Chapter 43.1 - Thanks and Apologies (感謝であり謝罪)
Originally, Violette doesn’t have any ill-feeling towards Claudia. But she also understands that the prince doesn’t have a good impression on her, so she decides not to get involved with him more than necessary. Also, she doesn’t want to make another strange gossip around her. It will be troublesome once someone gets the wrong idea. She’s convinced that it would be wise for her to keep a distance from him.
However, in this case, she wants to extend her time in the academy as much as possible.
After Violette nods to Claudia’s request, they head to Claudia’s workplace, which is naturally... the salon that they have visited before.
If they sit facing each other before, only Violette sits down this time. Claudia disappears into the student council room in the back of the room, only telling her to wait for a while.
Meanwhile, the butler who seems to be in charge of the salon prepares the drink and refreshments, but she’s not sure if she’s invited as a guest here today. Naturally, she won’t dare to let the warm tea turn cold, but Violette isn't sure how she should act since Claudia’s invitation comes out of nowhere.
However, her worries turn up to be groundless. Claudia returns with piles of documents in one hand, not looking like he has nothing to do at all.
“Sorry for making you wait… You can act a little more casual, I don’t mind.”
“Then… I’ll accept your kind offer.”
Claudia probably thinks that Violette is nervous, judging from her stretched back and the untouched tea set. It’s true that she hasn’t mentally prepared herself much, but she’s not particularly nervous.
But it’s a fact that she’s consciously sitting up straight. She may seem antsy, but actually she’s feeling pretty relaxed. When she extends her hand to the cup, it’s still warm enough.
Once Violette takes a sip, Claudia has sat across her, his legs crossed. Since they meet up for something trivial this time, the prince is acting more casual than the last time they’re here.
With a rustling sound, Claudia spreads the stack of paper on the desk. The stack doesn’t look that overwhelming, but judging from the sounds, it seems like a certain number of sheets has been clipped.
“I’m sorry for asking you to do this all the sudden. We’re entering a busy period, but we don’t have enough manpower.”
“No. I’m glad to help.”
Rather, Violette thinks she should be the one thanking him. Even if Claudia is not lying about the lack of manpower, most of the reason why he suddenly invited her, an outsider, must be due to her attitude.
“Look through this, fix the typos, and… if the numbers are too astronomical, tell me.”
“I understand.”
Violette looks through the papers, a fountain pen with red ink in one hand.
Apparently, Claudia is also going to do his work here. He’s looking through the same A4 paper. But unlike Violette, Claudia is clearly busy. He’s writing a lot of things using black ink, filling the blank paper, and checking on her from time on time.
By the way, why is there no other student council member?