Chapter 15

In a rural elementary school, there was a girl who had no classmates of the same grade. The closest peer to her was a boy two years older. He would listen to her stories without disliking them and even taught her studies.

The girl's first love was undoubtedly him.

"I think I'm in the same situation as that girl."

"Huh? Who is this girl you're talking about?"

"I think I'm just mistaking affection for love because I don't interact with many people."

"So what are you talking about?"

I, who had let the spy from the neighboring country, Linus, escape, fled the store using the same route as him. After returning to the academy and thinking calmly, I concluded that my feelings for Patrick might be a misunderstanding.

Now I'm telling Patrick this. I didn't mention the embarrassing part, but of course, he didn't understand what I was talking about and asked me.

"Well, it's about how I want to be friends with Patrick."

When I mustered the courage to say it, he responded as if he was disappointed.

"Did you not think of me as a friend until now?"

"Huh?"

"I thought of you as a friend, Yumiera."

What is this inner handsome guy statement? Combined with his appearance, he looks like a perfect handsome guy.

No, such a person can't exist. There must be something behind it; I won't be fooled.

"I won't invade Remus, but I might defend myself."

His hometown is along the border. For the Ashbaton border region, my value must be immeasurable.

"You have quite a bit of distrust in people... Well, it's probably due to the bad influence around you.

It's embarrassing to say, but I don't intend to use Yumiera's power. I know you would run away if I did, and I don't want to do such a thing myself."

Patrick stared into my eyes as he said this. His slightly blushing face looked away as he continued.

"Even if Yumiera becomes level 1, I will still be by your side."

"It's fine, I can level up again from scratch."

"That's not the point... sigh."

Patrick sighed.

Raising my level again is just an excuse, but it's embarrassing to admit that to him.

"By the way, I also have something to tell you. There's someone I want you to meet."

It's rare for Patrick to introduce me to someone. Is it someone I know?

I'm feeling great right now, so I'm willing to meet anyone and talk as much as I can.

"Of course, who do you want me to meet?"

When I asked who I should meet, Patrick seemed hesitant to say.

"You probably don't want to meet him, and you probably don't trust him, but he has reflected on his actions..."

Who is it? Just say it already.

"...Prince Edwin."

The sudden mention of the prince's name made my mood plummet.

In the reception room of the academy, a room used when the principal calls someone, Prince Edwin and I faced each other in silence.

The prince didn't seem to have any intention of starting the conversation. He had called me here, supposedly to talk, and even went through Patrick to do so.

"Um, what is it you want to talk about?"

As I asked, thinking it was unusual for him not to be aggressive, the prince opened his mouth as if he had made up his mind.

"...I'm sorry."

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry, Miss Yumiera. I treated you rudely. My assumptions were wrong, and I stubbornly held onto them."

Prince Edwin's unexpected words made my thoughts stop. As I was still confused, he continued.

"Originally, my father had told me that it was one in ten thousand that a noble lady would be the Demon King. I also knew that was probably true.

However, I couldn't admit that I was wrong about what I had already said. I only listened to the words that suited me.

My immaturity caused inconvenience and discomfort to Miss Yumiera. I am truly sorry."

Upon receiving Prince Edwin's apology, I didn't feel anger but rather a sense of resignation, thinking, 'Well, he's still a child.'

It's not just him; all the students in the academy are children. They swallow baseless rumors and exclude minorities or those who stand out.

If the class leader dislikes someone, everyone ignores them. This could have happened in a Japanese high school as well.

"Why the sudden change?"

What I was curious about was the reason for Prince Edwin's sudden change of heart.

"Patrick told me."

Patrick? Why did his name come up here? I remembered he was the one who told me to meet the prince.

As if answering my question, Prince Edwin continued.

"Patrick told me about you. Miss Yumiera's strength is built on effort that can't be compared to ours. Hearing about your daily life, I understood that you are a normal person.

I was blind to the fact that I was the one who worked the hardest and was secretly afraid that you were different from us.

It sounds like an excuse. I know it's selfish, but can you forgive me?"

"I understand your situation, Prince. I was aware that I am an unconventional existence. I hope we can get along from now on."

Whether to forgive Prince Edwin or not, I don't particularly want to be friends with him or seek revenge. I don't think this will change my actions.

"Is there anything I can do to make up for it? I will do whatever I can."

"If you let me join in the Demon King's defeat, that would be enough."

Every time the prince does something, my peace seems to be threatened, so I don't need anything. If possible, I'd rather not be involved with him.

"I see, just as Patrick said."

Prince Edwin, looking convinced. What did Patrick tell him?

"By the way, I have one request, Prince. What did Patrick say about me?"

I think it's okay to ask this much. I'm really curious.

"He said you have no interest in power or wealth, and that you are basically a kind and good person, and a strong person who doesn't give in to others' bad words."

The evaluation was higher than I expected. There is one part I'm curious about.

"Basically...?"

"He said you are basically a good person, but your head and actions are a bit strange... Since Patrick said it, that's what it is."

...I am aware of it, but he could have kept quiet about it. The prince, sensing my gaze, defended himself.

"I thought I should answer your question honestly..."

You don't have to be so serious about it. Well, I kind of knew what Patrick thought...

After the conversation with Prince Edwin ended, the principal, Ronald, came in.

"How was your talk with the prince?"

"I thought he was a different person. It's not a body double, right?"

When I gave my honest opinion, he smiled wryly and said,

"The past year was just strange. Prince Edwin was originally a flexible and understanding child. I'm relieved that he has finally come to his senses."

"Well, I can help with leveling up, and we might be able to deal with the Demon King."

Since this might allow me to have a normal school life, I can't thank Patrick enough.

"But the other three are still the same."

The other three must be Alicia and the two other targets.

"Can't Prince Edwin persuade them...?"

"I already tried, but it didn't work. Alicia is stubborn, and the other two are in a blind faith state. So, I decided to intervene with Alicia, who hasn't leveled up yet.

I want to ask you for help. You can do anything as long as you don't die."

That stupid prince, if he was going to apologize, he should have at least tried to persuade the others first. He's taken back some of the respect I had for him.

It's fine for me to intervene with Alicia's power leveling since I proposed it to the principal before.

If Alicia gets a taste of the joy of leveling up, she might become a bit more normal.