Tilea's Worries

Timu-chan is being taken by Enke’s group... or rather, she’s going willingly.

I’m desperately trying to stop her, but Timu-chan glares at me with an annoyed expression.

It’s terrifying...

When Timu-chan glares, she has a presence far more intimidating than any delinquent.

B-but, I can’t back down now. I have to stop this, or Timu-chan’s life could be in danger. Defying the nobles never ends well.

“Camilla-sama, you really can’t go!”

“You’re being persistent!”

“Eek!”

Timu-chan released a terrifying aura.

My heart almost jumped out of my chest. I ended up collapsing to the ground.

Ugh, cold sweat is pouring down like a waterfall. I feel like I might faint.

I-is Timu-chan really just a commoner?

I felt an absolute sense of authority, like that of royalty. She exuded the presence of someone born to rule.

I... I might have just wet myself a little...

And while I was in shock, Timu-chan casually walked away.

There’s no avoiding her encounter with Enke’s delinquents now.

W-what should I do?

Should I talk to a teacher?

Or maybe ask for help from the student council president, Mvuoderi?

Either way, I need to act now!

I try to stand up, but my legs won’t cooperate. I just can’t muster the strength.

It’s no use. My legs have completely given out. They’re shaking so much I can’t stand up.

Some time later...

I managed to recover enough to walk and headed to the faculty office to get help.

As I was anxiously making my way there, Timu-chan returned, looking completely unbothered.

...She seems unharmed. Did they not do anything to her?

“U-um, what about those guys...?”

“They were boring. It was a dull welcome party, so I decided to give them a proper one instead.”

Timu-chan answered with a wicked smile.

Yep, she doesn’t seem like a typical newcomer at all.

That was such a bold line—something I’d love to be able to say at least once.

“But, Camilla-sama, you seem a bit pleased, despite saying it was boring.”

“Ah, well, I finally found some toys to play with. Though they’re just insignificant insects. I don’t have high hopes.”

Insects!? Referring to nobles as insects...

If a noble takes offense, it could mean expulsion, or worse, a life-threatening situation. That’s why commoners like us live in constant fear without a strong backing.

“U-um, Camilla-sama, it’s better not to pick fights. Those delinquents were bad, but there are much worse people at this academy—people you should never cross.”

“Oh? You must be talking about that so-called queen.”

“Ca-Camilla-sama, don’t tell me you’ve picked a fight with her?”

“Not yet, but I plan to take her head eventually.”

“P-please don’t! She’s incredibly dangerous. Her family is deeply entrenched in the Arcdas Kingdom’s power structure. She’s closely connected to that wicked and ruthless demon. Many who have defied her have disappeared.”

“Miless, enough. I’ve finally found an interesting toy. If you ruin my fun, I won’t forgive you.”

Ugh, Timu-chan doesn’t understand.

If she crosses that woman, she’ll face unimaginable consequences.

But if I oppose Timu-chan any further, she’ll only get more upset. And when Timu-chan gets angry, it’s really scary.

Even though it seems impossible, the thought of angering Timu-chan, a commoner, feels scarier than anything else.

For now, no matter what I say, it won’t reach Timu-chan. I need to deepen our friendship first. That’s why, during the welcome party, I’ll do my best to get closer to her.

“Camilla-sama, on a different note, you’re going to join our class’s welcome party, right?”

“Miless, you’re repetitive. I don’t lie.”

“Oh, that’s good—”

“And since it’s me, you all should come at me together.”

“No, no! That’s not what our welcome party is like!”

And so...

After clearing up Timu-chan’s misunderstanding, the whole class and I hosted a welcome party for her. We even prepared some champagne, making it feel like a modest but elegant noble’s party.

I wonder if Timu-chan enjoyed it?

After the party ended, I approached Timu-chan to ask.

“Camilla-sama, how was it?”

“Hm. It was a simple and modest feast, just like you.”

Ugh!? Timu-chan, you’re so harsh...

Even though she’s a commoner, she didn’t seem fazed at all.

Even as students, this was a party organized by the prestigious Magic Academy. We managed to gather quite a bit of money little by little. The quality was higher than what you’d find at most small-town parties. We prepared food and decorations that you’d never experience in the countryside.

But Timu-chan wasn’t surprised at all.

Not only that, she’s used to parties. Her table manners are better than most nobles’. Above all, she exudes a noble elegance.

“Camilla-sama, have you ever attended a noble’s party before?”

“Miless, I told you before. I don’t know any trashy parties. But I’ve attended plenty of parties. Ones far more extravagant than you could ever imagine.”

Normally, you’d think she was lying. You’d assume she’s just a commoner trying to act tough.

But when Timu-chan says it, I can’t help but believe her.

It’s strange. Really strange. Timu-chan is so mysterious.

“Oh, that reminds me. Miless, I have something to give you. Take it with gratitude and respect.”

With that, Timu-chan pulled an envelope from her pocket and handed it to me.

“Huh? Camilla-sama, what’s this?”

I casually reached out to take the letter, but—

“How dare you try to receive it so carelessly!”

“Huh!?”

“Kneel!”

“U-uhm...”

“Are you trying to anger me!?”

“S-sorry!”

I immediately knelt on one knee, holding my hands up to receive it.

It felt like I was receiving a reward directly from the king.

“Yes, that’s better. This is a letter from my sister. Accept it with the utmost respect.”

A letter from Timu-chan’s sister?

Why would her sister send a letter to me?

“U-um, why a letter...?”

“Well, I was ordered by my sister to deliver this letter to my friend, who, in name, is my possession at the academy.”

“So, you chose me?”

“Indeed. Miless, you are my first doll. Despite the simplicity and modesty, you organized a welcome party to entertain me. You are more than qualified to receive this.”

“Haha...”

I really don’t know what to say...

But still, it’s a letter from Timu-chan’s sister. It’s probably filled with instructions on how to be a good slave or something.

Anyway, I should take the letter before I upset Timu-chan any further.

And so...

I bowed deeply and received the letter.

The letter was made of high-quality material.

Is this wool paper?

No, it’s even whiter and smoother.

It’s amazing.

What could possibly be written on paper used for official state documents?

Filled with anxiety and tension, I nervously opened the letter.

Let’s see what it says...

“Hello! My name is Tilea. I’m Timu’s sister. Nice to meet you. You’re probably surprised to suddenly receive a letter. I’m sorry.”

Huh!? I rubbed my eyes, doubting what I was seeing.

“M-Miless, what’s wrong?”

“U-um, Camilla-sama, is this really a letter from your sister?”

“Are you insulting me? Do you think I would mistake a letter from my sister?”

“S-sorry, I’m sorry. R-right.”

With Timu-chan’s stern tone, I quickly resumed reading the letter.

“...I’m writing to you, Timu’s friend, because I have a favor to ask. Since my little sister is from the countryside and transferred at this time, she stands out a lot. I’m worried that she might get bullied by some mean kids. I think Timu tries to act tough, saying things like ‘I am Camilla,’ but inside, she’s probably trembling like a little rabbit, scared about fitting in.”

What!? Timu-chan, a little rabbit!?

No matter how you look at it, she’s more like a tiger—or even a legendary dragon.

As I rubbed my eyes again in disbelief,

Uh-oh. Timu-chan was glaring at me.

I hurriedly continued reading the letter.

“...So, I’m asking you, her friend, to watch over her. You know how she is, right? She probably won’t ask for help on her own. In fact, she’s probably already causing trouble for everyone around her. I’m really sorry about that. But Timu is a kind and truly wonderful person. You won’t regret becoming her friend. I guarantee it! So, I’d be so happy if you’d continue being friends with her. This is a request from her overprotective sister. Oh, by the way, we run a restaurant called Belm on West Street. Despite how I look, I’m a professional chef, and I’m great

 at cooking. Please come visit us sometime. As Timu’s friend, you’ll be more than welcome. Of course, you don’t have to pay; I’ll treat you.”

The letter ended with a cheerful sketch of what seemed to be Timu-chan’s sister’s face.

*Sigh* I couldn’t help but look up to the sky.

How should I even begin to process this?

She’s a good person. She’s really a good person.

The writing style is a bit childish, but her kindness shines through in every word.

“U-um, this really is a letter from Camilla-sama’s sister, right?”

“Hmph! Are you still doubting me?”

“N-no, it’s not that—uh, Camilla-sama, do you know what’s written in this letter?”

“Don’t be foolish! Do you think I would read my sister’s letter without permission?”

“R-right. So, you don’t know what it says.”

“Indeed. But I can roughly guess.”

“Really? What do you think it says?”

“Knowing my sister, who always looks out for me, she probably wrote something to ensure that my doll understands its place. She must be concerned about making sure my doll behaves as a proper doll should.”

“Haha...”

Timu-chan, I understand your sister’s feelings now.

Timu-chan isn’t just putting on a tough act... That’s just how she is by nature.

I’ve never met anyone like her. She’s fascinating. There’s a certain charisma about her that’s impossible to ignore. I definitely want to become friends with Timu-chan.

But the image of her sister that Timu-chan talks about doesn’t match the one I have in my mind.

Receiving that letter has only deepened the mystery surrounding Timu-chan.

She’s truly an enigma. I find myself more and more drawn to her.

A few days later...

As her sister feared, Timu-chan was attacked—no, she was outright assaulted by several senior groups. 

Her sister’s prediction was spot on.

There’s a constant stream of groups who are offended by Timu-chan’s personality.

How many fights has she picked by now?

If she wanted a peaceful school life, the basic rule would be to avoid making enemies by keeping a low profile.

But now I fully understand Timu-chan’s nature. She doesn’t care if it’s a high-ranking noble or even royalty; if she doesn’t like something, she’ll crush it.

And today, once again...

“Oh? You too are here to host a welcome party for me!”

“Tch. What an arrogant brat. That’s no way to speak to your seniors.”

“Yeah, let’s teach her a lesson!”

“Yeah! Get her!”

“Hmph, *yama-arashi*!”

“Gyaaah!”

It’s become a daily routine. Once again, Timu-chan is fighting seniors who’ve challenged her.

At first, I tried to stop her, but I’ve given up. Actually, there’s no need to stop her—Timu-chan’s strength is overwhelming.

Most of the time, the seniors are thrown to the ground by Timu-chan’s *jūdo*.

Timu-chan is truly amazing.

Wasn’t it called an ancient martial art?

Her magic power is decent—actually, she has enough to be in the top ten in our class—but it’s her physical prowess that’s truly impressive. Her magic techniques are also precise. She’s able to outmaneuver opponents with greater magic power.

“Well, I’ve had my light exercise for the morning. Time for lunch.”

“Haha... Y-yeah, right. Oh! Camilla-sama, I know a great place for lunch.”

“Very well, lead the way.”

“Here it is.”

I led Timu-chan to a sunny spot on the grass. It’s a position that a first-year student could never secure. It’s only when you reach your second year in the middle school division that you can finally claim it.

I’m excited to have my first lunch with Timu-chan.

Up until now, I hadn’t been able to share lunch with her because she was constantly being attacked by the seniors.

But today, by chance, no one challenged her during the lunch break, so we could finally eat together.

I showed Timu-chan where to sit.

She gracefully took her seat and began to unpack her bento.

“Wow, Camilla-sama! Your bento is so luxurious!”

It’s a five-tiered box, filled with a variety of colorful, well-balanced foods. There’s shrimp, large clams, pork, and plenty of seasonal delicacies. And it’s beautiful. It’s amazing how the ingredients are arranged so aesthetically. Even the tamagoyaki looks incredibly fluffy. Just looking at it makes my mouth water.

“Hm. The dishes here are all of the highest quality.”

Judging by Timu-chan’s words, it seems her bento was made by the sister she mentioned in the letter, the one who’s a professional cook.

“Is this bento by any chance...?”

“Indeed. My esteemed sister made it for me.”

Just as I thought.

Still, I can’t quite grasp the image of Timu-chan’s sister. Someone who makes such a lovingly crafted bento... The person who wrote the letter seems to match more with the image of Timu-chan’s sister than the way Timu-chan describes her.

“Mmm, delicious! My great and noble sister took the time to make this just for me. Is there any greater happiness than this?”

Timu-chan, who usually has a stern expression, is now smiling and happily eating her meal.

She’s adorable. Timu-chan’s mood has suddenly lifted. She must really love her sister’s cooking. And I can understand why—it looks incredibly delicious.

Not only does it look amazing, but the aroma has been teasing my nose ever since she unpacked it. I wonder if she’d share a little with me?

“U-um, Camilla-sama...”

“What is it?”

“Well, I was wondering if I could maybe try some of your bento...”

“What’s this, Miless? You want my bento? A mere doll like you, how impertinent! You deserve to be punished!”

Ugh, as usual... It’s hard to believe she’s just putting on a tough act—this must be her real personality.

“S-so I guess that’s a no...”

“No, actually. I should make the world aware of my sister’s greatness. Miless, as my doll, you should also understand how great my sister is.”

“So I can have some?”

“Yes, savor it well. Miless, you’re truly fortunate. This is something that should never happen.”

What an attitude... Normally, someone this high-handed would be impossible to be friends with.

But with Timu-chan, for some reason, it just makes sense.

Still, it really does look delicious—wait! What if the taste isn’t as good as it looks?

If I make a face like I don’t enjoy it in front of Timu-chan, who’s clearly in love with her sister’s cooking...

She might actually knock me out.

Can I manage to eat it like it’s delicious, even if it isn’t?

The appearance is great. The smell is wonderful. I trust the taste will be fine.

With nervous anticipation, I stabbed a piece of tamagoyaki with my fork and popped it into my mouth.

“Mmm!? It’s delicious! Camilla-sama, it’s really delicious!”

“Of course. My sister is perfect in everything she does.”

My worries were unfounded. It’s incredibly delicious. The egg’s richness melts in my mouth. It’s soft and has such a refined flavor. It’s completely different from the tamagoyaki I occasionally make.

It might even be better than the food at the high-end restaurant my parents once took me to...

Seeing how much I was enjoying the food, Timu-chan generously offered me more. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I’d gain weight, but my appetite won out.

This time, I tried a piece of karaage.

I speared one of the neatly packed pieces of fried chicken with my fork and brought it to my mouth.

It’s amazing!

It’s crisp and flavorful with a nice bite. Each chew releases the rich spices into my mouth.

What about the other dishes?

As I continued to indulge in Timu-chan’s bento, I realized at some point that Timu-chan had disappeared.

Timu-chan, where did you go?

I looked around, and...

“Huh!? C-Camilla-sama, wait!”

Timu-chan was already sprawled out on a sofa in the rest area, a level above the lawn.

This rest area, modeled after Greek architecture, is known as the “Queen’s Pavilion.” It’s one of the pride and joys of the Magic Academy, designed by a famous architect in the capital.

From this pavilion, you can overlook the lush forests of the capital, and the interior is adorned with various gems. The sofa was made by a top designer and is of the highest quality. Each piece is crafted from materials so expensive they’d make your eyes pop out. The room is also filled with other eye-catching works of art.

The entire facility feels like a masterpiece of art.

Naturally, this kind of facility is off-limits to regular students. Only the most senior students, and even then, only high-ranking nobles, are allowed inside.

And of those, only one person in the academy is permitted to sit on that sofa.

I once heard about a new student who accidentally entered this facility, not knowing any better, and had a terrible experience. The details are unclear because she voluntarily withdrew from school afterward, leaving the matter unresolved.

This is bad. I have to stop her!

Even if she can take on the teachers with her magic...

Even if she can defeat entire groups of delinquents...

The Queen, on the other hand, is a different story. If Timu-chan angers her, she won’t get away unscathed. This is nothing like the situation with Enke. The Queen is from a much more powerful noble family.

“Camilla-sama, wake up!”

“Hm? Oh, it’s you, Miless. Don’t tell me you’re going to lecture me about etiquette. This, you see, is a lesson from my sister. ‘Study hard, play hard.’ It’s called a siesta. I’m just taking a fifteen-minute nap.”

“Rest is important, but—this isn’t the time for that!”

Timu-chan was blissfully sleeping.

Ugh, she looks so cute when she’s asleep, I don’t want to wake her. But this is serious.

Oh no, before someone finds her...

“Heh, so the rumors are true. You’re quite the shameless little girl, aren’t you?”

Oh no, she’s here!

Elizabeth Gaira, the Queen of this academy, and the one who wields immense power, has arrived.