Chapter 12

That evening, after pouring a torrent of nagging on the returning Lilian, I was finally able to take a brief rest once the sun had set. Feeling a little adventurous, I decided to take a walk and get familiar with the Academy’s layout. I stepped outside, gazing at the bright, full moon.

Apatem Academy boasts a massive garden, home to hydrangeas, roses, and various trees, making it a famed spot known throughout the Academy. Honestly, I had heard so much about it even before arriving that I wanted to see it for myself, so I headed straight in the direction of the garden. Of course, I was also keeping an eye on the layout as part of my duty.

As an employee of the House of Portus, I couldn’t just be careless with my tasks. I justified my excursion to the garden in that light. Wasn’t it said that a nighttime garden was even more beautiful? Fireflies twinkled in the night, and the moonlight illuminated the flowers, causing their petals to exhibit a soft hue.

To be honest, I had obliterated most of my memories from my time as a male, but the sentimental feelings from that era still lingered. While I couldn’t claim to love flowers, I figured that now that I had come this far, it would be a shame not to take in at least one famous sight. Sure, I could visit anytime over the three years the Young Lady would be at Apatem Academy, but opportunities to sneak out at night like this were quite rare.

The dormitory where the Young Lady and I stayed wasn’t too far from the garden. After all, the garden was originally established for students in the dormitory to come and relax. After walking for about five minutes, I spotted the entrance to the garden and cautiously stepped inside. Contrary to my expectation that it would be locked, the door was wide open, and I felt no presence of anyone else.

After all, if the nighttime garden was famous, it probably wouldn’t be closed off. As I stepped in, I couldn’t help but utter an “Oh!” The flowers, bathed in moonlight, shyly revealed their faces, while fireflies and unknown flying insects busied themselves in the air. I was a little enchanted, and I ventured further inside.

“Hm, a visitor at this hour. Who might it be?”

“…?”

I turned my gaze toward the source of the voice, and there, partially hidden by a tree, was a shadowy figure that resembled a doll, illuminated by the moonlight.

“Excuse me, but who are you?”

“I’m an Academy student… And you?”

“I’m the maid of the Marquis of Portus.”

“Hm, so you’re the infamous maid everyone’s talking about?”

The delighted voice, filled with a hint of a snicker, flowed into my ears. Just how far has that rumor spread? I sighed inwardly, nodding my head. Whatever the case, her tone and demeanor suggested she belonged to quite a high-ranking family.

“I don’t know what rumors you’re talking about, but there’s only me as the maid of the House of Portus.”

“Well, I know that. You’re the only one who can withstand the Marquis’ terrible temperament, right?”

“Please refrain from insulting the Young Lady.”

“Heh, you speak like that without even knowing who I am. Definitely loyal.”

With that, the woman began to step out from behind the tree. She was a mysterious figure, her long, purple hair—a symbol of the Imperial family—flowing gently. I had an inkling about her the moment I spotted her hair, but indeed it was her…

“I, a lowly being, present myself before the royal family.”

As I knelt on one knee and greeted her, she just smiled and gently took my hand, helping me rise. The shock of a mere maid being held by her hand made me stare in astonishment, and her smile only grew wider.

“Are you really that surprised?”

“Yes, I am quite surprised.”

“Haha! They say the maid of the House of Portus is something special, and it seems it’s true.”

In a burst of laughter, I stood there dumbfounded, watching her. Her laughter grew louder and louder.

“I thought you were a cold, aloof beauty, but you have your silly side too.”

“Si-silly?”

“Well, it’s amusing. You have the strength to take on knights and you’re nearly the only one capable of controlling the Marquis’ wild antics.”

“The Young Lady is not some wild pony.”

“Well, I guess that’s true. The way she behaves makes even a wild pony seem cute.”

Slightly touched by her comment, I searched my memory for any friction between Princess Chloe and the Young Lady, but nothing came to mind. The two rarely had clashes; after all, Princess Chloe was deemed capable enough to be the next Crown Prince had she been male, while the Young Lady could not be described as equally capable.

While Princess Chloe diligently attended seminars and salons to build her skills and connections, the Young Lady remained somewhat isolated. If not for my sincere affection toward the Young Lady, it’s evident she would have been sidelined in high society long ago.

Though I’d be the first to deny it, the Princess’ assessment was indeed accurate. A wild pony. But it would be incorrect to say I was the one capable of controlling her. Sure, she would listen if I pleaded, but she often interpreted my requests her own way, leading to other mayhem.

Typically, when I asked her not to cause a ruckus at a party, she’d take her antics to the balcony or garden instead. So when I said, “Please don’t make a scene,” she’d pout and mutter a “But I don’t want to.”

Of course, once I gave her a hug, she’d quickly feel better. Still, it was in that blissful state that Lilian von Betus often caused trouble at gatherings.

“Do you have something to say?”

Thinking she would leave after saying what she wanted, I felt a bit pressured by the way the Princess was just standing there staring at me. So, I mustered the courage to speak, and the Princess replied without a hint of annoyance, suggesting she was quite tolerant compared to some noble folks who would slap you before you even spoke.

“Hmm? Ah, yes. I see. You mentioned you defeated two knights, right?”

“Those two wouldn’t even rank as knights if we’re talking about the Empire.”

“Still, that means you have some level of prowess, don’t you?”

“Yes, I have been training since childhood to protect the Young Lady.”

Thinking hard about my sharp reply, the Princess paused for a moment before resuming.

“…Do you truly have no intentions of coming to the Imperial family?”

“I am the Young Lady’s maid.”

“Tsk. Such loyalty. You’re simply perfect.”

I felt a chill at the Princess’ tongue-click and quickly changed the topic.

“Was that the only thing you wanted to say?”

“Of course not. It’s just that your character and demeanor happen to leave a great impression on me.”

Letting out a small sigh, she pondered where to begin and slowly continued.

“Currently, there are two factions at Apatem Academy.”

“Two factions, you say?”

“Right. The first faction is, naturally, those around me.”

“That’s to be expected.”

“Indeed, as members of the Imperial family must reign.”

Speaking of which, Jeron didn’t seem to care for such matters. While I nodded along to myself, the Princess narrowed her eyes at me.

“Jeron is still young. That’s why he isn’t interested in ruling yet.”

“…”

Is she psychic?

“…I digress. Anyway, the second faction is everyone except the Empire.”

“Even without the Empire, their faction is not that large, is it?”

Though Apatem Academy is located in a free city, it couldn’t escape the influence of the Empire. Right now, the Academy’s primary funding was directly from the Imperial family. The second faction, of course, was the House of Portus.

“Hmm, you got that right. Their power was originally not very large…”

“But?” As I looked at her lips, she cleared her throat and continued. It seemed slightly bashful for me to focus so intently on her words.

“Recently, their power has unexpectedly surged. And it eventually reached the fact that the one you defeated, Prince Bellus, is behind this increase.”

“Hmm… Is this thanks to the House of Portus?”

“Half correct. It’s well-known that Prince Bellus is engaged to the Young Lady of the House of Portus.”

“And the other half?”

“It’s Prince Bellus’ cunning. That sly man has woven his words and ensnared the princes and princesses of all the small nations, drawing them into his alliance. They wouldn’t have banded together otherwise.”

“So, what does this have to do with me?”

I couldn’t wrap my head around this conversation, so I interrupted her, but the Princess merely flashed a grin without appearing upset.

“I’d like you to protect me.”

“What?”

“Unlike Prince Bellus, I don’t have knights hiding for me. I need someone within the Academy to guard me.”

“Hmm…”

I was already busy assisting the Young Lady; now I had to protect the Princess too? Just as I was about to decline, she quietly opened her mouth.

“Of course, I won’t ask you to help me unconditionally. In the future, I’ll assist your ‘Young Lady’ in making her entrance into high society.”

“…Really?”

“I never speak out of both sides of my mouth.”

Hearing her confident declaration, I let out a small internal sigh. If I could receive the support of the Princess, who held the reins of imperial social circles, countless noble families would come flocking to us with bags of gold. If I could secure that support with just one favor, it was a no-brainer.

“Understood.”

“Nice. Then I look forward to working together for a while.”

The Princess, beaming, extended her delicate hand toward me. What’s this? I stared at her in confusion, and she gasped lightly, then waved it off as nothing and hurriedly left.

…Wait, what was that about?