Claire called out Ian in a small voice, and he walked towards them at a leisurely pace.

If my ears hadnt frozen in the winter, I think I might have heard some interesting news.

Ian walked past Count Iris and stood in front of Claire.

The talent Ive been waiting for will finally enter the work force.

Youyou were listening?

I couldnt not hear you. You know your voice is quite loud among the student council members.

Thats true.

And I do need a smart worker who has a loud voice and is a quick learner. Of course, youve always proven that quality to me.

Ian looked around at Claires brother.

You have a very bright sister. You must be proud.

Your Highness.

Yes, Count. Tell me. What will you have Claire Iris do in this world?

The count had a troubled look on his face for a moment. No, he looked like he was calculating in his head.

Well, we can work it to the direction that pleases you

Claire suddenly wanted the ground to swallow her.

Its not like that! Why dont you get it?

Anyone could have understood why Ian was trying to say.

I have a choice! For me

Claire Iris.

However, Count Iris cut in and looked down at her with his usual sternness.

You are before the Crown Prince. Pay attention to your words and behavior.

Brother!

Excuse me, Your Highness, are you going to go back to the Academy later?

Yes. I hope Claire Iris will accompany me, if she permits.

Very well.

Despite the counts reply, Ian looked at Claire, as if he would only move with her answer. Claire stared at him for a moment before saying yes. It was closer to a sigh than a word.

She trudged onto the carriage without any shoes. In the darkened space, she sank weakly into her seat and wrapped her head with her hands. Soon the door closed, and the carriage started to move.

Claire Iris.

A soothing voice spoke opposite of her. Claire murmured something she had forgotten to say.

Thank youYour Highness.

You can discard that last title. You can substitute it with something else, of course.

He looked out the window with his chin resting on his hand.

If I were you, I would be angry.

While Claires engagement was off, she was given a chance to work. But that still didnt mean anything to her. There was no decision to respect Claire. Perhaps her elder brother nodded because he approved of her relationship with the Crown Prince. She was no longer married, but her situation was no different. It was just that Ian paid the highest price.

Itsits miserable.

I suppose so.

Its embarrassing.

Yes, I know. I would feel similar.

Claire looked up at Ian.

How many other Claire Irises are there in this country? That are in the same situation you were in?

Ian felt sad as he thought about it as a man of royal descent who had to make many decisions.

Im not stupid either. Im not under the illusion that I saved you a little while ago.

But its a little better than before.

Claire forced a smile.

Even though nothing has changed

Yes.

Ian agreed with her.

Nothing has changed.

Another person like Claire Iris may be standing where she didnt want to be. Some people dont even know theyre in a mud hut. Others may, but they dont know how to get away. Many would have given up.

Its not right. And I have a duty to fight what is wrong.

He would work to remove even a single cup of mudno, even a single dropeven if it was a lifetime worth of effort.

But I have only two hands and one head. Thats why I told that to the Count.

You want me to help you with your work?

I hope youll want to work with me.

Ian adjusted his words.

If possible, to make you the last Claire Iris.

Those words are so nice that theyre cruel.

.Sorry.

Ian apologized immediately, but he did not take back what he said.

Still, your work will be very helpful. Youre bold and strategic.

Is Louise Sweeneys labor not enough?

Well, that great work force belongs to the Sweeney family.

So you won the heart but didnt get the labor.

Claire gave a hearty chuckle..

Yes, heart and labor are separatewait. You know?

She knew that Ian and Louise belonged to each other?

How can I not know? Everyone in the student council knows. It made it easier to manage the rumors that way. Oh, but Dean Crissis still didnt notice.

But why does everyone pretend not to know.

Ian soon found a profound realization.

You all decided on it, right?

Its because Louise is shy.

If Louise found out that the student council knew about her romance, she probably wouldnt go near Ian.

You saved me.

But Ian couldnt save Claire.

We were all having fun with it. Louise was going around with a face like, Why does no one suspect? It was quite funny.

Claire stopped to giggle again, then composed herself and looked back at Ian.

President.

Hmm?

Although its cruelyes, I want to be the last Claire Iris.

There will be weak people be born in the future. People who dont even have a choice.

So I hope you will let me work with you.

Just to confirm, this is your choice?

Claire nodded fervently.

Theres actually only one road left for me now. Its hard to say that its a choice, but.

She forced a smile.

If I follow this path, maybe Ill find a crossroad.

She could then choose a direction she wanted. That was what was most important. She couldnt get anywhere just by standing here.

Youll find it. Of course, I intend to offer you some perks to keep you on my way.

Like what?

Thats a story Ill tell you if you pass the recruitment tests. Even if you are my noble friend, the test must be fair.

Thats my favorite word. Fair.

I know. Not many people can beat you under that condition.

It would be appreciated by anyone who saw her shining presence at the Academy.

Before she knew it, the carriage stopped. They werent at the Academy, however. Claire looked outside with a puzzled face, and Ian explained with a shrug.

My fiance has no gloves for the cold.

This is the Sweeney mansion, isnt it?

Claire looked at it in wonder. She had heard stories about it many times, but it was her first time to actually be here.

Yes. But put off your visit to another time.

But I made an appointment to see Mrs. Sweeney.

Dont worry. Ill cover for you. Besides, she and I need to have an important conversation. She still hasnt decided on a new hairdresser.

Shall I wait in the carriage then?

No, you can go back first.

First?

Claire looked at him questioningly, and Ian nodded in apology.

To confess, I am running away from that.

Running away? From what?

Scary.

Ian pointed his hand out of the window, and there was Dean Crissis approaching, panting white breaths.