Even though her main job has become less busy, Frea still has work to do.
Lately, the desire to make this her true calling has grown stronger.
She knows it’s absolutely impossible.
Still, she can’t help wishing for it, because the time she spends here feels so peaceful and comforting.
She opened the door and stepped inside.
「Good morning, Sensei.」
「「Good morning.」」
「Yes. Good morning.」
Ever since we introduced the class monitor system, the children’s motivation has soared even higher.
Having responsibility rotate among them in turns seems to be excellent for their emotional development.
Of course, some children dislike it, but their friends always step in to help without fail.
It truly is wonderful.
Trembling with quiet joy, Frea took her place at the sensei’s podium.
As usual, the front row held her superior.
She had already decided not to scold or complain anymore. Thanks to his advice, the children’s growth had become astonishing.
But… today, she felt her cheek twitch uncontrollably.
Next to him sat another superior, Noie, now in the form of a young girl. In terms of appearance alone she looked less problematic than him, so Frea could endure it.
What she could not endure was the girl clinging to Noie and rubbing her cheek against her.
「Argusta-sama.」
「Yes?」
「Could we… have a moment?」
Pouring every ounce of her urge to drag him outside into her gaze, Frea stepped out first.
He jumped out after her, looking frightened, and she seized his collar and tightened her grip.
「Would you mind explaining… why the future queen consort is clinging to the captain and rubbing her cheek against her?」
「Is this really the attitude of someone asking a question? Urgh… it’s tightening, it’s tightening.」
「Shall we have a proper talk?」
Faced with an aura so terrifying it was beyond joking, Argusta nodded frantically while trembling.
Even so, his explanation could only be brief.
「Onii-chan asked me to. That girl was raised entirely inside the mansion and has hardly any contact with children her own age, so he wanted her to join ‘to learn how to interact with others’. And whenever I can be here as her guardian, she will be allowed to participate. The reason she’s clinging to Noie is that Noie is incredibly popular with children, so she probably thinks that’s normal.」
「……Please do not make such important decisions on your own without consulting the person most directly involved.」
「But isn’t participation here voluntary?」
「It depends on who is participating.」
With a deep 「Haaa…」 sigh, Frea gave up.
No matter what, the royalty of this country were far too easygoing.
「Fine. I understand. I will only teach. If any problems arise, the responsibility will be yours.」
「Understood.」
As she finished speaking and turned to return to the room… Noie was peeking through the crack in the door.
Realizing just how deeply she loved her husband, Frea couldn’t help but smile.
「The talk is over. Captain, please stay quiet too.」
「Yes.」
Noie spun around, dragging the future queen consort, who had wrapped herself around her waist, back to her original spot with a slow, scraping pull.
The children in the room watched Camille’s blatant display of affection with open envy.
Even if adults feared her… to these children who would one day form the core of the nation, she was the hero who defeated dragons.
Her current treatment might be the worst it would ever be, but there was no doubt that Noie’s standing would improve from here on.
「Argusta-sama who married the children’s hero?」
「Fue?」
「How does that feel?」
「……Yeah. The best, probably.」
「I see.」
The fact that he could say it so plainly proved he was a strong person after all.
No matter what hardships came, he had the will to accept them and move forward together.
In contrast…
「All right, everyone. Today we will study the politics of this country. Listen carefully, understood?」
「「Yes～!」」
Frea reset her emotions and stood at the podium.
It was simply that the person she once loved had lacked that same strong will… and the thought quietly saddened her heart.
-0-
「You must～! You must absolutely have to come play at the mansion next time～!」
「Yes, yes.」
The girl waved her arms wildly with full force. Noie and I gave small waves back.
「You okay?」
「A little…」
Noie, unusually limp, let out a rare complaint.
Being clung to and fawned over by the girl the entire time really would wear anyone out.
Still, the fact that someone could cling to Noie without fear raised Camille’s stock dramatically among the class in just one day.
「Arg-sama.」
「Hm?」
「That girl’s house… are we going?」
「Eventually. Don’t make such a reluctant face.」
「……I’m not.」
She averted her gaze and let out a small breath, yet she still said such a lie?
Lately Noie has been clinging and spoiling for affection far too much.
It’s not that I dislike it… but it leaves me unable to be the one spoiled.
「Hey, Noie.」
「Yes.」
「Tonight after we get home… can I have a lap pillow?」
「……Yes.」
She took my hand happily and tugged on my arm.
Perhaps Noie has been wanting me to spoil her too?
「Then let’s finish work quickly and take it easy tonight.」
「Yes.」
Noie pulled insistently on my arm, acting just like a child.
If we ever have a child, will it feel something like this?
This in itself is quite happy, but a child with Noie… the vision of being dragged around by two spoiled ones flashed through my mind, and I quietly buried it in the darkness of my heart.
It’s fine. Noie is a gentle girl, so our child will surely turn out kind as well.
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