Chapter 26

I’m grateful that my classes are separate from Princess Margaret’s. That said, this is my first time entering 2nd Year Class A after skipping a grade.

There’s a homeroom period, and I had intended to get to the classroom much earlier, but because Princess Margaret overslept, I barely made it in time.

“Ah, you’re late, Patience.”

The homeroom teacher, Mr. Kepner, was already in the classroom.

“This is Patience Granger, who has skipped a grade to join us. Everyone, try to get along with her.”

Ugh, another self-introduction? I hate these!

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said, simply bowing my head. Immediately, several students stood up noisily and left the room.

“Alright, everyone move up.” Mr. Kepner clapped his hands, and the remaining students moved their desks toward the window with practiced ease.

As I stood there dazed, Mr. Kepner told me, “Take any vacant seat.” In my previous class, seats were arranged by social rank. I took a seat at the very back of the current group.

Just before the bell rang to start the period, a few people burst into the room. It was Prince Keith and his group. First period is Mathematics, so we’re together.

Likely following the order of status, Prince Keith, Ralph, and Hugo took seats starting from the front of the vacant row. I see—students from 2nd Year Class A must have skipped a grade as well, leaving these seats open.

This means that for second period, Language, Louise and many other girls will be joining us, as quite a few of them skipped ahead. I just hope Louise doesn’t grill me about being a Lady-in-Waiting… I thought to myself as I listened to the math lecture.

Yeah, this is a breeze. I wish I could just get a certificate of completion; this is boring. I’d guess the Elementary level covers late primary to middle school, and the Middle level covers middle to high school material.

I’d need to review high school math, but I think I could pass. Math is three periods a week; if I could get exempted, I could bring my darning work to class and make a decent profit. While I was indulging in these impure thoughts, math ended.

For Language, a large number of students shifted around. I moved my seat closer to the window as well. What a hassle. Some students stay in the same seats regardless. As I was scanning the room, trying to decide where to settle, Louise made a sudden approach.

“Good day, Lady Patience.”

“Good day, Lady Louise.”

I pretended to be busy putting away my math textbook and taking out my language one. But this was Louise. She wasn’t going to give up that easily.

“I heard you have become Princess Margaret’s Lady-in-Waiting. Is it true?”

“Yes, I have.”

Louise leaned halfway across my desk and whispered right into my ear.

“How did you become a Lady-in-Waiting? Tell me.”

She seemed quite desperate. If she wants the position that badly, I’d gladly swap with her. I’m already fed up after last night and this morning.

“A letter came to my father from Queen Victoria, requesting that I serve Princess Margaret.”

I wasn’t bragging; I was just stating the facts. But Louise seemed to take it differently.

“My, there’s no need to be so boastful. Besides, we are friends, aren’t we? Surely you can tell me how you managed to get Queen Victoria to choose you.”

Since when were we friends? Still, if Louise became a Lady-in-Waiting, maybe I could be let off the hook. While I was entertaining that hopeful thought, other girls started complaining.

“Lady Louise, that’s unfair! Trying to become Princess Margaret’s Lady-in-Waiting all by yourself!”

These girls are supposed to be refined young ladies, but they currently have the intensity of middle-aged women swarming a bargain bin at a sale. I’d find it funny if I weren’t the bargain bin in question… wait, I have an idea!

“It is because Princess Margaret’s schoolmates did not enter the dormitory. I am her Lady-in-Waiting for her life inside the dorms.”

Suddenly, all the girls went silent. All of them commute from their family mansions in Romano. In the dormitory, there is no family, and no personal maids. It’s incredibly inconvenient for an ordinary noble daughter.

“So, Queen Victoria chose you simply because you were the only Class A girl living in the dorms,” Louise remarked.

That was a bit rude, Louise. But the look in her eyes—the look of someone who hasn’t quite given up—is terrifying. Well, good luck! If you have the guts to abandon your comfortable life at the mansion and move into the dorms, you can have the job. You can be the one to drag her out of bed in the morning!

I didn’t realize at the time that Prince Keith was watching the whole commotion.