The Northern Duke’s Daughter Will Never Fall

Chapter 38: The Fool and the Fool (4)

“Ashray.”

“Yes, Sister.”

Being in the heart of the capital, especially in its bustling central district, meant that even the dining establishments were meticulously refined. 

From the silver cutlery to the sparkling forks, knives, and spoons, everything gleamed with elegance. 

The courses—from appetizers to the main dishes—were all presented with impeccable precision, exceeding the standards of a fine dining experience.

“How many times have I told you to eat your vegetables?”

“Come on, Sister. Humans are carnivorous creatures.”

Even as he said this, Ashray used his fork to push away the salad pieces that had been placed on top of his steak. With a quick flick, he shoved the meat into his mouth in one go.

While he stayed within the bounds of etiquette, his behavior flirted dangerously with the line of impropriety. 

Although Ashray had been formally adopted into the Miterien family and had undergone rigorous training in noble etiquette, his life on the battlefield had dulled some of his social graces. 

Compared to him, the current Astrid, who sat at the table with graceful poise, felt like a completely different person from the wild warrior who once led charges on the frontlines.

“Hand it over.”

Without waiting for a response, Astrid pulled the salad from Ashray’s plate and placed it on her own. 

In return, she picked up her entire steak—left intact to preserve the juices—and plopped it onto Ashray’s plate.

“Sister, you never cease to amaze me. You barely eat any meat, and your meals are always so light. How do you maintain that kind of strength?”

“Who knows.”

Honestly, she found it curious as well.

【I told you to eat meat!】

‘It’s for skincare. Vegetables are better for your skin.’

【What kind of nonsense is that?! People aren’t mountain goats! How is nibbling on leaves supposed to help your skin?!】

‘Can the noble lady please use more refined language?’

“Sister, why aren’t you eating?”

Ashray’s words snapped Astrid back to reality, and she found herself staring at him. His eyes were fixed on her as he tilted his head curiously.

This was becoming a serious issue. The incessant chatter from the Astrid inside her head was so distracting that she often ended up zoning out.

‘Quiet down. I can’t focus.’

【Don’t use me as an excuse.】

“Sister, you’ve been quieter than usual these days. Are you sure nothing’s wrong?”

Ashray broke off a piece of bread, dipped it into the soup, and took a bite. The rich aroma of butter, corn, and finely diced vegetables filled the air. The bread’s crispy exterior soaked in the creamy soup, and he chewed with satisfaction.

“There’s nothing wrong. I’ve always been like this.”

“I guess that’s true. Still, you’re not this quiet with Brother-in-law—I mean, His Highness, are you?”

He grinned slyly.

【As expected of my brother!】

“Even with your Brother-in-law, you’re not that cold, are you? Well, knowing him, I’m sure he finds even that side of you charming.”

“He’d better appreciate it.”

Whether or not the “real” Astrid’s charm worked on him was irrelevant to the current Astrid. She scowled and scraped her fork across the plate, pulling the salad closer and stabbing it onto her fork with a sharp jab. Then she dipped it into the dressing before taking a bite.

“Huh? Isn’t that tangerine dressing? Didn’t you hate that one?”

“Tastes change.”

‘Who hates sweet and sour dressing? It’s delicious.’

【I’m surrounded by fools.】

‘Look who’s talking.’

***

That night, after returning from dinner, Astrid exchanged light conversation with Ashray before retiring to her room on the second floor. Tomorrow’s schedule included a meeting with the Emperor, so she needed rest.

Lying on the bed, she spoke to the other Astrid.

‘Let’s talk.’

【I’m sleepy. Let’s do it tomorrow.】

‘If I’m not sleeping, neither are you. We’re sharing a body, after all.’

【Actually, I can sleep separately from you. I’m fine.】

‘…How does that work?’

Even after spending so much time sharing a body, she still didn’t understand it. A shared body but separate sleep? It didn’t make sense. But the real Astrid claimed it was possible, so maybe it was.

‘It’s about Leopold.’

【…Go on.】

Her energy returned instantly. Her obsession was frightening.

‘Tomorrow, I’m going to ask the Emperor for permission to use the Imperial Library.’

【Huh? The one that’s really hard to get access to?】

The Imperial Library housed an extensive collection of books, including restricted texts not available to the general public. Only individuals with special permission could enter.

‘Yes. I’m hoping to find clues about how to get back to my world.’

【Fair enough. Still, you’ll need to be convincing to get permission from His Majesty.】

‘Exactly. That’s why you’ll have to come out for it. I’ll need your help to avoid suspicion. If I act strangely, the Emperor might catch on.’

【Hmm…】

Even if they revealed the truth, it wouldn’t necessarily be a good thing. Who knew what would happen if it got out that she was sharing a body with another soul?

【Alright. I’ll help you. But you’d better keep your end of the deal.】

‘I’m glad you’re catching on.’

【Don’t be condescending.】

***

The next day, Astrid’s private audience with the Emperor took place in a secure setting. Typically, such meetings required the presence of officials, guards, and advisors. 

But this time, only a minimal security detail was present. The reason was simple—the Emperor’s trust in Astrid as his future daughter-in-law.

“Astrid, if you had just sent a message, I would have summoned you. Why go through all the trouble of making a formal request?”

The Emperor’s gentle smile radiated kindness.

“Should I start calling you Father? Or is it still too early for that?”

“Hahaha! I wouldn’t mind, but it’s still a bit early. We’ll save that for after the wedding.”

【At least the Emperor has some sense.】

‘Quiet.’

“Let’s have some tea before we start.”

A servant approached, silently pouring tea into two cups.

【Ugh, it’s that awful tea again…】

The tea from the formal meeting.

The tea that tasted absolutely terrible.

“I heard you successfully completed the academy training. I also heard about what happened. The instructors are still investigating why the monster, the Helveiga, appeared there. Once they discover the cause, I’ll let you know. You must have been startled, but to think you’d stand your ground so valiantly.”

“As the Frozen Shield that protects Einthafen and the Spear of Advance that drives it forward, I merely did what was expected of me. Your praise is too generous, Your Majesty.”

Astrid’s face, which usually lacked even the faintest trace of intellectual sharpness, now bore a cold and composed expression as she responded to Kreutz.

The imposter Astrid, watching from within, inwardly clicked her tongue in amazement.

“Very well, state your purpose. Is there something you need?”

“No, Your Majesty. Today, I’ve come to obtain permission to use the Imperial Library.”

“The Imperial Library? You?”

Kreutz’s surprise was clear.

The Imperial Library. A place filled with books. The fact that Astrid wanted to use it was a shocking revelation for Kreutz.

“So she’s finally developed an interest in intellectual pursuits. Wonderful… Wolfgang, you should have been here to see this,” Kreutz thought to himself.

There was no need for further discussion.

“Use it as much as you need, whenever you’d like. Secretary, grant Miss Astrid von Miterien full access to the Imperial Library. The term is indefinite.”

“As you command, Your Majesty,” the secretary responded, immediately jotting down notes.

Astrid gracefully lowered her head toward Kreutz in gratitude.

“I am grateful for your boundless generosity, Your Majesty.”

“There’s no need for thanks. Is there anything else you require?”

“No, Your Majesty. My only purpose today was to obtain access to the Imperial Library.”

“Then may I ask you something?”

“Ask whatever you wish, Your Majesty.”

Kreutz stroked his chin as if contemplating the appropriateness of his question.

“Is there a reason you’re so interested in using the Imperial Library?”

“I wish to study magic.”

“Magic? But aren’t you a Heavy Cavalry Knight?”

Heavy Cavalry Knights do not use magic. While mages wield offensive spells, magic knights use magic bracelets to cast auxiliary magic.

One must possess an inherent affinity for mana from a young age to become a mage. 

Naturally, Astrid did not possess this trait. And if she intended to become a magic knight, it would have been clear from her training.

Astrid had always firmly believed that true combat lay in the might of the Heavy Cavalry—not the “toothpick” rapiers of magic knights—and she had never strayed from that belief.

That very Astrid now declared she wanted to learn magic, which was beyond unexpected.

“Furthermore, as the future consort of His Highness Leopold, I believe I must do all I can to support the progress of Einthafen. Therefore, I wish to study even a fragment of the knowledge held by the magic knights.”

“Oh-ho!”

“Wolfgang, are you seeing this? Your daughter has grown to be this remarkable. Watch over her from wherever you may be…”

Kreutz was deeply moved. He silently vowed that he would, without fail, have Astrid as his daughter-in-law.

“What brings you here?”

This was not the academy. There was no reason to address her as a fellow cadet.

Leopold’s narrowed eyes met Astrid’s as they encountered each other in the hallway of the reception chamber.

“Oh my. Your Highness, what brings you here?”

“This is the Imperial Palace, so there’s nothing strange about me being here. But you—why are you here?”

“I had just finished paying respects to His Majesty and was on my way out.”

Astrid’s face was expressionless, her features cold and unyielding.

Memories from over a decade ago surfaced in Leopold’s mind.

Back then, the awkwardness between him and Astrid lingered.

To break the silence, Leopold had once said to her, “You look pretty when you’re calm and expressionless. It suits you.”

Since that day, Astrid’s face had been perpetually devoid of expression.

Leopold had forgotten he’d ever said those words.

“…Haa.”

He let out a small sigh.

He didn’t really want to do this, but given the situation and the eyes of those around them, it would look odd to let her go without a word.

“Shall we have some tea?”

“If you’re offering, I’ll graciously accept.”

She could have just said, “Sure, I’d like that,” but no—her words were as overly formal as ever.

Leopold sighed quietly and took a few steps ahead of her to lead the way.

“So, why did you come here?”

“Simply, for the Impe—”

—‘To obtain permission to use the library… Ah?!’

“…To… the library… I… to get… permission…”

—‘Why did it switch now?! Quick, change back! Change back right now!’

“The Imperial Library, huh? What’s in there?”

—‘Hurry and switch back!’

“I can’t change back right now… I mean, I—I just… wanted to look up some things.”

“Look up what, exactly?”

“Just… to enrich my mind.”

—‘Relax your body!’

“To enrich… I mean, to expand my knowledge.”

Astrid’s answer was suspicious, and Leopold’s gaze sharpened.

Her usual sharp, curt tone had suddenly softened, and now she was rambling.

Anyone would find that strange.

“Astrid, are you feeling unwell? You’ve been acting oddly these past few days.”

“N-No, I’m fine. My body’s in perfect health.”

—‘He’s so thoughtful…’

He’s looking at you like you’re insane.

Leopold’s expression clearly conveyed suspicion.

What part of that gaze was “thoughtful”?

Astrid could only wonder what on earth was going on inside this girl’s head.