A few days ago, I received a letter along with a thick research report.
[Dear Princess, I’ve completed the homework with the tutors you provided. Lord Aeron also helped me a lot. It was fun and enjoyable.]
It was from Francis.
“I’ve never been outdone in my studies anywhere. If he does well, he might surpass me.”
Aeron’s words come to mind. He, a professional scholar, was surprisingly devoted to his studies.
“It’s very pleasing.”
Looking over the letter and report, I smiled in satisfaction. Though I had provided the best tutors, I didn’t expect such progress in such a short time.
My little genius team is the best. It’s always thrilling.
I sent Francis’ completed report and my necklace to the underground laboratory, expecting a complete transformation of the once crude restraint.
“Wow…”
Today, the new restraint from the underground laboratory arrived. A new restraint made exclusively for Redian.
“Oh gosh, it’s beautiful.”
Upon opening the box, I couldn’t help but exclaim. Instead of chains to bind the wrists, there was a sophisticated silver ring. But… What if I turn it into a couple rings?
My necklace, which was a key to the underground, had been transformed into a ring. Now, Redian and I would inevitably wear identical rings.
“Quite remarkable.”
When I lifted the ring, as if it were natural, Redian also came into my mind. So, all I need is this…
This is a true restraint.
Wherever Redian was, I could bring him to my side. The thought of putting the ring on his long, beautiful fingers pleased me.
Indeed, such a masterful idea. I marveled at my own ingenuity.
* * *
It was the next day. Heading to the control room of the training ground with Aeron, four holographic images appeared in my view.
“We’ll start with Inein.”
The first hologram flickered with Inein’s image.
“Oh my, what is that?”
I was momentarily taken aback by Inein’s appearance. He was training with a black blindfold.
“It’s to enhance magical amplification. It heightens senses by blocking vision,” explained Aeron.
Inein, you really come to the wrong place. He really looked like the male protagonist of a 19+ tragic novel.
{Kuuuek.}
Inein rapidly manipulated his Astra, boasting his prowess as a magician. Despite being blindfolded, there was no error in his movements.
“Actually, even though he is a magician, we discovered it too late, so I didn’t have high expectations…” Aeron, who was watching alone, commented. “They say he’s a SA-grade magician by the research lab’s measurements.”
“SA-grade?”
“It could be SS-grade if officially measured by the magic department.”
I had to suppress my rising excitement. I can’t believe such a fortune was rolling on my feet. It even meant that he was a capable magician. God must have taken pity on me.
“Inein.”
{…Princess.}
When I spoke through the communication tool, Inein stopped in the place.
{How have you been? Did you already have lunch?}
His presence alone already made me full.
“I’ve brought some signs for you to use. Look at them after training.”
{Ah, yes. Understood.}
“If you want anything, tell the trainers at any time. They’ll bring it to you within 30 minutes.”
I intended to secure his signature on a contract promising lifelong care and hourly snacks.
“Next is Francis.”
The second hologram showed a boy with purple hair.
“There’s nothing to worry about him.”
As Aeron said, his shooting posture and reloading speed were flawless.
Perfect, as always.
{Kikikikik!}
A creature scratched Francis’s face as it fluttered by.
“…Ah!”
“Oh gosh.”
Because his disheveled hair covered his eyes, his face couldn’t be seen properly in the video.
“What to do? It looks like he got hurt, right?”
“It seems so. There’s not much time left until the competition, and he got injured.”
Moreover, even though it was a monster for training, it was of a high rank, so the injury must have been severe.
“Are you okay, Fran—”
{…Damn it.}
But before I could ask, he was already reloading. Bang—!
{Kuuuek.}
The monster fell with a single shot.
Bang—!
Francis fired again at its remains. Watching, I was slightly shocked.
“What’s wrong, Princess?”
“It’s my first time seeing Francis like that.”
Except for the first day we met, he was very cheerful and followed me around, so I didn’t know he could make a face like that.
“He seems to have a competitive spirit. Not just cute and kind.”
“Cute and kind?”
Aeron looked at me coldly, his eyes holding unspoken words.
“Don’t forget, Despite their gentle façade in front of Princess.” He murmured softly. “They are Norma.”
His soul-seeming expression made me wonder. What did he see? Even though my children look like that, they are pretty gentle.
I intended to commend Francis’s diligence.
“Francis.”
{…Huh?}
His voice paused when he heard me.
{Princess!}
“They said you study really hard. You did your homework very well.”
I could sense his twinkling eyes.
{I’m glad I could help to Princess. I’ll work harder!}
“Yes, do your best…”
But then, I noticed the remnants of the monster are under Francis’s feet.
{Yes, Princess! Watch me!}
His joyful face contrasted with his ruthless stomping.
“Hmm, next, please, Aeron.”
“Yes. Now, Vallentin.”
The third hologram revealed bright red hair.
Why is he like that?
Bang, bang, bang! The sound of firing was heard one after another without stopping.
{Kuuuek.}
{Damn it, damn it.}
Vallentin was wiping out monsters while holding Astra in both hands. With a single wave of his hand, he killed dozens of them.
“Why is Vallentin working so hard?”
“He aims to reach Redian’s 12th circle within the week.”
“Ah…”
Hmm, maybe I should call this a good competitive rivalry.
“Impressive. Haha.” I clapped involuntarily.
Anyway, it feels fulfilling.
“Aeron, move to the next one.”
Finally, my focus shifted to the fourth hologram. Redian had risen to the 12th circle, the highest level.
“Yes, right away.”
The image changed instantly.
“Where’s Redian?”
“Uh… he was there a moment ago.”
Only an empty training ground appeared.
“Ah, I’ve been distracted. I have to tell you, Princess.”
Aeron seemed to recall something.
“Bergman came here. I heard the knights’ uniforms have been completed.”
“Yes…? Uniforms?”
* * *
“Are you saying he came here without reporting to me first?”
“The look in his eyes was unusual. Is that what you call the madness of a genius artist?”
Recalling Aeron’s words, I headed to the changing room connected to the training ground. What kind of satisfying result did he achieve?
Bergman had rushed to Redian as soon as the uniforms were ready. I should have noticed it when he was more enthusiastic about making Redian’s mask than my dress. Who pays his salary anyway? I understand Bergman’s artistic spirit being ignited by Redian, but still.
“Bergman?”
No one was in the changing room.
Where did he take him?
I walked deeper along the corridor, eventually reaching another door.
“Bergman, are you here?”
The moment I pushed open the last door without thinking.
“…!”
I froze at the sight.
“Master?”
Redian stood there in a black uniform and a red epaulet on the shoulders, symbolizing the Felicite. And…
“Redian Hyu Rixon is appointed as crown prince.”
A tinnitus rang in my ears.
Wait WHAT