Chapter 70: The Princess
Ever since Claudia arrived, the atmosphere in the class has completely changed.
“Princess Claudia is so strong, truly befitting one who will carry the nation.”
“No, no, I am still quite inexperienced.”
“Oh, you’re too modest.”
“Your demure nature is also wonderful!”
Female students flocked to Claudia. Many male students were also looking for a chance to greet her.
Before Claudia came, Eleonore used to be at the center of that circle…
Now, aside from the idiots, only a few approach Eleonore.
Eleonore is the difficult type, after all.
Unlike Eleonore, Claudia is quite sociable. There’s always someone by Claudia’s side.
And the one this Claudia gives special treatment to is, surprisingly, me. Claudia has allowed me to call her by a nickname, and I’m often called to her private room. There’s no one else like that. My noble rank has also risen, so it’s only natural that rumors are spreading about me being the partner in Claudia’s illicit love affair.
Well, the truth is, I’m just helping Claudia with her studies in her private room…
Claudia was afflicted by the Curse of the Evil God and hasn’t been able to study properly until now. So, she’s using me, who knows her circumstances, as a pretext to somehow make time for studying, striving to achieve grades that wouldn’t be shameful for a member of the royal family.
She must be naturally smart. Claudia maintains top-level grades with little study time.
Incidentally, Claudia is currently fourteen years old, which apparently means she should originally be two grades above us.
Claudia and Eleonore are undoubtedly sisters, but they don’t resemble each other much.
“Dee?”
“Hm?”
“Onii-sama, Princess Claudia is calling for you.”
“What are you spacing out for? Would you mind accompanying me for a bit?”
“Alright.”
She probably wants to make time for studying again. I agreed without a second thought.
“Princess Claudia, Viscount Baumgarten again?”
“Yes. He is a favorite of mine.”
“For the Viscount alone to receive such favor, I can’t help but feel a little jealous.”
“I apologize.”
I don’t mind helping Claudia, but it’s not just the female students; the male students glare at me too… Can’t something be done about this?
“Onee-sama.”
Just as I was about to follow Claudia out of the classroom, Eleonore stopped Claudia. Eleonore’s face was expressionless, but for some reason, I sensed she was incredibly angry.
Behind Eleonore, I could also see Reinhardt, who was probably trying to woo Eleonore again.
“Onee-sama, who you choose to be close with is your freedom, but isn’t this favoritism a bit much?”
“Oh? But El, you’re also especially close with Viscount Baumgarten, aren’t you? It seems you’ve allowed him a nickname as well.”
“I am! I am merely receiving advice from him.”
My combat advice sessions for Eleonore have continued regularly since then. Come to think of it, the only ones Eleonore calls to her private room are me and Cornelia.
Is she panicking because her older sister seems to be stealing away even her few friends?
“Is that so? But this is perfect timing. El, won’t you come with us too? Isn’t this a precious opportunity for us to speak directly? I feel that we lack mutual understanding.”
“That is… However…”
Eleonore made a pained, difficult expression.
For Eleonore, the position of future queen was something she had painstakingly played up until now. It was Claudia who destabilized that once-certain position. Eleonore must have many complicated feelings towards Claudia.
And it’s not just Eleonore’s position that has become unstable. The positions of the nobles have too.
Until now, it was certain that Eleonore would inherit the throne, but now, the option of Claudia has emerged.
The nobles, who had been united as one until now, have become divided over who should inherit the throne.
Well, looking at the children of nobles in the classroom, Claudia seems to have the advantage… but I don’t know how things will turn out.
In the game, Claudia’s existence wasn’t even hinted at. When one spoke of the princess, it meant Eleonore, and Eleonore becoming the next monarch was a decided future.
In fact, in the game’s ending, Eleonore, who married the protagonist, ascends the throne as queen.
Perhaps in the game world, Claudia died from the Curse of the Evil God without being treated.
Although I didn’t know it at the time, by treating Claudia, the board has become far too complicated. Even if I want to use the knowledge I gained from the game, it has become severely limited.
As for me, I’d really like to maneuver in a way that I don’t get caught up in the battle with the Evil God…
“What’s this? Princess Claudia and Princess Eleonore are going somewhere? Take me too! I’ll show you a fun time!”
Reinhardt. I envy your carefree attitude.
“Please refrain.”
“Indeed.”
“No way!? You’re with Dee again!? What’s going on!?”
Reinhardt was looking at me enviously.