Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
School Festival (2): Secret Invitation
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It was early in the morning, the day after I received the invitation letter from Rinkert-san.
During the school festival, activities began much earlier than usual in the dormitories, as many students started early to prepare for stalls and other activities. We quietly left the dorm, passing by the already bustling dining hall.
Autumn was deepening, and at this time of day when I would normally be sleeping, it felt a little chilly in just a long-sleeved shirt, so I put on the jacket I had brought with me. As we spent a bit of time chatting in a spot away from the dorm, Sonia came trotting over from the girls’ dormitory.
“Good morning.” (Lux)
After exchanging greetings, the five of us, me, Heinz, Ratt-kun, Frank, and Sonia, moved quietly along the side of the school building to avoid being noticed and headed toward the east main street, which had been designated as a restricted area during the festival.
Today, only those of us in the dorm group would be going to the mansion. Those who lived in town couldn’t gather because the gates weren’t open yet. Since it was a restricted area, and most students who were active in the morning were focused on the south and west main streets, which were the stall zones, no one paid attention to the east street.
With practiced steps, we moved toward a hidden, secret path at the edge of the east main street and proceeded forward. Once we were far enough in to be out of sight from the street, someone exhaled a quiet “phew”. Somehow, a restricted zone made the usual main street feel entirely different.
As we walked along the path, Ratt-kun’s stomach let out a loud “grr”.
“I’m hungry. Wouldn’t it have been better if we’d had breakfast?” (Ratt)
He asked.
“We decided yesterday to leave early because the letter didn’t specify a time, right? Besides, weren’t you the one who slept in the longest out of all of us? If you want, Ratt-kun, you could always go back.” (Frank)
Frank countered
Yes, if Ratt-kun had woken up a little earlier, we might’ve had the option of grabbing a quick breakfast.
Ratt-kun muttered dejectedly, “Ah, I’m coming…” and walked along behind us.
“But if we’re too early and Rinkert-san is still asleep, what should we do?” Sonia said, sounding worried.
“If we get to the garden and no one’s there, we can just pass the time in front of the entrance” (Lux)
I replied.
As we walked, the path grew gradually wider and cleaner. Although no flowers were in bloom due to the season, we passed through the usual rose gate that marked the mansion’s entrance. Just in case Rinkert-san was still asleep, we tried to make as little noise as possible as we approached the garden, where we soon heard voices. It seemed Rinkert-san was already awake.
When we peeked into the garden, unexpected people were waiting for us.
“Oh, you’re early.” (Rinkert)
Rinkert-san noticed us and beckoned us in as we stood there, not knowing what to do with the unexpected sight. After a moment of hesitation, we timidly approached the table. Sitting elegantly at the table, enjoying breakfast, was none other than Follet-sama, the princess’s younger brother.
And…
“…Why is Lamie-senpai here too?” (Lux)
Yes, the person having breakfast with Prince Follet was Lamie-senpai.
“Hmm? Good morning.” (Lamie)
“Ah, good morning. No, that’s not—” (Lux)
While I was figuring out how to respond, Ratt-kun’s stomach growled even louder than before, and Prince Follet chuckled slightly.
“Don’t worry about it. Let’s all enjoy breakfast together.” (Follet)
—
The moment I took a bite of the bread, I noticed.
“This is…Saras-senpai’s, isn’t it?” (Lux)
“Ah, Lux, you noticed well. That’s right.” (Lamie)
Lamie-senpai said, munching on the bread with relish.
“This bread really is amazing. I’d even consider hiring Saras-kun at the castle.” (Follet)
Follet-sama said enthusiastically, also biting into the bread.
Following Ratt-kun’s lead, we each ate some bread and the various fruits that had been laid out.
It’s strange how satisfying our hunger brings a sense of calm.
As I took a sip of the tea Rinkert-san had prepared, Follet-sama, who had been waiting for the right moment, spoke up.
“Well, let me introduce myself properly. I’m Follet. Pleased to meet you.” (Follet)
We hurriedly stood up, intending to greet him properly, but—
“Oh, no need. This isn’t an official setting. Besides, you have some pretty high-ranking folks among you as well.” (Follet)
He glanced at Heinz with narrowed eyes.
Heinz placed his right hand on his chest, performing a noble gesture.
“I apologize for the late greeting. I am Murial Roar Heinz, eldest son of Murial Roar Rehtgel. I extend my regards to the esteemed Prince Follet of the Branza Clan.” (Heinz)
“Thank you for your courtesy, but as I said before, please relax. Just call me Follet-san here.” (Follet)
“Well, but…” (Heinz)
“Then let’s do this. It’s an order, call me Follet-san, and excessive formality is prohibited. That’s all!” (Follet)
Follet-sama… no, Follet-san said with a mischievous smile.
Since he put it that way, we relaxed and introduced ourselves more casually.
“I heard a lady from the Bell Household was also joining?” (Follet)
“It’s only the dorm residents who could come. The gates aren’t open yet.” (Lux)
I replied as the group’s representative.
“Oh, I see. That slipped my mind. What a shame.” (Follet)
“Really, it was Follet who specified such an early time, saying he wanted to avoid being conspicuous.” (Rinkert)
Rinkert-san chuckled, pouring Follet-san’s tea refill.
Was she really calling the prince by his name? For now, I don’t know where to start.
As I glanced around, my eyes met Lamie-senpai’s, who was enjoying the aroma of her tea with a calm expression.
I figured I’d start with the least complicated question.
“So, Lamie-senpai, why are you here?” (Lux)
“Hmm? I’m acquainted with Follet-sama. Well, Follet-san, I suppose. That’s why I was invited here.” (Lamie)
“It’s because of the Via Household connection, isn’t it?” (Lux)
Lamie-senpai is also the daughter of a famous noble household. It wouldn’t be unusual for her to know the prince.
“That’s part of it, but also, you know, Uncle Nork mentioned a marriage proposal.” (Lamie)
Wait. This is giving me a bad feeling.
“That proposal was… him.” (Lamie)
…Did Lamie-senpai turn down a proposal from the princess’s younger brother?
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