Chapter 6

The education of a princess is not something that can be acquired overnight.

That is why the crown prince must be betrothed to a daughter of a supporting family as early as possible.

Lumina understands this, but she thinks:

Since the so-called destined love with Sophie will ultimately come to nothing, even if she is educated from a young age, there would be no need to have a fiancée until she meets Sophie.

If that were the case, she wouldn't have to be hurt so many times, over and over again.

To Lumina's words, Stefan turned his gaze with a serious expression and said in a calm tone:

"That would be difficult. A supporting family is necessary to become the crown prince, and early education as a princess is also essential."

"Is that so?"

"What?"

"Currently, apart from His Highness Prince Stefan, the first prince, the only one who can be named as the crown prince is His Highness Prince Ridley, the second prince. However, Prince Ridley is the son of a concubine and is three years older than His Highness Prince Stefan. As long as Prince Ridley doesn't have a strong fiancée, it should be fine. Besides, for the education of a princess, if an excellent young lady is chosen, it should be manageable even if it starts at 18 years old."

At Lumina's words, Stefan's eyes gleamed dimly.

"You make it sound so easy. It's better to decide on an engagement early to become the crown prince, and the education of a princess... well, it might not be that difficult, but I don't think it's that simple, either."

"What do you know about the education of a princess? I said it would be manageable, but I never said it wouldn't be difficult."

"Huh?"

Stefan was startled by the sudden severity in Lumina's tone.

He felt a sense of intimidation, as if he were being scolded by his mother.

"But... you don't know either, right?"

"I know more than you, Your Highness."

Stefan furrowed his brow at her provocative words and said:

"Is that so? Then how about this? If you claim to understand the education of a princess, teach me."

At his words, a burning sensation began to rise in Lumina's heart.

Stefan always boasted that even if Sophie started her education as a princess now, it would be sufficient when it came to breaking the engagement.

Indeed, if an excellent young lady were chosen, education starting at 18 years old might be manageable.

However, if asked whether Sophie, who had been average in her life so far, would be able to manage with education starting at 18, Lumina thought it was a bit of a stretch.

But Stefan had said it confidently.

It would be manageable.

Lumina smiled at Stefan for the first time.

"Understood. I will teach you, Your Highness, what the education of a princess truly entails, to the core of your being. In return, could you grant me one wish?"

"What... what is it?"

"If you ever realize that your thinking is shallow, please acknowledge it properly."

"What?! What do you mean!?"

"You belittled it just now. You belittled the education of a princess that a future fiancée will receive, saying it's not that difficult. To belittle something without truly understanding its meaning is incredibly shallow."

Stefan's face twisted in displeasure as he said:

"Fine. If that time comes, I will acknowledge my mistake."

Upon hearing those words, Lumina stood up and bowed gracefully.

"Please don't forget those words. As for the schedule, please let me know when you have time. I will come to the castle whenever you are available. Oh, and one more request."

"What? You have another one?"

"I would be very happy if Lady Sharon could also attend the sessions on the education of a princess. Two people alone might lead to unnecessary speculation."

"Understood."

The tea party continued for a while after Lumina left her seat, and eventually came to an end.

At that point, no announcement about a fiancée was made, and Lumina later received a letter from Stefan.