Chapter 220 Spending time with the Shield Kingdom's princesses?
(POV: Akashic Records)
In the bustling streets of Argentia, a small café stood as a refuge for Lumiere, Aurora, and Celese who sought solace from the never ending catastrophic fails of Aurora.
Lumiere, with a gentle touch, dabbed at Aurora's bleeding nose once again, the crimson liquid staining the tissue he held in his hand.
"Owwie, that hurts," Aurora winced.
Sighing softly, Lumiere spoke.
"I can't believe you fell down again, even after I healed your other wounds," he said.
Aurora looked down, her voice sheepish as she apologized, "I don't know why I always trip. I'm sorry."
A chuckle escaped Lumiere's lips.
"It's alright. It's just part of your charm," he reassured her, his touch gentle as he continued to tend to her wounded nose. As Lumiere dabbed away the blood, Aurora felt her cheeks warm, a blush creeping across her face.
"Oooooohh... I have charm..." she muttered.
At this point, Celese was more curious than worried.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like I've heard your name mentioned once in the royal mansion," she mused, her eyes locking with Lumiere's.
Finishing his task, Lumiere let out a soft laugh.
"You're probably right, Princess Celese. I'm the King's illegitimate child after all," he admitted.
Celese snapped her fingers triumphantly, a satisfied smile gracing her lips.
"I knew it! I had a feeling that was it," she exclaimed.
Aurora's eyes widened. "You didn't tell me that," she exclaimed softly.
Lumiere let out a sigh.
"I mean... it wouldn't make sense to advertise to anyone I meet that I'm the King's illegitimate child. Perhaps, only if they ask."
Some minutes later...
A waitress came and served the three some tea before disappearing into the bustling café once again.
Lumiere delicately scooped a spoonful of sugar into his tea. He warm liquid swirled around the cup, creating a caramel-colored concoction. With a sprinkle of sugar, he stirred the tea, the clinking of the spoon against the porcelain filling the air.
"So, what brings royalty like you guys to Argentia?" he asked.
"Well we wa—"
Before Celese could finish, Lumiere interjected.
"Let me guess, you guys wanted to see what the Efistes Company has to offer huh?"
Aurora chuckled softly, shaking her head.
"Actually, we've already bought everything we want."
"Thought as much," Lumiere said, not really amused.
"How'd you know though?" Celese asked.
Lumiere took a sip of his tea. "Eeeeh, it's a pretty popular place I guess."
"Hmm," Celese tapped her chin. "Makes sense."
"We're actually staying in Argentia to assist a dear friend with a task." Aurora re-entered the discussion.
Lumiere's eyebrows raised a bit. "A friend, you say?"
Celese nodded eagerly.
"Indeed! Whilst in the Efistes Viscounty, we became acquainted with Lucretia Efistes, the Viscount's daughter," she elaborated.
Aurora chimed in, "And as it happens, she's also the the CEO of the Efistes Company."
Lumiere sighed, steam escaping his breath. "I've heard that enough times today," he muttered to himself.
"Hm?" Celese raised an eyebrow. "I didn't quite catch that."
"Oh it's nothing," Lumiere smiled. "Oh yeah, I have another question," he said, trying to change the subject.
"Oh, alright, ask away." Celese welcomed.
Lumiere's gaze shifted between the two, his teacup poised just below his lips.
"If you don't mind my asking, would it be too much of an intrusion if I asked what you were helping Lu— this friend of yours with?"
"Yes, it would." Celese gave an immediate response.
Lumiere was a bit shook by her abrupt answer. "Oh?"
"Just kidding, lighten up a bit," Celese laughed softly.
"Oh, haha," Lumiere forced a tender laughter. "I see."
He was more interested in knowing more about Lucretia than what these princess were helping her with.
"You see, she used a substantial portion of her vast earnings to support the prestigious Aldnoah Magic University." (Celese)
Lumiere, caught off guard, furrowed his brow and scratched his head in confusion. "Wait," he muttered, "why would she support an institution that's nowhere near our kingdoms?"
Aurora, seated next to Lumiere, interposed.
"That's where our assistance came into play. We discussed the matter with our father who in turn spoke to King Grey. Through their combined efforts, Lucretia was able to purchase the rights to one of the Dragon Gates, granting her swift and convenient access to the university."
Lumiere sipped his tea as he listened.
"But... but that must've cost a fortune," he stammered.
The exorbitant price associated with such a privilege— was unfathomable.
Aurora nodded gently and smiled radiantly.
"Indeed," she replied. "It cost her two white platinums."
Lumiere's hand instinctively clasped his teacup, bringing it to his lips.
"Oh that's cool," he replied casually.
As the rich aroma of his preferred brew enveloped his senses, he took a sip, only to have it forcibly expelled from his mouth as realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.
"T-Two white platinums?!" he exclaimed.
Neither Aurora nor Celese could contain their laughter.
Placing a delicate hand over her mouth, she chuckled melodiously, brushing off Lumiere's unintentional outburst.
Celese smiled warmly, her beautiful blue eyes ever radiant.
"You see, Lumiere," she explained, her voice taking on a gentle tone, "nowadays, many aspiring mages, knights, and adventurers have abandoned the traditional path of education due to fees and transportation costs. The university realized this and made the bold decision to lower their fees and provide accommodation. However, this move didn't come without consequences."
Aurora, seated next to Lumiere, had a slightly saddened expression.
"The four continents may be at peace, but there's still reluctance to publicly support the idea of a supercontinental academy. As a result, the university has been struggling to find financial support to sustain its operations."
Lumiere nodded in understanding, his eyes filled with empathy.
"So, Lucretia's support will provide the necessary revenue for the university to function comfortably," he deduced, placing his teacup gently on the table.
Aurora's face brightened with a newfound hope. "Yeah," she replied, excitedly. "With the immense wealth that Lucretia accumulates every month, she'll be able to single-handedly support the university, ensuring the continuity of its educational programs and services."
"But what about the faculty and staff of the university?" (Lumiere)
"You'd be surprised, but they didn't abandon the university when it momentarily shut down.." (Celese)
"Hm, why though?" (Lumiere)
"Dunno, something about a pact they formed with one of the original students of the university.." (Celese)
"Oh?"
"Yeah, the Shivaheld family.." (Aurora)
"Shivaheld? I've never heard that name before..." (Lumiere)
"Same here," Celese shrugged.
Lumiere took another sip of his tea, hoping it would calm his nerves.
"Everything must be going smoothly then," he stated, attempting to divert any further discussion on the matter.
Celese, however, wasn't one to be easily deterred. She leaned in closer, her eyes fixed on Lumiere as she spoke. "Well, actually, we do need more teachers at the university," she said.
Lumiere's heart sank as he realized he couldn't escape the conversation. He raised an eyebrow and replied, "More teachers? Are you sure the ones you have aren't enough?"
Celese chuckled, clearly enjoying the torment she was inflicting upon poor Lumiere. "Oh, we'll find more teachers easily," she said, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Someone who's kind and has a basic understanding of magic, you know?"
Lumiere, oblivious to the true meaning behind Celese's words, nodded ignorantly. "Naturally," he replied nonchalantly, taking another sip of his tea.
Aurora decided to chime in. "And they should be someone the students can socialize with," she added with a knowing smile, her eyes darting towards Lumiere.
Lumiere's heart skipped a beat as he realized the trap he had unwittingly walked into.
He stopped mid-sip, his teacup frozen in mid-air.
"Wait," he stammered. "You're not... suggesting..."
Celese and Aurora exchanged mischievous glances before bursting into laughter.
Lumiere's eyes widened in horror.
"No! I can't be a teacher! I don't have the patience or the knowledge!" he pleaded, desperately searching for an escape route.
Aurora, still laughing, shook her head. "Sorry, Lumiere, it's settled."
"Do I have a choice?" he asked.
"No," Celese replied.
"Can I say no?"
"Nope."
"Ah, just my luck," Lumiere sighed.
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