Chapter 11: The Eldritch Godbess Wants to Watch Over You

Prince Leonhardt.

The second prince of the Estasia Empire—and our fellow classmate.

As mentioned before, the era was already well into the 20th century. Modernization had shifted power away from the aristocracy, and even the imperial family no longer held the same political influence as they once did.

Now, the empire’s governance revolved around parliament.

So, what exactly was the role of the second prince in such an empire? Well… a beloved national figurehead, I suppose.

Leonhardt was handsome, eloquent, and actively participated in charity work, making him widely adored by the public. Though the political authority once held by princes had dwindled, his financial standing remained privileged, and he still enjoyed all the perks of royalty.

However, there was a problem.

A man who was good-looking, charming, and wealthy? Naturally, he was popular with women. But the real question was—had he remained chaste until marriage?

The answer was a resounding no.

Leonhardt was a notorious playboy, the kind who would’ve dominated tabloid headlines daily if such things existed. Countless girls had been left in tears because of him. Countless had even attempted to stab him. And yet, he never learned his lesson.

I remembered playing his route in the game and getting furious at his endless philandering.

"Prince Leonhardt, huh…"

Frieda’s conflicted expression told me she was well aware of his reputation.

"His Highness was so kind to me when I first enrolled… We still exchange letters. I know there’s a difference in status, but—p-please don’t laugh."

"I’m not laughing, but…"

Frieda looked like she wanted to scream, "The guy you’re in love with is a trashy womanizer who only has his looks going for him!"—but she held back. I completely understood the feeling.

"I’ll support your feelings."

"R-really, Iris?"

"Of course."

Both Emilia and Frieda stared at me in shock.

"I want to be your friend. So please, let me cheer for your love. If you care this much, I’m sure Prince Leonhardt will come to understand your feelings."

"Thank you, Iris! I thought people would laugh at someone like me liking His Highness… I’m glad I told you!"

"Mm-hmm."

Leonhardt might be trash, but this worked in my favor.

With the Student Council and Literature Club routes effectively blocked, both Frieda and I were safe.

Still, I couldn’t just leave Emilia to him without a second thought. I bore her no ill will, and he was an absolute scumbag…

Maybe I could do something about this. I had an idea to test, anyway.

"Well then, excuse me!"

Emilia practically floated away, radiating joy. Once she was out of earshot, Frieda leaned in.

"Listen, Iris… You were on leave, so you might not know, but Prince Leonhardt is, well… notorious with women. One of my friends dated him before, and out of nowhere, he dumped her because he ‘found a new lover.’ That’s just the kind of person he is."

"Is that so? How awful."

"Exactly. So… maybe we should convince Emilia to give up?"

I understood Frieda’s concern—but I had my reasons.

"Then I’ll just have to talk to His Highness."

I smiled sweetly as I made my declaration.

Later that afternoon, during classes, I finally got a good look at Leonhardt.

"—This weekend, I’ll be visiting wounded veterans. We must show our gratitude to those who served the empire. It’s a duty I insisted on taking upon myself."

"My! To always think of the empire’s people—how wonderful, Your Highness!"

Surrounded by fawning girls, Leonhardt held court with practiced charisma.

I had to admit, the man was unfairly handsome.

Platinum blond hair styled impeccably, refined aristocratic features, and a towering height over 180 cm. It wasn’t hard to see why naive girls fell for him at a glance.

But the fact that he was already surrounded by four girls—all eyeing each other with territorial hostility—told you everything you needed to know about this man.

Yes, he was that kind of male antagonist.

Emilia watched from afar, her eyes filled with longing but never daring to join the circle.

As someone who’d lived as both a man and a woman, I could sort of understand the appeal of building a harem if you were blessed with looks and silver-tongued charm. But what I couldn’t stand was dishonesty.

Dumping girls without a second thought the moment someone new caught his eye? Unforgivable. As a man, as a woman, as a human—no. (Though technically, I’m not human right now.)

Either way, I had a plan. Once classes ended, I’d make my move—

"Where do you think you’re going, Lady Iris?"

Ugh. Felix.

"Student council duties start today. And unless I’m mistaken, you’re not heading toward the council room. Are you?"

"Y-yes. I just… have a small matter to discuss with Prince Leonhardt."

"…Prince Leonhardt."

Felix’s face twisted like he’d just witnessed a swarm of cockroaches.

"Don’t. And forgive my bluntness, but that man is all looks and no substance."

I’m well aware.

"It’s just a quick conversation, Lord Felix. I’ll return shortly."

"What could you possibly need to discuss? An invitation to tea? He’ll only play you for a fool."

"Rest assured, I feel zero attraction to His Highness. But a friend of mine has taken a liking to him, and I’m… concerned about his, ah, social habits. I merely wish to address that."

"You’re doing this for a friend?"

Felix looked at me like I’d grown a second head. Do I really seem that cold-hearted?

"…Fine. But be careful. The prince assumes every woman exists to fawn over him."

With that, he pressed something into my hand.

"A magic tool? Are you sure?"

"Use it if anything happens. It’ll sound an alarm."

"Thank you."

"I’m lending it. Return it later."

"Understood."

Wow, stingy. But then again, magic tools like this were probably expensive. The fact that he’d trust me with it at all… Did that mean he actually had faith in me?

"What? You’ve got something to say?"

I’d been staring. Felix glared back. Scary.

"N-no. I’ll return it safely, don’t worry. Now then—"

"Hmph."

And with that, I set off to find Leonhardt.

……………………