Chapter 39 - Class 2-A
His Highness and I headed toward the faculty office. He offered to give me a tour of the school, assuming I wouldn't know the layout yet.
I'm sorry. I actually know it.
Of course, I couldn't say that. I tried to decline politely, but his shoulders slumped as he looked at me with eyes like a discarded puppy. "It seems I'm the only one getting excited," he murmured. At that, I couldn't help but give a wry smile and nod. "If it's not a bother to you, Your Highness..."
His expression brightened instantly. "Then I'll come to your classroom to pick you up after school," he said with a smile.
Even after that, he seemed reluctant to return to his own classroom. I tilted my head, wondering if he shouldn't be heading to class. Finally, Cyril arrived, looking as though he'd run out of patience, and practically dragged His Highness away. He seemed to be saying something until the very end, but I simply smiled and saw him off.
A man who had been watching the scene in silence remarked, "Rumors really can't be trusted, can they?"
The speaker was Professor Ewing, my homeroom teacher, whom His Highness had just introduced to me. Incidentally, he had been my homeroom teacher in my second year during the previous timeline as well. With a friendly smile like a large dog and orange hair that spiked in every direction, he was a very popular teacher, being only in his late twenties.
Professor Ewing scratched his head and looked away awkwardly. "Ah, I suppose I should say this," he muttered, turning back to me with a serious expression.
"There's something I need to tell you first."
"Yes, what is it?"
"I may be from a baronial family, but as a teacher, I treat all students equally. I want you to understand that I won't change my attitude just because you're the Crown Prince's fiancée or the daughter of a Marquis."
"Yes, of course. I look forward to working with you."
Professor Ewing blinked in surprise when I bowed to him. Some teachers were lower-ranking nobles or commoners, yet within the Academy, a teacher's position was higher than that of the children of high-ranking nobles. In the past, I had been dissatisfied with that fact, but now I saw it as only natural.
This Academy was an environment for nurturing the people who would support the country's future. That meant the teachers here had to be exceptionally talented. They were here because their abilities were recognized. In the Order of Mages and the Knights, meritocracy was the rule. In other words, this Academy was a microcosm of that meritocracy, preaching equality.
That said, students still respected social standing as a matter of unspoken agreement. Learning proper etiquette was crucial for their future in social circles. This was especially true for noble daughters, who were often outside the realm of meritocracy; for them, rank was very important. Failing to understand that would lead to great difficulties after graduation.
"Well then, let's head to the classroom. Since you skipped the first year, there's probably a lot you don't know about the Academy. If anything happens, just let me know."
"Yes. Thank you very much."
I walked alongside Professor Ewing until we reached a door with the sign 2-A.
Ah, so the class hasn't changed.
Since each year was divided into five classes, I had hoped I might end up in a different one. But it seemed that wasn't to be. The fact that I was in this class was something that wouldn't change. I let out a quiet sigh where the professor couldn't see.
I followed him into the room. I felt the students' gazes turn toward me all at once. I looked around the room timidly and saw familiar faces.
Ah, I knew it. They're in this class too.
At the end of my gaze were the girls I had once called friends, sitting in their seats and looking at me with soft smiles.
"I'll introduce the student who will be joining this class starting today."
"I am Rachel Marcel. Due to various circumstances, I will be attending the Academy starting this year. I would be happy if we could become friends."
"Everyone, please help Miss Marcel with anything she might not know."
Most of the students' faces showed clear curiosity or welcome. However, some remained indifferent. In the past, I hadn't taken much interest in my classmates. But looking at them now, I realized there were so many different students.
"Now, for your seat... the one next to the class representative is empty."
"Yes, right here."
The one Professor Ewing called the representative raised her hand quickly. She was a female student with long, reddish-brown hair tied into two braids and black-rimmed glasses. Ah, she had been the class representative in the past as well. Natalia Abbott, the daughter of a Count. I had never really spoken to her before, but I knew her to be serious and fair-minded.
"Pardon me for taking the seat next to you. May I call you Abbott-san?"
"Yes, Miss Marcel."
"I look forward to getting to know you."
"Likewise."
As I moved to the seat the professor indicated, Abbott-san's sharp eyes softened slightly as she gave a polite greeting.
Professor Ewing watched me take my seat and then began taking attendance. He followed with an explanation of the first term's events, and the morning homeroom ended with the ringing of the bell. The professor seemed to have a class in another room and hurried out.
The classroom immediately filled with the buzz of conversation. I felt gazes from around me, but no one approached to speak; they were watching me from a distance.
What should I do? This is awkward.
Thinking about it, my face might look a bit stern and scary. On top of that, I was a Marquis's daughter and the Crown Prince's fiancée. I was a dangerous person to talk to—one wrong move and they'd be on a landmine. It made sense when I thought about it. Of course no one would talk to me. Making friends might be more difficult than I thought.
I glanced at Abbott-san next to me. She had already taken out her textbook for the next class and was previewing the material. Maybe I should try talking to her? Ah! I know, I could ask her a question about the next class.
My heart pounded as I opened my mouth to call out to her. At that moment—
"It has been a long time, Rachel-sama."
Standing before me was my former friend, Katrina Higgins, the daughter of a Marquis, smiling brightly.
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