A few days later…

Avril, who was preparing in earnest for the national exam, visited the royal palace library with Grace.

The national library of the Kingdom of Claughton had been constructed in a completely independent building. Furthermore, it was located near the forest in the back, making it a quiet place.

A great number of people had come to the library to study due to its peaceful environment, presumably also for the national exam.

I’ve heard that most of the national exam’s questions can be solved as long as the basics are understood. The issue is that the exam has a massive number of questions. I’ll need to answer them all perfectly while also showing myself capable of applied thinking. Just how much preparation is everyone putting into this…?

While observing the situation around her, she walked quietly between the bookshelves, careful not to make any footsteps.

Those doing research at the shelves with materials related to the national exam were all serious. She felt a sudden urge to scream out, believing she might have made a grandiose declaration without thinking.

I’m starting to feel completely out of place… All I can do is memorize. Regardless, I’ll do my best! If I fail to grant Prince Lawrence’s wish even after giving it my utmost, then that will be that.

Avril possessed a special skill, she could memorize everything she saw with only one glance. While accuracy varied depending on her interest in the subject, she could generally memorize most things.

Because of this, she had been called creepy ever since she was a child. It was one of the reasons her stepmother shunned her. Who would’ve thought that it’d prove useful here? Life truly was unpredictable.

However, when it came to actually taking the national exam, the question arose: What exactly did a villainess who was proactive in academics and politics look like.

Hmm. Should I just wait for the right time and boldly declare, “I’m taking the exam because I want a country.”?

Still, in that regard, rather than taking clumsy action as a villainess, leaving everything to Dylan felt more reliable. Dylan had even told her to leave the details to him.

At any rate, there was a mountain of problems to deal with besides studying. Her villainess aspect, in particular, had become so confusing that she had decided to shelve that issue for the moment.

With that, Avril turned her gaze upward to the top of the bookshelf where compilations of past national exams were lined up in a row.

According to what Chris had discovered in his research, most of the questions were formatted in a way where multiple fields overlapped. It seemed that when it came to closely related fields, studying them together was more efficient.

There are only two months left until the exam. I need to study with focus.

Just as she renewed her determination, a gentle voice called out from behind her.

“—Lady Avril?”

It was a cool, yet calm and pleasant voice.

Avril immediately realized who had called her name. She smoothly turned around and gave a lady’s courtesy.

“I trust you are in good spirits, Lady Anastasia Townsend.”

“Oh, there is no need to be so formal.”

The one who had spoken to Avril was Dylan’s mother, Anastasia. She had no attendants with her, she was alone.

Although she looked a bit floaty, as if her gaze couldn’t quite settle, her expression gave the impression of being in good spirits. Perhaps she came to the library on her own because she was feeling well that day.

As if to confirm Avril’s speculation, Anastasia smiled elegantly. Modest yet radiant, her presence alone seemed to refresh the atmosphere of the library.

“Your hair is the color of flowers that bloom in spring. It’s very beautiful.”

“I’m honored by your compliment.”

“You’re so honest. According to Her Highness Emilia, you’re going to take the National Exam, correct? You likely won’t make it in time for this year’s exam, but I believe straightforward children grow well.”

Under the bright morning light, Anastasia’s eyes narrowed, apparently attracted to the color of Avril’s hair. Meanwhile, Avril was reminded of Dylan as she gazed into Anastasia’s gentle eyes.

She really does resemble Lord Dylan.

What would Dylan think if he saw his mother having a normal conversation like this? Dylan told her that Anastasia didn’t even understand that Dylan had already grown into an adult.

In other words, the Anastasia who was meeting Avril’s gaze and smiling, wasn’t she a version of her that Dylan didn’t know and, perhaps, one he wished to see.

In that moment, Avril couldn’t help but wonder if being present for something like that was really appropriate for her.

As Avril was pondering such, Anastasia suddenly spoke. “Say, would you keep me company a little longer?”

“Huh…?”

Avril blinked at the completely unexpected invitation.

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