Chapter 56: Prince Reinhardt

“Hey, you there.”

As I was walking down the hallway after leaving the classroom, I noticed a well-dressed boy accompanied by six attendants. Intending to avoid any unnecessary interaction, I stepped aside to let them pass, but to my surprise, he called out to me.

The boy had golden hair and blue eyes, resembling a prince straight out of a storybook.

“Yes, what is it?” I replied, tilting my head in curiosity.

Who was this boy? Judging by the number of attendants, he was undoubtedly an upper noble. However, my world was small, limited to Ashud Territory and occasional trips to Axel. I didn’t have any noble acquaintances my age—especially not among the upper nobility.

For the record, just because I lack noble friends doesn’t make me a loner. I have reliable companions like Ben and Sharmi.

“Are you Toma of the Roxfall knight-baron family?”
“Yes, I am. May I ask for your name?”

“Ah, my apologies. I am Reinhardt Kuldia, the seventh prince.”

I had a feeling this was the case. Why does a prince have to look so much like a prince?

I placed my right hand over my chest and bowed deeply at a forty-five-degree angle.

“Oh, there’s no need for such formality. I’m just the seventh prince; you don’t have to worry about rank.”

That wasn’t going to happen. If I were to offend a prince, it would cause trouble for Father.

“Have we met before?” I asked cautiously.
“No, this is our first time meeting.”

Then how did he know who I was? I thought about it. Given my situation, it was likely that my association with the temple had drawn the royal family’s attention.

“My father has taken an interest in you,” Reinhardt said casually.

Ah, so the king was curious about the apostle and, perhaps, the temple’s activities.

“I’ve heard about your circumstances. It must have been tough for you.”

The temple was certainly troublesome, but I had also benefited from their support, particularly in the distribution of Light-Collecting Lamps. That partnership had brought significant profits to both parties.

“There’s no need to be so guarded. I’ve heard about Lady Hermina from Alexander of the Bayerlein family.”

Ah, so this wasn’t about the temple—it was about Mother. I had almost forgotten that Grandmother was the king’s aunt, being the youngest daughter of the king two generations ago.

Considering that, I realized I carried royal blood as well. The thought felt absurd. I wasn’t cut out for royalty.

“Thank you for your concern, Prince Reinhardt.”
“Like I said, you don’t need to be so formal. Just call me Reinhardt.”
“…Alright. But instead of calling you by your name directly, how about Reinhardt-kun?”
“Hmm… I’ll allow it for now,” he replied with a playful grin.

A New Acquaintance

“Oh my, isn’t that Prince Reinhardt?”

A girl’s voice interrupted us, drawing our attention to a radiant young lady who seemed to shine as though a spotlight were on her.

She had light pinkish-purple hair styled in a side braid that was gathered neatly at the back. Her emerald-green eyes were gentle and slightly droopy, exuding an air of innocence and purity.

“Lady Claudia, it’s been a while,” Reinhardt said.
“Yes, indeed. And who might this be?” she asked, looking at me.

“This is Toma of the Roxfall knight-baron family. Toma, this is Lady Claudia of the Palzer count family.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Claudia. I am Toma of the Roxfall knight-baron family,” I said, bowing.

“Delighted to make your acquaintance, Lord Toma,” she replied, performing a graceful curtsy.

A Conversation Among Nobles

“I’m off to take the practical exam for the Knight Course. Are you here for General Studies I, Toma?” Reinhardt asked.
“No, I’m enrolled in General Studies II, so I’m heading home now.”
“Oh my, aiming to become a civil servant?” Claudia asked.
“Toma, I heard you’re the eldest son of the Roxfall family. Why General Studies II?” Reinhardt questioned.

“I may be the eldest son, but I’m an adopted child. I’d like my younger brother to inherit the family estate.”

More importantly, I had a mission: to help Deuro reclaim his rightful position as a god. That required freedom of movement, which would be more feasible in a civil servant role than as a lord.

I also had plans to reform the temple. Recently, I’d begun to believe that transforming the temple into a true place of worship for Deuro might be the quickest way to restore his divine status.