Chapter 81: Noble Thoughts
We decided to wait quietly near the edge of the training ground as the class began. Part of it had to do with Ronnie's attire; it was best not to draw attention if we could help it.
It seemed that people gathered in the training ground in order of their status, with students from the same class initially coming together, and gradually higher-status individuals joining them.
Although we were staying to the side, everyone seemed to look at Ronnie's clothing with disapproval, and some whispered insults loud enough to be heard.
"Being in the same class as someone dressed so shabbily is unpleasant."
"Why is he wearing rags like that? I don't even want him in my line of sight."
Voices like that could be heard aplenty. They were probably the type of nobles who looked down on commoners. It irritated me greatly, and I wanted to argue back, but I couldn't afford to clash with nobles.
Ronnie was standing next to me, hunched over and looking down. I wanted to help, but... I couldn't do anything right now. As a commoner like myself, anything I said would only make me look foolish, and the insults would likely get worse.
"Leon... I'm sorry you might be criticized for being with me."
"Don't worry about it. Even without Ronnie, I'd still hear plenty of comments just for being a commoner."
"Yeah..."
To help Ronnie even a little, I should move the conversation along about the food stalls sooner rather than later.
As I was thinking about that, three nobles approached us. Since they had just entered the training ground, they must be high-ranking nobles, right? Why are they coming over here? Please don't come this way! It's really scary!
Ronnie and I tried to minimize our presence by keeping our heads down and staying small, but their footsteps drew closer.
"Hey, you commoner over there."
They're talking to us... This is the worst.
Reluctantly, I raised my head to see who was addressing us. It was the person standing in the middle, exuding an air of importance. Wait, isn't this the person who argued with Lucian on the day of the exam? I think it's Arthur Pleobelle from the Duke Pleobelle family.
Ugh, seriously, this is the worst.
"Are you referring to me?"
"Not you, the one dressed so shabbily over there."
"W-What can I do for you...?"
"It's unpleasant to even have you in my line of sight. Leave this place immediately."
"But... we have to attend class..."
"It's known how little a wretch like you can learn. Why don't you quit the Royal School and work instead? There's no point in commoners studying."
I can't stand this guy... Commoners have every right to attend the Royal School, and if they graduate, they can become civil servants, so there's a purpose in attending!
I really want to say that directly to him. It's so frustrating! Ronnie has completely shrunk back and seems on the verge of tears. What should I do... Can I somehow get us out of this situation, even if just this once?
"Uh, um... I apologize if we've caused any discomfort. Would you consider overlooking this just for this one time? I promise to improve our attire before the next class."
"Who are you? Huh? Weren't you with Lucian last time? Weren't you his servant?"
"I am Leon, a ward of the Townsend Duke's family, attending the Royal School under their patronage."
As I said that, Arthur's expression became stern.
"The Townsend Duke's family sponsors a commoner to attend the Royal School?"
Wait, was I not supposed to say that? But Lucian said it was okay to spread the word, right?
"Resign immediately. Leave the Royal School."
"Um... I cannot make that decision."
"Why is the Townsend Duke's family indulging in such madness? It's unthinkable to sponsor a lowly commoner. The family's name will be tarnished!"
He's really annoying... What if I retort now? I've endured this far; is it okay to speak up now?
Just as I was about to speak, a voice came from behind Arthur.
"Arthur, what's all this commotion about?"
It's Lucian! Stefan and Martine are here too!
Thank goodness!
"Lucian! What is this nonsense about sponsoring lowly commoners? You should stop tarnishing the family name. I warned you about this before, didn't I?"
"Arthur, didn't I tell you the same thing? It's in the best interest of the country to empower capable commoners."
"Why is that? Allowing commoners into our noble realm is unacceptable! Associating with lowly people like you will make you just as lowly! "
"Commoners are not lowly. Without commoners, the country cannot function. Why don't you understand that?"
"Commoners are sustained by nobles! My father always says so! Commoners can survive because of the nobles."
The futile argument between these two has started again... They'll probably never understand each other.
Arthur is troublesome, but his father, who instilled these beliefs in him, is even worse. I definitely don't want to meet him...
But there are still a significant number of nobles who share Arthur's ideology. Many nobles have been nodding in agreement with his words since earlier. All of those who agree with him are worth keeping an eye on.
There are too many to remember...
"You two, you shouldn't argue in a place like this."
"Your Highness! Does that mean you agree with Lucian!?"
I didn't say anything like that. Well, he might think that secretly, but...
From what Richard told me, the royal family seems to share the same views as the Townsend Duke's family. However, due to the large number of nobles who oppose them, they can't openly support one side or the other. It would become the spark for a civil war.
"That's not what I said. This is a place for learning. It's not meant for quarreling."
"I apologize. But, Your Highness, what do you think? Lucian seems to get along well with Leon, but do you think I'm in the wrong?"
"Lucian's friendship has nothing to do with my opinions. I believe both of your viewpoints are valid. Respecting history is important, but adapting to the times is equally crucial. I can't say one is more important than the other. It's necessary to decide as the situation demands. However, rules and regulations must be upheld. If they're disregarded, the country will deteriorate rapidly. The Royal School accepts commoners as students; that's the current rule."
Stefan is truly a prince! He handled it perfectly, not taking sides and summarizing it well.
"I understand... I apologize."
"I also apologize for causing a scene in this manner."
With Arthur and Lucian both apologizing, the situation was resolved.
For now, it's a relief, but we can't rely on their help all the time. To avoid standing out, I should ensure Ronnie's attire is improved by the next class. Maybe I should lend him some money as an advance on his salary. We need to get his clothing sorted out.
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