Chapter 13: Alchemy Lessons

Chloe picked up the textbook from the table, and while packing her things, she finally realized where she’d been shortchanged.

Normally, passing the royal maid corps’ evaluation was up to the individual. They’d study first, then pass the test to join.

But Chloe hadn’t come here willingly!

Larvia had forcibly thrust her into the maid corps without any prior training.

Thanks to her past as a somewhat high-society figure, Chloe hadn’t slipped up on etiquette. But beyond that, she was clueless.

By rights, this training should count as work hours!

Sadly, this was the vampire palace, and Larvia called the shots. One word from her, and Chloe’s monthly wages vanished.

Yet, she had to study. If she got exposed, it’d be big trouble.

So, despite her frustration, Chloe could only obey.

She stuffed the textbook into her bag, noticing Larvia had thoughtfully included the classroom location and schedule.

Following the directions, Chloe headed to the classroom.

Meanwhile, in the classroom.

Silia sat at a desk, her slender legs—clad in white thigh-high stockings—crossed, one hand propping up her cheek, the other lazily flipping through a textbook.

Not far ahead, a tall, thin, white-bearded man with gold-rimmed glasses scribbled on the blackboard.

“Teacher, why haven’t we started yet?”

“What’s the rush today?”

Reginald didn’t look up, continuing his work on the board.

“Just worried you’ll drag the class past time.”

He adjusted his glasses, turning to Silia.

“Your Highness, please wait a moment. Her Majesty said another student will join us today.”

“Huh?” Silia froze, her relaxed demeanor turning wary. “Who?”

“I don’t know.”

He shook his head.

Silia pouted.

All this time, lessons had been her exclusive privilege as Larvia’s only daughter!

Her mother poured all her effort into her! This was a perk only the little princess got!

Sure, she didn’t love studying, but she wasn’t about to let someone else steal her mother’s attention… no, her mother’s effort!

‘Such a big deal, and Mother didn’t even tell me!’

Silia was determined to see who dared to take a share of her mother’s love—er, effort!

Creak—

“Grr…”

Silia gripped her pencil, eyes locked on the opening door.

“Your Highness, your classmate is here.”

Flora’s figure appeared, but Silia ignored her, fixating on the half-open door.

“Good morning…”

The voice came before the person.

‘Pretending to be polite? What a little schemer!’

Silia pursed her lips, focusing harder, not letting her guard down.

But when the figure appeared, she froze.

“…Huh? L-Little Chloe?”

“Oh, as expected, Your Highness is here.”

Chloe wasn’t surprised to see Silia.

Given her status, she doubted Larvia would arrange a private class for her. Most likely, she was piggybacking on Silia’s lesson.

“Why’s it you, little Chloe?”

Silia hurried over, waving Flora away.

After sending Flora off, she grabbed Chloe’s hand and led her to sit beside her.

“Alright, everyone’s here.”

Reginald nodded.

“Chloe, you’re ten minutes late.”

“Sorry, teacher. I’ll be on time next time.”

Chloe was exasperated.

She’d only learned about this class ten minutes ago.

“Good attitude. I’ll reduce your penalty homework a bit.”

“…What?”

Chloe was stunned.

‘Homework before I’ve even started the class?’

“Teacher Reginald!”

Silia shouted, stepping in front of Chloe.

“She’s new! Can you not pick on her?”

Chloe was at a loss.

“It’s fine, Your Highness. I’m okay,” she whispered to Silia.

“No way! How can I let this old guy bully you on your first day?”

“Your Highness, please mind your language. That’s not proper royal etiquette.”

Despite Silia’s attitude, Reginald remained calm, as if he’d dealt with this countless times.

Silia’s face darkened.

“So what? You’re an alchemy teacher. What’s that got to do with etiquette?” she shot back.

“It’s not my concern, but I can report it to your etiquette teacher and Her Majesty,” Reginald said slowly.

Silia smacked the desk in frustration but kept it light, fearing Reginald would add “publicly venting anger with inappropriate force” to his report.

‘Tattling!’

‘Old man, you’re so petty!’

With no choice, Silia bottled up her resentment and started listening to the lesson.

Minutes later, as Reginald turned to the blackboard, Silia whispered to Chloe:

“See, little Chloe? I told you that night—Reginald’s the worst!” She glared at his back. “Why doesn’t this old guy just drop dead?”

“Silia, you don’t have to stick up for me.”

“How can I not?”

Silia shook her head, unbothered.

“I’m Princess Silia Vandro of the vampires. Protecting a new probationary maid is my duty.”

“Alright… By the way, Silia, can I see your notes? It’s my first class, so I should catch up on past ones.”

Chloe looked at Silia sheepishly.

“Ahem, sure, take it.”

Silia averted her gaze guiltily, sliding her notebook over.

‘Sweet! Free notes! No need to dig through the book!’

Chloe suppressed her excitement and opened the notebook.

Her smile froze.

‘There’s literally nothing written!’