Chapter 29

My name is Bern. Bern Tarsi Armenia. I am the eldest son of the Duke of Armenia and the son of Louis de Armenia, the Prime Minister.

"Good morning, Edward-sama. Yurie-sama."

"Ah."

"Good morning, Bern."

I called out to the two people walking ahead. Edward-sama, who has the vivid red hair of the Second Queen Elria and jet-black eyes, is known for his sharp features. He tends to give off a stern impression, but when he is with Yurie-sama, the corners of his eyes droop, and he shows a gentle expression. I have never seen such an expression when my sister Iris was his fiancée. I think he must really love her deeply.

Next to him, Yurie-sama has her fluffy brown hair braided. It's a hairstyle I rarely see, so it's very striking. Her large green eyes are beautiful, and her ever-changing expressions are very endearing. She reminds me of a warm patch of sunlight.

"Hey, Bern. You were studying late again, weren't you?"

"Yes, well..."

"Bern, are you overworking yourself again?"

"No, I'm not overworking myself. I just have some things I want to study, so it's fine."

Seeing Yurie-sama's worried expression, I felt a warm feeling in my chest. It was studying that became the trigger for my admiration of Yurie-sama.

"Bern-sama, you're amazing!" I remember the first time she spoke to me, it was something like that. At the time, I had no interest in her, so I probably responded coldly. I didn't even understand what was so amazing. Being first was "normal" for me, and everyone around me saw it that way. However, she repeatedly and earnestly told me how impressive it was to consistently be first in academics and asked me to teach her. It felt comfortable, and before I knew it, I was teaching her. Seeing her earnest efforts and her gradual improvement under my guidance made my heart warm.

"Bern-sama, look! Thanks to you, my grades have improved so much!" When her originally average grades improved to the top, she showed me her report card with a happy smile. Seeing that, I felt as happy as if it were my own achievement. ...Before I knew it, I found her high-pitched voice comforting and felt healed by her presence.

...I tried to approach her a few times, but I had never done such a thing before. In the end, it didn't go well, and Edward-sama and she ended up together. Still, as long as she is happy, that's all that matters... I wanted to continue watching over her from the side... That's what I thought.

Anyway, I had come to believe that I was amazing. I had never given up my top position and could remember anything I heard once. That's why.

However, that belief was shattered recently by my sister Iris.

She wasn't supposed to be a top student at school. But when I returned to the territory, I found that my sister was now the head of a thriving merchant guild and acting as the lord's representative, managing the territory.

One moment she was battling mountains of paperwork, the next she was having conversations with words I didn't understand, receiving consultations, and battling more paperwork. She would scold me and then get back to work... She was completely immersed in her work.

Seeing that, I was shocked and felt a deep sense of shock. I had been proud of myself, but what was I really proud of? I had no knowledge or experience.

Compared to her... I was just a smart kid. No... It might not just be her. There might be many more people like that. I just hadn't tried to see them.

That's why I started going to my father to seek his guidance. I thought I couldn't continue like this. More than anything, I was frustrated.

When I go to my father, he treats me seriously and gives me a mountain of assignments. I stay up late to complete them.

Looking ahead, Dolsen was at the entrance of the school building. As always, his muscular build and short hair were very noticeable.

"Good morning..."

"Ah, Dolsen. Good morning."

"Good morning, Dolsen. You look a bit tired... Are you okay?"

"Yes. I just got a bit roughed up during training yesterday. I'm fine."

Dolsen is usually taciturn and expressionless, but now that you mention it, he does look a bit tired today. But it's not much different from his usual self.

"Be careful not to overwork yourself."

"Thank you."

I remember Dolsen has been getting rough treatment in the knights' training recently. The trigger was his father, Drouna-sama, who said he needed to "rebuild his character" and forced him to participate. ...Because his mother had not only skipped all the social events and tea parties of the Katavaria family but also treated Dolsen's family coldly at official events... That was the reason Drouna-sama pulled Dolsen out. In other words, it was due to his mother's revenge.

...I only learned about this and the backstory after I started going to my father. At that time, I strangely remembered my sister's words, "Consider the impact."

When we reached the classroom, everyone turned to greet us. ...Well, the Second Prince and his fiancée are here... It's only natural to greet us based on our status.

We sat down, and just as the school bell was about to ring, the door opened again.

"Good morning..."

"Ah, good morning. Van."

Van Rutasha, the son of the Daryl Church's Pope, entered the classroom just in time. Since the Daryl Church is the state religion, the family that has traditionally served as its Pope is treated as nobility. Therefore, Van, as the son, attends this school for nobles.

"Van, you're always late. You're just in time, aren't you?"

"I think I'm quite early compared to usual. By the way, Yurie-sama, your hair looks beautiful."

"Thank you... But I don't feel very flattered when Van says it."

Van has long, golden hair that is as smooth and lustrous as a woman's. He has a long, narrow-eyed, androgynous face.

"That's not true. It really is beautiful."

"Thank you. It must be thanks to the beauty products from the Azuta Guild."

"Ah, that place."

"Yes. By the way, I finally became a member."

"Waiting for just one guild to keep my fiancée waiting... That's not acceptable..."

Edward-sama clicked his tongue in disgust.

"Edward-sama, you shouldn't say such things. Everyone is waiting, so I should wait too."

"Yurie, you're so kind."

But Yurie-sama's words made him change his expression.

...I was surprised that Yurie-sama became a member... After what happened. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't become members... In fact, I would find it more understandable. But given "that" sister, she probably suppressed her feelings and agreed because it would be bad for the guild's operations to quarrel with the royal family... I'm sure the servants who admire my sister felt like they were drinking hot water.

"That guild is really popular. I'm still waiting to become a member."

"Yes. The head of the guild must be amazing. I respect her. I would like to meet her."

"If Yurie says so, I'll arrange for her to visit the castle. I'm sure they would be honored."

"That's a good idea."

...I don't think she will come. The people of our Armenia territory are currently quite angry with the Second Prince. When I went there, not only my mother but also the servants ignored me and my sister, making it a very uncomfortable situation. I think even if someone other than my sister, like Sei or Sebast, were the head of the guild, they wouldn't come.

"Speaking of visiting the castle, how about the matter we discussed last time?"

"Ah, the food distribution at the church. Of course, it has been approved. Right, Van?"

"Yes. The Daryl Church is happy to help."

"That's good. I hope everyone will be happy."

"Of course. Everyone will be happy if Yurie does it."

...Yurie-sama is a kind person. She suggested the food distribution to help the people, and Edward-sama is energetically working on it.

However... Do you know that the repeated food distributions are putting a strain on the budget?

It's only natural. The royal family's lifestyle remains the same... In fact, their expenses have increased. Elria-sama spends a lot on herself, and Edward-sama spends a lot on gifts for Yurie-sama. Yet, tax revenue hasn't changed.

"Before giving alms to the people, they should reconsider their own lives... If the fiancée is happy with the gifts, she should sell them and give alms on her own. Moreover, she is demanding more gifts, which is of poor quality," my father was very angry.

While one-time alms might not be a problem, the repeated distributions are putting a strain on the national treasury.

Despite opposition from my father and other ministers, Elria-sama and Edward-sama are forcing it, leading to a gradual reduction in reserves and personnel costs.

Moreover, the food distribution is only in the capital... My father grumbled that it's just for popularity and doesn't reach those who really need help.

Reducing personnel costs means reducing the income that people need to live. As a result, even those who were in the middle class are struggling.

I used to think Yurie-sama was so kind... But maybe I didn't see the whole picture.

"Repeated alms are a burden on the national treasury. I think it's better to skip this time."

"Why are you saying that, Bern? Helping the people's lives should be the top priority. Everyone will be happy, so it's a good thing..."

"It's a good thing, but it's not good if it goes too far. Yurie-sama, please don't ask too much of Edward-sama..."

"Edward-sama is the prince of this country. He can do anything, right? If the budget is not enough, we can just take more taxes. Or, we can get rid of the military? Yes, that's a good idea. This country is peaceful, so we don't need a military. Right, Edward-sama?"

Yurie-sama smiled as if it were a brilliant idea. I was shocked by her words.

She seemed like a small child. Childishly innocent... and cruel. A little thought would show that it's impossible from a national defense and public safety perspective, and what would happen to the people who would lose their jobs? ...They would end up in the food distribution line.

"Ah, Yurie, you're smart. ...Bern, you're too rigid. You sound like one of the ministers."

"...I apologize for my presumptuous words."

I fell silent under Edward-sama's glare. ...Ah, my father will explode in anger again. No, he probably already has. I will be scolded for not stopping it.