-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: A Visit to the Academy
-----------------------------------------------------------------
After making sure Undine was gone, I stepped out of the bedroom.
As I crossed the lobby, six maids and the butler hurried after me.
The sound of footsteps echoed chaotically across the marble floor.
“Butler, have the Academy admission papers and all the necessary items for Piache prepared.”
“Have you already decided on her admission? You haven't even observed the classes yet.”
“She'll end up attending anyway.”
“...Did the young lady perhaps say she wanted to attend the Academy?”
“No.”
*Because the story has to progress.*
The butler, misunderstanding that I had made the decision unilaterally, asked no more questions.
“My lady, here you are.”
A maid following behind handed me a clutch. It was gold, just like my dress.
I took the clutch and casually tucked it under my arm.
“I trust the observation request was handled properly?”
“Yes. As there was no observation system in place, I recommended its creation.”
“...And?”
“It has been created.”
The butler's tone was so matter-of-fact that for a moment, it sounded like he'd said, ‘I watered the plants.’
But there was no way creating a new system in a matter of days could have been easy.
Especially not at a conservative place like the Academy.
“From now on, parents will be able to observe classes once a year.”
“I'm not a parent.”
“You, my lady, may observe at any time.”
[Step 2: (Casually touching an earring) What did we promise to give them?]
*Huh? What did we promise the Academy? Why?*
As I followed the prompt, the butler answered nonchalantly.
“We agreed to donate the full construction costs for a riding arena and fifty horses.”
“...”
*Whether in reality or in a novel, it seems there's nothing money can't buy.*
I'd always been on the sidelines watching others throw their money around. It felt strange to be the one doing it.
“They'll be looking for a firm commitment when we meet today.”
“That is likely.”
When I stepped outside the main castle, Piache was waiting by the carriage.
“Duchess, ah, hel-hello.”
The child held the hem of her dress and gave a small curtsy.
Her pale pink dress and the hairstyle—her hair coiled into two bun-like knots on either side of her head—were a fantastic match.
The white ribbon tied around her neck was a matching set with the ribbons in her hair.
They were items that elevated the child's adorableness to another level.
[Step 1: (Looking Piache up and down before scoffing) How pathetic... Change the person in charge of Piache's attire.]
“Give a reward to the person in charge of Piache's attire.”
“...Pardon?”
As I stared at him coldly, the butler quickly composed his flustered expression.
“A-As you command. How many attendants will you be taking?”
“One.”
“...Considering the unfortunate incident at the imperial palace last time, perhaps five would be better.”
“One.”
“How about three? For minimum safety, three people...”
Before the butler could finish, I turned and boarded the carriage.
“Luna, come.”
“Yes, my lady!”
While the butler hesitated, Luna swiftly lifted Piache into the carriage and climbed in after her.
The carriage departed.
***
The Academy was located within the imperial palace grounds.
Only the children of nobles residing in the capital could enroll, so many provincial nobles apparently left their domains to stewards and moved to the capital.
The entire institution consisted of a single building.
But it was far from shabby. On the contrary, I felt overwhelmed by the building's grandeur.
Pointed spires stood on all sides, centered around a massive clock. An elegant domed roof.
The stonework of the exterior walls was unbelievably detailed.
The statues decorating the eaves, as if standing guard, were jaw-dropping.
No matter where I looked, the building was the epitome of extreme splendor and magnificence.
*‘Feels like I'm at some grand European cathedral.’*
I glanced behind me.
Luna and Piache were also gazing at the building with dazed eyes.
I was smiling inwardly at the cute sight when someone spoke to me.
“It's beautiful, isn't it? I'm moved every time I see it.”
It was an elderly man.
His white hair, freely disheveled, reminded me of a famous scientist.
“This is the first time we've met since two years ago. Have you been well?”
The old man beamed at me. The gap where his front teeth were missing was clearly visible between his lips.
As I stared at his missing teeth, he scratched his head.
“An accident during an experiment... Ahem! Welcome to the Academy, Duchess Ivrante.”
The old man seemed to know me well, though I'd never seen him before in my life.
As expected, the trashy author provided no information about the old man.
But it didn't matter.
*‘I anticipated this and looked him up beforehand.’*
The old man's name was Oswald Franklin, an Expert-level mage and the headmaster of the Academy.
“It's been a while, Headmaster.”
“I heard you've made a valuable decision for the sake of the Academy. On behalf of the institution, I thank you.”
He must have been corresponding with my butler, so I expected he'd want a firm answer from me.
I just didn't expect him to ask so directly the moment we met.
*‘Reminds me of Luspell.’*
Of course, compared to Luspell, this old man was rather gentle.
Then again, if he acted like Luspell, he never would have become headmaster.
“I heard the details from my butler, but I have my doubts as to whether it's an appropriate choice.”
“As you know, our Academy educates only a select few elites with the finest facilities and faculty. You will not regret your donation.”
“You're stating the obvious. That's not what I'm curious about.”
“Then is there something specific you're curious about...?”
“Is the riding arena going to be built in the same architectural style as the main building?”
“Of course. The plans were drawn up long ago, but the project was delayed due to funding issues.”
“Good. I'll make the donation.”
“Ooh, you are quite decisive, Duchess.”
I gave Oswald a brief smile and gestured toward the child with my eyes.
“Piache Ivrante. The child I'm sponsoring.”
“What an adorable young lady! I've never seen a girl who suits a pink dress and this hairstyle so perfectly! Oh? The choker and hair ribbons are a matching set! Simply perfect!”
*...This old man's tastes seem to align with mine.*
Piache hesitated for a moment, then lifted the hem of her dress and gave a cute greeting.
“H-Hello. Uh, Gr-Grand... father...?”
It seemed she didn't know what to call him.
The child's voice trailed off as she glanced at me, fidgeting with her small fingers.
*‘C-Cute...’*
I quickly suppressed the corners of my mouth, which were threatening to curl up, and maintained a chilly expression.
*‘I am a cold and heartless guardian. A cold-blooded person who never falls for cute displays.’*
Still, my lonely battle wasn't so lonely. Oswald had already half-melted.
He knelt down to meet Piache's eyes.
He paid no mind to his cloak dragging on the dirt ground.
“You can call me grandfather. I suppose I am one, after all. Piache, would you try calling me 'grandfather'? Hmm?”
Piache seemed flustered and hesitated, but then she gave a charming smile.
“Hehe, G-Grandfather.”
“Yes, that's right. Shall we tour the Academy with Grandfather?”
When Oswald held out his hand, the child looked up at me. Her eyes asked if it was okay to take it.
[Step 2: (Arrogantly) I get to choose the class, I assume?]
I managed my expression and followed the prompt.
“I get to choose the class, I assume?”
“Of course. Basic Magic and Swordsmanship are at 10:00, and Architecture is at 10:30. Which class would you like to observe?”
“What about theology?”
“Oh dear, the theology class isn't until this afternoon... Piache, are you interested in theology?”
Oswald asked with a benevolent smile.
But Piache just blinked. She didn't know what theology was.
The child, who had been fiddling with her dress, soon nodded her head vigorously.
She had lied, worried I would be embarrassed if she said no. Her adorableness made me let out a long sigh.
*Piache wouldn't be interested in magic or swordsmanship. If we observe Architecture and then Theology, the timing should work out.*
*Considering how much I'm donating to the Academy, observing two classes should be fine.*
“Then, Architec—”
[Step 3: Let's go with the magic class.]
