Qualification
“Th-This is…”
When I stepped into the lecture hall, my eyes were immediately drawn to the blackboard. On it, in bold letters, were the words Three Expelled Students, and beneath them, three names I didn’t recognize at all.
“Who could they be…?”
No matter how long I stared, the names stirred no memories, neither seen nor heard before. That faint haze of unease lingered in my chest as I quietly made my way to my seat.
Just then, Florence-san, who sat beside me, greeted me with her usual morning composure.
“Good morning, Lux-sama.”
Right… If anyone might know something about this, it would be Florence-san.
Seizing the moment, I decided to ask her if she had any idea who the expelled students were.
“Good morning, Florence-san… um, those students listed on the blackboard, why were they expelled?”
“I can’t say I know the full details… but from what I’ve heard, some misconduct came to light, and they even had their noble titles revoked.”
“R-Really…?”
“Yes… Still, I’d say it’s a good thing they were expelled.”
“Those students…?”
“The three boys you sparred with in swordsmanship yesterday, Lux-sama.”
“W-What…?”
The ones who were expelled… were those three?
“But they didn’t show any sign of that yesterday! Why would it come to this so suddenly!?”
“I don’t know either… but if they truly committed misconduct, then I suppose it couldn’t be avoided.”
If they really were cheating, then yes… it makes sense. But still, for something like that to happen now of all times, it’s hard to believe.
“I had hoped I might get along with them eventually. But if they’ve been expelled, I guess that’s no longer possible.”
“…You were hoping to befriend those boys?”
“Even if it wouldn’t happen right away… when I interact with people, I always find myself wanting to connect with them in the end. Given time, I truly believe I could’ve grown close to them.”
I’m a little sad I won’t get the chance now. But if their titles were stripped too, then maybe they’ll reflect on what they did… and become kinder people for it.
“…Yes, perhaps.”
Florence-san nodded with a serene smile, her expression soft and knowing.
And then, she continued.
“I believe you’ll make a wonderful head of a ducal house someday, Lux-sama.”
“…A ducal house? But my family is only of count rank…”
“If you become engaged to me, Lux-sama, you’ll be part of a ducal house.”
“E-Engaged…!? F-Florence-san!”
“Fufu, I’d love to say I was joking, but I’m not. If it’s with you, Lux-sama, I would be happy to become engaged this very instant.”
Florence-san said this with a gentle smile… Engagement.
Father did tell me to find a fiancée while at this academy. Sooner or later, I’ll have to decide. It’s not something I can keep putting off forever, but still, I’m not ready. I wonder what my future will look like…
“…”
Lost in thought, I barely noticed the instructor entering the hall. He gave a cursory explanation, something about financial misconduct behind the expulsions, before starting the lecture.
And when the day’s lessons came to an end, I returned home.
Siana’s Side
As Lux returned to the estate, Violet, in her usual black hood, also arrived and quietly entered Siana’s private chambers.
Siana turned toward her and spoke.
“You’re back… So, how did it go?”
“Just as we predicted, there was movement. The three male students in question were expelled after their misconduct was uncovered, and their noble titles revoked as well.”
Upon hearing this, Siana waited a moment, then asked softly.
“…Is that all?”
“Yes.”
At that, Siana sighed and spoke with measured disapproval.
“So that’s how she chose to act… How soft. What if those three boys had snapped and tried something against Lux-kun?”
“…Perhaps she issued some kind of warning, just in case?”
“That’s exactly what I mean by soft. Unless their lives are ended, the possibility of Lux-kun coming to harm never truly goes away. I’d like nothing more than to go and deal with them myself, but disregarding a ruling made by this country’s system the very next day, no, that would be far from wise.”
To those chilling words, Violet replied with resolute conviction.
“Until the day comes when we may deal with those boys by our own hand, no matter what they attempt, I will protect Rodwell-sama with my life. You have my word.”
Hearing her vow, Siana let a faint smile touch the corners of her lips.
“Good. I’m counting on you…”
With those words, Violet bowed deeply, and Siana, her expression turning solemn once again, spoke.
“This whole affair has made things abundantly clear.”
At Siana’s words, Violet lifted her head and nodded.
“Yes… It seems the way you protect Rodwell-sama and the way Florence-sama does are fundamentally different.”
“Exactly. That woman has no right to be with Lux-kun. If I am to be the one to stand by his side, then it’s time we move our plan forward.”
“As you command… Everything will unfold just as you wish, Ojou-sama.”
And with that, the two of them pressed forward with the preparations to summon Lux to the royal castle, a day now fast approaching.