Home/Why Is Everyone Doing This?/ch43

Episode 43

"They're really holding lessons during a week-long festival?"

The next morning, Demaret, who was helping Iodel get ready, pouted.

"Yes. But from Duchess Belice's perspective, it's only natural, isn't it?"

"Ha, that's really harsh. Normally, even the academy closes during festivals."

Grumbling, she gently brushed Iodel's violet hair.

With quick, skilled hands, she tied Iodel's hair up high and nodded in satisfaction.

"After getting all dressed up so prettily, she has to go to class..."

"I don't mind."

"You're the first noble I've ever seen who actually likes studying. All done."

She even tied a gold ribbon around the updo, then clapped her hands and smiled.

Just then, Bell brought in a light meal.

"My lady, I've brought some sandwiches."

"Thanks, Bell. Let's eat together. You too, Demaret."

"You're also the first noble I've seen who invites servants to eat with her. Ah, Bell, I didn't mean that in a bad way."

"It's alright. I've never seen one either."

Bell smiled brightly and set the sandwiches and grapefruit juice on the table.

Soon, the three of them gathered together and shared the meal happily.

"Bell's sandwiches are truly the best."

Feeling full and content, Iodel patted her belly.

"I agree. Bell, don't you think you should open a shop? Your juice is different too."

Demaret examined the juice bottle suspiciously and glanced at Bell.

"You didn't put anything strange in it, did you, Bell?"

"Of course not!"

"Ahaha, I'm just joking! It's that delicious. Seriously, why don't you open a shop? I'll invest!"

"Don't forget that promise. My real dream is to open a café someday."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. Most cafés in the Kinis Empire only sell coffee and tea, but I want to open one that also serves cakes and sandwiches, so people can have a light meal too."

Bell's eyes sparkled as she talked about her dream.

Iodel looked at them with wonder.

"You both have dreams. Demaret wants to inherit the family business, and Bell wants to open a café."

"Huh?"

Demaret's eyes widened in surprise.

"Don't you have a dream, my lady?"

"Hmm, I..."

Iodel scratched the back of her head awkwardly.

"My dream is just to live an ordinary life."

The truth was, she had never really thought of anything grand enough to call a dream.

That was only natural—she had been too busy surviving day to day to think about the future.

But if she had to name one dream, it was this:

To live an ordinary life with her most precious friend, Denzel.

She didn't need a big, fancy house. Though splendid jewels and dresses were beautiful, to be honest, they didn't suit her—a fake.

Just to not go hungry, to buy new clothes once in a while, and to sleep in a bed that didn't smell of dust.

That was all.

"But... it seems like you've already strayed far from ordinary."

"Hm?"

"His Majesty the Emperor said yesterday that if the Grand Duke doesn't wake up, he'll adopt you. Then..."

Demaret's eyes gleamed with ambition.

"Won't you become a princess?"

"Hmm..."

"A princess of the Kinis Empire, no less!"

When Iodel didn't respond enthusiastically, she raised her voice again.

"You'd become the most noble girl in the empire!"

"Well, do I really need to be the most noble person?"

"It's a good thing. You'd have power."

Power...

Iodel frowned slightly, as if Demaret's words hadn't fully sunk in.

"Power to make your own dreams come true, and others' too. How could that not be a good thing?"

"...I suppose you're right. Truly."

Finally understanding her meaning, Iodel slowly nodded.

"That would be nice. I could help make your dreams come true too, Demaret, and Bell's."

"Right! If you become a princess, you'll definitely make them come true, won't you?"

"...Alright."

Iodel forced a smile, trying to keep her expression from stiffening.

"Now, let's go. Duchess Belice must be waiting."

"Oh, look at the time! Let's hurry!"

To lighten the mood, Iodel pointed at the small gold clock. The lesson was about to start.

The three of them quickly ran to the room where Duchess Belice was waiting.

Iodel exchanged glances with Demaret and Bell, then swallowed hard.

She cautiously turned the doorknob.

Since she had declared that she would not accept the "knight's oath," she had cancelled all lessons to prepare for the birthday celebration.

This would be her first time facing Duchess Belice since then.

'Lord Belice said his parents weren't upset at all, but...'

Nervous, she slowly opened the door.

As always, Duchess Belice, dressed in an elegant gown, was waiting for her with a stern expression.

'Is she angry?'

Unsure, Iodel greeted her in the cheeriest voice she could manage.

"Hello, Duchess Belice!"

Then, to appear as adorable as possible, she held her dress out on both sides and curtsied.

"Hello, Iodel."

Iodel quickly glanced at her. There was no hint of emotion or agitation on her face.

'Is she... not angry?'

Unable to tell, she pressed her lips together and slowly sat down at the desk.

Even as she opened her book, she kept her eyes on Duchess Belice.

Duchess Belice flipped through the pages, checking today's lesson plan.

The soft rustle of pages filled the quiet room.

"It's alright."

Still looking at her book, Duchess Belice adjusted her glasses.

"Pardon?"

"I mean, there's no need to be so cautious. Didn't Theodore tell you?"

"Ah, but..."

Iodel slowly rose from her seat.

"I'm sorry, still..."

"I heard that His Majesty didn't give you any explanation. Is that true?"

"Yes, that's right..."

"Then you're not at fault. If anyone is, it's His Majesty. And even if it was a childish act, I understand. You're still..."

She smiled faintly as she continued.

"...so young."

It was the first time Iodel had seen Duchess Belice smile, and she found herself staring.

'A beautiful person.'

If the word "elegance" could take human form, it would look just like that.

Her cheeks flushed without her realizing it.

Duchess Belice clapped her hands to lighten the mood.

"Now, shall we begin the lesson? Today, we'll learn about the empire's capital crimes."

She flipped through the book and began explaining.

"The Kinis Empire follows the principle of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.' The punishment fits the crime. For theft, the culprit must repay double the value, or if they cannot, their hand is cut off. However..."

As she explained various crimes and punishments, Duchess Belice's gaze slowly turned to Iodel.

"Only the crime of lèse-majesté is treated differently from all others."

"Lèse-majesté?"

"Yes. It is the only crime where the punishment does not fit the crime. In other words, even for a minor offense against the imperial family..."

She added in a low voice.

"...you could be sentenced to death."

At that terrifying word, Iodel's heart sank.

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