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The meeting with Mikhail was arranged at a gazebo on the school grounds.

.

Worrying that bringing along three attendants (perhaps guardians?) would surely surprise the prince, Ekaterina hurried toward the gazebo. In a society based on social hierarchy, it is customary for the person of lower rank to arrive early and wait. She felt she was starting to get the hang of that sort of etiquette.

And sure enough, Mikhail arrived a little late, as is customary for someone of higher rank. It was just the right amount of time—not too long a wait—which was typical of him.

“Hello, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”
“Thank you very much for coming.”

As they exchanged these words, Ekaterina glanced briefly at Mikhail’s back. He, too, was not alone.

“Don’t mind them. They’re just a bunch of onlookers.”

Mikhail said this with a rare smile that clearly wasn’t a genuine one. His slender, agile-looking young valet, Luka, narrowed his already thread-like eyes even further and was chuckling merrily.

“Umml, I’m sorry to have so many attendants with me as well.”

Ekaterina said this because Yvan was standing a bit too far forward for a valet. He was usually cheerful and affable, but now, for some reason, he had a stern air about him—even more so than Mina standing next to him—and was positioned as if facing off against Luka.

What’s with you, Yvan…?
Oh, come to think of it, Yvan and Luka were standing close to the prince like this back in the Jurnova territory, too. Something about a fox appearing or something.
In this lush, green academy, there’s probably a fox den somewhere on the grounds, so maybe he’s on guard in case one shows up here too? Do we really need to be that wary of foxes?

“Since Flora is with us, perhaps we should ask Luka and the others to stay a little further away.”

Since Mikhail made that suggestion, Ekaterina nodded with relief, thinking that would allow Yvan to let his guard down as well.

.

Inside the gazebo, Ekaterina and Flora sat across from Mikhail, separated by a small table.

Since the gazebo had no walls—it was a simple structure consisting only of a roof and the pillars supporting it—the three of them were clearly visible from the outside. Yvan, Mina, and Luka were watching over them from outside the gazebo. It was a perfectly wholesome situation, one that would be entirely acceptable even by the standards of a noble lady.

Flora, who was still flustered, had her seating position across the small table adjusted slightly.
Ekaterina wasn’t quite sure why the arrangement had been changed, but she was slightly moved by Flora’s confidence in speaking so boldly to Prince Mikhail.

Flora-chan has really become close with the prince… Maybe she’ll even enter his route in the future?

Looking at how bizarre her thoughts are, perhaps, in a way, there’s nothing to worry about for Ekaterina.
Though, in a way, she is also nothing but worrying.

.

Anyway, Ekaterina consulted Mikhail about the matter involving Olga.

“I see… So that’s how Lydia makes her move.”

Mikhail let out a soft sigh.

“I’m glad you came to me. The old-guard factions, like the Seleznyov family, believe that clearly defining class distinctions is the foundation of national stability. In the Seleznyov domain, everything from clothing and hairstyles to the size and style of homes is strictly regulated by domain law according to one’s social class.”
“Oh dear…”

Yikes.
Or so I thought, but come to think of it, I feel like there used to be similar laws in both Europe and Japan in my past life, under the guise of sumptuary laws. The extent varied depending on the era and country, though.
It’s not surprising that this world has that kind of mindset, is it?

“So, if you had protested to Lydia yourself about her treatment with Lady Flurse, it might have sparked a huge controversy. The entire academy could have been split between traditionalists and reformists, and it might have turned into a commotion far beyond just a class event.”

Seriously…?
Was that Lydia-chan’s plan?
She tried to stir up criticism against me, involving the academy—or maybe even adults outside the school…?

Ekaterina’s eyes widened at Mikhail’s words.
Flora, sitting next to her, was speechless. Though Flora is the game’s heroine with astonishing potential, she’s not just inexperienced with this sort of thing—she’s completely clueless.

“She probably came up with the idea after seeing how close you and Flora are… Although, I’m sure Lydia herself isn’t really aiming to stir up such a commotion; she was just trying to see how you’d react. She believes that being able to do things like that is what makes an excellent noble lady.”

Hmm…
No, wait. I shouldn’t judge this based on the social values of my past life, so I can’t really say anything.
But it really bugs me!

“And it seems to me you do not see it that way, Lord Mikhail.”

At Ekaterina’s words, Mikhail simply smiled.
I suppose it’s only natural to dodge the issue without giving a clear assessment in situations like this.
I thought that, but Mikhail suddenly shook his head and said with a serious expression.

“I do think it is commendable, in a certain sense. However, I cannot say such a line of thought is laudable overall. I am not sure I like the idea of causing a huge stir just to get what you want.”

Ah, that’s a relief. Yeah, I knew you’d see it that way.

“You are in a position to eventually bear the responsibility of the Empire’s peace, Lord Mikhail. From that perspective, your view is only natural.”

Ekaterina smiled sweetly, and Mikhail smiled back.

.

“So, what do you want to do?”
“I… have no intention of speaking out about matters within the Seleznyov family’s domain. Since they’ve continued this for so many years, there must be a valid reason for it. I understand that I shouldn’t meddle without knowing the circumstances.”

Personally, though, it really bugs me.
They have their own history and their own circumstances. Just as I thought earlier, I shouldn’t judge things based on the values of my past life.
I mean, even in my past life, when we overthrew a Middle Eastern dictator who ruled through a reign of terror, the country ended up in an even more miserable state.
Besides, if I meddle clumsily, far from helping Olga-chan, I’ll just put her in a difficult position and make things hard for her.

“It’s simply that I’d like my good friend and classmate Lady Olga to enjoy the class event with us. That is all.”

If Lydia-chan heard this, she’d probably laugh.
This is the mindset of a total commoner—like asking, “Political power? What’s that? Is it delicious?”
But I wonder why. I just can’t bring myself to think she’s impressive.
For someone aiming for the position of Empress, stirring up conflict among people who will eventually all become her subjects—is that really a wise move in the long run? I think a situation where all parties come out victorious is best.

If she’s truly prepared to spend the rest of her long life in the position of Empress, bearing the weight of the nation, then she should make the most of her student days now. Instead of trying to act like an adult, she should cherish and enjoy her brief childhood.
Just like what the prince right in front of me is doing.

“If possible, I would be delighted if Lady Lydia could also join us for the event. It’s an event meant to foster camaraderie among the class, so it might be difficult to ask, but I hope she’ll enjoy her student life to the fullest.”

Mikhail smiled at Ekaterina’s words.

“I see. Then, we just need to find a music gathering that isn’t your class’s event. I’ll make arrangements for Lydia to attend that one.”

Oh!
In that case, Olga-chan would be able to finish cleaning while Lydia-chan’s away and attend the Evening of Music.

“But there’s one condition.”

Huh?

“Since I’ll be inviting Lydia, I won’t be able to attend your class’s music evening. Instead, I’d like you to create another opportunity for me to hear you sing.”

Saying that, Mikhail smiled a little mischievously.
He must have set this condition so that I wouldn’t feel awkward about owing him a favor. Thinking that, Ekaterina’s face lit up with a smile.

You really are such a nice guy!

“If that’s the case, I’d be happy to. I’d be delighted if you’d listen to me sing.”
“Thank you. I’m looking forward to it.”

Standing before Mikhail, who was smiling brightly, Ekaterina turned to Flora.

“Lady Flora, I’m terribly sorry for agreeing to this without consulting you.”
“No, it’s my honor. I’ll do my best alongside you!”

With a lovely smile, Flora clenched her fist and said,

“Um… The two of you?”

Mikhail asked, his smile frozen on his face, and the two beautiful girls nodded with smiles.

“We’ve been practicing duets, you see. Please do take your time and listen to Lady Flora’s lovely singing voice!”
“It’s Lady Ekaterina who’s lovely. She has perfect pitch.”

There was no way he could interrupt the girls as they gushed over each other, so Mikhail gave a wry smile.

“Well, whatever.”

.

To reiterate, the gazebo had no walls, so they were clearly visible from the outside. If anyone happened to pass by, the sight of a maid and two valets—a rare sight within the academy—would surely catch their eye.
And they would surely remember that Prince Mikhail and the Duke’s daughter, Ekaterina, were deep in conversation. Even if it was just a harmless, friendly chat with nothing to hide, they would note how close they seemed.

As for Mikhail, he figured, “Well, whatever.”

.

After all.
It seems Ekaterina’s popularity has been rising even more since the start of the second semester.
It seems there are countless young men who look forward to that day not for the singing, but simply to gaze at her.
After all, she remains as innocent and defenseless as ever.
He must keep her in check, at least to this extent.

By spending time with Lydia instead of Ekaterina, society will surely be abuzz. Just the thought that Ekaterina might be looked down upon makes him furious.

Lydia is an outstanding noblewoman. And because of that, she is nothing more than a member of the nobility vying for power.
Ekaterina sees things from a different perspective. She seems ordinary, yet she possesses a gaze that looks out over a broader, higher horizon. That’s why talking to her is so enjoyable.

Besides… she was beautiful again today.

.

The next day, Olga came to Ekaterina, beaming with joy.

“Lady Ekaterina, I’d be able to attend the Evening of Music!”

Apparently, Lydia had been asked by Mikhail to perform a song on the day of the Evening of Music.
Lydia was overjoyed, and it seemed she no longer cared about Olga at all.
Furthermore, since Mikhail had arranged for musicians from the Imperial Palace to provide accompaniment, Renat was no longer needed and now had some free time.

“That’s wonderful. I’m delighted as well.”

As she spoke gently to Olga, Ekaterina thought to herself, “Thank you, Prince!”