← Previous Chapter | Chapter Index | Next Chapter →

Leo’s Affection [Part 2]

Translated by: ME

Treat me to a Ko-Fi to give me more motivation!!!

*****

Shortly before he met Lola.

Leo was currently feeling the full weight of his father’s parting words upon entering the aristocratic academy—and simultaneously, he was utterly fed up.

(I never imagined those set to inherit the noble houses could be quite this foolish.)

His father, the King, had taken the time to walk with Leo through the gardens specifically to discuss the academy.

『The lectures themselves may be somewhat interesting if they are highly specialized, but the standard subjects will likely be a tedious retread of everything you have already mastered.』

『Yes, Father.』

『However, attending the academy is an opportunity to gain a precious experience that is otherwise unattainable for those in our position.』

『An unattainable experience? What sort of experience is that, Your Majesty?』

『What do you think it is, Leo?』

Faced with the question, Leo thought for a moment.

『...Perhaps the chance to make true, dependable friends?』

『Not quite.』

The King’s response suggested that while such things were important, it wasn't the answer he was looking for.

『An opportunity for a romance of my own choosing?』

『No.』

That was a firm rejection. It would be foolish for a Crown Prince to jeopardize his position by getting swept up in a flighty romance. Of course, the King and his Queen had married for love after meeting at the academy, but that was only because the union was also politically advantageous; the affection was secondary to the state's needs.

『Then... is it interacting with people regardless of their social standing?』

『Close, but not quite there.』

Judging by his expression, the King was enjoying Leo’s struggle. Realizing his father shared a certain streak with Eides, Leo waited as the King continued.

『What you will gain at school, Leo...』

『Yes?』

『---is the sole opportunity to view "discrimination based on rank" from the perspective of the one being discriminated against.』

Leo needed a moment to process those words.

『...? Is that not the same as interacting with people regardless of rank?』

『It is entirely different.』

From a young age, Leo had been lectured by many on the "Way of the Lionel." He was taught that while etiquette varied by rank, one must never use status as a reason to despise another.

『School life is a vital experience for carving the origins of the Lionel Royal Family into your heart.』

The King stopped by the edge of a pond and placed a hand on Leo’s shoulder. He looked squarely at his son with silver eyes that held a faint shimmer of violet.

『Never forget, Leo. Distinction is necessary, but discrimination breeds friction. Before we claimed the throne, the Lionels evaluated others—be they commoners or nobles—solely by their merit. It was through their support that we became the Royal Family.』

『Yes.』

He had heard this story until he was sick of it.

『Even now, we continue to receive that support, and in return, we must continue to uplift those who suffer under misfortune. You must carry this duty forward. This experience will allow you to understand the depth of those words.』

Those had been his father's words. And after less than a month of school life, Leo understood them all too well.

(To think there are so many people who use their status as a shield to look down on others.)

A second son of a Baron. That was Leo’s false title.

Using an ancient magical artifact that could not be replicated in the modern age, Leo’s distinctive violet hair and golden eyes had both been dyed black. However, it was a disguise that someone truly paying attention could see through. He hadn't changed his facial features, and no such house as "House Metamo" actually existed. Furthermore, the school regulations explicitly stated that "standard etiquette is waived for any royalty in residence."

The breadcrumbs were intentionally left so that one could deduce Leo’s true identity.

Despite this, students looked down on him simply because of his rank. Whenever Leo stood out during lectures or practical exercises, they would whisper bitter, sore-loser insults both in the shadows and to his face.

「And with black hair and eyes, no less.」
「The mere son of a Baron.」
「Know your place.」

(I see. Discrimination based on rank certainly reveals the existence of fools beyond one's imagination.)

When he thought about these people being the future of the Lionel Kingdom, he grew concerned for the nation's prospects. He finally understood why the Royal Family and his parents insisted so adamantly on the necessity of separating status from merit. Such people would never judge their subordinates fairly. And the moment Leo revealed his identity, they would surely flock to him in a pathetic display of feigned loyalty.

Just then, he spotted a group of those very people in his line of sight.

Wellmy Ernest and Irvine Schnieger.

At the center of that circle were the two people most adept at mocking others and spreading malicious rumors. Today, as usual, the girl was leaning against Irvine in a fawning manner, wearing an insolent smile.

(She certainly has a lot of nerve, doing that with her sister’s fiancé.)

She was one of the few people who provoked genuine anger in Leo. If rumors reached even someone like him, who was shielded from gossip, she had to be incredibly loose.

Her appearance was undeniably beautiful. Platinum blonde hair and vermilion eyes. She had well-shaped, cat-like eyes, refined features, and beautiful fair skin. The accessories adorning her body were of excellent quality and taste.

But that was all. To Leo, who had seen countless beauties, an empty doll without substance held no interest.

However, he suddenly noticed a girl with unkempt grey hair watching the scene with a sorrowful expression. She was standing further down the corridor, partially hidden by the hedges lining the path.

She wore a drab, unfashionable dress that was several seasons out of date. It was so worn that the color had faded. She wore heavy-looking glasses—perhaps she had poor eyesight—and was clutching a thick book to her chest. She wasn't just slender; she was gaunt to the point of looking fragile, with pale, sickly skin.

(Is she unwell...?)

That was Leo’s first thought regarding the girl, whose attire made her stand out for all the wrong reasons at the academy. They were both in the upper-level classes, so they shared several common lectures, but he had never paid her much mind until now. She looked as though she might collapse at any second.

Leo had long ago discarded any notion of discriminating based on appearance. He knew that many people discriminated not just by rank, but by clothing and looks as well. Just like Leo in his plain clothes, this girl was being giggled at by those passing by.

Based on her gaze and her appearance, Leo realized who she was.

Lola Ernest.

The older sister of Wellmy Ernest, the girl currently clinging to Irvine.

(They certainly draw a stark distinction between the two daughters.)

He had heard they were half-sisters of the same age. Clearly, Lola—the child of the first wife—was treated poorly at home.

Leo found himself intrigued by her. However, if someone like him, who was also the target of discrimination, were to call out to her in such a public place, it might only cause her more trouble. He had never thought he would have to be so considerate of others until he came to this school.

The girl who looked ready to faint averted her eyes from her fiancé and sister and began to walk away.

---Leo’s eyes widened at her movements.

Setting aside all prejudice regarding her appearance, the beauty of her carriage was extraordinary. Her back was perfectly straight, and she walked with a fluid, gliding grace. It was a gait that surpassed even high-ranking nobles—it was regal. Leo was captivated, unable to look away.

When a breeze brushed past and lifted her long bangs, he caught a glimpse of her eyes. They were a deep violet. And beneath the lack of makeup, he saw a beauty that rivaled Wellmy’s.

For a brief moment, Leo’s eyes met Lola’s behind her glasses. She immediately looked away, her bangs falling back into place as she passed him.

---Unbelievable.

It was only a few seconds. But in the brief moment it took for Lola to pass him, Leo was utterly enthralled—and stunned by the color of her eyes.

(Why is a girl like that...)

Why was she dressed in such dingy clothes, with such sadness in her eyes?

(I want to know.)

The moment Leo turned around in a hurry, the bell rang to signal the start of the next period. He clicked his tongue. This was an elective period, and she was likely heading to a different classroom.

(Dammit.)

He couldn't afford to stand out in a negative way by skipping class so early in the term. Suppressing his restless urge to speak with her, Leo turned on his heel.

Two days later, just before the lunch break during a common lecture, he finally saw Lola leaving the classroom. He followed her—looking back, he admitted it was a bit creepy, but he couldn't help himself.

She headed to a bench behind the school building where no one else was around. She took a single piece of hard-looking bread from a small basket and began to nibble on it while turning the pages of her book.

Leo approached the neighboring bench and spoke.

「Pardon me, Lady Ernest. Would you mind if I sat here?」

He spoke as naturally as possible, as if he were simply a gentleman looking to sit in the same area.

Lola looked up with a hint of confusion, realizing she was indeed the one being addressed. After a moment of surprise, she offered a modest smile and gave a quiet nod.

「---It is an honor to be addressed by you, Crown Prince.」

That was what she said.

*****

Thank you for reading. If you want to help my hobby please download and install LDP9 with my link down below. Just Click the small yellow LDPlayer Banner.