Reincarnation as the best friend to a harem protagonist

Chapter 4

Cafeteria

After Darren and I got some food from the ridiculously slow line, we found a spot to sit down at an empty table. I started the conversation with a question I always wondered about him. “So how come you choose to be a Gravity Knight? I don't remember your older brother being one, so it's not a family thing. Also, I thought you were trying to be a barbarian?”

Darren puts his sandwich down and looks at his hand as he says “Well the obvious answer is that I have the talent for gravity magic, but it wasn't just that. When my tutor was teaching me how to use weapons, my cousin was brought in since my father heard she has some talent for the family fighting style. Even as a kid, I was able to tell she had true talent after watching her wield a sword.”

He grows quiet once more, and I try to recall the Gallger fighting style. They were famous for their sword flying style. Wait, maybe it was a wind sword or something like that. I'll have to look it up during a free period or after work today.

“Well I had the option of using my family sword fighting style. Probably would have gotten far too if I actually gave it some more thought. But after seeing my cousin do complex techniques that my brother could barely pull off, I asked my tutor what would benefit my gravity affinity. He told me about this odd fighting style that blended martial ability and the complexity of gravity magic. After that, I told my mom what I wanted to learn. She used whatever resources we had to find me a master. So if I had to simplify it, then I'd say it was just me not wanting to be compared to my cousin or heck just not wanting to look like a failure.”

For a guy I thought was a muscle bound idiot this morning, he is a very introspective person. I wipe my hands and say “I can understand that a bit. I'm sorry you felt those things at such a young age.” Darren waves off my concerns and says “It’s not your fault. Still, thanks.” After that, we just finished our food.

Once done, someone sits next to me, and I notice that a lot of people are surrounding someone who just walked in. Maybe it's the princess. Darren turns his head to get a better look. I go to look at who sat next to me, and my words escape me as I see who it is….. Why the hell is the princess sitting next to me? If I was a certain type of guy, I'd say good grief. I should try and learn not to be surprised by odd things happening. I'm at the start of whatever plot that Travis is going to be in.

I whisper “Why are you here? Wait, how come no one is rushing to get your attention?” She chuckles softly and says “Well if you look at this lovely ring on my hand, then you'll be looking at one of the best self illusion magic rings.” She shows me this simple ring with engraving that is on her right hand. Must have an illusion self spell that she can choose who sees the false copy and who sees the real her. Kinda useful to have if you're royalty.

Darren looks back at me and says “Hey I'm going to go see what's causing that commotion. See you later.” She must have not let Darren see her real self. The Princess says “After that comment of yours, I decided to have a lunch break where I can have some peace and quiet. I do have one question before the break is done.”

I gave her a nod, and she asked “ If I wasn't surrounded by those people all the time, would you try and get to know me?” Good question. Let me see if she was just a normal person, then all I'd know about her is that she seems to be a nice person and helps at the nurse.

“Maybe. At least, someone I'd talk to if we were in the same room. I'm not the most social guy. Only really have one friend and some people that I talk to on a regular basis.” The Princess chuckles and says “Well from my perspective, it seems you're a pretty social person. On the first day, you made what I assumed was an old bully into a friend or acquaintance. Then you flirted with the crown princess of the country you live in. I'd say that you are very social and the day hasn't ended yet. What will you do next?”

Honestly, I don't know. I look over to the crowd to get a glimpse that Travis is part of the reason the crowd has gathered. Maybe I sho- {Go help Travis before he starts a fight} I get up and say to the Princess “Seems I have to go. Enjoy your lunch, Camilla.”

I hurried to the crowd to see what was happening. It seems that Molly, a grade a hole, was causing something with Mira, and Travis, being a good friend, is protecting Mira. Honestly, seeing stuff like this sometimes makes me happy that I live in a world where someone will stand up for you in this way on the regular. It’s nice. 

My eyes go to the clock to see what the time is. I smirk, and now a plan forms in my head. Okay, time to see if the spell Shadow Step* works. Okay. Let my body move like it is one with the shadows. I feel my body turn into a shadow as I move only a few feet away from where I was. Now, in the center of the whole commotion, I head over to Travis quickly. Of course, now it's so quiet that you can hear a pin drop.

“Okay this little kerfuffle is over. Seems lunch is about to be over, and we should head to class.” I put a hand on Travis's shoulder, and his eyes still hold a fury in them. He stares at Molly and then takes a breath. I take a quick look at Mira to see her eyes also hold a deep anger in them. He looks at me and nods. Travis, Mira, and I quickly head out of the cafeteria.

Hey guys, sorry for the wait and the short chapter. I'll try to write some more. Hope you guys enjoy this one.