Chapter 5 - Making a Choice
◆ Things Lost and Things Gained
After finishing my consultation with the instructors, I walked along the corridor connecting the academic tower to the curriculum tower. There were many things on my mind: the upcoming lessons, my future, the things I could do and could not do, the alignment of various circumstances with reality. Naturally, I felt a weight on my heart. Heavy... In an attempt to escape my gloomy mood, I shifted my gaze to the scenery visible from the corridor.
From the window of the bridge-like corridor on the third floor, I directed my gaze toward the courtyard shaded by the school building. A group of men and women came into view. In the beautifully maintained courtyard, tended by the gardening staff of the Magic Academy, there were strikingly handsome men, and women wearing dresses like blooming flowers.
The vibrant voices of spirited men and the light, tinkling laughter of women filled the air. The distance—or lack thereof—between the men, who appeared to be high-ranking nobles, and the women, who seemed to be of lower noble status, was unusually close, to the point that it could be deemed abnormal by the standards of noble society.
I recognized those people. No, they were the very things at the top of my list of worries. My brows naturally furrowed, and a deep wrinkle formed between them. If my gaze could activate magic, those people would have been frozen in ice.
At the center of the group was this kingdom’s Second Prince. Surrounding him were heirs of prominent high-ranking noble families. They constituted a group that could be considered the pinnacle of the current Magic Academy. Among this esteemed assembly, however, there were five women whose presence stood out as distinctly different... mingling with them.
Among them, one stood out—visibly close to the Second Prince and engaged in conversation with him. She was none other than my fiancée, the viscount's daughter. Surrounding her were heirs of high-ranking noble families, while in close proximity to them were young ladies of baronial and vicontiel families, individuals of lower status yet possessing count-level internal magic. These women were among the few from lower noble households enrolled in the Magic Academy.
All of these women were, like me, regarded as anomalies within the Magic Academy. Unlike the refined daughters of noble high-ranking families, the young ladies from lower noble households appeared noticeably unsophisticated.
To compensate for this, they wore revealing outfits, which was also concerning. The dresses they donned were the kind typically worn by adults at evening soirées, entirely inappropriate for wearing within the grounds of the Magic Academy during broad daylight.
I let out a small sigh of exasperation. Countless times, I had cautioned her. Yet, the viscount's daughter refused to listen. Interfering with those of higher rank already brought about various inconveniences, and at this rate, it was certain that unnecessary trouble would arise.
After all, every man and woman enrolled in this magic academy already had a fiancé or fiancée, someone they were bound to by a lifelong contract. Even those dazzling gentlemen had appropriate fiancées befitting their status. And yet, as if ignoring that fact, these women were engaging with those splendid men. To make matters worse, there was that level of proximity. Their behavior... I simply could not comprehend it.
Their behavior, as though disregarding the hierarchical system of noble society, was something that could never be accepted by other noble daughters or sensible young men. Did they not realize they would have to pay the price for such actions themselves? I couldn’t understand it... truly, I couldn’t.
--- As I let my gaze wander, I stopped in my tracks in confusion,
a faint forewarning voice called out to me.
Naturally, I recognized the owner of this voice. Maintaining an information network is essential for navigating the world of nobility. The voice belonged to the lady-in-waiting of the eldest daughter from the leading grand ducal family—the fiancée of the Second Prince—and a prominent noblewoman from the High Count's family.
The sudden call was indicative of some sort of direct interaction. In this situation, to these individuals, I was nothing more than a stone by the roadside. Was it to reprimand me for this circumstance? The announcement signified that the daughter of the leading grand ducal family, the fiancée of the Second Prince, was about to pass through this place.
--- In other words, it was a warning not to lose my manners.
In this country, it was unthinkable for the highest-ranking individuals to speak to those of lower rank. You could say that the idea of words being directed at me was inconceivable. If the daughter of the leading grand ducal family spoke, it was not intended for me, but rather her opinion being unintentionally shared with those around her.
A "monologue" meant for no one to hear.
I began preparing myself, anticipating the situation. If the young lady were to speak her mind, I too would have to utter a monologue. I had to ensure that my words would not seem like they were directed at her. In response to the forewarning, I bowed deeply, knelt at the end of the corridor, placed my hand over my chest, and refrained from obstructing the passage of the noble young ladies.
They walked right up to me and then stopped abruptly. The situation I had anticipated had now become a reality. As a monologue, would the daughter of the grand duke’s family offer words of reproach directed at me?
The daughter of the grand duke's family murmured, truly as if to herself.
"That one... was the fiancé of the knightly family's son, wasn't she? I wonder if she truly understands... the meaning of her actions."
In response to her words, I too muttered a monologue as if we were not acknowledging each other's presence. I spoke just softly enough that my voice would barely reach the noble lady’s ears. This was my way of expressing my personal opinion. It wasn’t as though we were having a direct conversation. I had to create a situation where it seemed as though I was merely "overhearing" something. This was my position, as the difference in noble rank demanded such consideration.
"...That one is troublesome. Despite my many warnings, she still acts this way... She doesn't hear my words. How should I apologize to the grand duke’s family for such disgraceful behavior? Our knightly family has already reached their limit. We’ve already made up their mind to appeal directly to the Marquis, our head lord. The knightly lord (Father) has made his resolve. Even if it means incurring the displeasure of the Marquis, he wishes to break off the engagement... apparently. It’s just a matter of time, and yet, she seems to be completely oblivious."
I could tell from the sound that the daughter of the grand duke's family had discreetly opened her fan. In a particularly quiet voice, she spoke to me. This gesture was a signal that she wished to exchange words in secret. Similarly, the high-ranking noble ladies accompanying her quietly opened their fans, muffling their voices.
In other words, this was a silent vow that no one would speak of what was heard here. As expected of the high-ranking ladies, they spoke softly, with only the sound of the noble lady’s voice, like the ringing of a bell, reaching me.
"...You understand, don't you?"
"If I were to attend this Magic Academy, I would, of course, receive the proper education. I am deeply sorry for this situation. I will continue to speak to her, so I ask for your understanding..."
"...It's fine. As for her, a report has already been submitted. And the royal family has decided to observe and wait. The matter was raised in an morning council, and His Majesty's will has been made clear. Our grand ducal family can only agree to that course of action. Putting aside personal feelings, they will use her as a touchstone... apparently. Your actions have been reported to us by those around you. In this situation... Your behavior interferes with the observation of those being tested. From now on, stay out of it. Given your relationship with her, you should be thinking about your own future. Oh, don't worry. During the morning council, my grand ducal family has already communicated the facts to the marquis family, your head lord. Soon, your family will likely receive news from them."
"That is... well... But is it not one that would naturally cause frustration and resentment on your part as well, Your Grace? I understand it is difficult to oppose the decisions made in the morning council. I acknowledge that, but I wish to express my understanding of your feelings, Your Grace."
“Oh! You are the first to address my feelings in this matter. The inner turmoil can only be understood by those in the same position. ...Yes, that sensitivity, cherish it. It will serve you well in the future.”
"I am grateful. I apologize on behalf of my fiancée, who has caused you such distress. I am truly sorry."
"You are forgiven. "Mutually" as it is, but still, the nature of our aristocracy... It can be a bit unreasonable, don’t you think? ...Well then, good day."
"Excuse me for my rudeness."
Without raising my gaze, the conversation ended. The secret information would never be revealed, flowing quietly and persistently like water in the depths of a river. For those who could discern the situation, I could consider it no longer in my hands. From now on... yes, from now on, I only need to think about my own future.
―――― At this moment, my engagement was shattered.
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