Chapter 668

That works on a spinster...!
"Well, putting aside my engagement situation for now, let's talk about Prince Kaldor."

Crown Prince Raymond cleared his throat to regain his composure and then said that.

"Prince Kaldor, you were supposed to head to the royal palace, right? So why is he here at the academy?"

I had returned to the academy thinking my job was done, and yet Prince Kaldor had arrived at the academy.

"Ah, well..."
"I heard that you had returned to the academy. I wanted to inspect Adelia Academy, the institution where a talented young lady like you is enrolled. Fortunately, since both Crown Prince Raymond and Lord Norman are students here, it was a convenient opportunity."
"H-Huh... Is that so?"

Before Crown Prince Raymond could explain, Prince Kaldor rushed to explain himself.

Umm, excuse me, could you not make it sound like my brother and the Crown Prince were just some extras? The important part here is that Crown Prince Raymond was the one who—!

Also, who in the world has been spreading rumors that I'm some kind of talented young lady!? I used to be known as the "Repulsive-food eating lady" and was a total failure of a noblewoman, you know!?

… Ugh, saying it out loud just made me sad.

While I was sulking alone, Prince Kaldor continued speaking, unfazed.

"So, I made a request and arrived at the academy, only to have a fateful encounter with you, Miss Cristea!"
"I don't think that's quite right."
"... How cold."
"Prince Kaldor, you had originally planned to meet her today."

Exactly! I only came to the salon building today because I had plans to talk with my brother. Usually, I'm either in the school building or holed up in the special dormitory doing assignments or cooking.

Wait, isn't that just the same as when I'm back at my family's estate...?

I mean, just like early Alicia-sama, the other noble ladies keep their distance from me, so I don’t get invited to tea parties or social gatherings. And since I have no acquaintances, it’s hard for me to invite people myself.

Those who try to approach me with ulterior motives, aiming for my Sacred Beasts, get intimidated by Kurogane and Mashiro and can’t even get close... (or so Ruby told me the other day).

Given these circumstances, who on earth would have praised me as a "talented young lady"...?

Ah.

As soon as a certain thought crossed my mind, I glanced to the side, only to find my brother smiling at me as if to say, "See? Right, Tea?"

Ugh, Brother, your family favoritism is too much...!

And please stop looking at me with such a meltingly sweet smile!

"Well... it seems Lord Norman dotes on his sister quite a bit.”

Prince Kaldor said, watching us with a hint of exasperation.

"D-Dote!?"

I was shaken by a word I had absolutely no connection to. Oh no, my face is burning...!

The word "doting" is super effective on a former-life spinster...!

"In his case, it feels less like doting and more like obsession..."
"Your Highness, did you say something?"
"N-No, nothing at all."

… Did I just imagine the sudden chill in the air between my brother and the prince?

And is it just my imagination, or does Prince Kaldor, sitting next to Crown Prince Raymond, look a little hesitant?

Obsession... Well, I can't say I don't see it, but that would mean he's... yande—no, no way. There's no way my brother would have that kind of trait, right?

… The fact that I can't entirely deny it is painful.

"W-Well, whatever. Since we've reunited, Miss Cristea, I'd like you to show me around the academy. What do you think?"
"Eh? M-Me?"

No way.

I haven't even been enrolled for a full year, and I mostly keep to myself. There's no way I can give a tour of the academy!

Besides, why would I, of all people, take over from Crown Prince Raymond and my brother, who have been guiding him so far? That makes no sense!

"... Prince Kaldor, Cristea has only recently enrolled, so she is not very familiar with the academy. We will continue guiding you."
"Exactly. Moreover, having Miss Cristea personally guide you could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, so I must object."

Blocked by both my brother and Crown Prince Raymond, Prince Kaldor reluctantly backed down. However, he then insisted, "If Miss Cristea is unfamiliar with the academy, why not take this opportunity to explore it together?"

And somehow, I ended up tagging along.

How did it come to this...?

What do you think about this chapter?