Chapter 30

"…Already, that child is graduating, huh…"

"…Miss Iris, is something the matter?"

At the words that slipped out, Tanya reacted.

"Hmm… I was just thinking that Bern is graduating too."

It's been over two years since I left that academy. Thinking that those members are also graduating now, I feel a deep sense of nostalgia.

To explain the game, the protagonist can achieve a happy ending by successfully courting one of the target characters within a year of entering the academy. In the Ed-sama route, I was denounced and expelled from the academy, after which we lived happily ever after… something like that. Of course, if no one is courted, it ends in a normal ending, and a harem ending like the one happening now in reality was not prepared in the game… or so I thought. However, since I was the type who relied on my own efforts without looking at strategy guides or websites, and I only managed to court the second prince, I'm not sure about the details. Still, even if I had known, it wouldn't have been of any use since I only recovered my memory at the game's ending.

By the way, Bern and I are the same age, but I was born early and he was born late, so we are in the same grade… meaning, Ed-sama and the others will graduate at the same time as Bern.

"…Miss, are you nostalgic for the academy?"

"It is nostalgic, but… just that. After being expelled, my days were so intense that I didn't really think about it much."

"I see…"

"Whether they graduate will be a good or bad omen… For me, it's good in the sense that I can separate Bern from them."

"There's no need for you to worry about that person."

Tanya, Bern is technically my successor… She said it so casually.

"Because, if the country is to survive, the province needs a connection to the center. Father stepping down as chancellor might still be a while away, but thinking about the future, I want Bern to be prepared to succeed him."

"…Your words make it sound like the country will fall?"

"The future is uncertain. Once the second prince graduates, the real conflict will likely begin, which will be even more troublesome…"

Will it end with them living happily ever after, as in the game's happy ending? After all, if the first and second princes really start a serious conflict, the country will suffer greatly.

"By the way, a letter came from your husband. How was it?"

"Hmm?… I was thanked. It seems Bern started going to Father's place. I didn't do anything special, so I replied that the one who should be thanked is Mother for providing the opportunity."

To be honest, I really don't care about Bern. To put it bluntly, he's just a pawn I might use if he's useful.

"But, Miss, to be frank… you seemed quite down when you read that letter…"

"Yes, well… it also mentioned Ed-sama and the others."

I was really surprised. What surprised me first was that Bern started telling Father about his conversations with Ed-sama and the others at the academy. But what surprised me even more was the content. Apparently, Bern… that Bern! suggested that the army should be abolished to reduce the national treasury's burden. Grandfather, upon hearing this from Father, was furious. "The army doesn't receive any unnecessary budget. If you want to cut, reduce the number of knights," he said. Indeed, the country is currently stable, and there have been no wars with other countries since the battle with Twyl, which Grandfather won. However, the ceasefire with Twyl is not a formal peace treaty, so we can't be complacent. In light of this, Grandfather returned to the capital, worried about the military.

"…Truly, it's despicable."

I snapped back to reality at Tanya's muttered words. Her expressionless delivery was genuinely scary.

"Tanya, I wasn't thinking about Ed-sama or missing him. I was just surprised by the content."

"However, it's unacceptable to cause you mental distress."

"Thank you for worrying, Tanya."

I genuinely appreciate her concern, so I thanked her.

"…Well, let's get back to work."

We ended our tea time and returned to the study. I felt the mansion seemed larger with Grandfather gone. …Grandfather has such a presence.

"Oh… Lyle, Dida. What's the matter?"

Walking down the hallway, I ran into them in front of the study.

"I'm here to report."

"I was just bored."

"…So you… how do you talk to Miss like that?"

Lyle glared at Dida, who answered nonchalantly. This exchange has happened so many times. I sat down in my chair.

"It's fine, Lyle. So, how are the guards?"

"Quite good. They were trained daily while Gazelle-sama was here."

Hmm, for the critical Lyle to say that, they must be doing well.

"Yeah. We can now hold our own against them in swordplay."

"…That's wonderful."

Rarely, Tanya praised them wholeheartedly. Yes, to be able to match Lyle and Dida in swordplay, their skills must have improved significantly. The last time I secretly watched their training, Lyle and Dida didn't even draw their swords against their training partners.

…Speaking of which, how strong are Lyle and Dida? Just before Grandfather left, he said, "I lost to those two! Am I getting old?" …Grandfather, who had never lost before, was a bit disappointed. But he was also excited like a child, and he went to practice with Lyle and Dida every day until he left.

"Miss… being able to match swords with those two means they are at the level of a skilled knight or soldier."

"That's indeed wonderful. Please continue to work hard."

…Thank you, Grandfather. I silently thanked him. I'm a bit curious about what Grandfather wants to do with our guards. …Still, it's important for them to become stronger to protect our province, especially in case something happens to the country in the future.