NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19.2
Stage 1-19. Crossdressing Aristocratic Lady
“What is it? Just say it. You’re making me curious.”
I glanced at Alice, who had a look of amusement on her face, as if she had just witnessed something heartwarming.
“You two seem to get along very well.”
As we exchanged these words, a soft, somewhat androgynous voice called out to us from ahead.
Looking in that direction, I saw a familiar face from the past.
“Hello, Riche-dono. And… Ouga too.”
“It’s rare for you to approach me first. If your father saw this, he’d probably blow a fuse, wouldn’t he, Karen?”
“Our families have been at odds for generations, after all.”
“That’s not the only reason, is it?”
“Uh, um…?”
Mashiro, who couldn’t follow the conversation, had a puzzled expression on her face, a big question mark practically floating above her head.
But that wasn’t the only thing she was wondering about, I bet.
I decided to introduce the girl standing in our path, dressed in a boy’s school uniform.
“This is Karen Revetzenka, the only daughter of Duke Revetzenka.”
“Nice to meet you, Riche-dono. I’m Karen Revetzenka. I hope we can become good friends.”
She’s a head shorter than me, but tall enough to pass as a guy. She gently clasped Mashiro’s hand between her own.
With her sharp double-lidded eyes and straight, well-defined nose, she’s got the kind of beauty that makes her look more like a dashing young man than most. She’s still the picture of elegance, perfectly suited to wearing a boy’s uniform.
We used to play together a lot when we were kids. Back then, she was so much of a crybaby you wouldn’t recognize her now.
She used to follow me around everywhere, clinging to me all the time… until we found out I had no aptitude for magic. That’s when things between us abruptly stopped.
It’s probably her old-fashioned father who’s to blame for that.
I found myself thinking, “If only she had big breasts,” as I wondered why Karen, who hadn’t spoken to me at school until now, had decided to approach.
“Yes, I look forward to it.”
“Ah. If you ever find yourself in need, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll gladly help, as a member of House Revetzenka.”
…I see. So, she’s after Mashiro.
House Revetzenka has long been the nation’s military cornerstone, protecting the peace of the people from both demons and neighboring countries.
In other words, they’re champions of justice.
Karen must have heard the rumors and thought Mashiro might be forced to accompany me against her will.
“If there’s any trouble, I’ll take care of it. No need to worry.”
I slapped away Karen’s hand, which had lingered too long in holding Mashiro’s, stepping between them.
“…So? What brings you here this morning? You didn’t come all this way just for an introduction, right?”
“Of course not. Though I did want to catch up with you, Ouga.”
“Go talk to your fan club if you want that.”
“Haha… well, back to the point. I’m here to deliver a message.”
“From who?”
“From the student council president, Milfonte.”
The moment that name reached my ears, I frowned.
That guy… he still hasn’t given up?
“He said you’re welcome to drop by the student council anytime, for tea or a chat. Since when did you get so close?”
“Ah, well, we talked a little. By the way, you’re on the student council?”
“Of course. It’s fulfilling to serve others. What about you, Ouga?”
“I’ve got things I want to do.”
“I see… that’s a shame.”
She should know enough about the student council’s activities to understand why I wouldn’t want to join.
Or maybe she, too, wants to recruit me so she can keep an eye on me and prevent me from causing any mischief?
Too many do-gooders around me… Where’s someone more laid-back, someone who gets my way of thinking?
“Sorry for taking up your time… Oh, right!”
As Karen turned to leave, she clapped her hands as if she had just remembered something.
“…Would it be alright if I occasionally talked to you again? You know, it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, and maintaining connections between noble houses isn’t a bad thing, right…?”
“Huh? Yeah, do whatever you want.”
“R-really?! Okay, I will! Well then, see you later!”
With a wave of her hand, Karen cheerfully headed back to her classroom.
What a stickler for her family’s teachings.
Is she really that worried about Mashiro?
That said, having someone constantly watching me in daily life would be a pain…
Maybe I should increase my options too.
As I considered getting Alice, who had been quietly observing from behind, to gather information, I opened the classroom door.