Chapter 98

Noah muttered in puzzlement, unable to imagine the scene.

To explain to such a Noah, Karlheinz elaborated in detail.

"As the princess said, Rashnoir Magic Academy is protected by a special barrier and exists underwater. What you see outside the window is not air but seawater, and schools of fish swim there."

"Why would they deliberately build the academy in such a place?"

"It is said to be the founder's wish, the witch Adelheid who lived five hundred years ago."

"..."

Noah glanced at her with his eyes alone, and Claudia smiled back.

"Perhaps Adelheid just wanted to see pretty fish at that time. What do you think, Noah?"

"Perhaps... that's possible..."

Though his gaze seemed to say more, she let it slide.

"I also wanted to see the fish, so I begged Father. 'Claudia wants to go to school!' I said. Father was a bit mischievous, you know."

"His Majesty disliked the academy. He said he wouldn't send you to Rashnoir even after you were born, so that's why."

(Hmm. As the one who had the academy built, I'm curious about the reasons for his dislike, but...)

Thinking this, Claudia returned to the beach from the shoreline. Noah immediately brought a chair and seated Claudia.

Noah's magic cleaned her small, sandy feet. As Claudia's toes were wiped with a fluffy towel and she was helped into white sandals, Karlheinz asked:

"Do you intend to enroll in Rashnoir Academy to investigate the curse?"

"Of course not. I plan to enjoy the pleasant aspects of school life by using the short-term enrollment system."

Claudia's chuckle was, of course, not believed by Karlheinz, but that was fine.

(I'm not doing this for the world, but because I want to. I don't want to be treated like a hero, so I must keep the investigation of the curse a secret.)

It was more convenient to approach the place where the cause of the curse was believed to be, under the pretense of a 'princess's whim.'

(To find the 'songstress' who hums the curse that drags ships into the sea, I'm going to the academy at the bottom of the sea.)

With her shoes on, Claudia looked down at Noah, who was kneeling at her feet.

"It would be simpler for Noah to enroll as a student and servant rather than just a simple guard. You'll have to attend classes, and it might be boring for the current Noah, but are you okay with that?"

"It is necessary time to be by the princess's side. Besides, there is value in learning anew."

"You're a good boy."

While patting Noah's head, Claudia declared:

"Let's start the enrollment preparations. I want to hear that beautiful song that can sink ships."

With this plan in mind, she arrived at the academy.

***

"---Can you delete my student registration, Your Highness?"

"Oh, what a whimsical Noah!"

As soon as the explanation of the short-term enrollment was over and they were alone in the reception room, Noah said this right away.

It was roughly as expected, but she pretended to be surprised and widened her eyes. Claudia, sitting in a fluffy chair, looked up at Noah, who was standing behind her.

"Didn't I tell you at first? It's better for Noah to enroll as a student and serve me. After all, even if they are guards or servants, children must attend classes according to the school rules."

"Then I will take on an adult form. I can exist as something other than a child."

"You'll run out of magic if you stay in adult form for too long. Noah is supposed to be a very good servant who can attend classes properly. You can endure boring times and turn them into learning experiences, right?"

"The situation has changed. According to the school rules you just explained, male 'students' are not allowed to enter the girls' dormitory under any circumstances."

Noah, kneeling on the reception room floor, said this with utmost sincerity.

"Showing loyalty to Your Highness is my top priority. ... If I have to leave your side at night, I can't even protect you."

(...This boy...)

Claudia smiled at his straightforward gaze.

(Noah knows better than anyone that I am not easily defeated.)

Still, Noah sincerely tried to protect Claudia. Because she understood this, Claudia decided not to give in to his request.

"Noah, who built this academy?"

"...The witch, Adelheid."

"Then you know who made the school rules, right?"

"!"

When asked this, Noah was at a loss for words.

"If you want to show loyalty to me, you must also follow what 'I' decide. The principle is that children attend classes at the academy."

"..."

Noah, looking down, answered in a resigned voice.

"...As you command, Your Highness."

"Hehe."

"May I ask one thing?"

When Claudia tilted her head to encourage him, Noah said earnestly:

"Did you know that the crown prince of Remusia was enrolled in this academy?"

"..."

She had never told Noah this. He must have heard it while gathering information about the curse.

Claudia narrowed her eyes slightly and affirmed his question.

"Of course, I was concerned. After all, Remusia is Noah's homeland."

Claudia had visited that country when she was six and regained her memories. The king, Noah's uncle, had made the young Noah a slave and mistreated him.

"---If it's the crown prince of that country, he is Noah's cousin."

"..."