episode_0032

I was worried that the class would be difficult since it was a class where students were selected solely based on their abilities without any written exams, but it was easier than I thought, perhaps because it was the beginning of the first semester.

Learning things like the flow of magic and the basics of swordsmanship didn’t seem as difficult as I thought.

First of all, it was because I had heard enough theory to be tired of it when I first learned swordsmanship from Uncle Duncan or magic from Estelle.

Rather, I thought subjects like math or science would be difficult, but surprisingly, they were not mandatory and were open to those who wanted to take them, which was even better.

I was originally a person who was prone to depression and anxiety since I was young.

“So, Iris is going to take both math and science classes?”

However, it is said that our outstanding Crown Princess takes all the subjects because she is in a position to inherit the empire in the future.

“Yes, I guess His Majesty the Emperor is expecting good grades on all subjects.”

Oh, really. I’m telling you, not just anyone can become a crown princess.

I’m sure you’ve already received early education since you were young, but why do you have to learn it again, take a test, and prove yourself?

“Then I will take all the classes with Iris!”

And the one standing next to her with sparkling eyes saying that she will take all the classes with Iris is, of course, Lina.

It seems that Lina is more attracted to Iris than to the saint Estelle.

Well, to be honest, before we became close, I thought Iris had more potential than a saint who would openly swear at you to your face.

“Ugh, why are you taking math or science classes? You guys have such unique tastes.”

“Oh, Estelle, you don’t like math and science either?”

“Yes! Theo too?”

“Haha, not to brag, but I didn’t really like it when I was little.”

“Oh! Me too! Ever since I was little, I strangely didn’t fit that kind of personality~”

As Estelle and I were chatting excitedly, feeling a sense of camaraderie for no reason, Iris suddenly thrust her body out in front of me.

“Me, me too… ! I don’t really like it, Theo… !”

“Oh, really? Then it must be really hard work. Like this.”

I knew very well that Iris was good at math and science because it was a common fact in the game, but it was the first time I learned that she was forced to do it even though she didn’t like it.

There’s nothing more frustrating than being forced to do something, but it’s really a shame that you have to force yourself to do something like math or science.

“Well, so… if you really feel sorry for me… I know it might be boring, but could you take the class with me, Theo-nim… ?”

Perhaps because I was asking a favor from someone who said that they disliked things like science and math, Iris spoke with a very apologetic expression, unlike her usual appearance.

Ugh, but it’s true that I feel sorry for Iris, but even so, it’s just too much to have to take a subject that she doesn’t have to take…?

“Is that what His Majesty the Emperor told you to hear?”

But if you think about it, it seems like the tone of the speech was that the Emperor was expecting it, not that he necessarily had to hear it.

“No, that’s not it.”

“Then let’s not take the class together.”

“Huh?!”

Iris looked surprised, but it wasn’t surprising.

“Your Majesty didn’t ask you to listen anyway. Iris has already learned the course, right? So is there a reason to listen to it again? If you need test scores, it seems like it would be okay to just take the test.”

The academy basically has a system where you have to take the test if you take the class, but it is also an environment where students who do not attend the class can take the test just to fill in the score.

I remember Estelle making this suggestion to Iris, who clearly didn’t want to take classes alone even in the game.

For some reason, Estelle doesn’t seem to have any intention of making such a suggestion right now, so I’ll make the suggestion on her behalf.

“Ah, definitely. That could be a way. As expected from Theo-sama… You’re amazing.”

No, it definitely feels a bit weird to be told not to take the class and then be told I’m great.

Well, at least I’m glad that Iris feels better.

“Hmm, that’s too bad.”

Estelle was rubbing her lips as if she was missing something, but she didn’t say anything in particular.

***

“Your Majesty didn’t ask you to listen anyway. Iris has already learned the course, right? So is there a reason to listen to it again? If you need test scores, it seems like it would be okay to just take the test.”

Lina was looking at Theo with a puzzled face.

‘Is it because they’re commoners? It’s true that they think that way.’

To her, Theo’s proposal sounded utterly absurd.

Don’t attend class and just take the test and get a good grade.

That was a nonsense among the nobles.

Even in the academy, it was one of those behaviors that most commoners would do, but the nobles would never do because they considered it rude.

But it was only natural that Lina would find it quite rude to see Theo openly suggesting that the Crown Princess do that.

but.

“Ah, definitely. That could be a way. As expected from Theo-sama… You’re amazing.”

The words that came out of Iris’ mouth were completely different from what Lina had thought.

There is a way like that, Theo is amazing.

It was a truly absurd situation that left me speechless, but I had to say something.

In fact, more than etiquette or anything like that, losing the time spent alone with Iris was a huge loss for Lina.

“But Iris. Most people skip class and just take exams. Don’t you think it’s a bit much to do that? If your reputation gets damaged, Iris… I’d be really worried.”

The tone, facial expression, and even gestures were extremely worrying.

Lina’s words, which made it seem as if she was never acting for her own benefit, showed a sincerity that was not sincere.

“Reputation issue… I guess that could definitely be the case.”

But it was Estelle, not Iris, who answered Lina’s words.

“You’re the princess of an empire that really likes reputation and stuff like that. So, why don’t you go and take a class, Iris?”

Lina’s expression slightly crumpled at those extremely sarcastic words.

“Estelle, is that an insult to the Empire…?”

“What do you mean, insult me? I was just stating the truth.”

Estelle shrugged her shoulders as if to say, “Why are you getting so angry when I was just telling the truth?”

“You said I like it dirty. I can’t tolerate you using that kind of language to describe the empire.”

“Oh, right. If you can’t accept it, what are you going to do about it?”

“No, Estelle. Why are you fighting with Lina all of a sudden? Calm down for now.”

As the exchange of words between Lina and Estelle began to become heated, Theo stepped in to mediate.

“Ah, Theo-nim. I’m sorry. I spoke too harshly about the place that is also Theo-nim’s hometown.”

As soon as Theo intervened, Estelle made an expression of “Oh no” and apologized.

Although he brought that up because he wanted to send Iris and Lina to class and spend time alone with Theo, he also thought that the Ermund Empire was his hometown and that he would have a strong attachment to it.

“No, you don’t have to apologize to me. Wouldn’t it be better to apologize to Iris?”

“No, Theo. I wasn’t particularly offended. I know that the Ermunt Empire is very fond of reputation.”

Lina was confused.

It was clear that he was on Iris’ side and on the Empire’s side.

But Estelle’s comment just now was, no matter how you look at it, a remark that insulted the Empire, and you’re saying that you’re not offended by it.

‘What is this? This doesn’t seem to be the princess I know.’

Iris, as I heard through rumors, was a crown princess who cared deeply for the empire and was said to be a person who would become a better and more virtuous emperor than any emperor to date.

But the Iris I saw before my eyes now, rather than caring terribly for the Empire, seemed to be saying that the Empire was wrong.

“… Iris, don’t you think reputation is that important?”

Lina asked Iris, who still looked embarrassed and not at all noble, in a slightly trembling voice.

“It’s not that I don’t think it’s important. It’s clear that the higher your reputation, the better. But do you think it’s important enough to force yourself to do something just to show off to someone, and even blow all your time with people you like? Well, I don’t know. ”

Lina watched Iris speak her mind without holding back.

‘…Wow, you know how to get your thoughts across like that…!’

I was confused for a moment, but I just thought it was cool.

If Theo had said the same thing, she would have looked down on him and ignored him, but to Lina, who was already blinded by Iris’s status, everything seemed wonderful.