After chatting a bit with Hirschel about the Chief Priest's old stories, I was asked whether I could repair the magical tool the Chief Priest had made back in his student days. However, I immediately declined with a "I'm afraid not." It would be problematic if people saw me as being on the same level as the Chief Priest.
"What does the letter from Lord
"The fact that you were attacked in your own territory and fell into a deep sleep in Yuleve is common knowledge at the Noble Academy. According to the attending physician's assessment, there was a possibility you wouldn't wake before winter, which could delay your enrollment. At the spring Lord's Conference, Ehrenfest submitted a request for the physician's assessment to be presented as documentation and for special measures to be applied."
When children of the nobility turn ten, they enter the Noble Academy and study until they come of age. Without this, they cannot be recognized as proper nobles. That is precisely why special measures exist for those who, for whatever reason, cannot enroll on time.
Under special measures, a student may remain enrolled not just through winter but for an entire year, completing the required curriculum by the time they come of age. For this, a teacher must be stationed at the Noble Academy in advance, and the lord must submit a prior application.
The most common use of this system was after the political upheaval. To replenish the drastically reduced noble population, apprentice Blue Priests and apprentice Blue Priestesses who had left the clergy enrolled at the Noble Academy under special measures.
"The information I know personally is as follows: that Lord Ferdinand is your guardian, that you've only just woken and have difficulty even moving, so you're wearing a magical tool, that because of this you may struggle in practical magic classes and would appreciate consideration, and that you have quite the original way of thinking and might provide some interesting insights... Something along those lines, I believe."
...Interesting insights? What does that even mean? The Chief Priest's consideration is appreciated, but I can't help feeling a bit uneasy about it.
"I've heard from the other students that Ehrenfest's sudden improvement in written exam scores these past few years is thanks to the Saint, and Lord Ferdinand has said as much. I'm looking forward to the second-year lectures and beyond, where we'll actually be creating magical tools."
Handling magic power took an incredibly long time, and by the time I made it to the waiting room before the classroom, Richalda and my older brother
"You were quite late, Lady Rosemine. It seemed impossible that you would struggle with handling magic power, so I was extremely worried something might have happened."
Just like
"It's because of this magical tool I'm wearing to allow me to move freely — it makes controlling my magic power rather difficult."
The truth is, I'm struggling to contain the excess magic power that was released during my time in Yuleve, but today's loss of control was also partly due to the magical tool.
"Ah, so there are side effects like that too. Since Rosemine was moving around normally, I hadn't given it much thought. Did you discuss countermeasures with Professor Hirschel?"
"He says there's nothing to do but get used to it."
"...I see. Then let's head back to the dormitory."
When I returned to the dormitory through Door Thirteen,
"Lady Rosemine, please let me take on a guard assignment too. Now that we're both at the Noble Academy and there's more time for me to serve as your guard, I haven't been given any meaningful work..."
From the outside, it looked like a beautiful young woman on the verge of despair over not receiving tasks from her lord, tearfully pleading her case. But I wasn't fooled. What Angelica was really saying was, "Since Lady Rosemine is at the Noble Academy now, I'd like to take on guard duty and reduce my study time."
While everyone else was studying desperately, Angelica was only thinking about how to escape from her studies. I glanced up at Cornelius, and his jet-black eyes looked back at me with a single, firm nod. His face clearly read, "Deliver her verdict."
"Then, as your lord, I shall issue you a direct order, Angelica. Pass the written exams as quickly as possible. That is your highest priority assignment. I, too, am looking forward to the day you can take on guard duty."
"Lady Rosemine..."
"It's an order from your lord, Angelica. As a knight, that should take priority above all else, shouldn't it? Now then, shall we study?
"Certainly."
Just as Cornelius grabbed Angelica and dragged her away, Leonore took his place at my side. I summoned my riding beast and climbed on, then headed to my room to change.
As I climbed the stairs, I could hear Angelica's wailing. Leonore, who had glanced back, turned her gaze toward the bottom of the staircase.
"Both Lady Rosemine and Cornelius are very devoted to Angelica, aren't they? It may seem like they're being harsh, but they're actually desperate to keep Angelica from being held back or expelled."
"Angelica is my guard knight. With me here at the Noble Academy, I have no intention of letting her fail."
When I said this with a proud chest, Leonore looked down at the staircase with an intensely envious expression for a moment, then lowered her gaze.
"It makes sense, since everyone treasures her so. The rumor that Angelica is Lord
"...This is the first I've heard of such a rumor."
...Angelica, marrying one of my brothers? I can't connect those dots at all.
"Even though Angelica has a lot of magic power, she's still a middle-ranking noble. Even if Lord Bonifatius wishes for her to marry within the family, wouldn't candidates from the second or third wives' lines, like
If Grandfather pushed hard enough, perhaps no one could object. But if the match was with one of the Knight Commander's sons, frankly, Angelica would struggle with the difference in status. Especially since Angelica is the type who finds thinking difficult and acts on instinct.
"Rather, the second or third wives' lines might be a better fit for Angelica."
"The second or third wives' lines? Then, Lady Rosemine, who do you think would be most suitable as a first wife?"
"All three of my brothers are guard knights of the lord's family. The ideal wife would be someone like my mother — a woman who can support a husband deeply involved with the lord's family, manage the household in his frequent absence, and also act on behalf of the family in high society. My mother is truly amazing. Someday, I want to become a woman with that kind of breadth and composure."
She took in a child of unknown origin that her husband had brought home as his own, listened to his reasons, had the child baptized as her own, provided an education befitting a high-ranking noble's daughter, and treated her as the lord's adopted daughter. Not just anyone could do that.
"My mother secures the benefits appropriate for a noble, makes social contributions befitting a high-ranking noble, earns the admiration of those around her, and yet never compromises on her own hobbies. She is truly someone I want to look up to with all my heart."
"Then I shall make Lady
Leonore smiled warmly. We would aim to become like our mothers, as noblewomen together.
After changing and heading to the multipurpose hall, I found everyone studying with fierce determination. The ones wearing particularly strained expressions were the first-years, but their intensity seemed to infect everyone else as well. Quite admirable.
Wilfried, who had been watching everyone study, looked up.
"You're quite late, Rosemine."
"Yes, the unfamiliar magical tool made controlling my magic power incredibly difficult. But more importantly, how much progress has everyone made?"
As I checked on everyone's progress,
...Would they manage to just barely pass at this rate?
"Oh, by the way, Brother Wilfried — does passing on the first try apply only to written exams? Does it include practicals too?"
At my question, all the first-years turned toward Wilfried at once. Receiving everyone's gaze, Wilfried flinched and shook his head frantically.
"I-It's just the written exams! What Rosemine said about strengthening this year was only about the written exams, wasn't it? Besides, when there are differences in magic power, there's only so much you can do even if you try to teach practical skills. Written exams alone are enough."
When Wilfried repeated that it was written exams only, the first-years visibly relaxed their shoulders in relief. I, too, let out a sigh of relief, realizing I might reach the library sooner than expected.
"If it's just written exams, it shouldn't take too many days, and I should be able to get to the library. Let's put everything into passing everyone tomorrow."
As Wilfried and I divided up the teaching between us, Brünhilde returned. She quietly slipped a wooden tablet into my hand.
"Lady Rosemine, a reply has arrived from Madam
"Oh my!"
Delighted to receive a response to my appointment request, I eagerly read the wooden tablet. The reply stated that registration would be conducted by territory, and asked that I bring all of Ehrenfest's new students during the lunch break four days from now.
It also listed the required registration fee. Apparently, a separate deposit was needed for borrowing books. With this, it seemed like not many students would be able to use the library.
"The registration fee for the library is one small gold coin per person. That's quite expensive."
"That's far too much. ...I can't afford it."
Philine's expression became one of near-despair.
"I'll lend you the registration fee, Philine. You can earn it back by gathering stories and making copies for me. Once the written exams are over, you should have free time, yes?"
"Lady Rosemine, would you buy copies from me even if I make them?"
Roderich asked timidly. Noticing that the other students in the multipurpose hall were all looking our way, I surveyed everyone in a wide circle and nodded firmly.
"Of course. Different factions or not, books are innocent. I want to gather as many stories and books as I can while I'm at the Noble Academy. I will purchase copies of any books not found in the castle library without hesitation. However, I'm sure I don't need to mention that the beauty of the handwriting and the accuracy of the text are paramount."
This was money I had earned specifically to expand my book collection. If it was for the sake of more books, I would spend without hesitation.
"I'll also supply paper and ink for copying. However, since both paper and ink are expensive, I will conduct careful checks on who took how much and how much was returned as completed copies — to prevent theft or any unauthorized redistribution."
Hearing that copying tools would also be provided, the eyes of the lower-ranking nobles lit up. The cash I had distributed on the first day, as payment for stories and information, had apparently proven enormously effective.
"Rosemine, how do we determine whether a book we want to copy exists in the castle library or not?"
"I've been compiling a catalog of the castle library's holdings, so you can use that as a reference."
"When on earth did you do that?"
"Isn't it only natural to record books as I read them in the library? I keep copies of the catalogs from the
When I puffed out my chest with a proud "Ta-da!", Wilfried muttered, "Did you really sleep for two years? Were you secretly active the whole time?" and his face went blank with shock.
If only Wilfried were right, and I had spent those two years reading books in secret — how wonderful that would have been. Reality, however, rarely cooperates.
"Anyway, let's all work hard so the first-years can pass all their written exams before the library registration four days from now."
"...Yes."
Later, when I asked Cornelius about it, he told me that the upperclassmen watching the first-years study desperately had looked at them with extremely pitying eyes. Also, Angelica had apparently said, "I thank God that I wasn't born in the same year as Lady Rosemine."
That night, too, we studied until the seventh bell. The next morning, we woke up and studied again after breakfast as a final check before the first-years sat for their exams.
They were slightly sleep-deprived, with red, bloodshot eyes and swollen lids, and names of kings and territories were spilling out of their heads in fragments — none of them looked like they were heading to their first-ever lecture. They looked nothing like excited new students starting school life for the first time. Clearly, the first-years of Ehrenfest stood out from everyone else.
"Today is the real test."
"Yes."
If they passed the History and Geography exams, the magic-related written tests would cover magic stone attributes and colors — not terribly difficult.
"Everyone studied so hard. It will work out somehow."
"We'll do our very best."
With the history exam papers before them and the magical tool pens in hand, the fate-deciding exams began.
They scratched away at their papers and would submit them all together as a batch, but today Philine and Roderich were the last to finish. They seemed to be struggling with some rather tricky questions.
"I-I'll submit this now!"
Philine, who had been agonizing until the very end, went to hand in her exam paper just before the deadline. But looking around, most of the lower-ranking nobles were still scratching their heads over the problems. Philine and Roderich were actually among the faster ones for lower-ranking nobles.
"Number thirteen, Philine, please come forward."
The teacher's voice rang out from the sound-amplifying magical tool, and Philine was called by name. Turning pale, she walked toward the teacher at the front.
"What happened?"
"I don't know."
I watched Philine speak with the teacher, then saw her shake her head.
Growing anxious, I kept watching intently. Then Philine returned with a relieved expression, one hand pressed to her chest.
"I've returned."
"Philine, what did the teacher say?"
"...Embarrassingly, it seems my score was right at the borderline for passing."
The teacher had apparently offered that she could re-take the exam after attending the lectures properly. But Philine had apparently refused with great determination.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm fine with this score. Please let me pass. If I miss the library registration in three days, it would be a real problem."
Seeing Philine's desperate expression, the teacher had apparently said, "There must be some deeper circumstances, so I'll pass you for now, but you're welcome to attend the lectures as well."
"I'm so glad I passed."
Midway through Philine's words of relief, the teacher's voice boomed through the hall from the sound-amplifying magical tool.
"All Ehrenfest students have passed."
Murmurs arose from the surrounding students. Arithmetic and Theology had seen everyone pass these past few years, and other territories had high pass rates too, so that wouldn't have been cause for much surprise. But History and Geography had notoriously low pass rates for lower-ranking nobles. Lectures were practically designed to teach lower-ranking nobles, and even then, many struggled.
For all students — including lower-ranking nobles — to pass on the first try in such subjects? There was no way it wouldn't draw attention.
"...We're standing out quite a bit."
"Yes. Standing out isn't my intention, but it can't be helped if it's for the sake of the library. We'll simply have to bear the stares. Next is Geography. We've come this far smoothly, so let's not let our guard down and keep up the effort."
Roderich, who was weak in Geography, pressed his lips together firmly and nodded, then began reviewing his materials with renewed urgency for the final push.
"Rosemine, you really have nothing on your mind but the library. It's almost astonishing."
"Is there anything more important than the library right now?"
A library I had never set foot in. And according to the Chief Priest, the Noble Academy's library held the second-largest collection in the entire country. There was nothing more important to me right now than devouring every book within.
"This must be what Uncle meant when he said the library can be both medicine and deadly poison."
"Did Lord Ferdinand say something again?"
"He said that giving you the library requires the same level of care as dosage control. If someone incompetent touches it without understanding how to use it, the damage can be catastrophic. I'm savoring those words right now."
At Wilfried's words, heavy with genuine feeling, I furrowed my brow in irritation.
"What do you mean, Brother Wilfried? Everyone's passing smoothly, and we're getting the best possible results. Catastrophic damage — how rude of you..."
"...Isn't it catastrophic? Here, you should do your final review too. You have a tendency toward absent-minded mistakes, after all."
Whether it was the effect of studying with such desperate, near-death expressions, everyone passed the geography exam as well. Roderich had barely passed, but like Philine, he had pleaded, "I'll attend the lectures, but if my score is sufficient, I'd like to be passed," and the teacher agreed.
"All Ehrenfest students have passed."
And the magic-related written exams were passed by everyone without issue. With that, all the first-years completed their written exams on the first try. Surrounded by astonished stares from all around, they clenched their fists in triumph.
"Tonight, I feel like I can finally eat a proper meal again!"
Roderich, who had overcome his weakness in Geography, clenched his fist and declared. He had been secretly terrified of what life would be like if he, from a different faction, was the only one to fail.
"Since everyone worked so hard, I'll ask my cook to add dessert for all the first-years at tonight's dinner."
"Really, Lady Rosemine!?"
"Yes. Getting closer to the library is all thanks to everyone's hard work."
I had pushed them relentlessly, but I honestly hadn't expected them all to pass on the first try. I had thought the lower-ranking nobles would need at least one more attempt. If dessert was all it took, I would gladly treat them.
"We all passed!"
When we returned to the dormitory for lunch, I proudly boasted to the upperclassmen that everyone had passed on the first try. Since everyone passed the written exams, our first-year team was decided as the fastest, but the other teams didn't seem particularly envious — they simply praised our efforts wholeheartedly.
"Good job. You all really worked hard."
"I'm glad everyone passed. Even I was moved."
"The first-years worked this hard. We can't afford to lose either."
I was more moved than anyone by the heartfelt words of encouragement from the upperclassmen of the opposing faction.
After lunch came the practical music exam. The Fechtspiel was something I had practiced even in my winter children's room, so there was some relief in that. The first-years who had cleared the written exams all wore expressions of fulfillment and satisfaction as they ate their lunch.
"Philine, there are still practicals remaining, so don't let your guard down too much."
"Yes, Lady Rosemine."
"This afternoon's practical is music. ...Lady Rosemine, you've already surprised everyone by having all the first-years pass on the first try. Let's continue with a simultaneous blessing performance on the Fechtspiel and really shock them with music as well. I believe everyone would recognize you as the Saint."
"I'll have to decline. While it may raise Ehrenfest's reputation, personally causing that kind of uproar is a completely different matter. I won't be including prayers to the gods during my performance."
"That's a shame. It's such a rare opportunity..."
I refused Hartmut's persistent offers to perform a blessing, had Richalda carry my Fechtspiel, and headed to the small hall where the music lectures were held.
In my current state, where I couldn't properly gauge or control my own magic power, attempting to bestow a blessing was terrifying — even I didn't know what might happen. It was simply out of the question.
Like the magic practicals, the music practicals were divided by rank. Having too many people for music was unwieldy, and the difference in teacher and instrument quality between ranks was obvious.
"Today I'd like to assess each individual's ability, so please each perform one piece that you're best at."
Everyone played one piece in territory order. When skill levels were similar, people tended to choose the same pieces, making direct comparisons inevitable. If possible, choosing a piece fewer people knew might let the teacher listen with fresh ears.
And as I listened to everyone's performances, I came to a realization.
...The Chief Priest was seriously a slave driver. How much did he cram into me!?
Both the Chief Priest and my adoptive father were excellent Fechtspiel players. Even
The Chief Priest, who could play and sing well enough to make women faint, was in a completely different league. And my adoptive father, who could perform alongside such a paragon, was only slightly below the Chief Priest — still extraordinary in his own right.
...The fact that my adoptive father and Rosina could perform alongside the Chief Priest — why didn't I realize they weren't ordinary!? Wake up, Rosemine!
Having two years of gap was fortunate, and I was truly grateful for that. But when I thought about how much more time I could have had to read even more books, I felt incredibly frustrated.
...I could have slacked off even more!
While I was internally stomping my feet over the gap between the surrounding level and what I had been aiming for, Ehrenfest's turn arrived. The high-ranking nobles played first.
"I'll go next. You're last."
Wilfried said this and stood up. There was no particular need to object, so I nodded and watched him go.
And when Wilfried began to play, I picked up my Fechtspiel, walked forward, and sat in the seat where the next performer waited.
"I wonder if she can play music at an acceptable level?"
"She was asleep in Yuleve for two years, so one shouldn't set the bar too high. If she can perform at the level her appearance suggests, that should be more than enough, don't you think? We should watch over her warmly."
The whispers from an
...I don't really care what they say, but I wonder — did Dietlinde spread this kind of talk even to the first-years?
Without ever getting a read on Dietlinde's intentions, my turn came.
I wasn't widely known for much, so I chose the piece I was most practiced at. To put it simply, it was an anime song arranged by the Chief Priest. I had taught it to him to make fun of him, but ironically, it ended up being the piece I was most comfortable playing.
...Nobody here knows the original song, and thanks to the Chief Priest's arrangement, it sounds like an entirely different piece, so it's fine. No one will laugh at me.
Being careful not to let it become a blessing, I played the Fechtspiel.
"I heard you were asleep for two years, but you're far more skilled than I expected. If you continue practicing, you might become a master of the Fechtspiel."
"You're too kind."
...The people around me just happened to be extraordinary masters. I have absolutely no intention of aiming for that level.
Smiling warmly and accepting the compliment, I was about to return when the teacher called out, "Lady Rosemine."
"I have been a music teacher at the Noble Academy for nearly twenty years, but this is the first time I've heard this piece. What is it called?"
"A Summer Song Dedicated to
I was about to dodge the question by saying it was just an anonymous practice piece by an unknown composer, but Wilfried grinned.
"This piece was composed by the Saint of Ehrenfest as a prayer to Leidenschaft. I know several others as well, and everything Rosemine composes is a song dedicated to the gods."
...An ambush from this direction!?
My eyes widened, and the teacher looked at me with gleaming eyes.
"I would love to hear the other pieces as well."
"If the threads woven by the Goddess of Time, Dreifangau, should overlap someday, I would be delighted to..."
...Brother Wilfried, you idiot!
The first-years were able to finish their exams without being subjected to Rosemine's wrath — since Rosemine couldn't attend the library.
The ambush in music was Brother Wilfried. He rescued Rosemine — who was rumored to be "only capable of cramming academics in a short time but completely hopeless at practical skills" — from her poor reputation.
Next was the creation of riding beasts and the compression of magic power.