The Daily Life Event

“…magic power dwells in every living creature, but not everyone can use it to cast a spell.”

The teacher of Magic Theory class explained, revisiting the materials we’d learned in the beginning of the year in preparation for the final exam.

“Only those with a certain amount of power can become a mage, and it directly correlates with lineage, thus only nobilities can wield the mysterious power of magic. With that said, not every noble has enough power to be a mage. There have been a number of research dedicated to transferring magic power from one person to another, in the hopes of strengthening those who lack the ability to use magic, but they discovered that the process is highly dangerous and thus it was declared forbidden. The chosen people with enough magic power are treated as the kingdom’s most precious resource, and—”

I was half-listening to the teacher, since I’d already crammed everything I needed for the final exam. As the adopted daughter of the duke, I needed to prove myself worthy of my position, and thus I never slacked off on my studies. While the teacher droned on, I stole a glance at my classmates.

After Suoh rebuked those girls this morning, none of my classmates dared to approach me. In fact, they steered clear from my surroundings, as if avoiding a plague-bearer. The only people nearby are Hijiri to my left, who was seriously listening to the teacher, and Daichi on the other side, who was brazenly sleeping on the desk—

“Daichi-sama!” I elbowed his side. “Wake up! Sensei is glaring at you!”

“Urgh…but this is way too boring…” Daichi groaned, barely awake.

“Even so, you should listen properly! Didn’t you have trouble with our last exam? What will you do with the final exam if you keep sleeping?” I tugged on his arm, trying to get him into the proper sitting posture.

“I’ll just have to rely on your notes then, Akari…good night…” Daichi didn’t budge and even went back to sleep.

I sighed in exasperation, but a hint of a smile crept into my lips. Daichi was always acting like this in theoretical class, but whenever it was time for practical class, he was brimming with more energy than anyone. His grades also reflected his interest, with his practical class’ mark outstripped his theoretical class’ by miles. Thus, I brought it upon myself to help him study properly. It was certainly troublesome to take care of him, but I enjoyed the feeling of being relied on by someone. Daichi was completely different from Hijiri, who didn’t need any academic help.

“Daichi-sama, if you keep sleeping, then I won’t lend you any notes.” I pouted and turned away from him. “I’m sure Hijiri-sama won’t help you either. Right?” I addressed Hijiri at the end of my sentence.

Hijiri shot a glare at the alarmed Daichi and snorted. “That stupid dog can go and repeat a year for all I care. Then I’ll get to hog Akari all to myself next year.”

“Wha—?!” Daichi reflexively slammed his hands on the desk, startling the whole class.

“Tachibana-kun, is there anything you’d like to share with everyone?” The teacher called him out in a frosty voice.

Both Hijiri and I looked away, pretending we had nothing to do with him.

“N-No, my apologies, Sensei. I’ll be more careful next time…” Daichi lowered his head and the teacher went back to his lecture.

I could almost see a pair of imaginary dog ears on his head drooping like a dog that just got scolded.

“Well, that’s what makes him so adorable!” I giggled as I patted Daichi’s head comfortingly.

However, my action drew numerous jealous glares that stabbed into my back. I quickly retracted my hand and focused on the teacher. Even though they steered clear from me, that didn’t mean the girls were pleased with me hogging the two most famous first year students—Hijiri and Daichi—all for myself. When I first enrolled, some of them actually approached me to ask my help in introducing them to those two, as well as Suoh when he was still a student. However, somehow the three of them always chased off those girls with one way or another, until people decided it was better to leave me alone. Thanks to them, I didn’t have any other friends.

“If only Suoh-sama didn’t interfere this morning, I could’ve made friends with the girls…” I pouted, dreaming of a normal school life where I got to be surrounded by female friends and not just those guys. “Well, I doubt I’ll ever be able to do that with those two clinging to me and being overprotective.”

*****

The rest of the classes passed by in a flash. I immediately went home after the classes were over. Other nobles preferred to socialize and hold tea parties, but I was never invited, since I was an outsider in their closed-off society. Miyuki was the one who frequently attended, on days when she wasn’t busy with student council work.

“Ah…that’s right, both Suoh-sama and Onee-sama are no longer on the student council.”

I remembered their figures as the President and Vice-President of the student council. They were such a well-matched couple that no one dared to be jealous. Now Hijiri had succeeded Suoh as the next president, while someone else took the vice position.

“I wonder…why did Suoh-sama choose me over Onee-sama?” I murmured to myself in the silent carriage.

As far as I knew, their engagement had been set in stone ever since both of them were born. They grew up together and strove to be suitable rulers for the kingdom. Suoh was particularly devoted to his kingly study, even more so when his younger half-brother from the current queen was born. I thought there was no way the second prince would be made the crown prince, especially since their age gap was rather large, but apparently some nobles preferred the pure-blooded prince than the prince born of a lowly concubine.

“Is it…because we’re the same?” I gazed at my own reflection on the window.

The sky-blue eyes that denoted my lineage was the only thing that tied me to the Himemiya Family. If I didn’t have these eyes, I wouldn’t be here today. Perhaps Suoh felt the same. If he weren’t born so alike to the current king, he wouldn’t be forced to shoulder the heavy burden of being the king. He would be free to do what he wanted and become whoever he wished for.

Maybe that’s why he was hopelessly attracted to me, to the point of casting away his years-long engagement and driving my half-sister mad with jealousy.

By the time I reached my house, the sun was about to set. I asked the maids about my older brother and father, but apparently they were called to the royal palace. I had prepared myself to spend some time with them, so knowing that I’d have some time alone honestly relieved me.

It wasn’t like I hated my adopted family, but I was always walking on eggshells around them. Both my father and brother treated me warmly, and yet they were always so indifferent toward Miyuki. It made me think that they’d change their attitudes if I ever disappointed them, so I tried my best to act as their cute little sister or daughter—anything to protect my precarious position. I wondered if their harsh treatment also played a part in twisting Miyuki into who she was.

“Chiyo, are there any letters addressed to me?” I asked my maid as I entered my bedroom.

“Hmm…ah, right! There’s one for you from Akagawa Village!” Chiyo answered.

I instantly perked up. “Really?! I want to read it! Can you prepare some stationery as well? I’m going to write a reply as soon as I’m done reading it!” I requested excitedly.

“Of course, Ojou-sama! Please wait a moment.” Chiyo left my room to prepare everything.

I threw myself on the bed, grinning from ear to ear. It had been almost a year since I left my mom and my hometown. I hadn’t visited her even once after getting adopted, because my father didn’t want anyone to know of my origin, but at least he allowed me to exchange letters with my mom once or twice a month. In truth I wanted to write more often, however my father was worried that it would attract unwanted attention, and so I gave up.

My mom’s letters were a constant source of joy and courage for me, who’d been thrusted into the noble society without knowing anything. Whenever I read her letters, it made me feel like I was still a commoner girl, living happily with my mom and dreaming of a future I could never grasp.

“Here it is, Ojou-sama!” Chiyo entered with a knock.

She handed me the letter, which I eagerly snatched from her. As I read the letter with undivided attention, Chiyo was busy arranging the stationery on my desk.

“Dear Akari, how have you been? Are you living well? The weather is getting colder lately, so make sure you keep yourself warm and not get sick. Mom is doing well here, so you don’t have to worry. I’ve heard that the prince has asked to escort you on the graduation party? It’s such a great honor—Mom is so proud of you! I always believe in marrying for love, so if you truly love him, you have Mom’s full support! I’m sure your father will support your romance with everything he has too! Ah, but if you do get married to the prince, it’ll be harder to exchange letters like this, so I’m feeling a bit conflicted…but of course, I will support whatever your decision is. Please stay healthy and live happily, my beloved Akari. With love, Mom.”

By the time I finished reading the letter, Chiyo had quietly left my room. I sat on the desk, sighing with bliss. I could feel my mom’s affection seeping into each and every word, and they gave me the energy I needed to push through each day.

I started writing my reply to the letter, not forgetting to include what happened in the graduation party and the shocking condemnation event. I was still hesitating over how to answer my mom’s questions about Suoh when Chiyo knocked on my door.

“Ojou-sama, His Grace and Young Master have returned from the palace. They’re calling for you.” Chiyo’s voice echoed from the other side of the door.

“Huh? Is it time for dinner already?” I raised my face and glanced at the clock.

It was still an hour away from dinner. The three of us always ate together, so if they had anything to say to me, it surely could wait until dinner. I was about to say as much when Chiyo spoke once again.

“His Highness the crown prince is also with them, and he’s looking for you.”

Thud!

“W-What?!” I dropped my pen out of shock.