Chapter 41

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Since waking up, Emi has been recovering steadily without any health issues.

The food is delicious, and the legs that were wobbly at first can now walk without any problems. The violet threads are still not allowed to be removed, but they have been a bit itchy lately. Every time she unconsciously tries to scratch them, she is stopped by Komei’s paw.

“Komei... it’s been a while...”

“Meow (No)”

Komei never leaves her side. He stays with her even when she sleeps, eats, or goes to the bathroom. It seems she worried him a lot, and now he is more overprotective than her father and stricter than her mother. Even though she dislikes baths, Komei joins her every day, making her fur even fluffier and more comfortable to touch. It’s a pleasant surprise.

Joshua visits Emi every three days, as she is told to stay in bed for a while. At first, Komei was wary, but after multiple visits, he now stays calmly by Emi’s side when Joshua comes. Among the relatives who treat her like a delicate flower, Joshua’s unchanged attitude makes talking to him enjoyable. The snacks he brings are always delicious.

“Lady Emi, I brought some pastries from the capital today. Your favorite tea is also here.”

...I’m being gradually fed.

The capital, according to Joshua, is incredibly stable, despite the recent coup. The king’s personal involvement in the battle has given the people a good impression, and his approval rating is soaring.

“Also, the dress designed by Lady Emi for Lady Rose is receiving great praise.”

It’s good to know that all the hard work paid off. She can’t help but giggle, and Joshua smiles along with her.

“Lady Emi, you’re such an angel...”

He muttered something, but she didn’t quite catch it.

“Have you been to the capital, Joshua? What’s the academy like?”

She has become curious about the capital, where she will be living from next year. Originally, she could have attended the academy alone, as there are dormitories for the students, but her father decided to move the entire family because he doesn’t want to be separated from her. In her previous life, the lack of job opportunities in the countryside meant that her children had to leave home for work. Although they returned during long holidays, it was still lonely. It’s nice to be able to stay with her family a little longer.

“The capital is a large academic city. The royal castle is at the center, surrounded by various schools. Only top students can attend the Royal University where Lord Urban is enrolled, but any noble can take classes at other schools.”

According to Joshua, the entire capital functions like a giant school where anyone, regardless of age or gender, can take classes in subjects of their interest. There is an annual exam period, and students who have taken at least one hour of classes in a year must take the exam. If they pass, they earn credits. Taking too many different classes can result in a mountain of exams, making it difficult. Graduation requires 100 credits, and after submitting a thesis in a chosen field and receiving a good evaluation, one can graduate. This system is quite different from the schools in her previous world, and she is a bit bewildered.

“Etiquette and embroidery classes are popular among women, and there are about 50 different etiquette classes... Lady Emi, don’t make that face.”

Her face must have clouded over at the mention of classes she would never choose. She needs to work on not showing her emotions so easily.

“Noble men have mandatory subjects: monster studies, economics, and practical hunting skills. Without passing the exams in these three subjects, they cannot graduate or be recognized as nobles.”

This is why there is a difference in graduation age between men and women. Women learn the necessary etiquette and graduate in their teens, often getting married soon after. Men, on the other hand, usually graduate in their twenties, and it’s not uncommon for them to continue attending the academy into their thirties.

“Those who rank in the top 3% in specific subjects are given the right to attend the Royal University.”

Graduating from the Royal University allows even low-ranking nobles to secure important positions, so many second sons and younger aim for this. In the past, when her mother excelled in these subjects, she faced criticism from second sons and younger nobles for being a woman. Her father, who had never spoken to her before, suddenly proposed by kneeling down. Her mother once told her that men should be chosen based on their capacity. Indeed, her father, who knelt to marry her, might be more impressive than those who complain incessantly.

“You know so much, Joshua. You’re amazing.”

Merchants are good at gathering information, but the key is how well they can use it. Joshua focuses on things that might interest Emi before visiting. Understanding customer needs is important, and Joshua is always trying to improve his relationship with her.

“I’ll do anything to help Lady Emi.”

He casually mentions his capacity.

After hearing from Georg and William that the second prince had fallen in love with Emi, she is a bit anxious. Power is not to be trifled with.

“By the way, did you hear that Prince Edward sent a get-well letter?”

Emi had sent a letter to Rose, informing her that she had regained consciousness and apologizing for causing worry. In response, she received letters from both Rose and the prince. The prince’s letter, filled with his handwriting, made her feel guilty for causing so much concern.

“Yeah, Lady Rose’s handwriting is so beautiful and cute! And her letter smelled so good!”

Despite the mention of the prince, the conversation quickly shifts to Lady Rose’s letter. Joshua is a bit relieved that Emi’s interest seems to be more on Rose than the prince.

There is a gentle knock, and Georg and William, carrying a large box, enter the room. The brothers often visit Emi after finishing their tasks.

“Welcome back... You’re here again, Joshua?”

William, who had just finished tending to the insects, looks exasperated at seeing Joshua.

“Joshua... Is it okay to be here so often?”

Georg, who had just returned from hunting, also looks exasperated. Joshua, who runs three stores and earns pocket money from their sales, often leaves the palace to buy goods. If he manages the stores well, he will receive one more store for each birthday. At 14, Joshua, who is the owner of multiple stores, is usually very busy.

“Joshua... Thank you for always coming, even though you’re so busy. But don’t overdo it? I’m feeling much better now...”

Emi reflects on Georg’s words. She tends to rely on Joshua too much. He provides her with both snacks and conversation, and as a merchant, his marketing skills are always centered around her, so it’s no wonder he’s so dedicated.

“Georg... You’re saying too much...”

Joshua mutters under his breath.

“Lady Emi! I’m not overdoing it; I just want to see you. It’s fine, really! I want to see you every day!”

While handing her a candy that’s popular in the capital, Joshua pleads with Emi. After a month and a half of buying goods, he returned to find four large cats at the Stewart household, a tea party with the second prince, a localized hazard in the Valerie territory, and Emi’s injury. He feels the need to be by her side to protect her and keep away any unwanted attention. Emi is his top priority.

He has become adept at managing his staff, and the stores are running smoothly. By cutting back on sleep, he can easily make time for Emi.

“But... Joshua, you have dark circles under your eyes. Want to take a nap together?”

Emi, worried about the dark circles under Joshua’s eyes, traces them with her free hand. Her bed is large enough for two.

“Lady Emi...”

William holds his head. Is this really just a coincidence?

“Emi... You...”

Georg also holds his head. He hopes she won’t do this to every boy she meets at the academy. Joshua is already in deep, and he needs to stop it before it gets worse. He is already anxious about next year’s academy life.

Despite sitting in a chair, Joshua collapses to his knees, trembling and offering a prayer of gratitude to the gods.

“Thank you, gods! Thank you for sending me such a noble angel...”

Emi watches Joshua, who is rolling the candy in her mouth, with a smile. She thinks he is just praying at the designated times as a devout person.

While glancing sympathetically at Joshua, William hands the large box to Emi.

“I brought it secretly, so Martha shouldn’t know.”

She gently opens the box to find Violet inside. William brings her to Emi’s room every day to keep her company, without Martha knowing.

Komei, who had been lounging on Emi’s bed, peeks into the box and greets Violet.

“Meow!”

Violet climbs onto Komei’s head, and they have become good friends.

“Is this Violet? Just as you described, she has beautiful purple coloring.”

Joshua, who has finished praying (or rather, revived), smiles at Violet. Although he was surprised by her size, he doesn’t show it.

“She’s cute, right?”

Emi smiles happily at the compliment for Violet. Joshua resists the urge to pray again.

“Meow? Meow?”

Komei seems to be having a conversation with Violet. They are just so cute.

“Meow meow?”

Komei looks at Emi and continues the conversation. Both Komei and Violet are adorable.

Everyone watches the two of them with warm smiles for a while, and then Komei turns to Emi and says,

“Meow!”

“Huh? Can I remove this?”

Emi, pointing to the spider threads covering her wound, asks Komei.

“Meow!”

It seems she has finally been given permission.

...Probably.