Formerly, The Fallen Daughter of the Duke

The ceremony seemed to have ended with great success. I didn't have to ask anyone in particular to guess that, because the public's great cheer also sounded like Claire's room in the outhouse.

(I think I would have liked to see a little of Veek responding to the people)

While Claire thought so, she tightened her mind and opened the text to be used in the Royal School if she did not learn well in the Paft Country as an international student.

For the first time in my life, I thought that the level of education in the Paft country was very high. Only large countries with a large number of specialists in all fields have educational systems and facilities in place that can cover the breadth of their hems.

Last time, Claire had had a special program organized around the totality of Veek, but there wasn't actually just one such student. Claire felt it was a big difference from the Noston country where she could choose the path according to her talents.

(Last time, the magician taught me to focus on the magic that protects me, but this time I want to be able to use healing magic other than purification)

Claire also had the thought that she would definitely do something about Charlotte, even if she were to repeat her worst future.

"I would never step on the same."

Claire shrugged with a faintly audible ceremonial finish in her chest from afar.

―――――

Three days later. Oscar, who had refrained from returning to Noston country, was visiting Claire's room.

"The next time I see you, is in two years? … may have been an unwillingness, but you will learn well in the Pfeite country without rotting."

"Yes, brother"

Claire responded clearly to the words of her brother Oscar. Oscar dared speak of encouragement toward his sister, who was to remain exotic, but he had noticed that the desk in the corner of the living room already had the text and thick books to use in the Royal School open.

Oscar says as he sat on the couch, putting his gaze back on Claire from his desk in the corner of the room.

"Actually, I was a little confused about how to treat you when your father ordered me to go to Paft Country."

"... brother"

"The color of magic may not have been what the country required. But your brilliance still makes up for it. Unfortunately, that part won't replace you in Charlotte. With my sister, I even thought I was jealous.... but until then I thought Claire would accept the treatment from around her without disputing it after the christening ceremony. But as a brother, I am truly proud that we are trying to move forward brightly in the Pfeetland."

Claire was just sad that her brother Oscar, who was kind in the world ahead, suddenly got cold. For that reason, I thought I would never cry in front of my brother in this life. But the tears accumulated in my eyes overflow and spill more and more.

(Your brother was thinking about that. Without knowing anything, I…)

Claire had asked Lewis to know that Charlotte was using some force to control Asberto and Oscar's mind. But even after I started my second life, I didn't realize that I had a cause to get caught up in that distortion.

Oscar restarts sitting next to Claire, whose eyes are bright red, stroking her head gently, he says.

"I expect Claire no different.... You've grown up a lot."

"Yes... thank you, brother..."

Claire whimpered in and finally answered that.

Where Claire has settled down a bit, Oscar says.

"By the way, I had the opportunity to speak directly with His Highness Vike at the other night's club. He is only 15 years old but very highly regarded from home and abroad. I, too, actually got the impression of talking to a good person. If we were together at the Royal School, we would learn a lot. If I get a chance, I'll help you."

In Oscar's eyes, he sees a clear desire to send two royal queens from the Awabari Martino family.

(... if you are my brother. You ruined my inspiration)

"Yes."

Claire wiped her remaining tears with patience as Couscous seemed to laugh softly, smiling and responding.

Oscar, who does not hide his ambitions as the next head of the Duke of Martino family, goes on even further.

"This country also has His Royal Highness Oswald in the Second Prince. According to his reputation, King Puffett sees no alternative to His Highness Vike as his successor. But it also seems true that some have voices that push His Royal Highness Oswald. To stay out of it, to stand around well."

"... is that a fact?

Claire unwittingly asks back about the name of the person she cared about.

"What. Did you still notice a little?... I hear the fire of the revolution is smoking, even though it's a big country. I can't take turns for the dynasty. But it would mean that there are aristocrats who at least want to take power. His Royal Highness Oswald says it's easier to see than His Royal Highness Vike, who is too good. Some seem to assume that things are not moving in such a distant future. Well, Claire would be able to cut through without a pull."

……

On my mind, Claire breathed.

"Brother, thank you for the information. I'll be careful."

―――――

That night, Claire's private room window was slammed with Concon.

……

Claire is not particularly surprised.

Head to the window, grab a heavy curtain and open the window. There, as expected, was Veek.

"... you're not surprised?

It looks like Veek had a better time with Claire, who was so used to the trick.

"Yeah. It's about Your Highness, so I thought it might be time for you. It would be helpful if you could come through the window next time, not the inner hallway. … go inside."

"The prince tells me to come through the window, about you."

"Phew."

Claire smiled and brewed her tea with a tea set on the table.

"... and His Royal Highness Asberto of Noston Country"

"Yes."

"Is this how His Royal Highness Asberto plays out the window, too?

Claire rounds her eyes.

"... No way. He didn't do that."

"Then I'll come through the front door too"

Claire laughed when she couldn't help but think of Vik, who said with a stubborn look, as the compliment offered by her brother Oscar, who had a harsh eye for others during the day.

"It's not. We only played friendly when we were little, but when we grew up, we didn't know we were friendly in flattery.... Really, His Highness Asberto looks good with his sister."

"... right"

After a lot of silence, says Veek.

"Next time, you should come visit me in the office"

"To the office, to play, is it?

Claire listens back.

"Oh. It's not just me, there's the Lewis, mostly.

Claire realized that the matter of 'name calling' had been confirmed by Lewis in some badly toothed Veek tone.

"Glad to hear it."

Claire makes her eyes shine.

"Right.... then give me this."

With a horrible look on his face, Veek took a familiar chain out of his nostalgia.

(... this!

"With this, not only in the royal palace, but also in the paft, all of it is a free pass"

What Veek took out and put up was that pocket watch, stamped with a crest.

"... thank you. I'll borrow it."

Actually, when loading the save data, it was this pocket watch that Claire was left with. If I could not make a connection with the Vikes in the future, I would have liked this watch at least as a memory. Of course, that didn't happen.

Claire's hands tremble at the nostalgic connection.

"However, there are conditions"

……

off his eyes from Claire leaning down his neck, Veek said, hiding the lights.

"The condition is that in the future, the four of us will be treated as friends.... I also forbid to honor you. That's good."

……

"... glad to be your friend, Vik"

Claire gave it back with a full grin to Veek, who was turning red and pointing that way.