The following week, the topic of Aena's study abroad was officially discussed at the meeting, and she was assigned to my class - or rather, she was.
　Apparently, Aena had requested to be in the class with Iris.
　You can say that it is typical for her, but now my class will have Iris, who is one of the four major noble families and is called the "Princess of the Sword," as well as Aena, who is the daughter of an Imperial Marshal. I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... I hope there are no major problems, but I wonder if Aena will join my escort mission as well.
　I haven't heard anything about it from Remyll, though.
　If that happens, I'll ask for an extra ...... paycheck.
　I'm sure it's all about the money, but I feel like my job is getting harder and harder. ...... Originally, I thought there was a possibility that I could have an easier time as an escort for the Sword Saint Princess because she was too strong, but maybe I should just forget about that.
　In any case, I'm going to work hard for the salary I get.
　I thought that Mercier would be enrolled as well as Aena, but she was not mentioned.
　I don't know what she's thinking, but at least there's no reason for Aena to come to study abroad.
　As for me, we've been on the same side at one time. I don't think she came here to do anything wrong.

"...... Dr. Schweizer!
Dr. Schweizer!　Mr. Iris?

　You will find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.
　She was holding a piece of paper in her hand.

"Excuse me. I'd like to take a day off this week, here's my application.
"On a weekday?　That's unusual. Do you have any plans?

　I glanced at the document, but all it said was 'personal business'.
　Not a few students take time off from school to run errands, but this was the first time Iris had applied.

"Uh, yes.

　I'm not sure what to say. ...... I could see that she was trying to hide something from me.
　I'm not going to ask too much about that, but given my role, I have to ask.

"Iris, can I ask you a quick question about your schedule, just in case?
It's ...... not something I'm going to talk about openly, and I'm going to say no. ......
What are you talking about?
Actually, ...... you and I happened to meet the other day on our day off, didn't we?
Oh, Mr. Iris is the cat.
Forget about that. Anyway, that day I got a call from my parents, the Reinfels.
What?　From the Rheinfels: ......?

　If it was a call to Iris, it must have been urgent. I thought so, but judging from Iris's attitude, it was not.
　Iris took a breath and finally started talking about her plans.

...... Actually, I'm in talks to get engaged.
"......, you're engaged?

　In a way, it was probably the most surprising thing I've ever heard.
　In a way, it was probably the most surprising thing I've ever heard. Iris looked a little flustered as she continued.

And of course I'm going to say no!　I'm still a student, and I have a dream of becoming a ...... knight.

　There is no rule that says you can't get engaged if you want to become a knight, but for her, becoming a knight is the starting line, and she's not even thinking about getting engaged.
　I was surprised at the suddenness of the story, but I suppose it is not surprising to hear such a story among nobles. I've also heard such a story before about ...... preparing a bride.
　I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

I'm sure you're right. I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
Yes. I'm going to meet him and decline, so I'm sure it will be quick.
Can I ask you something about the man you're meeting?
What do you mean "the man"?　The son of the Rahmberg family.
Rahmberg... Rahmberg?　Is that the Rahmberg family, the four great noble families?
Yes, that's right.

　I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

This is something that only the ...... Rheinfels and the Rahmbergs know about, right?
"Yes, I think so. These things are supposed to be made public when the engagement is made official.
Well, ......, then I'll take the day off.
I understand.

　He was surprised by my words, but nodded with a smile.

I'm your bodyguard. I'm your bodyguard. Isn't that the kind of seat you need a bodyguard for?
"No, but ......
Don't worry. I'm not going to be there. I'll just be standing nearby.

　This is my own decision, but if I tell Remyil, he'll ask me to escort him.
　A while ago, I heard from Remyll about the situation of the nobles. Each knight order has its own royal family and four major noble families. In light of that, talking to Iris about an engagement would be a matter of national security. And I'm also curious about what Chloe said.

"Well, um, I'm definitely not getting engaged, so don't worry about it, okay?


I'm not worried about that.

　For some reason, Iris insisted on this point, and I answered with a wry smile.