Today, all the lectures will be finished. I will make sure of it. Then, with free time in the morning, I can preview next year's material, modify my water gun, and become the strong, cool person I am.
"Brother, Sister, I pray for your success in second year. ...Last year everyone passed on the first day too, so I don't think there's any need for me to worry, though."
"I was given some advance tutoring and reference materials beforehand, yet I still couldn't pass all the lower nobles. I really don't understand how one could guide every single lower noble to pass the
Charlotte tilted her head with a thoroughly puzzled expression. Having led the children's room for several years, she had apparently thought that leading only the first-years wouldn't be that difficult. But in practice, ten days of cramming hadn't been enough to reach the passing threshold.
"Charlotte, that's something no ordinary person can replicate.
...Well, I did borrow some of his methods, I suppose.
"But Brother Wilfried, weren't you the one who said we should postpone library registration until all the first-years passed the written exams?"
If Wilfried hadn't insisted on delaying library registration until every first-year passed the written tests, I never would have subjected anyone to that kind of cramming education.
"Ah, yes. I was ignorant back then. That experience taught me that when attaching conditions related to books, I must never drag others into it. Charlotte, be very careful when you need to move Rozemyne as well. She sets her own actions and capabilities as the baseline, then demands the same from everyone around her. She'll push for maximum effort beyond what's normal, you see."
Charlotte nodded solemnly at Wilfried's warning, then murmured in a strangely earnest voice, "Being held to the same standard as Sister is truly unbearable."
"This year's first-years weren't the fastest to pass, but isn't it better that they could study at their own pace rather than being crammed with material for days under extreme pressure while in a state where they couldn't even taste their food?"
At Wilfried's words, the first-years looked at the second-year lower nobles with deeply sympathetic expressions. It was written plain as day on their faces: "Thank goodness that wasn't us."
"You're quite right, Brother. Last night, I told the first-years we would take our time this year and aim for high scores. Since the content is less than what upperclassmen learn, we still have a good chance of winning with high scores. We agreed to make passing on the first day the goal for next year. If we have a full year to prepare, we'll have a fighting chance too. Don't you think?"
Charlotte's words were met with firm nods from the first-years. There was genuine trust visible among them. For three years since completing her
"The smaller amount of material does favor the first-years, but the upperclassmen will be fully prepared, so there will probably be many high achievers this year too. Don't let your guard down."
"Sister, please don't place that kind of pressure on us."
Charlotte gave me a light glare, and we proceeded through the Central Building—the second-years heading to the lecture hall, the first-years to their respective classrooms.
"Today, the first-years will be creating their riding beasts, correct? Good luck, everyone!"
"Yes, I'm planning to make a ride-in type like Sister's. I've seen Sister's riding beast up close, so perhaps that gives me a slight advantage."
Charlotte said this with a smile before we parted ways. The other first-years followed after her. We had one last set of written exams to get through in the lecture hall.
"Then, let us all achieve first-day passing together."
"We've spent an entire year studying. Passing is guaranteed. What matters is how high we can score."
Wilfried looked around at the second-years with a confident grin. After passing last year's written exams, he had immediately gone to the library and compared second-year reference materials to create new ones. We had all shared the completed reference books, each of us copied them out, and spent a full year studying. That confidence was plain on everyone's faces.
"I'm confident this year."
We took our seats in row ten of the lecture hall and pulled out our magical tool pens. Today would determine whether Ehrenfest's second-years could once again achieve a first-day perfect pass. I could feel the attention of students all around us.
"Hey, Wilfried. If we pass today's lectures, will everyone really have passed on the first day? I'm impressed.
"Drewanchel has about thirty second-years, unlike Ehrenfest where passing eight guarantees everyone passes. The difficulty level is worlds apart, don't you think?"
"That's true enough, but it's undeniable that Ehrenfest's rankings have risen dramatically even with a small number of students. Actually, I'm looking forward to today's perfect pass too. Well, the high scores will belong to Drewanchel, of course."
Ortwin let out a soft laugh as he headed to his seat.
Wilfried beamed happily at the encouragement from Drewanchel, then began reviewing the reference book they had created together. His deep green eyes blazed with competitive fire before his rival.
"I can't lose."
"Indeed. I want to beat Ortwin based on my own grades, not my territory's."
...How nice. That kind of friendship.
Feeling a twinge of envy for the connections Wilfried had built at the Royal Academy last year, I began my own final review. Today's subjects were literature—poetry—and social studies, covering economics and ethics. Both were basic foundation courses, so they weren't particularly difficult.
Soon the bell rang, and the professors filed in. We were told that tomorrow's practical day would involve the first-years obtaining "The Will of the Gods," so the first-years' written exams would be held in the morning. Due to classroom arrangements, the second-years' morning and afternoon lectures would be swapped as well.
After those administrative announcements, the literature exam was administered.
"Drewanchel, Ehrenfest—everyone passed."
The literature exam resulted in a clean sweep. Wilfried looked around at all the Ehrenfest students, gave one satisfied nod, and immediately set to studying for the next test.
Social studies was a subject where the professor had changed before and after the political upheaval, making it one of the courses with the biggest shift in lecture content. The Chief Priest's reference materials didn't match the new lecture content, so compiling reference books had been quite a chore. Moreover, the material itself had been more difficult under the Chief Priest's era—material that seemed like it would prove useful in the future.
"Now then, we'll begin the social studies exam."
The social studies professor who stood before us was
"Huh? What is that...?"
"We never learned anything like this."
A ripple of murmurs rose instantly. Drewanchel and the surrounding upper nobles tended to come from territories that kept meticulous preparation, so their surprise was all the more pronounced.
Fraularm fixed the students with a sharp, steely gaze as the restless voices spread through the lecture hall.
"Silence! I will be reading the exam questions three times! Please save your questions until after I've finished reading. You're disturbing everyone else!"
Fraularm's piercing, shrill voice echoed through the lecture hall via the magical tool that amplified sound. It was the kind of voice that made you instinctively want to cover your ears, and without waiting for the murmurings to fully subside, she began reading the questions for the second time. Terrified of missing something, everyone grabbed their pens and began writing in unison. The lecture hall fell silent in an instant.
After reading the first question for the third time, a voice called out from Drewanchel—"Fraularm-sensei!"—and Ortwin shot to his feet while everyone else remained seated, scribbling away.
"Yes, Drewanchel?"
"The exam content is wrong. Nothing like this was on last year's exam."
Ortwin was right. The questions Fraularm had just read were from the Chief Priest's era of lecture content. After the political upheaval—or more precisely, once Fraularm had taken over—the lecture content should have changed. It wasn't unusual for lecture content to shift when a new professor took over, but the content shouldn't have changed while the same professor was in charge.
Similar objections rose from students around the hall. Fraularm listened quietly for a moment, then curled the corner of her lips upward.
"Different from last year? Of course it is. This is what you'll be learning this year. Lecture content isn't necessarily the same as the previous year's. The material in today's questions is what students from the past learned. I simply incorporated content I judged would be beneficial for you to learn based on the older lectures."
If you only listened to the words themselves, it sounded like the sentiment of a devoted educator. She had researched past lecture content and incorporated what she judged students should learn into her own lectures.
...If she'd done this during her first few years after appointment, I might have been impressed. And if not for that smile, I might have thought, "The professor is really trying."
As she discussed the changes to the lecture content with a smug "Fufu," Fraularm's gaze wasn't directed at Ortwin but rather toward Ehrenfest. It was a smile that unmistakably conveyed this was a test designed to block a first-day perfect pass.
"If you have no further questions, please take your seat, Ortwin."
"...Understood."
Perhaps Ortwin understood the meaning behind Fraularm's gaze too. As he sat down, he cast a brief worried glance back toward us. I could feel sympathetic looks coming from all around as well. But because Drewanchel, a major territory, had raised no further objections after sitting down, no one else dared speak up.
"All we can do is our best," Wilfried murmured. I nodded in agreement. Roderich and Philine also watched Fraularm and nodded slowly.
"Now then, let's continue."
Fraularm's voice reading out questions echoed through the now-quiet lecture hall, and in between, the scratching sound of pens could be heard. The exam had resumed.
"...Has everyone finished?"
By the time Ehrenfest completed the exam, most territories had already submitted their papers. It was impossible to answer a test where roughly half the material covered content that had never been taught and hadn't appeared in lectures for about ten years. Most territories had quickly given up and submitted papers that were half blank.
Though they had finished their own exams, most territories remained in their seats—they were curious about what would happen with Ehrenfest's grades.
"Roderich, take these up for submission."
Roderich nodded at Wilfried's words, gathered the exam papers, and headed over to Fraularm. She had apparently been waiting for Ehrenfest's submission, because a smug grin spread across her face as she took the papers.
"Let's grade Ehrenfest's right away."
The moment she began scoring, Fraularm's eyes went wide and her hand started to tremble.
"Oh my, what splendid answers."
"Are you satisfied now, Fraularm-sensei? Ehrenfest hasn't committed any form of cheating. After all, everyone passed even on material that was never taught."
The professors who were helping grade raised their eyebrows lightly and looked between the exam papers and Fraularm with amusement.
"Ugh... Ehrenfest has everyone passing."
Fraularm's voice carried an unmistakable ring of frustration as it echoed through the lecture hall. A wave of shock rippled through the room. Even those still taking their exams looked up in surprise, turning their gazes toward Ehrenfest.
"Everyone passed?!"
"How?!"
Amid the surrounding astonishment, Wilfried wore a triumphant smile as he looked around. I could see Philine and Roderich smiling faintly as well. No doubt I was wearing a deeply satisfied "Got you!" smile of my own.
Drewanchel, who had finished the exam earlier, rose with a sharp rustle, flipping their emerald-green cape, and strode over to us.
"Wilfried, congratulations on the perfect pass. But can you tell me why you passed? The exam questions should have been different from the lecture content."
At Ortwin's question, Wilfried gave a light shrug.
"It's simple. Didn't Fraularm-sensei herself say it was from the older lecture content? We simply included that in our study range as well."
When the material you learned differed from what future colleagues studied, it created knowledge gaps with superiors and seniors once you entered the workforce. The old material covered more advanced topics, so it was best to learn everything necessary. The Chief Priest had even said, "Don't think it's only the knight apprentices whose education level has dropped."
In Ehrenfest, knight apprentices and new knights underwent rigorous retraining based on the old educational standards, and the education of new civil officials was being reformed. There was no way they would leave Royal Academy students untouched.
"When we revised Ehrenfest's study methods, we created new reference materials by comparing the old lecture content with the new—it just so happened to be useful on this exam, Ortwin."
It wasn't just the second-years. To prevent anyone from saying we lacked education when we came of age, reference materials for every course had been redesigned to encompass both the old and new content. No matter which grade or course encountered the same situation as this exam, there would be no problem at all.
"...I'm impressed. Drewanchel will be borrowing your methods too."
Ortwin blinked his light brown eyes, then broke into a grin. Drewanchel would be a formidable opponent next year. They'd probably pass all thirty students too.
Wilfried was smiling at the sight of his worthy rival, probably thinking, "Let's both do our best." He was likely the type who wanted to give everything he had and fight head-to-head. As for me, I was more the type who wanted to win while doing as little as possible.
...I should keep the picture book adaptation of the Holy Book hidden a bit longer.
"Ah, that's right. Lady Rozemyne."
Ortwin suddenly addressed me, and I blinked. Ortwin hardly ever spoke directly to me rather than to Wilfried. As I tilted my head in as elegant and composed a manner as I could manage, Ortwin told me, "I have a message from Elder Sister
Instantly, my mind conjured the image of Adolphine at the tea party, sliding her fingers through her wine-red hair to show off its luster, and I involuntarily tensed up.
"If you've finished your written exams today, you should have free time in the morning before returning to Ehrenfest at the Dedication Ceremony. Elder Sister would very much like to have a tea party with you. She heard that last year, Lady
...I-I-I've been invited to a tea party! Ugh, I don't want to go. I have no idea what they'll ask me, and it's terrifying.
It was an invitation from Drewanchel, who had imitated Rinshan the moment they got their hands on it. Trying not to show the "Eeeeek!" of terror I was feeling on the inside, I made sure to deepen my smile. Refusing an invitation from Drewanchel was simply not an option. I had no choice but to accept with a smile.
"Oh my, an invitation from Lady Adolphine? I'm truly honored. Please convey my regards and let her know I'm very much looking forward to it."
...There goes my library time.
"My lady, for someone whose entire group passed, you don't look very well."
We returned to the dormitory for lunch. The moment we stepped inside, Richarta leaned in with a worried look. I gave my head a light shake.
"Drewanchel has extended an invitation for a tea party. An invitation should arrive before long, so I'll need the attendants to handle the preparations."
At my words,
"I've spent a full year studying so I could keep up with Lady Rozemyne's early entry into society. I will handle this properly."
"Even before you've returned from the Dedication Ceremony, you've accumulated quite a number of social engagements. Tea parties with the music professors, the Library tea party, Lady Hannalore of
Lieselore counted off the various engagements with a small smile. Since Ehrenfest's sphere of social interaction was vastly different from what it used to be, she explained that preparations required great care.
"Well, Lieselore, this is precisely the kind of situation where you roll up your sleeves. The timing for socializing may be coming earlier than expected, but I find it quite exciting. It's very rewarding."
Brunhilde was enthusiastic, but considering that social activities were originally supposed to begin after my return from the Dedication Ceremony, there was no denying that all these social obligations were coming too early for most people.
"We can't decline Drewanchel's tea party on the grounds that it would burden the attendants, can we?"
"If we were declining everything, that would be one thing, but refusing Drewanchel alone is simply impossible."
"I know, I know," I sighed softly. Just then, the first-years returned for lunch as well.
Charlotte, who had been smiling brightly the moment she came back, ran over the instant our eyes met. Her face was pale and completely drained.
"What happened, Charlotte?"
"Um, Sister. During today's practical exam, I received an invitation from Drewanchel for a tea party. They said it's my first tea party, so I must be nervous, and I should attend together with you."
...I feel completely surrounded.
The method for making Rinshan had been easily researched and imitated. The hair ornaments were made by braiding thread, so it was only a matter of time before they were copied too. My mother had figured out the knitting pattern just by rolling the smallest flower between her fingers. A skilled artisan who got their hands on a single hair ornament would likely be able to reproduce even complex braided designs within a year or so.
Plant Paper's manufacturing process probably wouldn't be figured out so easily, but if someone could analyze the fibers, it would quickly become obvious that it was made from plants. No matter what anyone asked or what I answered, it seemed like everything would be researched and replicated.
A creeping urge to back away grew within me. I wanted to just get sick and stay in bed. My heart filled with nothing but negativity.
Just then, I heard Charlotte's murmur.
"A tea party with Drewanchel... whatever shall I do..."
...Oh! Charlotte's been invited too—if I took to my bed, Charlotte would have to go alone! That won't do!
I couldn't send Charlotte alone to a tea party that was depressing enough to affect even me. I had to guide her through her first tea party, reassuring her along the way.
"It'll be fine, Charlotte. I'll be there. Be strong, and we'll face Drewanchel together."
Charlotte's indigo eyes widened as she stared at me. I smiled to encourage her.
...You can rely on me. After all, I'm Charlotte's older sister.
Whether my feelings reached her or not, Charlotte managed a brave smile through her anxiety and nodded.
"Yes. I'll do everything I can."
Fraularm-sensei is working hard to strip away Ehrenfest's false skin—what with the fearsome Griun riding beast that attacked me and the suspicion of group cheating.
And Drewanchel has extended a tea party invitation.
Both Rozemyne and Charlotte are thinking, "I have to do my best."
Next up is mixing recovery potions.