The Little Prince’s Folly and the Unyielding Guard

The Freshman Ranking Tournament, sometimes referred to as the Grade Ranking Battle, was precisely what its name implied: a single-elimination contest held in the grand dueling arena, all under the watchful eyes of the assembled crowd.

While the intermediate rankings were a matter of conjecture, there was no doubt that one supreme victor would emerge.

Such displays were quite commonplace; Iordera recalled that even in her previous life, her school would prominently display test scores and rankings on large banners after every examination.

Yet, for certain individuals, this public scrutiny proved rather difficult to stomach.

“My heavens, I never imagined the Little Prince would be eliminated so swiftly.”

“Our esteemed Crown Prince, upon whom so many hopes were pinned, fell decisively on the path to the top thirty-two.”

However, a voice from the crowd offered a more balanced perspective.

“Truth be told, the Little Prince possesses considerable skill; he was simply unfortunate in his bracket, facing the eventual champion far too early.”

“Indeed, there’s no denying that observation.”

“That young woman is absolutely incredible! I knew she’d be a contender days ago.”

“She’s utterly brilliant; she dispatched the Little Prince in a single blow, clearly held back afterward, and still claimed the championship with effortless grace.”

“So powerful. I’d wager she’s around level thirty or forty.”

Iordera tilted her head, musing. From the chatter at the tea party, it seemed the top-ranked participant was ‘C Language’?

How impressive.

However, the same girl who had voiced her rather ‘sour’ opinions last time once again stepped forward.

“Hmph, what does winning first place matter? She’s definitely not from the Imperial Capital; her accent gives her away entirely. I’d bet anything she hails from some obscure, backwater region.”

Yet, the other students, now firmly established as C Language’s fervent admirers, were quick to retort.

“Where she comes from is irrelevant, isn’t it? She’s simply unbeatable this year.”

“Precisely! What difference does it make if she’s not from the Imperial Capital? Does that inherently make her inferior?”

“What’s wrong? Are you indulging in regional discrimination, perhaps a bit of provincial bias?”

“Oh, is it time for my second-favorite North-South skirmish?”

Suddenly the target of collective scorn, the Imperial Capital girl hastily amended her statement: “That’s not what I meant. What I was trying to say is… look, she shouldn’t have to pretend she’s from the Imperial Capital, right? Isn’t that like disdaining her own homeland?”

“Hmm.”

“A child does not despise their mother’s appearance, yet she dares not even name her true home. This person surely has a flaw in her character!” The Imperial Capital girl, having found her opening, seized the moral high ground and began to openly criticize C Language.

“Perhaps she has her reasons.”

“Indeed.”

“Moreover, we can’t simply take your word for it, can we? How can you be so certain she isn’t from the Imperial Capital?”

The Imperial Capital girl and C Language’s burgeoning fanbase thus launched into another heated debate, and the tea party’s discourse irrevocably veered off its intended path.

From that point on, the conversation offered little of interest.

Iordera averted her gaze, letting out a silent sigh.

Then she noticed that others, too, were sighing.

“Do you also find today’s tea party rather dull?” Iordera inquired with a touch of curiosity.

Mrs. Su shook her head, her expression grave. “Quite the opposite,” she replied.

“Oh?”

“The Little Prince suffered an ignominious defeat, losing not only the match but also a significant amount of prestige,” a nearby colleague explained. “He will undoubtedly devise a plan to regain his standing.”

Mrs. Su nodded in agreement. “Factionalism runs deep among the students. For the Little Prince, burdened with so many inherent privileges, to suffer such a public humiliation, it’s quite a scandal. He will certainly seek a means to restore his standing among his peers.”

Iordera blinked, a hint of confusion in her eyes. “But what does that have to do with us?” she asked.

“This is where the tea party is held, as you’ve heard,” Mrs. Su explained, spreading her hands. “They were openly ridiculing the Little Prince right here.”

Iordera pursed her small lips, thinking, ‘One is naturally mocked after losing a competition; it’s not as if one can forbid it.’

“Therefore, it’s highly probable the Little Prince will come here to make a statement,” the other person interjected. “He intends to showcase his exceptional qualities before the very attendees of this tea party.”

“Perhaps by demonstrating his inherent privileges.”

The employees exchanged remarks, a flurry of predictions, until finally, Charlie, the elderly gatekeeper, delivered his summary: “We are but roadside stones, blameless ourselves, yet merely obstructions in their path.”

Upon hearing these words, Iordera felt a sudden, profound enlightenment, as if a veil had been lifted from her understanding.

She couldn’t help but exclaim, “You all possess such remarkable insight!”

Or perhaps, an exceptionally keen political acumen.

It was truly befitting of those from the Continent’s Foremost Academy Library. Their scholarly demeanor wasn’t outwardly ostentatious, yet each one proved to be a hidden dragon, a crouching phoenix (TL Note: A Chinese idiom referring to exceptional, unrecognized talent).

Mrs. Su offered a gentle smile. “In truth, it’s our Curator who instructs us,” she explained. “She frequently convenes meetings to discuss these very matters, urging us to be more astute when dealing with the students.”

‘That benevolent old woman,’ Iordera mused. ‘How insightful!’

****

With the lunch break concluded, the employees dispersed, returning to their respective duties.

Iordera, however, had barely begun her patrol when she noticed a commotion brewing downstairs.

Near the book borrowing counter, a strikingly handsome young man, surrounded by his retinue of admirers, was embroiled in a heated argument with the lending desk attendant.

Iordera vaguely recalled that this was none other than the Little Prince himself.

The aunts and grandmothers had indeed been prescient.

The tea party had barely concluded, with a crowd still observing from a short distance, when the Little Prince arrived, entourage in tow, clearly seeking trouble.

As a security guard, Iordera naturally descended upon the scene with a swift, determined rush, a blur of motion.

“What is the meaning of this commotion? Please, make way,” Iordera commanded, pushing through the throng. “Kindly step aside and inform me of what has transpired.”

The attendant behind the counter, upon seeing Iordera, felt a wave of relief wash over her, quickly followed by a fresh surge of anxiety.

“This student wishes to borrow a book reserved exclusively for upperclassmen,” she explained to Iordera, her voice laced with difficulty. “This violates several of the academy’s regulations.”

The onlookers, witnessing a petite, adorable figure push her way through, were momentarily dumbfounded.

‘Since when did the library acquire a mascot?’ they silently wondered. ‘Whose relative is this, pray tell?’

Even the dashing Little Prince himself paused in surprise, before a charming smile spread across his face. “My dear young lady, might I inquire who you are…?”

“Who are you calling ‘young lady’?” Iordera retorted, utterly devoid of politeness. “I am a decade your senior, and I am the security officer here!”

A ripple of astonishment swept through the surrounding students, who immediately began to whisper amongst themselves.

“She’s an adult? She hardly looks it.”

“She’s so adorable; can she truly be a security guard?”

“Our academy truly is a wondrous place.”

The Little Prince pondered for a moment, then gracefully offered a polite bow. “My sincerest apologies. I have long heard tales of the Academy Library’s vast collection, hailed as the foremost treasure trove in all the lands. To witness it today truly proves the journey worthwhile.”

He then picked up a book from the counter, saying, “This tome and I, we are kindred spirits; my heart is utterly captivated. I desire to borrow it and delve into its pages. Rest assured, I shall guard it diligently, return it promptly, and guarantee not a single speck of damage.”

The Little Prince’s manner was indeed refined and courteous, the very picture of a humble gentleman.

But Iordera could only suppress a cold, cynical laugh.

She finally grasped the profound meaning behind old Charlie the gatekeeper’s words: ‘We are but roadside stones, blameless ourselves, yet merely obstructions in their path.’

‘Those of us who uphold the library’s regulations are merely obstacles in the Little Prince’s path, impeding his display of privilege. If we were sensible, we would simply turn a blind eye, allowing him his grandstanding, and all would be well.’

‘However, I refuse!’

Iordera extended her hand, abruptly seizing the book and slamming it onto the counter.

“I apologize, but in accordance with academy regulations,” the petite, white-haired security officer stated, her face utterly devoid of expression, “you are not permitted to peruse this book.”

‘I’m blocking your way?’

‘What a delightful coincidence, for you are also obstructing my path to a promotion, a raise, and the position of Head of Security.’