Chapter 41
From a young age, I was taught to memorize the family crests along with the names of the sons and daughters of dukes, marquis families, and even count families, and to match faces with names by greeting them at social events.
Since I was originally slated to enter the Academy, I had thoroughly researched those close to my age, thinking about life there, so I shouldn't have overlooked anyone.
That's why I assume these unfamiliar people must be lower-ranking nobles...
Bluish-black hair and gray eyes. I recall learning that these two traits are rare in this country and are characteristic of the western region of Sleiran.
The two who stopped me clearly bore those colors, so it's likely that one or both of their parents are from Sleiran.
While the western and eastern countries are in a subtle conflict over mining rights behind the scenes, they aren't openly hostile. Thus, there are no entry restrictions, trade flourishes, and travel between the nations is permitted to a certain extent.
Nobles and merchants who rely on trade with other countries as their main source of income often prioritize profit and strongly desire marriages with people from their trading partners' countries. As a result, the children born from such unions sometimes strongly inherit the traits of one country. I've heard that such individuals, often lower or newly risen nobles, are shunned by higher-ranking nobles and feel out of place in high society.
With their rather mysterious rather than plain coloring, and strikingly well-defined features that draw attention, I've never seen them before, nor have they even come up in the gossip of the rumor-loving daughters of nobility.
I glanced at the carriage, confirming that no family crest was engraved on it, and began to ponder.
It could be a rented carriage, but the coachman looks far too well-groomed for that. The horse, too, seems to be of the highest breed, completely different in build and leg thickness from the typical horses used for rented carriages.
If they aren't lower-ranking nobles, then perhaps they are newly risen nobles, prominent merchants, or even nobles from Taurus...
"If there's no business, I won't bother speaking to you."
While I speculated on various possibilities awaiting their response, the one wearing glasses spoke with a somewhat exasperated tone.
"Despite your appearance, you're a noble, aren't you? If I'm mistaken, then I have no business with you, so feel free to leave."
It seems they didn't call out to me because they recognized my face.
If that's the case, isn't this nervous-looking person with glasses a bit careless to assume I'm a noble and take such a high-handed attitude?
Most nobles who enter the Military School are second or third sons of lower-ranking families struggling with finances, but there could also be sons or daughters of higher-ranking nobles, like myself, who are here due to unavoidable circumstances.
"Severi, that's rude."
Though the other person who had stopped me spoke as if reprimanding the one with glasses, their attitude made it clear they didn't truly think it was wrong.
If I were a commoner, I'd probably have run off as the glasses-wearer suggested, and if I were a lower-ranking noble, I'd likely have taken a submissive stance to inquire first. However, I fit neither of those categories.
Now, what's next? I thought, half-squinting at them, when the one without glasses opened their mouth, looking somewhat perplexed.
"Um... what should I call you?"
Asking how to address someone is a common icebreaker when neither party knows the other's status.
Though it's unlikely to find them here, if the other party were royalty, a duke, or from a marquis family of my country or another, they'd have you state your name first, making it easy to tell. Even if they're from a count family, if it's a well-known one, everyone would recognize the family name, so you can adjust how you interact accordingly.
"I am Celestia Rotisch."
I decided to give my name first since I'd rather avoid complications later.
This isn't a social event, so I can ignore certain etiquettes to an extent, and given my current attire, there's no point in putting on airs now.
"...Rotisch."
Upon hearing Rotisch, most people immediately think of Fildé Rotish. The current head's father or I are generally seen as mere appendages to Grandfather in the eyes of most.
When the one with glasses muttered under their breath while looking at me, I nodded. He briefly showed a stern expression before glancing at the other person standing beside him. Feeling a hint of doubt at his behavior, I shifted my gaze to the other person, who looked at me as if confirming something before breaking into a bright smile.