Volume 1 Chapter 28, Part 2 Mean Villainess, Avoiding the Boss Battle
"Well then, let's go, Elena"
"Okay"
Rudger and I started walking together while gazing intently at the book cover.
"I wonder if this book is not for borrowing?"
"Since it's a history book, probably"
"I'd like to read it"
"I want to read it too"
As we were having such a pleasant conversation, Rudger's footsteps suddenly stopped.
"Wait, Elena. The knight from yesterday is here"
The knight from yesterday is, needless to say, the knight that the prince had with him.
"It's in front of the library. It might be better not to get any closer for now"
For now, we can only see the knight, but since the knight is there, the prince is probably around as well.
Maybe we should retreat for now and hide; it might be safer that way.
The fact that we can see the knight from here means they might be able to see us as well.
We tried to quietly turn on our heels and head back the way we came.
"I found you"
"...!"
It was completely and utterly horror.
Because right after we turned, there stood the prince and another knight.
"Is this a trap?"
I heard Rudger's small, tiny murmur.
Why would the prince of a country set a trap for a girl like me?
Is he bored?
I couldn't just let my complaints be reduced to a small mutter, so I swallowed them firmly.
To avoid causing trouble, I thought I should not confront him, so I slowly backed away, but the sharp-eyed prince noticed.
"Are you running away from me?"
"...No. Good day, Prince"
I wanted to run away if I could.
"The attendant from yesterday doesn't seem to be there. Was the attendant who made the mistake fired?"
I wanted to argue that I would never do such a thing, but I decided that it would be better not to argue and to lie and say that I had fired him, to dampen the prince's interest.
Then, while I was quiet for a moment, Rudger slipped in between me and the prince.
As if to protect me.
"We're busy right now, so if it's not urgent, could you do it later?"
'I'm on my way to return the book,' he says, showing it to the prince.
"Yes. It's urgent. It has to be now."
That's definitely a lie.
I was trying to avoid frowning by tensing my brow, when the prince glanced at the knight next to him, and in response, the knight grabbed Rudger's arm.
And upon confirming that, the prince grabbed my arm.
"Hey, wait, Elena!"
It seems I am about to be taken somewhere.
"I don't know what you're worried about, but I'm just going to have a little chat with a senior at this academy."
Even if he says such things with a grin on his face, I can't trust him at all.
I mean, even if he really wants to consult with someone, why me?
If it's a senior to consult with, there are surely plenty of others.
I'm sure I'm just a convenient toy for this prince.
If I get involved with a classmate, I might end up standing out in class later, so he must have thought to make me his toy when he saw me in the Attendant waiting room by chance.
If that's the case, I'll just pretend to obediently follow and gradually diminish his interest.
In any case, I shouldn't resist; thinking that, I sent a glance at Rudger.
As if he sensed my decision, Rudger nodded solemnly.
"...If it's okay with me, I can listen to your concerns."
"Then, let's head to the café attached to the library."
In a café with people around, it seems unlikely that any major issues will arise.
"Understood. ...Um, before that, may I return this book to the library? It's heavy, this book."
"Got it."
It seems that if I lower myself a bit, the conversation will go smoothly.
From now on, act as if if I make a wrong choice, a boss battle will start right away.
If I start a boss battle unarmed, I will be killed instantly, so I must choose carefully.
Take care of your life.
"What book is this?"
"It's a history book. I'm returning it to my Spell-ology teacher."
"Spell-ology. You... you, Elena, were you?"
"Yes, I'm Elena?"
"Did Elena choose Spell-ology?"
"No, I have chosen Healing Magic and Divination Magic"
"That's normal. Boring."
Isn't that rude?
...But, patience.
I have to be patient.
I must not argue.
I must not get heated.
Calmly, calmly, I think of it as dealing with a machine.
The thing in front of me is a somewhat underperforming Peppey.
I desperately tell myself that.
* * *
After handing the book that my teacher had asked me for to the librarian, I and the prince have come to the café space.
Since the prince dislikes being the center of attention, we sit down in a private room.
After that, I sip my café au lait for about ten minutes.
Before I knew it, I ended up listening to his complaints endlessly.
Huh, could it be that the consultation was serious?
A question mark of confusion dances above my head.
"School is dreadfully boring. After all, I'll be first in the test rankings anyway."
"Is that so? Even if you're first in the test rankings, there are still plenty of things to do, and I don't think it would be boring."
"Has Elena ever been first?"
"Yes, so far I have never ranked anything other than first."
"Huh, what? Really?"
"Yes."
I continue to strive to remain the exemplary Lady Elena, so I have yet to fall.
Well, the test questions aren't that difficult yet.
"Hey, you said there's other stuff to do, but what exactly is there?"
"Studying magic, reading books in this library. Plus chatting and playing with friends, there's never enough time."
When I answered, the prince's expression changed slightly.
I felt a little depressed.
"Friend, huh?"
Maybe he doesn't have any friends?
"As you know, Elena, I am the prince of this country."
I know about it, and I was trying to stay out of it because of it, but I can't say anything about it here, so I'll keep quiet.
"Everyone just stares at me and tries to keep a certain distance."
I guess so!
"...Just at first, right? But I'm the most senior in my class, but now I have commoner friends too, prince."
"Is it possible to be friends with commoners?"
"Yes. The guy who was with me earlier is a commoner."
"The one who called Elena by her first name!?"
I witnessed the moment the prince experienced culture shock with my own eyes.
"I see, I see... So I can make friends..."
This child was lonely, wasn't he?
That's why he listened to my conversation with Rolus and decided to stockpile melon bread.
To get our attention.
But that doesn't mean I'll forgive him.
After all, he badmouthed Rolus.
"Alright, I understand. From today, I'll consider Elena a friend!"
I had no idea what he meant by that.
"I believe friendship should be equal. So I think it's selfish to just make that decision on your own."
"...I-I see. Then what should I do?"
"You know, I'm really angry. Yesterday, you insulted my Attendant, didn't you?"
Saying that, the prince turned his gaze away from me, looking awkward.
It seemed he was aware that he had insulted him.
"If the day comes when you apologize for that, I believe we can become friends."
With a smile, I said that, and the prince, looking stunned, quietly nodded.
"Then, I will take my leave now."
Since I was able to stand up without being complained about, the boss battle shouldn't start now.
I didn't make the wrong choice.
Probably.
Feeling refreshed that I hadn't caused any trouble, I left the private room, only to find Rolus standing there clutching 3 handkerchiefs.
"...I told you not to worry about that handkerchief"
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