[TTH] 25 – As expected of an otome game, already, well, I can see the sexy development coming. (1)

April 6

"I sincerely apologise for this. Your Highness, Miss Richeli, I will accept any punishment."

That was right after.

The headmaster and executives of Elrand Magic Academy flew to Zinon, whose anger remained unabated. Zinon ordered the servant accompanying us to summon the palace magician immediately, and the palace magician also hurried to the academy by teleportation magic at the speed of light. They seemed to be thoroughly investigating the academy to see if there were any other suspicious points.

However, in the reception room filled with a heavy atmosphere that intimidated me, with its royal blue carpet and curtains and furniture in an ebony colour, I felt uneasy sitting next to Zinon on the sofa covered in luxurious royal blue velvet fabric.

Looking at the headmaster and executives who have been apologizing with their faces practically on the floor since earlier, and Luna Maria, who must have just turned eighteen, I can't help but feel sorry for them.

Upon seeing me flustered as I alternately glanced at them and Zinon, still sullen, Patrick suggested we step outside.

"It's okay. I think the academy can probably operate as usual from the afternoon with how things are going. After all, it's only the first day for the new students. Look, they can spend the morning leisurely getting to know each other and deepening their friendships."

Following Patrick's gaze as he knocked on the window glass, I saw what looked like fresh new students having an early lunch together on mats and tea tables spread out in the courtyard below, chatting with smiles on their faces.

Seeing the tense atmosphere from the morning dissipate was a relief.

"I wonder if it was necessary to make such a big deal out of the situation..."

The story behind the incident, in the end, was that Luna Maria's family, the Berkeley Baron family, had been facing financial difficulties for about two years, and they had lost their transportation business, which was their source of income, and had to let go of their territory. They were on the brink of ruin.

However, the headmaster of this academy understood the Baron's wish to allow his only daughter, Luna Maria, to attend the magic academy as planned, and she could enter the school by renting the dormitory at a discounted price.

The Berkeley Baron family, however, did not have the funds to provide a carriage for Luna Maria for two years.

They allowed the use of Luna Maria's childhood beloved horse as a special exception.

The normally gentle horse became agitated because it had stepped on a nail that had not been picked up when the barn door fell off due to poor fitting after the heavy rain the other day.

"It was just an accident... Calling the palace magician..."

At my words, Patrick, with his hazel eyes narrowed, chuckled.

"You were almost killed, you know? You were so scared, you were shaking, right? It's natural for Zinon to be angry. Richeli isn't just a girl; she's Zinon's future queen and will be the mother of Elrand. He has to do at least that much."

"Hmm."

"It's not just for Richeli but for all the noble sons and daughters attending this academy. It's a good thing. They're having the magician check if there's anything else wrong and if there's any possibility of anything dangerous happening again. Isn't that reassuring for everyone?"

"...I see."

"Zinon isn't the type of person who acts on emotion. Even when angry like that, he's calculating everything in his head. He's so smart it's almost annoying."

At Patrick's words, I couldn't help but laugh.

"So you think so too, Patrick. About Zinon being 'annoyingly' smart."

"We've known each other for a long time. I remember he made many mistakes as a kid, but now I trust him completely."

"I see. If the future Chancellor, Patrick says so, then it must be so."

"Zinon and I have been handling many public duties together, so his excellence is known everywhere. That's why the headmaster and executives incessantly apologised, and the palace magician acted on Zinon's orders."

"You praise him a lot, don't you, Patrick?"

"Well, I've seen a lot of his great points... I thought you and Zinon were similar, but something's changed, hasn't it? Since you hit your head a few years ago?"

"What do you mean?" I glared at the rude Patrick.

"I told you, I didn't hit my head. My heart stopped, and I lost my memory and magic power."

"Right, I remember now. But it was around that time, wasn't it? When Zinon started paying much attention to you Richeli, that love bloomed."

"Don't make fun of me. It's not like that."

Despite the pain in my chest at Patrick's casual teasing, it was a good time to ask something I'd wanted to ask since we were alone. I swallowed hard and watched Patrick's face.