Former Assassin 15

Over the course of sixteen years, I’d somehow gotten used to a peaceful environment.

…Well, from the perspective of an ordinary Young Lady, it might’ve been far from peaceful.

I was currently heading for a place called the ‘Academy.’ As I’d never been there in my previous life, it was quite fascinating. 

If possible, I want to spend my time peacefully without standing out.

Despite living as Serena Violet, I didn’t like attracting attention—perhaps because I used to be an assassin.

However, the past sixteen years taught me that it was near impossible. 

There were three reasons.

Firstly, because I hailed from the Duke of Violet Family. Although our social status was low, the family was active in business and had considerable assets. As a result, many bees flocked to suck our nectar.

Secondly, because of the existence of my younger sister, Rosemary. Formerly a commoner, she was then adopted by the Duke of Violet Family. I found issues with not only her demeanor but also the fact that she was engaged with the Second Prince, who was notorious for his disorderly conduct.

Just as I’d gotten used to a peaceful environment, Rosemary had also gotten used to her luxurious life and her position as the Second Prince’s fiancée—in a bad way.

She’d grown into an arrogant Young Lady who looked down on others.

Despite the fact that she was a former commoner, the Second Prince and his concubine mother backed her. Not only that, she was a member of the Duke of Violet Family. As such, her peers had no choice but to laugh or dismiss her haughtiness even if they were repulsed by it.

…Naturally, as the older sister of that moron, I became the centre of attention. No doubt, Rosemary and her entourage were also keeping an eye on me. My reputation in social circles had sunken to the floor.

As for the third reason…

“Hello, Serena. You look as beautiful as always.”

…Is none other than the man called Evan Astort, the First Prince of the Astra Kingdom.

To avoid giving people the impression that the Duke of Violet Family had sided with the Second Prince, Heinrich, it was necessary for me to be close to this man.

Evan was officially recognized as the Crown Prince a few days ago. But for some reason, he still didn’t have a fiancée. The reason was never stated outright, but it was probably to balance the power dynamic within the nobility.

Although a full-blown fight between factions still hadn’t occurred, I didn’t think the ambitious concubines would stay silent after Evan was made the Crown Prince.

In Astra, during the process of the Queen’s child becoming King, the children of the concubines would serve as insurance in case something happened to the former. If nothing was to happen, the children of the concubines would have their royal titles removed and become vassals.

Therefore, Evan, the son of the Queen, would inherit the king’s surname, Astort. As for the Second Prince, the son of a concubine, he would inherit his mother’s name.

Thus, the Second Prince became known as Heinrich Heinentz. 

“Good day to you, Your Highness Evan.”

Evan took a lock of my hair and kissed it, but I casually brushed him away. Accustomed to my nonchalant attitude, Evan just smiled.

“Good grief.”

Even in my previous life, I came across men from aristocrats and royalty several times. They’d praise women like breathing. I’d learned a lot of things as the daughter of an aristocrat, so I knew that it was a form of etiquette and greeting for royalty to compliment a woman. Still, I couldn’t get used to it. 

As Evan and I were walking side by side, I heard rustling from behind me. 

“What a thrilling sight.”

Smiling wryly, Evan turned his attention to the source of commotion behind him.

I opted to ignore it and just leave. Why should I bother when it is so obvious? Evan quickly turned around and began walking with me.

Perhaps unaware of our intentions, or maybe because she was aware, the person behind the commotion called out to us in a friendly manner.

“Older Sister, Evan, good morning!”

“…”

Instead of returning the greeting, Evan just smiled.

“Rosemary, it’s ‘Your Highness Evan.’ It’s uncouth to address him so casually without permission. Also, say ‘good day to you’ instead of ‘good morning.’”

Rosemary giggled at my words.

“Oh no, Sister, I know you are a jealous person, but why can’t you just relax once in a while?”

“Huh?”

Who’s jealous?

Rosemary’s eyes betrayed a sense of superiority.

She interpreted my reprimand as jealousy. Rosemary probably thought that she was above me.

Little did she know that she was riding on a mud boat that could fall apart at any moment. 

What a hilarious young lady!

Then, Rosemary spoke.

“Rosemary will marry Prince Heinrich someday. In other words, I’ll become Prince Evan’s sister-in-law, so it’s okay for me to address him by his name!”

Suddenly, a man with green eyes and eyes stepped in front of Rosemary as if to protect her. 

Daniel Jackson. A male student whose body was much bigger than the boys of his age. Even a former assassin like me had to admit that he had a well-trained physique.

He came from a lineage of knights spanning generations and aspired to become a knight one day. Hence, he trained rigorously every day. A dedicated and straitlaced young man. Usually, only good things would come from having such traits, but this time it turned out to be a disaster.

Daniel used to be a commoner as well. In the past, he was often bullied by noble ladies. Thus, when a certain adorable-looking girl cried that she was being bullied by her older sister, Daniel fell hook, line, and sinker. Now, he practically saw me as an enemy.

I guess he’s trying to be intimidating.

Daniel glowered at me, but to me, he looked like a growling little puppy. 

I can’t be scared even if I want to.

He also disliked my attitude because it came off as high-handed to him.

“Indeed, at this rate, my foolish little sister will marry Prince Heinrich and become His Highness Evan’s sister-in-law. However, as long as you’re still his fiancée, you’re expected to act with courtesy. Although you’ll become his family in the future, in the present, you’re still two unrelated people. You should ask for permission when you want to address His Highness by his name. No way, does Jackson not know about this as well? Aren’t you supposed to be a Duke’s son?”

“Gah!”

Daniel was rendered speechless by me. Rosemary didn’t like that and scowled at me.

Translator’s Note:

 Gosh Rosemary has acquired a simp //takes out a bug spray//

Editor’s Note:

 This story is so dog blood so far – how is everyone falling in love with Rosemary when she’s pretty much done… nothing to deserve it.