Serveyia tilted her head slightly and glanced at Liuli, a faint curve lifting at the corner of her lips.
“Little Fox, you’re the one who said it, you know.”
Liuli could clearly feel that after she said this sentence, Serveyia’s mood improved a lot.
Was it because of what she said?
“But, but I’m a little afraid I won’t do well enough…”
Liuli understood very well where her sense of insecurity came from.
As a Princess, there were countless people watching her now.
There would also be countless people interpreting her every action.
At times like this, even the smallest mistake would be considered intolerable in the eyes of others or those interpreters.
It was different from Saint Laia.
In Saint Laia, many people would make excuses for her mistakes, comforting her when she didn’t perform well.
But, would these things still continue after she left Saint Laia, after she left the Ivory Tower?
“As long as Little Fox truly wants to do it, there’s no need to fear not doing it well. I’ll help Little Fox properly. At least, until Little Fox can perfectly master Social Etiquette, I won’t let Little Fox face the outside world alone.”
Alright.
Although Liuli wasn’t sure if Serveyia’s words counted as comfort, somehow, being guided by a real Princess did make her feel a bit more at ease.
But in the end, could she really act with the ease of a true Princess?
“So, you won’t make me undergo any special training, right?”
“For now, it’s unnecessary. What Little Fox needs most right now is to protect herself. As for etiquette and such, wait until Little Fox can protect herself first.”
“Um, but isn’t my magic focused on Auxiliary Magic? Can I really protect myself?”
If someone really wanted to target the Princess of St. Laia, they certainly wouldn’t send some nameless lackey.
At that point, could she, who specialized in Auxiliary Magic, really withstand it?
“Little Fox, protecting yourself doesn’t mean you have to face danger head-on. Knowing how to avoid danger is also a way to protect yourself.”
“?”
“In other words, Little Fox, finding trustworthy people and trusting them is also a means of protecting yourself, isn’t it?”
“Um, alright…”
Although she thought Serveyia’s words were a bit strange, Liuli also understood that in order to accomplish something, one’s own strength was often not enough.
You always needed to rely on others, like Serveyia…?
Alright.
Liuli realized what felt strange.
Serveyia kept telling her to trust others, but right now, she actually had no one else she could trust.
In other words, the only person she could trust now was Serveyia.
So what Serveyia said before felt like praising herself.
So, for the rest of the time, Liuli kept pondering one question.
What did she need to become a Princess recognized by everyone?
In other words, what did everyone expect of a Princess?
If it were her, what would a Princess in her eyes be like?
Should she be gentle enough, or charming enough, or perhaps possess the charisma to command a crowd?
“Little Fox, there’s no need to worry now.”
Serveyia looked at the Little Fox who had fallen silent in front of her, and for some reason, added,
“Even if you really want to accomplish something, everyone’s expectations for a Princess grow gradually. In other words, for a long time, no one will hold overly high expectations for Little Fox.”
“Of course, this also has to do with the fact that Little Fox was previously a man. Everyone will naturally assume Little Fox needs a long period of adjustment, so there’s no need to be nervous.”
“N-no, why do I have to tell others even about me being a former male?!”
“Do you think it’s difficult for these noble ladies to investigate someone’s background? Anyway, everyone will know sooner or later, so there’s no need to hide it.”
“Being honest earlier might even improve everyone’s impression of you. Besides, does Little Fox have any special reason to hide it?”
The reason for hiding…
To be honest, Liuli felt it was simple.
After all, reality wasn’t like anime or games.
Someone who changed from male to female would find it hard to fit into a women’s social circle.
Most of the time, a man who was forcibly transformed would be considered a pervert by women, or even a threat.
“I just feel like, clearly I was a man before, but now I’ve become a woman and am even enjoying life as a Princess. Wouldn’t others see me as a pervert?”
“…So that’s what Little Fox was thinking.”
After hearing Liuli’s confession, Serveyia pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled as if she realized something.
“Little Fox doesn’t need to worry. The Princess of St. Laia is different. After all, everyone knows that the position of Princess isn’t something you can just become; it requires the appointment of the Ancient Academy Spirits’ Will. So, noble ladies might feel more… sympathy.”