side. Anastasia (2)

Looking back, inviting Allen was definitely the right call. Not only did it save me from having outsiders witness the abnormal sight of that woman clinging to His Highness and four other men, but his guiding was also masterful. He was a natural, and his constant attention to our safety was impeccable.

I was particularly surprised by his story about a Goblin nest being discovered seven years ago. I was young and living in our family territory at the time, so I’d never heard of such an incident. Furthermore, the way he spoke made it sound as though he’d been frequenting the Adventurer's Guild and taking on jobs even back then. If he’s been working with the Guild since he was eight years old, he must have endured far more hardship than I can imagine.

Throughout the journey, that woman’s behavior was a constant source of irritation. She repeatedly engaged in bizarre antics—suddenly demanding to take paths that weren't on the itinerary, or acting shamelessly clingy with other men even while throwing herself at His Highness.

However, perhaps because Allen had helped me steel my resolve, I didn't find myself swayed by any strong emotions.

But above all else, what happened after we returned to the Royal Capital was truly remarkable. If the word "genius" was ever meant for anyone, it was Allen. He lacked a certain foundation of basic knowledge, but once he was taught, he absorbed everything like a sponge.

In no time at all, he had acquired enough knowledge to hold his own in discussions with expert professors. He could take complex points of contention and summarize them accurately in a way that was easy to understand. The icing on the cake, however, was the way he effortlessly drafted the report. He had supposedly never even written a thesis before, yet he produced a polished piece of writing with total ease. I can only assume he learned the proper structure just by reading the papers I had given him.

His sheer brilliance gave me goosebumps. At the same time, I found myself feeling a genuine sense of joy at being able to debate with him.

Compared to Allen, His Highness is far too childish. To be perfectly honest, the Crown Prince began to feel like an insignificant existence to me—though that is a sentiment I can never allow myself to voice.

The thesis-style report that Allen had primarily compiled was highly praised, but it was credited as His Highness’s achievement. To make matters worse, Allen was subjected to slander and libel, with people claiming he was simply riding the Prince’s coattails.

I found such treatment intolerable.

I lodged a firm protest, and I believe I at least managed to make the professors understand the true nature of the situation.

After that, I found myself becoming a bit more interested in Allen. He still doesn't talk to anyone. I wanted to help him somehow, but as the Crown Prince’s fiancée, neither I nor my friends—all of whom have fiancés of their own—could simply strike up a conversation with him. On the other hand, I couldn't exactly ask someone outside my social circle to do it, either.

While I was busy overthinking the matter, the Cultural Festival arrived. It was the perfect opportunity.

I figured an invitation to this event wouldn't cause any issues, so I approached Allen once more.

"Hey, Allen."

"Yes? What can I do for you?"

"Have you decided on your program for the Cultural Festival? If not, would you like to help His Highness again?"

When I broached the subject, he gave me an apologetic look.

"I’m sorry. I’ve actually already submitted an application to run a food stall selling Orc meat skewers."

"...I see. Well, I have high expectations, then. Do your best."

"Thank you very much."

I said that, but I was honestly disappointed. I had wanted to see that genius of his in action up close again.

"Ah, but if you absolutely need me to..."

Good grief. It must have shown on my face.

As a noble daughter, allowing my expressions to be read so easily is out of the question. Besides, when I thought about it, His Highness had essentially snatched all the credit for the last report. It was probably rude of me to ask for his help again in the first place.

With that in mind, I declined his offer.

"No, it’s fine. Since I have the chance, I’ll just come by and buy something to eat."

"Yes, thank you."

Orc meat is a local specialty from Altomunt, the hometown of my friend Margaret. However, it’s supposed to be a luxury item that is rarely available here in the Royal Capital.

I wondered how on earth he intended to pull it off. My interest in Allen only continued to grow.

Ultimately, I ended up assisting His Highness with the theme he had chosen. It was titled "Downtown Culture, Daily Life, and the Kingdom’s Support Systems." In short, it was a project designed to frame that woman’s past life as the absolute "rock bottom" of society and then introduce the systems the Kingdom has in place to help people like her.

It was utterly ridiculous.

I told him that if we were going to tackle that subject, we should actually visit the slums. I even pointed out that since we had someone from that background in our class, we should listen to his story and request his cooperation. My opinions were ignored.

I gave up and decided to stick to summarizing the history and details of the support systems, which I could easily look up in the library.

However, that woman took every possible opportunity to get involved with me, acting as if she were trying to provoke me. To be honest, I haven't the slightest clue what she's trying to achieve.

Yet, even when I offered perfectly reasonable criticisms, His Highness and the others would simply shield the girl and scold me.

The situation is likely beyond saving now.

Why on earth has our country’s Crown Prince fallen so far? How did he become such a fool?

I continued preparing the exhibit with a heavy heart, and once I reached a good stopping point, I decided to head back to the dormitory.

As I was walking down the hallway, I saw that woman standing with her back against the wall. I tried to ignore her and walk past, but she let out a provocative smirk and spoke.

"How pathetic. Tell me, how does it feel to have your fiancé stolen?"

The moment those words hit me, my mind went blank.

You’re the one who drove him mad!

Everything I had been suppressing erupted at once. Before I knew it, I had raised my right hand.

"A-choo!"

At that exact moment, an incredibly forced-sounding sneeze echoed through the hall. It startled me back to my senses, and I managed to stop myself from swinging my hand down.

The owner of that sneeze was none other than Allen.

"O-oh? Lady Anastasia? And Lady Amy too? Ah, were you two in the middle of a conversation? My apologies!"

He offered a deliberate apology, pretending he hadn't noticed the tension at all, and then ran off in an equally staged manner.

Was I... just saved?

Having regained my composure thanks to Allen, I gave the woman a warning, even though I knew it was likely a waste of breath.

"It seems no matter what I say, it's useless. But remember this: His Highness is the future King of this country. You, who do not understand the roles that the Royal Family and the nobility must fulfill, are not suitable for him. Stay away from His Highness."

I turned and walked toward the dormitory. I could feel her gaze piercing into my back the entire way.