Chapter 5: Diamond in the Rough
“What do you think you’re doing, talking back to me!? To me, the heir of House Hortness!”
“N-no, that’s not what I meant…!”
It wasn’t exactly talking back, but the spoiled brat from House Hortness had no ears for reason. It’s a consequence of being from a backwater village. I had no idea what rank House Hortness held.
The girl was glancing around, seemingly searching for help. However, as soon as the onlookers caught her gaze, they quickly averted their eyes and walked away.
It seemed that House Hortness was quite a high-ranking noble family. I figured it would be best to stay out of this. I felt bad for the girl, but with the bombshell of brainwashing hanging over me, I didn’t want to get dragged into any trouble.
Just as I was about to hastily leave the scene, a clear voice rang out from behind me.
“That’s enough, Idiot Hautness.”
I turned around to see a girl with flaxen hair tied in two braids walking gracefully toward us. Her delicate features resembled a finely crafted doll, and her simple yet elegant dress exuded an air of nobility.
Every movement she made was poised, making it immediately clear to anyone that she was a daughter of a great noble family, a stark contrast to the blustering brat.
“You cowardly backwater poor noble.”
For some reason, she insulted me as she passed by, but since it was all true, I had nothing to retort.
“Lily Puridi…!”
“Those with exceptional skills must study at this Royal Academy. It doesn’t matter if they are born noble or common. The rules set by royal decree are absolute. No exceptions are allowed.”
“B-but that filthy commoner is unworthy of this sacred academy!”
“That decision is not ours to make. Only the royal family can overturn a royal decree. Isn’t that right?”
The girl called Lily looked at me, seemingly seeking my agreement.
Please, don’t drag me into this…
I wasn’t well-versed in the norms of noble society, so I couldn’t really respond to her request for agreement. However, I had a vague understanding of what Lily was asking for.
So, I just needed to provide some backup, right?
I would have preferred to avoid getting involved, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being drawn in. If I was going to be caught up in this, I might as well support her wholeheartedly.
“Um, could it be that you are of royal descent?”
“Oh? What makes you think that?”
“Well, you’ve been saying that girl isn’t fit for the academy. Only royalty can decide who is worthy, right? So, I thought maybe you were royalty.”
“W-what are you saying!? There’s no way I’m royalty!”
Idiot’s face turned pale, clearly flustered. It seemed being mistaken for royalty was a serious matter.
“Ah, I’m sorry. Being a poor noble from the backwoods, I’ve never seen royalty before. So I was just excited to finally meet one! But to think there would be someone foolish enough to deny a royal decree in the presence of the esteemed Royal Academy…”
“Y-you bastard!!!”
“That’s going too far, backwater poor noble.”
…This girl has been way too harsh on me.
“That said, Idiot, you should refrain from making careless remarks. If you stand out too much, it won’t be easy to brush it off as a misunderstanding or a joke.”
“…Damn it! Remember this, commoner! Backwater poor noble!”
Idiot turned on his heel and stormed off with his entourage, leaving me with a sense of resentment. But whatever. I was planning to fail the entrance exam anyway. If I retreated to Pnosis Territory, I wouldn’t have to see him again.
“Th-thank you for your help!”
The girl with sky-blue hair bowed her head to me and Lily. When she raised her head, I couldn’t help but gasp.
“I knew my judgment was correct. You are a diamond in the rough waiting to shine.”
“Eh?”
The girl tilted her head, clearly confused by Lily’s words.
A diamond in the rough… that was spot on.
Though the girl looked unhealthily thin, her features were remarkably well-defined and beautiful. With a bath and proper meals, she would instantly transform into a stunning beauty.
“I’m Lily Puridi. This is the cowardly backwater poor noble.”
“Hey, who are you calling a cowardly backwater poor noble?”
“Oh, was that incorrect?”
…It’s all true.
“I’m Hugh Pnosis. Nice to meet you.”
“Y-yes! I’m Recty! Um, do you two know each other…?”
“That’s what I was wondering too. It seems like you know a lot about me for someone I’ve just met, right? This is our first encounter, isn’t it?”
“…Yes, of course. I only know your family name. Your Barony of Pnosis is distantly related to House Puridi. Though there’s hardly any blood connection left.”
“So, we’re incredibly distant relatives…?”
It’s the first I’ve heard of such distant relatives in the Royal Capital… Wait, she’s a daughter of a marquis house?
“That’s right. I recognized you by the large crest embroidered on your cloak.”
Peering at my back, I indeed saw the Pnosis family crest prominently displayed on my travel cloak. So, that’s how she figured out I was a backwater poor noble.
…Suddenly, wearing this cloak feels a bit embarrassing.
“Don’t worry, hardly anyone knows about House Pnosis, a minor noble family from the backwoods. I only know because of our distant relation.”
“Could you stop belittling my family while trying to cover for me?”
“Isn’t it the truth? More importantly, if we keep chatting here, we’ll be late for the entrance exam. Let’s go, Recty.”
With that, Lily took Recty’s hand and started walking away.
“Can I join you too!?”
“Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have taken your hand. Watch your step.”
“Y-yes!”
Lily escorted Recty like a princess heading toward the school building.
…Huh? Did they just leave me behind!?
I thought we had become somewhat friendly after that exchange, but it seemed I had misjudged the situation.