Chapter 64

Thank you for your comments, bookmarks, and evaluations. They are very encouraging.

I was torn between the subtitles "Study well, train well" and "Study well, train hard," but I settled on "train." "Train" is also fine. I might change it.

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The Kingdom of Anzela, summer.

"Father, I want to attend the Royal Academy's secondary school a year early."

Prince Yuthis, the first prince of the Kingdom of Anzela, announced to his father, King Sirius.

It was during Sirius's working hours that Yuthis had requested an audience.

Yuthis is turning 11 this year.

By saying "a year early," it means he wants to take the Royal Academy's entrance exam, which will be held at the beginning of winter this year.

Sirius chuckled inwardly but maintained a serious expression on his face.

"Is that so?

The Royal Academy's secondary school is officially for those 12 and older. If there's a reason, the school might grant permission... What's your reason?"

"With my academic ability, I can top the entrance exam."

"I see."

—That clears the first condition.

It's an absolute necessity.

Even if not top of the class, he must have excellent grades. Otherwise, there's no point in accelerating by a year. If his grades are not impressive, the school would likely suggest, "Why not wait a year and study more?"

If this condition is met, the school generally allows admission even a year earlier than the recommended age. The school's policy is that it's fine to start the education of motivated and talented individuals early.

"I believe I am also well-developed in terms of character."

"...I see."

Sirius nodded, albeit with a slight hesitation.

This is also a necessary condition. His character must be developed enough to not cause problems in school life.

However, he wondered if his son, who wants to start school a year early to be in the same grade as his friends, was truly independent. Still, he didn't intend to be too strict.

He might be a soft father, but he had already informed the potential candidates for his sidekick that Yuthis might start secondary school a year early.

The families vying for Yuthis's betrothal might be a bit flustered, but he had no intention of rushing Yuthis's engagement. In their country, it's more important to avoid a hasty and poor choice of a partner. A political marriage is not necessary at the moment. Besides, it's impossible to choose an unsuitable partner for political reasons.

—Noel had also asked me...

Noel had said,

"Lucian is a place of rest for Yuthis."

He didn't need to be told by his wife.

Lucian and Oudine are Yuthis's trusted friends.

Lucian, with his easygoing nature, is a source of healing for Yuthis, who has a perfectionist side.

Oudine and Yuthis share similar traits. Oudine is also a perfectionist. They sometimes exhibit a kind of mutual aversion, yet they also understand each other well.

"Then? Can you explain why you want to start a year early?"

"Of course. I have diligently absorbed everything I could from my private tutors. However, the growth that comes from studying with peers is impossible in my current environment. If I meet the conditions, I want to start attending the school as soon as possible."

Yuthis spoke with such seriousness that it almost made a sound.

Sirius almost burst out laughing but held back.

"Good job. Use that in front of the principal too."

"Eh? So, Father, is it okay?"

Yuthis widened his eyes and stared at his father.

"I'll inform the Royal Household Management Office.

During the interview with the principal, don't let your guard down until the end.

Maintaining that tension is important in negotiations."

"Of course!"

Yuthis left his father's office, practically dancing with joy.

"...I just told him not to let his guard down..."

—Yuthis must have heard about Lucian's birth from Noel.

Yet, he seems genuinely happy, showing no signs of concern.

Perhaps that's how it should be.

If Yuthis, the crown prince, is with Lucian, Lucian will attract attention from other nobles.

Lucian is believed to be a distant relative of the Vionne family, adopted by Sariel.

In reality, he is Sariel's biological son.

If Lucian were to investigate, he could find the truth, as the records have not been tampered with.

However, so far, Lucian has shown no interest in investigating or learning about his mother.

Non-nobles cannot access the records of noble origins stored in the legal department. Lucian's secret remains hidden.

Still, Sirius thought that Lucian's mother, Zeraphi, would eventually be known.

However, there were no rumors, not even whispers.

Zeraphi's rehabilitation was more thoroughly concealed than Sirius had imagined.

—After all, Zeraphi is no longer a criminal.

The Basel Marquis family has recognized Zeraphi's pardon. Reports indicate that the late Simone had no fiancé or close friends. The only ones who might stir up trouble are irresponsible and meddlesome people. Lucian didn't exist at that time.

If Lucian gains attention, his mysterious origins might become a topic of gossip.

Sariel might be concerned about this.

—However, I have no intention of treating Lucian any differently as my nephew.

Noel seems to overthink things, but there's no need to make Lucian an outcast because of some trivial gossip.

◇◇

That winter.

Yuthis successfully completed the interview with the principal and obtained the qualification to attend the school.