Chapter 8: Declaration

A few days after the royal gathering, after school, Florence-san, who sits next to me, spoke up.

“Lux-sama, may I make a small suggestion?”

“Yes, that’s fine. What kind of suggestion is it?”

When I turned to her, Florence-san voiced a single proposal.

“If it suits you, would you like to hold a study session together for the upcoming academic exam?”

A study session, just with Florence-san…!

The first academic exam at the Noble Academy. I was feeling all sorts of anxiety, so this invitation was truly appreciated!

“Let’s definitely do it! In fact, I’d be the one asking for it!”

When I nodded enthusiastically, Florence-san gave me a gentle smile.

“In that case, how about the Eden Library, renowned for having one of the finest collections in the country?”

“Oh! That sounds perfect!”

“Thank you. Shall we go, then?”

We boarded a carriage and headed toward the Eden Library together.

…A study session with Florence-san.

I’ve hardly ever studied with someone else before, so I’m really looking forward to this—especially since it’s with Florence-san, of all people.

To think that before enrolling, we barely spoke, even when in the same room. And now, here we are, heading to study together. The thought fills me with a warm feeling, and it’s deeply moving.

“To think that back then, I could only catch glimpses of you, Lux-sama, and now we’re about to study together—it’s quite moving, isn’t it?”

“Oh! I was just thinking the same thing!”

“The same thing… hehe, that makes me happy.”

As she spoke, Florence-san narrowed her eyes and smiled happily.

We continued chatting enjoyably, and before I knew it, the carriage arrived at the Eden Library in no time.

“Shall we go in?”

“Yes!”

The Eden Library is so famous that it’s considered a national landmark, with vast walls lined entirely with books. Even more impressive is the building’s artistic design. As you approach the walls, the structure rises in tiered steps, each one wide enough to resemble a grand boulevard. Additionally, desks and chairs are placed on each tier, creating a unique and luxurious layout.

“No matter how many times I see it, this building is magnificent… Blending artistic architectural styles with functionalist elements… I can’t help but feel profound respect for the person who built this library.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Some of her words were a bit complex for me, but basically, the person who made this library must be incredible.

Sitting side by side at a table, we immediately began studying together.

“…”

“…”

For a while, we focused on our textbooks and studied in silence… But eventually, my mind and hands came to a halt.

To an onlooker, it might seem like I was engrossed in my textbook. But Florence-san seemed to notice the shift in my mood. She paused and spoke in a gentle tone.

“Lux-sama, is there something you’re finding difficult?”

“Yes… this part is really tough…”

Nodding honestly at her words, I pointed to the one subject I struggle with at the Noble Academy: strategy and tactics. In simple terms, it’s about matters of conflict.

“I see. Given your personality, Lux-sama, this subject might not suit you very well.”

“Yeah, maybe…”

“Spending too much time on a subject that doesn’t suit you isn’t a very wise choice,” she added, then continued with a kind smile directed at me. “I’ll go over the key points of the sections likely to be covered in this exam and explain them to you now.”

“I-Is that okay!? You have your own studying to do…”

“Of course, that’s the purpose of our study session. Also, raising your voice above a certain level in the library is frowned upon, so please excuse me.”

“Oh…!”

After her polite disclaimer, Florence-san moved closer to me.

“Now, this part here—”

The faint, pleasant scent of flowers wafted from Florence-san. I nearly got distracted by it, but managed to focus on studying.

Her explanations were so clear that even I, who struggles with this subject, could grasp the main points, and I was incredibly grateful.

But… for some reason, as time passed, Florence-san began leaning closer to me. By now, our shoulders were almost touching.

“F-Florence-san… I think I’m—”

“Would you like to take a break? If so, please rest your head here.”

I was about to say that the closeness was making it hard to focus, but Florence-san placed her hand on her lap and said that.

“Huh!? N-No, I didn’t mean I wanted a break—”

“There’s no need to hold back. Please, make yourself comfortable.”

…I hadn’t opened my mouth intending to take a break, but it’s true that studying a subject I’m weak at left me a bit more mentally drained than usual. Besides, it would feel rude to ignore Florence-san’s kindness after she’s gone this far.

“E-Excuse me!”

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I took her up on her offer and rested my head on her lap.

“How does it feel, Lux-sama?”

“It’s a little embarrassing, but… it feels nice…”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Smiling as she spoke, Florence-san fell silent for a moment before whispering softly.

“Hehe… I wish moments like this could last forever.”

“…Yeah. Time with you, Florence-san, is always so enjoyable.”

“Oh…! Lux-sama… I feel the same way.”

After Florence-san spoke with a gentle smile, she let me rest on her lap a little longer. Then, we resumed studying my weak subject together.

And… a few days later, we took the academic exam.

“Good morning, Lux-sama.”

Arriving at the Noble Academy and reaching my seat, Florence-san greeted me.

“Good morning! Today’s the day the exam results come out, right?”

“Yes. It seems the results are posted on the blackboard at the back of the lecture hall.”

“Oh, really? Have you already checked your results, Florence-san?”

“Not yet. I was waiting to go with you once you arrived, Lux-sama.”

“Oh…!”

She waited for me…!

“That makes me so happy! Thank you, Florence-san!”

“No need to thank me… Shall we go?”

With a gentle smile, Florence-san and I headed to the back of the lecture hall together. A sheet listing the exam results in ranking order was posted on the blackboard.

“Knowing our ranks makes me a bit nervous.”

“Indeed… These ranks are based on the total scores across all subjects, it seems.”

“I see…”

With that explanation, I began scanning the ranked list. The Noble Academy has approximately 100 students per grade. So, ranking above fiftieth place means scoring above average, at least. With that in mind, I first examined the name.

‘First Place: Floria Florence, 1000 Points’

“Huh…!?”

Seeing that result, I couldn’t help but turn to Florence-san beside me.

“F-Florence-san! Getting a perfect score and first place is incredible!”

“It was just a fluke. I doubt it’ll happen again next time,” Florence-san said with a calm smile.

Obviously, something like that isn’t just a fluke. I looked at Florence-san with admiration, but I also started searching for my own rank. So, I shifted my gaze to the rank just below Florence-san’s…

‘Second Place: Lux Rodell, 937 Points’

“Huh…!?”

Me… in second place!?

“Congratulations, Lux-sama.”

“Th-Thank you… But how am I in second place when I’m sixty-three points behind you, Florence-san?”

When I asked, Florence-san continued, saying, “I heard a rumor, but…”

“It’s said that in the Noble Academy’s first exam, it’s rare for anyone who hasn’t studied diligently before enrollment to score above 800 points.”

“Is that so…? Then I guess I won’t be able to keep this up next time either.”

I meant it as a bit of self-reflection, but Florence-san looked at me curiously.

“Do you think so? I believe you’re perfectly capable of achieving the same or even better results, Lux-sama.”

“No, I just happened to start studying earlier than others this time, so…”

“That’s not true. You’re far more capable than you give yourself credit for—”

Just as Florence-san was about to say something, three male students approached, and one of them spoke to me.

“Rodell… You know that starting today, we’ll have mock battles in swordsmanship class, right?”

“I think the teacher mentioned that before… Um, what’s your name?”

“I’m Zorma Zoldan, from a marquis family. In today’s swordsmanship class, you’ll face us in a mock battle.”

“Zoldan-san… By ‘us,’ do you mean all three of you against me at once?”

“Exactly. Sorry, but we’ve got our reputation on the line, so you don’t get a say in this.”

With that, Zoldan-san and his group left the scene.

A three-on-one match… I think they’re doing this because they dislike me, but… why do they hate me?

Unable to find any reason, I was lost in thought when Florence-san spoke to me.

“Lux-sama, you don’t need to concern yourself too much with people like them.”

“…Why do they hate me?”

In response to my question, Florence-san glanced briefly at the ranking list before answering.

“It’s probably some trivial reason… As for their talk of a mock battle, I don’t think you need to accept it.”

“But… what if I unknowingly did something wrong? I want to go through with the mock battle.”

If there’s a chance to talk things out, I’ll try to do that, and if I’ve done something wrong, I’ll apologize properly.

“…I see. If that’s what you’ve decided, Lux-sama, I won’t stop you.”

Saying that, Florence-san gave me a gentle smile.

◇

Sitting at her desk, Florence glanced at Lux, who seemed troubled beside her, and thought to herself.

Lux honestly doesn’t know the darker sides of people and is far too kind.

Your pure and beautiful nature is something I cherish deeply from the bottom of my heart.

Then, gazing intently into Lux’s clear eyes, Florence made a quiet but resolute vow in her heart.

I will absolutely protect you, Lux-sama.

◇

Third period, swordsmanship class.

My eyes met those of Zoldan-san and the two other boys who had challenged me to a mock battle. Their glares bore into me, sharp and unrelenting.

…Did I really do something to deserve those glares?

Feeling uneasy, I heard the teacher speak up.

“Starting today, to gauge your skills, you will engage in mock battles with one another.”

After receiving wooden swords from the teacher, we were told to choose our opponents and begin once we had decided. As expected, Zoldan-san and his group approached, surrounding me.

“…Why are you doing this?”

When I asked, Zoldan-san answered, his voice laced with contempt.

“Because you humiliated us.”

“Humiliated…? Did I do something to you?”

“Yeah. A mere earl’s son like you took second place in the academic exam.”

“A mere earl’s son…? Does the exam result have anything to do with noble rank?”

“Oh, it does. Florence is from a ducal family, so it’s fine if she takes first—it proves the superiority of her rank… but,” he stepped forward, raising his voice and furrowing his brow, “when an earl’s son takes second place, it completely crushes the pride of us marquises!”

The superiority of noble rank, pride…?

I understood the words, but I couldn’t make sense of what he was saying. The exam is about solving problems correctly—noble rank shouldn’t matter.

“Even if the academic exam results were different, what truly matters is ensuring a prosperous life for the people of our territories as nobles—”

“Shut up! For now, we’re gonna crush you! Get him!!”

Shouting loudly, the two others besides Zoldan-san raised their wooden swords and charged.

“…”

Watching their movements, I was certain I wouldn’t lose to these two.

“Get crushed!!”

The moment they swung their wooden swords upward with a shout, I aimed for the tips of their swords and knocked them far away.

“Wha…!?”

The two whose swords were knocked away looked shocked, but it wasn’t over yet. Sensing someone behind me, I turned to see Zoldan-san about to swing his wooden sword down at me. I blocked it with my own.

“You…!”

After clashing once, Zoldan-san realized his swordsmanship was inferior to mine.

“P-Please stop! If you keep going—”

“Shut up! I hate guys like you!!”

With that, he started swinging his wooden sword recklessly. Reading his movements from his stance, I dodged every attack and knocked his sword far away.

“What!?”

“The mock battle is my win. So, please listen to what I—”

“I told you to shut up! Damn it!! You’ll pay for this!!”

Spitting out his words in frustration, Zoldan-san and his group stormed off.

“Wait! Let’s talk a bit more—”

“Lux-sama.”

“…!”

Cutting off my words, Florence-san, who had been watching from a short distance, spoke to me.

“I believe further discussion with them is impossible.”

“Florence-san…”

She’s right—it might be difficult to talk with them any further.

“Are noble ranks and exam results really that important? Important enough to delude someone into thinking it’s okay to hurt others…? I just don’t understand.”

Why can’t they understand?

Why can’t we get along?

Frustrated by this, I hung my head.

“…”

Florence-san gently rubbed my back and said, “You don’t need to understand such things… You haven’t done anything wrong, Lux-sama.”

◇

Back at her mansion after the Noble Academy’s lectures, Florence was reviewing documents. Finishing one document and closing it, she murmured softly.

“The pieces are in place… To protect Lux-sama, it’s time to take action.”

Recalling Lux’s dejected expression from today, her animosity toward Zoldan and his group grew. Holding that animosity quietly in her heart, she stepped out of the mansion under the dark sky, heading toward the Zoldan marquis estate.

◇

“Welcome back, Master.”

“Oh, Siana… I’m home.”

“…Master, has something happened?”

Greeting Lux, Siana noticed something was off about him with just a single word.

“Huh? N-No, nothing’s wrong.”

“…I see.”

She didn’t press Lux further in that moment, but upon returning to her room, Siana immediately summoned Violet.

“Lux-kun seemed off. Could it be that some fool has troubled him again?”

“As you suspected.”

“…Haah.”

Sighing with vacant eyes, she continued.

“It’s astonishing that two people foolish enough to commit the most idiotic acts would appear in such a short time.”

“No, this time it’s not one person, but three.”

“…!?”

Even one person troubling Lux was unforgivable. Hearing there were three, Siana spoke in a cold, emotionless tone.

“Explain the details.”

Violet recounted how Lux had taken second place in the academic exam, and how Zorma Zoldan and his group, enraged by this, challenged Lux to a three-on-one mock battle.

“To think such fools would emerge…”

“Rodell-sama defeated all three, but there’s a strong possibility they’ll seek revenge through any means necessary.”

“Of course, I won’t allow that,” Siana declared in a firm voice. “Violet, investigate those three immediately.”

“Understood. …However, if you plan to punish them today, I suggest holding off.”

Hearing this, Siana directed a gaze filled with barely contained anger. “What are you saying? If we do nothing and tomorrow comes, who knows what harm might come to Lux-kun?”

“I understand, of course, but… I believe Florence-sama may already be taking action.”

“…! So you’re saying that woman is thinking the same thing as me.”

“Yes. Based on Florence-sama’s demeanor today, that seems the most likely conclusion.”

The “punishment” Siana and Florence had in mind was likely different. A careless encounter with Florence could lead to an unnecessary conflict.

“While I believe neither her nor Ojou-sama would lose, it could still lead to troublesome complications.”

Siana’s honest desire was to punish the three immediately. But considering Florence’s unpredictable nature, acting emotionally now wouldn’t be wise. As Siana pondered this, Violet spoke.

“You said that if tomorrow comes as is, we don’t know what harm might befall Rodell-sama, but…” With a sharp glint in her eyes from beneath her black hood, she declared firmly, “As long as I’m here, I won’t let a single scratch befall Rodell-sama.”

“…You’re right.”

Nodding in agreement, Siana accepted Violet’s words.

◇

Arriving at the Zoldan marquis estate, Florence, with her architectural knowledge, instantly analyzed the mansion’s structure and key points without so much as a blink. Donning a masquerade ball mask, she silently infiltrated the mansion. She quickly spotted her targets: Zoldan and the two other male students.

“If word gets out that we lost to a mere earl’s son, it’ll be a hassle. Before that happens, we need to deal with him—”

This is a delightful miscalculation.

Raising the corners of her mouth slightly, Florence leapt down from the ceiling with graceful movements and spoke. “It sounds like you’re having quite an amusing conversation… May I join you?”

“Wha!?”

Her voice from behind caused Zoldan and his group to turn around in shock. She could have taken all three down in that moment, but Florence chose not to.

“W-Who are you!? Wearing a mask like that! Do you even know where you are!?”

“Of course, I understand. …No, perhaps what this place becomes depends on your responses from now on.”

Taking Florence’s vague reply as provocation, the three, visibly angry, retorted.

“You don’t get the situation, do you?”

“Yeah, no way you can beat us three-on-one!”

“Don’t know who you are, but we’re gonna take you down!”

“…You never learn, do you? Even after losing three-on-one just earlier.”

“You—”

One of the boys was about to shout in anger, but Zoldan stopped him with a gesture.

“Hold on. This woman could’ve ambushed us from behind.”

He continued, speaking smugly. “Whether she could beat us is another matter, but since she didn’t, it means she’s not just here to fight… Right?”

“Yes, exactly. I only wish to ask you something.”

“Fine, I’ll answer… What is it?”

Zoldan responded, emphasizing their three-on-one advantage with his body language. Florence was exasperated by their confidence in winning but didn’t show it, instead asking, “What are your thoughts on Lux-sama?”

“Lux…? Who’s that?”

Florence felt a spark of anger at those words, but recomposed herself and said, “Lux Rodell-sama. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten what happened today.”

“…Oh, that guy. You just want me to say what I think of him?”

“Yes.”

With a short reply, Zoldan twisted his expression and spoke. “Fine, I’ll say it. A clueless guy like him being the son of an earl? This country’s done for. Just because he fluked a good exam score and happened to beat us in a wooden sword match, he’s getting all cocky…”

“…A fluke, you say?”

“Yeah. That kind of playtime doesn’t get us serious. Next time, we’ll cut him to pieces with real swords… Right, guys?”

“Yeah, heh, maybe lure him to an alley for an ambush?”

“Don’t even need an ambush for a loser like him.”

As Zoldan and his group laughed vulgarly, Florence asked in a cold voice, “So… you intend to take Lux-sama’s life, is that the correct interpretation?”

“Yeah. Next time, we’ll kill that loser. It’d be better for this country if—”

As Zoldan continued laughing, Florence drew her rapier.

“Wha…? Eek!”

Zoldan’s face paled as the blade was thrust at his throat with blinding speed.

“I nearly pierced your throat in anger, but he wouldn’t wish for such a thing…” Saying that, Florence withdrew the sword from Zoldan’s neck. “As expected, I’ll deal with this in a way that he would approve of.”

“W-What are you even talking about…?”

To Zoldan and his group, frozen with fear, Florence declared, “I hereby proclaim: Tomorrow, your numerous acts of misconduct will be exposed, and you will be stripped of your noble status and expelled from the academy.”

“What…!?”

“Please spend the rest of your lives regretting how you scorned Lux-sama’s kindness. …Farewell.”

“W-Wait!”

Zoldan tried to stop Florence as she turned to leave. But—

“Be grateful you still have your lives. I could easily turn this place into a scene of judgment.”

At her emotionless words, Zoldan and his group froze, unable to move.

“Not only do they fail to understand Lux-sama’s kindness, but they dare to bare their fangs at him…”

It was utterly incomprehensible to Florence. And yet, Lux would treat even such people with kindness. As a result, he ends up troubled by things he shouldn’t have to worry about. It’s painful to watch—but,

“Rest assured… I will always protect you, Lux-sama.”

Looking up at the moon illuminating the night, Florence thought of Lux and reaffirmed her resolute vow.

◇

The next day.

I want to get along with those guys if possible, but given how they acted, it seems complicated.

…How can we become friends?

Thinking about that, I entered the lecture hall at the Noble Academy.

“W-What’s this…?”

On the blackboard, in large letters, was written, Expelled Students: The Following Three.

“Wait, huh!?”

I let out a surprised exclamation when I saw Zorma Zoldan’s name listed there.

“W-Why is Zoldan-san expelled…?”

Muttering to myself in confusion, a voice from beside me spoke up.

“From what I’ve heard, their misconduct was exposed, leading to their titles being stripped and their expulsion.”

I turned toward the voice. There stood Florence-san.

“F-Florence-san!”

“Good morning, Lux-sama.”

“G-Good morning!”

As I replied, Florence-san turned toward the blackboard.

“…I don’t know the details, but it’s good that they’ve been expelled, isn’t it?”

“…”

I paused for a moment before responding.

“I wanted to get along with them if possible, but if it’s about misconduct, I guess there’s no helping it, right?”

Hearing my answer, Florence-san looked at me in surprise and asked, “Lux-sama, were you trying to befriend them?”

“Yes. Even if it’s tough at first, I think with time, we could’ve become friends.”

“…I see.”

Florence-san nodded with a gentle smile. Then, in a kind tone, she continued, “Lux-sama, you’ll surely make a fine head of a ducal house someday.”

“…A ducal house? My family is an earl’s house, you know…?”

“If you become engaged to me, you’d be part of a ducal house.”

“E-Engaged…!?”

“Hehe, just kidding.”

Florence-san said with a small, amused laugh.

…Engagement.

My father told me to find a fiancée at the Noble Academy, and it’s a decision I’ll have to make eventually. I can’t keep putting it off forever.

I wonder… what kind of answer I’ll find in the future—

◇

“So, how did it turn out?”

Confirming Lux’s safe return home, Siana summoned Violet.

“The three male students were expelled and stripped of their titles due to exposed misconduct.”

“…That’s it?”

“Yes.”

As Violet nodded, Siana sighed and said, “I wondered what she’d do… That woman is too soft.”

Propping her cheek on her hand, she continued, “What if those three get desperate and try to harm Lux-kun?”

“…It’s likely she took steps to prevent that.”

“That’s what I’m calling soft.”

Unless their lives are taken, the possibility of them harming Lux can’t be completely eliminated.

“I’d love to go punish them myself right now, but…”

Ignoring the law’s judgment so soon isn’t an option. Yet, for Lux’s safety, she wanted to act immediately.

Perhaps sensing Siana’s impatience, Violet spoke up. “Even if those three act out, I will absolutely protect Rodell-sama, so please rest assured.”

“…You’re right. I’m counting on you.”

At those words, Violet bowed deeply to Siana.

“…This incident has made that woman’s methods quite clear.”

As Violet raised her head, she nodded at Siana’s words.

“Yes. It’s evident that Ojou-sama and Florence-sama have distinctly different ways of protecting Rodell-sama.”

“Exactly. And that woman has no right to protect Lux-kun… No,” with a sharp glint in her eyes, Siana declared mercilessly, “She has no right to stand by Lux-kun’s side.”