A few first-years hadn't shown up for breakfast, but by lunch, every single first-year was present. It seemed they had all successfully assimilated the "will of the gods."
"I was worried some of you wouldn't make it to lunch,"
The Lord Candidates would practice the Dedication Dance, the Senior Knight Apprentices would practice the Sword Dance, and everyone else would do music practice. Since it was difficult for everyone to play the fespil, they would apparently be practicing other instruments like flutes and drums.
"Is
"Yes. Professor Rufen recommended me. I'm not very good at music, so I'm grateful."
Later, when Brother
"You say you're not good at music, but there was the fespil practical, wasn't there?"
"I've been training with the fespil since childhood, and I practiced like my life depended on it during my second year to get permission to wield the Magical Sword
Apparently, she had clashed with her family when choosing her course of study and had worked desperately hard to gain their permission to become a Knight Apprentice wielding a Magical Sword. Angelica was the kind of girl who would try her hardest for a goal she truly believed in. I could really relate to that feeling.
"I see. I'm glad you had a professor willing to make accommodations for you."
"Yes. The Sword Dance is a lot of fun, so I was happy to be recommended."
As long as Angelica was motivated, that was all that mattered. I had been thinking this casually when Judith's next words made me look up in surprise.
"Angelica really is in a league of her own, Lady Rozemine."
"Huh?"
"Not just any high-ranking noble gets selected for the Sword Dance. Looking at Ehrenfest's graduates over the years, very few have been chosen. For Angelica to be selected despite being only a Middle-Rank Knight is truly remarkable."
With her violet eyes gleaming and her chest puffed out proudly, Judith explained that both the Dedication Dance and the Sword Dance had their selections conducted at the end of the fifth year.
"I'm a Middle-Rank Noble and don't have Angelica's strength, so I probably won't be selected, but
If they could learn the Rozemine-Style Compression Method by the end of this winter and expand their magic power before the selection was held, the two of them—both high-ranking nobles—might have a chance of being selected for the Sword Dance.
Traugott's ultramarine eyes glinted.
"I also want to learn Lady Rozemine's magic power compression method and be selected for the Sword Dance, just like Angelica and Cornelius!"
"It would make me happy if one of my guard knights were selected. Do your best."
"Then, Young Master Wilfried and Lady Rozemine, please stay focused during your practice. ...All grade levels will be gathered today, after all."
At Richarda's words, Wilfried and I both nodded slowly.
In the small hall, Lord Candidates from all grade levels were to practice the Dedication Dance together. From us newcomers to the final-year students, everyone would be in the same place. It was the first time we would be face-to-face with the upperclassmen since the socializing event, so I was a bit nervous.
"For the first-years, you will observe the first half of practice. Watch the upperclassmen's dancing carefully. Then, in the second half, you will dance yourselves so we can see how much you've learned."
Following the instructor's directions, the first-year Lord Candidates were made to sit in chairs lined up along the wall. Looking around the small hall, I could see each grade practicing separately. The first session was apparently to assess how much everyone had improved between spring and autumn.
Looking at it this way, the second-years all seemed to have similar abilities, but among the upperclassmen, differences in individual skill really stood out. Several students had smooth, beautiful wrist and finger movements that caught the eye.
The final-year students, who had already been selected, were the fewest in number—three male and four female dancers who were currently being dressed in thin, god-colored robes. A sheer cloth was draped over their heads, and they were being fastened with silver sashes. On the actual day, they would be celebrating their adulthood, so the sashes would apparently be gold.
...The design was similar to the ceremonial robes of the
Unlike the ceremonial robes, they used a sheer, lightweight material that would flutter gracefully when spinning, and there were several slits from waist to hem—probably to allow for easier movement or to create a spreading effect during spins.
When a female student who had finished being dressed spread her arms and gave a graceful spin, the long, kimono-like sleeves billowed wide, and at the same time, the hem of the robe fluttered with a soft, flowing motion.
And the final-year students' practice began. There were seven students dressed in the robes, and several others—both male and female—who were not. These were probably the reserves, watching the fluttering sleeves and swaying hems with undisguised envy.
"We who offer prayers and gratitude to the gods who created this world..."
Beginning with those familiar words came a prayer celebrating the end of harsh winter and the arrival of spring, expressing gratitude for the blessings they had received up to their adulthood, and asking for future blessings. Seven voices echoed through the small hall.
It was a strange feeling hearing prayers from the Holy Book come not from priests but from the mouths of nobles who disdained the Temple. Perhaps over the long course of history, the Temple's status had simply declined, when originally it might have held a position equal to that of the royal family.
"Prayers to the gods!"
The Dedication Dance began with a prayer pose—both hands and the left leg raised. The Ehrenfest Dedication Dance instructor had said it was difficult to maintain beautiful balance in this pose, but I was so accustomed to offering prayers at the Temple that I was frantically focused on memorizing the choreography instead.
I hadn't had much time to think deeply about the Dedication Dance before, but just watching it now, I could tell that in the past, the Temple's power had been much greater.
Synchronized with the unhurried movements, the long, kimono-like sleeves fluttered and swayed in seven colors. Even though these were practice robes, seeing them donned like this, the way the dancers swept their long sleeves about reminded me strongly of traditional Japanese dance.
...Be that as it may, Prince
As I thought this, I watched Anastasius dance. He was clearly outclassed by the female student who offered prayers to the Light Goddess. The skills of these two, who both prayed to supreme deities, were far from evenly matched.
...Anyone would look inferior dancing next to her, but for a prince to be outshone—that could be problematic.
The female student who offered prayers to the Light Goddess was in a class of her own among them all. From the movement of her fingertips to the angle of her gaze, every detail was enchantingly graceful and beautiful.
I could only stare, captivated, at the girl praying to the Light Goddess.
"Oh my, Wilfried."
"Dietlinde..."
The moment a short break was announced, a bright voice rang out as Dietlinde, the Lord Candidate from
"I've heard all about Wilfried's and Ehrenfest's accomplishments. As your cousin, I'm quite proud. Having everyone pass the first day of written lessons is no small feat."
"You're too kind. But that was all Rozemine's—"
"Oh, when you go and give credit away like that when everyone already knows the truth, it doesn't really accomplish anything. It only serves to highlight what a humble person you are, Wilfried."
Dietlinde cut off Wilfried as he tried to say "No, that's not—," smiling at him in a doting manner, then reached out with her slender, pale fingers and gently brushed his temple.
"You've worked so hard, Wilfried. You are my pride."
Wilfried stared at Dietlinde with wide, surprised eyes as she said this with a gentle smile.
"Is something the matter?"
"No. ...It's nothing, nothing at all."
Wilfried lowered his gaze and shook his head, but his expression held not a trace of displeasure at being suddenly touched. If anything, there was a nostalgic smile there, as if remembering times past.
"Say, Wilfried. Opportunities like this are so rare. Since the chance has come up, I'd like to sit down and have a nice chat with you as cousins. Might I invite you to a tea party?"
Glancing my way as she emphasized the "cousins" part, it was clear she was telling me—in no uncertain terms—that I, not being blood-related, was not invited. However, I couldn't simply back down and read the room here. Whether they called me dense or thought I should know better than to intrude, I had to keep watching over Wilfried.
...From my perspective, it would be a real problem if another disinheritance scandal like the last one blew up.
"Oh, a tea party! How exciting, Brother Wilfried."
"Oh my, Lady Rozemine. You may not have realized this, but you're not my cousin, you know?"
When I pretended not to notice and tried to join the tea party anyway, I was flatly turned down. Dietlinde, it seemed, had no more intention of reading the room than I did.
"Officially, I am the daughter of the Aub of Ehrenfest, you know."
"Officially, yes. But this is going to be a private tea party. You'll excuse yourself, won't you?"
As Dietlinde and I probed each other's next move and exchanged smiles while glaring at each other, a larger version of Wilfried suddenly stepped between us. He only looked like a bigger Wilfried because of their strong resemblance—it was
"Then might you also invite me as your cousin, Dietlinde?"
"...Yes, I suppose so. Rudiger is indeed my older cousin, so that would be fine."
I don't know what Dietlinde was thinking during those few seconds of silence, but she smiled brightly and said that.
"So you see, I'm sorry, Lady Rozemine, but you'll have to sit this one out."
Dietlinde said this with a triumphant smile, and the three of them began to discuss plans for the tea party.
She was right—I wasn't blood-related, and despite playing dumb and pressing the matter, I had been so thoroughly turned away that there was no further ground to stand on. The rest was up to Wilfried.
I distanced myself from the three as they began planning the tea party, and took a sweeping look around the small hall. While everyone else spent the break chatting with friends, one female student—the one clothed in the noble colors of the Light Goddess—was the only one still practicing.
Drawn by her expression, which seemed to radiate pure joy and delight, I drifted over and settled down at a distance close enough to watch but not intrude.
As I gazed entranced, a voice called out from behind me.
"Hey, small fry from Ehrenfest."
A ripple of murmurs spread around us.
It was an appallingly rude way to address someone, but the owner of that voice was someone for whom such rudeness was tolerated. What frustrated me was that since a member of the royal family had spoken to me, I couldn't simply ignore him.
Reluctantly tearing my eyes away from her, I plastered on the same pleasant smile I had worn during the etiquette practical and turned around.
"...I am deeply honored that you have graced me with your attention, Prince Anastasius."
"I hear you've been doing some rather interesting things? I'd like to hear about it. Come here."
As commanded, I walked toward Anastasius, tilting my head in puzzlement.
He said he had "heard various things," but I had no idea what he had heard, from whom, or what he thought about it. At the very least, I couldn't recall ever doing anything particularly interesting.
"What sort of stories have reached your ears, Prince Anastasius? I really can't recall doing anything that would merit such a description..."
"I truly have no idea what you're referring to," I replied as I knelt before Anastasius. The prince, who had several female students attending him, lightly raised one eyebrow.
"You attacked Fraurealm with that strange steed of yours modeled after a magical beast, didn't you?"
What kind of rumors were circulating? The way he put it, I sounded like a dangerous person. I hurried to deny the claim. When denying something, you had to be absolutely clear—if you were vague, it would be taken as an admission.
"I swear to the gods that I have never done anything as dangerous as attacking a professor. ...Well, it is true that my steed is a bit different from everyone else's..."
When I said this, Anastasius narrowed his eyes slightly and, looking down at me, let his gaze wander as if weighing his thoughts.
"Hmm. If your accounts differ, then the truth can't be determined, can it? ...Very well. Then show me this steed of yours. I shall judge for myself whether it's dangerous or not."
...How utterly unnecessary. I had no desire to be judged by someone who wasn't even my professor.
Shoving my inner voice behind a pleasant smile, I said "As you wish," and crossed both hands over my chest.
"Then let's go outside."
Anastasius stood with an air of immediacy, and I was startled. I didn't want to make a conspicuous exit right in the middle of everything.
If I couldn't make it back before practice resumed, the one who would be scolded by the instructor wouldn't be Anastasius, the royal family member, but me—the one being dragged around.
"...Prince Anastasius, wouldn't it be fine to wait until after the Dedication Dance practice? Compared to seeing something as insignificant as my steed, the practice is far more important."
I wanted to pass as quickly as possible. For that, I couldn't afford to skip the very first day of practice.
Noticing that the break was nearly over and the Dedication Dance instructors were returning, Anastasius lightly shrugged his shoulders.
"You're right. It can wait until later. ...You may look young, but you're quite the strategist, aren't you? You won't catch me so easily by dangling your unusual steed as bait."
"...Catch me?"
...Wait. If my memory served correctly, hadn't he been the one who ordered me to "show it to him"? Why was he making it sound like I had lured him?
Completely unable to fathom Anastasius's thought process, I decided to deny it outright. If I left things ambiguous, rumors would spread that I had foolishly thrown myself at a royal family member right after enrolling.
"Rest assured. I have no intention of luring or inviting you anywhere, Prince Anastasius. Since I've made a promise, I will show you my steed later, but I swear I will never approach you again."
"...Is that so?"
He gave me a puzzled look, but it was important to deny things firmly to prevent any strange misunderstandings.
Honestly, I was terrified of the eyes of the ladies surrounding Anastasius. There was undoubtedly a fierce battle among them for the honor of escorting him at the graduation ceremony. The rivalry was so intense that they even directed hostility toward me—someone who was obviously no threat as a romantic rival. Terrifying, truly terrifying.
When I was finally permitted to leave Anastasius's presence, I heard the instructors' voices calling us back. Wilfried was waiting with a worried expression, and I reported, "I agreed to show Prince Anastasius my steed after practice."
"Rozemine, make sure you don't mess this up."
Wilfried looked paler and more tense than I did. I nodded firmly, and the second half of practice began.
"Now then, let's see how much practice each of you has put in."
If the first-years surpassed the passing line, they were apparently done. The instructors prioritized practice for the final-year students, so everyone else was to continue practicing in their own territories. They wanted to see how much we had improved by the time we became second-years.
I had to pass today, no matter what.
Everyone lined up and performed the dance exactly as they had been practicing in their respective territories. I recalled the dance of the girl who had offered prayers to the Light Goddess, and did my absolute best to dance as carefully and closely to her example as possible.
...The library, the library, the library was waiting for me!
My Dedication Dance, which I had poured every ounce of my feelings into, apparently reached the passing line. The instructor smiled and said, "Very well done." With this, I no longer needed to attend Dedication Dance practice. All of this year's first-years had apparently reached the passing line, and everyone passed.
"You're welcome to come and observe, of course. Watching the upperclassmen dance is quite educational."
The instructor said this, but the library was far more important to me than watching Dedication Dance practice. I had no intention of spending time just observing.
...Next were the steed and the schtap. Just a little more.
Regarding the steed, my backdoor deal with
...Just a little more until the library.
Having passed the Dedication Dance with a buoyant feeling, I left the small hall, heading back to the dormitory. Immediately, Wilfried—his face pale—grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and hissed at me in a low voice.
"Have you forgotten your promise with Prince Anastasius?"
"...It completely slipped my mind."
"That's why you..."
Wilfried sighed and said that Richarda was waiting outside the small hall, then headed back to the dormitory himself. Apparently, Wilfried—having not been invited—could not be present.
...Close call, close call.
Wiping away my mental cold sweat, I waited at the small hall's exit for Anastasius to emerge. He came out surrounded by several female students, spotted me, snorted, and laughed at me derisively.
"Oh, you were waiting here for me? Sorry, but something urgent came up. I can't possibly entertain you."
"Prince Anastasius said he would honor us with his company. My apologies."
I felt clear hostility from the giggling female students. I had no desire to get caught up in the troubles of women fighting for the prince's favor.
I promptly excused myself from the scene.
"I am well aware that members of the royal family are busy. Please don't trouble yourself over it. Come now, Richarda. Let's return to the dormitory quickly."
I called out to Richarda, whose expression was a touch sterner than usual. I imagined she was angry on my behalf at being so dismissively treated.
"I want to get back and read the rest of the book I started this morning."
When I said this with a smile, Richarda dropped her shoulders in a resigned manner and started walking.
Without even glancing back at the hostile gazes of the female students, I paid no attention at all to what expression Anastasius might have worn at that moment.
Despite everything that happened, all that Rozemine had on her mind was passing the Dedication Dance.
Wilfried ended up being forced to attend his cousin's tea party.
Next up: passing the steed examination.