Project Necro is an official initiative by Re:Library.

“I see… in a way, Lydia sure is a noblewoman, through and through..”

After hearing Ekaterina’s story, Mikhail sighed.

“That’s just like her. Since it concerns the internal affairs of the Seleznyov domain, she probably didn’t expect it to become common knowledge to you and me. She surely never imagined that a member of a branch family she’s been supporting all this time would end up on your side.”

Wait, how can she not realize just how much of a music nut Renat-kun is, considering she makes him attend her lessons almost every day…?
I thought that, but come to think of it, it’s not so much him as it is his father who is a close aide to the Marquis, so the Seleznyov family is indeed under the Marquis’ patronage. Given that he is the son of that family, the fact that Renat—who spilled the beans to Ekaterina—is such a music nut might indeed be beyond what anyone could have anticipated.

“Besides, even if we had known about the revision of the domain laws, she wouldn’t have dreamed that we’d act on behalf of Lady Flurse. She considers cutting down those below her with a clear conscience to be a mark of a high-ranking noble. Lydia is a hard worker with a strong drive to improve herself. She’s always looking up, sparing no effort to reach where she wants to be. But she never looks down. The idea of showing consideration for those of lower status simply doesn’t occur to her. …As a high-ranking noble, I suppose that’s one way to be.”

His final remark was almost a whisper, and Ekaterina found herself staring at Mikhail’s face.
Mikhail gave a small laugh.

“You probably don’t care much for that sort of thing. But just because a lord is compassionate and cares for his people doesn’t necessarily mean his domain will remain stable and prosper.”
“…I’ve heard that a monarch should not only be loved, but also feared. And that if one must choose between the two, it is better to be feared than loved. It must be painful and difficult to ruthlessly cast aside those you care about. A monarch who doesn’t take them to heart from the start can carry out necessary measures without hesitation… Is that what you mean?”

Come to think of it, the two great powers of my past life.
One was a land of freedom, a leader in democracy.
The other was a system where the state—or rather, a political party—held immense power, making it hard to say that sovereignty truly lay with the people.
But that other country was developing at an incredible pace, wasn’t it?
Human nature really isn’t that simple.

Mikhail’s eyes widened, and he chuckled softly.

“Whether one should be loved or feared, whether one should love or… well. If my tutors heard this, they’d likely launch into a heated debate about what is right. If you’d like, why don’t you join in? I’d love to see what kind of arguments you’d put up against scholars considered the best of their generation.”

No, no, no, what are you saying, Mr. Rabbit?
…But, you say they’re all top-tier scholars of our time? W-what kind of debate would that be?
Still, he really is the heir to the throne. Even in my past life, Alexander the Great’s tutor was Aristotle, after all.

“Lady Ekaterina, we must first address the matter of Princess Olga.”

Prompted by Flora beside her, Ekaterina snapped back to her senses with a start. Oh no, oh no—my history buff blood was about to boil over.

“Thank you very much, Lady Flora. Lord Mikhail, regarding the visit to His Majesty the former Emperor, would you be so kind as to assist us?”
“Of course. It’s for the sake of the people of Seleznyov, after all—they are subjects of the Empire too. For the future peace of the Empire, I will naturally do my utmost alongside you.”

Oh!
Thank you, Prince! For the future peace of the Empire… you’re so cool!

“However…”

Huh?

“I’m sorry, but there are some things beyond my power. Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Dowager is a kind person, but when it comes to music, she is very serious, so she never flatters anyone. As a singer invited to the Garden of the God of Music, if she were to praise music that isn’t worthy of praise, it would be a desecration of the God of Music himself. If you wish Lady Flurse to receive words of praise from Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Dowager, she will have to earn them through her own talents.”

Ugh I see… That’s… unavoidable…
Actually, I want to punch myself for thinking so lightly that if her grandson asked, everything would be fine. Now that you mention it, you’re absolutely right.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t live up to your expectations.”
“No! I was the one who was foolish to even consider taking the words of someone worthy of divine protection so lightly. I am the one who should apologize.”

When Ekaterina apologized with all her heart, Mikhail’s eyes widened slightly, and he smiled.

“I’m relieved to hear you say that—I was worried you might be disappointed. But I think if you asked His Majesty the former Emperor, he would grant you his blessing. After all, you are the granddaughter of Duke Sergei, whom His Majesty still holds dear. Those words alone should be enough to serve as a bridge to Seleznyov.”
“Thank you very much. I am humbled that you value the friendship between my grandfather and the former Emperor so highly.”

I had thought it would be fine if the Prince asked on my behalf, but I was surprised to hear it was because I am Grandfather Sergei’s granddaughter. The former Emperor and my grandfather must have been truly close.
But… to casually say that His Majesty the former Emperor would grant his word… when I think about it, those are powerful words and a powerful situation…

“There is one issue we should consider. If Lydia finds out about this beforehand, she’ll likely interfere. She might even put Lady Flurse through more nonsense, making sure she can’t set foot outside the academy.”
“Ah! You’re absolutely right.”

Even if she doesn’t catch on, I’m still a potential threat. There’s a good chance she’d stop Olga from coming over to my place to play (which is the excuse for our vocal lessons) Well, what should I do?

“So we need to keep Lydia busy so she doesn’t notice anything else. That got me thinking… what if I told Lydia about our plans to visit His Majesty the former Emperor and invited her along?”
“Huh?!”
“Seeing that your singing is the talk of the academy, I’ll ask Grandfather and Grandmother to come hear you sing. Meanwhile, I’ll also invite Lydia to come along and perform before them besides you. That means you and Lydia will be facing off in a singing duel right in front of them. If that happens, Lydia will definitely accept the challenge and throw herself into her lessons. If she knows you’re her opponent, Lady Flurse will fade from her mind.”

I… I see!
If an opportunity to completely crush me with a song she’s absolutely confident in is dangled right in front of her, she’ll definitely accept the challenge. Since it’s a performance for Their Majesties, she’ll surely prepare meticulously to polish her voice and be in top form.
Nice move, Prince. You’re quite the—no, a truly formidable strategist!

“That’s a brilliant idea. However, in that case… Lady Olga will have to face off against Lady Seleznyov, won’t she?”

Lydia vs. Olga—a one-on-one duel. Fight!
The witnesses will be His Majesty the former Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, and the Crown Prince.
Eek!

Before consulting Onii-sama, I’d already prefaced Olga-chan: that she might have to ask Her Majesty the Empress Dowager for help, and that she might have to sing in front of His Majesty to do so. At that point, Olga-chan was already trembling… but even so, she told me, “I’ll do anything for Grandma’s piano!”
A one-on-one duel with the young lady she serves… I wonder if Olga-chan will be okay…

If it were me, I’d turn into a sugar beet, wriggling around and squeaking.

“Actually, that might be better—it would give us a chance to set Lydia straight. As for Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, I think she’d have no problem granting her permission if the issue is that she disapproves of domain laws that prohibit piano ownership. Since I’ll be there too, if Seleznyov doesn’t heed Her Majesty’s words, I’ll be able to call her out on it.”

Ooh.

“That said, Lady Flurse will end up on Lydia’s bad side. Even if she saves the piano at her family home, I am worried about what her life will be like after she returns to the Seleznyov domain.”

Ekaterina smiled at Mikhail, who was frowning in concern.

“In that case, I would like to recommend to Lady Olga that she continue to make her mark in the imperial capital even after graduating from the academy.”

Madam Didonat, their vocal coach, has given her her full endorsement, saying that Olga has the potential to become a singer who would fill the National Theater with fans.
This is an empire where there are actual examples of women rising to the ranks of Empress and Empress Dowager through their singing talent. For a noblewoman to become a singer—provided she is skilled enough to perform at the National Theater—is considered a source of honor for her family. If the Flurse family, her birth family, were to become the family of a famous singer active in the imperial capital, it would be difficult for Lydia and the Seleznyov Marquisate to interfere.

“I truly love Lady Olga’s singing voice. If she becomes a singer, I intend to ask my brother to have the Jurnova family sponsor her. If that happens, perhaps Lady Seleznyov won’t be able to interfere with Lady Olga.”
“That’s excellent. Miss Flurse’s future is certainly bright.”

Mikhail’s expression brightened as well.

“If it’s that wonderful, I’d like to hear that singing voice myself. I think I should hear it. May I visit your home during her vocal lessons?”
“Of course, please do come.”
“Thank you, I’m looking forward to it. …In the end, things turned out just as you suggested.”

Realizing he was referring to her suggestion the other day to come to her home and listen to her vocal lessons, Ekaterina smiled.

“This time, it’s part of the matter concerning Lady Olga. Please consider the matter of listening to my singing as a separate issue. I was deeply moved that you would offer your assistance for the sake of the people of the Empire and the future peace of the Empire. I’d like to find a way to thank you properly, but I can’t think of anything… If there’s anything you’d like, Lord Mikhail, please just let me know.”

I haven’t even had a chance to repay you for the Evening of Music and now I’m causing you so much trouble again. I wish I could do something in return, but you’re a prince, after all. It’s pretty hard to find a way to repay you.

“Please don’t worry about that. Just being able to think things through with you like this makes me happy.”

Hearing Mikhail’s words as he smiled so genuinely, Ekaterina found herself thinking once again, “You really are a good guy!”