Chapter 98

"Regarding what Father did to Prince Albert, I think it would not have been strange for him to be stripped of the Ainhorn title. Yet, you did not reprimand Father’s rudeness, and you have continued to reach out to me without abandoning me. I am truly grateful. Thank you very much."

The Duchess of Ainhorn has always been this straightforward. You know, even after the meeting following the homework assignment, when it must have been awkward to meet, she still came with the answers.

Still, I think the Duchess of Ainhorn is mustering up a lot of courage to face me now.

"Did you hear about the charm from Hetta?"

"Yes. Thanks to Hedvick, I feel much better."

She touched the bracelet on her wrist as she said this.

"That's good to hear."

"...Prince Albert, could I have a proper time to talk with you? There’s something I need to discuss with you."

She pleaded with a determined look on her face.

"Sure. And when we’re with close friends like this, you don’t need to call me ‘Prince.’”

"Please call me Otilie. No need for ‘Lady.’”

"Sure, when it’s just with Hetta and the others. In front of a crowd, I’ll still use it."

I always use it in public places with Hilda and Hetta.

"Hey! Al! Let’s go to the nearby shopping district!"

Theo called out, waving his hand, signaling that the discussion about our next destination was over.

"We won’t stop at the cafeteria, though. If we snack at this time, we won’t be able to eat dinner."

"Ugh! At least let me have a drink?!"

"Sure, just drinks. No cakes or pastries."

"I know that!"

You don’t know that. I’m definitely going to eat something.

The shopping district was fairly crowded. It must have been a mix of current students and new students like us who were checking the place out.

At a glance, there were quite a few food and drink establishments. Two of them seemed to be sister stores. Since there were sister stores, they must be popular and have a lot of customers.

We decided to just get a general overview of the shopping district today, as we could explore it in more detail after we enrolled.

The shopping district wasn’t as large as the capital, but it had a similar level of bustle. The only odd thing was that there were more children than adults. Given that it’s a city centered around a school, that’s to be expected.

Since it’s a place that takes in the children of nobles, there were no seedy adult establishments or slums.

The people living in the school city were mainly the children of nobles who were enrolled, faculty and their families, those involved in security and maintenance within the school, and those running businesses in the area.

Because it’s a place with a limited number of residents, such management is thoroughly enforced.

Students, teachers, and business owners in the school city have special entry permits, allowing them to enter and exit the school city relatively smoothly.

However, strict checks are imposed on suppliers for stores and the school.

Therefore, there are no unemployed people drifting into the school city, and no outsiders leaving their children behind.

Parents of enrolled students, while not as strictly checked as suppliers, still have to notify the gate guards in advance. It’s not uncommon for communication errors to prevent entry, but since the school city is close to the capital, it’s manageable.

Still, it can’t be said to be absolutely safe.

Those with ill intentions are good at finding ways to enter through the smallest gaps.

And since it’s not good for girls to return to the dormitory too late, we decided to have a cup of tea and then send the girls back to their dormitory before we returned to our dormitory.

"Welcome back, Prince Albert. You have a visitor."

When we returned, Silt greeted us and informed us of a visitor.

"Huh? Did I have any visitors planned?"

"No, you didn’t."

Since this isn’t the royal palace or the Schturmwind Palace where I used to live, it’s possible for unexpected visitors to show up, but since it’s a place where a royal is present, there should be prior application for meetings and notification of visitors.

"Alright, where are they? I’ll see them."

"They are waiting in the guest room. This way."

Silt led me to the guest room, where an unfamiliar uncle and a young man were waiting.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Who are you?"

"I am Bruno Scherner, the principal of the lower school. This is my secretary, Daffut Zalt."

"Nice to meet you, I’m Albert."

The principal seemed confused by my use of my middle name.

"Um, are you planning to hide your identity as a prince when you enroll? We haven’t received any such notification from the royal family..."

"I usually go by my middle name. You can call me Albert or Luken, whichever you prefer."

"Ah, I see."

"Alright, what do you need from me?"

I don’t like small talk, so I got straight to the point.

"We would like to request that you, Prince Luken, give the welcoming speech for the new students."

The secretary, not the principal, stated the purpose of their visit.

The welcoming speech for the new students...

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it?"

The secretary, not the principal, answered. Hmm, maybe...

"What criteria are used to select the representative for the new students?"

"Criteria?"

"Yes, is it because we are royalty that you want me or Izy to give the speech? But not every year do royals enroll, right? How do you decide the representative when there are no royals?"

The principal seemed confused by my question.

"It’s based on the entrance exam scores."

"Based on scores, huh? But if a commoner gets the top score, you’d have a noble give the speech, right?"

The principal and the secretary fell silent.

"Even though it’s decided by scores, having someone with a higher status give the speech isn’t right. Shouldn’t education be equal? If so, the top scorer, regardless of status, should give the speech."

I don’t know what they were thinking by bringing this to me, but it feels off and suspicious.

If you enjoyed it, please give a like, bookmark, and a ★ rating. It would boost my motivation, so I’d appreciate it.