Chapter 23: An Indispensable Presence.

Amelia had heard that others had previously become Sarju’s assistants.

However, none of them could keep up with his train of thought. In the end, Sarju gave up on trying to convey his ideas and began working alone.

With no one by his side, he became even more immersed in his research, pushing himself to the limit.

His older brothers had been deeply worried about their youngest sibling overworking himself.

“Our words did reach him, but he always prioritized what had to be done above all else. The damage to crops from cold damage was catastrophic, and great expectations were placed on Sarju’s research.”

Because his results were undeniably producing tangible outcomes, no one had been able to stop him.

And then Amelia appeared.

She brought the on-site data he needed and possessed enough knowledge to discuss magical theory with him on equal terms.

The reason Sarju actually listened to Amelia’s words was likely because he didn’t want to lose the first person he could truly speak with as an equal.

“I feel guilty for burdening you with something we ourselves couldn’t accomplish. But your presence has already become indispensable to Sarju. Please—help our little brother. This is a request from our entire family.”

When Julius bowed his head to her, Amelia hurriedly stood up.

“No, Julius-sama! Someone like me could never—”

Sarju’s family was the royal family itself.

They could simply issue an order and that would be sufficient—there was no need to lower their heads to someone like her.

Yet the fact that he phrased it as a “request from the family” revealed the deep affection they held for Sarju.

They truly were close brothers.

Even so, having a prince bow to her left Amelia flustered, clutching both hands tightly together, unsure what to do.

“If there is anything at all that someone like me can do to help, I will devote myself fully from now on. So please…”

Desperately pleading, she finally got Julius to raise his head.

“Thank you. Sarju seems to like you a great deal as well. Please take good care of our brother.”

“That’s… surely not the case.”

It was simply unthinkable.

Perhaps he regarded her fondly as a friend.

But surely that was the extent of it.

To Amelia’s denial, Julius spoke plainly.

“Sarju has only ever been interested in magic and botany. Given his appearance, he has always been popular with the young ladies, but he never paid them any mind—he would simply smile gently and nothing more.”

Eventually, those ladies realized they could never become anyone special to him.

“But when Lease grabbed your wrist in the library, Sarju was clearly angry. He moved to protect you and clearly wanted to make your fiancé—who hurt you—pay for it.”

Those words brought back the memory of Sarju stepping forward to shield her from Lease.

When her heart had been on the verge of being overwhelmed by anger and sorrow toward Lease, seeing Sarju there had filled her with such relief that she nearly cried.

Come to think of it, Sarju had saved her many times.

When she hesitated to enter the party alone.

When a senior student nearly spilled scalding tea on her.

Even though Sarju himself was the one who should have been protected above all others, he had shielded her with his own body.

(I…)

While she was still bewildered by her own feelings, Sarju finally entered the room a little late.

“Sorry I’m late.”

At his arrival, Julius smoothly changed the subject and began explaining the Special Class to Sarju just as he had to Amelia.

“So, I just need to take the exam?”

“No, you obviously don’t need to, Sarju. Amelia will take it, and she’ll pass without issue.”

Being told that so confidently left her with no choice but to succeed no matter what.

“Yes. I’ll do my best. But I was told that first-years need someone’s recommendation.”

At her words, Julius nodded.

“That’s right. I can provide the recommendation myself.”

“If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I would be very grateful.”

Fearing it would otherwise end up as a recommendation from His Majesty the King himself, Amelia hurriedly bowed her head.

“Understood. I’ll prepare it by tomorrow.”

“Thank you very much.”

She was about to excuse herself, but—as had happened the previous day—she was invited to join the family dinner.

There she reunited with Alexis, Sophia, and Est as well.

After the warm, pleasant meal, it seemed to be their custom to relax with tea and conversation.

Amelia spoke with Crown Princess Sophia about various topics.

Though they appeared to have little in common, Sophia was an excellent conversationalist, and Amelia found herself enjoying the time immensely.

During the conversation, someone must have contacted the academy dormitory on her behalf, because she ended up staying at the royal castle again that night.

“Why don’t you visit the royal library? I’ve heard there are many rare books there.”

Sophia suggested it, noting that it was still too early to retire for the night.

Amelia had always loved reading.

Hearing about rare books made her eyes light up.

“Would it really be all right for me to go?”

“Of course. I’ll have someone guide you right away.”

And so, one of Sophia’s maids escorted Amelia to the library.

As expected of the royal castle’s library, it was incomparably larger than the academy’s.

Towering shelves reached the ceiling, packed tightly with books.

Even the shelves themselves were adorned with beautiful carvings.

A librarian was present.

Sophia’s maid explained that Amelia was a guest of the Crown Princess and would be staying at the castle, and that she wished to use the library in her free time.

The librarian was a woman dressed in civil official attire.

She nodded at the maid’s explanation and welcomed Amelia inside.

“As a friend of Her Highness the Crown Princess, you may read any book you wish. However, Sarju-denka is currently here, so…”

She was probably about to add “please avoid disturbing him or making noise.”

But before she could finish, Sarju’s voice called Amelia’s name.

He seemed to have spotted her and hurried over, still holding a thick book in his hands.

“Amelia. Why are you here?”

When she explained that Sophia had recommended it, Sarju nodded as though it made perfect sense.

“Perfect timing. There’s something I’d like to discuss. Do you have a moment?”

“Yes, of course.”

Amelia gave a light bow to the wide-eyed librarian and followed Sarju deeper into the library.

At the very back was an area enclosed by shoulder-high bookshelves, with a large table and chairs placed inside.

Judging from the stacks of books piled on the desk, this appeared to be Sarju’s usual spot.

Since they were inside the royal castle, escort knight Kaido was not by Sarju’s side.

But with the librarian present, they were not truly alone.

Amelia sat in the chair Sarju indicated and looked at him.