Chapter 50
Clack, clack.
“Hello, Your Highness.”
“Oh my, Your Highness. It’s been a while.”
“Where are you headed right now?”
As Princess Fransia walked slowly, a crowd of students gathered around her, offering greetings.
In response, she smiled warmly.
“Yes, it’s good to see you, Lady Wiclan.”
“Indeed. I almost forgot your face with how long it’s been.”
“I was just heading back to the dorm after class.”
Princess Fransia returned every greeting with a bright smile.
No matter what anyone said, wherever she went, all eyes followed her. She lived constantly under the gaze of others, always at the center of attention.
She had to maintain the posture of a kind, diligent, exemplary young lady—the sole royal student at the Flains Royal Academy.
That was precisely who she was: Fransia Khan Flains.
“See you next time.”
“Let’s have a meal together sometime.”
“See you in class later.”
She kept her full-face smile, acknowledging every single greeting.
Clack, clack.
“Good work today.”
In a very small voice, she whispered to herself, praising her own efforts.
“The air’s nice, and the atmosphere isn’t bad… huh? Is the wind blowing?”
Whooosh!
A cool yet gentle breeze brushed past her, and Princess Fransia smiled softly.
With a lighter heart and step than ever before, she made her way toward her dormitory.
Then suddenly…
“So, all of that was just a rumor?”
“Yeah, we checked everything. Didn’t you see it? That magic was really something else.”
“Then who’s the idiot that said Camon Baird can’t use magic? Even if you spread rumors, there’s a limit!”
“Exactly. I want to see his face for myself.”
A little apart from the chattering students, Princess Fransia froze mid-step. She bit her lower lip hard without realizing it.
‘Camon Baird.’
The name of someone she never wanted to see again made all the happiness she had just felt collapse instantly.
Clack, clack!
With her expression hardened, she quickened her pace, moving with strength and speed far beyond before.
Soon after, Princess Fransia confronted some individuals.
“So, all the things you said were lies?”
“Ah, no… Your Highness, that’s not—”
She had summoned the ones who had spread the news that Camon Baird might not be able to use magic: Sol Crensh and his friends—the Monster Trio.
“Phew, never mind. I didn’t believe you from the start anyway.”
Sighing, Princess Fransia shook her head, prompting the trio to bow apologetically.
“We’re sorry, Your Highness. We truly thought he couldn’t use magic anymore.”
“Hah… but he showed off incredible magic in front of so many people?”
“Well… that is…”
“The reason I followed your information was just to confirm if it was true, nothing more.”
As if making it clear she hadn’t been deceived, Princess Fransia’s words immediately drew responses from the Monster Trio.
“Of course. You handled it perfectly.”
“Your Highness is truly wise!”
Their awkward smiles and flattery made her frown slightly.
“No, that’s not why I called you here!”
“Hup!”
“Sorry.”
“Enough. Let’s stop the pointless chatter.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Understood.”
“Well, since you’re the source of this rumor, Camon Baird might come looking for you soon.”
“Huh?”
“W-what do you mean by that…?”
The trio, Crolyn and Moke, were startled by her remark, but their leader, Sol, was quick to catch on.
“Your Highness, what should we do now? If it’s for you, we can do anything!”
Sol Crensh said resolutely.
“Yes, exactly.”
“Just tell us, and we’ll obey!”
Following Sol, Crolyn and Moke nodded vigorously, prompting Princess Fransia to show the faintest smile.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. Every word is sincere!”
“Anything, as long as you obey my orders.”
“Good. Then listen carefully.”
Nodding, she continued.
“Remember, this isn’t a command from me.”
“……?”
“Keep a close watch on Camon Baird’s every move. What he does, who he meets—observe everything and report it to me.”
“Eh?”
The trio tilted their heads in confusion.
Princess Fransia sighed, muttering under her breath as if she had expected this.
“Hah, never mind. Forget I said anything…”
“N-no, hahahaha. That’s exactly what we’re perfect for. You can trust us completely. We’ll investigate every detail of that scoundrel Camon and report back to you.”
Sol’s quick smile reassured her, and Crolyn and Moke echoed him.
“Of course, that’s our specialty.”
“No need to repeat it!”
Seeing the pitiful trio, she shook her head but decided to make the most of the situation.
“Just remember, this is something you’re doing on your own, not on my orders. Understood?”
“Yes, of course. We’re just acting on our dislike for Camon. Don’t worry, Your Highness!”
Smiling, Sol replied, and Princess Fransia nodded slightly.
“Good, then that’s settled. Go now.”
“We’ll visit again next time.”
As they left, she let out an irritated sigh.
“Hah, really.”
She didn’t trust them at all, but she thought she could use this to her advantage.
“After all, they can’t disobey me.”
She would use them as much as she could.
Then, she recalled Camon Baird successfully performing powerful magic.
“Tch, hmph!”
Frowning, she clicked her tongue and muttered again.
“Let’s see how long you can keep that up. I’ll make sure you get expelled from this academy. Myself!”
Later, visiting the academy administration after a long time, I stared at the papers before me, lost in thought.
“…Why is the class schedule so messed up?”
The second semester would start immediately after the weekend. Normally, we should have selected courses much earlier.
‘Where was I during the break?’
The staff, clearly irritated, scolded me, and I could only lower my head in response.
Because I had spent the entire break outside the academy to get the “Orb,” I had missed the proper timing for course registration.
The only saving grace was that my first-year core courses were automatically enrolled.
The problem was…
‘The schedule is chaotic.’
My timetable was filled with core subjects like Magic Studies, Swordsmanship, Dungeon Studies, Basic Ethics, and Imperial History.
And each class…
“Swordsmanship is early Monday and Friday, Dungeon Studies is Monday through Thursday afternoon, Magic Studies is Wednesday and Thursday morning, and Imperial History is late afternoon to evening on Monday and Thursday?”
Other courses like Herbal Studies and Potion Making were randomly scattered as well.
No day off, and the breaks between classes were inconveniently scheduled.
“Ugh, really…”
Looking at the chaotic schedule felt like being back in my early twenties during university.
At that moment, a voice cut through my thoughts.
“Don’t be late next time.”
“Yes, yes, understood.”
The staff’s sharp tone barely registered as I trudged away, mentally exhausted.
“Would be easier if all classes were packed together… oh man, exams are going to be brutal.”
Recalling past exams, I looked away from the schedule.
“Well, nothing I can do now. Let’s go.”
As I neared the dorm, a familiar voice called out from behind.
“Camon?”
Turning, I saw an unwelcome face waving at me.
“Uh… hello, housekeeper.”
She was the maid in charge of my dorm.
“Yes, hello, Camon.”
She bowed politely, then continued.
“I was just about to visit your room, so it’s lucky I met you here.”
“Me? Why?”
I instinctively narrowed my eyes. Every time she came to me, something happened, so I was naturally cautious.
But I shook off the worry. ‘Come on, even if something happens, I can handle it. I’ve dealt with everything before.’
I smiled faintly and asked softly.
“Is there a problem?”
She returned my gaze with a gentle smile.
“It’s not a problem exactly… the reason I came is simple. Your tuition and dorm fees for the second semester haven’t been paid yet.”
“Tuition and dorm fees?”
“You must pay in full before the new semester starts to continue classes and dorm use.”
A sudden request for money caught me off guard, but I quickly composed myself.
“Camon?”
“So, as long as I pay everything by the end of this weekend, it’s fine?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Then should I give it to you, or pay at the administration office?”
“Either is fine.”
“Understood. I’ll see you later then, housekeeper.”
She tilted her head slightly, noticing my changed demeanor.
“Hm, you seem quite different, Camon.”
“Really? Suddenly?”
“Well, goodbye, Camon.”
I parted ways and walked briskly.
Click, thud!
Once back in my dorm, I climbed onto the bed and reached toward the ceiling.
I lifted a wooden panel and pulled out a small locked box I had hidden.
I quickly unlocked it and opened it slowly.
Squeeeak.
Inside, a brilliant white light poured out.
“Yes, this is it.”
It was the giant diamond necklace that Diana Fren had gifted me.
I hadn’t expected to use it so soon…
“This will cover my expenses easily.”
After enduring so much, my mental resilience had grown; nothing could shake me now.
Instead, I thought:
“See? I knew I’d need this someday.”
I chuckled at my past self for preparing so well.
“Good. I even lined up someone to help handle this quickly.”
With that, I prepared to set my plan into motion.
