Extra Chapter: The Story He Doesn’t Know
Looking at the unfamiliar silver-haired boy (?) in the mirror, I saw a hint of Mother’s features.
“Looks good on you, Lucretia-sama,” Alyssa-san, the Kingdom Knight assigned as my escort by Luu-nii-sama, said with a grin.
“Thanks, Alyssa-san. Do I really look like a boy?”
“Totally… uh, well, mostly?”
“Mostly…?”
I felt a twinge of worry.
The succession dispute began with Father’s illness. My brother, third prince Lucas von Reese, is vying for the throne.
To avoid hindering Luu-nii-sama, I’d enroll in the Royal Academy under a hidden identity and gender. There’s an entrance exam, but Luu-nii-sama pulled strings. …Hmph, I could’ve passed anyway.
“Time to go, Luugue-boy,” Alyssa-san said.
Luugue Bect—that’s my name now, posing as the son of Viscount Bect, a longtime supporter of Luu-nii-sama.
Guided by Alyssa-san, I boarded a carriage discreetly.
“Hey, Alyssa-san, what’s the Royal Academy like?”
Inside the moving carriage, I asked Alyssa-san, seated opposite. A top graduate of the academy, she was the one to ask, per Luu-nii-sama.
“Well, it’s been four years since I graduated, so things might’ve changed.”
Alyssa-san shared stories: why exam results are announced the same day, the dorms’ luxurious furniture, the best cafeteria dish (beef stew), the perfect napping spot behind the staff quarters… Was she really top of her class?
The scenery outside the carriage shifted rapidly, and soon the academy came into view. The carriage circled to a back entrance and stopped.
“This is our stop. Inside, a teacher who knows your situation will guide you to the exam venue. Blend in with the examinees, and you’ll be fine. …Nervous?”
I nodded vigorously.
The academy’s a boarding school, and I’d live with peers for three years as Luugue Bect, a boy.
I’ve barely interacted with kids my age, except for Lilly, my childhood friend, whom I haven’t seen in seven years. We stopped exchanging letters after Mother’s death…
Lilly’s probably at the academy… Meeting her after so long is nerve-wracking, especially since her Puridy family supports my rival, Brother Sley. If she knew my identity, it’d be a disaster.
Three years at the academy are my trial: hiding my identity, acting like a boy, living with strangers…
“Natural to be nervous. I’d be too in your shoes. A bit of advice from your senior?”
Alyssa-san’s bright smile eased my anxiety.
“Enjoy it, Lucretia-sama. It’s your academy life. Don’t overthink—just have fun.”
“B-But I have to hide my identity for Luu-nii-sama…”
“That’s important, but Lucas-sama wants you to enjoy the academy. Otherwise, he could’ve kept you hidden somewhere safe.”
“Oh…”
He didn’t have to risk sending me here. He arranged it so I could enjoy academy life…
“But how do I enjoy it…?”
“Start by making friends.”
“Friends…”
Lilly’s face came to mind. After seven years, she might’ve forgotten me. As Luugue, I can’t go back to our old days.
“Alyssa-san, how do I make friends?”
She looked away.
“Just, uh, talk to people?”
“Ehh…?”
“What? I spent my student days swinging a sword to get close to Master! No friends, just one annoying but lovable junior… Anyway, approach people with the intent to bond, and it’ll work out!”
“But I have to hide my identity…”
“Try kids from out of town. Especially those in travel clothes on exam day—they’re usually from far-off places, less likely to know court politics, so your secret’s safer.”
“Got it!”
They might not pass, she added with a wry smile, but knowing who to approach eased my mind a bit.
“Thanks, Alyssa-san!”
“No prob. Have a great academy life, Princess!”
“Will do!”
Waving to Alyssa-san, I stepped off the carriage, passed through the back gate, and was led by a school staff member into the building. In the distance, I heard commotion and the word “Saintess.” What’s that about…?
“You’ll now take the 〈Skill〉 practical exam. It doesn’t affect your admission, so relax. I’ll leave you here.”
“Thank you.”
Bowing, I stepped into the courtyard toward the second training ground for the exam. Along the way, I saw someone crouching.
Black hair like the night sky, a cloak with an unfamiliar crest. They sighed heavily by the roadside.
A cloak… maybe someone from far away?
Summoning my courage, I spoke, hoping this would be the start of a life-changing encounter.
“—Hey, you okay?”
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