As expected of a hotel that looks incredibly fancy on the outside, the interior was just as impressive. It wasn’t overly lavish, nor overly simple—just perfectly elegant. In fact, it looked much more expensive than places decorated with all sorts of jewels.
If a hotel run by a noble family was this perfect, it was certainly something to brag about. Grace’s Estate took pride in being the only green lawn in the midst of that dreary city, while Winterfield showcased the strength of its territory’s residents, and Northwood proudly flaunted its splendid streets.
But no, this place also boldly displayed its grandeur. The actual owner, however, only wore a faint smile and didn’t seem to have a braggart vibe.
Jake, unlike when at the academy, was quite calm.
“You probably already know your room assignments. I arranged it so you can comfortably be with someone, so don’t worry too much.”
I was in the same room as Alice. It could have easily been a cramped four-person room filled with students, but instead, they put two people in a spacious two-person room… Probably thanks to Lindbergh’s influence rather than any intention from the academy.
The ability to be this generous shows their willingness to make sure that next time they visit here for business, they’ll want to stay here.
Being equally generous to the commoners likely means Lindbergh was being ‘proactive’. Among all the noble families, they react the most sensitively to money. Not to mention they were always short on staff. It wouldn’t be bad for a common student to become a bourgeois or a professional in this family after getting close right away.
Of course, that ‘proactive’ label applies only to pure citizens of the Empire, or more specifically, to white people.
“I imagine you’ve built up a lot of fatigue from the days it took to get here. So, make sure to rest well today. However, as I mentioned, before going outside the hotel, report to the teachers waiting in the lobby, including me. And definitely stick together with at least three people. As an additional piece of advice, don’t fall for anyone’s sweet talk.”
Laughter rose among the students at Jennifer’s last comment, but her expression was rather serious.
“This area isn’t bad in terms of safety, but it doesn’t compare to the Imperial Capital. So stay sharp and act accordingly. That’s all.”
Well, the truth is, most students here weren’t from the Imperial Capital, so they likely knew of places much less safe than this. Still, there might be some who had never actually been to a dangerous area.
“Sylvia.”
After Jennifer finished speaking, the students started to gather in their own groups, and Alice poked my shoulder.
“Shall we check out our room? It’s quite high up.”
Alice’s expression, saying this, looked pretty excited, so I just nodded without saying much.
*
If I said I had never felt excitement since coming to this world, that would be a lie.
When I realized I had entered the world of my favorite game series. When I somehow found myself beside Alice as the Crown Princess.
Whether it was when I entered the academy with the main character’s party or got swept up in the main story…
There were many times I had to think hard, but at the same time, I felt a thrill in my chest. Honestly, I don’t think anyone would not feel giddy about entering the world of a game they loved.
In stories about reincarnation, people usually complain about how terrible it is at first, saying this world is doomed, but in the end, they meet the heroine and live happily ever after.
…It’s a bit different for me, but anyway.
“It’s amazing; I think I understand why we were made to stay at this hotel.”
Alice said, looking out the window.
72nd floor, the top.
No matter how big the hotel is, it’s impossible to pack all those student rooms into such a scenic spot. The reason our room is likely in the best view here is that the room assignments weren’t random.
The road visible through the clean glass window was straight. No kidding, it looked like it had been paved perfectly, extending in a straight line to the faintly visible city boundary at the edge of sight. There seemed to be a diagonal road crossing through that city.
It boldly revealed itself as a city built from the ground up with a clear plan.
At the far end of the view, it seemed to lead right into the industrial zone. From beyond the city boundary, I could see black smoke and white steam rising. There was probably something like plantation farms even further out.
“If we had stayed at Lindbergh Castle like the other places, we wouldn’t have felt this way.”
“Lindbergh Castle is more modest compared to the estates on the Empire’s mainland.”
Literally ‘castle’, unlike the centers of other territories, Lindbergh’s building was just a mansion in the middle of the city. Of course, I can’t say it’s tiny, but calling it a castle is a stretch.
It ended up being in that form since it was built in an era without reasons for noble families to wage medieval-style sieges against one another.
“A new form of business for a new age, huh…”
Alice murmured softly while gazing down at the scenery outside.
“Well, okay. Since we’ve confirmed the room and our stuff, let’s head outside and explore. Charlotte will probably be itching to go out, so if we gather the kids and all go together—”
Before Alice could finish her sentence, someone knocked on our room door.
“I’ll go see who it is.”
Hearing the knock, I had a good idea of what was going on. This was a storyline from the original material, after all.
Crossing the wide room to reach the door, no further knocking was heard. The person who knocked was waiting quietly without pushing us inside.
As I pulled the heavy door open, I met Roti’s eyes outside.
“Crown Princess.”
Roti bowed her waist slightly. Even when she met me at the academy, she greeted me more elegantly than other students, but her formality now was on another level.
A graceful greeting as she held the skirt slightly and bent her knees.
‘A deep bow’ would probably be more fitting.
“What brings you here?”
I kind of knew what was happening, but not asking anything felt a bit neglectful, so I asked like that.
“I have a message from Duke Lindbergh, inviting both Crown Princesses to tonight’s banquet at Lindbergh Mansion.”
With that, Roti politely bowed her head and handed over a pair of invitation cards.
Upon receiving them, I noted one side contained the elegant handwriting ‘To Her Royal Highness Alice Fanggriffon,’ and the other side had ‘To Her Royal Highness Sylvia Fanggriffon.’ Both were placed in dark purple envelopes nearly black, sealed with red wax. The wax seal had a drawing of a horse raising its front legs.
“It would be an honor if both Crown Princesses could attend the banquet and grace our presence.”
Roti said this in the most polite tone imaginable.
“…Roti?”
Alice’s voice sounded from behind.
Curious about our conversation, she had followed and was now looking surprised at Roti, who was bowing politely to me.
She was still in her school uniform, but her posture made her look like she was wearing a maid’s outfit.
I silently passed Alice’s invitation card to her.
“We’ve been invited to a banquet at Lindbergh Territory tonight.”
“…Really?”
Alice looked down at the envelope with slightly furrowed brows and then looked back at Roti.
“Roti, you don’t have to be that formal. We’re both wearing school uniforms right now.”
“But the invitation was delivered in the name of Duke Lindbergh.”
That had many implications.
Roti was Jake’s personal maid. So naturally, she had to deliver such messages properly as a maid.
Whether she was in a school uniform or not, when it came to addressing nobility, Roti would fulfill her duties as expected.
“…Okay.”
Having read between the lines, Alice nodded.
Roti bowed deeply to us once more and then took a step back.
And she stood there until I closed the door.
“Right. Roti is from Lindbergh…”
“Must be a maid. Jake claims she’s his childhood friend.”
“It’s more natural to think of her that way. Spending so long at the academy, I end up forgetting such facts.”
Alice’s expression was complicated.
I don’t think that’s a bad thing, but I didn’t feel the need to share that thought with her.
You may also like Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy
