𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒𝟒

“. . .Is that color really okay?”

ㅤ

Before getting off the carriage at the academy, I checked once more.

Kyle’s hair and eye color were still reverted to their original state.

Yesterday was a holiday, and many people in the palace knew Kyle’s original color, 

So it didn’t seem to bother him much, but it would stand out at the academy.

ㅤ

Even the silver-haired, blue-eyed me and the silver-haired, green-eyed Chris were noticeable enough, 

But if silver-haired, blue-eyed Kyle was there as well, we would definitely stand out.

I was worried if he wouldn’t like being stared at when, 

Kyle smiled and patted my head.

ㅤ

“It’s fine. I’ve decided not to worry about it.

If I’m to be the princess’ consort, shouldn’t I be recognized as suitable by everyone?

At least if it’s the royal color, no one will complain.”

ㅤ

“If Kyle doesn’t mind, then it’s okay. . .”

ㅤ

“Come on, let’s go.”

ㅤ

As I was hurriedly getting off the carriage, Douglas was waiting for me.

Douglas looked surprised at Kyle’s change but greeted us without saying anything.

ㅤ

“Good morning, Sofia-sama.”

ㅤ

“Good morning, Douglas. What’s up today?”

ㅤ

“Well, I heard that royalty from other countries will be transferring from today, 

So I thought it would be better to be near Sofia-sama as much as possible.

If there are many people around, it will be harder for them to do anything unreasonable, right?”

ㅤ

“Oh, so that’s why you were waiting for me in the morning.

Thank you. I’m going to try to avoid meeting them as much as possible.

Sorry if something happens.”

ㅤ

“It’s fine. Now, let’s go to the classroom.”

ㅤ

Before me and Douglas started walking, Chris joined us, and Kyle and Ruri followed.

As the six of us walked together, conspicuous as we were, we could feel the eyes of the other students on us.

But it didn’t feel unpleasant, 

Perhaps because we had become accustomed to this academy.

ㅤ

The first-year classroom is located a little away from the other grades.

The likelihood of meeting the third prince would be high in the morning, during lunch break, or after class.

I walked close to everyone, believing that it’s best to be cautious.

ㅤ

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ㅤ

ㅤ

“It seems that a report has come in.

The third prince of Kokodia, it appears to be Prince Heines.

Blonde hair and green eyes are the colors of the Duke family of Kokodia.

Just like the former crown princess Idia.

Since he’s the child of the former crown princess’s sister, it’s not strange if they resemble each other.”

ㅤ

“The same blonde hair and green eyes as Okaa-sama. . .

He’s the third child of Queen Adele from the Samaras Duke family, isn’t he?”

ㅤ

“Yes. I couldn’t determine if their faces are alike.

The former crown princess hardly ever appeared at official events.

It seems the person who went to verify has never seen the former crown princess’s face.”

ㅤ

“That can’t be helped.

I’ve only seen her once a month at the dinner party as well.

Even if you tell me about Okaa-sama’s face. . .I feel like she was beautiful.

Maybe I’ll remember when I see Prince Heines.”

ㅤ

Until the memories of my previous life returned, I spent my time vaguely,

Even after remembering, I only saw her during the monthly dinner parties.

We never talked, and I don’t think our eyes ever met.

I can’t even recall her profile well.

ㅤ

“Well, the face doesn’t matter.

It seems he barely made it into the last rank of Class A.

His magical power and skill are average, as is his swordsmanship.

He has brought a chamberlain, but it seems the escort knight is in the waiting room.”

ㅤ

“Is he moving around within the school with only a chamberlain?”

ㅤ

“Initially, I assigned Denis as a guide, but he said one day was enough.

To gather information from their side as well,

“I had intended to keep Denis by his side all along.”

ㅤ

“I wonder if it’s bad for our nobility to be around him.

Or is he just shy around people?”

ㅤ

“I don’t know. We’re accommodating him in the detached palace,

He has brought two squads of escort knights from Kokodia.

I don’t expect to get information from the detached palace.”

ㅤ

Normally, we could have accommodated him in the royal palace,

But the number of escort knights that Prince Heines brought was too many.

It’s difficult to let foreign knights roam freely inside the royal palace.

So we guided them to the detached palace used by Okaa-sama,

They can use the detached palace freely.

ㅤ

For us, if something happens to the third prince in the royal palace, we will be held responsible,

If all the security in the detached palace is provided by Kokodia’s escort knights,

Then any other issue will be Kokodia’s responsibility.

Since information isn’t coming in, it’s probably mutual,

I was relieved to know that we wouldn’t cross paths within the palace.”

ㅤ

ㅤ

ㅤ

On the fifth day, being cautious not to meet the third prince in the morning, noon, or on the way home,

After finishing lunch and leaving the private room,

I was caught by the third prince who had been waiting for me.

ㅤ

“Could you be Princess Sofia?”

ㅤ

No one addresses me so casually.

An unpleasant premonition struck, but I had to turn around,

I stopped and faced the direction of the voice.

ㅤ

He let his long, silky blonde hair flow without tying it up. 

A man with a finely sculpted face that almost looks like a doll is smiling towards us.

ㅤ

H, He looks like Okaa-sama.

As if reviving a forgotten memory, I recalled Okaa-sama’s profile.

However, I had never seen her smile like that.

ㅤ

What is it? I felt sick and uncomfortable.

Is it because I recalled Okaa-sama, whom I had forgotten?

Or because he spoke to me so familiarly at our first meeting?

Though I try not to show it on my face, I strive to maintain the princess’s smile,

Deep down, I want to leave as soon as possible.

ㅤ

“I knew it had to be you? I recognized you right away because you look just like Idia-sama.

I’m Heines Kokodia.

Being Idia-sama’s nephew, I’m Princess Sofia’s cousin.

I thought we would meet at the school right away, but we didn’t. I searched for you.”