Volume 1 Epilogue

–While Sophia Rosenberg was rolling around on her bed, in his office, his majesty the king– Theodore was groaning.

He had just received the report on what had happened in the rose garden and was now ruminating on how to respond to it.

Theodore knew for a while that Alforth has been surrounded by noble sons bearing strong thought of elitism, and that their parents were cooperating with the prince’s educator to take suspicious actions.

Even though he knew about it, he decided to leave it alone for several reasons.

In the first place, the elitists within the school were still only a faction of children. If compared to the real thing, what they did was only the equivalent of kids playing house.

One can always try again after failing as a youth, but second chances weren’t given after growing up. The school’s policy was to learn from failures– this was followed by the royal family as well.

There was also a reason as to why it was difficult to intervene.

While the first prince was regarded to be the next king, this hasn’t been confirmed yet. Currently, there was still a chance that the second prince– Alforth, will inherit the throne.

In other words, this situation was part of the power struggle between those who supported their respective princes. While it’s true that directly interfering would cause waves, that was only the tip of the iceberg.

If Theodore ‘protected’ the second prince in an incident that didn’t have any clear evidence of another’s wrongdoings, his actions could spark the fire of a true factional conflict. Therefore, he decided to let the situation slide since any moves he made now would be seen as premature.

(I never would’ve thought this would result in him being scolded by the daughter of the Rosenberg house.)

Theodore deeply sighed. This stance of wait-and-see didn’t come without its own problems. It resulted in the second prince being told off by the daughter of a Marquis.

This wasn’t something he could just laugh off.

(I’m sure I could keep the witness’ quiet, but I don’t think Count Ahle will let this slide.)

The Count’s sons were currently being detained for their transgressions against a Marquis’ daughter. However, this was an incident between children that haven’t inherited any titles, they couldn’t hold them forever.

Once they were released and went home, they would definitely cry to their parents about this. They would embellish the story to their own needs and condemn the daughter of the Marquis for ‘excessive actions’.

However, Count Ahle was someone who supported the first prince.

In order to protect the Marquis’ daughter, it was necessary to accept she was in the right, but to do so was to also admit the second prince’s fault in this situation.

And if they did that, the Count would happily push all of the blame onto him.

He’d probably say that the prince manipulated his sons into doing so.

Problems between school children should’ve never become this big of a problem. Or maybe, he was always prepared to sacrifice those two kids in hopes of raising his status within the factions.

They were the same age despite not being twins, so it probably wasn’t a coincidence for them to have been enrolled into the same grade as Alforth.

Anyways, there was no doubt that Count Ahle was making moves behind the scenes, but they didn’t have any clear evidence of that.

Therefore, a reasonable sacrifice was necessary to silence him.

Though even if he stayed silent, various problems will arise from this incident. The social world was rife with speculations and suspicions.

Unlike the school protected by adults, aristocratic society was gathering of snakes proficient in schemes and trickery.

Therefore, Theodore decided to meet with the daughter of Marquis Rosenberg.

If she could be useful for the royal family, he would reach out to her and make her an ally. If not, he would bestow a punishment to her that wouldn’t cause any actual harm, one that Marquis Rosenberg could accept as him just doing his duty.

After reaching such a conclusion, he ordered his subordinates to summon the daughter of the Marquis.

The courtyard was chosen as the meeting place.

Using such an open space was their way of not putting too much pressure on her. However, Theodore wasn’t the one to think of this, but his wife– Queen Adele who made this suggestion after she decided to participate in the meeting as well.

“Edele, let me just tell you that when Sophia scolded Alforth–”

“I know. Wasn’t it because Alforth was being unreasonable? I don’t know what you thought I was thinking, but I wasn’t going to blame her.”

“…so then why did you suddenly say you wanted to attend?”

Theodore grew suspicious after hearing that she didn’t find the Marquis’ daughter at fault, but Adele was only interested in Sophia because she knew that her son favoured her.

Although she was rumoured to be a saint that had fallen into high-society, Adele didn’t think any twelve year old could really match them. It was probably a false-image prepared by someone behind the scenes.

So now she was trying to find out how much of that gossip was true.

Not that she would say that.

She parried Theodore’s suspicion with an elegant smile.

Soon after, the Marquis’ daughter guided by a servant appeared in the courtyard.

Deep amethyst eyes and lustrous platinum blonde hair. She had an appearance that wouldn’t lose to the rumours, and when she noticed the king and queen, she did a curtsey that would even put adults to shame.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Sophia, the daughter of the Rosenberg house.”

“Hmm… I am Theodore, the king of Ephenia.”

“And I am his wife, Adele. I’m sorry that my husband called you out all of a sudden, so don’t worry about formalities and please relax a bit.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Adele set up the trap, but Sophia didn’t fall for it.

Although this wasn’t a formal occasion, she was still meeting with the king and queen. Moreover, Sophia was only summoned here to discuss the incident at the rose garden.

She’d be disqualified if she let her guard down just because the other party said to relax.

“I’m telling the truth here, so take a seat. If we were to keep an adorable girl like you standing, we’ll end up feeling guilty.”

The proposal was the same as the previous one, but the queen’s intentions were different this time. When Sophia realised that, she immediately responded, “Then please excuse me.”

With no hesitation, she then sat down on the chair pulled out by the servant in a graceful and refined way.

This wasn’t a level a twelve year old girl should be at.

By this point, Adele had already concluded that the majority of the rumours were real.

Theodore’s judgement was the same. Although there were children who could behave like adults on the surface, there weren’t many who could read the trap set earlier.

Yet she dealt with it as if it were only natural.

Such a girl wouldn’t admonish the superior ranked prince solely due to emotions. Completely understanding the situation and she took action knowing the potential ramifications of them.

Theodore completely abandoned the idea of punishing her under the circumstances and decided to bring her in as an ally.

“Sophia, we haven’t called you here to blame you for what happened in the rose garden. In fact, we want to thank you for exposing the people who were manipulating Alforth.”

Rather than punish her for bringing the prince shame, he expressed his intentions to praise her for rectifying his child’s mistakes as a loyal vassal. He didn’t forget to use the card that he was the one that summoned her in the first place.

Theodore went on to confess that he knew about Alforth’s struggles and that he wanted his son to solve them on his own.

On top of that, he expressed his dejection over how the prince couldn’t solve it on his own, but this result was better than the parents forcibly stepping in and having the followers removed.

This was obviously too much information to reveal, but this was all to sell her a favour.

“That’s why we don’t intend to punish you, but…”

“You’re worried about the movements of Count Ahle.”

“Y-yeah.”

While saying that he was grateful, he implied that Sophia’s actions were wrong. With that in mind, he planned to put her in their debt by keeping the Count silent about this matter.

But Sophia passed them a report through the servant before that.

“This is– I see. I-is what’s written here true?”

“Of course, your majesty. This is credible evidence that my exclusive butler procured.”

Theodore audibly swallowed his saliva. What was written on the document was a number of evidences that exposed the injustices and wrongs Count had committed.

Though there were quite a few reliable proofs here, this also brought up numerous questions.

“You, how did you get this?”

After passing Adele the documents, she reacted the same way. Sophia laughed at their reaction and went, “Isn’t it obvious? This is me helping you silence them.”

A chill ran up Theodore’s spine at Sophia’s smile.

Certainly, with this it would easy to keep the Count Ahle in control. If what was written here was true, then they had justification to send his head flying. A person with no head couldn’t talk after all.

He intended to sell a favour to this girl, but before he knew it, they were the ones a favour was being sold to.

“As expected of the rumoured daughter of a Marquis. I’m very glad a wise girl like you took action for my son’s sake.”

Without any of the testing that had happened just before, Adele started moving to draw Sophia in with all her might. While Theodore was a bit surprised by this, he didn’t think it was unreasonable.

If a sly aristocrat turned the tables on them, normally this would be a situation to be upset about. However, the other party this time was still only a twelve year old child.

The king of this country was thrown for a loop by a little girl. This was clearly an aberrant situation.

Theodore could clearly see that Sophia’s ‘abnormality’ surpassed even that of Folsynia– a talented girl who had been educated by the genius Tristan himself.

“Oh yes, Sophia, haven’t you dance with Alforth while he was hiding his identity? For the two of you to reunite at the school, is it possible that the gods are pushing for spring to arrive for my son?”

Losing any dignity he had, Theodore reflexively coughed. Adele’s words were roundabout, but she was undoubtedly hinting at engagement.

But at the same time, he was really glad when he heard that Sophia danced with Alforth.

He was becoming increasingly absent-minded due to the first prince’s supporters. The elitists had taken advantage of him, things had only changed because of this girl here.

On top of that– Theodore observed Sophia.

An ordinary twelve year old wouldn’t understand the subtleties, but she might notice. No, he eyes were already lit up with understanding.

However, this wasn’t something for them to bring up with her directly. If they even wanted to bring this into consideration, they had to first start with her father– the head of the Rosenberg house.

Meaning this was nothing more than Adele acting rashly, and while Theodore contemplated stopping her… he also wanted to know Sophia’s answer.

“…there’s a person I want to walk beside.”

Sophia started speaking words like a maiden in love. Seeing that beautiful and adorable expression of hers–Theodore immediately began thinking about how to propose their children’s engagement with the Rosenberg house’s head.

However–

“He’s always watching over me by taking the lead, but that’s exactly why I’m trying so hard to catch up with him.”

The words that followed weren’t referring to Alforth. Even so, she was far too valuable to give up on. While Theodore juggled such regrets in his head, Sophia continued speaking.

“I will grant that wish of mine. Even if I have to turn the gods themselves into my enemies.”

A clear statement that declared her thoughts would never change, whether it was the royal family or fate itself she had to go against. To fulfill her desires, she would even fight the crown.

Tension shot up through the servants who heard her. At this rate, Sophia will become hostile. Realising that, Theodore immediately opened his mouth.

“…if you truly feel that way, I’m sure the gods will bless you.”

He was indicating that the royal family wouldn’t hold her accountable for what she just said.

Originally this was something that should’ve been said by Adele– who had brought up the engagement, but she was currently hanging her head in shock. Therefore, Theodore spoke up.

The stiff atmosphere finally relaxed.

Everything that followed after could be considered light small talk. He asked her to be Alforth’s friend, and saw her off without anything special happening.

The visit now over, Theodore and Adele moved to the reception room. They chatted for a while to distract themselves, but shortly after, he sighed.

“…Sophia, huh? It’s regrettable, truly regrettable. She’s a talented individual anyone would want a connection with at all costs, but who was she referring to before?”

“Come to think of it, the day of the birthday party she had an escort with her.”

Adele responded as if she had only just remembered.

“Ahh… him. Although we allowed his attendance because Marquis Rosenberg guaranteed his identity, we still had no idea who he was.”

“Yes. If I remember correctly… I believe he was a servant.”

An individual who was just as refined as Sophia. With a gentle smile and a handsome face, he definitely didn’t lose to her at all.

From the ladies who were watching him, they had heard the unidentified boy refer to himself as a butler.

Now remembering that gossip, Adele turned to the corner of the room and asked Tristan, “Do you know anything about him?”

He might’ve been a butler in service of Theodore’s younger brother, but he had access to various information as a teacher at the school. She was sure that he had learned something in his time employed there.

To which he complied and said, “He’s my nephew.”

“You nephew? Then, the butler from the rumours is…”

“No way, that boy really was… a butler?”

Adele and Theodore opened their eyes in surprise.

To be accompanied by a partner wasn’t a relative would be to consider that person a fiancé candidate.

On top of that, it was for the first prince’s birthday party of all things. To have a mere butler escort his daughter was something Marquis Rosenberg could never allow.

But it was none other than the Marquis who had guaranteed the butler’s status. A person who never should’ve been recognised was admitted. It wasn’t hard to guess what his intentions were.

Her interest piqued, Adele asked what kind of person this butler was.

“If I were to describe him in one word, it would be ‘loyal’.”

Tristan went on to explain what had happened in the waiting room.

Alforth had come to him for consultation and he had advised him.

Theodore sighed after hearing that.

“That is to say, he had admitted his blunder of his own will…”

“Rather than that is the fact that he scolded Alforth. He’s lucky we aren’t going to punish him for this, but if this was done in any other country he’d be done for.”

“That’s why I said he’s the embodiment of loyalty.”

In response to Tristan’s words, Adele raised her head. The boy had agreed to act as Alforth’s advisor despite already being in the service of the Rosenberg Marquis house. The word ‘loyal’ wouldn’t work to describe him at all.

“Its because he expects the mistress he serves to enter into the royal family.”

“…is that so?”

Despite the risk of execution, he bet his life to correct the prince because he might one day marry his charge, that’s how loyal he was.

“So he’s really a butler… From the rumours I’ve heard that he’s quite handsome, is your nephew in his late teens?”

“No. Just like Lady Sophia, he’s only twelve years old. He’s even enrolled in my class.”

Theodore and Adele opened their eyes wide at that statement.

–After that, Theodore couldn’t help but feel sympathy for his son after hearing about Cyril’s numerous exploits.

According to Tristan’s report, even the daughter of a Viscount house was taken with him.

His niece and Tristan’s beloved disciple– Folsynia approved of him as well. On top of that, it seemed that all of the servants had high evaluations of the boy.

Theodore couldn’t help but lament how his son never stood a chance, but Adele’s eyes were shining–

“If she won’t become our son’s bride, then let’s just make the boy she would be willing to marry our son instead.”

–as she went on to say such a thing.

Having always wanted a daughter, Adele seems to have taken quite a liking to Sophia. Even putting the idea of adopting a mere butler aside, her thought process was a bit concerning.

“Still, a talented butler and a young lady disciple… they’re just like you.”

“Oh yes, regarding the incident at the rose garden, it seems that her eyes were dyed red back then.”

“…really. Then, she’s also–?”

“Yes, it’s highly likely.”

In response to Tristan’s affirmation, Theodor silently furrowed his brows.

“But your majesty, there’s still hope. If my thoughts are correct, then her exclusive butler– Cyril, could be a gem even beyond myself.”

“…on what basis do you make this claim? Even if he’s an excellent butler, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s as talented as you are, right?”

Having you expectations betrayed hurt.

Therefore, Theodore didn’t try to bring his hopes up.

“Of course, the possibility of disappointment is undeniable. I’m still looking into things, so take my words with a grain of salt, however…”

“Is there a chance?”

“Definitely. The young Lady Sophia and Cyril. Both of them are irregulars. Especially Cyril. I’ve been interested in him ever since he scored fifty one points in the entrance examination.”

–Sophia’s educator was Cyril.

Since she was the disciple of a capable person, it’s no wonder why she’s so talented.

But Cyril himself had no teacher.

He was originally only supposed to have mediocre grades. In fact, he shouldn’t even have appeared at the school until three years from now. He was acting like a completely different person than he should’ve been.

As he speculated the reason why, the edge of Tristan’s mouth raised into a grin.

◆ ◆ ◆

While I was still in conversation with his highness Alforth, Lady Sophia had returned. When she noticed the prince sitting opposite to me, she opened her eyes wide.

“…your highness Alforth?”

“Oh, please excuse me. I was just talking to Cyril about something, but I’ll be leaving now.”

“…is that so?”

My lady was making a somewhat doubtful expression. When considering what happened at the rose garden, it’s only natural that she’d be alarmed, but it was nothing like what she was thinking.

I shook my head to indicated there was no problem and called out to her, “My lady, how was your meeting with his majesty?”

“I’m sorry for worrying you, but everything’s okay.”

“Really? That’s great.”

“Yes, it truly is. I’m so relieved now that it’s done.”

I’m sure she was. Even though both the prince and professor Tristan were watching, my lady revealed an innocent smile.

“…as I thought, you really are the one Sophia trusts the most.”

His highness murmured that in envy.

…I’d like him to pardon me if possible. My lady already gets heated often because of Alicia, so I don’t think I’d be able to handle it if the prince’s jealousy was thrown into the mix as well.

Let’s try to tell him that jealous people aren’t popular with girls.

Nevertheless, his highness Alforth apologised to my lady and said, “I’m sorry for everything. I’ll be sure to make this up to you later” before taking his leave.

Professor Tristan then bowed to her before chasing after him.

I had just realised that we were now alone when Lady Sophia turned to me.

“What happened with his highness?”

“It seems he’s been reflecting over his actions.”

“Reflecting over his actions?”

‘He wants to change himself so that you’ll look his way’– I kept that part to myself though. Changing the topic, I said, “In any case, what did you talk about with his majesty?”

“Were you worried about the contents of our discussion?”

“Of course I was.”

There are various ways their meeting could’ve went.

As long as my lady had the trump card I gave her, the worst case scenario should’ve been avoided, but that doesn’t mean what had happened instead was good.

For example, if his majesty had taken a liking to Lady Sophia and had forced her into an engagement with the second prince– the possibility of that happening isn’t zero.

Regardless of my lady’s desires, she’d be forced to deal with it.

I was concerned something like that would happen…

“You don’t need to worry. Everything is going exactly to my plans.”

“…your plans, my lady?”

As I tilted my head at that statement, Lady Sophia closed in with light footsteps, and pressed down on my right shoulder from diagonally behind me.

And whispered–

“–that’s a secret, Cyril.”

Looking over my shoulder at her, my lady was mischievously smiling at me.