Enrollment!

Volume 2: Academy Life

(Katarina’s Perspective)

Winter passed, spring arrived, and three years slipped by in the blink of an eye.

Our lives during these years were largely uneventful.

No more encounters with demons, no sinister plots—just the occasional hunt for minor magical beasts.

Yet, amid the mundane routine, there were flecks of extraordinary color.

Lord Claude had long since settled the affairs of the ducal house and returned to his studies.

Prince Edwin would drop by every so often to spar with milady.

Olivia would drag us along on commissions every few days.

Milady would occasionally chat with Margaret, and we’d visit to assist with her research.

Perhaps because we’re both maids, Elizabeth and I got along splendidly, sometimes cooking together to treat our masters.

Though I don’t understand what’s so special about my blood, Margaret’s research seemed to make a major breakthrough—I could tell Elizabeth was far more spirited than before.

What gave me a bit of a headache, though, was milady’s habit of teasing me with odd jokes… ones that left me flushed and my heart racing.

Other than that, our days were filled with ordinary, blissful moments.

If there was any regret… it would be seeing less of Sophia.

Unlike other noble children, Sophia hadn’t received formal education, so she had to spend a year in preparatory classes to catch up before entering the National Academy.

At the Academy, men studied for six years, starting at twelve, while women studied for three, starting at fifteen. Commoners without prior education, like Sophia, needed an extra year in prep.

Meanwhile, I was tied up with Margaret’s research, so our schedules never aligned… It’s been over a year since we last met.

By the way, milady apologized to Sophia long ago… albeit somewhat reluctantly.

Sophia accepted it graciously, the kind soul she is—truly the embodiment of the game’s protagonist.

But… those regrets end today!

Why, you ask?

Tap tap.

I stood still, gazing at the grand, imposing structure before me.

A plaque above proudly displayed the words “Boren National Academy” in bold letters.

—That’s right! Today is milady’s first day at the National Academy!

Naturally, we’re bound to run into Sophia, who’s officially enrolling too!

Ahem, a reunion after so long is certainly touching, but my greater purpose is…

—To prevent my milady from becoming the game’s villainess and heading toward a doomed ending!

On top of that, I must do everything to stop Sophia from entering Prince Edwin’s route.

…Over these years, watching milady and Prince Edwin grow closer… perhaps their marriage is becoming a foregone conclusion.

My dear mistress will eventually marry. As her maid, I can’t keep her in my hands forever, especially since they seem like a match made in heaven!

So why should I have any complaints?

As a maid, I just need to… silently offer my blessings from the sidelines.

…That’s how it should be, but why this stifling ache in my chest?

Why… can’t I let go?

I couldn’t help but clench my fists, unaware of my nails digging into my palms.

“Ailena? Why are you spacing out?”

A voice like silver bells snapped me out of my thoughts.

The golden-haired girl looked at me with concern… making my heart skip a beat.

‘A girl transforms at eighteen’—milady had grown from that innocent, adorable little thing into a mature beauty, half a head taller than me, with a model-like figure.

I couldn’t help but feel a pang of emotion…

I’m starting to feel like an old father past his prime.

“Eh? Oh… sorry, I zoned out for a moment.”

“Are you alright? If you’re tired, it’s fine to take a day off.”

“What are you saying, milady?! Today’s your big enrollment day! No way I’d miss it!”

…

Milady gave me a complicated look… but said nothing more.

And so, we quietly passed through the school gates…

“Eek!”

Suddenly, a cry came from nearby.

“Hmph? Dressed like a commoner, are you?”

“What nerve—a mere commoner daring to block our path!”

It seemed two noble girls had deliberately knocked down a commoner girl.

Bystanders passed by indifferently, some even snickering.

I knew from the game that class discrimination at this academy was severe… but seeing it firsthand still made my blood boil.

Wait a second… I squinted at the familiar pink hair.

Isn’t that Sophia being bullied?

This scene felt familiar. In the game’s opening, a group of noble kids gang up on the commoner protagonist.

And their ringleader was none other than the villainess—Katarina Anist.

But milady’s right here with me… so bullying? Out of the question.

Without the backing of the ducal heiress, the group harassing the protagonist had dwindled to just two.

Perhaps this is the first step toward shedding the ‘villainess’ label.

…But just as I thought that, milady marched straight toward the bullying scene.

Is she… joining in on the bullying?!

“Milady…!”

“You lot—don’t you have any shame?”

Contrary to my fears, milady grabbed the wrist of the lead bully, her voice cold as she stopped them.

“Where’s the dignity of a noble?”

“T-The ducal heiress?!”

“Ugh… s-sorry!”

Intimidated by milady’s presence and the weight of her family’s influence, the two noble girls fled in a panic.

“Sorry about that.”

Wait, isn’t this the part where Prince Edwin swoops in to save the day?

How did it turn into milady chasing off the villainesses?

Even Sophia, the one helped, looked a bit dazed…

Well, whatever. Things seem to be moving in the direction I hoped for.

Milady’s heroic rescue not only avoids the villainess role but might even prevent Sophia from entering the prince’s route.

“Are you alright, Sophia?”

“Um… thank you, Lady Duchess.”

“…?”

At that title, milady hesitated for a split second, her hand slowing as she reached out.

“You okay there?!”

At that moment, the white knight prince who was supposed to save the heroine finally arrived, fashionably late.

Whispers of “It’s the Second Prince!” rippled through the crowd.

“I’m fine, thanks to Lady Duchess here.”

“…Well done, Katarina.”

Prince Edwin shot milady an approving glance.

“Oh, right—I haven’t introduced myself.”

The prince tapped his head and began:

“I’m Edwin Wilhelm, Second Prince of this kingdom, and this is my fiancée, the ducal heiress—Katarina Anist.”

“Do we even need introductions? We’ve already met plenty of times.”

It’s only natural that Prince Edwin wouldn’t know about that, though.

After his introduction, Sophia flashed the quintessential heroine smile:

“Hello! Nice to meet you. I’m Sophia!”