E/D: Castle

Ekaterinas POV

Sorry, Im really sorry, it was just because I have my previous life bonus as a cheat that I lowered your ranking.

But youre doing well! Really!

Even if hes not as busy as my brother, hes certainly doing a lot of stuff. Visiting the dukes mansion is just a part of the royal familys events, and Im sure he has many other roles to play even if hes still a student. But even so, he still naturally thinks that he should have the top spot.

Hes a prince, you know. Thats why he has been provided with the best teachers and learning resources since he was a child, and has probably received special education to hone his skill and talent.

And yet, hes been ranked third, overtaken by two girls who are just starting out. A normal fifteen-year-old would be in a bad mood. It would be natural for a normal fifteen-year-old to be unhappy, to complain, or even to get upset.

Yet, he handled it so maturely. Thats the Royal Prince for you.

Or maybe its because hes a Royal Prince that hes so great. He is in a position where there is a high risk that he will be pampered and become a snobbish, misunderstood bastard. There are a lot of aristocrats who arent of the same status as the royal family, like the ones who have discriminated against Flora-chan. But the Prince was kind to Flora-chan from the beginning.

Im sure hell be more serious next time, as a person who has received the best education and was born in a position where he deserves to be at the top. I dont think I can beat this Prince, who has faced his position without hiding or running away, to the point of not being ashamed of himself even after ranking third.

Oh This is the same as my brothers. He has a natural Noblesse Oblige in his blood. It seems like were not alike at all, but I guess its only because were so close.

3rd POV

Mikhael-sama, youre doing a great job of handling your important position. (Ekaterina)

Ekaterina said, and Mikhael smiled a little complicatedly.

Yes, you are a really good boy.

So, I hope that the reserved Heroine Flora-chan will capture you and make you happy!

Ekaterina!

Ekaterinas face lit up at the voice that came over her.

Brother!

The students who were surrounding the test results promptly made way for Alexei in a wide circle. It was as if the Red Sea parted before Moses.

As expected of my big brother.

Alexei opened his arms, and Ekaterina jumped into them without hesitation.

You did well. Im proud of you. (Alexei)

Hugging her sister, Alexei said affectionately.

Yay, I got praised by my brother! Im glad I got first place!

Ekaterinas soared, throwing her earlier bad mood into a wormhole somewhere.

Im glad to hear your praise. But I am not even close to the level of my brother. (Ekaterina)

She glanced up at the ranking list of the third years. First place, Alexei Yurinova, the undisputed leader.

I was just raised that way. Your efforts are worth more. (Alexei)

Alexei says simply.

Thats how you think, after all. Not everyone grows up the way they were raised, and even though their own efforts and qualities are also significant, they can just casually say this.

By the way, the first place student of the second grade was Vladimir Yurimagna.

You and your siblings are really close, arent you? (Mikhael)

Mikhael smiles wryly, Flora looks over with a smile, and next to them, for some reason, are classmates Marina Kruimov and Olga Fleurus, who have their hands folded in front of their chests.

My, Marina, Olga. How can I help you? (Ekaterina)

Ekaterina asked, pulling away from her brother a little, and Marina giggled.

I saw that you two left the classroom in a hurry, so I thought you must have come here. I knew youd get good marks, since youre always studying so hard, but I didnt expect you to place first and second! Thats wonderful. It makes us very happy. (Marina)