(Rodel Aiwood... Is he that rumored "Idiot Prince"!?)
Hearing the blond boy’s arrogant shout, Lest’s eyes widened.
He knew the name, of course, but this was the first time they had met in person. Before his enrollment, his father-in-law, Marquis Rosemary, had specifically singled out this name as a person of concern.
"Listen, Lest-kun. There are many individuals among the nobility and royalty you must be wary of... but at the very top of that list is His Highness Third Prince Rodel."
According to the Marquis, Rodel was an overbearing, haughty individual whom one would never believe was the son of a King known as a wise ruler. He naturally looked down on everyone around him, threw his weight about, and took it for granted that any behavior would be forgiven simply because he was born a prince.
On top of that, he was a notorious womanizer. He had forcibly laid hands on maids working in the Royal Palace and had nearly triggered diplomatic crises by pursuing foreign princesses visiting on official business. The list of trouble he had caused was endless.
Despite his personality, he possessed a genuine talent for magic. Unfortunately, this only fueled his ego, convincing him that he was a chosen genius and a superior human being.
"Lest-kun, listen! If that idiot prince tries to lay a finger on my daughters, I don't care if you have to use force—stop him! In the worst-case scenario, even if you have to kill him, I will take full responsibility!"
"No... no matter the circumstances, killing him would be a bit much, wouldn't it?"
Lest had given a wry smile at the Marquis's words at the time, but now that he was actually facing the boy, he understood the urge to kill him perfectly.
(His way of speaking is different, but the aura is exactly like my foolish brother's... He’s the type of guy who makes you feel like you'd be doing the world a favor by punching him.)
"What’s the matter, commoner? Get out of this classroom already. Did you not hear me say that I am taking your place in Class A?"
Rodel furrowed his brows in irritation. The nervous-looking boy with glasses standing beside him adjusted his spectacles with a jerky motion, while the large student with the shaved head gripped the sword hanging from his belt.
Surely not... but did he really intend to draw his blade right here if Lest didn't comply?
(This is a mess... What's the right way to play this?)
Faced with the three boys standing over him, Lest let out a weary mental sigh. This was a massive headache. He was at a total loss for how to handle it.
If the opponent had been Cedric, he would have simply sent him flying. However, regardless of how much of a nuisance he was, the boy before him was still the Third Prince. He couldn't exactly repel royalty with violence.
"Why are you dallying? I told you to stand up."
"Do you intend to defy a direct order from His Highness?! Get out now!"
"If you refuse to obey His Highness’s command...!"
(God, they're loud... Who even are these two underlings?)
Sick of the two followers barking at him, Lest decided to stand up for the time being.
(Now then... what's the best move here?)
He casually scanned the room, but his classmates were all averting their eyes, clearly wanting no part of the confrontation. He didn't blame them. If he were in their shoes, he would have done the same.
(Fine. I'll try the logical approach first.)
"My deepest apologies, His Highness Third Prince Rodel. I did not expect to be graced with your presence in a place like this, so my reaction was delayed."
Lest stood and performed an elegant bow. It was a perfect gesture, exactly as Dieble had taught him—a refined, sophisticated movement that would pass muster in the highest social circles.
"Oh...?"
Receiving such a polished noble greeting, Rodel’s eyes widened in surprise.
"...You, were you not a commoner?"
"Yes. Technically, I am a commoner."
"Then you should be even quicker to obey my orders. You belong in Class D. Move, immediately."
"With all due respect, Your Highness, may I ask a question? You've requested that we swap classes... but have you obtained permission from the faculty?"
"Hmph. I am the one telling you to do it. Why would I need permission from a mere teacher?"
"In that case, please obtain that permission first. These matters require proper procedures. Once the official steps have been taken, I will move to Class D immediately."
"You...! Are you actually talking back to His Highness Rodel?!"
The large student grabbed Lest by the collar. He was hoisted into the air until his toes were dangling off the floor.
(Hoh... he’s actually quite strong.)
The boy didn't look like a mage; he was likely from the Knight Department. His thick arms and broad frame suggested a warrior who had undergone rigorous physical training.
"Exactly! Why would someone of His Highness Rodel's stature need to ask a teacher for permission?!"
The small boy with glasses squeaked from below. Just as his appearance suggested, he radiated the energy of a pathetic sycophant.
(Just like the rumors said, logic doesn't work on him... This is getting annoying. At this rate, Viola and Primula are going to come back from the restroom.)
If those two—and likely Yuri as well—witnessed this, they would undoubtedly charge in to protest.
(The Prince and his lackeys are obviously the ones at fault... but I don't want to actively start a scene. I'd rather not have the girls get involved with this guy at all.)
He decided he would pretend to comply and leave the room for now. Afterward, he could report the incident to a teacher and let the academy administration deal with the fallout.
"I understand. If that is your wish, then—"
"You lot! What do you think you're doing?!"
Lest was about to surrender for the sake of peace when a sharp voice rang through the room.
A female student had stepped through the doorway. For a split second, Lest felt a jolt of panic, but the girl who appeared was not Viola, Primula, or Yuri.
"Celestine...!"
Rodel clicked his tongue in visible annoyance.
Standing at the entrance was Celestine Crocus. The daughter of a Duke, the top student of the Magic Department, and Rodel’s own fiancé had arrived.