Reply: Part Two

I lit the light of a Magical Tool and pressed a hand to my brow. It felt like the glowing words were still burned onto the insides of my eyelids.

...Did Ferdinand feel this same stinging in his eyes as he read my letter?

I could vaguely picture him frowning as he read, and I chuckled softly as I picked up the second part of his reply.

"This one has some thickness to it too. Let's see, let's see?"

First, I'd read the parts written with ordinary ink. The parts that made my eyes ache could wait.

What I'd written was: "I am serving as an assistant for the creation of a prototype of Laimunt's design in Professor Hirschur's research lab. As detailed in the report sent through Professor Frauleurm." I'd written this on the surface so it would be clear to the censors that a letter from Frauleurm hadn't arrived yet.

Ferdinand's reply to that was a scolding: "As I haven't received any report from Professor Frauleurm, I have no details on my end, but if you are able to conduct your research enjoyably, that is good. However, since you are bringing several attendants with you, be careful not to cause too much trouble for the research lab."

Now, when I handed the next report to Frauleurm, I should be able to complain, "It seems the report never reached Ferdinand." "It says not to cause trouble, but we bring them their meals, and the lab has been cleaned up nicely, so I think we're being helpful." My attendants cleaned so the Lord wouldn't have to face dirty surroundings, and Hirschur's research lab was now extremely tidy. If they'd visited during the inter-domain tournament, they'd have seen just how much it had changed from before. I didn't know if that would be considered "trouble," though.

Regarding the royal-hosted book lovers' tea party, I mentioned only the snacks and the borrowed books, framing it as idle chatter. About the snacks, I wrote: "In Dunkelfelger, they seem to have started making sweets with a special ingredient called lourre in quatre-quarts. I would be happy if other regions started making quatre-quarts incorporating their own specialties. If more recipes appear during my time in the Royal Academy, we could enjoy them at tea parties."

His response was: "It seems they purchased the recipe at the Lord's Conference. Perhaps they could incorporate the specialty fruits of Ahrensbach? I will ask our head chef." If the head chef put in the effort, Ferdinand might even get to taste some nostalgic flavors from Ahrensbach again.

As for the book topic, I'd written it before reading his reply, so I'd only mentioned surface things: "I was able to borrow some central books and books from the Royal Palace Library. The closed-stack books that Professeur Solange lent me supposedly contain descriptions related to Schwartz and the others' research. I'll let you know when I find something new. They're thick and worth reading."

Still, it seemed to interest Ferdinand somewhat. He wrote: "It's good that you can find enjoyment even when you can't go to the library. Please inform me of any new discoveries. Just reading those letters will likely let me immerse myself in the feeling of doing some research." ...Just how overworked was he? He seemed to be starving for research. I wished he could devote at least a little time to hobbies, but if he was trying to solidify his position even slightly while Dietlinde was at the Royal Academy, he really might not have time.

I concluded the surface talk about the tea party by writing: "This time, I managed to end the party without collapsing and losing consciousness. I've really grown, haven't I? Thanks to the medicine Ferdinand made for me." Ferdinand replied in kind with a harmless: "It's good that you are enjoying your Royal Academy life without incident. My life here is also proceeding smoothly."

Beyond that, Ferdinand's reply went on and on about Letizia's education. It detailed the curriculum and how things were progressing with great specificity. It seemed he was teaching her in much the same manner as Wilfried and Charlotte, but wasn't it quite the Spartan education?

However, phrases like "very well done" and "progressing better than expected" suggested that Letizia must be quite exceptional.

"...Wow, Letizia is being praised so much. Lucky her. Well, I did receive plenty of commendations myself, but still."

It even included details like which of the reward sweets Letizia had been most delighted by—content Ferdinand wouldn't normally share. As I thought, *He seems to be getting along quite well with Letizia*, I extinguished the light and looked at the glowing words.

...When I saw the densely packed, small writing filling the glowing page, I let out a small laugh at Ferdinand's obvious effort to fill the surface. If we met at the inter-domain tournament, he'd probably grumble, "Stop making extra work for me."

...Since I couldn't show this to anyone else, I'd just have to hold back my complaints.

Using the glowing ink, I explained the situation: "I will be taking the role of High Priest at a royal star-binding ceremony. It seems it was discovered that I was the one who performed the fly-away blessing for Prince Anastasius and Lady Eglantine. Because of that blessing, a conflict has arisen over who will be the next king, and to quell it, Prince Sigiswalte has requested a blessing as well. I asked that he obtain the consent of the King and the Aub, but I will probably end up blessing him."

Ferdinand's response was: "If you are officially commissioned by the King, there would be no way to refuse." Unlike the last time, when he'd made the request abruptly the day before, this involved various schemes, so refusal would be difficult. He judged that accepting was the right course, so I felt relieved that there wasn't a problem with my response.

"I requested that I be given guard knights, and that the Royal Family take responsibility for my relationship with the Central Temple. Is there anything else you would like me to ask?"

To this question, he replied: "Since you will be conducting religious rites in an unfamiliar location, you must take Hartmut along as an assistant. Furthermore, for matters like laying the groundwork with the Royal Family or having guard knights accompany you, they are accepting our input, so above all, be extremely careful not to let your own health fail."

Indeed, my condition was his top concern. I had to make sure not to cancel on the day. In the worst-case scenario, I might have to conduct the blessing even while dosed with medicine. I should be sure to prepare the nasty-tasting potion without fail.

As a brief addition at the end, he'd written: "It is true that I also had the thought that I wanted to see Ferdinand and Dietlinde's star-binding ceremony with my own eyes," and to this he responded: "My star-binding ceremony need not be blessed by you. Your blessings vary greatly depending on your emotions. I want to avoid a situation where your blessing leans more towards me than towards the Prince. You'd forget the reason you left Ehrenfest for." That was a reprimand.

As the reincarnation of Adalgisa, suspected of coveting the throne and forced into a position that barred him from succession, it would be terrible if my blessing were biased.

...But it's hard *not* to bless Ferdinand.

Pouting slightly, I continued reading. The topic shifted from star-binding to the library.

"Schwartz and the others' supervisor has been changed to a senior Librarian in the central library. From now on, the Library Committee will manage the archives keys. Apparently, it requires three keys to open the archives, and the Librarians will only allow access to books they have approved."

Ferdinand's reply to this was unexpected.

"It says 'after a Librarian confirms,' but the only ones who should be allowed into those archives are those registered as royals, those registered as Lord candidates who provide mana to the foundation, and the Magical Tools of the library itself. I recall that the organization of the archives is handled not by Librarians, but by Magical Tools, and the Librarians only manage the keys."

It seemed that when Ferdinand had been frequently going to the library searching for Hirschur's research materials, he had casually muttered about wanting certain documents, and Schwartz and the others had told him about the archives.

"Even so, the amount of information missing from the Royal Family's possession feels unnaturally large. Could it be that someone is restricting information or that there are documents whose existence is hidden? The archives requiring three keys are preservation vaults enchanted with magic to store old documents and information, containing much that a king or next king should know. They are archives for royals and Lords, not for you."

They apparently held very old reference books for Lord candidate lectures and old ritual materials, including materials for Haldenzel's rituals. Ideally, he'd wanted to enter during last year's Lord's Conference, but he and Father told Schwartz and the others they couldn't enter because no Librarian was present.

"Hmm, hmm. So, I'm a Lord candidate providing mana, I've been appointed supervisor, and I have all three keys, so I can get in, right? Yippee!"

My delight lasted only a moment before I discovered the next part: "If this information is missing, I think it should be told to the Royal Family, but you should stay away from the archives. It seems likely to cause trouble again," and I held my head with a groan. "Ohhhhh..."

As I thought, *I knew it*, I also couldn't suppress a feeling of jealousy.

...Ferdinand read the preservation vault documents when he was a student, but he's forbidding me from doing so? How cruel! I want to read new books too!

Beyond the reply to my letter, there was a report on the current state of Ahrensbach.

Georgine's influence was surprisingly significant; the former High Priest's small Holy Cups brought into the dedication ceremony seemed to be from the old Berkestoick; there were many citizens resentful of the loss of support from Ehrenfest; the royal decree that Letizia was the next Aub was not being well received among Georgine's and Dietlinde's associates; there was a possibility Dietlinde didn't know she was a stopgap Aub; and so on.

He wrote shortly that I should pass this information to Father, but if this was true, wasn't Ferdinand's position as Letizia's guardian in Ahrensbach extremely precarious?

"Also, it seems an envoy came from Lanzenave during the summer to sound out the presentation of a princess. The Aub of Ahrensbach must report this to the King at the next Lord's Conference. If approved, Ahrensbach will have to send the princess to the Adalgisa Villa."

He knew he was sending someone into the same position he'd been forced into, yet he had to do it with his own hands. For Ferdinand, this must be an incredibly burdensome duty.

"Ahrensbach as the contact point with Lanzenave... I wish Ferdinand were going anywhere but Ahrensbach."

Sighing, I finished reading the reply, then wrote a report on the current situation of Ahrensbach and left the hidden room.

"Mueller, please send this to the Aub of Ehrenfest. Also, Richalta... I would like to send this kind of notification to the Royal Family..."

I briefly explained the story of the library archives and asked whether I should contact Hildebrand or Eglantine. The representative royal at the Royal Academy was Hildebrand, but Eglantine seemed more likely to get a message to Anastasius and Sigiswalte quickly.

"Indeed. As it is an urgent notice, if you send an Ordinance to the library, Prince Hildebrand, and Professor Eglantine simultaneously, requesting they arrange a place for a detailed explanation, they should prepare accordingly."

I was taught this method of passing the buck of arranging the meeting to the relevant parties, so I immediately sent an Ordinance: "The senior Librarian only opens the door; only royals, some Lord candidates, and Schwartz and the others are allowed inside. Apparently, there are documents inside that the Royal Family should read."

"I want to hear the details. Come to my villa at the third bell three days from now."

An Ordinance sent to Eglantine had somehow gotten a reply from Anastasius. This felt quite off.

"Why did Prince Anastasius send the reply?"

"Lady Rozemine, what am I to do about being summoned by royalty?" Grateria's voice trembled in shock as Brunhilde immediately began preparations. The difference between a newcomer and a seasoned attendant was stark.

"Lady Rozemine, apart from paper and pen to take notes, do you require anything else for the trip to the villa?"

"Not this time. It's likely to get busy soon, so let's proceed with the transcriptions as quickly as possible."

I answered Philine's question, while Mueller, who had been transcribing another book, let out a weary sigh.

"Lady Rozemine's civil officials have more work than I anticipated. I'm somewhat surprised." Mueller had apparently thought she'd have more time to read books. She hadn't expected that her main job would be transcribing difficult texts with almost no time to enjoy her mother's romance novels.

At Mueller's words, Philine tilted her head with a confused expression. "Once the Royal Academy is over and we start accompanying Lady Rozemine to the Temple, the workload will increase even further."

"Eh?"

"In addition to the story-gathering, information collection, and classification we do at the Royal Academy, as well as the transcriptions and attending tea parties, we'll be adding Temple duties, and assistance with the printing and papermaking industries."

Philine smiled as she said, "It's very fulfilling," while Mueller forced a stiff smile. Looking back, it seemed far more burdensome than the work of civil officials serving Wilfried or Charlotte.

"Mueller, you will be dedicating yourself to my mother, so if you can perform your duties at the Royal Academy sufficiently, that will be fine."

"...It's alright. I am also Lady Rozemine's attendant, after all."

After Mueller shook her head, she set her expression with determination and dipped her pen into the inkwell.

I worked energetically until the day of the royal summons.

I received an invitation to the Knight's Building from Rufen, accepted it, created a questionnaire for the apprentice knights, and had my civil officials copy it. I also prepared answer sheets and had them practice administering the survey.

Then, in Hirschur's research lab, I purchased the design for the recording Magical Tool that Ferdinand had approved. With this, I would make the recording tool.

"Lady Rozemine, a certain number of high-quality magic stones, depending on how many words you want to record, will be necessary."

"That's fine." The collection site now yielded high-quality stones, and the magical beasts that came were slightly stronger, so the magic stones obtained were also of good quality.

The decision to do a Dunker with Dunkelfelger for their joint research meant the apprentice knights were working hard daily hunting to strengthen coordination. We could just buy whatever magic stones were needed.

"Ugh, I'm envious of how easily you can obtain magic stones."

"If other people also want the Magical Tool depicted in this design, I will pay Laimunt ten percent of the information fee."

When I explained the concept of paying additional fees sequentially for designs with wide applicability, like royalties, Laimunt blinked, seemingly not quite understanding.

"Eh? Lady Rozemine purchased the design. What do you mean, 'additional fees'?"

"...If it's a design with value for wide use, shouldn't it require additional payment? If you underpay for designs, I don't think motivated, good researchers will develop."

At my words, Laimunt and Hirschur's eyes lit up as they said, "Lady Rozemine, we think your idea is wonderful." It seemed that until now, they'd been consistently underpaid.

Following Laimunt's explanation, I aggressively invested magic stones to complete the recording Magical Tool.

"I want to put this inside a stuffed toy. Like this, when you stroke its belly or forehead, you can hear the voice... Do you think it's possible?"

"I think it would be fine as long as the magic stone part can be touched, but is there a reason for putting it in a stuffed toy?"

While Laimunt tilted his head in puzzlement, Liesereta's green eyes sparkled with approval. "A stuffed toy that talks when you stroke it? Isn't that simply adorable?"

"Isn't it? Therefore, I was thinking of a less... less..."

"Surely it should be a shumil. I think that would be the cutest."

Liesereta looked at me brightly. "If you are going to make a stuffed toy, please allow me to assist!" Since sewing wasn't exactly my strong suit, I swallowed the words, "I think a lesser panda would be cute too!" and decided to let her make a shumil.

...The lesser panda is cute, but it's difficult to make three-dimensional, so it can't be helped.

After spending three days like that, I set off for the villa for the royal summons. This time, it wasn't a tea party, but a summons, so I only prepared modest snacks as a gift. My baggage was light, but my heart was heavy.

"I never thought I'd be coming to the villa again so soon," I said, and Brunhilde smiled wryly.

"You could have kept quiet, Lady Rozemine. You decided to inform them, after all."

"I received a report that the Aub of Ehrenfest was also troubled. However, if it is information that could be even slightly helpful to the Royal Family, I don't think we should withhold it. I believe Her Ladyship's judgment is excellent." Before the book lovers' tea party, my attendants had been told of the Royal Family's hardships by Anastasius. They felt great sympathy for the current king, who had received no education as a king but was forced into the position, expending himself to provide mana. They saw a parallel with my own situation: raised in the Temple and given no noble education, yet thrust into the role of the Lord's adopted daughter and High Priest, similarly expending myself to provide mana. ...I don't think I suffer as much as the kings, though.

"Even though it's a summons from the Royal Family, since it's Prince Anastasius, it's somewhat less stressful."

After the various incidents with Eglantine where I'd revealed too much of my true feelings, or collapsed in front of him, or done other problematic things, Anastasius had magnanimously forgiven me all of it. I felt that, compared to other royals, it was less stressful because I didn't feel that discussing important matters would immediately lead to suspicions of treason or usurpation.

"You must not let your guard down so, Lady Rozemine."

Richalta scolded me just as we stood before the door leading to the villa.

"We have been waiting for you, Lady Rozemine of Ehrenfest."

Oswin greeted us, and we were led inside. Waiting in the room were three people. Hildebrand welcomed me with a smile, Anastasius murmured "You came," and between them sat a stranger.

It was a man with blond hair similar in shade to Anastasius's, deep green eyes, and a gentle smile. His seated position and clothing made his identity immediately clear.

...Ohhhhh! It's the First Prince! You should have warned me ahead of time, Prince Anastasius!

I hadn't expected Sigiswalte to be there. I mentally complained vehemently, but since this was a summons, not a tea party, the participants wouldn't have been revealed.

Suppressing the impulse to hold my head and collapse, I forced a smile, greeted Anastasius and Hildebrand, and then knelt before Sigiswalte, lowering my head.

"Please allow me to offer blessings for this rare encounter, brought about by the strict selection of the Life God, Everliebe."

"Permission granted."

"I am honored to meet you, Prince Sigiswalte. I am Rozemine, a Lord candidate of Ehrenfest. I humbly ask for your continued regard."

Careful not to overdo it, I offered the blessing and exchanged introductions for the first time. Rising after receiving permission, I noticed Sigiswalte, seated in his chair, still had a slightly higher eye level than me. Unlike Anastasius, he had a gentle demeanor. Earnest, perhaps, or maybe a bit overworked—the air of a well-bred eldest son seemed to radiate from him. He didn't look at all like someone who would be fighting Eglantine in the middle for the throne. Perhaps his attendants had just gotten worked up.

Our eyes met, and Sigiswalte smiled gently at me.

"So you are Rozemine. The sickly saint of Ehrenfest, who despite being the top student two years in a row, has been too frail to attend the award ceremony both times. I only hear rumors, so I wanted to meet you once."

"...I too was looking forward to attending the ceremony, so I'm disappointed that things didn't work out that way. I understand it's a great honor to receive words directly from the King."

I tried my best to convey an air of disappointment, referencing Angelica's downcast expression, careful not to overdo it. I absolutely could not have it known that in my first year, I'd stayed at the dorms with Ferdinand, happily engrossed in reading time.

"Then please take a seat over there and tell us the details about the library archives. Right now, even a little information is vital for the Royal Family."

I turned my gaze to Anastasius and Hildebrand, seated beside Sigiswalte.

Both looked at me with keen interest. I took a light breath and began to speak.

The second part of his reply. Ferdinand worked hard to fill the surface. Thanks to that effort, information about Ahrensbach flowed to Ehrenfest. And from that, a summons from the royal family followed. Finally, the First Prince appears. Next, the Royal Family and the library.