Chapter 197 - 3-1
I descended the stairs from the second floor of the Marquis Marcel estate, my steps slow and measured as I headed toward the entrance hall.
Looking down, my eyes caught the dark blue of my dress. With every movement, the lily embroidery across the skirt swayed as if fluttering in a gentle breeze. Gripping the wooden banister, I rounded the curve of the staircase, and a brilliant flash of gold caught my eye.
The man before me—Louis-sama, the Crown Prince of this kingdom—offered his hand with a soft, warm smile.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes. Thank you for waiting."
As I placed my hand in his, he squeezed it gently. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he drew me into his arms, shielding me within his embrace.
"You look beautiful today, Rachel."
"Thank you. It is all thanks to the hair ornament and necklace you gave me."
Louis-sama's expression softened with joy at my words.
"To think that something I gave you could contribute to your radiance... as the giver, I couldn't be happier. Above all, today is a special day for you. It is your graduation party, after all."
The reason I was so dressed up was because today was my big day—the day of the graduation party. Because our stay in the Kingdom of Orta had been longer than expected, I had missed most of the latter half of my third year. Even so, I was incredibly fortunate to have made it back in time for this day. To graduate from Torsova Academy of Magic had been my dream, and I was finally participating as a graduate.
In my previous life, I had lost my life before reaching this day. That was why graduating from Torsova Academy felt like a definitive turning point—a step toward a brand-new future.
As a touch of sentimentality washed over me, Louis-sama seemed to sense my mood and smiled gently.
"Rachel. Come... shall we go?"
"Yes, Louis-sama."
Escorted by Louis-sama, I climbed into the carriage. Once we were settled, it began to move with a slow, rhythmic sway. I gazed out the window as we traveled. The orange sunset painting the sky filled my heart with a quiet, peaceful warmth.
"Ah, that reminds me..."
At Louis-sama's words, I turned my gaze back to him. The sunlight streaming through the window cast a reddish glow upon his cheeks. Seeing me watching him, he smiled happily.
"There is some news for you, Rachel."
"News?"
"Yes. I'm certain it's something that will make you happy. I wanted to tell you as soon as possible."
Something that will make me happy? I wonder what it could be.
As I tilted my head in curiosity, Louis-sama nodded, his eyes narrowing with satisfaction.
"On a trial basis, it has been decided that Torsova Academy of Magic will establish a middle school department. It will serve as a pioneer for the primary schools we are considering setting up across the country."
"Oh! So permission was finally granted!"
Forgetting for a moment that I was in a carriage, I nearly stood up from my seat. I caught myself immediately and sat back down, my face flushing hot with embarrassment at my unladylike behavior. I heard Louis-sama let out a soft chuckle.
"It's all thanks to your hard work, Rachel."
A warm sensation flooded my chest at his words. Finally, the first step toward the change I had so desperately wished for was being taken.
It felt like a long time ago that I first began wanting to change the state of education in this country. It was back when I had lost my magic after the regression, struggling to find what I could do and how I could change. My encounter with the orphans in the Marcel Territory had suddenly expanded my narrow world. The world did not belong solely to royalty or nobility. At the time, I hadn't even realized something so obvious.
I wanted this country to be a place where every citizen could believe in a bright future. That was my dream.
For instance, only nobles over the age of fifteen and a few commoners with exceptional magic could study at Torsova Academy. Most of them were taught by private tutors from a young age until they entered the academy. But that was only the case for nobles and a few wealthy commoners.
While some territories had their own educational institutions depending on the lord's will, those were mostly for the children of merchant families. The vast majority of commoners had no opportunity for education, unable to afford the tuition. Those in the impoverished classes often lived their entire lives in poverty, never learning to read, write, or perform basic calculations. Unless they possessed a talent for the sword or magic, there were almost no opportunities to escape their circumstances. But if they had the chance to learn, if they could gain knowledge, it would become their strength—a key to carving out their own path. To that end, I wanted to create educational opportunities for the children growing up in this country.
Of course, creating the environment I envisioned would take an immense amount of time, and perhaps it was nothing more than a pipe dream. Even so, to get even a little closer, I decided to start by changing the nature of Torsova Academy. Within an aristocratic society that viewed the current education system as natural, many would try to eliminate even the slightest change. That was why I intended to start with the academy, where many nobles attended, and gradually expand the change to the entire nation.
As a starting point, I aimed to establish a middle school department and accept international students, which I hoped would face less opposition.
"We have already reached out to neighboring countries regarding their interest in sending students."
"Is that so! Oh, um... what about the commoners? Beyond the noble children and international students, will we be able to move forward with the plan for talented commoners?"
Along with the establishment of the middle school, I was thinking of creating a scholarship system for those who lacked financial means but possessed a certain level of academic ability. This was originally a system for training mages from commoner backgrounds, but I had tried to persuade others that supporting those with exceptional abilities, regardless of magic, was crucial for the nation's future. I had feared there would be significant opposition to this. However, Louis-sama seemed to understand my concern and spoke firmly.
"The scholarship matter is also moving forward with majority support. We plan to open the doors wide and gather talented individuals."
Louis-sama looked me straight in the eye and nodded powerfully.
"Thank you. Educational opportunities for everyone... I know we are still far from that ideal. But this will surely be a major step toward achieving it, won't it?"
"It will be a long road. But I'm sure this change will be a significant first step."
The things I was trying to do would likely continue to face backlash from the nobility. Even so, he believed in me and supported my endeavors. It was only because of Louis-sama, my greatest ally, that I could dream like this.
"So, when will the trial classes begin?"
"We've already identified talented individuals within the country. We've also hired temporary teachers. So, for now, we're planning one class of twenty students per grade starting next academic year."
"Next year! That's only about a month away!"
"Well, it's only on a trial basis. We don't know how it will turn out yet."
"No, it's more than enough. I never imagined we could move so quickly."
It had only been about six months since I first proposed the middle school department to Louis-sama, before we left for Orta. And the chaos in Orta had only just been settled...
Louis-sama's decisiveness, his ability to take action and move those around him, is truly remarkable. To bring change to Torsova Academy, which hasn't changed in decades, in such a short time...
"The materials you put together were excellent, which made it easier to work with the House of Lords and the academy."
"Thank you."
"We also plan to invite a few international students to both the middle and high school departments. When I spoke with Prince Ricardo of Orta, he mentioned that a son of a Duke wants to join the middle school, and a daughter of a Count is eager to study in the high school."
"Then we must strengthen our preparations for accepting international students as well."
"Indeed. By the way, Prince Isaac apparently lamented that he would have volunteered himself if he were a bit younger."
"Hehe, Prince Isaac truly is an interesting person."
"I suspect he was quite serious. After all, he seems to practically worship you, Rachel."
Ignoring my flustered attempt to deny it, Louis-sama laughed teasingly, saying, "Honestly, it makes me quite jealous."
"Please don't tease me."
"I'm not teasing. When it comes to you, Rachel, I always find myself acting quite impulsively."
I could feel the heat of his gaze as he stared at me, and my cheeks flushed crimson. Louis-sama watched me with a gentle, crinkled smile, looking as though he were truly savoring the moment.