Not long ago I just got my fifth birthday. In my new world, five is supposedly one of the most important numbers in a person's maturity stages. So normally, a bona fide princess like me would get a grand and luxurious celebration.

But there was nothing special happening in my home. There was one servant who congratulated me, but other than that. No one talked about my birthday. Perhaps it's because no one knew when my birthday was. Or maybe they just didn't care.

Though I only know about that birthday just this morning. So other people maybe didn't even know how old I'm as of today too.

I don't need a grand celebration or expensive gifts. But I feel a little sad when my own mother didn't even congratulate me on the day. However, when the night came and I was about to give up and just let my birthday become just another day.

My mother came to my newly separated room.

There were no birthday songs, no candle-blowing, and no entertainment. But even so, the overly sweet cake that my mother brought and our random chat until almost midnight was enough to soothe my disappointment.

In terms of mental age. I'm already above my mother. But even so, my child's side still craves her attention. Who says that only boys keep their childish side even after they grow up? Not to mention. Since my body now is that of a five-year-old child, I decided to stop behaving like an adult and enjoy my rights and a second chance as a child.

The topic of our talk was not all that important. So when morning came, I had already forgotten what we talked about. But that didn't matter. Just by talking to each other, I already felt happy. Besides, it's not the topic that makes the conversation interesting, but the person you are talking to.

That's why I'm so surprised when suddenly she said. . .

"You're already five years old, now you have to go to school"

That was a week ago.

Entering a new school, meeting strangers, mingling with aristocratic children with high self-esteem, and studying in a place that looks exactly like an anime background. I have already anticipated all of that, and of course, I have prepared myself for all of it.

Unfortunately, I didn't prepare myself to be told to live alone when I was only five years old. Even though it was only physical age.

And now, I am currently inside a very luxurious-looking girl's school. A school that has very over-the-top decoration both inside and outside.

The school that I have to attend is located in the capital of Amteric. Ordiff. A city far from where we live. It takes two days to come here by horse-drawn carriage. And because of the distance, I couldn't go back and forth from home to school Forcing me to live in the dormitory. I, of course, wanted to invite my mother, but the dormitory doesn't allow non-students except their single servant to live in it.

In addition, even though my mother is also the prince's wife. She is not welcomed in the palace because of her background as a commoner. Lastly, she has many important duties to do at home. If she leave to accompany me, our territory would fall into chaos.

“Ahh. . . "

Ok, stop thinking about the negative stuff.

I slapped both of her cheeks hard, then went back to my room in the dormitory.

Right now I already memorized the letters of this world. Furthermore, I can read fluently too. So if the education that I will receive only cover the basics, I shouldn't have any problem with it. I probably can score the highest mark.

But. . . .

When the next day came.

I immediately realized that the knowledge I had accumulated for two years was completely useless. Even though the institution I entered was called a school, the definition of school that I knew and the definition of school the actual school I'm currently in were vastly different.

Simply put, my supposed "school for ladies" is not a place where someone learns to become intelligent, but rather a place where young girls practice appearing smart without actually becoming smart.

In my old world, there was a saying that being perceived as smart is much easier than actually being smart. But now, I can say that this saying does not apply here. Becoming smart is easier than merely appearing smart.

Why are the lessons so weird??

I know that in this world that a woman's position is almost akin to ornament to be displayed. And of course, there is no such thing as women's emancipation or child protection laws.

I want to ask someone if it's alright to let these noblewomen wannabe. Including me, to be dumb. But then I caught a glimpse of the class for the "higher class" girl. And they do learn more than a lesson to look good.

Weird. . . . I'm a princess too you know?

Now I'm very concerned about my future.

The first lesson that I received after entering school was how to stand, how to walk, how to show respect, and how to introduce myself. Even though what I really want to know is how to get out of this annoying school and transfer to the school next door. If I have a genius little sister, I would definitely ask her to make gender-changing medicine right away.

I know being a noble isn't simple. And after looking at how much my mother struggled to act properly in front of the other nobles. I do understand how important it is to look good in front of other people.

For a noble, appearance is very important after all. It can even be said that their noble identity is largely based on their appearance, whether it's their clothes or their actions. Rather than their particular skill.

But. A whole curriculum just for that?

No way! I want to be smart, develop my territory, and make our territory wealthier. I want to make my mother happy. How can I do those things if I didn't receive a proper education? I want to become a great person. Not a person who only looks great.

I don't!! want!! to just become some ornament for more powerful people!!

Those thoughts keep filling my mind with doom and gloom I almost always run away from the classroom as soon as the lesson is over. Forgoing any friend-making process.

Where do I run away?

Actually. I found a quiet and somewhat isolated place not long after I arrived at this school. It was located between two walls that separate my school building from the building for the boy's school next door. It was the place I choose to relax most of the time.

I know I can't go on like this. Running away from my problem, running away from the thing I hate. But hey, I'm just a five-year-old girl. Running away is still better than crying.

If I have still someone I can cry to, I will do just that. But crying alone in my room sounds so sad thinking about it makes me depressed already.

To make me feel better. I decided to focus on other things.

From behind the wall, I could hear the sounds of boys who might be practicing martial arts.

"OK, let's rest here"

Believe it or not, learning noble etiquette is quite tiring. Especially because today's teacher is strict, my body and mind are always tense during lessons.

By the way, this place seems to be a location for disposing of broken items from both schools. So, there are many things that you can categorize as garbage around me. But since there is no plastic waste in this world, their presence is not too disturbing.

Wooden chairs and tables, leaves, fabrics. I can just ignore the existence of all of these things.

Although this place is indeed behind a large wall, sunlight can still penetrate it. Making the area relatively bright, and one of the best things about this place is that there is a lush tree in the middle surrounded by short grass. Just like the big tree on the hill behind Nobita's school.

With light steps, I approached the tree while taking a deep sigh.

"Haaaahhhhh. . . . ."

But unexpectedly...

"Haaaahhhhh. . . . ."

I heard another deep sigh instead...

Upon realizing that I was not alone, I immediately looked for the source of that sound I heard earlier. And as I looked behind the tree, I found a boy who was about twelve or thirteen years old, sitting and leaning against it. Also looking at me.

After realizing each other's presence, both of us can no longer pretend to not notice the other.

Why is there a boy here? Where did he come from? I want to ask these two questions. But according to the lesson I have learned, there is one thing I have to do first before asking any of those questions.

I tried to straighten my body to say hello and give him a noble greeting, but before I could say anything. The boy stood up and shouted.

"Leave this place quickly!!'

"What?. . . ."

"I Said! quickly leave this place!!! Are you deaf?'"

For a child who goes to a school for nobles, the greeting he uttered sounded very disrespectful. Did the teacher misguide him? Or does this child just don't know any manners? But one thing is certain though, whatever the reason. Shouting and insulting someone upon their first meeting is not good.

Perhaps no one ever opposed him, fearing his parents. Unfortunately, I am not the type of person to give in to that kind of behavior. I will teach this spoiled child that he cannot get everything he wished for just because he wanted it.

"No way!!! Who do you think you are? Don't order people around as you please!!!"

Even if you are a god in your house, in this school you are just an ordinary student. And as an ordinary student, you do not have the right to impose your will upon other students. Including me.

"Tch... This reaction again."

I should be the one saying thatttt!!!! Isn't this just another example of that template? Arrogant noble children act as they please towards children from common families. Well, I am not an ordinary child from a common family but you get the idea.

But wait, isn't my position much higher than his? In this country, there are not many people with a higher position than the crown prince, right? Whoever his father is. His position should be lower than a crown prince, right? So if he acts arrogantly in front of me, doesn't that mean he is disrespecting the crown?

"Hehehehehe. . . ."

I can't wait to see his reaction when he finds out that my status is higher than his. I want to see him forced to apologize to me and go home crying.

"When someone spoke! the most important thing is not who is speaking but what is being said"

I know! So please don't act like you're the wise one. Yes, I may be younger than you here, but my mind is twice your age, kid. Don't underestimate adults, and please don't act like I'm the arrogant one here.

"Forget it! I know you wouldn't want to listen anyway! that's why I'll just use violence"

Wait! Let's not resort to violence.

Not only will It hurt me, but you will also suffer from it. Although I am an outcast, I'm still a prince's daughter. I'm a princess. If you use violence against me, not only you will lose your identity as a student. You may as well lose your life boy.

"Let's get the hell out of here!!"

The boy grabbed my right hand VERY tightly and then forcefully dragged me from that place.

"I will go! I will go! please let go of my hand! it's seriously hurt!"

The strength he uses to hold my hand is too much. I feel like my wrist is going to snap.

"Yeah, I'm not going to fall for that"

"No! seriously! you are holding my hand too hard! Please hold this little girl a bit more gently"

He looked at my face, which was adorned with a painful expression. And after realizing that I wasn't putting up an act, he loosened his grip on my wrist. He then sighed and continued to drag me away.

"Remember, you can fight back! But you won't be able to beat me!"

Ok! Stop with the threat already! You scare me enough! I will go and obey your word. Your wish is my command, sir.

"Yes. . ."

Wait. . . What about my integrity then? the spirit of never giving up? forget about those useless things. I don't want to upgrade my status from an outcast to a beaten-up child.

While we slowly walk away from our meeting place. Suddenly three arrow flies toward us. They fly so fast that I can't react fast enough to avoid any of them. No! I can't even begin to think to avoid them. Both my body and mind just froze.

But. . .

"Aim properly you Imbeciles!!"

The boy shouted, moved to cover me, catch one of the arrows, and then snap it into two.

"You!! Wha... what have you just done!!!"

Of course, I know what he just did. He protected me from arrows with his body. And while doing that, he also caught one of them and easily broke it. What I wanted to know is. . . why he is unhurt?

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

"Don't tell me!. . "

It's THAT!

When I was reincarnated into this world and lived peacefully with my mother. I never saw anything strange. Everyone looked normal and everyone did everything in a normal way, hence I always thought that my new world was just a different version of my old one. But maybe I just haven't seen anything yet?

"This is. . a fantasy worldddddd!!!"

What he just did must be magic!!!!.

If this is the case. Maybe I can become a magical girl like Ilya and Miyu-chan without the help of an evil white cat or sacrificing my body to gain power? Okay, my next goal after making my mother happy is to master magic.

"Hey, can you stand up?"

I nodded. Not even realizing that fell to the ground.

"Um. . ."

But he just stared at me.

“. . . . ."

Wait. . .You won't even help me stand up? What kind of man are you?

I stood up and checked on him once again. After making sure that there were no injuries to the boy in front of me, I bowed my body ninety degrees toward him.

"Thank you for saving me"

Finally, all the mysteries were solved. Why he didn't want me to be here, why he wanted to drive me away, and why he forced me out even so far as using force. The answer to all of that is that he just didn't want me to get hurt.

I should have realized from the start how there could be such a comfortable place but just left alone like this. It is because this place is dangerous. Behind that wall, there might be an archery training area, and sometimes arrows would accidentally fly into this place.

Even though his way of doing it was awful, forceful, and annoying, this boy did care about my safety. And since he has saved my life. Of course, I have to show my gratitude to him.

I picked myself up and looked back at him. And the first thing I saw was. . .

“Heh?. . "

A confused face.

“Ha?"

Is my way of thanking him wrong? Wait a minute. Isn't the way I thanked him earlier from my old world too? No wonder he was confused. At a time like this, I think I should show the results of my lessons instead.

"My name is Amelie Irmhilde, the third daughter of Arthfael Irmhilde, thank you very much for your help! In the future, I will repay your kindness"

Ugh. . it kinda sounds so insincere.

Introducing yourself, boasting about your position, and then giving lip service like promise is really embarrassing too. But from the lesson I learned the previous day, nobles do say this kind of thing when receiving favors from others.

Though I'm serious when I said I'm going to repay his kindness. It was not just lip service.

I want to do more than thank him. But too bad I don't have anything to offer.

“. . . "

I waited for his reaction, but he turned her face away from me so that I couldn't see what kind of face she was making.

"A. . . . you're welcome. . and I'm sorry, I should have explained things first. . . I'm Erwin Frank. . . "

On that day, I made my first friend in this school.

2

And, the following days didn't just come and go like that. My life at this school hasn't improved either, and I still remain alone despite being surrounded by so many people.

Perhaps this is what they call being alone in a crowd. If my situation doesn't get better for another year. I probably would just develop social anxiety that forces me to escape by playing guitar.

The only person I can call a friend is still only one, Erwin. He often takes the time to visit me in the girls' dormitory while carrying his textbooks to help me study.

As I mentioned before, there is nothing normal about education in my school. Or more precisely, my class. Unless you are a candidate for an important position, you will not receive any education above the basic level. In other words, children like me. Who are, in the future will only be a political tool just needed to"not embarrass my future husband.

The lessons are not enjoyable, and also very not useful to help me realize my desire to better my mother's life.

What I wanted is not a book about thirty way to stand tall and looks elegant. But a book that can tell me how to earn money, manage it so they are not wasted, and how to keep it safe from any untrustworthy people.

I'm really grateful to him for allowing me to borrow his textbooks. However. . .

"Is it okay for you to visit me so often?"

"It's fine"

Ah... By the way. My plan to become a magical girl has fallen through. What Erwin did when we first met wasn't magic, but a special ability that he was born with, and unlike the world where Midoriya-kun lives, such abilities are very-very rare. And that was putting it lightly.

And because it was something you are born with. You can't train to acquire it. And unfortunately, it seems like I wasn't blessed with any supernatural gift.

I hope someday there will be a macho man who will ask me to eat his hair.

Never mind, better come back to reality.

The book I'm studying now is a basic guide to managing a territory. It's the main book the boys need to memorize before they graduate from school in the next few years.

"My school runs on a points system, and they already drilled all the essentials a few years ago!"

Right now, his generation is almost graduated. So as long as you have enough points. You are practically free to do everything you want. On the other hand, new students like me are still subject to a very strict learning process.

The academy only has 6 years mandatory education. After that, you can dive into society and further your training on your chosen path. Or you can go into a 3 year course of higher education that teaches more advanced stuff. Or you can just hire a private tutor to cover holes in your knowledge.

Developing discipline can be challenging, which is why the school places greater emphasis on instilling lessons about behavior, rules, and practical skills at an earlier stage. It is easier to teach someone when they are young after all. Hence, every noble child is mandated to send their children to the academy.

For female students. They will be taught etiquette, how to maintain their appearance, how to present themselves in public, and all kinds of tricks to be unfazed when facing problems while still maintaining the facade of composure.

On the other hand, male students will be given all the above plus the fundamentals of self-defense, language skills, geography, economy, basic arithmetic, and of course, etiquette.

In terms of quantity, there are far more lessons for male students. However, due to the large number of subjects, they are not put under too much pressure to master everything. As long as they can meet the standards, it is enough

On the other hand, female students are expected to perform perfectly in everything they are taught, as they receive fewer lessons. That's why there are a lot of super strict teachers akin to wicked stepmothers in the girls' school.

Naturally, many other things still need to be learned. But for the next three years, the things mentioned above are what we have to master first.

"Of course, there are exceptions such as heirs to the throne, future territorial lords, or children of important people from other countries."

If you belong to those groups of people, the education you will receive will be more extensive, stricter, and more demanding whether you are in a boys' or a girl's school.

"But those kinds of things have absolutely nothing to do with us."

"By us, you mean with you?"

I still have to deal with strict teachers every day.

Erwin is the son of one of the major military nobles in Amteric, but he is only the third son. In other words, he has no right to inherit his family's position. If he wanted to get a position in the kingdom, he need to crawl up on his own.

As for me, although I am theoretically also in "the heir to the throne" category. My commoner origin, my small territory, and my nonexistent political connection put me in an even lower position than my other younger siblings. Hence my current status as a student in this flower grooming class.

A class that as I have said before. Most likely, just want to make me a 'yes-woman' who can only obey and be used as a political tool.

"Hah... my future looks bleak."

"Forget that Amelie, do you want to come to my house?"

Perhaps, knowing that my mood has been souring. He pretended not to hear what I said and changed the topic of our conversation.

"The truth is, I have some problems with my homework. Can you give me a hand?"

"Are you sure?"

"Sure about what?"

"I mean, asking me out?"

"You are smart, even compared to the smart boys in my batch!"

Though that was not the main reason he asked me for a tutor. But because I'm his friend.

"We are friends, right? Amelie?"

"Of course! But I want to ask one thing."

"You do. . . have other friends besides me right?"

"I may look like this, but I'm a model student"

So while he can just wander around most of the time. It was not the case for his friends. Many of them are still stuck getting enough points, studying, training, and everything in between.

“You're not just making excuses because you don't have any friends, are you?"

“Sometimes, I just want to pinch your cheek!"

And then he did just that, pinch my cheek.

pincchhh [https://krita-artists.org/uploads/default/original/3X/7/9/79d407d87fd677426944a787985e884809fc307f.jpeg]

“I know my cheeks look soft."

Sometimes I want to pinch them myself.

“How about you? Every time I come here, I never see you with anyone either."

“I just haven't found someone who is the right fit to be my friend. After a few days here, I realized that there are so many stupid people in this school."

But what I mean by "stupid" is not just academically stupid. What I mean is how easily my classmates brandish their little authority, how everyone loves to make cliques, and how they just accept everything teachers say. Including all the obvious lies to make us think we are more important than we actually are.

Being friends with those kinds of people? yeh. Impossible.

"Amelie... are you not just trying to make excuses for not being able to make friends right?"

"Sometimes I want to hit you."

"Try me!"

After that, we both fell silent and as we looked at each other, we laughed without knowing what was so funny about our conversation earlier.

Normally, when talking about studying together. The first place that comes to someone's mind is the library. Unfortunately, we don't have the material Erwin needed.

Therefore, I followed Erwin's lead and asked for permission from the dormitory guard to leave the premises.

"By the way, where is your guard?"

Honestly, I don't know.

"Once he dropped me off here, he just disappeared."

"Uwah... I'm starting to doubt your status as a princess."

"Same, sometimes I forgot about that too."

Considering that members of the royal family are also spare for each other. I am sure that he doesn't actually ditch me. This place is safe, so he probably just thinks that he doesn't need to keep his eye on me. Though because he skipping work giving me more freedom, I don't feel the need to report his behavior.

"Good then, we can just go."

"How about your guard?"

"Me? I don't need a bodyguard! I am strong!"

"That's very arrogant!"

"I prefer to call it self-confidence, so what do you say?"

Erwin always said that he is strong. But no matter how strong he is, at the end of the day. He is still a child like me, just slightly older. A single adult man would be able to overpower him, and two adult men can easily kidnap us.

I don't believe Erwin can protect us both

"Sigh. . .fine, I will ask someone to accompany us."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry! Be! Better!"

Wait.. . .what. . .???. . did Erwin just. . .

3

When Erwin first invited me to his house, I was somewhat hesitant. Considering that he is from a military family, not to mention his house is a literal fortress by the royal army for work and training. I kinda doubt that it was a good place to study or even invite your friends over.

After all. Whenever I hear the word military, the first thing I imagined is a bunch of muscular and fierce-looking men running around.

However, my worries ended with a pretty good surprise. Although there were indeed many fierce-looking men wandering around the place, most of them were more focused on their own activities and didn't pay much attention to me. And when someone did shift their attention towards me, they would instead give me warm looks from a distance.

Some do give me condescending looks, but that was the exception. Not the rule.

Soldiers guarding the capital are mostly nobles too. Hence, most of them have a good upbringing. And because Erwin's father put skills above all else, we have an abundance of honest and hardworking people on this fort. Leaving many of the arrogant pricks on the other three forts surrounding this city.

I know I can't treat Everyone in this country like they are Imbeciles. But seeing so many decent people in a single place is still very surprising.

Perhaps they just wanted to look good, or maybe they are really good people. But one thing is sure though. It made the atmosphere in this pretty comfortable. And of course, no one bullied me.

And finally.

"Princess, I brought you snacks from my hometown as promised."

"Um... thank you."

I love how many of the staff in this place spoiled me.

When we came to borrow books from the library, no one protested. When I had trouble navigating the vast space, they were always ready to help and even escort me. At some point, we even toured the place.

When Erwin and I had trouble studying there was always someone willing to help us. And when we were taking a break, someone would always make us tea.

And one more thing, many of them had a hobby of giving me snacks too.

"You are welcome princess if you want more! just come to me."

"Yes. . ."

I smiled until the returned to his desk. And once he was out of sight, I started to nibble the snacks he had given me.

"Amelie, I don't want to say this but! you have been eating too much"

"Isn't it impolite to reject gifts?"

"you are not actually just looking for an excuse to snack right?"

"Of course not, I just want to show my appreciation for their kindness."

Of course, eating the snacks they often give me is not just about showing appreciation. It's also about satisfying my craving for something sweet. After all, I'm a very poor princess who can't even afford candies in the dormitory's cafeteria. That's why I happily accept any food donation the staff gives me.

If only I were allowed to move out of the dormitory, I'll definitely want to stay here.

"But why are they so nice to me?"

They paid attention to Erwin too, but it's clear that they spoil me so much more than him. At least, Erwin has never been given a bag of snacks to take home. Well, even if they did. I doubt a boy like him would just accept it though.

"What kind of question is that?"

"I mean, I don't want to admit it! but I am nobody."

I am indeed a princess, but I have never even set foot in the royal palace myself. Furthermore, my low position means that I have no influence or power in this place. In other words, behaving nicely in front of me would not help anyone get a promotion.

Treating Erwin nicer would be more profitable. Considering that he is their boss's son.

"Being nice to children is just common sense"

"I understand that, but..."

"Wanting to spoil a well behaved cute children is like, one of old man's basic instinct"

What a blessing. I may not be blessed with invulnerability to all threats, physical or magical like Baldur. But being a cute little girl is already such a boon.

"You sound like an old man."

"I am old, on the inside."

"Huh?"

"Never mind! I'm sure they don't have any ulterior motives."

Nice then. If they expect something out of me. They will only be sorely disappointed.

"When I was your age, they used to treat me like a pet cat too."

Setting aside other surprises like finding out that I've been treated like a pet cat all this time, I don't feel bad. If what Erwin says is true, then accepting their kindness carries no risk at all.

“And again! Stop eating already! At this rate, your tummy would get chubby too! not just your cheeks”

“You really have to say that, don't you? Fine! I'll stop”

When threatened with getting fat. Any girl would be shaken up.

"Ok, let's study again!"

"Nah! We are done!"

"What? whyy???"

"I already finished my homework while you were busy stuffing yourself"

"Whyyy. . . so unfair"

"There's nothing unfair! Now come with me! my father wants to meet you"

"Again?"

"Yes, again!"

This is not the first time his father asked me to meet him. Just like the other staff, he loves to give me stuff too. But unlike other people, he is not giving me something like food or drink that I can just eat or bring back to enjoy later. But things like fancy clothes or expensive accessories.

I love being spoiled. But this is a little too much even for me.

"Erwin, can't you ask your father to stop?"

On my first day, I received a luxurious snack made by a famous chef. In the following days, I received an elegant hat to protect me from the hot weather. And later on, I receive a shoe that can cover my expenses for 5 months.

"You think I haven't tried?"

Those kinds of things are not just flashy but also invite jealousy. Not to mention, it kinda has political implications. Just imagine, an army general buying the daughter of a royal family expensive stuff. You can imagine what other people would think about that.

“Just give up! Even though he looks like a stern old man, he actually likes children!”

Just like his subordinate. Arthur Frank is a big man with a fierce face just like those old portraits in a museum. But behind his tough exterior, he has a gentle heart. From the stories I've heard from Erwin, almost every child who comes to their house always leaves with something in their hands.

Erwin himself once received an expensive decorative sword when he was my age.

"I would appreciate it more If he just buys me books"

"Again, You think I haven't tried?"

It seems his father couldn't fathom that I wanted something mundane and just keep looking at him with a confused face when Erwin said it.

Well, like most girls. I also want to wear something nice, have beautiful things, or eat something delicious.

But the looks I get from my dormmates when I come back with those things can be quite painful. If this continues, my desire to have friends other than Erwin may not come true.

"Looks like I don't have any other choice."

I think I should say it myself. I may hurt his feelings. But at this rate, the feeling of dislike from the girls around me will turn into hatred, making me a target for bullying.

Yeah, no thanks.

That day, I met Erwin's father and I finally told him. I don't want any more of his fancy gift. And while I tried to tell him as politely as possible. When he said, "I understand princess". I can tell that he is feeling sad.

Not long after, karma befell upon me.

I got into trouble when I went home.