kscans

Chapter 16 - Chapter 1. Part 1, The World Through the Eyes of Rilka, a Commoner Student

"Today is definitely going to be a good day."

I spoke to Mia in the buzzing classroom after our lessons had ended. The last class was Numeracy.

At the academy, we can freely choose which lectures to take. Noble students select a variety of lectures to maintain a well rounded education. That is only natural, since they will one day stand above us and manage people with all sorts of skills.

We commoner students, on the other hand, tend to focus our studies. For me, the daughter of a merchant family, Numeracy is one such subject. I met Mia in this very class.

"You say that every day, Rilka, so statistically speaking, it’s meaningless."

"That is not true. I just passed Luiza-sama in the hallway. When I curtsied, she gave me a lovely smile. Today is special."

"I do not think anything good can come from getting involved with noble ladies."

As I failed to hide my excitement, Mia replied with her usual, half asleep expression.

"That is not true at all. We commoner students are here to find patrons to serve in the future. Of course, until a husband is chosen for her, Luiza-sama, as the viscount's heir, is out of reach. But the way she carries that pressure as a woman is truly wonderful. She is much better than, well, that somewhat gloomy princess... Oh, no, that is not what I mean. Not like a criticism or anything. You know, she seems kind, but sort of unreliable. They say the recent monster flood was mostly handled thanks to the prince's genius command and the wisdom of our academy's pride, Fulsy the Sage."

I rattled on in a fluster. I guess that just shows how naive I still am, not even knowing we had someone as amazing as a Sage here. Well, he is an old man, so it is probably fine.

"I see, so that is the story they are telling."

"Story? What do you mean? Anyway, the point is that Luiza-sama is wonderful. You should gather more of this kind of information too, Mia. Your future depends on it."

"Yes, I am grateful to you, Rilka."

"Oh, uh, yeah. And I am grateful to you for always helping me study for Numeracy, thank you."

"However, my future is already decided."

"Ugh. You mean with Vinder, don't you? I hate to say it, but I think it is a waste. You could do so much better, Mia. I mean, just yesterday the Sage was talking to you, was he not? Being able to discuss Numeracy with the Sage is incredible. With that boy, your talent is just going to waste."

"....................Senpai is far more incredible................"

"Huh? What did you just say? Anyway, that Vinder-kun, he just holes himself up in the library right after school. What is he even here for? Not only that, for a commoner student to do something like pick a fight with Dorefano's son. It is unthinkable."

I said, recalling the incident in the hallway the other day.

As the daughter of a Kenwell subsidiary company, I understand. Defying Dorefano-kun at that point was insane. Mia probably does not know this, but even Kenwell was in danger. That boy does not know the meaning of self preservation.

That is what makes me so angry.

Kenwell came together as one. We worked so, so hard. And we repelled Dorefano's unjust interference.

And Vinder, who just kept committing one foolish act after another, managed to get through the crisis without doing a thing. He was basically saved thanks to our family. I think the gods are unfair.

"Speaking of that boy, there is a strange rumor going around. They say he was the princess's dance partner at the celebration for the monster subjugation. And that he was her first partner, and after dancing with Vinder, the princess immediately left for a royal palace event, so he was the only one she danced with. It is such a ridiculously absurd rumor, though."

"!"

Mia's face clouded over. Mia has feelings for Vinder-kun. But I think it is just something ingrained in her from childhood. Because even when I say bad things about him, she often seems to want to hear more. Of course, she will get angry if I go too far.

I think she must have some complaints about him, one way or another. That is why I have to be the one to open her eyes.

Although, her expression just now was a little scary.

"W-well, let us forget about baseless rumors. So, what are your plans for today? I do not have anything scheduled, so how about we study in the library? There is something I did not understand in class today."

"Why, if it is not Mia-san. Good day."

"Adelheid-sama. Good day."

As we turned a corner in the hallway on our way to the library, I froze. To my surprise, Luiza-sama was the one who spoke to us. To Mia, not to me, but still. Wow, Mia, since when? Aah, this is my chance. Why are you being so casual? Mia often looks expressionless. What if she is misunderstood? You do not have to be like Vinder in that respect.

"Ah, um, my apologies, Luiza-sama. Mia is just thinking about a Numeracy problem I asked her about. I am sure her head is full of it."

"Oh, and you are…?"

"Y-yes, my name is Rilka."

"I see. A friend of Mia-san's, perhaps?"

"Y-yes. Um, my name is Rilka. I... I look up to you, Luiza-sama."

I desperately forced out the words, my tongue feeling tied in knots.

"You know, about the tea party the day after tomorrow, would you like to come as well? A friend of Mia-san's is more than welcome."

"What. Whaaat. U-um, I-I would be honored."

I could not help but shout. To be invited to a tea party by Luiza-sama. This is not a dream, is it?

"Well then. Please give my regards to Ricardo-kun. Make sure you hold on to him so he does not run away. The Princess was worried about him."

"I understand."

While I was still in a daze, Luiza-sama departed. By the time I realized I had not said a proper farewell, her back was already distant. I thought I heard her mention something about a Ricardo, but it must have been my imagination.

"Amazing, amazing. A tea party with Luiza-sama. It is like a dream. Hey, Mia. Why did you not tell me you were on such good terms with Luiza-sama? But really, thank you so much."

As a student at the academy, it is not impossible to be spoken to by a noble, or to speak to them yourself if you have the courage. But being invited to a tea party is special. If you are invited two or three times, it means you have officially earned their favor.

"Do not worry about it. More importantly, this is a library."

"Urk, but still."

I lowered my voice. It was true, even if there was almost no one around. If I was seen as a commoner with no manners, it would affect my future.

"So, um, what kind of preparations should I make? For myself."

"The answer is simple. Make the best preparations you possibly can. There are no other options. Besides, anything you do will be useless."

"Y-you're right. There is no way someone like me could prepare anything suitable."

That is Mia for you. I was impressed by her usual, clear cut answer.

"If it is not Mia-kun."

"What is it, Sage-sama? It is rare to see you in the library."

"Haha, I am the head librarian, you know. Besides, it feels strange to have you call me Sage. No, my office is under renovation, so I have been displaced."

"Ah, Senpai was also looking forward to the new laboratory."

"Is that so? The new equipment is incredible. Tell the lad I have created a formula to compensate for over a hundred years of decay."

The Sage laughed as he said this. I did not really understand why the conversation had turned to Vinder. And I could not comprehend what they were talking about. Mia must be amazing.

"I-I am getting nervous."

Three days passed in a flash. After school, standing before the path that led to the courtyard, I checked my appearance. I could not count how many times I had already done it, but it could not be helped. The most lavish tea party I had ever attended was for a baron's daughter, and I was only there as an attendant for Lady Maria of Kenwell.

Besides, I only got to attend this party thanks to Mia. If I mess up, I will embarrass her too.

"No being timid, Rilka."

I psyched myself up and took a step forward.

"Well, if it is not Rilka."

"Zeldia... senpai."

Oh great, what a bad omen. Zeldia is a year above me. She is the eldest daughter of the Calest Company, Kenwell's rival. Calest is a slightly larger company than Kenwell, with a business sphere not only in the Royal Capital but also in the eastern core city of Kurtheite. Besides food, their strength lies in controlling one of the country's leading rock salt production areas.

In other words, they are our rivals for the Food Guild now that Dorefano is gone.

"What are you doing here? I, for one, am delivering something to Hilda-sama. She has taken a particular liking to my family's sweets. I am sure she will grace our booth at the Shoken Festival. After all, your status is defined by who you can invite."

I flinched at Zeldia's words. Hilda-sama, the daughter of the Grand Duke of Kurtheite, is engaged to the Second Prince.

"The Shoken Festival is only a month away. Do you have any prospects?"

"I have also been invited to a tea party," I said, not wanting to be outdone. Unlike Dorefano, who was an honorary baron, we are just a mid tier subsidiary of Kenwell. But that does not mean I will let another commoner intimidate me.

"Oh? In this area? It must be a noble's party then. Quite impressive. Who could it be?"

"I believe it is the third gazebo from the entrance."

"Huh? ... Pfft, hehe."

"Wh-what is it?"

"Oh, nothing. Well, I understand wanting to climb the social ladder, but you really should not say such far fetched things. See you."

Zeldia covered her mouth and walked away. What was that all about? I mean, I know that being invited by a viscount's daughter, no, the heiress, Luiza-sama, is far above my station, but still.

I have to do my best. Yes, I will go in there with the goal of inviting Luiza-sama to our mock shop. I know it is aiming way too high, but I have to try.