“Hey, you there.”
As I walked out of the classroom and down the hallway, I noticed a well-dressed child accompanied by six attendants. I moved to the side to let them pass, but for some reason, I was called out.
The child had golden hair and blue eyes, looking just like a prince from a storybook.
“Yes, what is it?”
I tilted my head as I responded. Who is this child, anyway?
Judging by the number of attendants, they must be a high-ranking noble.
But my circle of acquaintances is extremely small.
Having spent most of my time confined to the Ashud territory and occasionally visiting Axel, I rarely interacted with others.
I don’t know any nobles my age—let alone high-ranking ones.
Who called me a loner? That’s not true!
I have trustworthy friends like Ben and Charmy, so I’m not a loner.
“Are you Thomas from the Roxfall Knight Barony?”
“Yes, I am Thomas. May I ask your name?”
“My apologies. I am Reinhardt Crudia, the seventh prince.”
I had a feeling he might say that. Why does a prince look so much like, well, a prince?!
I placed my right arm across my chest and bowed deeply at a 45-degree angle.
“Oh, no need for formalities. As the seventh prince, my rank isn’t that high, so don’t worry about it.”
That’s not how it works!
If I were to disrespect a prince, it would bring trouble to my father.
“Excuse me, but have we met before?”
“No, this is our first time.”
Then how does he know me?
Ah, wait, I see… I’ve been involved in a lot of things.
When I think about it, I realize I’m probably seen as someone the temple has taken under its wing. That must pique the royal family’s interest.
“My father has taken quite an interest in you.”
So it’s about the movements of the Apostles—or rather, the temple.
“I’ve heard a bit about your circumstances. It must have been tough.”
Sure, the temple is a pain to deal with, but I’ve been leveraging it as well, so it’s fine.
Especially with the sales of the solar lamps—they’re a significant source of revenue, completely managed by the temple.
I imagine the temple has been earning quite a bit from it too.
“You don’t need to be so cautious. I’ve already heard from Duke Alexander of the Bayerlein family about Lady Hermina.”
Oh, so it’s not about the temple—it’s about my mother.
Come to think of it, my grandmother is the current king’s aunt, right? She was the youngest daughter of the king from two generations ago.
My grandmother was originally royalty, and the Bayerlein family is a prestigious branch family.
Now that I think about it, royal blood flows through me as well… Nope, not happening. The royal family is not my style.
“Thank you for your concern, Prince Reinhardt.”
“As I said, I’m just the seventh prince. You don’t have to use such formal language. You can call me by my name.”
“…Got it. But calling you just by your name feels a bit difficult. How about ‘Reinhardt-kun’?”
“Hmm… For now, that works.”
Reinhardt-kun flashed an innocent smile.
“Oh my, isn’t that Prince Reinhardt?”
What’s this sparkly aura?
It’s as if a spotlight is shining directly on her—a princess-like figure.
She had soft lavender-pink hair braided at the sides and tied at the back—a charming hairstyle.
Her emerald green eyes were gentle and slightly droopy, exuding an air of innocence, as if she knew nothing of hardship.
“Lady Claudia! It’s been a while.”
“Indeed, it has. And who might this gentleman be?”
“Oh, he’s Thomas from the Roxfall Knight Barony. Thomas, this is Lady Claudia of the Palzer County.”
“I am Thomas of the Roxfall Knight Barony. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Claudia of the Palzer family.”
I saluted Lady Claudia, and she responded with a graceful curtsy.
“I’m heading to my practical knight exam now. Thomas, are you taking the first liberal arts exam?”
“I’m in the second liberal arts course, so I was just heading home.”
“Oh, are you aiming to be a civil official?”
“Thomas, I heard you’re the heir of the Roxfall family. Are you really in the second liberal arts course?”
“Though I’m the eldest son of the Roxfall family, I’m adopted, so I’d like my younger brother to inherit the family.”
Besides, I have things I need to do. Helping Deuro-sama reclaim the divine throne takes priority. For that, being free to move around is more advantageous than becoming a lord.
I also want to reform the temple.
Lately, I’ve been thinking that turning the temple into a place that truly worships and venerates Deuro-sama might be the quickest way for him to reclaim his position as a god.
