Chapter 7- Correct Field Trip Etiquette

『Wait Cael is that true, is your status actually really low?!』

Alex’s words were probably louder than he intended but the result was that almost everyone in the room had heard him and turned to look over. Upon seeing what happened at least Alex had the decency to look sorry and behind him Yuna also seemed fairly apologetic.

Many of the class however smelt blood in the water and zoned in on him Cael hadn’t worked particularly hard to endear himself to his classmates afterall.

『Wow look at this guy he usually comes across so arrogant looking down on everyone but seeing him now, what a loser.』

Such was said by some guy Cael didn’t know the name of but was hence forth mentally labelled Mob Character 1.

Following his words, a large portion of the class went on to laugh while quietly making their own jeers. Most likely feeling empowered by that reaction Mob Character 1 came around behind him and snatched the folded status sheet from his pocket.

Like a bully reading out a love letter to the class Mob Character 1 or Mob 1 for short began to recite Cael’s status. Many were pretty dumbfounded by how bad it sounded looking at him with pity while three who seemed particularly close to Mob 1 laughed even harder, thus earning themselves the mental labels Mob 2, Mob 3 and Mob 4.

There were some people in the room who not to mention amused, looked as if they were about to commit murder like his friends and Alice but Mob 1 was a pretty KY guy and didn’t seem to notice.

The ones making eyes like a frozen tundra however were Selene and the five nuns and when they spoke their voices were equally glacial.

『I suggest you stop what you are doing right now.』

『Huh who said that? Oh princess, don’t worry too much we were just messing around having a little fun.』

One of the nuns then continued in Selene’s place.

『Mr Davis while you all are heroes that does not exempt you from the law and stealing the status paper of another is considered theft and blasphemy of the highest order the punishment usually being the removal of your dominant hand as a warning against further stealing.』

Mob 1 paled considerably opening and closing his mouth most likely in an attempt to make a counter argument but no sound came out. To his luck though Selene interceded with good news.

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『We will overlook your discretion this time as you had no way of knowing our laws and we would rather avoid crippling a future hero before any fighting has even begun but be warned Mr Davis such actions in the future will not be tolerated. Are we clear?』

Mob 1 soberly replied to Selene no longer in the mood to test the limits of the Empire’s hospitality.

『Yes princess.』

『Good and to the rest of you be warned our culture may be different from yours so please be careful we wouldn’t want to step on any toes, right? Anyway, I think we have waited long enough while we were staying here the court has been assembled to meet with you all and hear your thoughts on the situation that is where you will be asked to make your final decision on whether to help us or relinquish your title of hero and accept compensation. Whatever you choose is up to you and no one will think any less of you for it.』

After finishing Selene began to walk motioning for everyone else to follow with the five nuns bringing up the rear. Walking alongside Yuna and Alex just behind the princess Cael and co found themselves looking every which way simply admiring the beautiful scenery.

The path they took looked like it was built from something akin to marble tastefully carved with various patterns outlining large windows interspaced alongside the walls. The way sunlight was allowed to gently stream through created a sense of tranquility not normally seen in the everyday bustle of modern civilisation.

After some time seeing how quiet everyone was being, feeling somewhat responsible Cael decided to break the tense atmosphere by starting up a conversation with the princess albeit at the expense of everyone else’s common sense.

『Hey Selene, sure is a great place you got here I bet it wasn’t cheap at all just check out this sweet view wow~』

It should be said as expected of Cael after just one sentence he gathered an unbelievable amount of animosity, after all the number of questionable points in just those few words alone bordered on disbelief. Whether it be calling out to the princess without being spoken too, directly calling her by name or implying the castle was bought like some common house the sheer level of audacity was enough to warrant an on the spot execution.

Despite all this though it appeared Cael’s life would not be ending just yet…

『Pfft!』

All eyes gathered to the origin of the sound only to see the dignified second princess trying her best to not react though it was obviously not very successful judging by her trembling shoulders and tightly shut mouth as though she had bitten into the sourest of lemons. After taking a minute or two to readjust her composure she eventually took a breath before muttering barely loud enough for anyone to hear.

『Thanks, my family actually did get it pretty cheap though.』

Everyone who heard her was too shocked to even react that is everyone but Cael who made no effort to hide his amusement.

『Hahahaha! Cheap~』

After laughing for a good few seconds he eventually calmed down enough to give his opinion while wiping the moisture from his eyes.

『The way you said it with a straight face, geez that was great.』

Seeing that her joke hadn’t fallen flat Selene was all smiles and in turn Cael’s original objective of softening the atmosphere was a resounding success all detours aside.

Following the two’s example everyone else felt more at ease to talk to one another and thus the scene of high schoolers making merry while walking through an ancient castle created the illusion that instead of going off to make a life changing decision before the ruler of a nation, they were instead on a relaxed field trip.