The Little Prince (1)

The noisy entrance ceremony had finally ended, leaving us with a week of free time. The academy's official schedule wouldn't begin until after the class placement exam. In short, there were no major obligations for the next few days.

It was a considerate gesture from the academy toward the new students who were still unfamiliar with the campus—giving them a light period to adjust and settle in.

'What a strange feeling.'

This was a part that existed in the original story as well. The section where the player would wander around the academy, building connections with various NPCs while gradually unpacking the basic world settings. In other words, this was essentially the tutorial phase.

It also meant that the story of The World Seen by the Little Prince, the one I knew so well, was finally beginning to pick up momentum in earnest.

My chest swelled with excitement. How long had I waited for this moment? For the past three years since my possession, I'd been unbearably bored. I'd done just about everything imaginable to stave off that boredom.

'Those days are finally over.'

This was the place I'd dreamed of for so long. During the week the academy had granted me, I diligently explored every corner of the grounds. The place was so vast that I had to ride a carriage around all day just to cover a fraction of it.

Irene, who had been reluctantly dragged along, grumbled the entire time. Still, she seemed genuinely intrigued deep down.

This was, after all, the continent's greatest educational institution. It was also a space that embodied the very pinnacle of imperial architecture.

Whoooosh—

The rows of trees swayed gently in the spring breeze. Beside the walking path, a clear stream flowed with water so transparent you could see straight to the bottom. A few cygnets glided peacefully across its surface.

It was an absolutely breathtaking scene.

"It's truly wonderful... I feel like I've wasted half my life until now."

"Hmph. It's not bad, I suppose."

"Lady Irene, forgive me for interrupting your attempt at being cool, but your tail is wagging rather violently."

"...That's why I said it was good."

Irene turned her head away at my remark. Yet she couldn't hide her delight—her tail continued to swish back and forth with enthusiasm.

A chuckle slipped out of me. She had a prickly personality, but there was an undeniable cuteness to her. She was definitely fun to tease.

We continued walking along the path, enjoying our pleasant stroll, when—

"You there!"

A voice suddenly called out from behind us.

I wondered who they were addressing. When I turned around, my eyes fell on a girl with blue hair.

Was she calling for me?

"...Did you call for me, my lady?"

"That's right. I called for you. Let's talk for a moment."

Click, clack—

The confident sound of heels echoed sharply. The girl approached until she stood right before us, then stopped with her arms crossed. Her posture radiated elegance.

"You're... the eldest son of the Snakers family who entered as the top student this year, correct?"

"That is correct."

"Ha. That fake smile of yours is truly a sight."

Her first greeting was already dripping with rudeness. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠The tone felt strangely familiar.

I finally recalled who she was and studied her carefully.

"To think someone like you is representing Galimar Academy as its top student."

Eyes the color of the sea. Long blue hair that reached her lower back, styled with distinctive roll-shaped waves. A girl with the classic appearance of a villainess.

I knew exactly who she was.

'...Emilia?'

Emilia Vanity. The eldest daughter of the prestigious Vanity ducal family and an elite who had entered as the third-ranked student this year. In the original story, she appeared as a high-ranking noble who bullied the commoner Regia, serving as a villainess who tormented the protagonist's party until the middle of the story.

The corners of the girl's lips twisted into a sneer.

"I'm truly disappointed. This is the level of the academy?"

It was the sudden appearance of the villainess.

Emilia was, by nature, a character overflowing with vanity. She was obsessed with the attention she received from others and felt intense inferiority toward anyone who shone brighter than herself. Since her motif from the fairy tale was "the vain person," one could say she was faithfully following her concept.

-How can a mere commoner strut around like that...? I can't accept it.

The reason she bullied Regia in the original story was simple. She was jealous of the protagonist's talent, and because Regia received more love and attention than she did.

Small feelings of inferiority planted the seeds of conflict.

-Oh my~ What should I do? I accidentally tripped you.

-I thought I told you not to stand out.

-For a commoner... should I take that attitude as a challenge against the Vanity ducal family?

The harassment hadn't been particularly severe. There was no direct violence, nor any financial extortion. It stayed at the level of what could be dismissed as mere pranks.

But even that had been an enormous source of stress for Regia.

-I-I'm sorry... Lady Vanity.

-I-I didn't mean to, h-hic, I swear...

Given ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠her personality that already found nobles intimidating, it must have been painful to know that the daughter of one of the empire's top three prestigious families saw her as an enemy. Eventually, she had even broken down in tears.

Anyway.

The person standing before me now, running her mouth, was exactly that character. The "villainess" whose role was to mentally shake the lovable protagonist. An obstacle, and at the same time, a stepping stone for growth.

"You! Did you understand what I said?"

"......"

"I don't know how someone like you managed to become the top student, but I'm telling you not to act so arrogant!"

Unfortunately, Emilia held zero goodwill toward me. Which made sense. If she showed hostility even toward our perfectly harmless protagonist, how could she possibly view someone with my ominous appearance?

I had beaten her in the entrance exam to claim the top spot, and I'd even put on ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠a magnificent performance during the new student representative speech...

'Have I been marked?'

It was something I'd expected to some degree. Even I didn't fully understand why I'd gotten first place, so how could the other students not feel the same?

'Still, we're both nobles. I thought she might let it slide...'

Not even close. The moment Emilia saw me, she bared her fangs.

I had no choice but to play along vaguely so as not to upset her further, all while bitterly swallowing my frustration.

Very bitterly, indeed.

"Oh dear~ My apologies."

"What exactly are you apologizing for?"

"For being so outstanding that I took the top spot right out from under Lady Vanity!"

"What did you just say?!"

"I should have held back out of consideration for your dignity, but I failed to think of that. Please, forgive me..."

I deliberately wiped away fake tears. As I poured my heart into the performance, the girl's face flushed red and then turned pale.

"Are you mocking me? You've been acting like this from the very beginning...!"

"Mocking you? Perish the thought! I was simply feeling truly sorry that you were pushed down to 'third place'..."

"Grrrrr!"

Emilia was now making sounds like a boiling kettle. I grinned brightly, savoring the thrilling satisfaction.

I'd only poked at her a few times for fun, but her reactions were deliciously entertaining. I couldn't help but keep teasing her.

"Ahh... I truly resent my own talent. To think I have a gift that makes even my closest friends jealous."

"I was never jealous! And when did we become best friends?!"

"Good heavens! Are you saying the thirty minutes we just spent together was nothing but a midday dream?"

"We haven't even known each other for thirty minutes!!"

"My, you're sharper than I thought."

"Did you think I'd fall for that?!"

"A little?"

This was dangerous. The stimulation was incredibly addictive. Especially because she was a ducal lady—the thrilling sense of transgression from walking such a fine line was no joke.

The blood of chaos in me boiled hot.

"Third place, in other words."

"...What?"

"It means you came in third overall."

"You... are you truly not afraid of the Vanity ducal family?"

"Of course I'm afraid."

But I simply pursued fun. Because at this point, there was nothing else left for me.

If things went wrong, I could just erase their memories with my power. It wasn't my preferred method, though.

"It's fine, my lady. Third place is still an excellent result, isn't it?"

"I don't want to hear that from someone as mediocre as you!"

"Third place is still an excellent result, isn't it? Third place is still an excellent result, isn't it..."

"You don't need to repeat it three times!!"

To Emilia, this must have been incredibly frustrating. She'd come to chew out someone she disliked, only to end up on the receiving end instead.

How many times in her life had she been teased like this? Perhaps this was the first time.

Since I was carefully staying within the bounds of "just a joke between kids," it was probably awkward for her to respond with genuine anger.

'Though it hasn't been publicized... Emilia's position within the Vanity family right now is like a kite with its string cut.'

The same went for her twin brother. Originally, the twins had been the legitimate heirs to the Vanity name, but after various complications, they found themselves in a rather precarious spot.

Well, let's gloss over that. It would get too complicated if I went into detail.

In short, Emilia didn't have the leeway to truly touch me. She might be able to punish the eldest son of a mere count family, but only if she had proper justification.

"I don't understand why you're so angry, my lady. I was speaking purely out of congratulations..."

"Stop making that pitiful face!!"

"This... truly hurts me."

"Grrr, grrrrr!!"

Emilia eventually began fuming like a sinking ship. As I savored this rare happiness, her blue eyes glared at me fiercely.

"Ha! Let's see how long you can keep up that insolent attitude."

"It would be an honor to have you watch over me."

"The rumors have already spread among the students. Everyone knows you're nothing but a pathetic bubble of a top student!"

"Oh no, I've been found out already."

"Then enjoy that leisure while you still can. It won't be long before everything is revealed."

The girl smiled bitterly.

"The upcoming class placement exam... I hear it's being held in a duel format? From what I understand, your opponent is apparently Her Highness the Princess."

"Wasn't the duel opponent supposed to only be revealed on the day of the exam?"

"Do you want to know how I found out?"

"My~ You're more frightening than I expected."

"Obviously."

She snorted as if I were beneath her. That characteristic look of contempt in her eyes.

After staring each other down for a while, Emilia finally turned on her heel. It seemed she had decided to leave.

"Well, this was a waste of time."

"How cold of you to say so."

"There's no way someone as insignificant as you could possibly defeat Her Highness. That seat will be taken from you soon enough, so enjoy it while it lasts."

With that kind warning left behind, the girl turned away. Her blue roll-bun hair grew smaller with each step, fading into the hazy spring scenery.

I stood there for a moment, watching her retreating figure.

As I remained lost in thought, Irene—who had been watching the entire situation from the side—tilted her head and peeked at me.

"Um, uh... that is..."

The fox was acting unusually hesitant. Why was she suddenly like this?

"Lady Irene? What's the matter all of a sudden?"

"......"

"Lady Irene?"

"...Are you going to kill her?"

"Pardon?"

Irene suddenly threw out a bizarre question. The flow of conversation was completely incomprehensible.

I tilted my head with a question mark floating above it and asked back.

"Out of nowhere?"

"She was criticizing you however she wanted just now. She even called you a bubble top student and looked down on you."

"Well, that's true, but... why do you think I would kill the young lady?"

"Because you had that expression on your face. Like you were looking down at a crawling insect..."

"That's just my usual face, though?"

"Liar."

The fox growled in a wary voice. She must have been genuinely tense—her forehead was covered in cold sweat, and her tail was standing completely stiff.

I asked, utterly dumbfounded.

"Just what exactly do you take me for?"

"A monster."

"It feels like my evaluation is getting harsher and harsher...?"

I saved her, fed her, gave her a place to sleep, protected her children—I've done everything for her. And yet she calls me something like this. Is this what they call an ungrateful fox?

"...You have that kind of power, after all."

You could brutally murder that girl and cover it up. I don't know how powerful the Vanity family is, but I don't think you'd lose to them.

"That's why it's scary. The moment you make up your mind, it would become a disaster."

"My, my, it seems you're overestimating me quite a bit."

"Are you saying you couldn't?"

"Well, I suppose it depends on your imagination."

"See?"

"Hehe."

I brushed off the difficult question with a laugh. Mixed with just a little lie, of course.

A clear mechanical sound rang in my ear. Each chime represented a deception.

Between my smiling lips that spat out pretense as easily as breathing, only the flicking tongue of a snake existed.

I grinned and began walking.

"Shall we head back for today? I think we've seen enough."

"...Yeah."

The fox hesitated for a moment ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠before falling into step beside me. If she was going to do that anyway, why the wariness earlier? Feeling a bit petty, I grabbed her tail firmly.

"Hiiyak?!"

A rather cute scream. My fingertips felt the fluffy texture.

As I played with the luxurious bundle of fur for a while, the girl's disgusted reaction came.

"W-what... are you, ngh, doing, touching there?!"

"It's punishment."

"S-sudden punishment! Ah, w-wait, not there...!"

"It's very soft."

"At least give me a reason!!"

You don't know the reason? You're really hopeless. Today, I'll properly instill some respect for your employer.

And so the tail experience continued for quite some time.

"Eut, ugh...!"

"You're crying so cutely."

"This is... seriously the worst!"

"Hehe."

I had only planned to play with it for a short while, but Irene's reaction was far more dramatic than expected. I got carried away and kept touching it for a long time.

I finally let go of her tail only after...

"...Pervert."

Her eyes had become watery. It took quite a long time to soothe the completely sulking fox.

***

After that chaotic week passed, the day of the class placement exam finally arrived.

I'd thought the given time was quite long, but after spending it touring the academy, it somehow felt insufficient.

Still, I didn't feel particularly regretful. I'd be staying here for the next three years anyway, so taking my time to learn about it was fine.

For now, I needed to focus on the situation right in front of me.

I lifted my lowered head and looked around.

"Please take a seat here. Check your duel opponent and wait for your turn."

I sat down following the staff member's guidance. My current location was the public training arena near the main building—a circular stadium large enough to accommodate thousands of spectators.

As expected. The scale never failed to impress me.

My attention was briefly stolen by the sight, but I quickly refocused. As I examined the matchup chart I'd received at the entrance, my name caught my eye.

"So Lady Vanity was right."

My opponent was Charlotte. It wasn't particularly surprising. If the faculty wanted to test me, it was only natural they'd pair me with the strongest possible opponent.

Our little prince was more than enough to serve as a proper test.

"Hmm."

"Y-Young Master, are you alright?"

"Ah, Miss Regia."

Next, a girl with pink hair sat down beside me. Her clear green eyes were trembling slightly.

Regia pointed at the matchup sheet in my hand and asked cautiously.

"Your opponent is Her Highness the Princess... What should we do? I heard she's incredibly strong."

The girl kept glancing at me. Was she worried about me?

An unpleasant, otaku-like smile unconsciously leaked out.

"I'm glad to hear that."

"Are you really going to be okay?"

"Is there any reason I wouldn't be?"

"I might be overstepping by saying this, but... the rumors say Her Highness is truly exceptional."

"Ahem."

Now that I thought about it, Regia had also watched me during the entrance exam. Since that memory remained fresh, she seemed worried about whether I could maintain my ranking.

Someone like me taking first place should be enough to warrant jealousy, yet how could she have such a kind heart?

I reassured the girl with a warm smile.

"Don't worry... This time will be different."

It was different from the entrance exam. I was already sitting in the top spot, and now that I'd drawn this much aggro, pretending to be excessively weak would only be poisonous.

I planned to reveal a bit of my power. Not too little, not too much—just enough to maintain a respectable ranking within the academy.

"You can look forward to it."

I muttered meaningfully.