The Childhood Friend of the Villainess in a Romance Fantasy

Translator: Elisia

Editor/Proofreader: TempWane

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‘A-Adele, are you planning to continue attending this class?’

Only after hearing Elsie blatantly address Adele did I realize that all eyes were now on us.

It seemed I had been too engrossed in my argument with the Crown Prince to notice my surroundings properly.

“Ah, yes, I…”

Adele tried to respond to Elsie’s question but couldn’t easily avert her gaze when she noticed that everyone’s attention was now on her.

Perhaps it was because Diane was among those staring at her.

The two of them didn’t get along. Diane was probably waiting for Adele to admit that she couldn’t attend the class because of financial difficulties.

Not just any class, either—it was an opportunity to learn directly from the Archmage of the tower, something Adele would have to forgo simply because of money constraints.

Elsie had hastily started the conversation but hadn’t thought that far ahead. Her face turned to a panic expression.

Right. Had she thought it through, Elsie wouldn’t have said that. Despite her occasional mistakes, she was generally not the type to intentionally hurt others with her words.

“Hmm.”

Before I could speak up to shield the two, the Crown Prince interjected as if competing for attention.

“I have a question for the Archmage.”

“…Yes, I will answer if it’s something necessary.”

Perhaps because the attention that should have been on him had shifted to us, the Archmage of the tower responded in a less than welcoming tone.

However, the Crown Prince, either oblivious to this or simply unconcerned, maintained his usual expression as he spoke.

“Those gathered here were undoubtedly chosen for their talents in magic, correct?”

While this wasn’t necessarily true for the Crown Prince and Diane, it was technically accurate. The three of us, myself included, belonged to one of the most influential factions in the capital. Ignoring us would mean the funding might dry up, so naturally, only the best instructors were assigned to teach. That said, our magical talents weren’t entirely negligible—I, for one, had studied magic as a child.

As for Elsie, the way people looked at her was akin to observing a rare and peculiar magical artifact.

In that sense, Adele must truly have been chosen for her skills. Adele’s former tutor wasn’t a mage but was known for having a keen eye for talent. It’s revealed later in the original novel that this tutor had written a recommendation for her.

Although Adele wasn’t called a “genius” in the novel, the magic she learned from the Archmage of the tower played a crucial role later in the story.

“Everyone gathered here at the Tower was selected for their talents,” the Archmage corrected the Crown Prince.

Even if students were grouped based on ability and importance, openly stating such distinctions wouldn’t be wise. The façade of fairness was necessary for people to continue paying for magic classes.

“I see. In that case, I could personally support someone talented.”

“Pardon?”

Adele blinked in confusion.

“If someone with talent is unable to attend class, wouldn’t that be a loss for the kingdom? Of course, I am destined to become a citizen of the Empire in the future, but for now, I am still a member of this royal family.”

Ah.

“Moreover, increasing the number of nobles who are friendly to the Empire in the future wouldn’t be a bad thing. Don’t you agree?”

No, no, Crown Prince, that’s…

“In that case, I can personally sponsor the tuition for this year. How about it? Attending the classes for a year to see how much potential you have.”

…Definitely not a good idea.

I quickly looked at Adele’s face.

Adele’s expression was utterly blank, as though her soul had left her body.

Perhaps someone like the Crown Prince, who was born with everything, wouldn’t understand, but poverty could leave deep scars on a person. Simply lacking money often meant facing severe limitations, ridicule, and contempt from others.

In such a scenario, having someone offer help as if it were charity, especially in front of a crowd, would likely be unbearable for Adele’s pride.

“I… am fine, thank you.”

As expected, she rejected it.

…Come to think of it, Adele wasn’t entirely destitute. She owned a house, after all. While she didn’t have enough money to sustain her indefinitely and was at risk of losing her noble status, she could likely live comfortably for one generation if she relinquished her title.

Considering her former status as a noble, she could still marry a wealthy commoner.

I could understand Adele’s feelings, though. As a fellow noble, I could see why preserving the family name felt so crucial. If I were in her position, I’d also want to protect my house at all costs.

However, Adele’s “pride” as a noblewoman was tied to her family’s history of knights. A knight’s dignity was unyielding.

And overcoming hardships with unwavering resolve was precisely what defined a knight’s pride.

I had planned to support Adele myself, but there was a reason I hadn’t been as abrupt as the Crown Prince.

Besides, wasn’t it right after Elsie had shown friendliness toward Adele that the Crown Prince made his move?

Diane, though appearing somewhat confused, wore a smug expression, seemingly satisfied that others could now hear about the state of the Carlins family. Given their bad blood, it was obvious how Adele would interpret that expression.

Regardless of his intent, the Crown Prince’s actions were effectively an insult to Adele.

“Adele.”

“…”

I called her name, but Adele kept her lips tightly shut. While she probably intended to attend this first class since it was free, what would happen afterward…

Elsie and I both glared at the Crown Prince. He looked somewhat flustered, a rare expression for him, but that did little to comfort us.

*

“Adele.”

“Lady Grattanmount.”

After the class on basic magical theory, taught directly by the Archmage of the tower, I hurried to catch up with Adele, who was leaving in haste.

During the lesson, her expression had gradually returned to its usual calm demeanor, but it was clear she hadn’t completely regained her composure.

“Let’s talk for a moment.”

At my words, Adele’s lips parted slightly.

“Ah, I—”

“No.”

I cut her off before she could say more.

You were going to refuse anyway. I can’t let that happen.

When I first sought out Adele, my intentions were purely selfish. I planned to use her to secure my own future, to minimize the chances of my life falling apart.

But after numerous conversations and gradually building a relationship, I realized Adele was a genuinely good person.

At the very least, she didn’t deserve to face the humiliation she had just endured. Unlike that clueless Crown Prince.

…Though it seemed Elsie’s lack of tact may have had a role too, but let’s set that aside.

“Let’s talk, just for a moment,” I said again, meeting Adele’s gaze directly. After staring at me for a moment, she finally nodded.

“Yes… If that’s what you wish, Lady Grattanmount.”

“I’m sorry. You must have a lot on your mind, and here I am, pressing you like this. But there’s something I really wanted to say.”

Only after I spoke did Adele offer a small smile. Then, as though embarrassed, she lowered her gaze and her face flushed slightly.

“I apologize. No matter the circumstances, I shouldn’t have behaved disrespectfully toward you, Lady Grattanmount.”

“No, anyone in your situation would have felt upset. As a fellow noble, I understand.”

Strictly speaking, one could blame Elsie for the whole incident, but I had no intention of doing so. Elsie had acted that way solely because of me.

If I hadn’t engaged in such a heated argument with the Crown Prince, none of this would have happened.

And—to be completely honest—

I felt a tinge of happiness. When Elsie covered for me.

Even when Elsie’s actions inadvertently dragged Adele into the matter, my concern for Adele was mixed with a small, selfish joy at what Elsie had done.

Yes.

Perhaps my insistence on speaking to Adele now stemmed, in part, from a sense of indebtedness to those feelings.

…I’m quite pathetic, aren’t I?

“As a gesture of apology, I’d like to invite you to my residence. Would that that be alright?”

“No, you didn’t do anything wrong, Lady Grattanmount—”

“But I created the situation. Please, allow me to make amends. I think it’s the only way I’ll feel at ease.”

“…”

Adele fell silent, considering my request. Eventually, her lips curled into a soft, more natural smile than before.

“In that case, I’ll accept your invitation. Thank you for inviting me, Lady Grattanmount.”

“No, Adele. It’s me who should be thankful.”

Hearing Adele’s answer, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.