Once the dedication dance was over, I took my leave early, pretending to feel unwell just as I'd planned. I asked Father and Mother to stay and watch
"Nothing went wrong, so that's a relief.
As soon as we arrived at the dormitory, Brother Lamprecht let out a sigh of relief and said with a wry smile, and Angelica nodded. "That's exactly what makes being a guard worthwhile." Apparently, while I'd been at the
"Brother Lamprecht, how is
Since there were basically only family around, I figured it was safe to bring up Aurelia, so I asked Brother Lamprecht how the pregnant Aurelia was faring.
"She's been spending her time leisurely, reading the Ehrenfest book that Mother gave her to stave off boredom."
"What an enviable life— No, wait, she's in a foreign land for the first time and it's her first pregnancy, so Brother Lamprecht, please do take good care of her. The way you tend to leave everything to Mother, I'm worried Aurelia might lose patience with you."
Ignoring my concerns, it seemed that
"But... you're right. She did mention the other day that she was starting to miss the tastes of home."
"Fish, isn't it? Once I return from the Royal Academy, I plan to have the court chef teach me their preparation methods—exclusively for me, of course. I've already obtained my adoptive father's permission."
"That would be a great help."
I beamed at the smiling Brother Lamprecht, and he beamed right back.
"There's nothing wrong with having Aurelia, who provided the ingredients, taste-test the results, but teaching Brother Lamprecht's cook the recipes and preparation methods will come at a fee. Brother Lamprecht, you'd better work hard to earn money for your cute new wife."
"Are you going to charge me too, Rozemyne?"
I nodded at the wide-eyed Brother Lamprecht. "Of course."
"I already receive compensation from Father, from
If Aurelia had alternative fish recipes to offer, an exchange would have been fine, but there was no way a princess like Aurelia would know how to prepare them. Incidentally, the ingredients Aurelia had brought were disguised as Ehrenfest cloth and were now Aurelia's veil. This was because Aurelia, embarrassed by my gift, had offered the exchange herself.
"If you can source the fish ingredients from
"Can't be helped. I'll work hard for it."
Brother Lamprecht said this looking dejected, so I decided to encourage him.
"The more you work hard for your family, the better a father you'll be, Brother Lamprecht."
...Just like my dad back home.
After the dedication dance, there were only the High Priest's words of farewell, so it wasn't long before everyone returned for lunch. Due to the dining hall's capacity, the lord's family and the graduates with their guardians ate first, with the current students eating at a staggered time.
At my table sat Father, Mother, Brother Lamprecht, Angelica, Brother Cornelius, and
"Brother Cornelius's dance was really wonderful."
"Thanks, Rozemyne."
While Brother Cornelius, his tension finally released, was speaking in his usual casual manner, Leonore—seated next to him—was stiff as a board. Hoping she'd relax a little if I changed the subject, I spoke up.
"You've been selected for next year's dance, haven't you, Leonore? I'm looking forward to seeing your performance too."
"I'll have to practice hard so Rozemyne doesn't end up thinking my dance is a far cry from Cornelius's."
"Indeed. The knights' order has been pleased to see more Ehrenfest members being selected for the dance. Do your best."
At Father's words as Knight Commander, Leonore replied, "I'll work hard to meet your expectations." Leonore was earnest, so she'd surely practice diligently and deliver a steady, impressive performance.
"Oh, by the way, Leonore, you had this outfit made for today, didn't you? Will you need a new one for next year's coming-of-age ceremony?"
Mother asked this because the skirt length changed upon coming of age, meaning the same outfit couldn't be reused the following year. Despite the beautiful fabric that had gone into making such a lovely garment, Leonore shook her head with a small smile.
"I consulted with Brünhilde and modeled it after Rozemyne's outfit, so I plan to alter the skirt length and decorations to reuse it next year. Knowing how to modify outfits from the start—that's a privilege of being Rozemyne's attendant."
Leonore had received various tips from Brünhilde, who had watched most closely as I added fabric scraps and changed decorations to repurpose outfits. Apparently, Leonore had hers tailored from the start in a way that would be easy to alter.
After the pleasant lunch, Brother Cornelius hurried upstairs to his room. He needed to change from his dance outfit into formal attire, so he was swamped.
By the time the current students finished lunch, Brother Cornelius had also finished changing, and everyone headed out for the afternoon graduation ceremony.
"I'll stay here and read quietly."
"This year, you're to keep quiet without any blessings or anything of the sort."
"I'll be careful."
I nodded vigorously at my adoptive father's words and settled in at the dormitory for some peaceful reading. I would have liked to go to the library, but naturally, if I went out and was spotted, they'd discover I'd faked my illness to skip the graduation ceremony. It would be troublesome if I could no longer conveniently use "I'm not feeling well" or "I'm frail" as excuses going forward.
And, as always, my supervisor was the Chief Priest. I showed him the materials I'd borrowed from
"Ferdinand, have you ever seen the Magical Tools described in these materials at the library?"
"...I know these. There were materials about them in my lab, so I intended to make them Raimund's next assignment. I've seen this one too. I don't recognize this one. Perhaps it's already broken. Once the creator is gone, repairs can be quite difficult."
Unless it was a case where a teacher needed to publish research to continue their work, or the Central Government wanted to purchase and distribute it nationwide, the methods for creating Magical Tools were rarely made public on a large scale. Once the creator died, it often became impossible to do anything about them.
"If the materials are about Magical Tools created by a Royal Academy teacher, the apprentice usually inherits the documentation, and when they're no longer needed, they're donated to the library. But for tools made by other researchers, they tend to be kept hidden."
"You have quite a few Magical Tools you're keeping hidden too, don't you, Ferdinand?"
Dangerous items, ones he'd judged better not to release into the world, ones
"That's because I judged it appropriate. On top of that, my Magical Tools tend to require too much Magic Power, making them difficult for others to use. There's no point releasing a tool that most people can't operate."
"Then it would be great if Raimund could reduce the Magic Power requirements so they could be released."
I was thinking about how wonderful it would be to have more convenient tools, when the Chief Priest regarded me with a thoroughly puzzled expression.
"Why?"
"Huh? Why? Well... since they've gone to the trouble of being created, wouldn't it be better if they were useful to the world and made people happy? It would be a waste of talent—let's put it to use for everyone's benefit."
"No, not really. I only created them because I wanted to, not because I wanted them to be useful to the world. Even if they happen to be useful in some cases, I don't imagine I'll ever create Magical Tools with that in mind."
His thoroughly Chief-Priest-like answer made me sigh softly, and Eustachius smiled wryly.
While I was discussing the library Magical Tools with the Chief Priest, the graduation ceremony came to an end. Starting the day after, we'd need to begin preparations for our return to Ehrenfest.
I received permission to go to the library to provide Magic Power to
The Chief Priest was heading to the library as well. The official reason was that he was the owner of the large magic stone used for long-term Magic Power storage, but the real reason was the reminder ordinance. Given the possibility that
"If you hadn't gotten the prince involved, none of this would have been necessary..."
"I am truly sorry."
...I mean, I didn't think it would turn into such a big deal.
Pouting slightly, I continued walking. As we left the Central Building and traversed the connecting corridor, I spotted a great many riding tools streaking through the sky above.
"With black cloaks... could they be the Central Knights' Order?"
"After such an assault, they'll be investigating who was behind it, questioning the various lords, and conducting actual on-the-ground inquiries. There'll be no end to it."
I nodded along at the Chief Priest's words and walked briskly. Perhaps because I hadn't been exercising much lately, the path to the library felt terribly long.
"Solange, it's been a while. I've finally been able to come to the library."
"Oh my, Rozemyne! And Ferdinand as well. Welcome!"
As I entered the reading room, Solange greeted me with wide eyes. Schwartz and Weiss were with her, of course.
"Ferdinand had forbidden me from entering the library while it was crowded with students preparing for their final exams."
I tattled, "Isn't that terrible?" but Solange simply smiled wryly, saying, "Ferdinand had all sorts of worries too," while the Chief Priest gave a dismissive snort.
With seemingly no interest in that conversation, Schwartz and Weiss bounced around me.
"Lady, it's been a while!"
"Lady, reading books?"
"Today I've come to provide Magic Power to Schwartz and Weiss. It's time to return to Ehrenfest again."
Touched by their cuteness, I smiled and stroked each of their foreheads to supply Magic Power. While I poured in generous amounts, Solange told me about the Library Committee's activities. After the tea party, Hildebrand had been stopping by occasionally to provide Magic Power, and once more students began attending, Hannalore had taken over.
"I heard that some students tried touching Schwartz after seeing Hannalore provide Magic Power..."
"I made it widely known that those wearing armbands have special permission."
The library committee armbands were already proving useful. Since the wearers happened to be the Third Prince and a lord candidate from a major territory, there was no particular jealousy, and the other students had apparently accepted Schwartz and Weiss being tended to without issue.
"I'm glad there weren't any problems. That's a relief. What happened with the reminder ordinance? Did Prince Hildebrand get permission from the king?"
"He requested it, but apparently he's been confined to his room. He sent an ordinance of apology. However, thanks to the reminder ordinance Ferdinand helped with last year, this year's return rate has been excellent. There's no need to send reminders again."
Solange thanked me, saying, "You've truly been a great help," and the Chief Priest returned her smile.
"As a favor in return, would you show us the library's Magical Tools that have stopped functioning?"
"The library's Magical Tools that have stopped functioning?"
Solange tilted her head, and I showed her the materials I'd borrowed.
"According to these materials, there are Magical Tools that require three senior Librarians working together to operate—quite a number of them, it seems. If it's all right, would you lend them to me for research? Raimund, an apprentice civil official from Ahrensbach, might be able to improve them. He's very skilled at making modifications."
I wanted to see the actual Magical Tools as reference for when I built my own library. The Chief Priest wanted to examine Magical Tools he hadn't seen before, research them, and possibly create his own. Raimund wanted a new project. Solange would have an easier time if more Magical Tools could run on less Magic Power. It should work out well for everyone.
Solange gave a somewhat wry smile of agreement in response to my pitch.
"If they could be made to operate with less Magic Power, that would be a tremendous help."
"Then let's summon Raimund. It's better to see them in person."
The Chief Priest immediately sent an ordinance to summon Raimund. Raimund, who had apparently been in Hirschur's lab, burst into the reading room without even having had time to tidy his appearance. His hair was disheveled and his clothes were somewhat grimy.
"Fix your appearance before leaving the lab. This is disgraceful."
Receiving a disapproving look from the Chief Priest, Raimund hastily pulled out his staff, intending to use Washen for a quick cleanup. I quickly raised my voice to stop him.
"Raimund, please use your Washen outside the library! You'll get the books wet!"
"...You're the only one who could produce a Washen powerful enough to reach books from here."
The Chief Priest said this with an exasperated expression, but to be safe, I had Raimund step out of the reading room to tidy himself up. Then, guided by Solange, we moved from the reading room to the office, where she showed us the Magical Tools that had stopped functioning.
"This is a tool for cleaning the inside of the library, and this one is for dampening loud voices in the reading room."
The library was vast, so cleaning was a lot of work, but it could be done manually. It was also well known that making noise was prohibited, and anyone who raised their voice would be glared at by surrounding patrons trying to study. So even without Magical Tools, things were manageable. Convenient to have, but not strictly necessary.
"If you'd like to study these, there's no problem at all."
"May I take them? Even if I can't improve them, I'll return them infused with enough Magic Power to operate for a while."
After the Chief Priest handed over the lower-priority Magical Tools, Solange politely declined further lending. "I need the Magical Tools for my daily work. If one were to break during the research process, that would be a problem. I'd appreciate it if you could simply examine them."
"Just examining them is more than sufficient. Opportunities to view important Magical Tools in a library are exceedingly rare."
Since the chance to converse with Solange like this didn't come often, Raimund peppered her with questions about the library's Magical Tools. Some Solange answered herself, while others the Chief Priest knew about in surprising detail.
"If you want to improve this one, what about separating this section and connecting it this way?"
"No, before that, it would be better to make this part functional first. With that approach, using materials with both wind and earth affinities, you should be able to cut away this entire section."
Staring at the magic circles of Magical Tools that were embedded into the library walls as though they were fixtures, the Chief Priest and Raimund launched into an animated discussion. Honestly, I had absolutely no idea what they were talking about.
Since they seemed to be enjoying themselves, I left them to it and returned the materials I'd been having Lihwala carry to Solange. Solange also returned the romance-heavy knight stories I'd lent her.
"They were very useful. There were many Magical Tools I'd love to incorporate if I build a library in the future, and learning about a Librarian's daily life was truly enjoyable."
"I had a wonderful time reading the Ehrenfest books too. They're written in such easy-to-understand language, I imagine they'd be very popular with students. Please lend them to me again if you have the chance."
As Solange and I exchanged thoughts on each other's books, a small bell chimed outside the office door.
"Who could it be? The graduation ceremony has just ended, and I don't have any appointments..."
Solange rang the bell on her desk, and what appeared to be her attendant—who had been in the living quarters—came out and went to open the door.
Behind the door stood the Central Knight Commander. He entered the office, displaying a magic stone set into an ornament.
"Due to the attack scare, the royal family has been forbidden from going out, so I've come in Prince Hildebrand's place."
The Knight Commander had apparently come in person for the reminder ordinance. I was startled by the unexpected development, and Solange began to fuss.
"I told Prince Hildebrand that the return rate is good this year, so the reminder ordinance isn't necessary..."
"Seems there was a miscommunication. But my business isn't limited to that. I've been wanting to hear details about the Restricted Archive. It came up during the prince's conversation at the library tea party, and I'd never heard of such a thing."
At the Knight Commander's words, the Chief Priest grabbed my and Raimund's arms and murmured, "Let's go." Realizing I shouldn't interfere with the Knight Commander, I gave a slight nod.
"The Restricted Archive is a collection that can only be entered when three senior Librarians are present. The key is currently stored in their rooms, and I'm unable to gain entry. I'd like to request the appointment of new Librarians."
"Is it not a collection only the royal family can enter?"
"That's one of the rumors Rozemyne mentioned—the truth of which is uncertain."
I had been about to say my farewells when my name suddenly came up, and I flinched. The Knight Commander looked at me and deepened his smile. "The Saint of Ehrenfest, is it? How convenient."
"Who told you about it, Rozemyne?"
I was pinned down by the Knight Commander's hawk-brown eyes, gasped involuntarily, and ducked behind the Chief Priest. Eustachius had been the one to first provide me information about the Restricted Archive, and he was the Chief Priest's Attendant. If it was information Eustachius had obtained, the Chief Priest should know about it too. Unsure whether I could give a personal name, I left the matter to the Chief Priest.
"It's simply an unverified rumor, Knight Commander."
The Chief Priest stepped forward and said.
"However, in materials Rozemyne recently borrowed from Solange, there were descriptions of royals accessing the library's collections. It may truly exist, or it may simply be the collection Solange mentioned that can be opened with the key."
The Knight Commander looked toward Solange, and she held out the materials I had just returned.
"It's a diary from a former Librarian. As Ferdinand mentioned, there were descriptions of royals who came of age around the time of the lord's conferences visiting the library. If you wish to investigate further, please take it."
The Knight Commander accepted the materials and gave a single nod. Then he fixed his gaze on the Chief Priest.
"You, Ferdinand—child of the
"My
At the Chief Priest's reply, he bid Solange farewell and left the library immediately. Raimund came along.
Raimund headed for the civil officials' specialist building, while the Chief Priest and I walked toward the Central Building.
"Ferdinand, please slow down a little."
"..."
The Chief Priest, walking briskly toward the dormitory with an expression more severe than usual, either didn't hear me or simply didn't reduce his speed.
"Ferdinand!"
"...You're slow."
"It's you who's fast, Ferdinand. Did something happen?"
Looking up at him, the Chief Priest exhaled deeply and slowly ran a hand through his hair. After glancing up at the Central Knights riding overhead, he shook his head slowly.
"...Nothing."
After that, he matched my pace and walked normally. But he was noticeably quieter than usual, and he didn't engage even when I brought up Magical Tools.
And then, starting the next day, the preparations to return to Ehrenfest began, and my second year at the Royal Academy came to an end.
It was over.
My second year at the Royal Academy was finally over.
Next, I'll be sorting things out back in Ehrenfest.