Chapter 9

"This tangerine is really delicious, isn't it?"

As winter arrived, Lasser came over.

It was cold, so the two of us ate tangerines in front of the fireplace.

"I'm glad they were ready for the winter harvest season. They could even be sold at the market."

"How did you make these tangerines?"

"I created the seeds with magic. After that, I just planted them in the soil and let them grow like any other crop."

"Creating seeds with magic... Impressive, Brother."

Lasser was excited while eating the tangerines.

I ate them one by one, but Lasser ate them whole.

His cheeks puffed up, making him look adorable, but it was fun to watch, so I didn't point it out.

"Brother, you'll be entering Elenowar Academy soon, right?"

"Yeah, it's finally happening."

"Are you not looking forward to it?"

"It's not that I'm not looking forward to it, but I'm scared, and I don't really understand it myself."

"Brother, you'll do just fine.

Actually, my real brother, Arc, is also entering the academy."

"Uh-huh," I knew that.

"Also, Eliza, the daughter of the prime minister, is entering the academy."

"Uh-huh," I knew that too. She's my future wife, after all.

"Moreover, a commoner has been accepted for the first time in ten years. The entrance exam for commoners is said to be extremely difficult. They say the person who passed is very talented. I think the name was..."

"Airis Parara."

"Yes, Airis. You knew that, Brother?"

"Uh-huh, for quite a while now."

"Also, the sons of other influential families are entering the academy, and some are already calling this the 'Golden Generation.'"

"More than that, I'm worried about leaving the territory. Is it okay to leave it to Father?"

"Don't worry, I'm sure the people of Helan are strong and will support Tral."

"I hope so. Maybe I'll ask Rozon to check in occasionally."

"Brother, you're overthinking things. With your talent, I'm sure your life at Elenowar Academy will be fulfilling."

Lasser says such things naturally, making me feel like a real brother.

"That's true.

The tangerines are gone, so I'll go pick more."

"Ah, I'll come too."

"It's so cold," "Yes, it is."

"When summer comes, come to Helan. I'll treat you to watermelon."

"Sure! I'm looking forward to it."

The two of us picked tangerines, huddled together in the cold, a very ordinary winter day.

---

As the snow began to melt and the land of Helan started to breathe, it was about a month before the start of the school year, and I decided to leave Helan territory.

It takes about 4 to 5 days by carriage to reach the academy.

It's located in a remote area to allow students to focus on their studies.

I need to arrive before the practical test a week before the start of school, but if I wait until the last minute, there will be a long line of carriages near the academy every year. I don't want to wait in that line, and it's better to arrive early to get used to the environment.

"Kururi, grow up well."

My mother was shedding tears as her son set off on his journey.

"Kururi, study hard. Leave the territory to your father."

My father puffed out his chest, but I was very worried.

"Well, I'm off."

I finished the minimum formalities and boarded the carriage.

I called to the attendant, and the horses started off.

Life at the academy will be in a dormitory.

The tuition and food expenses are covered by the state, so there's almost nothing I need to pay for myself.

However, as a noble, everyone brings a considerable amount of money due to their pride.

I also brought a fair amount.

I didn't plan to bring so much, but I prepared some money just in case.

Also, I thought I might want to buy something, and I would need money for socializing with friends, so I brought a substantial amount.

I can replenish my funds during the summer and winter breaks when I return home, so I didn't bring too much.

However, on the morning of my departure, the people of the territory brought me money, saying, "You've been making too much profit recently." The amount was substantial.

I tried to refuse, but my father told me to accept it. He seemed larger than usual, but it was probably just my imagination.

I thanked the people of the territory and said goodbye to my parents, and that's how I ended up here.

By the way, Lasser also wanted to see me off, but I declined, thinking it would be a problem if he was prioritized over the first prince. I don't have that kind of nerve.

The journey will take 4 to 5 days, so I brought a lot of books to avoid boredom.

I also did some research on famous tourist spots, and if we pass by any, I want to see them.

Surprisingly, I found out that my father is quite a gourmet. Before the trip, he gave me a map with marks indicating where to find delicious restaurants.

"He said it would make the boring journey a bit better."

It was the first time I felt like my father was actually a father.

Anyway, traveling isn't a bad feeling.

I don't talk much with the attendant, but just gazing out the window, new scenery keeps appearing.

Everything is fresh. That's the best way to describe it.

Even if nothing happens during the 4 to 5 days, I won't get bored.

It had been about 5 hours since we left home.

The sun was high in the sky, the air was dry, and a comfortable breeze was blowing.

In the midst of this, the attendant called out.

"Master Kururi?"

Hmm? I remember there should be a restaurant my father marked on the map soon.

Have we arrived?

"What is it?"

"There's a woman with a large backpack up ahead."

It seemed like a normal scene, but I poked my head out the window to check.

Indeed, there was a woman sitting in the shade of a tree, still a bit far away.

She must have been feeling unwell from the heat.

As the carriage approached, her figure became clearer.

And my heart rate increased in proportion.

No doubt about it.

That beautiful black hair, the reassuringly well-featured face, and the commoner-like attire!

There was no mistaking it; Airis Parara was sitting there.

For some reason, I hid in the carriage.

Is it okay for a side character like me to meet the main heroine here?

No, it's not!

"What should we do, Master Kururi?" the attendant urged.

She might really be feeling unwell and resting. Can I just leave such a fragile woman?

No, I can't!

I made up my mind and replied.

"I'll talk to her."

"Understood."

The attendant gradually slowed the carriage and stopped in front of Airis.

"Is everything okay?" I asked as gently as possible to avoid making her wary.

"I'm just a bit tired from walking. Please don't worry about me."

I see, but it's not that simple, as we'll be classmates.

"Are you heading to Elenowar Academy?"

"Yes, you figured it out."

"I had a hunch. I'm also on my way to Elenowar Academy. Would you like to ride with me?"

"No, please don't trouble yourself. I'm walking, and I left early for that reason.

Thank you for your concern."

Walking? It will take half a month.

She could have hitched a ride with a merchant's carriage.

Come to think of it, in the original story, Airis came from a rather poor family. I can't just leave her.

"Don't say that. They say a journey is better with a companion. My name is Kururi Helan, from the Helan territory," I said, trying to show that I wasn't suspicious.

Hmm, no response.

"Helan territory, the one with the hot springs, right!?" Airis leaned forward.

"Yes, that's right. Have you been there?"

"No, but I've read about the hot springs surrounded by gardens in information magazines so many times that the pages are worn out!

It's my dream to soak in the Helan hot springs!"

I decided to talk more about the hot springs. She smoothly got into the carriage.

Since the academy is a boarding school, the luggage is inevitably heavy.

Airis was no different, and her large backpack was bulging.

Carrying such a heavy load for half a month would be tough even for a confident man.

I was right to offer her a ride. It would have pained me to leave her behind.

I'm glad I could help her.

The carriage moved smoothly, and with Airis on board, the journey was going well.

"My dream is to earn a lot of money, take my siblings and parents, and soak in the Helan hot springs surrounded by gardens," Airis said, her eyes sparkling.

"That would be an honor. Even if it's not in the future, as a classmate, I can invite you anytime."

"That's very kind, but I believe dreams should be achieved on one's own."

"That's true."

"Kururi, you're entering the academy this year, right? I read in an information magazine that you discovered the hot springs.

It's an honor to be a classmate with such an amazing lord."

"No, no, it's not that big of a deal."

More than that, you, who might marry a prince, seem incredibly great to me.

"Thank you for letting me ride in your carriage. I'll repay this favor someday."

"Don't worry about it. I'm actually relieved that I won't have to spend 4 days alone on a boring journey."

I'd like you to repay the favor when I'm in trouble.

"I was worried about what kind of people would be at the noble school, but seeing you, Kururi, I feel more positive."

"That's good to hear.

How about we talk more about our hot springs?"

"Sure, please do!"

Her eyes were still sparkling. The conversation flowed easily.

Indeed, she looks very beautiful up close.

I've seen the queen before, but Airis, being younger, is even more beautiful.

No wonder the princes would fight over her.

"You might already know from the information magazines, but the Helan hot springs are especially good for beautiful skin and whitening."

"Uh-huh," Airis was very interested.

"The flower components in the water are responsible for this, and recently, something amazing was discovered. Our excellent citizen, Rozon, found out that the hot spring water is also good for your health when drunk."

"Really!? I've never heard of that before!"

"Right? This is gradually becoming popular, and soon, the information will spread throughout the country.

Then, more tourists will come, and our territory will prosper!"

"Wow! I might regret not hearing this. I can't wait to go now."

"Come whenever you want. I'll give you the best treatment."

"Thank you!"

We talked excitedly about the hot springs for a long time.

I got carried away and boasted about other things in our territory, but she listened to everything.

Indeed, the woman who will make the princes fall in love is amazing. She's on a different level!

"Master Kururi, we're approaching the restaurant that Tral marked on the map," the attendant interrupted our conversation.

"Oh, we're here already."

I had lost track of time talking with Airis.

I really felt that having a companion on the journey is a good thing.

"Airis, let's get out of the carriage and have lunch. There's a delicious restaurant my father recommended up ahead."

"No, I don't have much money, and I have preserved food for the journey to the academy."

"Of course, I'll treat you.

Come on, let's enjoy a delicious meal while I tell you more about Helan. Consider it payment for the ride."

"No, really, it's fine."

Airis shook her head.

"Just being able to ride in the carriage is a great help, and having you treat me to a meal would be too much of a favor.

I couldn't possibly repay such a big favor!"

I laughed a little. This kind of value system is what makes the princes fall for her.

If I ever have a crush, I'll take note of this.

"Let's go."

"Really, it's fine." We tugged at each other's arms for a while, but couldn't reach a decision.

Maybe I should just tell her.

Is it okay to tell her?

After all, this kind of encounter is irregular, so I'll just do as I please!!

"Fine. I have something important to tell you, Airis. This is a secret, so please don't tell anyone else."

"What? What's going on?"

I became serious, and Airis looked a bit worried.

"Your life at the academy might not be very enjoyable.

I say might, but you'll likely face a lot of unfair discrimination because you're a commoner."

"Uh-huh, I can imagine that. But I've decided not to give up and to work hard to find a good job and support my family."

Impressive! What a good kid!

"Speaking of which, the person who will discriminate against you... I think it will be a blue-eyed witch."

"Think?"

"Well, she's extremely prejudiced against commoners, so I think she'll treat you badly. And, she's actually..."

"Actually?"

"Someone I'm closely related to...

In other words, I'll make up for the trouble she causes! It's only natural for a family member to handle the situation!

That's the idea. Please let me make up for it now!"

"Hmm, I didn't really understand your vague explanation."

"Never mind. Let's just go to lunch!!"

"I won't go. I can't face you, Kururi, if I accept more favors!"

"You can!"

I tried to pull Airis's hand.

"I can't!"

Airis resisted desperately.

"It won't be a fun journey if I eat delicious food and you eat preserved food."

"It's fine. I've been helped enough already!"

"Both of you, let's go," the attendant's calm voice ended our tug-of-war.

"Come on, let's go."

Airis finally gave in and came along.

---

"It's really delicious, Father!"

I'm sorry for doubting you, Father!