44 — Chapter 44

I listen to the Chorus Club’s performance with Princess Margaret.

“The morning is only for Elementary students, I see.”

The Chorus Club likely figured that while the Knight Club matches are going on, the audience turnout would be low. Oh, look—Louise is up there on stage.

“It’s… passable.”

Princess Margaret’s critique is sharp, but I have to agree. They aren’t bad, but there isn’t anything particularly outstanding. The chorus is well-practiced and they aren’t off-key, but the solo parts are somewhat lackluster.

“I wonder if she was chosen because she’s a third-year? Or because she’s from an Earl’s family? Helena’s voice doesn’t have much range.”

The soloist seems to be the Princess’s classmate. I’ll keep my comments to myself.

The Music Club’s second recital was also wonderful and met with a round of applause.

“The new song recitals are a huge success!”

Princess Margaret looks delighted, but I’m a bit worried about the third performance later today.

The High Hall (Salon) felt a bit different from usual because parents were present.

“Margaret, over here.”

Prince Richard calls out to us from behind a folding screen. There aren’t usually screens in here?

“The parents keep coming up to offer greetings one by one, so I had them put the screens out.”

I see. Prince Keith was already at the table as well.

“Brother, isn’t the Student Council busy?”

Princess Margaret worries over Prince Richard, who looked at the menu and immediately decided on “Steak.” He is clearly more high-strung than usual.

“No, the coordination beforehand is the real nightmare. Today is… well, we’ve had several complaints, but we’re managing.”

Prince Keith is fidgeting, clearly wanting to help his brother. Prince Richard, however, doesn’t seem to notice him at all.

“The Music Club’s recital was truly magnificent. Keith, how were the Knight Club matches?”

Prince Keith answers a bit sullenly, “President Eric won, just as predicted.”

Ah, Prince Richard’s eyebrows shot up. There is no way the Student Council President isn’t busy today. On top of that, he’s in a state where he can’t even eat without hiding behind a screen. Princess Margaret obviously brought up the topic to help him vent, but Keith just can’t read the room. I get the “eye signal.” Good grief.

“Can Elementary students help out with the Student Council as well?”

Prince Keith stops cutting his steak and looks at me. No, I’m not talking about myself.

“I see! Patience, your recitals ended this morning, didn’t they? Come help us!”

Prince Keith looks visibly disappointed.

“Keith’s Knight Club matches are over too,” Princess Margaret adds as follow-up.

“True. We can use all the hands we can get. Keith, help out too.”

Oh, look at him wagging his tail like a dog whose master just threw a ball.

“Yes, of course!”

Um… I was supposed to have free time this afternoon. I was planning to watch the play and then go see the Alchemy Club’s presentation… ‘Keep an eye on Prince Keith!’ Princess Margaret is really good at signaling with her eyes. I’m not allowed to refuse, am I? Being a lady-in-waiting is tough.

“Then let’s eat quickly and head to the Student Council office. Skip dessert!”

He unilaterally cancels our desserts with the server and stands up abruptly.

“Lady Margaret, would this be alright?”

I’ll be leaving her all alone.

“Yes, Catherine and the others are here now, so I’ll watch the play with them. Go on, hurry.”

I follow behind Prince Richard and Prince Keith. They walk so fast. Is it the difference in leg span?

“Oh, Lord Ralph and Lord Hugo are also free this afternoon, aren’t they? Prince Keith, why not invite them?”

I involve the two boys I spotted in the Salon. After all, I’m not Keith’s lady-in-waiting. You guys take care of the trouble.

“Right. Then those two can help as well.”

Prince Richard grants permission easily. Ah, he realized I was trying to foist the “Keith-sitting” onto them, didn’t he? He really is a sharp Prince.

The Student Council office is huge. And currently, that huge room is filled with the din of students complaining and Council members trying to deal with them. I want to pull a 180 and walk right back out.

“Everyone, you’re too loud! Speak calmly.”

Wow, the “voice of authority.” It went silent—but only for a second.

“President! Our Raffle Club has permission to use the Second Grounds all day. And yet, the Riding Club’s horses are currently eating the grass there. I told the Council members over there to kick them out, but they won’t listen!”

A man who is massive in both height and width bellows. So loud!

“Geoffrey, if you have enough breath to complain here, go tell the Riding Club directly.”

Prince Richard orders him away with a wave of his hand.

“Why should I have to ask the Riding Club? The Student Council issued the permit. You have an obligation to enforce it!”

Geoffrey doesn’t seem to be a meathead. He presents his complaint to Prince Richard quite logically.

“Fine. Keith, go to the Riding Club and get the horses out of the Second Grounds. Ralph and Hugo, go with him.”

He glances at the three of them for a moment, then commands: “Patience, you go too.”

He probably realized those two wouldn’t be able to stop Prince Keith if he went off the rails. Good grief.