Chapter 6: The Loyal Retainer Is a Contrarian

The third room on the second floor of the girls’ dormitory at Saint-Noel Academy was built like any other, but all who lived there knew it to be the layer of the school’s ruler. In other words, it was the room of Rafina Orca Belluga. In front of it now stood a girl who sighed—Lynsha.

I still can’t get used to being here.

She knocked on the door.

“Excuse me, Lady Rafina.”

“My, Lynsha. Please, come in.”

Having been granted permission, she pushed the door open. Rafina had come to greet her, but her expression was worn. Dark circles had started to appear under her eyes.

I suppose she hasn’t been able to escape it either...

Lynsha had been worked to the bone over the last few days. Just the memory had another sigh escaping her lips. The spring storm that had assaulted Belluga had kept Rafina up and working with little sleep. To further rub salt into the wound, Rafina’s maid Monica had left the island just before the storm had hit.

While the weather was usually a bit unstable around this time of year, storms like this one were rare. The unexpected circumstances had left Santeri, the man in charge of the island’s security, swamped.

Princess Mia may be the student council president, but the details of the island’s workings are all left to Belluga. It must be tough on Rafina.

Lynsha’s thoughts were suddenly cut off.

“I’m deeply sorry for pushing you around like this,” said Rafina. “These circumstances really are atypical...”

Lynsha’s response was a forced smile.

“So? Have you grown used to working for the academy?” Rafina, too, forced a smile, trying to hide her exhaustion.

“Yes, thanks to your efforts,” Lynsha responded curtly.

“Are you pushing yourself too ha—? No, never mind that.” This time, Rafina’s smile was consider