Royal Exchange
After arriving at the Noble Academy and placing our belongings in the usual lecture hall, we students made our way to the grand ballroom where the Royal Exchange would take place.
On the way there, I decided to ask Florence-san, who was wearing the same elegant dress from the entrance ceremony, about my morning conversation with Siana.
“Do you know which members of the royal family will be attending today’s Royal Exchange…? Have you heard anything, Florence-san?”
“I haven’t heard anything concrete… but if my intuition is correct, I believe the Third Princess, Felisiana-sama, might be attending.”
“What makes you think so?”
“Just a feeling,” she replied softly.
Florence-san offered her usual serene smile as she spoke.
I had no idea why she suspected Felisiana-sama would be the one to appear, but in the end, we wouldn’t know for sure until the moment arrived.
My heart fluttered with anticipation as I continued on toward the ballroom, eager to see who would be there.
When we reached the ballroom, the space was already alive with people carrying trays of food and musical instruments. Much like during the entrance ceremony, the academy’s director stepped forward to host the event.
“This Royal Exchange is a rare and precious opportunity for you all, future leaders of this nation, to interact directly with the royal family and their associates. It’s a privilege unique to this Noble Academy, and I hope each of you will take full advantage of it and learn much.”
As the director concluded, we students—myself included—responded with enthusiastic applause.
When the applause finally died down, the director continued with a formal tone.
“Now, please welcome Her Highness, the Third Princess, Felisiana-sama, and the esteemed members of the royal household.”
At his words, numerous figures, clearly members of the royal entourage, began to appear from the second-floor balcony of the ballroom. And at the very center of them stood Felisiana-sama.
The hall erupted into another wave of thunderous applause, and as I clapped along with everyone else, I felt a warm swell of joy rise within me.
I’m really going to speak with Felisiana-sama…!
“…”
Caught up in my own excitement, I thought—just for an instant—that Florence-san glanced my way. But it was so brief, I let it pass and turned my full attention back to Felisiana-sama.
Then, Felisiana-sama began to speak.
“It has been about a month since the entrance ceremony. I’m truly delighted to see you all again like this. Today, rather than simply offering words, I, along with the rest of the royal party, hope to engage in a genuine exchange with each of you. I look forward to it.”
Her voice, clear and crystalline, filled the hall as she spoke. The applause that followed was thunderous. It was hard to believe someone so composed and regal could be the same age as us.
After her speech, the guests on the second floor began to descend the staircase. With that, the Royal Exchange truly began, and students started engaging the royal attendees in earnest.
I wanted to speak with Felisiana-sama… but if I approached her right away, it might come off as too forward. Maybe it would be better to wait a little while.
As I wavered, unsure, Felisiana-sama caught my gaze and gave me a gentle smile. That was all the encouragement I needed. It felt like a clear invitation.
“Lux-sama, are you planning to go speak with Felisiana-sama?”
“Yes, I am.”
“…Would you mind if I accompanied you?”
“Of course not!”
Naturally, I was thrilled that Florence-san wanted to come with me. My response came out bright and certain.
She returned a warm smile, and together the two of us headed toward Felisiana-sama. When we reached her, I stepped forward to greet her.
“Felisiana-sama! I’m so happy to see you again!”
“I’m glad to see you too, Lux-kun… And—”
Then, Felisiana-sama turned her gaze slightly past me, to where Florence-san stood just behind.
“It’s been since the entrance celebration party, hasn’t it? You’re Lux-kun’s friend, if I remember correctly?”
Addressed so directly by Felisiana-sama, Florence-san answered with a graceful smile.
“Yes. In the month since the entrance ceremony, Lux-sama and I have grown quite close.”
After that brief exchange, the two of them held each other’s gaze in a moment of quiet, meaningful silence.