Rozalia's student life has been favorable so far.
Even if Alexis came to bother her at every opportunity, asking who she was interested in. Even if she was persuaded every time to stop doing reckless things.
If Rozalia ignores all of that, then there's no problem at all. If she insists that it's fine, then it's fine.
―If I pretend to be aloof in the beginning, then he couldn't speak to me, let alone cry or make a fuss.
Despite that, even if Alexis was constantly fretting over his sister, he hasn't neglected in his pursuit of Lutier. It seems that he will be joining the student council next year, so he was rather busy nowadays.
With this, it's relatively easy to escape his interrogation since he was pretty occupied most of the time.
Whenever there's free time before or after classes, Alexis, Renwild, and Lutier would come to talk to her. However, she couldn't blend in eagerly with the group.
It wouldn't bother Rozalia if she couldn't talk to anyone, but she needs to be friendly for the sake of her image and also in order to get closer to Cade.
So Rozalia decided not to concern herself with the somewhat civil conversations with Lutier, the discomfort of her secretly probing around for answers, and the occasional glare she conveyed in her direction.
Living in a dormitory is something Rozalia wasn't used to, but she somehow managed to endure her stay due to Miria and Gredior's full support.
Moreover, the food in the cafeteria was first class, and seemed fresh.
A considerable number of people gather in a large area where they can order whatever they want. Although the cafeteria was always bustling, it isn't inconvenient because it's where only nobles gather.
The Academy was as vast as she had read in the book, and she had a hard time hiding her excitement on the first day.
However, the internal structure isn't what was described, and there existed areas that were available only to the selected privileged group.
The royal family, Renwild, and a few student council members fall into this category. It seems to be a standard to avoid trouble around popular students.
Indeed, the elite members, who are academically talented and charismatic, are all those who want to establish connections before graduation. The same goes for the royal family.
Rozalia was also incorporated into this privileged group just because she was the "Rose Princess".
Normally, her existence would likely provoke hostility, but that's also the main reason why she's not allowed to combined with the masses. Even those who are dissatisfied with the current situation cannot express their grievances.
The senior members in the student council seem to be busy at the moment, and she hardly ever run into them, even at mealtimes.
They appeared to be quite flexible in their schedule, whether early in the morning or just before lights out. However, in the end, it means that Rozalia was almost alone with Renwild.
Even now, Renwild, who sits next to her, was helping himself to a steak cooked in red wine.
"Have you gotten used to the food here?"
"Yes. The food at home is delicious, but the chefs here are also first class. I suppose it's to be expected since they're serving the royal family as well."
It doesn't seem like an ordinary school cafeteria with its refined structure and rich ambiance. The venison stew that Rozalia ate was superb, and despite the type of meat used, it was tender and doesn't smell pungent at all.
"With such a wonderful meal, I feel like I want to enjoy after-meal tea leisurely rather than taking classes seriously."
It is only natural for nobles to enjoy tea after meal for about an hour or so. However, it is not possible if you are inside the academy since you have to adjust to the classes' schedule.
"I noticed in our joint class, but it doesn't look like you're taking classes seriously."
"Oh, so you've noticed?"
"That's because it's quite obvious that you're thinking about something else. But well, I think you've completely fooled the teachers."
Rozalia didn't feel like listening to the boring lessons, and she barely managed to survive by pretending to be serious, but it seems Renwild wasn't fooled.
Partly because Rozalia was with Renwild most of the time, she was close enough to talk to him in a casual tone. The only regrettable thing is that even though Cade is Renwild's personal royal guard, he can't sit at the same table.
It's a pity that they can't eat together with an escort, otherwise, she might be able to get a little more time with Cade. Rozalia was still grateful though. She was able to get closer to Cade, thanks to Renwild, but she didn't have a chance to talk more.
But love isn't the only thing that worries her at the moment.
Rozalia sighed wistfully as she rested her hand on the table.
"I enjoy eating with Prince Renwild, however... the subtle glares are a little troubling. For a quick solution, should I show them my excellence? So that they'll know I'm good enough to stand right next to you."
Renwild couldn't help but laugh at her unique suggestion and recommended something that he suddenly thought up.
"Indeed. I know the quickest way to solve this. You should get the top ranking in the incoming first term test. It will be held at the beginning of next month, and the results will be posted on the bulletin board."
"First term test?"
"Well, you're a newly enrolled student, so you probably don't know. You haven't heard from your teacher yet, I presume."
According to him, there are three aptitude tests each year. The most important test is the latter half that will be held at the end of the year, and depending on the result, it will affect whether you'll accel a grade or not.
The first term test has a small number of subjects and is relatively difficult. But as long as you study properly, you can definitely earn high marks.
After finishing the explanation, Renwild laughed.
"However... isn't it possible that there will be another misunderstanding about a woman who is worthy to stand next to me?"
His eyes glistened mischievously, and he implied that she might be misunderstood as a consort candidate, which then lead to ladies aiming for the position to become increasingly jealous.
Renwild's fiancé died about a decade ago. Since then, the seat next to him has remained vacant.
Certainly, the daughter of the Marquisate family is deserving of the position in terms of status. However, Rozalia had the single biggest disadvantage.
"... They wouldn't even think that a 'Rose Princess' would become a prince's consort."
None of the successive "Rose Princesses" has married into the royal family. Rather, the royal family steered clear from the Sertfell bloodline itself, in order not to produce a "Rose Princess" from the royal family by any chance.
Rozalia was a complete haven for the daughters who were aiming for the position of Renwild's consort.
Renwild tilted his head as he moves a little closer to her.
"You don't understand your own value, do you?"
"???"
"There will certainly be many obstacles to becoming a prince's consort, however, you are worthy."
His voice was as small as a whisper but it cannot hide the seriousness it's giving off. If you look closely at those emerald eyes unique only to the royal family, you will be completely sucked in.
"Prince Renwild... that was quite an invitation."
"Your boldness to call it an 'invitation' is already the most charming thing a consort candidate could say."
"......"
As I've learned recently, His Highness was a person who jest at ease.
He still wore that kind smile on his face, but his words probably doesn't mean anything. He must be aware of Rozalia's feelings towards Cade.
―But, that "boldness" is probably the real intention of this person.
Suicide was the cause of death for Renwild's young fiancée.
His kindness and unconventional way of thinking... The feeling of loneliness and isolation hidden behind his jokes must have come from the sadness of that time.
―Everyone has a burden to carry on their shoulders... Even if they're not the "Rose Princess".
Rozalia parted her lips in a small smile after taking a sip of fruit tea and said mischievously,
"I'm pleased to hear that. I probably marry later than others but I'll be glad if you could take me in by then."
"Does that mean I won't get to take in a consort candidate in the meantime?"
"That's not what I meant. The position of a concubine is enough for a person like me."
"I have no plans to welcome you as a concubine, and also... how many wives do you think I will take in the first place?!"
Renwild was exasperated but still regains his usual tone as he jokes around.
The only thing Rozalia can do for him as a friend is to help in any way she can and Rozalia was also pleased with the subtle exchanges in him.
Renwild's playful eyes suddenly turned serious. This time his words weren't a joke.
"However, it's true when I said you have your own value. It's not something that vanishes easily just because you're the 'Rose Princess'."
"... Yes."
'So you don't need to please others.' It was as if she heard him saying that.
Rozalia nodded gently to Renwild who tried to encourage her instead of the other way around.
His Royal Highness, with who she has exchanged words for the first time after entering to Lestria Academy, became an invaluable friend who would treat her regardless of her status, gender, or circumstances of birth.
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