/
Something was going on under the serene surface of the Academy.
The gossip that started from the teatime held by the young ladies in the academy traveled through numerous lips.
The gossip was quiet but steady.
The bomb that had been elaborately crafted was finally swollen up, right before it would explode.
Today, the day for the Crown Prince’s visit, was a suitable day for the other party to throw the bomb they were holding.
“Wouldn’t it be better for you to stay at home?”
Jeremy firmly shook his head at my advice.
“You don’t need to worry. There’s the camouflage magic.”
He excessively trusted the effect of the magic.
It was true that there was no big problem inside the academy to this day, but it wasn’t bad to be careful.
“If the other people begin to recognize you . . .”
“That is impossible, right?”
He asked as though that was obvious.
Perhaps it was because the Young Duke walked past him even though they met by chance; Jeremy was now full of confidence.
“How could my brother, who’s less interested in me than Young Duke Bolton, recognize me?”
“He might be interested in you more than you think.”
“That is impossible. He has no interest in me at all.”
“But still, he’s your family.”
“There’s nothing special just because we are family.”
I was speechless at the prince’s sarcastic remark.
It seemed like I couldn’t break his will to go to the academy.
“I won’t let anything go wrong with the Miller family.”
Flinching at the words spoken by Jeremy, I let out a sigh.
“I don’t mean that. How can you say that?”
Jeremy, who slightly flinched at the scolding that wasn’t meant to be a scolding, turned his head.
“I mean, I really won’t do that. I don’t want to see anyone in a difficult position because of me.”
His voice was low, but I noticed his shyness there.
He, who was young and clumsy, had eyes that were sparkling more than they did when he arrived in this mansion for the first time, and had also become more honest with his feelings.
I wanted to dissuade him once more, but I couldn’t force him.
But if he really were to get caught . . .
“Should I really not leave today?”
Jeremy watched my movement with a sullen face.
The academy was busy with the Crown Prince’s visit.
All the talents of each department would gather, and various things would be presented.
The swordsmanship department would show sword tournaments, and the magic department would show magic battles. Those would be exciting to see.
Telling Jeremy to not go because he might run into someone who knew him was indeed a sad thing to Jeremy.
I shook my head.
“Let’s go then. It’s no big deal to get caught enjoying this day. It’s not like we’re doing a severe crime.”
Jeremy’s face brightened up at my words.
* * *
“And so, you just let him go to the academy?”
“He was really anticipating it.”
It was no surprise that the prince, who never had properly enjoyed a festival before, got excited at the event that finally held.
“How’s the situation?”
“I caught gossip in the market about defective products sold by Rocke Guild, and it was a complete mess.”
“Really?”
Rany’s face crumpled as she nodded.
She then grumbled with a sulky face.
“The quality was so terrible that it hurt my pride. How could they say that kind of product was made and sold by us?”
Because people would only become angry if they were that bad.
As I entered the class amidst the excitement in the academy, everyone turned silent.
The stolen glances became more intense, but no one dared to say anything.
Still, I could feel that as the day went on, the gazes turned sharper and more negative.
“Today, we will have shorter class hours. As everyone knows, it is scheduled for the Crown Prince to attend the tournament of the swordsmanship department and the magic battle of the magic department that will open soon in person.”
More than half of those who took out their textbooks looked blank.
Professor Grein was really displeased by that, but he let it slide as if he somewhat understood the students’ feelings.
Well, although it looked like his understanding didn’t work to me.
“Miss Miller, let’s take a quick look at what we need to learn today.”
I was rather impressed by his persistence of trying to find fault in me during every class.
Because of that, I could prepare more thoroughly, so should I be thankful toward him?
He stopped me from reciting the entire the review.
“. . . Good work. I think that’s enough.”
As the professor, who looked dissatisfied throughout the lecture, left the class, everyone made haste to the drill hall.
Their efforts to preoccupy even slightly good seats were praiseworthy.
One of those who tried so hard, Abigail got quite the front seats and was waiting for us.
“His Imperial Highness will sit there.”
I saw the prepared VIP seat not far from our seats.
The students of the student council that were busily preparing were familiar.
Then, suddenly . . .
The students who were sitting in the crowd quickly parted.
As the Crown Prince, who was walking to the prepared seat, raised up his hand, the cheer from students continued on.