Chapter 55

"By the way, Lady Elina, don't you find the story about the sister of your sister-in-law's friend a bit intriguing?"

"Huh?"

This sudden change of topic caught Elina off guard. Perhaps Laranis was trying to change the atmosphere. Despite her surprise, Elina decided to go along with it. Besides, she had some interest in what Laranis was saying.

What Laranis was talking about was the woman Maguria had been searching for. Alvis knew this woman; apparently, they had been classmates in school. The woman was a teacher at the academy, and since Elina and the others had her classes, they knew her well.

"Shouldn't we ask Miss Annette? I'd also like to hear about your brother's school life. What do you think, Lady Elina?"

Elina understood that this was the purpose. Of course, she wasn't entirely indifferent. She had been engaged to Alvis for only a year, and while she thought things were going well, she sometimes wondered if Alvis had been at the academy at the same time. There was a three-year age difference between Alvis and Elina, and she knew it was impossible, but it was hard not to imagine.

The party was just about to end. As a teacher, Annette had work to do. If they were going to talk to her, now was the best chance. Elina nodded to Laranis, and they approached Annette together.

"Miss Annette."

"Is it Elina and Laranis? What brings you here?"

Annette greeted them with a gentle smile. Being the teacher closest in age to them, she was one of the easiest for Elina and the others to talk to.

"I have a few questions, and I'd like to take a bit of your time. If you're busy, we can schedule another time."

"It's fine now."

When Elina asked, Annette checked her watch and agreed.

Normally, it would be strange for students from different grades to come to Annette together, but Elina and Laranis had something in common. They were both duchess's daughters and Alvis's fiancée and sister. Annette might have guessed what they wanted to ask.

"Are you here to ask about His Highness the Crown Prince?"

"Yes."

As Annette asked, looking at Elina and Laranis, they nodded. She looked surprised, perhaps because they hadn't asked before. There had been plenty of opportunities to ask during their school days, but they hadn't because they didn't know Alvis and Annette had been classmates. When they explained the reason, Annette nodded in understanding.

"Since you're engaged to him, it's natural for you to want to know. However, this isn't something that can be covered in a short conversation. Would it be alright if we set aside some time tomorrow?"

Elina had hoped for a casual chat to learn about his school life, but Annette seemed prepared to have a proper conversation. This proposal was more than Elina and Laranis could have wished for.

Tomorrow was a day off for the school, but only for the students. The teachers, including Annette, had to clean up after the party.

"Are you sure it's not a problem for you, Miss Annette?"

"Hehe, it's fine. I'll leave the heavy work to the men, and I can spare some time to talk with you two."

Of course, they wouldn't talk all day. Annette would use her free moments for them. If there were no lectures, Elina and the others could adjust their schedule to Annette's.

"Thank you, Miss Annette."

"Thank you!"

Thus, they arranged to talk again the next day.

The next day, after receiving a message from Annette, Elina and Laranis went to a preparation room in the dance practice room. The room was set up like a living room with sofas for meetings and consultations.

"I kept you waiting."

As they sat on the sofa, Annette came in with tea. Since the school wasn't a dormitory, they couldn't bring maids, so Annette had prepared the tea herself. The cups were carefully placed in front of them.

"Thank you. I'm sorry to trouble you, Miss Annette."

"It's fine. I invited you, after all."

Annette smiled and prepared some tea cookies. As a teacher of etiquette, Annette's movements were particularly graceful. Even though Elina was careful, she often found herself admiring Annette's elegance.

Although the setting was like a tea party, Elina and Laranis were in their school uniforms, and Annette was in her usual teaching attire. From the outside, it would look like students consulting with a teacher, which might have been the intention.

"So, where should I start?"

"Miss Annette, I heard you were in the same class as my brother. And that the friend of my sister-in-law's sister was your sister."

"Mrs. Mint, the wife of Lord Belfias."

"Yes."

Mint and Annette's sister were very close and often communicated. That's why Maguria was asked to check on them when she went to the school. The real reason might be different, but Elina and the others wouldn't pry into Annette's private life.

"Your brother recognized me immediately. He said we were just classmates."

"Hehe, that's exactly right. I was just a student in the same class."

"Miss Annette?"

The word "just" seemed to stand out, making Elina feel curious. Annette sent a somewhat sad look her way, which made Elina wonder if there was something special behind it.

"So, I don't think I know much."

"Even as a classmate?"

"Laranis, you might know, but the young prince kept his distance from women."

"Kept his distance?"

Laranis tilted her head in confusion. Annette also seemed surprised by this. While Alvis did keep his distance from women at school, Laranis didn't know this. Perhaps it was different when he was in the territory.

"The Alvis I know didn't avoid women that much. He was troubled by overt advances, but..."

"Perhaps it was after he came to the capital. I was only in the same class with him during the final year, so I only know rumors about the earlier years."

"Rumors?"

This time, Elina latched onto the word. Annette smiled at her unusual eagerness, and Elina blushed and straightened up.

"In our year, the young prince was the highest-ranking noble. Being of royal lineage, he was treated similarly to the previous prince."

The previous prince referred to Girard. Although he wasn't royal, many nobles referred to him indirectly to avoid the awkwardness of his status. Essentially, the treatment during Girard's time was similar.

"Despite his high status, he didn't act superior, and he had many friends. He was always at the top of his class, a true role model. He was admired by both male and female students."

Listening to Annette, Elina felt a bit uneasy. From what she heard, Alvis had many friends and good grades, and was well-liked. But Alvis had told her he sometimes wanted to be alone, that he would leave the dormitory and spend time alone in a certain place.

"Truly, your brother! I'm glad to learn about him this way since he didn't write about himself in his letters. I should tell the mothers."

"He sounds like the young prince."

While Annette and Laranis chatted, Elina couldn't join in.

The story of their school days is planned to be detailed elsewhere. For now, I'll leave it at this.