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Although it’s dubbed a field study, it’s essentially a short trip utilizing the academy’s accommodations located in a remote area. Each group consists of about five to six students, gathered into larger groups of thirty to forty, accompanied by several teachers and instructors. Over the course of three weeks, we will visit historical sites and landmarks within the Livitium Imperial Kingdom, conduct on-site research, and compile reports.

As I listed the members of my group, Chairwoman Mei’s expression subtly shifted.

“That’s quite a formidable group you’ve got there. If anything goes wrong, it could tarnish the academy’s reputation, or worse, shake its very foundation. I can only feel sorry for the chaperones.”
“Indeed. I will do my utmost to protect everyone. Even if it costs me my life.”
“No, no, if anything, it’s your safety that’s most paramount… I mean, all students are equally important to the academy. There’s no hierarchy. So, don’t overexert yourself, no matter what. Understand?”
“Yes. But I will take action if there’s something I can do.”

It’s not just negligence, but a crime, if someone capable doesn’t act when necessary.

“Ugh. This stubbornness, as expected of Regina’s disciple. I’d prefer you to play the damsel in distress, protected by a prince.”
“That’s… not possible, given the group.”

I thought of the genuine princesses accompanying us, Viola and Liselotte, and tilted my head.

The two are now famed as the academy’s top beauties—often including me out of pity, likely as comedic relief—but both are too assertive to be considered delicate flowers sheltered in a glasshouse.

While Chairwoman Mei pondered this, I seized the moment to launch my prepared ‘trump card.’

“What’s this…?”

With a puzzled expression, the chairwoman blinked.

I immediately recited the activation spell.

“―Dart!”

♦♢♦

“How about it, Prince Lucas? The Theocracy of Eunice is the most historical and traditional sacred place in all of Livitium—no, on the entire continent. Our entire student council unanimously recommends it as the perfect destination for your visit, including the princesses.”

In a small meeting room after school.

The student council president, Barry Carter, who had introduced himself as such, was an overly serious-looking boy with glasses. He spoke in a polite yet somewhat assertive manner, extolling the virtues of the Theocracy of Eunice to Luke and the others as an excellent place for learning.

The group was gathered to discuss the upcoming field study. Out of the six groups assembled, one was composed of Viola and Liselotte’s entourage, while the remaining four groups were all associated with the student council. This revealed an extremely biased composition, likely the result of the student council’s manipulations.

Though internally weary of Barry’s lavish praise of his homeland, Eunice, Luke listened and responded with polite nods, as expected.

Just as Barry, growing more confident, was about to heap more flowery praises on Eunice, “…To claim it is the best in Livitium in front of me, the princess of the Cilento Central Kingdom, is quite audacious.” Princess Liselotte frowned in displeasure.

“Of course not, Princess Liselotte! I have no intention of belittling your country. I am simply suggesting that the Theocracy of Eunice is the most suitable place for our field study. Of course, we hold the Cilento Central Kingdom, the heart of the Livitium Imperial Kingdom, in the highest respect and affection. However, it is a relatively young nation, having been founded just over a century ago. I feel that it might be somewhat inappropriate as a place for Prince Lucas and Princess Viola, who have come from other countries, to learn about the deep history and tradition of this northern region.”

“I see, I understand your intention well. Your suggestion for the investigation site is out of consideration for me and Prince Lucas… hm, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Viola intercepted Liselotte’s attempt to argue back, responding with a deft smile.

However, to Luke and those seated nearby, Viola’s murmurs were clearly audible: “I’m astonished that Jill is not even considered, only focusing on me and Prince Lucas,” and “This is not a suggestion but a blatant attempt to win us over.”

Barry, taking Viola’s superficial words at face value, beamed widely and nodded repeatedly, feeling he had won her over. “Oh no, it is all for the betterment of your school life. If it serves you well, the entire student council is happy to be of service.”

“Service with the expectation of specific rewards or benefits.”

Liselotte’s scornful remark, fortunately or unfortunately, did not reach Barry or the other members of the student council executive committee.

“In any case,” Luke, though fed up, maintained his firm stance and looked Barry straight in the eye as he continued, “Since the group divisions have been decided and the majority of the groups have expressed their preference for the Theocracy of Eunice, it seems we have no other choice, correct?”

“Not at all. Today’s discussion is precisely for deciding that. If any of you have other candidate sites with clear justifications, we are open to discussing them.”

In unison, the faces of everyone in Barry’s group put on congenial smiles.

The only one not following suit was a boy with disheveled black hair, dressed rather shabbily, leaning against the window and watching this charade with a bored expression.

Though slightly intrigued by the boy’s stance, Luke shrugged at Barry’s clearly rigged proposal.

“I don’t have any particular alternative. However, I believe there is something to learn from any place, regardless of the length of history.”
“I concur. Conversely, even a long history can be devoid of meaningful lessons.”
“Personally, I’d rather go to a bright and lively place over a gloomy one.”
“Haha. I’m with you, Daniel. Moreover, it would be perfect if there are many beautiful girls.”

Liselotte, Daniel, and Viola each voiced their opinions freely.

Barry, noticing their lack of enthusiasm, forced a strained smile. However, taking advantage of the lack of outright objections and counting on their numerical superiority, he declared unilaterally, “It seems there are no issues, then. The field study will be at the Theocracy of Eunice. Details will be coordinated later among the group representatives.”

“……” Luke and the others shrugged silently.

“Now, the destination will be the Arlea region in the eastern part of the Theocracy of Eunice, where our school’s retreat is located. This is the place where the revered Holy Maiden Clara trained, and even today, many aspiring priestesses visit for training. I’m sure this will meet Your Highness Viola’s expectations as well.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Viola said, smiling with sparkling eyes, despite her slight grimace.

Daniel, on the other hand, made a sour face and muttered, “Serious priestesses, huh…”

Meanwhile, Luke furrowed his brow. “The place where Holy Maiden Clara trained…”

In his mind, he pictured the beautiful and precious girl who closely resembled Clara.

She had a special lesson with the Chairwoman today, so she didn’t join the meeting. But if Luke had known it would turn out like this, he would have brought her along by any means necessary. If she disliked the plan, he would oppose it at any cost.

(Later, I’ll explain everything to Jill. If she’s not keen, we can decline. In the worst case, we’ll leave this group and join another.)

Luke chuckled to himself, thinking that if they did that, the other members might also leave the group. After all, the members here had enough influence and determination to do so.

Although Luke didn’t like using authority in such a manner, it was the other side that had manipulated the group divisions first. If it came to that, there would be no need to hold back.

For now, Jill’s preference was his priority.

Resolving himself to this, Luke participated in the empty discussions.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the black-haired boy looking listlessly into the distance.

This boy had kept himself apart from the other student council members. However, when Clara’s name was mentioned earlier, Luke thought he sensed a change in the boy’s demeanor. But now, seeing his nonchalant attitude, Luke couldn’t be sure.

(Who is he…?)

Feeling a vague sense of unease, Luke returned his gaze to the front.

The student council members, led by Barry, continued to present various plans, interspersed with safe answers and questions.

As time passed, Luke realized that the boy by the window had left the small meeting room at some point.

Thinking he might meet the boy again if fate allowed, Luke refocused his attention.