A/N: From here on, I'm changing how I mention POV changes. I've made it simpler.
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-Angelica-
The next day.
"Your Highness, is it really alright for you to be here?"
Angelica asked, worry clear on her face, as she looked at the regal figure of the Queen walking casually on the academy grounds.
Today was going to be the big day for them– finally receiving customers. She wouldn't lie. She was somewhat enthusiastic about this event. It was her first time doing something like this. That's the reason why she chose to participate in it even though she was also a part of the executive committee that would be managing the entire festival. The other—major— reason was Olivia. She seemed very excited about the idea, and Angelica couldn't help but support her friend's wishes.
Yet even though she was ready to help Leon and Olivia today, she and Leon were both suddenly called out by the Dungeon Explorations professor before it could even begin. And, lo and behold, she was given the duty of guiding her highness herself!
"Oh, come now, Angelica. It's quite alright."
The queen replied in her gentle and composed tone, a constant smiling gracing her face.
Looking at her perfect figure, she had always felt herself lacking in front of the Queen. Ever since she first met Queen Mylene when she came to the royal castle to train under her cover. Her Highness was truly the epitome of a lady. Perfection reincarnate.
"It wasn't easy for me to leave the castle. So, please bear with my selfishness for a little bit."
She sighed, resigning. She knew very well how persuasive Her Highness could be. There was no way she could change her mind if she had decided to come here.
"Understood, Your Highness. If that's what you wish."
"Fufu, thank you. It's been a while since I've seen you in such a uniform."
Her words made her grimace slightly. Truth be told, she had not talked to Her Highness since the breaking of the engagement. She had great respect for the Matriarch as she had learned a great deal from her when she was under her care.
"Yes, it's been a while since I've worn this kind of uniform."
She replied, unsure of how to—or if—she should bring up the conversation about that. After all, she was the mother of Julian. Surely, she was upset about the series of events. Upset about her actions.
Perhaps she owed an apology to her for acting so unruly.
It seemed her worries were caught by the Queen as she spoke.
"Angelica, it's alright. I don't blame you for what happened whatsoever."
She turned to look at the Queen who had a serious but caring expression on her.
"Your Highness… I… But I did act rudely in front of a member of royalty. And this incident has caused strife between our families. All because I couldn't control my anger and hatred for the woman who stole his heart."
She looked down, feeling a bit ashamed of her past actions.
However, unlike what she expected, the queen was not affected by it at all. Instead…
"Oh, Angelica. Don't feel that you are at fault. It's true that the events could have gone better than they did. This incident caused a huge uproar, but in the end, it was just that. There was no true harm done here thanks to the way the duel ended and how the aftermath was handled. At least nothing that we can't recover from.
Furthermore, you were in the right here. I support your actions, Angelica."
She looked at the queen with wide eyes, not believing her hearing.
"Pardon?"
"That's right. Julian is the one at fault here. He didn't think to discuss his actions with anyone– not you, not his own family. We gave him freedom and privacy to help him learn his role as the future king and understand the state of the world outside the castle. But he ended up getting swayed by a girl and caused so much trouble. His actions were very discourteous and improper. I will most certainly be visiting him today to have a word with him."
The last sentence sent a chill down Angelica's spine as she saw the cold glint in the Queen's eyes.
Julian was in for a very rough time.
But she didn't pity him. Not really. He did deserve it. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she spoke.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I am truly glad to hear that you don't blame me. I don't know what I would do if I had offended you."
"Fufu, it's alright, Angelica. Don't let your thoughts be preoccupied with such worries. Oh! You know, this is my first time coming to a school festival. It looks so lively!"
The Queen cheered, changing the topic from the current gloomy talks.
Angelica smiled a little, seeing the enthusiastic and bubbly side of Her Highness. Truly, the Queen had a way to charm others with her persona alone.
"I see."
After hearing that, she couldn't possibly deny Her Highness a chance to watch the Noble Academy's festival. Not that she was going to deny it anyway.
"I'll do my best to accompany Your Highness. As an executive member, I sincerely hope you enjoy your time here."
She bowed politely.
"Fufu, thank you, my dear Angelica—"
"Are you seriously charging ME for this crap?! How dare you!?"
The two turned to see two girls causing a scene for something nonsensical in front of a stall.
"P-Please miss. If I don't earn money from it, I'll be in debt."
The boy, who was the stall worker, pleaded. But it went to deaf ears.
"Then that's your problem. I'm not paying for this trash."
"This should be free!"
The Queen sighed, feeling annoyance at their uncouth acts.
"It's worse than I expected. What a truly nasty place this Academy is shaping up to be."
"Your Highness?"
Angelica called, seeing the Queen looking at the scene. But in an instant, she looked back and smiled the same gentle smile.
"It's nothing. Now, why don't you tell me about your life? It's been a while since we met. How are you doing after that incident?"
The Queen's question made her think.
The past few weeks after that incident had been… strange.
She had thought she lost almost everything on that day. But she gained a powerful new ally and someone she could truly call a friend. Olivia had supported her in her loneliness and Leon had been a pillar of support for her.
She remembered his words from the last day and subconsciously smiled. Leon's words had truly touched her heart.
"Oh my! Look at you, my dear. What brought up such a beautiful smile on my dear Angelica's face?"
She jolted, realizing her facial slip-up.
"Ahem. I-It's nothing, Your Highness. I have been doing well. I met some people who helped me when I was feeling lost. I am truly grateful to them because they've been helping me cope with it all and even move on. They're really nice people."
"Oh? I think I might know who one of these people is, but would you tell me about them more? I am curious."
She glanced and nodded at the Queen before she began the story of how she met and got to know the Prodigious Adventurer, Leon Alpenwind, and the Honor Student, Olivia. The two people who had somehow became quite important to her in such a short time.
***
-Olivia-
'Oh… I'm alone here…'
Olivia was admittedly nervous.
She had been left alone to man (woman?) the café after both her companions and the managers of their little establishment were called out by the Dungeon Explorations professor for something. The two helpers were there, sure, but their presence wasn't as comforting as Ian's or Angie's. While they seemed like nice guys, she didn't know much about them and had minimal interactions with them, making it slightly awkward when she was alone with them.
Still, Olivia had been excited about today. It was her first time doing something like this and she had enjoyed the process, experiencing something new.
But now she couldn't help but worry that she might not be able to handle this place all on her own.
She was just a café maid for a very good reason.
She sighed.
'Please come back quick Ian, Angie…'
"Is this the place?"
She looked up to see a small gaggle of girls standing in front of the café.
From their looks, it was clear they were nobles of fairly decent standing.
This was going to be a problem. She didn't know if she could host them properly. She'd trained and practiced her lines with Angie the night before, but she was still very nervous.
Gulping, she cleared her throat and spoke.
"Welcome to Mr. Beans! Please have a seat."
The girls looked directly at her and then the purple blazer girl simply simply scoffed.
"What kind of awful name is that? And where is that upstart adventurer?"
"Um…"
She wasn't sure she could handle these customers on her own.
'Angie… Ian… I need help, please. Come fast.'
***