CH 126

[The Girl Named Madeline Halman]

Later that night.

While lying in bed, I was racking my brain, remembering the contents of the original novel.

—But in the end, nothing came to mind.

After pulling myself together, I recalled the relationship between Madeline Halman and Raul.

Madeline was one of the most popular heroines in 【The Rise of the Weakest Holy Swordsman】. Before her appearance, Tayte, the first harem member, was treated like the main heroine, but along the way, her junior in the academy, Madeline, joined, and the situation changed completely.

Many readers fell in love with Madeline, who always pretended to be strong but was actually lonely inside.

In the comments section of the novel posting site on which【The Rise of the Weakest Holy Swordsman】was posted, many people commented “I want to see more of Madeline’s activities!”, increasing the number of her appearances.

Come to think of it, the cover illustration of the first volume that the author posted on social media depicted Madeline and Raul hugging each other.

“…Huh?”

At that time, I suddenly remembered.

The trigger was the author’s social media that just crossed my mind.

When the cover illustration was posted for the first time, the following sentence was attached:

“A new extra story is added in the book version! It covers the first encounter between Madeline, one of the most popular characters in the series, and the protagonist Raul!!”

Usually, the book version came with a newly written original chapter not found in the web version. In the first volume of 【The Rise of the Weakest Holy Swordsman】, it was about the encounter between Raul and Madeline.

But what caught my attention was the word ‘first’.

This meant that… when Madeline first appeared in the web version, she had already known Raul.

“Madeline’s first appearance…”

I frantically searched my memory.

Perhaps there might be some hint left in that scene.

“If I remember correctly… Raul was kicked out of the party in chapter 1, and after that…”

After that, he made a return visit to the academy in search of a new job and met Miss Teixeira again.

Then she met Mia, the apprentice priestess and—

“! That’s it!”

I involuntarily stood up and shouted.

Right.

It was after that.

In the middle of his conversation with Mia, Madeline, his junior who still attended the academy, showed up. And the conversation between the two at that time…

[Long time no see, Raul.]

[Hi there, Madeline.]

[Fufufu]

[Huh? W-why are you laughing?]

[Ah! N-no, I was just thinking, what a coincidence.]

[Coincidence?]

[Looking at that face, you forgot, didn’t you?]

[F-forgot what?]

[I mean, this place was—]

—Ah!

“I remembered!”

That was right!

The scene in which Raul and Madeline showed up in the original novel—that was where the hint was hidden!

“I’m sure of it… Madeline Halman must be there.”

I got up from the bed.

There was no way I could take my time to wait until tomorrow.

In the afternoon, her battle with Raul awaited.

Thinking back on the following scene in the original novel, most likely Madeline was—

“…I have to go.”

Given that, Madeline absolutely had to fight Raul. It would a shame to let her twin brother take over.

The battle with Raul should be a good opportunity for her.

Because it was past the lights-out time, I must proceed quietly and carefully.

“Let’s get changed right away.”

With determination in my heart, I opened the closet.