Chapter 3: Natural Royalty

The next morning.

“Have a good day, Master.”

“I’m off.”

Seeing me off, Siana watched as I boarded the carriage heading to the Noble Academy.

At the academy, not only are we taught the refinement and specific knowledge required of nobles, but we can also learn swordsmanship, it seems. Some might question whether swordsmanship is necessary for nobles, but I believe it is. The strength to stand at the forefront and protect the people of the domain when something happens—that is absolutely essential for a noble governing a territory.

With that belief, I’ve worked hard on my training so far, so there’s no way I’d be the worst in my grade at handling a sword… or so I hope.

While lost in thought looking out the window, the carriage arrived at the Noble Academy in no time.

Heading straight to the lecture hall, I found dozens of students already seated. Looking at the blackboard in front of the lecture hall, I saw a seating chart with everyone’s names written on it.

“Let’s see, my seat is… the one at the far left.”

Muttering to myself and turning that way, it seemed to be a window seat. Thinking it’d be nice to glance at the sky occasionally or take a breather, I headed to my seat.

“Huh!?”

Seeing the person next to my seat, I couldn’t help but let out a surprised exclamation.

“F-Florence-san!?”

“Good morning, Lux Rodell-sama.”

Greeting me calmly, Florence-san smiled. Naturally, she was wearing the same Noble Academy uniform as me.

To think the person next to me would be Florence-san… what an incredible coincidence.

“Good morning! I was really surprised to find out we’re sitting next to each other!”

“I was a bit surprised myself when I saw the seating chart on the blackboard. …I’ve been interested in you, Lux Rodell-sama.”

“Interested in me…?”

“Yes, actually—”

Just as Florence-san was about to say something.

“We will now begin the first lecture for all first-year students of the Noble Academy.”

A woman who appeared to be a teacher stood in front of the blackboard and announced, promptly starting the lecture.

As it was my first lecture, I was nervous, but the content was the most basic of basics.

When the lecture ended, it was break time. By lunchtime, I’d gotten a general sense of the day’s flow.

All of today’s lectures had concluded, and it was now after school.

Then, Florence-san, sitting next to me, spoke up.

“Lux Rodell-sama, it seems you understood all of today’s lecture content.”

“Yes. As the teacher said, it was only the basics.”

“Even so, it seems few people fully grasped all the subjects.”

“That just means everyone has their own strengths, right…?”

“…”

“I just study whatever I can, so I really respect everyone else.”

Expressing my honest feelings, Florence-san looked a bit surprised and said,

“I see… that’s a truly wonderful perspective. It seems I wasn’t mistaken in taking an interest in you.”

Florence-san said with a gentle expression.

Right after that.

A man I didn’t know approached me. He was slightly overweight with a harsh gaze. His hair was long enough to cover his forehead but not his eyes, neatly trimmed. You could tell at a glance that he was raised in a wealthy family.

“Is he a friend of Lux Rodell-sama?”

“No… I don’t know him.”

Replying to Florence-san, the man spoke to me.

“I’m Zard Zaden, of the Marquess House.”

A marquess… someone of a rank higher than my earl status.

“I’m from the Earl’s house—”

“I don’t care about your name! I’ve got something to say!”

I’d met domineering dukes and marquesses before, but this was the first time someone interrupted my introduction.

He seems agitated, so maybe I did something to upset him.

“You! A mere earl, talking to the Third Princess at the party!”

“Yes, but… what’s the issue?”

When I asked back, Zaden-san shouted angrily. “Someone of the Third Princess’s noble lineage and beauty should only associate with someone like me, blessed with both lineage and ability! A guy like you has no right to be near her!”

“…”

I’ll admit I don’t have much ability. I’m not sure if lineage can be judged as good or bad, to be honest. Since his rank is higher, I could let that slide. But… there’s one thing I absolutely can’t ignore.

“The Third Princess, Felisiana-sama, isn’t just about lineage and appearance. She’s kind-hearted and has earned respect through immense effort.”

“Huh?”

“So, making comments that only focus on Felisiana-sama’s lineage or looks is disrespectful, even if you’re from a marquess house.”

“Shut up! Personality? Effort? Who cares about that crap! A lowly earl like you has no right to talk back to a marquess like me!”

◇

Violet, under orders from her mistress Felisiana, was keeping watch over Lux’s life at the Noble Academy even at this moment. Considering her mistress’s intentions, perhaps it was more accurate to say she was watching over him. Naturally, then—she was fully aware of the current argument between Lux and Zaden.

“Ojou-sama, it seems something quite interesting is happening on the very first day of lectures.”

Disrespectful remarks about Felisiana and verbal abuse toward Lux.

“I could take care of it right now if needed, but…” For matters like this, it’s probably best to leave it to Ojou-sama.

Muttering to herself, Violet sharpened the glint in her eyes, peeking out from her black hood.

◇

On the way back to the mansion from the Noble Academy, I was deeply troubled inside the carriage. To think I’d get into an argument like that on the very first day at the Noble Academy… If it had just been about me being insulted, I probably wouldn’t have argued back. But this time… hearing someone belittle Felisiana-sama, who was so kind to me, made me want to speak up.

“I need to reflect on arguing back…”

That said, I don’t think what I said was wrong. Still, it’s a fact that I’ve created bad blood with someone from a Marquess House. What if Zaden-san keeps coming at me aggressively from now on? What if he starts harassing the Rodell Earl’s house’s territory?

Lost in all sorts of negative thoughts, the carriage quickly arrived at the Rodell Earl house’s mansion.

As I stepped out of the carriage, Siana, who had come to greet me, bowed. “Welcome back, Master!”

“Yeah, I’m home, Siana.”

…That’s right. Because of me, something bad might even happen to Siana.

“…”

“Master… did something happen at school?”

Without a doubt, something did happen. But telling Siana about it would only make her worry.

“No, nothing happened… Anyway, how was your day, Siana?”

“…Yes! I was fine!”

She said “I,” so she might already half-suspect something happened to me.

Siana took my right hand in both of hers and said, “Master! I hope I’m not overthinking it, but if something did happen, please let me know! I’ll do everything I can to help you!”

I’m truly blessed with such a kind maid… But that’s exactly why I don’t want to burden her kindness with my worries.

“Your feelings are more than enough… I’ll let you know when I need your help, so don’t worry.”

“…I understand!”

After a brief pause, Siana nodded with a bright smile.

◇

While Lux was changing, Siana returned to her room. At the same time, Violet appeared.

“Sorry to jump right in, but could you explain what happened to Lux-kun at school?”

“As expected, your insight is remarkable, Ojou-sama.”

“I’ve never seen Lux-kun look so down before…”

Right now, what matters is, “Whether the cause lies with Lux-kun himself or with someone else…”

If it’s the former, Siana can simply encourage Lux as his maid, but, if it’s the latter…

As Siana pondered, Violet declared, “It’s the latter.”

“…!”

“Specifically, disrespectful remarks about Ojou-sama and verbal abuse toward Rodell-sama by someone from a marquess house.”

“…Verbal abuse toward Lux-kun?”

Hearing this, Siana’s eyes turned vacant. Completely hollow, devoid of any light. Gone were the gem-like, beautiful blue eyes she showed in front of Lux.

“That’s not funny… Could you tell me the details?”

“Yes, the details are—”

After hearing the events from Violet, Siana said in a cold, mechanical voice,

“To commit such foolishness on the very first day.”

“I deeply apologize for not handling it immediately and letting it slide.”

Violet bowed slightly, but Siana replied, “No, it was a good call. Thanks to that, I can deal with it personally.”

Continuing, she added, “Lux-kun… he got angry for my sake.”

“Yes. At the very least, this incident shows that Rodell-sama doesn’t dislike Ojou-sama.”

“That’s true… But if so, this is my fault. My unscheduled actions on the entrance ceremony day made Lux-kun stand out.”

Originally, that day was meant to be just a greeting, with no plans to attend the party. But attending the party resulted in Lux standing out, which led to this incident. No physical harm came to Lux this time, but if it had, just thinking about it made Siana shudder with fear.

As she imagined such scenarios, Violet said in a calm tone, “Regrets can come later. For now, let’s focus on how to punish them.”

“You’re right.”

Then, with vacant eyes, Felisiana made a show of pondering. Finally, she opened her mouth and spoke. “I’ve decided what to do.”

“Please, tell me.”

Siana conveyed the method of punishment to Violet.

“As expected of Ojou-sama. It’s a truly terrifying punishment.”

“Enough with the jokes. Sparing his life is already far too lenient.”

That said, if he insults Lux-kun again, that leniency won’t last.

“Understood. Shall we take action starting tomorrow, then?”

“Tomorrow? Do you think I’d allow someone who insulted Lux-kun even a single night of peaceful sleep?”

“…My apologies. I mean starting now.”

“Obviously. But since I’m worried about Lux-kun, I’ll check on him briefly first.”

“As you wish.”

◇

In the first place, I shouldn’t have said anything unnecessary. I already knew some people were overbearing. I should’ve just dodged whatever was said skillfully. As the heir of an Earl’s house, as someone who will one day become a lord, it was the wrong choice…

I kept thinking about that ever since I entered my room, when there was a knock at the door.

“Master, may I have a moment?”

It was Siana’s voice. I didn’t even have the face to meet her… But if she has business, I need to hear it.

“Yeah… come in.”

Siana entered the room and came to my side, her expression deeply worried.

“Is something wrong, Siana?”

“…Master, you looked so pained.”

“Huh? Oh… it was my first day at the Noble Academy, so I guess I’m just tired from the unfamiliar environment.”

I tried to put on as bright an expression as possible, but Siana just stared at me silently.

“…”

I can’t hide anything from Siana, can I?

Dropping the forced smile, I spoke heavily. “Actually, today… I got into an argument with someone from a marquess house.”

“…I see.”

“I should’ve let it slide, but he made disparaging remarks about Felisiana-sama, and I just couldn’t hold back…”

“You did nothing wrong, Master… but,” Siana said with a gentle expression, “you take too much on yourself alone. Could you let me share even a little of that burden?”

“Siana…! I’m really, really grateful for your feelings… but I can’t.”

I can’t give in to Siana’s kindness here. As the next head of the Rodell earl house, I have to bear it alone.

Siana placed a hand on her chest and said, “I belong to you, Master, so I want to bear everything with you.”

No… I can’t. If I give in to such kindness… I…!

But Siana placed her hand over mine and said, “That is my sole reason for existing… so please, let me share it with you.”

“…!”

Overwhelmed by her kind words, I spoke through tears. “If… if because of me, the Rodell earl house, or you, Siana, ended up in danger… I’m scared. It feels like everything I’ve worked for might crumble… I didn’t want you to see me this pathetic… I’m sorry, Siana.”

As I poured out everything, Siana shook her head and said, “You are not pathetic, Master!”

Gently enveloping my hand, she continued, “To feel anger for others, to shed tears for others—Master, you are a truly admirable person. I guarantee it!”

“Siana…”

“Please, rest early tonight.”

“…I will. Thank you.”

Supported by Siana, I went to bed and lay down under her watchful gaze. Until just a moment ago, I was filled with anxiety, but just having Siana near fills my heart with such reassurance.

Feeling that strongly, I drifted into sleep.

Thank you, Siana—

◇

Confirming that Lux had fallen asleep, Siana quietly left the room and returned to her own. There, Violet was waiting, several documents spread out on the desk.

“Ojou-sama, how was Rodell-sama?”

“As expected… no, he was blaming himself even more than I anticipated.”

“…I see.”

“To make Lux-kun, who did nothing wrong, suffer like that… It’s unforgivable.”

Speaking in a cold, mechanical voice with vacant eyes, she continued to Violet, “Show me the documents.”

The first sheet. The second sheet. And then, the third sheet.

“…Hehe.”

Seeing a particular line, Siana let out a small laugh. There were a few more documents, but that one line was enough.

“Shall we go… to punish the fool?”

“As Ojou-sama commands.”

The place Siana and Violet headed to was the Zaden marquess’s mansion.  Following Violet’s lead, they infiltrated the mansion and slowly opened the door to the room where their target—Zard Zaden—was.

There, Zaden sat at a desk, swinging his legs. “That guy! A mere earl, daring to defy me… a weakling like him as an earl? This country’s done for. I’ll just sell this country’s secrets… heh, then he and this country are finished. No, maybe just him, as early as tomorrow—”

“You’re the first to make me feel this much anger.”

“! A woman…!? W-Who—”

“I’d advise against turning around. If you do… you’ll die.”

Siana’s words stopped Zaden as he started to turn.

“D-Die…!? Who do you think I am!?”

“A fool. No, even fools are better… you’ve committed the gravest sin possible.”

“S-Sin…? …No way! You know about that deal!?”

Though caught off guard and rattled, Zaden’s self-incriminating words left Siana exasperated.

“I know you tried to sell this country’s secrets to gain a title in another nation.”

“…!”

At that moment, the color drained from Zaden’s face. But Siana continued, unperturbed.

“But to me, that’s irrelevant.”

“I-Irrelevant…?”

“Yes. Whatever information someone like you has is probably worthless anyway.”

“W-What…!”

“If there’s a country willing to give you a title for such information, that country’s irrelevant too. You’ve committed a far greater sin than that.”

“A g-greater sin!? I haven’t done anything—”

“You have.”

Zaden tried to argue, but the intense anger in Siana’s tone and voice silenced him, making him tremble.

“You hurt the most precious person to me, the very reason I live. And for no reason, just out of your pathetic pride… because of that, the most precious person to me blamed himself, felt his efforts were crumbling, and doubted his position. Even though he’s done nothing wrong…”

“W-What are you talking about—”

“He is everything to me. For him, I’d gladly give up a country, and if he wished, I’d offer my body and soul entirely to him… You hurt someone who’s precious to me.”

“I-I said I don’t know what you’re talking about—”

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand. I don’t expect someone as low as you to comprehend my immense love for him, nor do I want you to. I’m merely telling you how foolish your actions were.”

The overwhelming tension and fear were born from Siana’s pressure. Unable to endure it any longer, Zaden lost his composure and shouted, “Hah… hah… I don’t know who you are, but you’re just a woman acting all high and mighty!”

Raising his voice and starting to turn, Zaden—was cut down by Siana.

“I warned you that turning around would mean death, but you’re just a beast who can’t even listen.”

Shaking the blood off her sword, she sheathed it.

“Take care of the cleanup.”

“As you command.”

Violet, who had been lurking, appeared beside her, responding in a calm tone. After finishing the cleanup, the two returned to the Rodell earl’s house in the quiet night.

“Master, how are you feeling?”

The next day, worried that Lux might still be down from yesterday’s incident, Siana spoke to him as he prepared for school.

“I’m fine now. …Making you worry so much shows I’ve still got a long way to go.”

“That’s not true at all!”

“…Thank you. I’m thinking of trying to talk calmly with him at school today.”

“…Calmly?”

“Yeah. After a day, he might be willing to listen.”

“…”

If the world were full of people like Lux-kun, how peaceful it would be.

As the Third Princess, Siana had seen the ugly sides of many people. Even recalling last night proved it. Even if Zaden had lived, he wouldn’t have calmly discussed anything with Lux. At worst, it might have escalated to violence.

Fools—evils—beyond Lux’s imagination do exist in this world.

But…

“I hope that’s the case.”

“Yeah!”

When Siana smiled, Lux nodded back with a smile.

“…”

Siana believed Lux didn’t need to know about such evils. Even if Lux-kun becomes my husband—a king—in the future, I can handle it then. The darkness of the world would never suit Lux’s gentle heart. For Lux’s happiness and the country’s survival, she’d feel nothing doing, even the shadiest deeds.

Natural royalty.

Had she never met Lux, Siana would surely have become a cold, ruthless person. Meeting Lux allowed her to learn the warmth of people and love. That’s why she would continue to eliminate anything that harmed Lux without a shred of hesitation.

“Master! Have a good day!”

Without showing even a hint of her secretly solidified resolve, Siana bowed and cheerfully saw Lux off.

◇

Arriving at the Noble Academy, I headed to the lecture hall while thinking about how I could get along with Zaden-san. Zaden-san looking down on me, someone of a lower rank, isn’t something that can change overnight. But there’s a chance I could change his views about Felisiana-sama.

“Good morning, Lux Rodell-sama.”

As I took my seat, Florence-san, sitting next to me, greeted me.

“Good morning, Florence-san.”

“I’m sorry about yesterday. I wanted to support you, but I judged that speaking up in that situation wouldn’t change his mind. And since he’s from a marquess house, it could’ve escalated into an issue involving our families, so I held back.”

“No… I think that was the right call, so please don’t worry about it!”

She’s a gentle person, but unlike me, she was able to think about such things.

“…Lux Rodell-sama, are you aware that he passed away?”

“…What?”

Zaden-san… passed away!?

“I-I’m hearing this for the first time! H-How did he die!?”

“From what I’ve heard, it’s highly likely he was assassinated by a domestic assassin… It seems he was selling information to another country.”

“S-Selling information… that’s something like high treason or subversion, right?”

“Exactly.”

Did he dislike this country so much that he’d sell its secrets…? Is that why he said those things about Felisiana-sama…?

“I’m sorry for bringing up such a heavy topic in the morning.”

“No… thank you for telling me.”

When I said that, Florence-san gave me a gentle smile. And then…

“This isn’t exactly an apology for the heavy topic… but if you’re free, would you like to join me for tea at my mansion this weekend?”

“Master, how was your second day at the Noble Academy?”

As I was studying after returning from school, Siana came in with a teapot and cups.

“There wasn’t any big trouble like yesterday… but two things surprised me.”

“Surprised you?”

She asked while skillfully preparing to brew tea.

“The first was that the person I argued with yesterday passed away.”

“…I see.”

“Yeah…”

Things like this aren’t uncommon among nobles… and besides, “It seems he was betraying the country behind the scenes, so maybe it was inevitable… but still, coming right after yesterday, it was a shock.”

“…”

“Sorry for the gloomy talk.”

“No! I asked, so there’s no need for you to apologize, Master!”

Speaking brightly, she picked up the teapot, now ready, and asked, “So, what was the second thing?”

“Oh, the second was that I was invited for tea by someone from a duke’s house I got close to at school.”

“…!?”

Siana looked surprised, and unusually… No, for the first time, she spilled a bit of the tea she was pouring.

“Siana…? Are you okay?”

“Y-Yes! I’m sorry for worrying you!”

Siana steadied the teapot and resumed pouring, but her hands seemed to tremble slightly compared to usual.

“What did you reply to the invitation, Master?”

“I gratefully accepted. There’s no reason to decline, after all.”

“…May I ask the gender of this duke?”

“She’s a woman.”

“…!”

Siana looked surprised again, but I continued, “Her name’s Florence-san. She’s kind, gentle, very beautiful, and you can tell from her every word that she’s incredibly refined.”

“I-I see… Will the tea party be held somewhere with a nice view?”

“No, she invited me to her mansion.”

“Her mansion…!?”

Siana’s hands were definitely trembling, but she managed to finish pouring the tea into the cup.

“Master, going to the mansion of a woman you’ve only just met… wouldn’t it be better to get to know her a bit more first?”

“Thanks for worrying, but I don’t think there’ll be any trouble with Florence-san, so it’s fine.”

Visiting a schoolmate’s mansion is a perfectly normal thing, after all.

“I… see.”

I took a sip of the tea Siana brewed. Even with the same tea leaves, the flavour changes depending on how they are brewed. As expected, I find Siana’s tea the most delicious.

“Your tea is delicious as always, Siana. Thank you.”

“I-I’m honored by your praise.”

She responded with a smile, but it felt a bit less crisp than usual.

“…Earlier, you said your schoolmate Florence-sama is very beautiful, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“Then… compared to Felisiana-sama, who do you find more beautiful?”

“Huh!?”

W-Who’s more beautiful!?

“I-I can’t possibly compare the two of them!”

“Then! Which one do you find easier to get along with?!”

“W-Which one…”

Felisiana-sama is, without a doubt, the most dignified person I’ve ever met. On top of that, she’s incredibly kind… but Florence-san, despite being from a duke’s house, is kind to me and very gentle. Both are wonderful people I can’t even compare myself to, but… in terms of ease of interaction, since she’s also a fellow student—

“Florence-san, I guess.”

“…!”

After a brief pause, Siana said, “I see… …I apologize for interrupting your studies. I’ll return to my room, so please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

Siana bowed and left the room.

…She seemed a bit off, but I hope she’s okay. If she’s still like this tomorrow, I’ll try talking to her again.

◇

“Lux-kun…! Lux-kun said he finds that woman easier to get along with than me!!”

Hearing Siana’s words upon returning to her room, Violet responded calmly. “Given the current situation, that’s only natural.”

“!?”

“That’s exactly why you’re making plans to get closer to Rodell-sama, isn’t it?”

“That’s true, but…”

Taking a breath, Siana continued. “Lux-kun is going to have tea at that woman’s mansion!”

“That’s… quite a step toward closing the distance.”

“‘Quite a step’ isn’t the issue! …Maybe I have no choice but to resort to drastic measures.”

That said, forcibly stopping their tea party would be difficult, even for the Third Princess. Doing something like that to a duke’s house would likely cause unnecessary trouble.

“According to my investigation, the Florence ducal house is deeply involved in agriculture, architecture, clothing, and more, so overly forceful methods should be avoided.”

“…Haah, what should I do then?”

Violet observed her mistress—Siana—agonizing for a while before saying nonchalantly, “Your mind really slows down when it comes to Rodell-sama… If anyone saw you like this, they’d never believe you’re the same Third Princess Felisiana-sama who always acts calmly, setting aside emotions to do what’s necessary for the country.”

“What? Are you saying you have some brilliant idea, then?”

It’s simple, Violet continued. “Ojou-sama, you should join the tea party.”

Siana responded in an exasperated tone. “Have you forgotten what we just discussed? If I, a royal, forcefully intervene, it’ll inevitably cause a mess.”

“I understand.”

And so, she continued, “Join not as a princess, but as Rodell-sama’s maid.”

“…!”

“That way, you can observe the tea party’s proceedings and act immediately if anything happens.”

“…That’s indeed a brilliant idea. Let’s do it.”

“I’m honored you approve.”