CHAPTER 160…………………………………………
. Crack (1)
Finally, the day had come.
The day my long-prepared business would bear fruit.
On a day when the season had shifted to the crispness of autumn, a school as beautiful as a castle opened its doors on the Eiren Plains.
“I put a lot of effort into making sure the classrooms, facilities, and dormitories are top-notch.”
A fancy nameplate hung above the main gate.
[Royal Academy]
…Among the congratulators, I could hear whispers: “Huh? Wasn’t it supposed to be the Black Rose Academy?”
I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that.
As I cut the pink ribbon at the gate, cheers erupted from all around.
“Waaaah!”
“Princess, congratulations!”
“Long live the Black Rose!”
I smiled brightly in return and waved at everyone.
Wow, all the hard work was worth it to achieve this.
This year, the inaugural intake would be 100 students.
Since it was the first year, the number was small, but if the results were good, I planned to increase it in the future.
And among the children entering this time, the one who naturally stood out was…
“Demon Princess!”
A boy with black hair tinged with green bounced over, waving at me.
The King and Empress of Illiod had really sent their youngest child to study here!
Compared to the last time I saw him, the prince looked much healthier and, dressed in a child’s uniform, extremely cute.
“I’m glad to see you healthy, Cassandros. Are you doing okay now?”
“Yes…! Thanks to the Demon Princess.”
“By the way, I hope you understand that you won’t be allowed to use the title ‘Prince’ here.”
“Yes! I’ll do my best too!”
Seeing the boy’s face flush with excitement made my own heart flutter.
And others associated with this academy came to offer their congratulations as well.
“Madam Clotho. Andvari.”
These were the two people I had met as children at a salon.
Why were they connected to this academy?
“You both worked hard. Thank you for making uniforms that suit the children so well.”
“No, Your Highness! It is we who are grateful that you trusted us.”
Madam Clotho dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
She had won the fiercely competitive contract to design the Royal Academy uniforms.
And Andvari… has been around longer than I thought.
Still calm, he simply greeted me silently, but thinking of how his words had once influenced me, I marveled at how strange fate is.
“You worked hard too, Andvari. I’ll be counting on you going forward.”
“…It’s an honor, Princess.”
After the slightly choked greeting, familiar faces began to line up.
The Nestor sisters, Glauco, members of the “Black Rose Tea Party,” and…
“Your Highness. Congratulations on finally achieving your long-held wish.”
The person I had been waiting for had arrived.
Holding a bouquet of red roses.
“Ares!”
Suddenly, it felt as if a bright fire had been lit in my chest.
Since being held back by the Epikus sisters, I hadn’t seen him for several days, so I was overjoyed.
But even before I could take a step toward Ares:
“Pr-Princess.”
“Ugh.”
Lethe’s sharp gaze and cold voice made me flinch.
He’s telling me to keep my wits about me since others are watching…
Even my father… he was laughing behind me now, but still…
My back feels icy.
Here, I had to protect Ares.
I took the bouquet with as composed an expression as possible.
“Hmph. Prince, I’ll accept your congratulations graciously.”
“Truly, it’s an honor.”
Ares grinned as he took my hand.
But when he kissed the back of my hand and smiled, I blushed and covered my mouth with the bouquet.
Ah, I wish we could slip away for just a moment…
As I battled these impossible thoughts, a voice carrying laughter came from behind Ares.
“Oh my. You’ve lost your turn to Ares.”
Both Ares and I froze.
Looking up stiffly, I saw Calion smiling brightly.
Ares and I glanced at each other briefly.
Calion said it was fine, but… would it still feel awkward?
What would it feel like if someone you’d known almost all your life witnessed you openly showing affection with someone else?
Ares seemed concerned too, and he signaled me with his eyes.
I’ll step aside first.
Ah, okay.
I shouldn’t feel disappointed, but as Ares turned away, the corners of my mouth drooped on their own.
I quickly fixed my expression and greeted Calion with a smile.
“Sir Icarus, thank you for coming!”
“Not at all. Of course I had to come.”
Calion glanced at Ares as he walked away.
“The Princess seems busy with the upcoming tournament. I see he’s leaving already.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
The very next day was the sword-fighting tournament for the position of ‘Kore Knight Commander.’
The honor at stake was immense, and the competition, I heard, was fierce.
…And because Calion brought it up, a question I had forgotten resurfaced.
‘Do you want to participate too?’
But I couldn’t bring myself to ask—not because of a lack of skill.
I know better than anyone how capable Calion is.
With the ability of “Sound,” he could easily surpass humans even though he was physically weaker than demons.
So if Calion participated, inevitably…
He might end up facing Ares.
I clenched my fist without realizing it.
What would happen then?
Calion tilted his head and smiled gently.
“You hope I won’t participate, Ms. Shion?”
“Huh?”
“You looked gloomy. I suppose you want Ares to win, don’t you?”
“Ah? Well… uh…”
Caught admitting my selfish feelings, my words faltered.
But those blue eyes didn’t blink once, staring directly at me.
“…Can I speak honestly?”
“Of course, Ms. Shion.”
“The thing is… ever since I’ve lived with both of you, I’ve always cheered for both of you at the same time.”
Because if one won, the other would lose.
So I could only ever say, “Good job, both of you.”
“But on that day, I want to cheer properly.”
“….”
“But if you two happen to face each other…”
One precious person would inevitably lose.
I wouldn’t be able to fully celebrate the winner.
But this time, I truly wanted to celebrate with all my heart.
And if possible, I hope it’s Ares.
That was my honest wish.
“…Sorry! I don’t even know what I’m saying.”
Realizing I had said something I shouldn’t to Calion, my face heated up.
“Just ignore me, Calion.”
“….”
“If you participate, there will be many cheering for you—”
“Ms. Shion. Don’t worry.”
“Huh…?”
Calion was still smiling gently.
And, just like Ares earlier, he lightly kissed the back of my hand.
“I don’t wish to become the Kore Knight Commander.”
“….”
“May there be glory only for Princess Tartaros.”
“Yes… Take care going back, Sir Icarus.”
I sent Calion off feeling a bit uneasy.
He smiled fresh and bright, while I alone felt awkward.
Not being interested in the Knight Commander role… means he won’t participate, right?
After all, that was why the tournament was held.
Then on that day, I can cheer for Ares freely.
A long sigh of relief escaped me.
And one more thing.
I took out the ‘Stone of Paradise’ necklace and thought in my head:
Hey, invitation… can you hear me?
Finally, the time had come to make a deal with this old senior.
