Chapter 24
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Tumultuous Academy (4)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
She blinked in bewilderment for a moment before tilting her head quizzically.
"Did someone ask you to inquire about that...?"
"...Yes, that's right."
"I knew it. Actually, the same thing happened to me. My classmates from the Magic Department asked me to find out."
"They're curious about your ideal type?"
"Yes. It seems they were quite taken with the way you carried yourself at the entrance ceremony."
Of all the random questions, she asks about my ideal type. Who would've thought?
I was flustered, but at the same time, relieved. The fact that other students had made such a request meant she wasn't isolated in her class, at least.
Good job, Elena! You've made some friends!
"Ideal type, huh..."
A furrow formed between Elena's brows. It seemed she had never really given it much thought.
Well, how many people seriously ponder their ideal type in life? It was only natural.
"You don't need to overthink it. I can just make something up if need be."
"But if we're doing this, shouldn't we do it properly?"
"That's true, but..."
"First off, someone I'm comfortable around. And someone I can rely on!"
"Understood. I'll relay it just like that."
"I'm not done yet. Someone with a bit of a fierce look... Oh, and tall... Kind to children..."
Elena rattled off her ideal type conditions one after another. If written down, it would fill a full page in a notebook.
I wondered if such a man even existed in the world...
But that's none of my concern.
That was a problem for the trio of idiots chasing after Elena to figure out.
"Oh, and by the way, I plan to keep my distance from men while at the Academy. I doubt I'll have time left over just from pursuing my studies."
"Understood."
If the other students heard Elena's words, they'd be shocked.
To them, the Academy wasn't just a place of learning—it was also a rare chance to escape the rigid class system and enjoy free romance.
She'd probably realize that after just a week. Her mindset might shift a bit by then.
In any case, I'd gotten the info on her ideal type. That was enough.
How Yubel took it was his business...
Not something I needed to worry about.
If you want Elena, put in the effort, you morons.
The next morning, I passed Elena's ideal type info along to Yubel.
Even for this super-positive guy, her conditions seemed tough. The perpetual smile on his face twisted into confusion.
"D-Did the Lady really say all that...?"
"Yes, she did."
And that was just off the top of my head—about half of what she listed, if counted numerically.
Still, it was plenty, so no big deal.
"Oh, and she has no intention of dating at the Academy. She wants to focus on her studies..."
"You never know with people, right? If I try hard enough, maybe she'll change her mind."
"I can't speak to that. It's up to the Grand Duchess to decide."
"Guess I'll really have to put in the work..."
Yubel groaned and stretched. I caught a glimpse of the thick calluses on his hands.
He's good at shoveling...
I wondered if he'd join the gardening club with me.
Not that I wanted him as a shoveling slave or anything.
Anyway, yes or no.
Time passed, and after the hellish afternoon training finally ended, I changed and headed straight to the General Studies building.
"Sorry, did I keep you waiting?"
"No, I just got here myself."
Upon arriving at the building, Elena greeted me. She brushed off her skirt as she rose from the bench.
"Shall we go?"
"Yes, this way."
The reason Elena from the Magic Department and I from Swordsmanship were visiting General Studies? We'd run into Princess Erze that morning.
She'd suggested touring the gardening club today, and Elena had agreed.
On the first floor of the General Studies building, following the left corridor all the way to the last door.
Just as Princess Erze described, the gardening club room appeared.
I cautiously opened the door and stepped inside.
Late afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, the fragrant scent of tea filled the air, and pots brimmed with blooming flowers. It felt less like a club room and more like a cozy teahouse.
At the center, brewing tea, was none other than Princess Erze. Her golden hair sparkled in the sunlight.
"Oh, come on in."
"Greetings, Princess."
"Have a seat and wait just a moment? It's almost ready."
I sat with Elena at a suitable spot by the window, where the sunlight poured in nicely.
Soon after, Erze approached with the tableware.
Teacups were placed, filled with a red liquid, and a rich, aromatic scent wafted up.
But why? There were four cups. Elena, me, and Erze made three.
"My brother said he'd come today too. That's why there are four cups."
"Thank you for explaining."
I replied calmly, though I was puzzled. I hadn't even asked, yet she'd answered.
Unless my thoughts showed on my face—but that was unlikely. Servants must master masking expressions, trained from childhood.
What does she see with those sharp eyes...?
Mind-reading powers, maybe?
As I sipped my tea with such absurd thoughts, a voice came from outside the club room.
"Lord Cain...?"
"I-I see the Empire's Little Sun..."
"No need for formalities. But why are you here? This is the gardening club..."
"W-Well, I got lost..."
"A Magic Department student lost in General Studies? Allow me to guide you. Where are you headed?"
"N-No, it's fine. My business is done, or rather... Even if I had any, I couldn't trouble Your Highness."
One voice was obviously Evan. Calling her the "Little Sun" was a giveaway, and it sounded familiar.
The other was likely Cain Seleas, the future Magic Tower Lord. I didn't recognize the voice, but he was the only one the prince would know by face.
The prince makes sense if Erze called him, but why would Cain show up...?
As I pondered and sipped, Erze fetched another cup. She clearly expected Cain to join for tea.
A few more exchanges between Evan and Cain, then the firmly shut door opened.
"Sister, do you have an extra cup of tea...? Oh, you two are here too. Nice to see you."
Behind the greeting Evan stood Cain, looking utterly dejected. He glanced around, then fixed on Elena—like he was gauging her reaction.
The moment I saw him, it clicked.
He followed her here...?
Probably wanted to talk to Elena but lacked the courage. Trailing after her desperately for a chance, he'd ended up here.
It was baffling. In the original story, he was shy but not this much. He got things done when it counted.
Did failing to take top spot rob him of his confidence...?
No, that's too much of a leap.
Anyway, regardless—two of Elena's husband candidates had gathered. Quite the intriguing situation for me.
Time passed until the sun hung precariously on the mountain ridge.
After finishing tea, we followed Erze to the back of the General Studies building. Elena, Evan, and Cain came along too.
"Here we are—this is the plot our gardening club tends. We manage that little garden over there too."
It was a modest-sized field, like what rural grandmas might tend as a hobby.
The tea trees were lush with green leaves, signs of decent care.
"I've never seen a tea tree up close before..."
Elena peered at the trees with keen interest.
Makes sense—tea trees don't grow well up north. No chance to see them before.
"Princess, do you grow vegetables too...?"
"Of course. We can grow whatever you like—as long as you're in the club."
"How does one join?"
"I'll have everything ready by tomorrow, so come back then?"
"Then I'll leave it to you."
Before I could stop her, Elena's gardening club membership was sealed.
But growing veggies—isn't that farming, not gardening...?
Not that it mattered either way.
The real issue was that I'd be the one shoveling.
Ah, bliss.
Time flowed on to the next day.
As I entered the now-somewhat-familiar classroom...
"Luke-!"
Yubel shouted my name loudly.
The fact that even this was becoming routine drew a sigh from me.
"What is it?"
"You know about clubs, right?!"
"Yes, of course."
"Oh, man. You already knew. So, thinking of joining one?"
I was, in a way. It was already decided, wasn't it?
"Probably the gardening club."
"Gardening? That plant-growing thing?"
"Yes, exactly."
"Why bother...? There's swordsmanship clubs too..."
He looked genuinely puzzled—question marks practically replacing his features.
Of course, I'd prefer holing up in my room to rest...
But what could I do?
"To attend to Grand Duchess Elena."
I couldn't let our lady do the dirty work. That'd be dereliction of duty.
"Ah, got it. For the Lady..."
His expression hinted the nibble was coming.
A husband candidate passing up this chance? Unthinkable.
"Mind if I tag along after class today...?"
Just as Yubel was about to bite—and I'd gain a shoveling buddy—
a shadow fell over us.
Turning, I saw long hair draped down. It was the sole female first-year in Swordsmanship.
"H-Here...!"
What she handed me was none other than a letter.