While she was panicking at the unforeseen fact, Fritz assured her seriously: “You’re really about 14, right?!”

“…”

Her body was stretched tight.

“…Eh?”

“It’s a rule that you have to be 15 years old to join this training. But I’m sure you lied about your age to come here for your family.”

“…No, yeah, well, that…”

“No, no, no!　If anyone finds out that you lied, you’ll be at a disadvantage in next year’s exams. You don’t have to say anything just because I got it right…!!”

“…”

Fritz, who was desperately trying to argue with her, evidently didn’t really find out.

He had considered the possibility that Rishe was younger than prescribed, but it hadn’t occurred to him that she was a woman.

That’s right. In my sixth life as a knight, the only person who discovered that I was a woman was the Commander…

She had mixed feelings and felt guilty for having lied to him.

However, Arnold told her last night, It’s inevitable for Rovine to find out, but don’t let the other knight cadets learn that you’re a woman.

“…I’m sorry Fritz. I would have definitely told you the truth soon enough…”

“That’s okay, take it easy! That’s not the point.”

When Rishe raised her head, he had a sunny smile on his face.

“One of these days…I hope I’ll see you again after today’s training.”

“!”

Hearing those words, it dawned on Rishe.

The reason why Fritz looked so unhappy was because he wanted to say goodbye.

He showered all the friendship he could to Rishe, who hadn’t even told him the truth, in just ten short days. He was so happy about that that he couldn’t help but smile.

“Of course. It may be a little different from what it is now, but still, definitely!”

“I’ll be stronger than ever by then. I promise.”

“Fufufu~”

Rishe squeezed the hand that he extended to her.

“Let’s do our best for each other, Fritz.”“…”

For a moment, she thought Fritz looked like he was about to cry.

But she was wrong. After a beat, he smiled like the sun as usual.

I won’t let them send you to a tragic battlefield.

Rishe felt the presence of someone and looked at the entrance of the training ground.

Frontier Count Rovine strolled in. He glanced and bowed at Rishe, who was the only one who could understand.

Rishe saluted him as well, and the rest was business as usual between instructor and trainee.

Nonetheless, while various thoughts were running through her mind, she challenged the last special training.

***

It was three o’clock in the afternoon, and Rishe was walking through the corridors of the detached palace after finishing some errands.

When she asked Oliver, who passed her on the way, he told her that Arnold was in his office. After sending Oliver off on his way to the main castle, she knocked on the door of the office.

Arnold looked at Rishe in some surprise when she entered after waiting for his reply.

“…That was pretty fast.”

“It is enough to take that much of his time. I really appreciate it.”

She sat down in a chair on the right side of the office when he urged her to take a seat.

Arnold watched her and then looked down at his hand again, running his pen over his papers.

“…Are you satisfied?”

“Yes. I was able to have a good talk with Teacher.”

After the morning training, Rishe went to see Michel.

The people of the Koyor Kingdom would be leaving the Imperial Capital early tomorrow morning. Since this was the last time they would spend the whole day here, Kyle was busy greeting everyone.

In the meantime, Arnold had arranged for Kyle to let her speak with Michel, who was suspended as punishment for his “little fuss.”

[I wish they could take my head out and I just provide knowledge.]

This disturbing line was Michel’s opening statement.

Rishe was taken aback even though she was indeed accustomed to his words and deeds. While rebuking him, she poured honey into Michel’s tea.

[There’s no way to do that, and there’s no point in trying. Inspiration doesn’t come from existing knowledge. It comes from new experiences, don’t you think so?]

[Oh, you know exactly what I mean. But, I think they’re too forgiving.]

While accepting the too-sweet tea, Michel gently lowered his eyes.[If you want to execute me or force me to produce loads of medicine for the war. I can. I think it would be an unwise decision to have me take charge of the joint research between Koyor and Garkhain to make something good for the world.]

[Teacher…]

Rishe fended Michel off last night and told only Arnold the whole truth.

The gunpowder’s existence, and Michel’s attempt to use it.

The current Michel would probably want to make amends for that.

Arnold looked as if he didn’t care and said, [Michel Evan’s use remains the same.]

Michel himself, who caused the commotion, wasn’t satisfied with that decision.

Rishe preached to Michel while fully understanding his feelings.

[You say that, but normally it would be a very serious punishment, don’t you think? The royal families of two countries are involved in a project that requires them to constantly produce the best possible results. I’m not sure what to say. If you were an ordinary person, you’d be under tremendous pressure.]

[Hmm, that’s right. Do you think I should do my best?]

This was a fluffy way of putting it, but in a way it was amazing. She has never seen Michel work so hard in her life as an alchemist.

[It’s novel to me, but I’ll do my best. — I never did research with that sense of creating something wonderful for the world.]

[I’m also looking forward to what new inventions Teacher can make.]

Michel giggled in amusement when Rishe expressed this solemnly.

His smile was of delight.

It was the first time Rishe ever saw him smile like this. Michel tucked his hair over his ears and muttered to himself, his eyes downcast.

[…I just want to apologize for what I said to you the other day.]

[Apologize?]

[I was wrong to say that you’re not fit to be queen.]

It reminded her that something of that sort did happen.

[I think there’s nothing wrong about that.]

[No, I’m sure you’re well suited for it, but I also think it’s a shame.]

His purple eyes looked gently at Rishe.

[Don’t you regret it? Don’t you regret your life as Arnold Hein’s bride?]

[Of course, Teacher.]

Rishe said it flatly.

A few days ago, they didn’t finish their conversation.

So she smiled and said.

[What I want to know most in the world right now is the one who will be my husband.]