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TL: ALT
Chapter 48 – Old Friend
The Royal Academy is structured like a cross between a high school and a university.
Students receive an elementary and junior high school education from private tutors or at private academies before moving on to higher-level studies.
This structure is probably unique to feudal societies.
Students are educated on their own territory during their childhood and then move to the royal capital before reaching adulthood to participate in social events.
However, devoting oneself solely to academics is not enough. They must also expand their social networks and consider their social status, the location of their territory, and their faction. They should also seek marriage partners with whom they have a connection.
Preserving the bloodline is also one of the nobility’s duties.
The eldest son or daughter, who will inherit the territory, must find a spouse, while those without inheritance rights must seek employment.
Even non-noble students seek government positions or build networks to lay the groundwork for their future.
Since most of the population cannot afford to attend university, those who are admitted must have a certain level of bloodline or talent.
The academy offers courses appropriate for the administration of the state and territory.
Mariel seems to have excelled at the academy.
She looked very calm as she headed toward the staff room.
The tension she had displayed in the carriage seemed like a lie.
Wataru thought he was more nervous than she was.
He had always disliked quiet places like schools and art museums because he felt tense when he could hear footsteps and breathing.
“You seem very relaxed,”
“Yes, thanks to you. I feel much better. Once it’s over, I’ll feel silly for worrying so much.”
“You can think that way because you overcame it. I’ve been there too, so I understand.”
“What, even you, Aire?”
“Hey, that’s mean! I have my worries, too!”
“What kind of worries? Like what to have for dinner tonight?”
“Yeah, I can’t decide if I want meat or fish… No, that’s not it!”
Fuga! Aire let out a threatening cry, and Wataru and Mariel burst out laughing.
Their voices echoed down the hallway.
Wataru wasn’t sure if the class was still in session or had already ended, but there was no sign of anyone else.
“Geez, Master, what kind of person do you think I am?”
“Someone who is strong and never has any worries, maybe?”
“That’s not true. I had a lot of worries when I first went into battle, when I kept winning in the arena but ended up becoming a slave, and when Master bought me.”
“I see. I’m sorry. I’ll be nicer to you then.”
“I don’t like that either.”
“You’re so spoiled!”
Aire laughed loudly.
They continued joking around, but Aire certainly had her own worries.
Even though she had the strength to hide them from others, she still struggled and got hurt inside.
Wataru wanted to support her by acknowledging that.
It was a good realization.
“Okay, we’re almost there. Let’s finish up with the jokes, Aire.”
“I’m not joking! I’m serious!”
“Shh.”
“Hmm… hmm…”
Aire glared at Mariel resentfully but remained silent for the time being.
It was good that she knew when to speak and when to stay quiet.
Is this something you learn as a bodyguard?
“Ara, Mariel… Isn’t that Mariel?”
“Fina…”
Just before they reached the staff room, a girl saw Mariel and called out in surprise.
Mariel opened her eyes wide in surprise.
She looked even more nervous than when she had faced Laura.
Her flustered appearance made it hard to believe that she had just overcome her anxiety.
〇〇〇
It doesn’t weigh heavily on your mind to be disliked or despised by someone you never got along with in the first place.
It would be better if it were like Laura, who can get involved with people. But it’s okay to tell yourself that what they think of you doesn’t matter.
Friends are different, though.
Being disliked or despised by someone you once had a close, trusting relationship with leaves a deep wound in your heart.
Mariel and Fina were very close friends during their school days.
Fina, the third daughter of a viscount, was Mariel’s age.
She was intelligent and talented and highly regarded by her teachers.
She was also beautiful, and all of her movements were refined.
Mariel and Fina had similar personalities, so they often studied and ate meals together.
Fina trusted Mariel so much that she considered asking her to be her assistant when she returned to her family’s territory.
However, since Fina could not be her family’s heir, she had to marry or find a job on her own.
Before Fina could mention this to Mariel, she dropped out of the academy.
Mariel had her reasons, but it wouldn’t have been surprising if Fina felt betrayed and asked her why she kept it a secret.
That’s why Mariel was terrified of how Fina would react.
“Fina, it’s been a while. How have you been?”
“…I’m so glad! You’re safe!”
Mariel was overcome with joy when Fina clung to her with tears welling up in her eyes.
“I was so worried about you!”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ve missed you so much.”
“It’s okay. We’re together now. Oh, this isn’t a dream, is it? You’ve become so beautiful and elegant…”
“Yes, yes! You’re beautiful, too, Fina.”
Her voice trembled, and she couldn’t speak.
It was good. Fina had been worried about her.
She was happy and sorry, but above all, she was happy.
Fina is truly a friend she can trust with all her heart.
Mariel tried to hold back her emotions, but tears kept flowing.
Her heart was overflowing.
Her dress was wet with tears.
While part of her mind was worried about that, she hugged Fina.
She could feel it with her whole body.
Her dear friend was still the same, welcoming her with the same warmth and kindness as always.
How happy she was!
She never wanted to betray her best friend’s feelings again.
She wanted them to be close, trustworthy friends forever.
She wanted to be a worthy friend.
Mariel was crying but smiling.
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It is good that Mariel met her BFF. 😄
Thanks for the treat.
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