Chapter 14
Chapter 14
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Arbel Kingdom Academy (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Arbel Kingdom Academy's Entrance Exchange Party.
It's a gathering where the children of noble families get to know each other ahead of their first day of school, so nearly every new student attends. Even I, as royalty, remember going last year.
At least there was no lady pestering me to take the seat next to me this time, unlike last year's exchange party.
It seemed everyone knew that spot was Elena's, even without her there.
This year, she'd be sitting right beside me, so there'd be no needless incidents.
"Hey, Cedric. Which looks better to you, this one or that one?"
"The sky-blue dress seems better."
"Yeah? Then red it is."
"...Why?"
"If I stand out too much, that event where you meet Lucia might not happen. Gotta minimize the variables."
She's probably the only one in the entire country who thinks Elena doesn't suit the seat next to me.
No real problem there. I still had three years until graduation, more than enough time to change her heart.
...If worst came to worst, I could always bind her with royal authority. Not that I'd want to, if possible.
'That commoner girl's name is Lucia, huh.'
There was only one commoner girl entering the academy this year, so she had to be Lucia. No family name, being a commoner.
If not for Elena, I'd have gone my whole life without knowing she existed. And I'd prefer keeping it that way.
"Elena, just a heads-up."
"Yeah?"
"If by some chance I look at that commoner girl and feel absolutely nothing, don't bother trying to push us together."
"......We'll see about that when the time comes."
A tone like she was hiding something.
But grilling her on her intentions here wouldn't get a straight answer, so I let it slide for now.
Resolving to be extra cautious around that commoner girl called 'Lucia'.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Congratulations, Lucia. It looks like you've really been accepted into the academy."
"Thank you, Headmaster!"
"It must have been tough for a commoner to get into the royal academy. You've truly worked hard."
"It's all thanks to your help, Headmaster!"
"No, it's because of your own efforts, Lucia. But don't get too complacent just because you've passed."
"Huh?"
"The Arbel Kingdom Academy was originally a place only nobles could enter. As this year's sole commoner freshman, you'll need to be especially careful."
"Yeees...."
"Of course, with your bright personality and light magic, I believe you can overcome anything. Once again, congratulations on your admission, Lucia."
"Yes! I'll do my best!"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The obsessive stares from ladies desperate to make me their fiancé had indeed lessened, but party venues like this were always exhausting.
With my backing as royalty—no, as the kingdom's First Prince—most who approached were just angling for a connection to the royal family.
"Your Highness, I hope you've been well. You look even more gallant than before."
"This wine is made from spices imported by our house. I brought a sample in case it suits your tastes...."
"We're planning a special research group this semester...."
They came one after another with greetings, fake smiles, and slick compliments.
Memorizing their houses and responding without offense was a full-time job.
Before I knew it, Elena had drifted off too, handling others from her spot as the prince's fiancée.
"Oh my, Your Highness. Did Lady Elena not come with you?"
"No, she just stepped away to chat with some friends."
"Ah, I-I see...."
A few women tried slipping closer during Elena's absence, but bolted the moment they heard she was somewhere in the hall.
One wrong step could get them marked for life, so the ladies wisely kept their distance on their own. Only after fending them off and chatting with other noble kids did I get a brief respite.
Wondering what Elena was up to, I glanced around—and a striking red dress naturally drew my eye.
"Elena...."
"Hmm, so you're the commoner freshman I've only heard about."
"......"
I halted mid-stride toward Elena at her words.
A faintly ominous air seemed to linger around her and 'that girl'.
"Y-Yes! I'm Lucia, the new freshman entering this year!"
Clear hair with a fresh, sky-blue tint.
She seemed a bit flustered in front of nobles but didn't cower. Not brash, but 'spirited' fit better.
Elena, meanwhile, gazed at the commoner girl with an alluring expression unlike her usual self. Who knew what she was thinking.
"I thought the Arbel Kingdom Academy only admitted noble children, but to think a commoner lady has joined us too...."
"Eek......"
"Commoners barely have any status points, yet you crossed the Arbel Kingdom Academy's threshold with such confidence...."
"H-Hiiik......"
"You must have aced the entrance exam. Let's get along well from now on, Miss Lucia."
"......Huh?"
...Her tone made it sound like she'd corner her over some grievance.
Of course, Elena wouldn't stoop to that. Even I admitted her eye for people was sharper than mine. She'd exposed several corrupt nobles like Baron Barrel since entering the palace.
The girl called Lucia had tensed up expecting some barb, only to look flustered when Elena extended her hand. She shook it hesitantly anyway.
-Grip.
"P-Please take care of me. Uh, your name, if I may...."
"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Elena Rozier, eldest daughter of the Rozier Ducal House. And currently... fiancée to Prince Cedric."
"D-Duke Rozier.... The prince's fiancée...."
-Thud!
"Oh dear, are you alright?"
That was the usual reaction. For a mere fifteen-year-old commoner, the title of duke's lady weighed heavy.
She probably couldn't take Elena's 'let's get along' at face value either. Might even be thinking she'd somehow offended her.
"S-Sorry! S-Such an embarrassing display before a duke's lady...!"
"It's fine. I've often seen folks react like you, Miss Lucia, back during territory inspections when they were young. And since we're at the Arbel Kingdom Academy, let's be good friends without letting status get in the way."
"Y-Yes! P-Please take care of me too, Lady Elena!"
Not sniffling or fleeing before Elena showed she had basic poise, at least.
Lacking etiquette training aside, her character seemed solidly better than many ladies.
If Elena weren't my fiancée, I might've taken some interest.
'But with Elena here, it doesn't matter.'
Truth be told, I'd been a little worried. That I'd fall head over heels for the commoner at first sight, like Elena predicted.
My feelings for Elena would never change, but her eerily prophetic words were unsettling.
'Seeing her like this actually puts my mind at ease.'
Confirmed my feelings for Elena properly. And figured out why she'd been so cocksure.
"Elena."
"Ah, Prince Cedric. Perfect timing. I just made a new friend."
"F-Friend...?"
"Isn't that right, Miss Lucia?"
"...Y-Yes! Hello! I'm Lucia—I just greeted Lady Elena!"
"Pleased to meet you. As you know, I'm Cedric, First Prince of the Arbel Kingdom."
"I-It truly is an honor to meet you in person!"
A pure, lively reply.
She obviously couldn't be my fiancée, but with proper training, she might make a fine royal administrator.
I'd been loath to let her into the Student Council because of Elena... but she didn't seem bad, so maybe worth reconsidering.
-Clap.
"What is it, Elena."
"So, your impressions?"
"Of what."
"Of that girl Lucia. What'd you think? Heart racing or anything?"
"No romantic feelings. Still, entering the academy as a commoner proves her talent, and her character doesn't seem bad."
"...Hmm, really? No thoughts like she's cute, pretty, wanna squeeze her chest or whatever?"
"Never had those. Don't get weird ideas, Elena."
"Strange. Story-wise, you should've fallen at first sight. Where'd it go wrong...."
With no reaction from me, Elena turned away, muttering to herself quietly.
...Might need to rethink the Student Council thing for Lucia after all.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
-Flop.
"Haah, so damn tiring. Guys who wouldn't even make eye contact normally all swarm me under the exchange party excuse...."
"...G-Good work, Elena."
The moment we got back to the dorm, she kicked off her shoes haphazardly and flopped straight onto the bed.
Her skirt flipped up, nearly flashing her underwear—I averted my eyes and tidied her shoes properly.
"So, really no feelings for Lucia at all?"
"Yeah. If anything, I'm wondering why you were so dead certain."
"Where'd the story derail? Eh, if you don't like her, can't be helped."
"...You're accepting this surprisingly easily."
"What can I do if you don't want it~. Was gonna play matchmaker out of the goodness of my heart, but if you're not into it, oh well~."
True to form, Elena wasn't the type to bulldoze ahead blindly.
Had she insisted on some weird scheme to pair us, I'd have stepped in—but giving up this easily meant our marriage wasn't that big a deal to her.
"Forcing you with Lucia could've backfired in the succession race anyway~. Gotta play it smart with Darius around~."
"...Why bring up First Brother all of a sudden? Did you mean Orpheus?"
"Huh? No, Darius. The prince piling up merits as frontline commander on the eastern front."
"...Is there some major issue with Darius?"
"No need to fret. Worst case, it's just whether he rebels or not."
...That sounded way too critical to brush off as 'no big deal'.
```