Chapter 16
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Normalizing the Broken Ducal Family (4)
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"The background behind the birth of the Erin Empire is..."
During history class, I suddenly heard a long sigh from beside me.
I turned my head and there was Elena, nodding off to sleep.
She'd been reviewing late into the night yesterday, so it looked like she hadn't gotten enough rest.
"Milady, you can't sleep."
"Ugh, uh, sorry..."
Part of me wanted to just let her sleep soundly, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
If she didn't pay attention in class now, she'd have to study extra at night.
It was a vicious cycle.
How much time passed after that?
"That's all for today's lesson. Make sure you remember everything we covered."
Finally, the boring, interminable class came to an end.
Of course, I'd listened diligently, but that was separate from how dull it had been.
I'd once sworn that if I ever went back in time, I'd study hard and land a job at a big corporation, but people really don't change.
Well, being the exclusive attendant to a ducal lady was probably on par with that, anyway.
"It's oooover..."
"You did well, milady."
Elena melted over her chair like a limp cat.
Magic training followed by studying—she had every reason to be exhausted. Even if she was mature for her age, she was still just nine.
"How about cutting back on studying alone at night?"
"But I want to work hard... More importantly, you should study too, Luke. You keep getting the teacher's questions wrong."
"...My apologies."
Sure, I'd gotten them wrong. But that was only to protect Elena's pride—it absolutely wasn't because I didn't know the answers.
No joke, really.
Of course, Elena had no way of knowing that...
"Study with me tonight. I'll teach you."
"Understood."
Who knew a well-meaning suggestion would backfire like this?
It was one of those moments when our ancestors' wisdom—"Stay quiet and you'll save half the trouble"—really hit home.
Should've kept my mouth shut.
Time passed, and evening fell with dusk settling over the world.
After dinner in the dining hall, I headed straight to Elena's room.
Why? Evening study session, obviously.
As I entered, Elena crossed her arms and glared at me.
"Did you eat well? You didn't leave any vegetables, right?"
"Yes, I ate everything."
"Good boy. Father says you have to eat your veggies to become a great knight."
Elena patted my head lightly. We weren't much different in height, so she didn't even need to stand on tiptoe.
Great knight, huh...
I appreciated her asking the duke for me, but it didn't really help.
I had no desire to become a great knight, and I already ate my vegetables anyway. Unlike someone who'd snuck a carrot yesterday.
"Sit here."
"Yes, milady."
I sat across from her at the small table.
What had her so happy? Elena's lips curved into a smile.
"Let's review today's lesson."
It was more like a lesson than a review. Elena re-taught me what Cecily had taught her.
Of course, crises arose now and then...
"The first country to invade the empire was Kr, Kr..."
"The Crest Kingdom."
"I-I knew that...!"
Elena somehow powered through. Her lips pouted out, but they soon returned to normal.
'Should I suggest doing this tomorrow too?'
They say the best way to study is teaching someone else. If it was more efficient than studying alone, no reason to refuse.
And above all, with me right there, I could get her to bed early.
'Nine more years of this life...'
Academy enrollment was when Elena became an adult. At the tail end of nine years old, it felt like an eternity.
What would Elena be like then?
Would her nose still run whenever she cried?
"Luke, are you listening?"
"Ah, yes."
"What were you thinking about so intently? If you don't get into the Academy because of it, I won't take responsibility."
I came to my senses to find nine years had flown by. Time had passed that quickly.
Elena had grown so much, blossoming into a fine young woman. She was a stunning beauty, just like the girl from that ad I'd been mesmerized by.
'But was her figure always this... curvaceous?'
It was puffier in places than in the illustrations. Looked like all those vegetables from childhood had paid off.
I didn't know which of the moron trio she'd marry, but the guy owed me one.
I'd made her this way... well, not entirely accurate, but not wrong either.
"The exam's really close now. Get serious."
"My apologies, milady."
She was right—only a month and two days left until the Academy entrance exam.
Of course, we'd prepared thoroughly, so slacking off now wouldn't hurt. Especially swordsmanship; Chrome had praised me profusely.
'Elena's even better, though.'
Genius. The word fit her perfectly.
Cecily had thrown in the towel two years ago, saying there was nothing left to teach. Now Elena researched her own spells.
You'd think something else would suffer, but her exam prep was flawless too.
Pretty face, killer figure, perfect at magic and studies—watching from the sidelines, it was downright unfair.
No, she had to have some flaws. Can't be that perfect.
Well, that's why she was this world's protagonist.
Then Elena closed her book and shot me a look.
"So, what were you thinking about?"
"Nothing much."
"You're the one who said secret friends shouldn't keep secrets."
How did she grow up so shrewd? The innocent kid days were nicer, honestly.
Anyway, if she wanted an answer...
"I was thinking about the time you blew your nose on my clothes."
"Wh-what?! Why would you think of that?!"
"It just popped into my head."
"Forget stuff like that...!"
Elena fanned her face furiously, but her burning cheeks showed no sign of cooling.
That's why I'd tried not to say it.
"But how do you keep studying so much, milady?"
"The exam's soon?"
"Haven't you prepared enough already? You'd pass easily as is."
"Who knows? Someone here's an idiot, unlike me."
Elena smirked, one corner of her mouth lifting. No need to ask—it was mockery.
Sure, I wasn't the genius she was, but idiot? Hardly.
Well, it was probably just teasing.
"Guess you like your secret friend being an idiot."
"Playing dirty, huh? Some knight you are...!"
"Doesn't matter if you're dirty and you win."
"I've never lost?!"
No more hugs or head pats like when we were kids, but still closer than servant and lady. That was our relationship.
Probably wouldn't get any closer.
Never.
As I finished evening study and headed for the door...
"Luke, come to my room after midnight?"
"Staying up late is bad for your skin."
"...No nagging."
"Understood. Good night."
What mischief was she planning now?
I left the room with that question lingering.
A short while later...
Ding-.
A faint bell tolled from beyond the door.
Midnight. I rose from my chair.
Eight steps from my room—just a short hop compared to our childhood. I reached her door.
"It's Luke."
"Come in."
I opened the door, and Elena met my eyes as if she'd been waiting.
But why? Her hand was behind her back, like she was hiding something.
I let out a short sigh.
"Milady, what scheme are you up to now?"
She'd done this a couple times lately. Carrot, book, then potato.
Calling me in the dead of night for a potato had been bewildering. Thought maybe she wanted to chew me out.
Who knew those were practice for today?
Least of all me.
"Here, take this."
What Elena held out was a sword. Not flashy, but exuding quiet elegance.
Its pure white scabbard hid the blade, but it was no ordinary weapon.
"Why give this to me...?"
"A knight without a proper sword?"
"Did you prepare this, milady...?"
"Consider it nine years' wages."
That's not nearly enough. You'd need to throw in a mansion...
The thought flashed through my mind, but I kept it to myself.
My ribs were precious. No need to get hit.
"Thank you, milady. I'll serve you with all I have."
"As your secret friend?"
"Nine years' wages feels a bit short. You could add a little more..."
In the end, I voiced it and offered up my side.
If she'd aimed for martial artist instead of mage, she'd have conquered the world by now...
About a month after Elena gifted me the sword, the Academy entrance exam was finally upon us.
I stood beside her in front of the opulent carriage emblazoned with the Frozenheart crest.
Before us stood the now-aged duke and duchess, and Elena's half-brother Allen.
"You're really leaving...?"
Tears welled in Allen's eyes. He clearly hated the separation.
He came running and hugged a leg.
Not Elena's—mine.
"Luke, don't go..."
"I have to attend milady. But don't worry too much. We'll be back in three years."
"Too looong...!"
Snot ran with his tears, just like kid Elena. Blood tells, I guess.
"Allen, your big sis is going too."
Elena scowled, probably irked that he only liked me.
"Sis doesn't play with me...!"
"I told Luke to play with you."
"R-really...?!"
Allen startled, rubbed his face on my clothes, then dashed to Elena.
Even using my clothes like tissue was identical...
Imitating the wrong things.
After that, we exchanged brief farewells with the ducal family—not big talkers, so just a few words.
"We'll be off."
"Take care."
I boarded the carriage with Elena.
This was when the original story began.
What was Elena's first ordeal...?
Bandits, right...?