Chapter 40

The ranking of test scores for second-year students is already solidifying.

There are minor fluctuations in rankings, but it's rare for students to make a significant leap or fall.

This is especially true for the top performers.

And there is a student who has topped the list for a total of four times now.

Of course, I am talking about myself, Maria Kudan.

I am academically excellent, athletically versatile, and endowed with both talent and beauty, but life becomes boring without a challenge.

I can't go on without some excitement in my life.

Since there's nothing much to do at the academy, I decided to return to the capital.

Not that I particularly want to go back, but my attendants get annoying if I don't.

They nag and complain endlessly.

There's nothing to do when I get back either, so I might as well go to the Helan territory again, thinking about such things while completing the long journey.

The capital remains unchanged upon my return.

While commercial facilities are thriving, there's nothing I particularly want to buy.

Well, how should I spend this summer?

While spending a lackluster summer vacation, I received a summons from Mother.

It seems that the princess of a neighboring country and various other people are coming.

I am to entertain them.

If I had known this, I would have gone to the new resort in the Helan territory.

The day came quickly, and it was decided to have a tea party in the castle garden.

About ten women, including myself, gathered around a table, sipping tea and chatting.

Someone tells a boring story, and everyone laughs with a "Ohohohoho."

Another boring story, and everyone laughs with a "Ohohohoho."

It makes me feel like my intestines are twisting.

Oh, I wish this would end soon.

While enduring this "Ohohohoho" festival, a cute-faced person appeared.

"Hello everyone, I am Lassar Kudan. I apologize for my sudden appearance."

"Oh, Lassar."

The one who came was Lassar.

Unlike the bold Ark, it was my cute younger brother, Lassar.

"Actually, I am about to head to the Helan territory. I thought I would come to say goodbye to my sister before leaving."

"Wh-What!? The Helan territory..." I want to go too.

But the situation doesn't allow it.

The princess of a neighboring country is here.

If I leave on a whim and go to the Helan territory, it would be like abandoning my duties as a princess.

I can't do that. However, there is a way.

"Lassar, can you wait a moment? I'll go with you."

I whispered this into Lassar's ear.

"Is that okay?"

Lassar asked worriedly in a low voice.

"Just watch."

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, my stomach hurts!!"

I suddenly clutched my stomach and knelt down.

I put one hand on the ground and the other on my stomach, making a pained expression.

"Are you alright!?"

Several daughters of the nobility and people from the neighboring country who were enjoying tea with me rushed over in concern.

Good, it's going as planned.

"Sister..."

Lassar, who was standing next to me with a blank look, was a bit concerning, but it shouldn't be a problem.

"What happened? Lady Maria, have you been having trouble with your bowel movements lately?"

The one who asked was Princess Ilina from the neighboring country.

She seemed worried about my constipation. The people around me were saying "Oh!" I felt embarrassed.

"No, my bowel movements are fine. But, ouch, ouch, ouch, it's unbearable, someone please call a doctor."

"Of course, I understand. Someone, please hurry and call a doctor. In the meantime, I will provide first aid."

"Thank you. But you don't need to do anything until the doctor arrives."

"That won't do. Let me feel your stomach. ... It's tense. Perhaps you have gas buildup."

It's just water belly from drinking too much tea during the boring conversation, enough to make a splashing sound.

It's definitely not gas.

"Lady Maria, don't be embarrassed! Please let out the gas."

"No, it's not that!"

I defended myself desperately. If I were labeled as a princess who faked a stomachache to hold in gas, it would cast a shadow over my future.

I must prevent that at all costs.

"Princess Ilina, there's no need to worry so much. My sister is like this."

Lassar, who knew the truth, spoke calmly.

"What are you saying? You are Lady Maria's brother! Aren't you worried!?"

Princess Ilina said to Lassar with a hint of anger.

Lassar scratched his head and looked down, unsure of what to do.

I'm sorry, brother.

I didn't know Princess Ilina would be so meddlesome.

"The doctor is here."

Finally, the doctor was called, and the personal physician arrived.

He immediately examined my abdomen and tilted his head.

He couldn't figure out the cause.

Of course, there is no cause.

The doctor will likely say that the cause is unknown and that I should rest in my room to see how it goes.

Then I will slip out while hiding in my room and go to the Helan territory with Lassar.

After that, I'll leave it to the old man. I'll say I'm still not feeling well and can't leave my room until Princess Ilina and the others leave.

This is perfect.

"Hmm, I can't really determine the cause. For now, please rest in your room and see how it goes. If it gets worse, we will need to conduct a more detailed examination. Is that acceptable, Lady Maria?"

A perfect diagnosis. I'll ask Father to raise his salary.

"Yes, the pain has subsided a bit. I will return to my room and rest for now."

Mission accomplished. Now, I just need to jump out the window and head to the Helan territory with Lassar!!

Lassar, who saw this, held his head and sighed.

Well, at least it's over, brother. I glanced at Lassar.

"Wait a moment!!"

The one who called out loudly was Princess Ilina. What is it?

"I'm worried, so I will go to your room with you."

Oh, how meddlesome.

"No, it will be a bother. Please continue enjoying your tea here."

"I can't allow that. Someone needs to be nearby in case your condition worsens. Especially for Lady Maria, the princess of Kudan."

"..."

In the end, I was forced to let her come to my room.

Once in the room, I lay down on the bed.

Ilina brought a chair to the bedside and took care of me.

How diligent and kind. And how much of a hindrance.

"Lady Maria, I used to do this a lot."

Huh? Princess Ilina began to speak with a serious expression.

"Are you acting? Are you not really in pain?"

What! I froze at the unexpected words.

"No... I am in a bit of pain, Ohohohoho."

"I'm not blaming you. I used to do the same thing a lot, so I understand."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. I knew you were bored and wanted to go somewhere."

"Then why did you—"

"Saying it in front of everyone would cause problems. We are in the same position, and I understand how you feel."

"Princess Ilina..."

"Lady Maria..."

"Escape?"

"Where to?"

"There is a famous hot spring area called Helan. A new resort has opened this summer, making it even more enjoyable."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful. Let's go. But how will we escape?"

"Of course, through the window. We'll use a rope to get down."

"Hehehe, I'm getting excited."

Ilina and I giggled together.

I felt a rare stirring in my heart.

It was incredibly fun.

Maybe I've finally met someone who can challenge me in life.

She makes me feel this way.