――あと11日。
正直な所、元からエルクアージュ家は長年国内で勢力を伸ばしている家々から心象が良くない。まあ、うちのお母様も王妃様も国外の方ですから。勿論、外交の一環と建前はわかっていても面白くないのは事実よね。それに、両親共仕事ができないというわけではないけど、今ひとつ社交性が乏しい。わたくしも人のことは言えませんが。
そんなわけで、正式な後継ぎもいなくなった今こそ潰すチャンスと......古参の国内派が多い『アン』クラスの浮かれた子供たちが急いだ結果がこれみたい。実際にお父様の仕事などに手が出されているのかもしれないけど、わたくしの耳には一切届いてませんし。子供のわたくしが心配するまでもないことなのでしょう。ならば、ゆくゆくのために子供のわたくしたちも仲良くなっておくべきよね?
しかし残念ながら、その翌日から休日なのです。
しかも、週末にはさっそく追試。弱みを見せないためにも、ここは気合を入れる所なのですが――
「褒美は何がほしい?」
「え?」
「これだけ勉強を頑張っているんだ。褒美は必要だろう」
はるばるエルクアージュ家までお越しになったサザンジール殿下(特に約束はしていなかった)は、わたくしの答案に丸をつけながら聞いてきた。
「あ、僕からも何か贈ろうか?」
それに便乗するかのように、ザフィルド殿下(彼とも約束はしてなかったの)が反対側から身を乗り出してくる。サザンジール殿下、弟に熱い視線を送るのは構いませんが、わたくしを挟まないでください。複雑です。
なので、後ろから「私、帰った方がいいですか......?」と空気を読もうとするレミーエ嬢(わたくしは彼女しか呼んでいない)に「それこそお礼が済んでいないわ」と、二人を無視して席を立つ。
そして、クローゼットを開けた。
「どれでもいいから、好きなものを選んでちょうだい」
「ふえぇ!?」
頓珍漢な声音に軽くチョップは入れさせてもらうけど......そう驚くことはないでしょうに。
クローゼットに入っているのは、当然わたくしのドレスだ。ここには普段着る用のが十着くらい入っていて......あぁ、そうか。せっかくならもっと良い物がいいわね。
「パーティー用のなら他の部屋にあるわ。見に行きましょうか」
「いやいやいや! こんな立派なものを貰えませんよ!? 私はただお古をあげに来ただけですよ!? しかも新しい制服まで貰ってますし!」
彼女が抱えるのは、発言の通り古い制服だ。古いといっても入学して数ヶ月しか着てない制服なので、そんな着倒した感じはない。
わたくしの方から、彼女に相談したのだ。余っている制服はないのか、と。なんせレミーエ嬢は入学当初からだいぶ痩せましたからね。本人曰く、いじめられたストレスで痩せたとのこと――だが、わたくしが指導を始めて、さらに身体が引き締まりましたわ。その関係で制服がゆるくなっていたご様子だったので......古い制服をいただく代わりに、新しいものを買ってさしあげましたの。わたくしの方が背が高いので、若干丈が短い気もしますが問題のない範囲ですわ。
わたくしも訓練などで散々制服がボロボロになっていたので、彼女のお古の方が全然綺麗ですし。それに、わたくしが自分用を買っても――どうせあと十回も着られませんから。これからも学生生活を続ける彼女に贈った方が、いくらも有意義なのです。
だから、これらのドレスも――遺品なんて、いくつかあれば十分でしょう?
だったら、彼女のダンスの練習用にでもなる方がよほど有益というもの。
なので、ここは無理やりにでも押し付けさせてもらいましょう。
「あ......ほら、これなんて如何? わたくし一番のお気に入りですの!」
それは、本当に大好きで部屋に置いておいたドレス。艷やかな紺地に金の刺繍がふんだんに施してあるひときわ豪華なものだ。
「さすがに随分前に作っていただいたものなのでサイズ調整は必要かと思いますが、それでも普段着る分には――」
「それは――!?」
サザンジール殿下が腰を上げていた。
......覚えていらっしゃいましたのね。これはわたくしが初めて社交界に出るときに、あなた様が贈ってくれたドレスです。
わたくしはレミーエ嬢にだけ視線を向ける。
「ぜひあなたに着ていただきたいの。わたくしはもう......着ることができないから」
そう告げるや否や、サザンジール殿下が慌ただしく部屋から飛び出していく。さすがにザフィルド殿下も引いたみたい。「さすがにないんじゃないか」と呟いて、兄殿下の後を追った。事情がわからないのは、レミーエ嬢ただひとり。でも教えてあげないわ。知ったら――あなたが貰ってくれなくなるもの。
わたくしは微笑む。
「このドレス、特にダンスの時に映えるのよ――どうか大切にしてくださいね」
『きみは何でも全力だねぇ......』
『わたくし、これほど神様に感謝したことなくってよ!』
わたくしは夢の中でも、全力で勉強をしていた。
本当に夢の世界を自由にできるって素晴らしいですわね! いつも神様とお喋りで終えてしまってましたが、考えてみたらもっと有意義に使えたのではなくて? 大半を終えてしまい、少々後悔しております。
『なんだろう......今、物凄く馬鹿にされた気がする』
『そんなことありませんわ。わたくし、神様のこと大好きですもの』
『うわぁ~、胡散臭いなぁ。どーせ令嬢のおべっかってやつでしょ?』
『あら。わたくし信用されてませんのね』
しくしく、と嘘泣きしながらも、わたくしは参考書から視線を逸らさない。
うーん......どうにも会計学が苦手ですわ。おそらく追試で合格点をとるには十分でしょうけど......殿下の用意してくださった過去問をみるからに、どうも一題、意地悪で官吏試験級の問題がでるようですの。それに対応するには、三学年で習う公式を使うのが早いそうですが、それがなかなか難しく......。
わたくしは対面に座って紅茶を注いでいる神様を上目見る。
『神様ってお勉強は得意なんですか?』
『答えだけ知りたいなら教えてあげられるけど、そういうのって過程や考え方が大事なんでしょ? 自分はその中間点をすっ飛ばして答えが頭に浮かんでしまうから......多分めちゃくちゃわかりにくいと思うよ』
『......つまり、天才の人に教授いただいても馬鹿には理解できない、みたいなものですかね?』
『決してきみを馬鹿にするわけではないけど――まあ、そんな感じだね』
なるほど、と納得して、わたくしは再び視線を参考書に戻す。
うーん......困りましたわね。先生に聞きますか? でも下手に質問して、追試問題をさらに難問にされても厄介ですし。お父様ならわかりますかね? でもお父様に追試の件を知られるのは......。
わたくしが悩んでいると、神様は言う。
『また兄王子に教えてもらえば? 彼の教え方、わかりやすいんでしょう?』
サザンジール殿下は俗に言う秀才タイプだ。決して能無しと馬鹿にするわけではない。努力に努力を重ねてきたからこそ......その片鱗が見える彼の教え方はとてもわかりやすい。努力もひとつの才能だ。むしろ、この世でもっとも大切な才能なのではと、わたくしは思っているほどに。
だけど......だからこそ、わたくしは神様の提案に首を振る。
だって彼からの贈り物を、二人の思い出を――他の女にあげてしまったのですから。
『さすがに、もうわたくしには構ってくれませんよ』
『......それじゃあ、賭けてみる?』
『え?』
神様は、わたくしに紅茶を差し出しながら告げた。
『明後日も兄王子は大量の対策ノートを抱えてきみを待っている――勝ったら何してもらおうかな?』
『足でも舐めれば宜しくて?』
『え......さすがにそこまでしてもらいたくないんだけど!?』
だから、わたくしは粛々と参考書と向き合うのみ。
--11 days remaining.
As a house that had been growing in power for many years, the Elcage family had a bad reputation. Part of the reason why was because my mother came from abroad. The fact that it was due to diplomatic reasons was something no one paid any heed to. That said, none of that meant my parents couldn't socialize with them. They just weren't very social.
For that reason, now that there was no official successor, the opportunity to destroy my family existed. Hence, the students of the 'Un' class began oppressing me. They might had been trying to dabble in my father's work, as well, but no news regarding that had reached my ears. At the same time, I didn't want to worry my family. Thus, for the sake of the future, I had to get along with everyone.
However, unfortunately, starting from the next day was a break.
Moreover, there was going to be a follow-up exam over the weekend. Thus, to keep from revealing any vulnerability, I acted enthusiastic.
"What would you like as a reward?"
"Eh?"
"You've been studying hard. I want to reward you."
His Highness Sazanjill, who came all the way to the Elcage family (without an appointment to visit), asked me while examining my answers.
"That's right, should I give you something?"
His Highness Zafield (who without an appointment to visit) leaned over from the other side. Your Highness Sazanjill, I don't mind you glaring angrily at your brother, but please don't corner me?
Then, from behind. "...Should I go home?" Lumiere (the only one I invited) tried to read the atmosphere.
I proceeded to open my closet.
"Anything is fine, please choose the one you like."
"Fueee!?"
Due to the strange noise she made, I wanted to give her a light smack... but, it was understandable.
Of course, what was in the closet were my dresses. There were about ten outfits for everyday wear inside...
"For party, we'll need to go to another room. Let's go see them."
"No, no, no! I can't possibly receive such a fine thing!? I just came to pick up one of your old ones?! Also, wasn't it supposed to be a uniform!?"
As she said, I had an old uniform. Even though it was old, it was a uniform that I had only worn for the few months classes had been held this year. I no longer felt like wearing it.
When I spoke with Lumiere, she wondered if I had any spare uniforms. Since entering the academy, Lumiere had lost a lot of weight. She said that it was due to the stress of being bullied. However, after I started teaching her, her body became even skinnier. Because of that, her uniform had become loose. Thus, instead of letting her buy a new one, I offered her my old uniform. As I was taller, it'd be a bit long, but that wasn't a problem.
Due to my training, my uniform was worn out. Meanwhile, my old uniform was still beautiful. Even if I bought a new one for myself, I wouldn't be able to wear it more than ten times, anyway. Giving it to her was more meaningful, she was someone who'd be continuing her student life.
As for these dresses... there are more than enough to be kept as reminders.
If so, wouldn't they be more useful for her dance practice?
Then, I shall be relentless.
"Take a look, what do you think? This one is my favorite!"
It was a dress I truly loved. The garment was particularly luxurious as was with abundant gold embroidery on a gorgeous dark blue background.
"It may be necessary to adjust the size as it was made a long time ago, but it's still meant for everyday wear."
"That's!?"
His Highness Sazanjill sat up.
...He seemed to remember it. It was the dress he had given me when I made my debut into the social circle.
I focused on Lumiere.
"I really want you to wear it, for I can't anymore."
As soon as I said that, His Highness Sazanjill rushed out of the room. He seemed to have pulled His Highness Zafield along with him. Along the way, His Highness Zafield muttered, "That can't be true!" as he followed after his brother. Lumiere was the only one who couldn't understand the situation. But I wouldn't tell her. If she knew, she'd probably refuse it.
I smiled.
"This is a gorgeous dress, especially when dancing. Please take good care of it."
"Seems like you're doing everything you can..."
"I've never been so grateful to god!"
Even in my dreams, I was studying with all my might.
In the world of dreams, I was free to do whatever. It was wonderful. I always ended up conversing with god, though. When I thought about it, couldn't it be used more meaningfully? Considering that I only had a little time left, I regretted it a little.
"Now why do I feel like I'm being ridiculed?"
"That's not true, I love god."
"Wow, how suspicious. As I thought, you're belittling me."
"I'm hurt. I'm not trusted."
Although I pretended to cry, I didn't look away from the reference book.
Perhaps, a passing score in the follow-up exam was still attainable, but... Looking at the past questions prepared by His Highness, it seemed that there'd be one nasty question. To deal with that, a formula from my third year should suffice, but it was quite difficult.
I looked up towards the god who was pouring tea. We were sitting face-to-face.
"God, are you good at studying?"
"If it's the solution you want, I can tell you. But that's why the process and way of thinking are also important, right? If you were to skip the middle point and go straight for the answer, I think the problem will be insanely difficult to comprehend."
"...In other words, it's something that a genius can't understand even if you teach it?"
"I don't want to make you sound like a fool. But well, that's roughly it."
I read the reference book once again.
Should I ask the teacher? But that would be tedious. What if as a consequence of my asking, the teacher made the question even more difficult? What if the teacher told my father? If my father were to know that I had to take a follow-up exam...
As I contemplated, god suggested.
"Why don't you ask the crown prince? Isn't his teaching method easy to understand?"
His Highness Sazanjiill was certainly talented. However, it wasn't merely because of his competency. The reason his teaching was very easy to understand was because he put in a lot of effort. Effort was also considered a talent. Rather, I thought that it was the most important talent in the world.
But... that was why I shook my head to god's proposal.
It was because I had handed his gift--one with sentimental value--to another woman.
"As of the present, he probably won't care about me anymore."
"Would you like to make a bet?"
"Eh?"
God spoke while offering a cup of tea.
"I'm going to bet that tomorrow, the royal siblings will be waiting for you with a lot of study notes. What will you do if I win?"
"Hmm, I will lick your foot?"
"There's no need to go that far!?"
Therefore, I only quietly face the reference book.
The Villainess who Only Had 100 Days to Live Had Fun Every Day
【コミック２巻発売中】１００日後に死ぬ悪役令嬢は毎日がとても楽しい。
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/the-villainess-who-only-had-100-days-to-live-had-fun-every-day/
Drama Fantasy Josei Romance Slice of Life Tragedy
Aristocracy Beautiful Female Lead Broken Engagement Death European Ambience Female Protagonist God-human Relationship Gods Kingdoms Late Romance Misunderstandings Nobles Psychopaths Revenge Romantic Subplot Second Chance Slow Romance Villainess Noble Girls Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n8024hd/
ゆいレギナ