kscans

Chapter 81 - Chapter 2. The Rose Dress

I was walking down the corridors of the academy for the first time in a week.

Outside the windows, winter had fully arrived. The kingdom’s winters, where it only snowed a few days a year, were comparable to those in Shikoku, Japan, and were relatively pleasant. The harsh part was the lack of air conditioning, let alone a kotatsu.

Furthermore, the academy was warmer than the Vinder Company, which was still at its Copper Company rank. While it had been a long time since tea parties were held in the courtyard, the library was still dotted with a few people. Come to think of it, I haven't been there recently.

Should I gather data for the anko venture? Though I already researched rice right after I enrolled here. No, maybe I should go with anpan after all. But I wonder if I can even make anpan with the bread they have here.

"…kun."

Japanese bread has a completely different softness, after all. No, no, I should push anko as its own thing. If that's the case, then Belmini's…

"Ricardo. The princess is calling you."

"Huh. Ah, yes. My apologies."

Prodded by Clau, I hurriedly looked beside me. Alfina was there with a slightly troubled expression. It seemed this was her first time back at the academy in a while, too.

"Could it be about that girl again... no, I mean that jam. You called it 'an,' didn't you, Ricardo-kun? About that 'an' from the girl, An..."

Alfina seemed to be struggling to find her words. Thanks to that, Clau was now glaring at me.

"That's right. We're scheduled to have a meeting about it tomorrow."

It will be my first time visiting her family's home. I'm nervous. They're a Silver-rank company, just like us now. I hear my father has some dealings with them.

"That's a shame. I must be in the Sanctuary..."

Alfina lowered her face. I was instantly pulled back to reality.

The anko project is driven largely by my own personal desires, it can't be compared to a prophecy. We couldn't prevent the last one beforehand. What's more, Alfina pushed herself too hard and collapsed.

"Is it the crystal again?"

I lowered my voice.

"That's what we don't know. The image... it's too faint to even be called a premonition. So for now, we can only watch and wait."

"I see..."

For the time being, there are no signs of a monster flood in either the east or the west.

But there is one more unsettling factor. The survey trip to Bertold revealed a very faint magic energy signature spread across the western region. According to Fulsy, it’s far too weak to be called a proper magic vein. On the bright side, it did clear up the measurement noise that was our original objective.

Of course, you could also say we only found it because of the increased sensitivity of Fulsy’s improved instruments, so it's possible such fluctuations have occurred before. It's frustratingly too faint for the tree ring records to be of any use.

Still, considering the recent changes in the magic veins, it’s undeniably eerie. Speaking of which, Mia has been summoned by Fulsy for that very reason. She's to calculate whether the differences in the measured values from each location are statistically significant.

Come to think of it, the lumber from the Empire has finally arrived. Trade with them is finally starting to move. I need to analyze it as soon as it reaches the Royal Capital.

"If a prophecy does appear, please don't overdo it, and let me help. Promise me."

I looked at Alfina, my expression making it clear I wouldn't back down. She suddenly blushed.

"...You're right. We are friends, after all. But for that very reason, I want to be of use to you too, Ricardo-kun. You're always the one helping me."

"Not at all. You were a tremendous help last time, from the matter with the workshop to persuading the Chancellor."

"Do you really think so? I'm sure you could have done much more, Ricardo-kun..."

"That’s where you’re wrong. I swear to you, that is something I could never have done."

According to Euphilia, it was Alfina’s detailed understanding of the bearing business and, above all, her character that persuaded the Chancellor. It must be what they call personal virtue. A trait I most certainly do not possess.

The Chancellor seems to be a man who understands numbers, but I don't think I could have convinced him in that situation, no matter how many figures I presented.

"I understand. But please, let me help with the company as well."

"Of course. This concerns sweets, after all. I'll be counting on you."

Alfina beamed at my words. Thinking about it, calling her a business partner feels more fitting than a shareholder. It was only supposed to be a little advice at first. When did things get to this point...

"The hallways are rather noisy, aren't they?"

Am I feeling like an uncle who just noticed his niece has grown up? I changed the subject in a panic.

"Well, of course they are," Clau said, as if it were obvious.

Something must be going on. I either wasn't told or I've already forgotten. As I searched my unreliable memory, a crowd of people approached from down the hall.

At its center was a flamboyant girl in a pink dress. She was accompanied by several ladies-in-waiting whose clothing was made of a finer-looking fabric than that of an ordinary student. Her brunette hair was swept up in an ostentatious style. She looked to be about my age. I've never seen her before.

Though, it's possible I have seen her before and just don't recognize her with a different hairstyle.

As she drew closer, the extravagance of her dress became apparent. The bodice was simple, but the skirt was adorned with three-dimensional roses crafted from fabric. Even if she wasn't a student, it wasn't something one would wear to the academy. Rose patterns, huh.

"Well, if it isn't Alfina."

She apparently knows Alfina. Then again, I wonder how many people in the kingdom can address her so informally. Incidentally, I am not included in that number. Only when a very specific situation allows for it.

"Princess Doriustia. It has been a while."

Alfina replied calmly. So she was royalty, after all. Doriustia, which princess was she again? I did a little studying after getting involved with the Third Prince's faction. One must adapt and learn in a changing environment, or one’s life will be at risk.

She was the Third Princess, I believe. I'd only seen her briefly at the New Year's Festival. I think she was the same age as Alfina.

Putting aside the First Princess, who married into a ducal house near the Royal Capital, the Second and Third Princesses weren't supposed to be strongly aligned with any particular faction.

"My, so the rumors about commoners mixing in at the academy were true."

Just when I thought she was about to begin a long seasonal greeting, the princess looked at me, standing beside Alfina.

"You're Count Adele's daughter, I recall. How could you, her guard, allow some unknown commoner boy to walk alongside Alfina, who is, in name at least, a member of the royal family?"

In name only... Well, Alfina's value doesn't come from being royalty, so I don't really care. Besides, her treating me like a background character shows she has promise as a royal.

"Um, this person is involved in Lady Alfina's cosmetics business. He has the permission of Grand Duchess Bertold and is by no means a suspicious individual."

"Oh, my. Now that you mention it, I heard her village is quite small. I suppose they are used to being in close proximity with commoners."

Doriustia offered a mocking smile. Is this the Hilda pattern? Is she the type who's just jealous of Alfina? In that case, leaving things as they are is for the best.

That's right, Leylia is a tiny, insignificant village. In reality, the honey alone will generate a substantial income, and we're planning to plant cherimoya seedlings too.

I don't know how much the Third Princess has to spend on cosmetics, but our economic power will soon surpass hers. That's why I need her to let her guard down like this.

Let them underestimate you and lower their guard. By the time they notice, it's already checkmate. That's my ideal way of fighting.

As I was assessing the Third Princess's merits, I noticed Alfina digging her nails into the back of her hand.

"Princess Doriustia. Ricardo-kun is my dear partner."

Alfina declared. She left out the word "business." Instantly, the Third Princess's brow furrowed.

"Vinder... I do recall there was a commoner who received an undeserved reward from Brother Craig-niisama's scraps. Ah, I see now. Wagging your tail for Alfina. I believe Brother Delnius-niisama said something about that as well."

"That's not true. Ricardo-kun is..."

Alfina tried to step forward. Thinking this was a bad idea, I pulled on her right sleeve. At the same instant, Clau pulled on her left. Seeing our perfect synchronization, Alfina retracted the foot she had started to move forward. The Second Prince's name has come up.

"P-Princess Doriustia, why have you come to the academy?"

Clau asked, trying to smooth things over.

"Let’s see. An inspection, I suppose. It should be your master's role, as she attends the academy, but it might be considered rude to send the adopted Alfina. So I took the trouble of coming myself."

Clau's smile stiffened. I was irritated, but at the same time, a question arose. I found it suspicious that this walking embodiment of privilege would come to "inspect" an "academy where commoners attend."

"Your Highness. The procedures are complete."

A middle-aged woman, likely a lady-in-waiting, curtsied and spoke to Doriustia. With a "Well then. Good day," Doriustia turned with a flourish of her skirt. I had to admit, she was impressive for managing a skirt so long it looked like she would trip if she wasn't careful.

I hope she continues to spend her precious resources like time and energy on things like that.

"I'm sorry. Princess Doriustia said so many rude things."

"Being underestimated means nothing to me. The Second Prince's name came up, too. It's better this way than standing out."

In fact, I welcome it. If she ever becomes a real threat to Alfina or the Vinder Company, I'll be more than happy to take full advantage of her carelessness.

"...You're right. You do stand out quite a lot, Ricardo-kun."

Alfina looked at me with concern. Her gaze reminded me a little of Mia's. This situation just keeps outpacing my ability to protect myself, so I don't think it's my fault.

"About the an... I will do my best to join next time. Please be sure to invite me."

Alfina reminded me emphatically as we were about to part ways.

"Of course. I'll be counting on you for the taste-testing."

I said it without a hint of flattery. A partner, huh... Well, it wouldn't be strange at all to call her a board member, a partner, now.

Prophecies take precedence over anko, but that princess's priority is below anko. They aren't even comparable. I'll just pray things stay that way.