The royal palace prison is the second most secure prison in the region. In the past, it was used as a network of secret tunnels that allowed travel anywhere in the capital; thanks to this, they could capture transgressors who disturbed the peace of the capital or plotted against the royal family.
That's why it was the second most secure — because it was impossible to know where you were going in this underground labyrinth of narrow passageways and confusing intersections. But several years ago, it was closed and most of its tunnels were sealed off, because the king from several generations ago witnessed his father being murdered using the underground as an entry and escape route.
To enter this prison through the palace, you need multiple keys that are exclusively held by the royal family. No one else can enter, as even its location was kept a secret. For someone not of royal blood to enter, they would have their ears and eyes covered so they couldn't recognize the location, which was hidden in the dining hall, behind a tapestry that simulated a wall.
The place was a damp cave, with black rock walls that sweated moisture, but with torches still burning to this day, their flickering flames fighting against the perpetual darkness. All the cells were empty except one, which was occupied by someone.
The queen, accompanied by her maid Sharon and her knights Gilbert and Zack, stood before the cell where a man was handcuffed despite being locked up.
"Good morning. I imagine you know why I came here, don't you?" said the queen.
"I can imagine. Are you going to execute me?"
"You belong to a dangerous organization. Normally, that would be the case. But ever since you arrived, you've given us all your information without torture or asking for anything in return."
The imprisoned man had brown hair, the expression of someone who had lived through hell, and he stank from being locked up without contact with clean water. He cooperated without any resistance, because deep down he also wanted to get rid of the organization he belonged to: the Phantom Troupe.
"What was your name?"
"They called me Avenger."
"No. Your real name."
Avenger said his real name, but not out of fear — because it didn't matter if someone knew it.
"I am Cyril."
"Cyril. I am the queen of the Kingdom of Britannia."
"Nice to meet you."
Despite his situation, he was very polite. For that reason, they gave him a comfortable bed, three meals a day, and water. The criminals locked up here didn't deserve such treatment, but he cooperated with all the information he could without any objection. Queen Rosemary found it strange, even more so because he never asked for anything in return.
"We investigated the places you told us about. We found traces that someone had been there, as well as secret hideouts."
"The information I gave you was only what someone of low rank like me knew. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more use."
Those words left her even more confused. Despite being a criminal, he didn't act like one. She even felt sorry for having him locked up here. But she couldn't allow herself to be fooled in case it was a plan to lower her guard.
"You helped a lot and I'm grateful. But in reality, we haven't made any progress at all."
"I'm very sorry."
"We also investigated an entrance to the Underworld."
The Underworld is located in the tunnels once used by the royalty. Even after sealing them, they couldn't demolish them all. It's like a beehive: you can destroy one, but they'll flee to another and rebuild it.
"The information about the place was wonderful. We managed to destroy three hideouts."
"I'm glad for you, but the Phantom Troupe is still active."
"…"
The queen thought for a while, then looked fixedly at Cyril.
"I must be insane to say this — you should only get execution — but I cannot deny your cooperation."
"…?" Everyone wondered what she was talking about.
"Tell me, would you like to be free?"
"Does Your Majesty mean that seriously?" The knights and Sharon said that in unison.
"I am being serious. You've helped a lot and you haven't tried to escape even though your cell door has been open for a while."
"I have no need to escape, but I would like to achieve one thing."
"What is it?"
"The destruction of the Phantom Troupe."
"Oh?" The queen was astonished to hear that.
"I see. You seem to be the type who would sell himself to achieve his goal. I won't ask unnecessary details, but in light of the fact that you helped one of our citizens not die a few days ago, I will grant you a temporary pardon. We'll get you out of here and send you on a mission to help identify a member of the Phantom Troupe."
"I don't think I'll be of much help, because generally those of low rank rarely see the faces of the higher-ups, and we have no idea who they are."
"All help is necessary. You are no exception."
"If that is your wish, I will be of help."
"But if you dare to flee or do anything improper…" The queen made her intentions clear to Cyril.
He responded calmly:
"I know. I won't do anything improper. But I have a request for you."
"As long as it's nothing strange, I will fulfill it as part of the deal."
Cyril said:
"I am looking for someone."
◇
I had just woken up to a new day. It was hectic packing everything and leaving for the academy where Iris would go. I said goodbye to the girls and the little shits. Until the very last moment, that brat Oz made my life impossible.
"I don't want to see you again," he said.
"I don't want to see you again either," I replied.
We both stuck out our tongues and said goodbye.
At the palace, there were two carriages. One was for Iris, the other for the princesses. I was surprised to see that the queen hadn't come to see her daughters off. I learned from Iris that the princesses already studied at the girls' academy and were just returning from vacation.
Sharon was packing her bags, as was Liddy with Iris's, who packed clumsily and tripped by accident, showing her white underwear with little bears on it.
"Huh? Where are those guys?" I asked Sharon, who had finished packing the bags. Iris was helping Liddy with hers.
"If you mean the knights who will escort us, they're busy now. They'll come before we depart."
"I see."
I didn't care about those guys, but I just wanted to know their whereabouts.
"By the way, is it okay to leave Her Majesty alone? Aren't you the head maid of the palace and her right hand?"
"I have a very efficient and loyal replacement. Don't worry."
"I see. By the way, I have no idea where we're going."
"Didn't Iris-sama tell you?"
"I think she did, but I wasn't listening."
"That's fine. We are now heading east of the capital, to the territory of Marquis Redford, where Kimberly School for Young Ladies is located."
◇
Kimberly School for Young Ladies was founded a few years after the Royal Academy was created. Its founder was the very head of the territory, a fervent believer of the Sacred Maiden of the Holy Duchy. His goal in founding it was to protect his beloved daughter and other young ladies from the claws of the palace men, since in that era women could not go to study at the academy — they were very sexist. That's why he created an exclusive school for women, so they wouldn't fall behind in political, literary, and intellectual fields, as well as other matters.
At this academy, in addition to etiquette, they were taught history and self-defense. The marquis loved his daughter so much that he wanted her to be a self-sufficient woman, but one who would not neglect her family; and if one day she separated from her husband, she would have no problem living apart.
"The queen came to study here at our age," Iris told me as we enjoyed the journey. We had already been traveling for two days, and my butt hurt a lot from the carriage's rattling on the dirt road.
"The academy had been overshadowed for years by the Royal Academy, but thanks to the queen, it gained more popularity among women, since she is the first queen to rule the country without a man."
"That's amazing."
According to Iris, the queen in her youth was a major cultural phenomenon. There was also another woman who achieved great things, but she couldn't remember her name. Apparently, the queen and that woman are the greatest exponents of the founder's philosophy.
But a doubt arose in me.
"Iris. If this place is so amazing, why didn't you come to study here?"
Iris was happy, but she became discouraged when I asked that.
"I didn't want to be apart from His Highness, so I had to go to the Royal Academy. I was very foolish, wasn't I? In light of what happened to me years later."
"You're not foolish. It's just that that guy is a cretin and an imbecile."
"Thank you. But there was another reason. My older sister studied there, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps. If she had come to this place instead, she would undoubtedly have left the prince alone, making excuses. I would certainly regret it because I lied to her, but I wanted to walk and experience the place where my sister spent the last moments of her life."
The atmosphere was becoming tense and sad, and I don't like those kinds of vibes. Time to change the subject, I thought.
"Iris ojou-sama, Razel-sama, we have arrived at the academy," announced the coachman.
Because I was talking to Iris, I never realized we had already entered the city. I could see the streets and houses in the distance. I stuck my head out, and in front of me was a huge castle that served as a school.
"It's impressive," I said, and it was. The imperial academy seemed more like a university campus than a school.
The coachman spoke with the guard, who was a woman. That surprised me. I never thought I'd see a woman working as a guard. I know there are female knights, but a gate guard is not the same as a knight. The female guard let us pass. I asked Iris about it.
"Iris, why is the guard a girl?"
She seemed confused, like a child asking what an elevator is for.
"It's simple. This place practically has men banned. It's taboo."
"Huh? And is it okay that I'm here?"
(I don't want to be kicked out as soon as I arrive. I have nowhere to live, let alone money.)
But she reassured me.
"Don't worry. The palace spoke with the academy beforehand. The queen sent a letter to the principal explaining the situation, so you and the others can sleep here without any problem. But the queen told me that only one could be allowed inside; the others must stay in the guesthouse behind the school. Zack-san and Gilbert-san will stay there as guards, while you have been granted the right to be my exclusive escort."
"That sounds like a lot of favoritism."
"After what you showed, I think you earned it. No one would complain about that decision."
"That makes sense to me."
The only problem is that I'll be treated like a servant again.
(I'm the heir to a duchy back home, you know?)
"It's the only way you can enter without being kicked out. You must stay behind me at all times."
"Even to the bathroom?"
"N-naturally not everywhere. But yes to those places where it's necessary."
She was embarrassed by what I said, but it wasn't to make an obscene joke — it was to know my limits.
(I can't walk around this place alone, it seems. Or at least not without female company.)
The carriage stopped, and we got off. We were in the garden — truly, the interior of a palace. The founding marquis really loved his daughter to build a palace here. I helped Liddy with the bags, and we headed to our dormitory, following a maid through a huge tower on the left side of what seemed to be the school's center.
My room, as expected, is on the highest part of the place, away from human contact. It's even small — it looks like a 2x2 apartment like the ones seen in Japanese dramas.
By the way, I forgot to mention it, but Leila stayed at the palace. I felt bad for the queen, as she was left at the mercy of that fat bastard Olston, so I ordered Leila to take care of her. She wanted to come with me, but I said no. I promised her cookies as payment. She was so happy that she jumped all over the place.
(How much do you have to resemble a dog, woman?)
Well, time to unpack in my temporary home.
◇
A new day begins at Kimberly Academy. The teachers sleep inside the school in their own tower, a white stone construction with arched windows that rose over the east wing.
A beautiful woman got out of bed and proceeded to prepare breakfast. She had long dark green hair with bluish-emerald eyes. She possessed a supermodel body: from large breasts to firm buttocks with long legs filled with plump thighs. She wore pajamas that outlined her underwear.
She wasn't just any woman — she was the most important figure in this place. The principal, Sophina Jill Campbell. She was a foreigner, yet she still managed to earn merit to become principal. Being the principal of the Young Ladies' Academy is one of the hardest achievements to obtain, and only someone every few years can take the title when the previous principal retires or passes away.
Principal Sophina is a woman who sacrificed much of her life to reach this position.
She dressed in the most elegant clothes, which were the school uniform: a blue miniskirt, black tights, and a white blouse. She also wore the gown that only the principal should use. Her long hair was tied in a ponytail, and she wore glasses. She looked every bit the strict teacher.
Before the new school semester began, she visited the facilities to make sure everything was impeccable. She passed by a classroom where she saw some senior girls cleaning at their own pace. They greeted her, and with just her gaze, the pleasant atmosphere turned dry. The girls greeted her as if it were a military academy.
After taking a few steps, she heard the girls say:
"There she is again, being a nuisance."
"She should worry more about getting a husband at her age."
"That's why they call her the 'Eternal Old Maid.'"
That last one was a direct blow to her heart, but her anger faded as she treated it like unimportant young girls' gossip. But deep down, she thought the opposite:
(Who cares that I'm 38 and don't have a husband? I don't need to get married. I dedicated almost my entire life to reaching this position just to throw it away for a man. The school is the most important thing to me, and I'm married to responsibility — that's all that matters. Who needs a man if they're useless?)
Despite saying she was calm, her angry footsteps said otherwise.
Then the time came to begin the start of classes. First, they had to go to the audience hall, a spacious room with high ceilings and stained glass windows that projected colored lights onto the dais. After a talk from the teachers and an introduction of new elements, it was her turn. She spoke wonderful words about the academy, and when she finished, everyone applauded.
The principal took the princesses to a meeting room to greet them and meet Iris. Iris told her what had happened, and she began to cry. She wiped her tears with her handkerchief.
"I see. You've been through a lot, but don't worry, Irisphylia-san. I'm sure everything will go well in your life from now on."
"Thank you very much, Principal."
The meeting between the princesses, Iris, and the principal seemed to have ended.
"Kyah!" they heard a scream.
"You almost fell. You have to be more careful."
Razel and Liddy were also in the room. Liddy was marveling at the place and was looking around; accidentally, she knocked over a vase along with herself. But Razel caught Liddy and the vase before either of them hit the ground.
"Thank you so much! I'm so sorry! Thank you so much!"
"You don't have to apologize, it was an accident, and nothing broke… or got hurt."
Sophina observed Razel, since Iris had to introduce him so she could meet him.
(So that's the man they allowed in, huh? He doesn't have anything special. Rather, with that body he just looks like an animal, and he doesn't even smell good.)
"Principal, allow me to introduce our savior," exclaimed Alicia happily. "He is Razel-sama, our savior."
"Nice to meet you."
Razel introduced himself formally, but when his eyes met Sophina's, he could only see pure contempt.
(Ugh, how awful. She looks at me like she wants to kill me. She reminds me of Cordelia, how she looked at me with disgust at the beginning.)
"Anyway, nice to meet you. I hope you don't break the rules and that you take care of Irisphylia-san without violating her privacy or that of any of my students."
"I won't do anything like that. Protecting Iris is my number one duty."
(Number two is locating the Phantom Troupe, and I have no idea where to start. Give me a sign, please!)
"Really?" she said, looking at him coldly. "In my experience with men, they're just brutes who think about sexual things when they see a woman. I don't like having men in the facilities, but it's an order from Her Majesty the Queen, and I don't intend to disobey her. So please, behave like a cute little dog outside the classes without bothering anyone. Don't talk to them, don't look at them, don't breathe on them if possible. By the way, when it's lunchtime, don't mix your aroma with that of my students. Eat outside, and don't worry about the bathroom — one was built for men in the guesthouse so you don't go near the girls' bathroom. But you can handle it, right? The urge to go to the bathroom… then you can hold it until night and go do your business where no one sees you."
A vein bulged on Razel's forehead. He was very angry.
(This old witch is irritating me. If there's one thing I don't like, it's being treated like garbage. I swore I'd never let anyone step on me again, but I have to endure it for Iris.)
"I-I understand," he said, very angrily.
(What good is a woman being very beautiful when she's hateful and can't stand the company of others? It's going to be a very irritating time being here.)
And so began the new school semester for Razel in a foreign land.
◇
The first class of the day started normally. The classroom looked like a university lecture hall — it was spacious, with large windows facing the inner garden, and there were many dark wooden desks, but not that many girls. Apparently, the Royal Academy had taken more than half of the students.
I was waiting outside the place, listening to the class. They were talking about politics. Since it didn't interest me, I decided to pass the time counting butterflies, because in front of the classroom was the garden — a small paradise of green bushes and colorful flowers that attracted insects. The windows had a direct view of the garden to give a feeling of freshness or to connect with the outside and look prettier. I didn't build this, so I'm just guessing.
And before I knew it, I was behind Iris, following her like a little dog.
Lunchtime arrived. Here they eat at noon, then a light snack at three in the afternoon. They also have tea time two hours later. The cafeteria wasn't anything special — it was normal: a large hall with long tables and wooden benches, and a simple food counter.
"Iris-sama, I'll go save some tables," said Liddy.
"Okay. Razel-kun, let's go get our lunches."
"Sure, sure."
The princesses are in different classes and are a year younger than Iris, so their lunch is half an hour before ours.
We went to line up to get our lunch when Iris suddenly turned around.
"Huh? But it's you, Irisphylia, isn't it?" said a familiar voice.
"Ah!" she exclaimed, looking at the mysterious girl in front of us.
__________________
The fanservice is once again for Iris, since new characters arrive starting next chapter.
https://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/11079787