nobles usually kept their disputes behind closed doors but in such situations, people generally tried not to get involved. Interfering would make you a target of that noble and they would likely see what you did as a sign of disrespect.
"Hmm... Who are you, young man?"
"Me? Well... It might sound a bit strange but..."
As Alex continued speaking, he stopped holding the old man's arm and pointed his thumb at his own face.
"I was just a disrespectful brat wanting to play hero in your eyes."
Oswando narrowed his eyes and looked at Alex for a few seconds. Then he made a frowning gesture and walked away without saying a word. The reactions of those curious like me to the scene were mixed. Some looked at Alex as if he had done something cool. Others looked at Alex as if they didn't want something to happen to him in the next few days. My thought was, 'Like every main character, Alex too makes decisions more based on his feelings than his logic.' Viola, on the other hand, started looking at him with a strange curiosity.
"Idiot."
For some reason, this reaction felt very familiar to me.
'Ah... Her face also turned red. Looks like she's just realized what they call love at first sight. She'll probably keep denying it for a while longer.' I thought to myself. At this point, I was starting to approach Viola and the main character.
"Greetings! Honestly, if I were you, I wouldn't want to face the Scarple family... um... Your name?"
I had never communicated directly with Alex. Of course, I knew his name, but it would seem quite odd to talk as if we were close friends with someone you're not on friendly terms with.
"Alex Grima."
He said his name without any particular emotion in his voice. Through this incident, I sensed that sooner or later I would see the benefit of being in contact with the main character. Until this event, Alex having quite calm days had always seemed strange to me. At some point, our paths would definitely cross, and I didn't want to be his enemy. Moreover, I wanted to show Viola what bullying truly looked like and to serve as some kind of bridge between them.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Nell Warden. I have to tell you, it seems like this girl underestimates herself. I sparred with her in training combat and…"
"Commoner!"
Viola suddenly shouted at me in a high-pitched voice. She looked quite embarrassed and was pulled away from the square by my arm. I thought to myself, 'This girl really might not be noble. What's there to be ashamed of? Am I the one guilty here because I was trying to secretly make your relationship?'
If Alex has no idea about women's feelings, he probably doesn't even know how Viola is feeling right now. That's why I wanted him to seem like a somewhat fun person, like Stefan. At the very least, I didn't want the main character to be like a wall that blocks everything from the other side. Moreover, even though he didn't look as powerful as Viola, there were girls who looked at the main character with similar admiration.
In Heiben, the only race that is surprisingly opposed to polygamy is the demons. It's easy to understand why this race, which already has difficulty creating children, objects to it. Even though humans and nalias approve of monogamy, they don't object to polyamory. Not only men but although rare, women can also establish their own harems. I can't yet comment on whether the main character's fate involves having a harem or not. It's better to consider that possibility later.
Viola pulled me aside and warned me to be aware of my position, then quickly left. I looked around for a moment and scratched my head. 'Alright... then let's do what I've decided to do.' I thought and I started to step back towards my dorm.