Returning

When I came to, I was in my own bed. When had I fallen asleep? I wondered, having no memory of the previous night, and sat up. I reached for the bell by my pillow. A light chime rang out, and Rihyarda entered the tent with a worried look on her face.

"Lady, how are you feeling?"

"Rihyarda, I was having the most wonderful dream. I'm going to be able to visit the Royal Palace Library!"

"It... wasn't a dream, but we still don't know whether the king's permission will be granted. It's good to see you looking well, though."

Rihyarda's expression shifted from worry to exasperation as she let out a sigh and shook her head. That was when I finally remembered. At the Bookworm Tea Party, I had received an invitation to the Royal Palace Library, and my magic power, overflowing with joy and emotion, had grown beyond my control, causing me to collapse.

...Ooooh! Hosting a tea party and fainting—that's the second time! Losing consciousness in front of royalty—that's also the second time!

The blood drained from my face. This was bad. Wasn't this an extremely bad situation? Flustered, I looked up at Rihyarda.

"Rihyarda, um, what happened to the tea party? What became of it?"

"It was naturally called off. There was no way it could continue."

The Bookworm Tea Party, which had been so enjoyable and pleasant, had apparently transformed into a suspense or horror scene in an instant thanks to me fainting.

"The moment someone proposed, 'Perhaps she would be happy to receive an invitation to the Royal Palace Library as a return for the book exchange,' and you collapsed with a thud, Prince Hildebrand's attendant was in a complete panic. Lady, you left even the upper-ranking nobles of the Central Region—who were supposed to be experts at controlling their emotions—utterly dumbfounded."

Artur, who had inadvertently become the cause of my collapse, had apparently frozen in place with his mouth hanging open, standing there in a daze. At the stage where the proposal hadn't even been approved yet, fainting from sheer joy—that wasn't something a normal person would ever do.

...I'm sorry, Artur.

Moreover, when Rihyarda called out to me and I didn't move at all, Hildebrand had apparently shaken the frozen Artur with tears in his eyes, asking, "What's happened to Rozemyne?" On top of that, even the voices of the prince's attendants trying to calm him down were strained, unable to hide their own bewilderment.

...I'm sorry. I'm sorry, everyone. I never meant to plant any traumatic memories!

"Since we needed a magic stone at the stage of exchanging books, I can understand why Lady's excitement would become uncontrollable at the prospect of being invited to the Royal Palace Library. I understand, but... you collapsed in front of royalty again. Lady Hannalore also seemed to be recalling last year's incident, with tears welling up in her eyes."

Of course, Hildebrand and the others weren't the only ones shocked by my sudden collapse. Solange, who had witnessed it firsthand, was similarly flustered, and so was Hannalore.

"What happened after that?"

"Immediately, I sent ords to Wilfried and Charlotte, asking for their help."

Wilfried and Charlotte arrived with their own attendants, explained to Hildebrand and Solange that 'this happens sometimes,' and handled the aftermath. Meanwhile, Rihyarda carried me out of the room, and the attendants and scholar attendants cleaned up the mess.

"You must also apologize and thank Wilfried and Charlotte, Lady."

"I know."

...I've caused trouble for everyone.

As I hung my head, I realized I hadn't asked one very important question. Looking up at Rihyarda, I asked hesitantly.

"Rihyarda... um, when exactly was the tea party? Just now? Or yesterday?"

"It was two days ago. Prince Hildebrand, Lady Hannalore, and Teacher Solange have sent ords multiple times asking about your condition and sending get-well gifts."

As I wracked my brain over having caused everyone to worry, a voice came from beyond the tent: "Has Lady Rozemyne awakened?" It seemed the guard knights had relayed the news, and the female attendants were beginning to gather in the room.

"Lady, if your magic power has calmed down and you're not feeling unwell, let's start with a meal. It's almost noon, so Charlotte will be returning from her lectures soon. Please show her your well self."

While I had been sleeping, they had apparently transferred a great deal of magic power into magic stones for me. No wonder I had felt refreshed since waking up. Nodding at Rihyarda's words, I climbed out of bed. When I emerged from the tent, my attendants were all gathered, their expressions relaxing with visible relief.

"I'm sorry for making everyone worry."

"It's not something you need to apologize for, Lady Rozemyne, but it truly does a number on the heart."

While I was having my face washed and my clothes straightened, Brünhilde pursed her lips in frustration.

"Despite all that thorough preparation and coordination, to have Lady Rozemyne collapse again—I must be failing in my duties as an attendant."

My attendants had worked hard—coming up with cookie and tea codes and signals to keep my outbursts in check, coordinating the timing for handing over magic stones. The attendants' efforts hadn't been insufficient. I was the one at fault.

"It's not you and the others, Brünhilde. It's me—the one who collapsed twice in front of royalty—who is disqualified as a noble."

As I let my shoulders slump, Leonore quietly shook her head.

"It's hard to place the blame entirely on Lady Rozemyne this time. It was simply a matter of exceptional skill in precisely targeting your weak points. As expected of the attendants of royalty—I was genuinely impressed. In fact, I received word from Ferdinand that it was, in a sense, helpful."

"...Eh? What do you mean, helpful?"

When I blinked in confusion, Philine opened her mouth with difficulty.

"Because if Lady Rozemyne hadn't lost consciousness, you would have accepted on the spot without consulting your guardians. So in a sense, he said it was fortunate that you did lose consciousness."

...That was close. As the Chief Priest said, if I'd been conscious, I'd have accepted immediately. It never even occurred to me that I might need to consult anyone. Safe.

"The return date arrived while Lady was unconscious, but we couldn't very well send you back without offering apologies and greetings to the royalty and the large territories, so with the Lord of Ehrenfest's permission, you've been staying at the Royal Academy."

I had to apologize to Hildebrand, Hannalore, and Solange before I could leave, and I also needed to inform Adolphine of Drewanchel about the return order.

...Before returning, I can't forget to give Teacher Solange a magic stone filled with magic power. And I feel like there's something else I'm forgetting, but...

Counting off everything I needed to finish before the return on my fingers, I finished getting dressed and headed down to the dining hall. Brother Cornelius was waiting at the top of the stairs. "I'm glad you're awake. It truly does a number on the heart," he said, lightly brushing his fingers across my cheek.

The dining hall was already full of students having lunch. The moment Charlotte spotted us and called out "Sister!" they all turned to look in our direction at once. It was clearly common knowledge that I had passed out at the tea party to which I had invited royalty.

Charlotte and Cattarion stood up from their seats, and Charlotte peered at my face, her indigo eyes wavering with worry.

"I heard you'd regained consciousness, but are you sure you shouldn't still be resting?"

"I'm feeling much better this time. I'm sorry for worrying you, Charlotte."

I lightly touched the hand Charlotte placed on my cheek and forehead, smiling at her. Only then did Charlotte's expression finally soften with relief.

"Rozemyne."

"I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused, Brother Wilfried."

"Since you've regained consciousness, that's what matters. You're feeling well, right?"

When I nodded, Wilfried resumed eating and told me about the aftermath of the tea party. After Rihyarda and the guard knights had taken me back to the dormitory, they had apparently begun explaining things to Hildebrand and the others. Like Hannalore, he recounted the past incidents of my fainting during the Baptism Ceremony and being knocked out by just a few snowballs, saying "Please don't worry about it." To this, Hildebrand had apparently scolded him, saying, "What cruel things you've done to such a frail lady!"

"Prince Hildebrand was also quite shaken, so it probably served as a good emotional outlet for him, but I had the rare experience of being scolded by royalty for going to rescue Rozemyne."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Brother Wilfried."

After the attendants had reined in Hildebrand and they had departed, Wilfried was apparently left busy following up with Hannalore.

"'I'm fine, since this is the second time,' she kept repeating with tears in her eyes, but she looked absolutely not fine from any angle. I thought Hannalore might lose consciousness too because of Rozemyne."

Wilfried had apparently escorted Hannalore to the Dunkelfelger dormitory and explained things there as well, just as he had last year.

"I was handling Teacher Solange. It was my first time seeing my sister collapse too, and honestly, I was at a loss as well."

Come to think of it, I had never been present when Charlotte saw me collapse, nor had I been on the scene dealing with the aftermath. Wilfried had tried to comfort her by saying "This happens sometimes," but it was Charlotte's first time too, and she said seeing me completely unconscious was terrifying enough to make her want to cry.

She had also comforted Teacher Solange and had her own attendants help Brünhilde and the others clean up after the tea party. It was hard to believe this was her first time dealing with such an incident.

...Charlotte is way too composed.

"After I apologize to everyone, we return to Ehrenfest. Agreed, Rozemyne?"

"Yes."

By the time I finished lunch, Hartmut had returned. And before he even started on his own meal, he began his report. Hartmut had a practical alchemy session in the morning and had been talking with Hirschur, which was why he was late.

"Lady Rozemyne, before the return, Laimunt has requested an audience to present his research findings. Hirschur-sensei has made the same request. What would you like to do?"

...I remembered. I'd completely forgotten about the Hirschur-Laimunt pair!

Of all the people I needed to greet and speak with before returning, I finally recalled who I'd been forgetting, and the knot in my chest loosened.

"I need to go to the library to provide magic power and hand over magic stones for Schwartz and Weiss. Please let them know I can meet tomorrow morning if they come to the library."

"Understood. I'll send ords."

Hartmut said this and immediately left the dining hall. I asked Lieseleta to prepare some light snacks for Hirschur and Laimunt for when we went to the library the next morning. Those research-obsessed master and apprentice were undoubtedly not eating properly.

After lunch, I sent ords confirming my recovery and apologizing for the tea party, then spent the rest of the day in a flurry of apologies for the discourtesy of leaving in such a hurry. For Solange's ord alone, I made sure to add, "I'll come to provide magic power tomorrow morning."

I also informed Adolphine that I had collapsed at the tea party and that the return order had been issued from Ehrenfest. The rest of that day was spent on apologies and preparations for the return.

"Lady Rozemyne, seeing you looking so well has finally put my heart at ease."

"I'm truly sorry, Teacher Solange. It happens often when my emotions get the better of me, so please don't worry about it."

I apologized again to the relieved Solange and handed her a magic stone she could use while I was away. Rihyarda had been holding onto the magic power drawn from me when I got excited over the Royal Palace Library, so I actually had several magic stones brimming with magic power.

"Prince Hildebrand and Lady Hannalore will be there, so I don't think magic power will be short, but I'm giving you this just in case."

"I am most grateful. But I'm more concerned about your health, Lady Rozemyne. Please make sure to rest properly in Ehrenfest."

"I'm glad for your concern."

...I have a feeling that once I return to Ehrenfest, I'll actually be busier than I am at the Royal Academy.

It was the height of winter social season, and there was the Dedication Ritual to prepare for. Before that, there would be questionings and lectures from my guardians. I thought this but kept my mouth shut, not wanting to add to Solange's worries.

"Hildebrand is here."

"What?"

At Weiss's voice, I turned toward the entrance, and sure enough, Hildebrand and his attendants walked in. Schwartz and Weiss could apparently tell when their master or collaborators set foot within the library grounds. More precisely, they knew exactly where within the grounds someone was.

"Rozemyne, are you really okay?"

Hildebrand's violet eyes clouded with worry as he looked at me. Since he had grown hardly at all, when he stared at me straight on, I could see at a glance just how much trouble I'd caused him.

...A person who suddenly collapses around a prince isn't someone who gets chosen for the role, so naturally, he was shocked.

He had never even seen someone else collapse before, let alone experienced it himself. To faint right in front of him—it must have been a tremendous shock.

"I apologize for worrying you. ...Um, when my emotions get intense, I often lose consciousness. I try my best not to collapse so as not to surprise those who aren't used to it, and I'm sorry for having startled you."

The Royal Palace Library was apparently a bit too stimulating, I murmured to myself. A mere proposal was enough to make me faint, so if they stopped inviting me, that would be a problem—though I kept that thought to myself.

As I apologized, Hildebrand shook his head vigorously.

"I was surprised by the suddenness of it all, but I'm fine now. Not only have I recovered from the shock, but I'll become stronger as a Toshoin so I can help Rozemyne."

...Prince Hildebrand's earnest effort to be brave was incredibly cute.

Hildebrand clenched his fist, his eyes blazing with determination as he said, "I won't panic next time." The fact that his goal for getting stronger was simply to not panic was also cute.

"While I'm away, could I trouble you to look after Schwartz and Weiss? It's very reassuring knowing that Prince Hildebrand is looking in on them."

"Yes!"

Hildebrand nodded happily just as a cascade of colorful lights descended upon the library. It was almost time for Laimunt to finish his lectures and arrive.

"Um, Prince Hildebrand. I hate to say this, but I have an appointment to meet someone at the library soon."

"You should not be seen too much. Since you've seen Lady Rozemyne looking well, let's return quickly, Prince Hildebrand."

Artur urged the reluctant Hildebrand along while looking at me. "We too are relieved, Lady Rozemyne," he said.

Shortly after Hildebrand and his entourage left, the bell began to ring, and before long, Hirschur and Laimunt arrived. Perhaps because they were leaving their lab today, both of them looked unusually neat and tidy.

...These two look like a parent and child. The researcher aura of being so absorbed in their work and living life to the fullest was strikingly similar between them.

As I watched Hirschur and Laimunt approach, lost in this thought, Hirschur stopped in front of me and spoke with a dissatisfied expression.

"You're heading back quite early this year, Rozemyne. I haven't made as much progress on my research as I'd planned."

"I collapsed in succession, so everyone in Ehrenfest is apparently quite worried."

I had collapsed after the Tarnisbefallen, and then again at the tea party right after my recovery. I avoided mentioning the Tarnisbefallen incident explicitly, since it was being kept from the students, but Hirschur seemed to understand. "Ferdinand-san, your guardian, must not be at ease either," she chuckled.

"I heard from Rufen that they were planning to summon you a few days from now after waiting for your recovery, but a return order is a return order. I'll make the arrangements on my end."

"Thank you."

It turned out that Rufen and several other instructors had been in the process of scheduling a questioning about the Tarnisbefallen incident when the return order came down. Honestly, having the leeway to consult my guardians was a relief.

After sharing a few more pieces of information from the instructors, Hirschur picked up several documents from Laimunt.

"These are my research findings. Please deliver them to Ferdinand. Also, Laimunt has an assignment to submit to Ferdinand as well."

Prompted by Hirschur, Laimunt stepped forward with a somewhat nervous expression, glancing at my attendants before presenting a bundle of Plant Paper.

"The improved design for the assignment you gave me is complete. I'd like you to give this to Ferdinand. Um, I'd be very happy if I could get his feedback."

Hartmut took it from Laimunt and gave a slight nod. It seemed they had interacted several times before, as the tension visibly drained from Laimunt's shoulders.

"Laimunt, I'll be returning to Ehrenfest, but Hartmut will remain at the Royal Academy, so I'll have him deliver any new assignments. Until then, please maintain a regular routine—finish your lectures, build up your nutrition, get your sleep, and prepare for the next assignment."

"My goodness, Rozemyne, are you Laimunt's mother?"

Hirschur said this with an exasperated look, but I shot her a glare. It wasn't Hirschur who had been troubled by the Chief Priest's habit of locking himself away in his workshop—it was everyone else around him.

"If Hirschur-sensei, who is supposed to be his master, won't keep an eye on her apprentice's lifestyle, then of course he'll end up like Ferdinand. Childhood habits have a huge impact later in life, so I can't just stand by and watch Laimunt's routine fall apart. At this rate, he'll become Ferdinand Number Two."

"Really!?"

"I mean his lifestyle will fall apart, so please don't look so happy about it, Laimunt."

I scolded Laimunt and then handed him the light snacks I had Lieseleta prepare.

"You've been researching right up until the last possible minute before our appointment and haven't eaten, have you? I've received the documents, so today, please eat and sleep."

"Lady Rozemyne, you truly are a saint. I'm deeply moved."

It wasn't Laimunt but Hirschur who took the basket of snacks, trembling with joy. Hirschur really was the worst kind of master.

"Hirschur-sensei, don't forget your lectures. Remind your master to go to work—that's an important part of an apprentice's job, Laimunt."

I thrust Hirschur's supervision onto Laimunt along with the snacks, and that concluded my meeting with him.

"Is there anything else I've forgotten?"

Back in my dormitory room, I reviewed my to-do list one final time and headed toward the room with the teleportation circle. My attending send-off party, Wilfried, and Charlotte were all there.

"If you've finished everything written on that list, there shouldn't be a problem. Go back to Ehrenfest and get scolded by Father and the others. I had hoped the return order would keep you at a distance from the royalty, but the incident at the tea party has only strengthened their impression of you, and I've been fretting about it."

"Ugh..."

The only person accompanying me back was Brother Cornelius. He apparently planned to make a round trip, returning to the Royal Academy right after seeing me off. It was said to be his last chance to enjoy the Royal Academy. My return had come so early this time that even Leonore and Judithe hadn't finished all their lectures yet.

"Damuel and Angelica are in Ehrenfest, so the guard situation shouldn't be a problem, but... going back alone will be lonely."

"Please come back to the Royal Academy as soon as possible after the Dedication Ritual."

Charlotte said this with a smile.

This year, I had asked Charlotte—rather than the male Wilfried—to look after Rosina's affairs. It was reassuring to have a female archduke candidate around when I was away.

"Don't worry about things here, Rozemyne. With Charlotte here, it's much stronger than last year. At the very least, I won't be dragged off to an all-female tea party."

Wilfried said this with a shrug. Charlotte giggled, and I laughed along with her.

"Let's go. Rihyarda, Cornelius."

I stepped onto the teleportation circle with Rihyarda and Brother Cornelius. The circle emitted a glow of black and gold, and my vision warped and swirled.

I apologized, and now I'm heading back.

Hannalore had actually intended to go to the library too, but she had a sociology lecture and couldn't make it.

I also managed to meet the Hirschur-Laimunt pair—who I nearly forgot—and I'm heading home with gifts for the Chief Priest.

Next time is: Side Story—The Headache-Inducing Report (Year Two).