Tilea's Worries

Once again, I made my way toward Tilea-san and the others' hidden manor.

Last time, I ended up clashing with Ortissio and even getting into an argument with Tilea-san, which left me utterly exhausted and unable to accomplish my original goal.

But today, I will succeed.

I need to consult Nielsen-san, the butler of the Eastern Kingdom, about Timu-chan.

Normally, it would make sense to consult Tilea-san, as she’s family. However, based on my previous conversation, I've realized that Tilea-san isn’t exactly someone you turn to for advice. She tends to give responses that feel... disconnected from reality, probably due to her heavy influence from the internet.

Even if I did ask for her advice, she’d probably say something like, “In the future of the 21st century, things are done like this~” or “Just report it to the *keesatsu*,” which wouldn't make any sense.

In fact, during my last conversation with Tilea-san, she kept throwing around terms like "21st century" and "keesatsu" along with a bunch of other words I’d never heard before.

Honestly, I had no idea what she was talking about.

They were probably made-up terms.

Damn the internet and its *googuru*. I curse them for corrupting Tilea-san's vocabulary during her formative years with all these weird words.

That’s why I can't ask Tilea-san for advice.

Tilea-san is more of a soothing presence, filled with kindness and compassion. She’s a precious person, and I don’t want to drag her into something as messy and dangerous as this.

Handling complicated matters like these should be left to Nielsen-san, the perfect butler.

Nielsen-san...

I’ve only met him a few times, but I can already tell. That demeanor, the flawless manner in which he carries himself—he’s reliable in a way few others are. After all, even Timu-chan herself praises him as "my right hand."

I can’t wait to get his advice.

As Timu-chan’s influence grows within the academy, Elizabeth’s hostility continues to intensify.

No matter how much I warn her, Timu-chan refuses to tone down her queen-like attitude. She’s an Eastern princess, after all. I suppose it can’t be helped.

Still, she really should be more mindful of her seniors, or she’ll just end up making more enemies.

At least no one dares to mock her for being from a commoner background anymore. In fact, just as I had suspected, there are even rumors swirling that Timu-chan might actually be the illegitimate child of royalty.

Timu-chan’s overwhelming charisma is only fueling those rumors further.

At this point, the power dynamics at the academy have narrowed down to two main forces: Timu-chan and Elizabeth.

The fact that Timu-chan’s influence has grown so rapidly in such a short time is largely thanks to her charisma and Anasie-senpai’s political acumen.

Anasie-senpai has used her own status and political influence to their fullest, swiftly eliminating enemies and rallying allies to their side.

Anasie-senpai...

She’s terrifying in a way completely different from Timu-chan. She doesn’t care about anyone but Timu-chan. I get the feeling she’d even kill her own parents if it was for Timu-chan’s sake.

Her fanatical devotion knows no bounds, and she’s been eagerly provoking Elizabeth. It’s hard to believe she used to be one of Elizabeth’s subordinates.

Anasie-senpai seems to be encroaching on Elizabeth’s domain as if declaring, “There’s only one true queen, and that’s Camilla-sama! Impostors, be gone!”

Their behavior is constantly provoking Elizabeth’s wrath.

However, for all her fiery temper, Elizabeth isn’t stupid. She’s wisely refrained from acting rashly, likely realizing that doing so would put her at a disadvantage. She’s been biding her time, gathering nobles who oppose Timu-chan and slowly rebuilding her faction, which had been waning in power.

Timu-chan, being of royal blood, pays no heed to social hierarchy. She shows little respect to her elders, which has made her quite a few enemies among the nobility. Elizabeth, with her impressive leadership skills, has managed to rally these nobles into a full-blown anti-Camilla alliance.

At this point, almost no one remains neutral. You’re either with Timu-chan or with Elizabeth.

It’s clear that both sides are gearing up for a confrontation.

And when that happens...

Even with the growing power of Timu-chan’s faction, there’s no room for complacency. There’s an old saying: “A cornered mouse will bite the cat.” And Elizabeth is no mere mouse—she’s a fierce wolf.

One wrong move, and Timu-chan’s position could be upended in an instant. But Timu-chan seems completely oblivious to the danger, treating it all like some sort of game. I have to get Nielsen-san to give her a wake-up call.

Resolute in my decision, I quickened my pace.

Finally, I arrived at the rear of the restaurant in Belm, the royal capital’s branch.

This is the hidden villa where Tilea-san and her family, the royalty from the East, reside.

I stepped inside, but there was no sign of Nielsen-san.

He must be down here.

I approached the stairs leading to the underground...

As I descended, an immense underground space unfolded before me, one that seemed far too grand to be beneath a restaurant. The lavish furnishings were nothing short of regal, truly fit for a palace beneath the earth.

Obviously, this was not a place where outsiders were allowed to wander freely. At the very least, I would need permission.

But the thing is, I want to keep this consultation between me, Nielsen-san, and Timu-chan. I don’t want to involve Tilea-san, and Timu-chan would likely dismiss it as unnecessary meddling and brush me off.

I couldn’t get permission from either of them.

As I stood there, hesitating at the top of the stairs...

“What is it, puppet? What are you doing here?”

It was Ortissio’s voice.

Yep, we meet a lot.

If it had been Nielsen-san, I could have just consulted him right here and now.

“Good afternoon, Ortissio-san.”

“Enough with the pleasantries. I asked what you’re doing.”

This guy is just so brusque.

Still, maybe I can ask him to take me to Nielsen-san.

“Ortissio-san, I have a favor to ask. Could you arrange for me to meet Nielsen-san?”

“This again? I told you, no.”

“Why not? I just need to discuss something with him.”

“Tell me the nature of your business! I need to know if you’re up to something shady so I can deal with you.”

Ugh, here we go again…

He probably won’t resort to violence like last time, but he’s certainly not going to grant my request without a fight.

He’s really dense.

“Please, stop being so difficult. I’m not plotting anything shady.”

“I don’t trust you. You once turned your back on Tilea-sama.”

Ugh! Is he seriously bringing that up?

Sure, I admit I was incredibly rude to Tilea-san that time. I deeply regret my actions.

But that was your fault in the first place!

Ortissio and I went back and forth, arguing over whether or not I could meet Nielsen-san.

“Enough! Stop it already!” I panted.

“You’re the persistent one! I’ve got important matters to attend to, unlike you.”

“I’m not exactly lounging around, either.”

“Tsk. Normally, I’d just knock you out. But Tilea-sama has strictly forbidden me from laying a hand on you.”

“Well, that’s a relief.”

“Grrr, insolent!”

Ortissio glared at me.

He really has such a short temper.

“It’s an order from your master, remember? No violence.”

“I know that! But still… what to do with you…”

“There’s nothing to ‘do.’ I just want to talk to Nielsen-san for a moment.”

“Oh, for the love of—You keep asking to meet him. I’ve already told you, Nielsen is out of town.”

“Wait, really?”

“He’s on a mission in Kanodo. Unlike you, Nielsen is a busy man.”

Kanodo…

It’s the neighboring town, but traveling there and back alone would take a week. Depending on the mission, he might be gone for several weeks.

What should I do?

I really need to consult someone soon…

Maybe I should just talk to this guy?

Who knows when Nielsen-san will be back?

Ortissio may be an idiot, but he’s strong and loyal to Tilea-san’s family. Plus, even if he’s a bit of a fool, he’s still Nielsen-san’s subordinate.

“Alright then. I’ll talk to you. It’s about Camilla-sama.”

“Camilla-sama?”

“Yes, it’s a matter that could affect Camilla-sama’s life—her very survival, even.”

“What!? This is a grave matter indeed. As the first servant of Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama, I will interrogate you thoroughly. Come!”

“Yes, sir…”

And so, I was more or less dragged into the underground hideaway by Ortissio.

As we walked through the corridor, I couldn’t help but gape at the grandeur around me.

It was overwhelming.

This was my second time down here, but I was still in awe.

The furnishings were not just luxurious, but *ultra* luxurious. No, that doesn’t even begin to describe it. These were top-of-the-line, no—beyond

 top-of-the-line pieces.

The royal palace of Arcdas is nothing compared to this.

I’d underestimated the East, not knowing much about them.

Everywhere I looked, there was nothing cheap in sight.

Take that vase with the intricate design over on the right, for example.

How many of my family’s estates could I buy with just that one vase?

There were plates and sculptures worth more than a dozen years of my family’s income casually lining the walls.

“This place is really amazing. I’ve never seen such magnificent furnishings before.”

I spoke, half in admiration, to Ortissio, who was walking beside me.

“What’s the big deal? These are just temporary furnishings. They’re not even enough to satisfy Camilla-sama.”

“Really?”

“Of course! This is Tilea-sama and Camilla-sama’s residence. Only the greatest, most exquisite furnishings will do. The problem is, collecting such things is a huge hassle…”

Huh? The end of that sentence was a bit hard to catch.

Suddenly, Ortissio’s voice wavered, and he looked pale.

I wonder if he ran into some kind of trouble while acquiring the furnishings.

Ortissio, who’s usually so confident, looked rather unsure of himself.

What sort of trouble could it have been? Well, whatever.

At least one mystery has been solved.

Timu-chan really did lead an extraordinary life. No wonder she’s so accustomed to high-class parties.

…I can’t believe it took me this long to realize.

I’m amazed Timu-chan ever agreed to attend our class’s welcome party. Now I truly understand what she meant when she called it a “commoner-style party, so typical of you all.” No wonder she didn’t want to participate. She must have reluctantly joined because her beloved older sister asked her to.

With those thoughts swirling in my head, I followed Ortissio to the Second Division’s station.

Apparently, Ortissio is the captain of this Second Division. He has his own room, and given that he has several subordinates, it’s clear he holds a fairly high-ranking position. He must be on par with a company commander in the royal guard. He’s got a reasonably important role.

But for some reason, Tilea-san and Timu-chan don’t seem to take him very seriously.

Why is that?

I glanced at Ortissio’s profile.

“What is it?”

“N-nothing.”

He looked perfectly normal. Beneath his clothes, he was undoubtedly a soldier with a body of steel. As a military officer, he seemed more than competent—exceptional, even.

Shifting my focus, I took in the sight of the Second Division’s station.

The room was cluttered with papers scattered everywhere.

Papers left out, books not returned to shelves, quills lying carelessly on top of documents, and even ink pots with their lids left open.

“…This place is a mess.”

I muttered my thoughts aloud.

“Don’t misunderstand. The room is usually tidy. It’s just that Gil has been away for the past few days, so nothing’s been cleaned up.”

Ortissio quickly began making excuses.

So it’s always Gil who does the cleaning?

And just a few days without him led to this disaster?

On our way here, I passed several rooms and saw through the windows that they were all immaculate and organized.

How did this room get so chaotic?

This space certainly reflects Ortissio’s personality as its captain.

“Ortissio-san, I know it’s not my place to say this, but if Gil isn’t around, shouldn’t you be cleaning up yourself?”