TMM 31

From that day on, Samuel no longer came to the magic department building, and Alicia enjoyed a full and peaceful academy life.

In the dormitory, the main topic of conversation was still Mariabelle. It seemed she had built a rather large circle of supporters.

Alicia had no talent for such maneuvering, so she could only admire it honestly.

Perhaps because of that, Alicia was treated like thin air in the dorms. Even when she passed by the salon, she was ignored completely, which left her feeling oddly refreshed.

Had this happened not long ago, she might have taken it to heart. But now she had a place where she belonged in the magic department, so it did not trouble her. Besides, dorm life itself was far better than returning to her family home.

Living such a calm life, Alicia had no reason to go out of her way to eat lunch at the cafeteria.

She could see no reason to walk willingly toward hurt.

Before she realized it, a quiet sense of self-respect had begun to grow within her.

Whether she went or not, Joshua’s attitude and the Queen’s attitude were unlikely to change.

(I may not have been loved by anyone. But I have built a place where I belong.)

The magic department was enjoyable, and that was enough.

On top of that, Alicia’s amulet turned out well and earned praise from her instructor.

She had heard that some students sold their amulets for pocket money or to help cover tuition.

Alicia wanted money of her own as well, so she began thinking about selling hers at a magic shop. She asked acquaintances in the magic department which shops might be good.

(If someone bought an amulet I made myself, I’d be so happy…)

Fortunately, the dorm supervisor continued to report Alicia’s activities to the Crown Prince, just as the Wellston family wished. Using that, Alicia obtained permission to go out on the next day off and decided, boldly, to visit the town alone.

While thinking about these pleasant plans, Alicia was walking along the path that led to the academy library when Samuel appeared, waiting for her.

“Alicia.”

Thinking he might invite her to the cafeteria again, Alicia’s face stiffened.

“Don’t look so unhappy,” Samuel said with an awkward smile.

“Um… what do you need?”

“It’s about Fran.”

At least it did not seem to involve Joshua or Mariabelle, and Alicia let out a quiet breath.

“You really don’t like Joshua, do you?”

“Please stop!”

Samuel leaned closer as he spoke, and Alicia nearly forgot how to breathe.

“Sorry. I meant it as a light joke.”

He truly was someone she could never let her guard down around.

“Then… what about Lady Fran? Is she unwell? Did something happen?”

“I told you before that Fran wanted to speak with you, didn’t I? She contacted me again and asked me to be sure to tell you. She seems determined to see you.”

“Where is Lady Fran now?”

“She’s in the royal capital. She’s staying with Patrick at the Hubert family’s townhouse. He needs to see a doctor regularly. He can’t dance, but he’s recovered enough to walk.”

Hearing that, Alicia felt a small sense of relief.

Being bedridden for life at such a young age would have been cruel.

Still, a question remained.

“Why did Lady Fran ask you to pass along the message, Lord Samuel?”

“I don’t know the details. Perhaps she thought you wouldn’t read her letter.”

Alicia was afraid to meet Fran, but she had no wish to be so discourteous as to ignore her.

Being urged through another person left her little choice. It seemed she would have to go and see Fran herself.

“I understand. I will visit her.”

“Then are you free on the next day off?”

“It’s sudden, but yes.”

Fran seemed to have planned even the schedule in advance.

She must have something she truly wished to say.

(I am still afraid, though.)

“Then let’s visit the townhouse together during afternoon tea.”

“Pardon? You’re coming too, Lord Samuel?”

“Fran told me to bring you. I don’t really have a choice.”

Samuel let out a weary sigh.

(You don’t have to sound so put out… Does Lady Fran have some sort of leverage over him, perhaps?)