Side Story: A Tale from Long, Long Ago
THIS is a tale from long, long ago, about a little boy from a small village.
One day, the boy and his cat companion, Furball, went into the forest near the village and found a shiny mushroom.
It was a beautiful mushroom. “It must be delicious,” thought the boy, and he opened his mouth wide to eat it.
“No, no!” a high voice cried. “The mushroom is my pillow! No!” A bronze grasshopper zoomed toward them, slamming its hard head against the shiny mushroom. It bounced off the cap with a boing! and was sent flying into the distance.
The mushroom puffed spores into the air, and the boy couldn’t stop sneezing…
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“…E-ERM, m-my lady. Sh-Sh-Should I continue?”
“Yes, Miss Rickman! What happened to the boy next?!” begs Viscountess Noel, her impassive face at odds with the shine in her golden eyes.
Really? She likes the story? About a sneezing boy?
Although my father is a baron, my family owns no territory or assets. We aren’t poor but aren’t rich either, at least not rich enough to own luxuries like children’s books. So, as a child, I invented random stories to tell my baby brother to get him to nap. I may struggle with conversation, yet I have no trouble reciting poetry or tales.
When I mentioned the stories in passing during our tea party, I hadn’t imagined Viscountess Noel would become so invested. Her party was already a strange affair and included a trip to the garden behind the mansion to pick wild strawberries. Her insistence that I continue my rambling, plotless stories only makes the afternoon stranger.
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I’M probably the lowest-ranked noblewoman in the kingdom. The second daughter, I have no dowry, though I hardly have the looks to wear jewelry regardless. My magical prowess is mediocre considering my position, and I lack the social skill to build connections within high society. Most people who meet me dismiss me within five seconds, deciding that I am below their station—a fact they rarely bother to hide!
I could easily list at least ten reasons why I’m undesirable.
But I have my mind.
When I enrolled in magic school at the age of thirteen, I focused on my studies since I wouldn’t find friends anyway. I knew I was good with numbers and memorization, so I aimed to become an aide or researcher at the royal palace. I was always the highest scorer in all our exams yet never the top student overall due to my inability to excel in other, more practical, areas.
At fifteen, when we are officially recognized as adults, His Highness Prince Dominic, two years my junior, approached me in a school hallway.
“You’re Baron Rickman’s daughter—the youngest person to ace the civil service exam in history, right? Have you decided which department you’d like to join yet?”
I hadn’t spoken to anyone for a long time. Well, except for Wendy, whom I’d known since we were young girls. But she doesn’t count because conversations with her are always a monologue. And suddenly, one of the untouchables was talking to me! The super popular, handsome, and kind prince whose reputation even I, a friendless loner, was aware of! Right there, without warning! How can it be?! I recall thinking.
He raised a graceful hand before I could perform an awkward bow, his smile too charming for his age.
“I-I-I’m the top scorer? I-I-I didn’t know, I j-just thought I passed.”
“Whoa! And the examiner wasn’t sure of your interests either! I guess word really doesn’t get around, huh!”
I knew high-ranking nobles love to speak in subtleties. How should I reply?! Should I laugh? Can I laugh?! Is he really thirteen?! Seriously?!
“Listen, if you’re afraid you’ll have trouble working in the palace…I mean, you probably will.”
“Y-Y-Your Highness really doesn’t mince w-words! B-B-But I know, and I-I-I’m prepared to face it.” I will never escape human interaction no matter where I go, which is why I was determined to work where I could at least be competent. In retrospect, perhaps that’s why I’ve always felt slightly cornered.
I mean, I’d done well enough on the exam, but as Prince Dominic said, the examiner was visibly nonplussed during the interview.
“I see. Well, do your best for the next two years until I come of age. When I receive my official duties, I’ll scout you as my personal aide!”
“Wha-Wha-What?”
“Your mind is incredibly quick, Miss Rickman. You’re thinking of many things all at once. That’s why words don’t come easy for you, why you end up saying the wrong things. Everyone has a place that’s right for them though, and you’ll be wasted on a boss who doesn’t understand you. But I think you’ll do well working for me!”
He’s an angel!
All my efforts to persevere amid unveiled, malicious gossip had come to fruition! And to think he’s only thirteen?! Seriously?!
“Th-Th-Thank I’ll work h-h-ha—”
“I’m the fourth prince, you know? I’m looking for capable people, but people who are too capable take offense too easily. So those who are capable but somewhat flawed are perfect for me!”
Flawed? What happened to subtlety? “Kind and super popular”?! You’d think that means he’d make a good boss, but he may turn out to be the worst!
Exactly two years later, he selected me just as he’d declared he would.