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The Joy of Birth and The Student Council’s Invitation

Lieselotte seemed to catch on as well and visibly became more displeased.

“In other words, I was chosen through recommendation to add prestige to the student council, while Viola was selected for her outstanding academic performance.”
“No, absolutely not! Your Highness was chosen not only for your reputation but also because of your remarkable academic achievements. That is why I was sent as an emissary to extend this invitation.”

Despite the student council member’s hasty denial, Lieselotte continued to regard him with a cold, scrutinizing gaze. Then, her expression changed to one of suspicion.

“If the selection is based on academic performance, there are at least three other individuals who come to mind. Did you not approach them?”

“Ah, now that you mention it, there were three people ahead of me in the first academic examination,” Viola added, leaning forward with interest.

Both stared intently at the student council member, as if testing him.

“Of course, those three were also on our list. One of them, the second-place Father Cestlavie, initially showed reluctance but eventually agreed to take on the role under our Saintess’ guidance,” he said, making a brief sign in front of his holy symbol. “As for the top-ranked Viscountess Julia, since Father Cestlavie knows her personally, he has been tasked with persuading her. The other individual, Prince Lucas, will be approached for a formal introduction at a later date.”

“Hmm…”
“I see.”

Nodding in unison, the two princesses’ reaction made the student council member believe he had successfully convinced them. He sighed with relief.

However, what the two had understood was the student council’s policy and capabilities. Even within this brief exchange, they had discerned a few things:

The student council viewed Jill as nothing more than an upstart nouveau riche, entirely unaware of her almost-public-secret status as a member of the Graviol Empire’s royal family, revealing their incompetence.

They were intimidated by Lucas, openly acknowledging him as a member of the Graviol Empire’s royal family, and likely intended to use Lieselotte’s and Viola’s entry as leverage in negotiations, indicating their cowardly nature.

Despite being a high-ranking priest, they likely looked down on Cestlavie because of his probable commoner origin, revealing their arrogant and condescending attitude.

Lieselotte and Viola exchanged a knowing glance, silently conveying their mutual understanding.

In conclusion, they had no interest in joining such a foolish group.

♦♢♦

“…I see, Lord Eilmer’s wife has given birth to a baby girl. That explains Lord Lucas’ excitement.”

After we clarified our conversation and learned the joyous news, I shared it with Monika, who brought tea while I was changing in my room. She, usually very serious, smiled and made this comment.

“Yes, I had forgotten that Luke’s mother was expecting. Let’s at least hold a party tonight with Luke’s servants as well.”
“Understood. I will make the arrangements. However, it must be painful for Lord Lucas to be in a foreign land and unable to see his baby sister easily.”
“Indeed. Sir Eilmer has written to say that Lucas should return to the imperial capital using both teleporters and shift portals when he has a long enough break.”

Using these methods, one can travel to the imperial capital in about half a month at the shortest. The magic itself is instantaneous, but military considerations mean that teleporters and shift portals are scattered at certain distances. The travel time to these points adds up, so direct transport from the royal capital to the imperial capital isn’t feasible, which is the main drawback of teleportation magic.

Thus, just a round trip takes a month. The next long break is winter vacation, six months away. Despite the good news, it’s frustrating that Lucas won’t be able to see his sister until then, reminding us that even in a world of swords and magic, not everything is possible.

“Additionally, I’ve been asked if I could accompany Luke because his mother wants to meet me. Should I take this at face value?” If it’s merely a social courtesy, it might be an inconvenience. However, she might be considering that the nearest teleporter point to the imperial capital is between the western frontier village and Consul, and thus suggesting that I visit my hometown. Refusing might be rude. “Surely, her invitation doesn’t actually mean she wants to see me. If Luke and I visit his family together, it could look like we’re seeking their blessing for marriage.”

“Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, I may be unworthy, but I intend to build a happy household with Luke. Please recognize our relationship!”— If this were an opera, I’d plead tearfully so, only to be ultimately torn apart by the difference in our statuses.

When I said this, feeling a bit carried away, Monika gave me a rather complicated look and firmly told me, “You should discuss such matters with Lord Lucas.”

No, no, if I really spoke like some starry-eyed maiden, Luke would probably be put off. And if he laughed in my face, my fragile sense of maidenly sentiment, as much of a stretch to say it, would be shattered.

Deciding to keep such thoughts to myself, I shifted my focus to the evening’s party.

“Fortunately, Luke is currently in his room (one of the guest rooms), writing a letter back home. Let’s surprise him. For now, I’ll start preparing to bake a cake.”

I was rolling up my sleeves and heading to the kitchen when Eren appeared with a polite knock.

“Excuse me, Lady Jill. You have a guest claiming to be a school friend.”

Her expression was mixed with suspicion and caution, causing me to tilt my head in curiosity.

“A school friend? Not Euphemia?”
“No, it’s a young man about your age. He doesn’t seem to be very well-dressed.”

Who could it be? Most of my peers are from noble classes, so they usually have recognizable appearances.

“Ah, now I remember. He said to show this.”

With that, Eren produced a familiar talisman.

“!! Ah, yes, he is indeed a friend. Right, I’ll get ready, so please escort him to the shop. Offer him some tea and snacks—or even a meal if he wishes.”

As I quickly gave instructions, I turned next to Monika.

“Monika, I’m sorry, but could you bring some gold coins from my personal funds? About fifty Imperial gold coins, and also twenty to thirty meal vouchers from the shop.”

Though they both briefly showed puzzled expressions, they bowed gracefully and left the room to follow my instructions.

“…Come to think of it, I’ve been so preoccupied with various tasks that I completely forgot. I need to finally learn the talisman techniques as promised.”

I recalled the perpetually weary face of the black-haired boy who was likely now downstairs and allowed myself a small, secret smile.

I wasn’t sure what business he had, but I couldn’t miss this chance to establish a precedent!

For a moment, I considered introducing him to Luke, but since we had the surprise party planned, I decided to postpone the introduction for another day and keep quiet about it for now.