I told
"The
"...Um, Theodore, your library registration hasn't been completed yet, so you won't be able to accompany us today."
I understood all too well the eagerness to visit a library for the first time, but Theodore couldn't come along. He'd have to wait until his registration was done. At my explanation, Theodore's shoulders drooped with a slightly dejected expression.
"So I'm the only attendant staying behind today..."
"I'll go to the library today to make a registration appointment for new students, so please bear with me."
Though I was trying to console him befitting a lady and an upperclassman, I was desperately holding back laughter.
...Because Theodore's slightly pouting face looked exactly like Eudlit lamenting, "But I'm a knight too!" You really can tell they're siblings at a glance!
They looked alike and it was adorable, but pointing it out would only make Theodore feel worse, so I was restraining myself from laughing—until Eudlit came along and poured salt on the wound.
"It's embarrassing to make that kind of pouting face in front of your lady, Theodore."
Eudlit always made that same pouting face herself, yet here she was with her big-sister expression, raising her index finger to scold Theodore—and I simply couldn't hold back anymore. I burst out laughing involuntarily, and my other attendants followed suit.
"Wh-what's everyone laughing about all of a sudden?"
The two of them looked around at everyone in surprise, and their mannerisms were so alike that the laughter wouldn't stop. As I pressed my hand to my mouth trying to laugh as elegantly as possible,
"That slightly pouting look on Theodore's face is exactly like Eudlit's when she laments, 'But I'm a knight too.'"
"That's not alike at all, Leonore!"
Their voices overlapped perfectly, and the laughter became even more unstoppable.
Leaving behind Theodore, whose cheeks puffed out in displeasure from everyone's teasing, I headed to the library. While walking along in a procession with my attendants, Lieselotta came up with a question.
"A new Senior Librarian has been dispatched—does that mean Lady
"Wouldn't that be the case? Schwartz and Weiss were originally the library's Magical Tools whose master was the Senior Librarian, so it's only natural that the master would change once a Senior Librarian dispatched from the central government arrives."
I had been supplying Magic Power so I could spend my time in a more comfortable library—I never wanted to become the master of Schwartz and Weiss. For Solange, who had been running the library all alone, having an officially dispatched Senior Librarian was the best outcome.
"Even knowing that's how it should be, it's still a shame."
Lieselotta placed her hand against her cheek and let out a soft sigh. I couldn't understand why Lieselotta, who normally kept her emotions close to her chest, would be so dejected.
"What about it is disappointing to you, Lieselotta?"
"If Lady Rozemyne is no longer the master of Schwartz and Weiss, doesn't that mean a new master will prepare new outfits for them? I went to all the trouble of making new clothes, but it seems I won't be able to dress them in them."
The outfits I'd made for Schwartz and Weiss in Ehrenfest had protective magic circles embroidered on the vest and apron, so while those pieces had to stay, other garments could be changed. Lieselotta had apparently been making dresses and trousers to try dressing Schwartz and Weiss in new outfits.
"You really do love Schmuel, don't you, Lieselotta."
When Eudlit and
"Lieselotta, you don't need to be quite so disappointed. There's always a gap between a change of administrator and the completion of new clothes. It took a full year even with Lord
It might be possible to prepare faster in the central government, but I didn't think the new outfits would be completed in time for this year's Royal Academy before Lieselotta graduated.
...After all, it's tough work supplying Magic Power to Schwartz and Weiss every day for their duties while also dyeing thread and fabric with magic for embroidery.
"Lady Rozemyne, thank you for taking the trouble to visit the library on the busy first day of lectures."
Upon entering the library building, Solange, Schwartz, and Weiss came to greet me. After exchanging the lengthy greetings befitting nobles, we began walking toward Solange's office.
"It's truly wonderful that a new Senior Librarian has been dispatched from the central government, but in order to work in the library, one must be able to touch Schwartz and Weiss—without that, there's no way to do the job. Besides, now that a Senior Librarian has been dispatched, I thought it would be best to change the master of Schwartz and Weiss as quickly as possible."
Solange had apparently felt terrible about being completely reliant on students' Magic Power during lectures—the situation was deeply distressing for her. The fact that a Ditter match against
"And Lady Rozemyne, starting this year, you'll be taking both the Lord Candidate Course and the Scholar Course, won't you? Your Magic Power will certainly become strained, so I'm truly glad the timing of the librarian's appointment worked out this year."
Solange narrowed her blue eyes happily, and I could tell she was genuinely worried about me, which warmed my heart.
"I've also been thinking that it would be wonderful for Teacher Solange to have someone to work with after being alone in the library for so long."
"Yes, just having someone to chat with makes such a difference. The new Senior Librarian is a woman who loves books, so I'm sure Lady Rozemyne will get along with her wonderfully."
"I'm looking forward to it. If she's a woman, then Schwartz and Weiss calling her 'Princess' should be fine."
Curious about what kind of person this book-loving new Senior Librarian would be, I headed to Solange's office with anticipation—but inside were far more people than I had expected.
"...Teacher Solange, the new librarian didn't come alone?"
"The dispatched Senior Librarian is just one person, but since the registration change of the royal Magical Tools requires the presence of royalty, royals must attend. You, Lady Rozemyne, who had your registration changed without even receiving a blessing or touching anything, are the exception."
Solange pointed this out with a reminiscent chuckle, and I quietly averted my gaze. To think I'd been so overcome with joy at the library registration that I'd prayed to the gods and released a blessing, becoming their master—that was beyond absurd. When I reflected on what I'd done, even I had to tilt my head in bewilderment.
...Even so, having to be dragged out for things like this—the life of a royal must be tough too.
Still, I could understand that this was precisely why royals were needed at the Royal Academy. As I was coming to this realization, the door opened, and my attendants—who had apparently noticed my arrival—stepped aside to make way, pressing themselves against the walls like shields for their lady.
"Rozemyne."
"Lady Rozemyne, it's been a while."
Buried among the crowd of attendants were not just
"Lady Eglatine, what are you doing at the Royal Academy?"
"Heheh, surprised? Actually, I've been asked to serve as a lecturer for the Lord Candidate Course. We'll be seeing each other several times during lectures from now on."
Apparently, the teacher who had been instructing the Lord Candidate Course—a member of the royal family's collateral line who was quite advanced in years—had petitioned the King, saying they wished to retire soon. That was when the arrow fell upon Eglatine.
...A princess who married a prince becoming a school teacher—romance stories really do have unexpected realities.
I never would have imagined that Eglatine might become a teacher and we'd reunite at the Royal Academy. I was surprised, but if the only teachers around me were going to be people like Fraulem, having a familiar face in that role was most welcome.
"Lady Rozemyne, let me introduce her. This is Ortansia, who has been newly dispatched as a Senior Librarian to the Royal Academy."
Eglatine introduced the woman standing beside her. She appeared to be in her forties, with light blue hair that caught the eye, and had a gentle atmosphere reminiscent of Eglatine. Given her age, I suspected she might have returned to scholarly work now that child-rearing had settled down, much like my mother. She seemed like she would get along well with Solange, which was reassuring.
"Rozemyne, normally my presence alone would suffice, but Eglatine requested that I attend as well."
Hildebrand protested that "Even alone, I could have handled the duty." I didn't think Hildebrand was incapable, but Father had said that "there are times when he lacks awareness as a royal," so perhaps Eglatine was also serving as his overseer.
"Ortansia is from the same province as I, and she moved to the central government. Since we're somewhat acquainted, I asked to attend today for the introduction. Besides, I wanted to see Lady Rozemyne as well."
Eglatine smiled with a playful glint in her eye, and Ortansia gave a reserved smile. Though they looked different, I felt they shared a similar aura. Whether it was Eglatine, Primula, or Ortansia—the women of
...Even so, Eglatine had gotten married and now looked even more beautiful, radiating happiness.
"Please allow me to offer blessings for this rare encounter, one selected through the stern judgment of the God of Life, Evi Liebe."
While I was captivated by Eglatine, Ortansia had at some point stepped forward and knelt, delivering her introductory greeting. I straightened my back with a start and responded.
"I permit it."
"I am called Ortansia. I humbly look forward to working with you."
A soft light of blessing flew forth, concluding the greeting, and Ortansia stood and turned to Solange.
"We should hurry, or it may interfere with Lady Rozemyne's afternoon lecture. Solange, how is the administrator change performed?"
"The previous master nominates them, grants permission to touch Schwartz and Weiss, and they touch the magic stone on the forehead to register their Magic Power, becoming the master."
It was the same process as when I'd registered Hannalore and Hildebrand as collaborators.
"Lady Rozemyne, may I have you complete the registration?"
At Ortansia's gently smiling words, all eyes in the room turned toward me at once. I had no idea that the registration of a royal Magical Tool would attract such attention.
...Come to think of it, didn't someone mention that becoming the master of a royal Magical Tool was an honor?
With two royals in attendance along with their respective attendants, I felt the discomfort of receiving so many gazes at once as I summoned Schwartz and Weiss. Of course, I didn't forget to caution them not to let anyone else touch them.
"Schwartz, Weiss. I grant Ortansia permission to touch you, and I will complete the registration."
"Ortansia, kyoka deta."
"Touroku suru."
Ortansia reached out and touched the magic stones of Schwartz and Weiss. With this, the registration was complete. Hildebrand, who had been watching the process, tilted his head in puzzlement.
"Solange, this is the same method as when I registered as a collaborator, but is the administrator change complete now?"
"No. Currently, once Ortansia's Magic Power exceeds the amount Lady Rozemyne is supplying to Schwartz and Weiss, the administrator will change. Since you recently supplied Magic Power through the magic stones, it may take a little time."
As she spoke, Solange returned the large magic stones I'd lent her for use from spring to autumn, saying, "They were a great help." I handed them to Richarda to put away.
"Those magic stones?"
"Solange was worried that it would be terrible if Schwartz and Weiss couldn't function from spring to autumn, so Lady Rozemyne kindly lent them to her."
At Solange's words, everyone's eyes widened in shock.
"You lent such enormous magic stones to Solange and were supplying Magic Power? I don't think it's that much of a problem if they can't be used from spring to autumn..."
I tilted my head slightly at Hildebrand's words. Certainly, winter with students present was the busiest time, but there was still work from spring to autumn, and Schwartz and Weiss were necessary to help ease Solange's loneliness.
"If Schwartz and Weiss can't function, running the library becomes extremely difficult. I love reading, so using Magic Power to make the library comfortable is only natural, isn't it?"
"Natural... is it?"
"I don't think using Magic Power for things precious to you is so surprising..."
"Lady Rozemyne does especially love books, after all."
Solange, who knew me best when it came to the library, smiled and said, "Thanks to that, it's been a tremendous help."
"Oh yes, Lady Rozemyne. Please be careful not to supply Magic Power to Schwartz and Weiss until the administrator change stabilizes. If you supply power, the change may never complete no matter how much time passes."
Solange had told me to suspend my library committee activities for the time being. Certainly, it would be troublesome if the change couldn't be completed. I nodded firmly in agreement.
"I understand. If I come here, it'll be a habit to touch them, so I'll refrain from coming near the library for a while."
"Huh?"
While everyone blinked in surprise, only Solange smiled and nodded happily.
"That's right. Since Lady Rozemyne will be taking two courses this year, please focus on your studies like a proper student."
"Oh my, I've already completed my preparations thoroughly."
When I puffed out my chest proudly, Solange praised me, "As expected of Lady Rozemyne. How reliable." Hildebrand stared blankly and murmured, "Can Rozemyne really restrain herself from not reading books?"
"I can't and won't restrain myself. But you see, I've actually acquired my long-awaited own library."
"Huh!?"
"So I plan to use the Royal Academy library as a reference and research Magical Tools that could be useful for libraries. I'll be reading all sorts of materials, so there won't be any going without books. I intend to work hard this year to enrich my own library."
When I giggled, Solange was delighted as if it were her own achievement, saying, "That sounds absolutely wonderful."
"The research into Magical Tools that can operate with less Magic Power—you've been thinking about that since last year, haven't you? If you succeed, please do let me see them. I may adopt them here as well."
I tilted my head, puzzled by Solange's words—why would she want power-saving Magical Tools when a new Senior Librarian, Ortansia, had been added? Solange then told me about the library of the past.
"Previously, there were three Senior Librarians and two Medium Librarians. There were even times when there were more than that. Two people can only handle so many Magical Tools. So I would be grateful if the collaborators could continue to supply Magic Power at a manageable level—though that applies after the administrator change has been completed, Lady Rozemyne."
It seemed the library committee wouldn't be completely dissolved after all. I felt a small sense of relief.
"I'll help again, so please call me once the administrator change is complete. Ah, and could you also make a reservation for the new student registration?"
As I said this, remembering Theodore sitting alone on guard duty, Solange took out a wooden tablet and began writing something on it.
"Lady Rozemyne, you're the first to sign up again this year. Understood. Once the date is decided, I'll send you a letter. ...By the way, will the Book Lovers' Tea Party be held again this year?"
"The Book Lovers' Tea Party?"
It was Ortansia who reacted to Solange's words.
"Everyone brings a book and exchanges them. It was my one joy, having spent so much time alone in the library. Lady Rozemyne will be taking two courses, and there's the administrator change as well, so it may be difficult this year, but..."
It had started as an uninvited tea party, but Solange had apparently been looking forward to it. Hearing that made me want to hold one even more.
"I have new books again this year. Since I'm taking two courses, the timing may be later than last year, but if I can finish lectures before the student body grows, I'd love to hold one."
"Lady Rozemyne, when that time comes, please allow me to attend as well. I have books to recommend too."
At Ortansia's words, my eyes sparkled with interest. Recommendations from a central noble born in Klassenberg—there was a high chance these were books I didn't know about.
"I'll do everything I can to finish the lectures as quickly as possible."
"Rozemyne, I want to participate in the tea party too."
Hildebrand also announced his intention with a smile. He'd participated last year, so I understood the desire to join again. But this was troublesome.
...This is bad. I was told to avoid getting too involved with the royals and central nobility as much as possible—what should I do?
Behind Hildebrand, I could see Artur making a bitter face, and Eglatine was smiling helplessly as she admonished Hildebrand, "It isn't proper for a royal to press for such things."
"Last time, the Book Lovers' Tea Party that Lady Rozemyne hosted ended with her collapsing, didn't it? She had invited royalty, become unwell, and lost consciousness—that was a major demerit, and Lady Rozemyne was surely scolded back in Ehrenfest."
"Is that so, Rozemyne?"
Hildebrand looked at me with a panicked expression. I could easily reassure him, but I had everyone's orders, and since I didn't fully understand what constituted a failure, I wanted to minimize contact as much as possible.
But if I agreed right now, it would be the same as saying, "I was scolded because Prince Hildebrand attended." What was the best way to answer?
"Therefore, rather than having Lady Rozemyne receive reproach, it would be better if we were the ones to invite her. Let's hold the tea party again when you're feeling well, Lady Rozemyne, shall we?"
"Yes, Lady Eglatine."
My patroness's protective stance hadn't changed since the tea party before her graduation, and I gratefully seized the lifeline Eglatine had thrown me.
...As expected of Lady Eglatine!
After that, Ortansia and Solange began discussing the archives that only Senior Librarians could open, and Artur explained about books housed in the Royal Palace Library, so I had no time for reading and headed off to my afternoon lecture.
Schwartz and Weiss came along bobbing after me, as if to see me off. When I tried to head toward the exit door, they indicated the door to the reading room instead.
"Princess, please ride."
"Old Master is waiting."
Come to think of it, last year they'd said something similar, and I'd ended up offering prayers to
...But my Magic Power supply had been stopped, hadn't it?
Once the administrator change was complete, the new "Princess"—Ortansia—would supply it.
"Schwartz, Weiss. Magic Power supply is now Teacher Ortansia's job, so you should ask her. Once the administrator changes, I'll come help with the supply again."
As I said this, I habitually ran my hand across Schwartz and Weiss's foreheads, and ended up supplying a little Magic Power again.
...No good. The administrator change seemed like it would never happen at this rate. This year, I should quietly retreat to Teacher
A new Senior Librarian has arrived at the library.
And present were Hildebrand and Eglatine.
Rozemyne's library committee activities are suspended until the administrator change is complete.
Next: She obtains the blessings of the gods through practical training.