Intentions
Lux’s Side
The next day, after arriving at the noble academy, I took my seat and exchanged morning greetings with Florence-san, who sat beside me.
“Good morning, Florence-san.”
“Good morning, Lux-sama… It’s been since we met on the outskirts of town during the holiday, hasn’t it?”
“Yes!”
Every time I see Florence-san after a break, even if it’s only been a short time, it always feels like it’s been a while. But since I met Florence-san during the holiday this week, it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long this time.
While I was thinking about that, Florence-san spoke.
“That aside… Lux-sama, it’s about that time again.”
“That time…?”
When she said that, I couldn’t immediately think of what she meant, and Florence-san continued.
“The time of the monthly Royal Exchange.”
“Ahh! Now that you mention it!”
That’s right, it’s almost time for the Royal Exchange again. At the entrance ceremony and the last exchange, the Third Princess Felisiana-sama came all the way to this noble academy, but she must be busy too. Having a member of royalty visit three times in a row seems unlikely. In that case…
“At the next Royal Exchange, it might be the first time since we entered the noble academy that someone other than the Third Princess Felisiana-sama comes to visit.”
When I said that, Florence-san nodded and replied.
“Yes, I’m thinking the same. It would be either the First Princess or the Second Princess.”
“I’ve never met either the First Princess or the Second Princess, so I don’t really know much about them. Have you ever met them, Florence-san?”
“The First Princess seems to be focused on diplomatic relations with other countries, so since I rarely have contact with foreigners, I’ve hardly had any connection with her. I saw her once by chance at a party a few years ago, but only from a distance.”
“I see.”
As expected of the elder sister of the Third Princess Felisiana-sama, the First Princess doesn’t seem like someone you can easily meet. Actually, Felisiana-sama herself isn’t someone you’d normally get to meet either, so the fact that I’ve been able to see her several times might really mean I’ve used up some serious luck.
“As for the Second Princess, I once saw her a few years ago when she personally came to the Duke Florence’s estate. That said, she came to speak with my father about assisting with national mediation, so I was only listening to their conversation from the side.”
“I see… What kind of atmosphere did the Second Princess have?”
“Perhaps because the Florence family was seen not as an obstacle to national mediation, but rather as a house that could lend its strength to it, the Second Princess gave a surprisingly informal impression for a member of royalty, at least compared to the Third Princess.”
“An informal impression… You mean she didn’t feel intimidating?”
“Yes.”
When I asked that, Florence-san nodded in response.
I still have no idea what kind of person the First Princess is, but a royal who doesn’t give off an intimidating presence is rare. I’d like to see the Second Princess with my own eyes.
But still…
“Whoever ends up coming, I’m really looking forward to it!”
When I said that, Florence-san replied with a gentle expression.
“Yes, me too.”
Siana’s Side
While tending to the garden of the Rodwell estate, Siana was thinking about how to create an opportunity for Lux and Violet to spend time together.
“It would feel strange for Violet to suddenly be alone with Lux-kun in a private setting, and doing it as part of something I’m involved in wouldn’t be what Violet wants either.”
Then, she came to one conclusion.
“At the Royal Exchange, Violet, being related to royalty, can participate naturally. Elizalina-nee-sama shouldn’t have any reason to be fixated on Lux-kun at that event, so even if Lux-kun and Violet disappear from the venue, it probably won’t be a big deal. Florence is the only slight issue, but as long as I plan for that, it should work out since the setting is an official gathering. That settles it. Lux-kun and Violet will spend time together on the day of the Royal Exchange.”
Siana was slightly surprised at how perfectly everything lined up, as if the gathering had been arranged just for Lux and Violet. At the same time, she felt happy, as she could already picture the look of joy on Violet’s face.
Elizalina’s Side
Elizalina sat at a terrace table in the royal castle, gazing out at the cityscape while thinking about the Royal Exchange.
“What should I do about the Royal Exchange? When I met Lux as Elina, my hairstyle wasn’t my usual twin-tails, it was long and down, and my outfit was completely different too with that hooded top. So even if I wear a dress and act like royalty at the gathering, Lux probably won’t realize I’m Elina.”
However, if I reveal it myself, that’s another matter. The real issue is whether I should reveal my identity to Lux and try to get closer to him. But…
“If someone sees us and Lux ends up drawing attention, it could be a repeat of what happened with those three male students. And if there’s anyone who holds a grudge against me, Lux could become their target. That means I can’t reveal my identity at the Royal Exchange.”
Elizalina felt a bit frustrated that even though it would be her first time appearing in the same space as Lux as Elizalina, she wouldn’t be able to reveal that she was actually Elina.
“But if it’s just a few words, that should be fine. It’s a gathering meant for interaction anyway, so there’s no issue. Okay, I’ve decided. I’ll be satisfied with exchanging just a few words with Lux that day. I really want to see him soon.”
When Elizalina imagined meeting Lux at the Royal Exchange, her cheeks turned red and a soft smile naturally appeared on her lips.