Chapter 61

It was the day of the autumn sports festival.

The day when students could show off the results of their daily training to perform brilliantly. Some were not very enthusiastic, while for others, it was a day to get really fired up.

One of those fired-up people was in my room.

"You're really fired up, Prince."

"Yeah, I've been training hard for today's sports festival."

I knew the Prince had been running and training day and night to impress Iris. With his excellent athletic ability, he wouldn't lose in individual events unless there was an accident.

"Don't overdo it and get hurt."

"Who do you think I am? Hahaha, just watch me."

He was probably imagining Iris saying, "Wow, that's amazing!" and his face was all smiles. I hoped it would go as he imagined, but I couldn't help thinking it probably wouldn't. The Prince's past disappointments made me think that way.

"By the way, Kururi, do you remember inviting Iris's family?"

"Yes, it was because Iris was feeling down, so we decided to invite them."

"Right, and it seems they accepted immediately when I mentioned my name, so they'll be here for today's sports festival."

"Wait a minute!"

I was taken aback by the Prince's words.

What is he talking about?

"Prince, did you say you invited them by mentioning your name?"

"Yeah, what's the problem?"

"Of course there's a problem. I thought it would be an official invitation from the school. If you mention your name, they can't refuse, and they'll worry about what's going on."

"Huh? Is that so?"

"Yes! Even my father would be worried sick."

"Your father is a noble, so what's the big deal?"

This Prince still doesn't realize the extent of his power.

If I told my cautious father that the Prince was angry, he'd probably be bedridden for three days.

And if a commoner suddenly gets a summons from the Prince, it would be worse than eating spicy peppers for breakfast.

"Ah, I should have arranged it myself."

"I don't know what you're worried about, but if Iris is happy, that's all that matters. You don't get it."

The one who doesn't get it is you.

"Alright, Iris's family should be arriving soon, so let's go greet them."

"What!? You're going to greet them!? Do you want to scare Iris's family to death!?"

"What are you talking about? I said I'm going to greet them."

"Stop it. There's a chance the sports festival won't even happen!"

"You're exaggerating. Let's go."

The enthusiastic Prince couldn't be stopped, and I followed him to the school entrance with a heavy heart.

Oh no, here come the carriages. Iris's family is here. They're going to be shocked.

While waiting with a sense of unease, I heard a familiar voice calling my name.

Looking up, I saw my smiling parents in a carriage.

They still looked as peaceful as ever.

"Father, Mother, you're just in time."

"Yes, we came to see our son's big day. There are also various stalls, so I'll enjoy some food with your mother."

"Sure, take your time. It's a nice place."

They were ready to eat. They must be in a vacation mood. It's good to see them so relaxed.

"Lord Heran, it's been a while."

The Prince interrupted. Oh, this might not be a good development.

"Oh, oh, is that Prince Arc? I'm sorry, from inside the carriage."

"No need to apologize. You took good care of me during the summer. I'll visit Heran territory again, so please look after me then."

"Of course, I will."

The carriage with my parents left quickly. Father must have been worried sick.

This is the Prince's presence. If you're not used to it, you end up like that.

I'm even more worried about Iris's family now.

"Ah, shouldn't we stop the greeting?"

"No, I'm going to do it!"

He's getting even more enthusiastic. I can see a future where things go wrong!

After not too long, a particularly luxurious carriage approached the school.

That's it! It must be!

The Prince must have put in a lot of effort. He looks like he's saying, "That's it!"

If they were working in the fields, how would Iris's family feel about being put in such a carriage?

It wouldn't be a Cinderella-like wonderful feeling.

The carriage finally arrived, and the door opened.

A woman in simple clothing stepped out, with a resemblance to Iris. It was definitely Iris's mother.

She looked to be around 40, and despite her hardships, she had a healthy beauty.

"Oh, what a beautiful place. It really feels like we've come to Elenoir Academy."

The mother exclaimed in amazement. Then, a boy and a girl came out.

The boy was about our age, probably around the same age as Larser. The girl was a couple of years younger, still with a hint of childishness on her face. Both were as beautiful as Iris.

They opened their mouths wide in surprise, their eyes shining.

The Prince approached them, looking pleased.

I hope it doesn't cause a commotion.

"Welcome. I am Prince Arc Kudan. I'm delighted to invite the family of my friend, Iris."

Prince Arc bowed perfectly with his handsome appearance.

Iris's mother opened her mouth even wider, unable to hide her surprise.

"Um, so you're the one who invited us, Your Highness?"

Seeing the Prince's elegant appearance, she must have realized it was him. She was making a final confirmation.

"Yes, of course. For my friend... Mother! Are you okay!?"

Before the Prince could finish, Iris's mother fainted, rolling her eyes.

This mother didn't have the same strong spirit as her daughter. The sudden appearance of the Prince was too much of a shock.

Before she hit the ground, Iris's brother caught her.

"Hey, whoever you are, I won't forgive anyone who causes trouble for my mother!"

The brother seemed to be a brave person.

The Prince, who was called out, froze like a stone, shocked. It was a funny sight, but Iris's mother was the priority.

"I'll carry her. We'll head to the infirmary."

"No, I'll carry her. Red-haired brother, can you show us the way?"

"Sure, follow me."

The Prince was still in shock, unable to recover from the gap between the expected situation and reality. He had fainted the mother and made the brother dislike him. It couldn't be helped.

There's still a chance to make it up. Stay strong.

I patted his shoulder and guided Iris's mother to the infirmary.

There were many unused beds, which seemed like a waste of money, but that wasn't my concern.

I laid her on one of the beds and had the school's doctor check her.

"She's just fainted. She'll be fine soon."

"Thank you."

I thanked the doctor and left Iris's mother to rest on the bed.

"Hey, red-haired brother. Should I call you a noble?"

"No, red-haired brother is fine."

"I heard it costs a lot to see a doctor..."

"Oh, that's fine. The school pays for it."

"Is that so? That's good. I received some gold coins before coming here, but I wanted to save them for my sister."

The Prince mentioned giving gold coins. He really did.

I want some too!

Still, Iris's brother is a good person. Giving the money to his sister is a noble gesture. She probably won't accept it, though.

"Hey, red-haired brother. This bed is so soft. I've never seen such a good bed before."

"There are many extra beds, so you can try one. You'll see how good it is."

"Is that okay?"

"Of course, I'll take responsibility. Go ahead."

Iris's brother smiled happily. His sister, who had been hiding behind him, looked interested.

Pushed by her brother, she managed to speak up.

"Can I too?"

"Of course."

The two of them lay down on the empty beds, amazed by the softness.

"Brother, it's so soft!"

"Me too. It feels like I'm being sucked in!"

They played and laughed for a while, then got tired and came down.

"Red-haired brother, you showed us a strange place. Sorry, it must have been embarrassing."

"No, I used to do the same thing."

"Really!? I thought nobles were different, but I feel close to you, red-haired brother!"

What a good kid! Honesty is the best policy.

"Red-haired brother."

This time, it was the sister who tugged at my sleeve.

"My name is Asia. My mother is Clarissa."

She bowed politely. Oh, how cute.

"I'm sorry. My sister always tells me to greet people properly, but I forgot. I'm Mikal. Nice to meet you."

"I'm also at fault. I'm Kururi Heran, a classmate of your sister, Iris."

Mentioning Iris's name, they seemed to open up more, and words flew back and forth.

"Is my sister doing well?"

"My sister is smart but quite clumsy."

"Is my sister eating properly?"

"My sister always puts others first, so I wonder if she's taking care of herself."

I saw a beautiful bond between siblings.

Ah, inviting them was a good decision.

"Don't worry. Your sister is stronger than you think, and you'll see her soon."

They finally realized they were close to their sister and started to fidget, unable to sit still.

"Shall I call her?"

"Really!?"

"Well, she's my friend!"

I winked and left the infirmary coolly.

Now, how do I tell Iris without shocking her?

...Maybe I should pick up the frozen Prince first.