𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞
Stepping out of the room, it’s the first time I’ve ventured out since I broke in here.
There’s a sense of people here and there, but the women’s dorm during the day was quiet. The ceiling has intricate carvings, and the windows reach up to the ceiling.
I walk around as if saying, “What’s the big deal? I’m used to the women’s dorm.”
ㅤ
“I know it’s kind of late to ask, but is it okay for a man to be in the women’s dorm? Isn’t it inappropriate for people of opposite sexes to sleep in the same room. . .?”
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Realizing this situation might not be good, my heart feels like it’s going to contract.
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“To be precise, the rules don’t mention anything about attendants. However, everyone here generally lets only the same sex sleep in the servants’ quarters.”
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Chris remained composed.
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“However, nowadays having attendants of the opposite sex has become a kind of status symbol. So, it’s not that uncommon to be in the same room with someone of the opposite sex.”
“You mean. . .”
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Inadvertently, I imagined something that’s not appropriate for people under eighteen.
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“It’s possible for men. For women, there is a virginity test before marriage.”
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Said so casually, but I couldn’t let it slide.
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“So, you’re saying that even I. . . Tianne is thought of that way?”
“Yes.”
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Wait, what? I’m going to become a snobbish Ojou-sama who has relationships with multiple men?
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“My confidence is suddenly draining. . .”
“It’s okay, Ojou-sama.”
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Rolf, who was on my left, gently held my hand.
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“Regardless of what anyone thinks, we know. The real Ojou-sama is gentle, a bit quirky, and an absolutely wonderful lady. Even as she hesitates, our Ojou-sama who faces forward is truly amazing.”
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Rolf’s lips brushed against the back of my hand as he winked. He pulled away quickly, but the soft sensation lingered, burning into the back of my hand.
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“Ro-, what. . . what are you doing!”
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Almost calling out Rolf’s name, I hastily revert to calling him my attendant as Tianne would.
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“What am I doing? Just trying to ease your tension. Would a kiss on the cheek have been better?”
“It would smudge my makeup.”
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I glare at Rolf, but he remains unflappable.
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“Being able to touch something that embellishes Ojou-sama would be the greatest privilege.”
“. . .Just know, I won’t be responsible if you catch something from your philandering lips.”
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Let him find out the hard way after kissing some other young lady.
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“Oh, so I can really kiss you?”
“That’s enough.”
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At the sound of Roa-sama’s restraining voice, Rolf immediately puts on a serious face.
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“We’re nearing the stairs. There will be more people. Let’s watch out for each other and get back safely.”
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I nod in agreement to Roa-sama’s words.
Here, we are on the second floor of a women’s dormitory inhabited by high-status young ladies. Tianne holds a high status within this dorm.
ㅤ
The first floor has more people compared to the quieter second floor.
Escorted by Roa-sama and Rolf, I descend the stairs without tripping. I don’t forget to keep a haughty expression.
ㅤ
Leaving the women’s dorm, I walk gracefully and slowly down the tree-lined path. Seasonal flowers are in full bloom, reminding me of the garden I visited with Edgardo.
I want to go again. Like back then, I want to walk outside openly and indulge in some street food.
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“That’s the school? It kind of looks like Hogwarts. . .”
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As I finally reached the school and looked up, an idiotic comment slipped out. There were several white rectangular buildings and one large tower.
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Upon entering through the large doorway, I was greeted by an array of large stained-glass windows, filled with a refreshing brightness.
The contrast between the white walls and deep purple carpet was solemn. Intricate white patterns were drawn on the carpet.
The walls weren’t just plain white; they had carvings on them. Although the stained-glass was transparent, it had subtle hints of color here and there, making it beautiful.
Even the ceiling had designs on it. The pillars had something too. Even the doors were more than just slabs of wood.
I tried to keep a stern face and spoke to Chris.
ㅤ
“I have returned home with full confidence.”
“I have caught it.”
“No, it should be escaping.”
“I’ve caught it. I will return your confidence. You’ve received special training from me, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
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Chris says it’s okay because the old Tianne is with him.
Seeing Chris nod, Rolf opened the classroom door. Many eyes turned toward us but quickly looked away.
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The classroom was long horizontally.
There were only two rows of seats, spaced generously apart. The seats were staggered so that they didn’t overlap with the chairs in front. It seemed the classroom had about 12 students.
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“Ojou-sama, please take my hand.”
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Escorted by Chris, I proceeded to what seemed to be Tianne’s seat. Roa-sama pulled out a chair for me to sit. The chair had a thick cushion, making it sink under my weight.
Roa-sama knelt down to adjust the hem of my skirt. Ugh, I feel like I’m doing something wrong!
ㅤ
“Tianne-sama, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
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The one who spoke was a beautiful girl sitting next to me. Her cat-like eyes and slightly upturned nose were charming.
Her bright orange hair and sparkling brown eyes were radiant. It was Caroline, whom everyone said would likely approach me.
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“You always disappear from school if there’s a scandal about nobility. I thought you would stay away even longer this time because it’s such big news.”
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Was it because of such a character that it didn’t seem unnatural for Roa-sama and the others to have fled?
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“It’s fine whenever I come.”
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Confirming Caroline’s somewhat puzzled expression, I took the initiative.
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“So, what do you think of this voice? Doesn’t it change the impression quite a bit?”
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The magical device I’m using changes my appearance but doesn’t change my voice. Devices that change one’s voice are quite rare.
For now, I’ll refrain from thinking about Roa-sama, whose form and even voice had changed since that night we escaped.
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“It does change the impression quite a bit. What are you using the voice-changing device for?”
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I answered with a slightly malicious smile, but it seemed Caroline didn’t mind.
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“You could’ve stayed away a bit longer. The unprecedented personnel changes have left everyone unsettled. Aren’t you bored?”
“I thought it might be interesting to watch the crowd scramble.”
“You have a good personality.”
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Caroline smiled brightly. There was no trace of sarcasm, just a refreshing smile that rapidly increased my fondness for her.
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“Aren’t you going to dance, Caroline?”
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I looked at the people still unsure of their distance.
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“Oh, I’m not foolish enough to do that.”
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Both exchanged sly smiles. Caroline narrowed her almond-shaped eyes in surprise.
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“You’ve become much more talkative, haven’t you?”
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Startled, but deflected with her usual poker face.
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“I decided to live as I please.”
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Changing her voice, becoming chatty, and making contact with others for gathering information—all pushed through by this resolve!
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“Even if it’s another country, it wouldn’t be strange if something affected your family too.”
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She narrowed her eyes and tilted her head to the left. Seeing Tianne’s habit, Caroline stopped her questioning and shrugged.
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“Oh well. Would you like to have tea sometime? Everyone is engrossed in dancing, and no one will sit.”
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She opened her mouth upon seeing Chris and Roa-sama subtly nod in the corner of her vision.
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“That would be nice. But I might have poor manners.”
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After all, she planned to be fed by one of her attendants.
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“Oh, that’s lovely manners. I’d love to take notes.”
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On the first day of school, she unexpectedly scored an invitation to a tea party. It was too soon, but she decided to happily accept it.
After all, Tianne was somewhat of an outcast. In the end, only Caroline had approached her to talk. That she was the only one inviting her to tea was definitely a step forward.
Translator’s Blog
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