Chapter 31 — Princess's Invitation [1]
"Eleanor, what do you mean by that?"
"Just what I said."
At Sara's question, Eleanor replied with her usual calm expression.
"Alex — that guy's pretty skilled, isn't he? It's only natural for a woman to feel some attraction toward a capable, strong man."
"…I didn't think you were the type to care about things like that."
"I have eyes too, you know. And if I'm going to end up in a political marriage with someone I've never even met, I'd rather choose the man myself after seeing him."
"Wait, don't tell me you fell for him at first sight or something…"
"That's not it. I just meant I find him likable, nothing more."
Eleanor kept her tone casual and her expression neutral.
Sara, however, looked visibly irritated.
"Why though? What's there to like about that Vanehart guy…?"
"Hey, Sara. That's just your perspective. If you look at him as a person, Alex's not a bad guy."
Cedric interrupted with a small laugh.
"Actually, he's quite decent. He's clean-cut and handsome, polite too, and his swordsmanship's good enough to beat you. There's no reason for Eleanor not to like him."
"…Fine. I'll admit she could feel that way. But if you end up dating that guy or, worse, getting engaged to him—"
"Don't worry, Sara. It's not like I'm that taken with Alex. At least, not yet."
"Oh?"
Cedric's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"'Not yet,' huh? So you're saying who knows what might happen later?"
"If he can truly prove his ability, I could definitely consider him as a partner. Out of all the men I've met so far, he's the most to my liking."
"No way. I'm completely against it. Sis, think carefully. No matter how capable he is, he's still just a baron. And from a fallen family at that. What could you possibly—"
"Sara, we're a ducal family. In this empire, no nobles rank higher than us. The only ones above us are the royal family. Naturally, our partners will almost always come from families of lower status."
"Still, you should at least take their background into account—"
"As long as they have ability, that's enough for me. Money, status, all that — if I choose a man, I can give those things to him myself."
Sara fell silent, speechless at Eleanor's words, while Cedric chuckled softly.
"You really do think like me, huh, Eleanor? I also believe ability is what matters most. Though… where's the capable woman that suits my taste? I kinda want to experience love again."
"You should probably tone that 'love' thing down a bit, Cedric. Anyway, since we're on the topic… Sara, shouldn't you be choosing your fiancé soon? If you don't, the family will eventually pick one for you, and you'll have no choice but to accept a political marriage."
"I—I'll handle it myself."
Sara turned her gaze away and popped a piece of bread into her mouth.
It was obvious she wanted to change the subject, but Cedric grinned slyly, not letting her off the hook.
"Come to think of it, didn't you once say you'd only marry a man stronger than you? No one's managed to beat you for years, but ta-da! Someone finally did. So, does that mean you'll—"
"Shut it, Cedric. I'd never—never choose a weak-looking guy like that!"
"You really need to do something about that pride of yours."
Cedric laughed dryly, then turned his head toward Layla.
"Lady Layla, you haven't touched your food for a while. Is it not to your taste? I can bring you something else right away if you'd like."
"Hm? Oh, no, I'm fine. I was just enjoying listening to you guys talk. Hehe."
Layla smiled brightly and looked around at the three of them.
"By the way, so Eleanor also likes Alex, huh."
"That's right. But… wait, Lady Layla, does that mean you like Alex too?"
"Yeah. I think he'd make a good friend."
"Hmm, I see."
"Yup. And… oh? Speak of the devil, there's Alex."
Layla pointed in his direction.
Alex stood there holding a food tray.
As he scanned the area for an empty seat, his eyes met Layla's. He nodded politely in greeting.
Then, he seemed about to head elsewhere.
"Looks like he's eating alone," Eleanor remarked.
"Yeah, sis. That guy always eats by himself," Cedric added.
"Guess he just prefers it that way."
Cedric and Eleanor spoke as if it didn't bother them at all, while Sara deliberately ignored Alex's presence.
But Layla's eyes sparkled. Suddenly, she stood up and shouted loudly.
"Alex! Over here! Come sit with us!"
The three ducal heirs were taken aback by her outburst.
And Alex himself was even more startled than they were.
"…Eh?"
'Let's just eat quickly.'
After doing some light training, I got a better sense of the body I had transmigrated into.
It was already well-balanced and in good shape, so maintaining it as it was should be enough for now.
As for developing any particular strengths… that would need some more thought.
'Still, even maintaining this is tougher than it seems.'
Training was one thing, but my diet was just as important.
Cut down on carbs, eat plenty of meat, throw in some salad… a balanced, nutrition-focused meal plan, basically.
'Man, I never thought I'd go back to eating like this.'
Life really was unpredictable.
I mean, who would ever imagine getting transmigrated into the very game they used to play?
'I'll need to keep up the diet and maybe set up a proper workout routine starting tomorrow. At least until I officially become a knight, I've got to maintain this body.'
With those thoughts, I entered the cafeteria.
I planned to eat a simple meal and rest back at the dorm afterward.
After filling my tray with food, I started looking for a seat…
'…Hm?'
While searching, I made eye contact with Layla.
She gave me a friendly look, and I responded with a slight nod.
That was the proper thing to do in a place with this many people.
'Better not draw too much attention.'
I'd never actually lived in the Middle Ages, but I knew this game's setting well enough.
In other words, I understood the general atmosphere of noble society in this world.
And I could already tell that many nobles had started viewing my recent behavior unfavorably.
'Yeah… I probably stood out too much.'
[To be Continue]