I ended up staying in Baltzrein right until the very last minute before I was due to start at the Academy.
In any case, Baltzrein was so comfortable, and suited me perfectly.
What's more, I was probably trained far more thoroughly there than I would have been at the capital.
Well, since I'm not at an age where my body is fully developed yet, my training leaned more towards "magic training"...
Even so, watching the battle-hardened warriors in action and training based on their proven know-how has made me stronger.
Of course, I don't intend to focus solely on strength.
What I had been good at all along was studying, so I studied diligently.
That said, there are likely to be many instances where the widely accepted principles of estate management won't quite align with the realities of the Baltzrein estate.
While I'm at the academy, I intend to do my best to contribute to the Baltzrein estate in my own way.
The Royal Academy maintains connections to research labs and other organisations run jointly with its alumni.
There's no reason not to make use of that.
"It feels like it's been a while."
I had returned to the Schteizen manor in the capital.
Having finished my final preparations for entering the Academy, I'll be attending classes for the next three years.
I entered the manor for the first time in half a year.
Otou-sama was apparently at the royal palace, so I planned to head straight to my room.
"... So you've returned. Angelina."
"Carlos Onii-sama. Surely you haven't come to greet me?"
"... I would never do such a thing."
Never say never. Onii-sama has been really hostile towards me for some reason.
I have no idea what was making him act this way. I haven't been home in half a year, but his attitude towards me seems unchanged.
"... Keep a low profile at the Academy, Angelina."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Understand the responsibility you ought to bear, and do your best not to drag the family name through the mud."
What's brought this on all of a sudden? He's grown rather preachy.
He's the complete opposite of Ash-sama, who seems younger despite being older.
Or rather, he really is the polar opposite. Onii-sama looks unhealthy. I wish he would take a page out of Ash-sama's book.
And I let my mind drift to him.
We've only been apart for a short while, and yet I already found myself wanting to see him again. I really am at that age...
But I am now formally Ash-sama's fiancée. He isn't the sort of man to betray anyone.
So he will be in Baltzrein, waiting for me to graduate.
"Carlos Onii-sama. I think you should eat a little more."
"... What?"
"You've grown so thin and gaunt. Men look better with a sturdier build."
"... What in the world are you saying?"
Carlos Onii-sama looked completely dumbfounded. Hehe. I've never seen him look like that before.
"I don't quite understand what you mean by 'keep a low profile.' I have things I want to do. The betrothal has been finalised. Three years from now, when I graduate and marry into Baltzrein, I intend to bring my own achievements with me. I'll be using my time at the Academy for that purpose."
At my words, Onii-sama's expression hardened and he glared at me.
"... I hear you decided on the betrothal on your own."
"On my own? No. Otou-sama entrusted it to me, and I made my decision responsibly."
I had followed the proper formal procedures, and had obtained Otou-sama's permission again even though it was through a letter.
It was information Otou-sama needed for his negotiations with the royal family, too.
"... Can't you even see the role that's expected of you?"
"My role, you say?"
"That's right. You... should have become Prince Leonhardt's fiancée."
"... Was that not rejected previously?"
I wish he would stop changing his mind.
"You should have made the effort to change. So you would become someone worthy of Prince Leonhardt this time."
This time?
"If you had..."
"If I had?"
"... Nevermind."
"I don't understand what you're talking about. Are you perhaps tired, Onii-sama?"
Carlos Onii-sama, did you want His Highness and I to get married? Even though you'd been criticizing me quite harshly...
But it's far too late to say such things now.
Because my heart is already set on Baltzrein.
"... Please take good care of yourself, Carlos Onii-sama."
He must be feeling unwell.
I offered him a few words of concern and quickly walked back to my room.