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Chapter 209: The Moon Princess’s Trap
Holy Year 1205, July.
The day of the Rank 4 exam.
Our family made our way to the exam venue, waving goodbye to the only maid who came to see us off from the western detached house.
I really hope I pass this time.
Once I reach the first grade, I won’t have to worry about exams anymore. I can finally relax and enjoy life.
“All right, now about the ‘meeting behind the screen’…”
To be honest, I’ve been hesitating.
I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to meet the village girl this time.
After the handkerchief incident, I’m a bit worried she might suspect something.
Logically, there’s no way she could trace it back to ‘me’ just from that. As long as I stay calm, there’s nothing to worry about.
But this girl is exceptionally sharp.
I can’t afford to be complacent.
The safest option might be to avoid meeting her altogether.
But that feels wrong.
I’m sure she’s behind the screen again today, waiting.
Standing her up would be rude. More than that, it would be unfair to her.
“Niita! Time is limited! Stay strong!”
Phe, still in my arms, cheered me on.
She’s right. There won’t be many chances left to see her.
With that in mind, I decided to go and meet her.
I steeled myself and turned towards the screen—
“Myu!? Niita, why are you going over there?! Phe said time is limited! Niita is spending less time with Phe!”
What?! That’s what she meant?!
“Niita will leave Phe soon! That’s really hard! So Phe wants to cuddle with Niita as much as possible right now!”
She hugged me tightly.
Her eyes were practically screaming, “Pet me!” and she was staring at me with hopeful, puppy-like eyes.
“Niita, pamper Phe… please?”
“Ugh… Hnghh…”
She tilted her head and looked up at me with those pleading eyes.
Since when did Phe learn to use such cute tricks?!
With her acting like this, there’s no way I can refuse.
I found myself absentmindedly petting her.
“More! Niita, pet Phe more, please?”
My little angel’s demands knew no bounds.
She really intended to stay like this until the exam started.
But even though I hesitated earlier, I’ve already decided to meet her.
So, I’m going to see the village girl.
Luckily, Phe seemed too focused on cuddling to notice.
Her moist, sparkling eyes were locked on me, like I was the only thing that mattered.
If I walk while petting her, she shouldn’t notice.
I kept my gaze fixed on my sister while carefully making my way towards the screen.
“Ah…”
A small voice called out from behind the thin partition.
Behind the screen, I could see the silhouette of the moon-like young girl and her usual guard.
“K-konnichiwa.”
“Oh, yeah. ‘Konnichiwa.’”
The same greeting as always.
And likely, one of the last times we’d be able to share this greeting.
“Wha—?! When did Phe and Niita get here?!”
Phe looked around in surprise.
“It’s been a while,” the village girl said gently.
“Yeah, it has.”
We meet pretty regularly, though
The village girl, as usual, smiled at us with a serene, moon-like expression.
Good. It doesn’t seem like she’ll bring up the handkerchief.
Now that I think about it, my response back then was flawless.
There’s no way she could have any lingering suspicions. Heh.
I felt relieved.
With that, I had the confidence to start a conversation.
“How’s your studying going?”
“I’ve been putting in the effort, so I just hope it pays off.”
Her humble tone was devoid of any insecurity.
Of course it is.
This girl has been working tirelessly to save her mother, all while acing every exam.
Now that she can focus solely on studying, there’s no reason for her to feel uncertain.
“How about you? Are you confident?”
“Me? Confident? Not at all.”
That’s the one thing I can say with confidence.
Especially when it comes to the practical exam.
The Rank 5 practical exam was rough, so I’m pretty anxious.
But as long as I pass, I don’t need a perfect score. That’s one relief.
Even if I fail, I can always retake it.
“Is that so?”
The girl’s marine-blue eyes gazed intently at me.
Phe’s eyes are blue too, but it’s a different shade from hers.
After losing my Japanese identity, I’ve become better at noticing subtle differences in colors. The same goes for blond hair, too.
“Phe’s Niita works so hard! When he’s not playing with Phe, he’s always studying! But now, it’s time for Niita to pamper Phe!”
Well, I do study but not always. Otherwise, I wouldn’t pass.
But what’s with this declaration from Phe?
Is she bragging about me or trying to end the conversation?
She clung to me like she was showing me off, or claiming me as her own, glaring at the village girl with a fierce expression.
She looked ready to growl, “Grrr!”
Meanwhile, the Fourth Princess kept her gentle smile as she watched us. Then, she spoke in a soft, sweet voice.
“Oh, you dropped something.”
“Huh?”
There was my handkerchief on the ground.
(Did it fall because Phe was squirming around?)
I already lost one at the castle the other day.
If I lose another today, Mom will definitely scold me.
“Whew, saved.”
I bent down to pick it up, but…
“Ugh…!”
This isn’t right!
This isn’t my handkerchief!
It’s—
(It’s the handkerchief I lost back then…!)
I looked up at the village girl, feeling a chill run down my spine.
Gone was the sweet, gentle child. In her place stood a young girl with the regal presence of royalty.
“This belongs to you, doesn’t it?”
Her voice was calm and authoritative.
To think someone so young could exude such power and dignity…
I might have underestimated her.
But I have my own reasons. Involving Abel would complicate things.
I can’t admit it.
“Nope, not mine. I almost picked it up by mistake since it was near my feet.”
I forced a thin, awkward smile as I replied.
“Is that so…?”
“Yeah. Look, here’s my handkerchief.”
I pulled out my own handkerchief from my pocket.
I’m sure I didn’t show any signs of panic.
“I see.”
The handkerchief on the ground floated up and landed gently in the village girl’s hand.
So, that’s how she planted it near my feet.
(Wait a second… she cast magic without an incantation?!)
The moon-like girl carefully dusted off the handkerchief and held it close.
“I must have made a mistake. I’ll make sure to find the real owner of this handkerchief.”
…Does that mean she’s not giving up the search?
Her eyes were calm and gentle, but I could sense a strong will behind them.
Thinking back, this is the same girl who never gave up on finding a cure for her mother.
She might be an incredibly stubborn girl.
I’m starting to think it’s dangerous to meet her again…
Safety first. Self-preservation is key.
Relationships and obligations come second. I’ve confirmed that for myself.
“Are you taking the Rank 3 exam too?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, I am.”
I was caught off guard by the unrelated question.
Maybe I’m just overthinking it?
“I see. I plan to take the Rank 4 exam as well.”
Yeah, I knew
She already told me she was aiming for the first grade.
“I hope we both pass.”
“Yes. Let’s meet here again for the next exam.”
“Yeah. Good luck.”
I responded casually, but then it hit me.
“Yes, it’s a promise… okay? We’ll definitely meet here next time too.”
“…!”
Wait—
Did I just get roped into meeting her again?
Could she have planned this…?
No, that can’t be, right?
I stared in shock at the young Fourth Princess, who wore a regal smile in her ‘noble mode.’
