The Duke's Daughter Goes Her Own Way
[ELLie becomes a shiny first grader]
Translated by: ME
The Duke of Macnagan's family had a problem that was said to be the first of its kind, but my brother was successfully confined to the territory.
Well, I doubt he even thinks he's being 'confined'. He's probably having fun every day.
Fuhahaha...!
[You'll learn the true terror of the Macnagan Dukedom!!] (Well, it's just the next head of the family, though.)
I wonder how many years it will take before you can leave that land!?
Ah, really, I feel (just a little) sorry for my brother, but it's sooooo refreshing!!
By the way, my brother can't leave the duchy until he's finished with all the flood control and attracting/operating commercial facilities. He probably hasn't realized it yet.
I was just thinking...
Now that my brother's gone, isn't it okay for Ellie to go home?
One day at dinner, when I said that to His Highness, he was surprisingly depressed.
[...That's right. Ellie would be more comfortable at her family home than in this unfamiliar castle, wouldn't she...]
He fixed his gaze diagonally downward and gave a very lonely smile.
[No! Um! It's not like I desperately want to go home, but...]
I hurriedly made excuses.
His beautiful, dejected face, the dejection is amazing! About three times as much as usual!
Yeah, well, it's not like I desperately want to.
It's not like I hate the castle.
Eating with His Highness like this, I'm actually a little happy.
But just a little. Yeah. Just a little, though...
[I want to see the people who served as my maids... or something.]
That's right.
I want to see Marina and Elsa, who have been there for me since I was a child, just a little.
I-It's not like I'm homesick or anything!? D-Don't get the wrong idea!?
...I don't even know who I'm being tsundere to.
[Ah, come to think of it... you didn't bring anyone with you, did you?]
I nodded to His Highness, who had stopped looking dejected.
[They don't have the status to be able to enter the Royal Castle...]
That's right.
The Royal Castle, the most important institution in the country, requires a detailed background check upon entry.
They... or rather, most of my family's servants, don't have the status to pass it.
Basically, I know it's weird that my family is mostly made up of people like 'former assassins', 'former mercenary unit leaders from other countries', 'former assassins', and 'former swindlers'...
But to me, they are people I have been familiar with for many years.
[If you had a guarantor, accompaniment would have been possible.]
[...Is that so?]
His Highness nodded and patted my head.
[Yes. I'll have the documents prepared later.]
[Thank you very much!]
When I tried to worship His Highness, who was smiling brightly, he grabbed my wrist firmly and stopped me.
Let me worship you!! My God!!
[I appreciate you arranging for the maids, but is it okay for Lord Leon?]
[What do you mean?]
I tilted my head slightly at His Highness, who asked back calmly.
[Won't my staying in the castle cause dishonorable rumors about Lord Leon...?]
That's right.
Even if we are engaged, we are not yet married.
If I were to keep my partner in the Royal Castle for no particular reason, wouldn't that sow the seeds of rumors such as 'keeping her around before marriage'?
His Highness already has a lolicon suspicion in some circles...
I'm too scared to ask if he knows about it himself.
[Well, if there are people who want to spread rumors, let them. They'll probably quiet down eventually.]
He said with a smile, but all I could reply with was, [Is that so...]
'Quiet down' means 'silence them', right...?
He's as amazing as ever today...
***
[We are grateful for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's consideration. I am Elsa Crowell, a maid of the Macnagan Dukedom.]
[Likewise, my name is Marina.]
Panpakapaan! I did it!
I succeeded in calling the two of them!
Elsa has a solid social status, but her background as a former member of the Royal Castle's dark side was a bit of a problem. However, Elsa's father, the leader of the King's direct special unit 'Owl', became Elsa's guarantor!
...I bet the people who saw the documents were surprised.
Marina's background has been completely erased. My family's servants are too capable.
So, she was simply listed as an 'orphan', and our family's butler Thomas and my father became her guarantors.
Thomas is from a branch family of our family and holds the title of viscount. Titles are powerful in times like these.
Today, I will introduce them to His Highness.
[...I was surprised when I saw the documents, but Miss Elsa is Cayenne's...]
[I am his daughter.]
[I see...]
His Highness is speechless.
I see... His Highness saw the documents. Well, of course he did. And he was surprised after all...
[They are both benefactors who have always protected me from my brother.]
When I introduced them like that, Elsa and Marina exchanged glances and smiled.
Elsa is now twenty-seven years old, and Marina is twenty-three years old. When I ask them both if they are married, they both laugh, [Ufufufu...] so I'm too scared to ask any further.
[I see, from Elrick... That must have been hard.]
His Highness's words of sympathy are filled with emotion...
The two of them also bow deeply, saying,
[We are grateful for your words.]
For these two as well, His Highness is a 'savior'. Ah, Marina is secretly clasping her hands together. She'll be scolded if she's caught, so hide it, hide it!
As I was sending hand signals quickly, His Highness, who seemed to have noticed, smiled.
[What kind of sign was that just now?]
[I-It's just your imagination... There's no sign or anything...]
My voice cracked slightly.
Ellie can't lie~...
[I see. Just my imagination, huh? ...I'll ask the Duke to teach me next time.]
Stop it!!! His Highness doesn't need to learn something like that!!!
In April, a letter arrived from my father.
[What!!]
Marina, who was preparing tea, gave me a questioning look as I unintentionally raised my voice while reading.
[What's wrong? What did My Lord say?]
[It seems my brother has canceled his enrollment at Steinford.]
The fact that he withdrew from enrollment, that my brother is working happily in the territory, and the security system of the territory...
That's what was written.
The territory has become a complete isolated island on land only for my brother... It would be amazing if he escaped from this.
[Then that shi... hmm, ahem, excuse me, the young master will never be enrolled at Steinford Academy again. That's good, isn't it, Miss?]
[Y-Yes, that's right...]
She almost said 'shitty bug'.
I love Marina, who can't hide it at all...
***
Now! Here we are! It's the day of the entrance ceremony!!
Marina asked me what I would like to do with my hair, so I asked her to [tie it up cutely!] and she gave me a cute, loose braid.
I put on the dress I received from my father and mother, equipped the necklace I received from His Highness, and now it's time to go to war!
As I walked to the back of the Royal Castle, humming a tune, His Highness was already waiting for me.
[I'm sorry, I kept you waiting.]
[No, it's okay. I'm the one who should be sorry. We had to leave much earlier than the ceremony time.]
That's right. The ceremony starts at 9:00 in the morning. It's currently 7:00.
It takes about 30 minutes to get to the academy. We'll arrive quite early.
The reason is that His Highness will be giving the welcome speech as the representative of the new students (Yay, clap clap!).
Not because he's royalty, but because he's the top student. As expected of His Highness.
When I equip the necklace I received from His Highness, I feel like my INT goes up by 5.
Marina is greeting Lord Gray.
Marina and Elsa have been having various meetings with them many times since they came here. Elsa has even been having some meetings with the dark side.
My family's servants are capable! Sometimes a little scary!
There is a large carriage stop in front of the academy, but the carriage we were riding in went around to the back of the academy.
The reason is simple. The royal family's carriage stands out.
There are some carriages that don't stand out, but they all have the royal family's crest on them. In the end, there's not much difference. Other than that, there would be a very luxurious carriage for the ceremony, or so I was told.
I asked, imagining the carriage from the Emperor's wedding parade in my head, [Is it something like this?] and he replied with a bright smile, [It's pretty much like that. We'll be riding in it after we finish our wedding ceremony.]
We're riding in that... Wow...
I got out of the carriage with His Highness's escort, but the atmosphere between Lord Gray and Marina was tense.
[Ellie, shall we go?]
His Highness smiled and took my hand, as if to say that there was nothing to worry about.
However, it's human nature to be curious about what's going on.
When I glanced at Marina, she smiled softly.
[Everything is fine. ...The people of the Royal Castle are excellent, aren't they?]
Ah, it's been taken care of. That's a relief.
[Shall we go?]
I nodded and started walking with a smile at His Highness.
—That's all well and good, but for some reason, I'm holding hands with His Highness tightly.
Or rather, His Highness is holding my hand tightly.
Normally, it's the so-called [escort] where I place my hand on His Highness's arm. This is not that.
It's a [lover's hold.]
Well, it's not like I mind, but...
His Highness is currently sixteen years old, but his body is already developing.
I can't tell because he's so tall, but he's probably close to 180 centimeters. He's definitely over 170. He's huge. When His Highness stands in front of me, I can't see anything but his chest.
Not only is he tall, but he also continues to train with the sword, so he's what you would call a lean and muscular type. But he's not scrawny at all. He has long arms and legs, and even his standing posture is graceful.
And his face is divinely beautiful. He was a dazzlingly beautiful boy since he was a child, but now he is a sharp-featured beauty. The dazzlingness hasn't changed. No, it might be even more dazzling now that he has the attribute of [God] (a Macnagan Dukedom-limited ability, though).
That beautiful young man, who is equal to a god, is walking hand in hand with a tiny twelve-year-old girl.
The picture is terrible...
Ellie will still grow, though! ...Currently, she is 140 centimeters tall (rounding up). Her chest doesn't assert
How it seems, His Highness seems to be amused by his behavior from earlier.
Damn it...
Don't think you can get away with anything just because you're good-looking!! ...Not that you probably do.
His Highness went to the faculty room for a meeting with the academy staff.
Now, what should I do...?
[Hey, Marina.]
[Yes.]
I turn around while calling out to Marina, who is standing behind me.
[Do you have the academy map memorized?]
[Of course.]
When I muttered [Hoh...?] to Marina, who nodded, Marina smiled sweetly.
[You don't have time for exploring, you know?]
[...Is that so...]
[That is so.]
I was told firmly with a smile, and I sighed.
Singing [Explo~ring, disco~vering♪] I leisurely walked around the school building.
Eventually, I came to what seemed to be a courtyard.
[Hoh... A pretty good atmosphere.]
It was a spacious garden with a large tree in the center. A fountain and benches were placed at a distance. Shrubs and lawns were arranged in a balanced manner, and terracotta was laid out like a promenade.
I wonder what the tree in the center is.
It's a very magnificent tree. It's a tree that I'm quite curious about. It's such a mysterious tree!
If at least it had flowers blooming, I might be able to tell what kind of tree it is, but it only has lush green leaves. ...Huh? You can tell just by the leaves? I don't know. I'm not interested in things I can't eat!
[It's a Daphniphyllum macropodum, madam.]
Marina told me as I stared intently at the tree.
[Hee... If it had flowers blooming, even I could tell.]
[It is blooming, though.]
I clicked my tongue in my mind at Marina, who said with a smile.
Let me show off a little!
Oh, that's right. I memorized the flowers that bloom in the royal castle's great garden! I had a pretty embarrassing experience that day when I was five!
Other than that? I told you, I'm not interested in things I can't eat!
Also known as Yuzuriha Tree. When new leaves sprout, the old ones fall off in their place. These are "leaves that give way." Because of its ecology, the tree is also considered an auspicious symbol, continuing uninterruptedly from generation to generation. The leaves are also quite poisonous. Do not eat them under any circumstances.
I do have that kind of knowledge! I just can't tell by looking at it! Because I can't eat it!
[Does that mean knowledge is something to be 'passed on'?]
In this school, that's probably the case.
[That's right, young lady.]
I was quietly affirmed, and I looked in the direction of the voice, a little surprised.
I wonder if he's a teacher. There was a middle-aged man.
[Are you a new student?]
[Yes.]
[I'm Houston, a lecturer in literature.]
[I'm Elizabeth Macnagan.]
When I bowed my head slightly, Professor Houston made a slightly surprised face.
[Ah... so you are Lady Elizabeth. Please excuse my rudeness...]
[No, please don't. You are the teacher, and I am the student. Nothing more is necessary.]
Besides, I feel really bad when a middle-aged man is so deferential to me, so please stop!
I understand, though. I know there are things like disrespect and such because of my position.
But in the world of 'school', isn't it okay for the 'teacher' to be above the 'student'!? That's what I think...
[More importantly, Professor Houston, does the fact that this tree is a Yuzuriha have that kind of meaning?]
When I asked, looking at the Yuzuriha tree, the professor looked at it as well and smiled.
[Yes. To inherit knowledge and never let it die out.]
[That's wonderful.]
You're absolutely right.
If we had properly inherited it, the Antikythera mechanism wouldn't be a mystery or anything. There would be no out-of-place artifacts.
...But the romance would be gone too.
[We must properly pass it on.]
Even the paltry knowledge I have.
[That is what the academy is responsible for. As long as we are alive, we will continue to record it. And then, we will pass it on to the next generation.]
[That's wonderful.]
As I was nodding in agreement, Professor Houston chuckled lightly.
What is it?
[Ms. Macnagan, if you have time later, please visit the chemistry and physics lecturers.]
Co, could it be...!
[They said they might be able to elucidate the hardening phenomenon.]
Yayyyy~~~!!
I'm glad I included that extra report!
There are experts in chemistry and physics. I must ask them, I thought, burning with a mission, and I threw questions at them about that tasteless, super-hard cookie.
I did it! I was elated, and then I suddenly realized.
[...Could it be that Professor Houston also read that...?]
I wonder if he did...
That report that was full of serious silliness...
[Yes. I read it. It was the first time in a while that I laughed so much at a report.]
I slumped my shoulders in dismay at the professor, who said with a super nice smile.
I guess it can't be helped that my voice became smaller as I replied, [Is that so...]
No, if you laughed, then that's what I wanted!! I'm not just putting on a brave face! I mean it!
While exploring the academy, I began to see other people who seemed to be new students here and there.
What time is it now? I took out a small pocket watch from my pocket and looked at it. It was a little past eight o'clock.
I guess I'll head to the auditorium soon.
The small watch that even I can handle was a birthday present from His Highness last year. The structure that allows you to see the brass movement spinning around on the dial has completely captured my heart. ...It's just that the royal crest on the back cover is a little scary.
Every year, there's never a miss, it's too perfect, it's wonderful.
As expected of His Highness!
While having Marina tell me the location of the auditorium, I walked along, humming [run-ta-ta, run-ta-ta♪].
Thanks to my small body, I walk slowly.
No, I'll get bigger, though!! It's just not the time yet!
I can't let His Highness be accused of being a lolicon forever!
I have arrived at the auditorium, which has a dignified appearance.
It's like a smaller version of Yasuda Auditorium? It's a sturdy stone building.
Personally, I love this kind of thing.
Buildings like the royal castle, which are elegant, delicate, and gorgeous, are nice, but I'm more thrilled by things that are heavy, solemn, and rugged. Well, I just like things that have a sense of 'weight'.
The weight of history, the weight of a name, and so on.
This auditorium has that weight of history and the weight of the academy's prestige. It's wonderful.
The building is cool, the atmosphere is wonderful, and I become unnecessarily cheerful.
Humming [run-ta-ta, run-ta-ta♪] I went through the entrance and headed to the place that said [New Student Reception] right there.
[Good morning.]
I was greeted by the receptionist, so I replied, [Good morning.]
[Are you a new student? May I have your name, please?]
When I gave my name as asked, the receptionist checked the list and handed me one of the stacked booklets.
[This is a pamphlet with information about the facilities on campus and some precautions. Please bring it with you as it will be used during the explanation from the secretary-general after the ceremony.]
As I replied, [Yes,] and received it, another receptionist came out from behind the first one.
[Lady Elizabeth, due to security concerns, you will be the last to enter.]
[Ah, yes. I understand.]
It's so that undesirable people don't sit in the seats around me.
My seat is separated from the other students and is in the corner at the back of the auditorium.
And Marina will be sitting next to me.
A solo seat that's not solo! Wonderful!!
I was guided by the receptionist to a waiting room in the auditorium until the other students had finished entering.
Well... I'm sorry for making you go to so much trouble.
Since I'm bored while waiting, I opened the pamphlet I received earlier.
There's a school map!
The buildings on campus are the auditorium where we are now, the main school building, the training building, the library, the cafeteria, and the dormitory. Behind the main school building, there seems to be a sports ground for outdoor class. There also seems to be a stable in that direction, but what are they going to do with the horses? Does the academy have a carriage? Like a company car.
The cafeteria seems to offer light meals at reasonable prices. I have to go there...
I have to go to the library too.
I don't care, but I'm also curious about the stable.
Ah... I feel like a new life has begun!
This feeling of excitement in an unfamiliar place, it's been so long!
As I was looking at the pamphlet with a cheerful feeling, the receptionist who had guided me here returned and said, [Sorry to keep you waiting.]
The entrance ceremony ended pretty quickly.
Everyone's speeches were short, which is good. The principal's greeting was about three minutes, His Highness's greeting was about five minutes, and the faculty introductions were about ten minutes (though I can't remember them).
Hey, take a lesson!? Japanese principals!
And then, there was a talk by the secretary-general about precautions at the academy.
While I was listening to the explanation of the school's facilities, His Highness came to my side.
[Good job.]
When I said quietly, His Highness looked at me and smiled.
[I didn't say anything that would be tiring.]
[That's true. I thought everyone's speeches were concise and short, which was wonderful.]
I once collapsed from anemia during the principal's long speech at an all-school assembly in the scorching sun. It doesn't seem like that kind of situation would happen at this school.
[Even if I talked on and on, you wouldn't be listening anyway, would you, Ellie?]
When I showed a little dissatisfaction on my face while replying, [Well, that's true,] to His Highness, who was laughing teasingly, His Highness pinched my cheek with his hand.
[I'm not saying it's bad.]
[That's true. You didn't say that.]
When I replied with a smile, His Highness smiled as well and let go of my hand.
The secretary-general's speech was the longest, taking about an hour.
Well, even though it was long, it was all information that was absolutely necessary for living here, such as how to use the facilities and the rules, so I didn't particularly mind the time.
And then, we moved to another location, the main school building.
As expected, His Highness and I were at the very end, a little separated from the group.
As expected of the people who passed that exam and gathered here ['to study']. There's no one moving slowly.
There's no one who looks like a lazy delinquent.
As I was watching the people quietly starting to move, His Highness, who was standing next to me, gripped my hand tightly again.
[...Leon-sama?]
[Hmm?]
I could hear the subtext of His Highness, who smiled at me. ['Do you want to say something? You don't, do you? You don't!?']
[...No, nothing in particular... Yes.]
[I see. Shall we go now, Ellie?]
[Yes.]
So you're not going to let go of my hand. ...I don't mind, though.
The people in the group in front of us are glancing at us from time to time... I think it's going to be quite difficult to dispel His Highness's lolicon suspicions...
***
Stanford Academy is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
In other words, we are the memorable 150th class. Easy to remember! Viva 150th class!
And the number of new students this year was, unbelievably, thirty-nine. One short of the quota... I wonder if someone declined admission (feigning ignorance).
I'm so sorry for those who barely failed!!! Because of my family's good-for-nothing son!!!
A month has passed since the entrance ceremony.
The first semester is what you'd call [general education] in university. So all the students in my year take it. ...Well, there are also people who are retaking the course. About fifty people in the classroom, you know.
There's an exam at the end of the first semester, and if you pass, you move on to specialized courses. If you fail, you have to take it again.
There's a student in his twenties (male) who's called the Master of General Education, but apparently, he hasn't progressed from this stage for about three years... You only have three years left, Master! Good luck!!
He's called Master or Master Senior, but I wonder what he thinks about it...
Today, His Highness is absent.
His Highness is currently on official business in a neighboring country. Always working so hard!
Before he left, he kept complaining, [I wish Ellie could come with me soon.]
Ellie loves staying behind, okay? I'm not thinking that the prince of the neighboring country is a pain in the butt, so I don't want to go, okay?
He's scheduled to return in two weeks. He was complaining so much, saying [I don't want to go] and [I want to go to school with Ellie] which is rare for him.
What's wrong, Your Highness? Are you regressing? ...I've never even seen the child-prince complain like that.
The academy issued a notice to all students regarding the Crown Prince and his fiancée, who are real dignitaries of the country.
It was about how to interact with His Highness and me within the school.
This included our requests as much as possible.
In the first place, unlike me, who is just a fiancée, His Highness is a true celestial being. Most commoners will never exchange words with him in their lives, and even among nobles, few have more than a passing acquaintance with him.
His Highness said that it would be boring if people were intimidated by that.
Besides, it would be a hassle if everyone gave a deep bow every time they passed us in the hallway.
So, we decided that within the school, general courtesy would be sufficient.
People who pass by give a normal nod. That's enough.
His Highness was considerate and asked, [Is that okay with you, Ellie?] but I'd rather it always be like that. No, that's what I want!
Also, unnecessary gift-giving is prohibited.
[We're not accepting presents, you know~.] ...Well, that's just a formality.
We also don't accept homemade food. We don't know what's in it. Especially those addressed to His Highness, they're scary.
We don't accept homemade items. In other words, store-bought items are okay.
That's why, for some reason, I often receive sweets from other students.
...Why? Is it because I'm a child? ...Well, I'll take them. And I'll eat them when I get them.
Even sweets purchased from famous confectionery stores are, of course, taste-tested. Right now, Marina is checking the baked goods I received from a classmate with an unusually sharp gaze.
She takes a little of everything and eats it, and if she determines it's safe, she hands it to me.
[My Lady, I apologize for the wait. Here you are.]
Marina, who finished the inspection and taste test, handed me the box of sweets.
Inside are financiers, galettes, sablés, and dacquoises.
It's a jewelry box of Western sweets~!
I took out a dacquoise and took a bite.
That exquisite, fluffy texture! The way the dough sticks to the back of my teeth! I don't hate it! I don't hate it at all!
The gianduja cream inside is also delicious. The almond-flavored dough is also delicious.
As expected of the most popular confectionery store in the capital right now!! I want to storm into the store and ask, [Who made this sweet?!]
Somehow, everyone gives me sweets like this when His Highness is away...
Is it because His Highness doesn't accept them? But they're so delicious, I want to share them with His Highness...
Or does Ellie look lonely without His Highness? D-Don't treat me like a child!? (Periodic tsundere)
The sablé is also delicious. More delicious than pigeon sablé. Well, I like pigeon sablé too, though. When a whole box disappeared in three days, I wondered what happened. I shouldn't have eaten that much! But when I looked in the trash, I had eaten it all. When did that happen...?
As I was munching on the sweets, a female student came up to me and handed me an envelope.
If I remember correctly, she was the daughter of a family that had just been promoted from viscount to earl...
[Um, I know this is presumptuous, but would you please read this...?]
The envelope she handed me had a cute floral pattern.
Eh!? A love♡letter!?
[Um... yes.]
I took it, not really understanding, and she quickly returned to her seat.
What could it be?
Was there something difficult to say in person...? Maybe there was cream from the dacquoise on my face or something? That would be embarrassing.
I casually touched my mouth, but there was no sign of it. I was careful and ate with my small mouth, you know.
[What could it be?]
Marina, who was standing behind me, said with a curious voice.
Really, what is it?
Well, I guess I'll take a look inside... I opened the envelope.
Oh, the stationery is cute too~!
It's a very feminine stationery with lace-patterned edges. It's a world apart from me, who loves plain white stationery because it [feels great! and is supremely comfortable to write on!]...
...But His Highness praised that stationery too... Maybe it was just flattery...
While being defeated by the difference in femininity, I opened the stationery and froze in surprise.
There, there were, as expected, girly letters lined up.
[If you can read this, please come to the cafeteria after school. There's something I want to talk about.]
Is it a challenge...?
No, that's not the problem.
[What... what does it say?]
Marina, who peeked in, said with a curious voice.
She probably can't read it. Surely, even the erudite His Highness wouldn't be able to read it.
Because it is written in Japanese.
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