"Things must be so difficult for every duchy right now."
Agreeing voices rose from the mid- and lower-ranking duchies. As someone raised as a Commoner, I had no real sense of it, but most of the other nobles had been directly affected by the political upheaval—some saw their lives dramatically change, while others felt the shifts acutely due to their proximity to the central duchies.
Even the
"Lady
"Well, I thought we should start by working hard where magic power isn't needed. Of course, we also need to work hard on increasing our magic power."
Ehrenfest's dramatic grade improvement had come from desk studies that required no magic power, and the trends it had spread weren't new Magical Tools but rather sweets and accessories. When I explained that if magic power was lacking, we would compete in other areas, voices of understanding rose around me.
"I've always thought Lady Rozemyne's hair ornaments were simply wonderful. So there are things one can do for one's duchy beyond magic power."
While some murmured that they should take note and think about it a little, others simultaneously raised the objection, "But aren't you also working hard in the areas that require magic power?" When I turned my gaze in that direction, a senior noble man attending in place of an absent lord candidate looked at me with probing eyes.
"My younger sister, who is a first-year, created a rideable riding beast, and I hear Lady Rozemyne was behind the idea as well. How did you come up with such a thing?"
"I've always had a weak body, so I've constantly wondered whether I could find a way to travel without being exposed to the elements as much as possible."
A pity to those impressed by my polished explanation, but it was a lie. When I heard "riding vehicle," a cart was the only thing that came to mind.
"The rideable model lets you mount it without changing into riding clothes, and you can load luggage on it as well, so it may be particularly convenient for women. However, my guard knights noted that it isn't suited for knights since it's difficult to use weapons."
"Ohhh," voices of admiration rose.
"The concept is certainly brilliant, but Lady Rozemyne's riding beast is modeled after a magical beast, isn't it? And there were rumors that you attacked our
At Dietlinde's words, the gazes around me once again converged on me. Saying "Lesser is cute!" here probably wouldn't convince anyone.
Wondering what to do, I noticed
"Rozemyne's riding beast was made to prioritize strength, which is why it took the form of a magical beast like that. Rozemyne's weak constitution made her yearn for and admire strong things. Even among people, she's fond of the Knight Commander. Lord
...Eh? He might be trying to cover for me, but he's wrong. He's completely off-base, Wilfried! When did I ever say I like strong people?!
Whether moved by this misguided support or merely acting, Dietlinde gazed at me with deeply worried, pity-filled eyes.
"Is that so. ...I can understand to some degree why the weak would seek strength, but as a woman, you would be better served seeking loveliness rather than strength."
Some nodded at Dietlinde's words, while others came to my defense.
"If Lady Rozemyne seeks strength, wouldn't she get along well with
"She stepped away briefly just now, apparently to use the washroom."
...I missed my chance to greet Lady Hannelore again. The timing today just isn't on my side.
"Everything is ready, Lady Rozemyne."
The moment I returned to my seat, I was surrounded by eyes brimming with excited anticipation. Looking at the lustrous hair of Ehrenfest's women, and then seeing that Eglantine's own hair had grown even shinier, it was clear that many women were interested in Rinsham.
With a wry smile, I took the small bottle Brunhilde offered—and caught a glimpse of Hannelore returning at the edge of my vision. We'd completely missed each other again. Before this was over, I really needed to exchange words with her at least once.
Thinking this, I began distributing the small bottles, starting with the fifth-years of
"Here you are. I'll have someone explain how to use it later."
"Oh my, thank you so much."
As I distributed them, I noticed the people Wilfried was talking to glancing my way. But taking advantage of the fact that nothing was said, I continued handing them to those who had become my friends.
"It has a wonderful fragrance, doesn't it? I'm very fond of it myself."
At Eglantine's words, those opening the small cork-like lids to enjoy the scent let out exclamations of delight. Preferences would vary, of course, but since I hadn't known who would end up receiving them, all of the Rinsham had been made with the same fragrance as Eglantine's.
"Brunhilde, please show their Attendants how to use it."
"Very well, Lady Rozemyne."
As Brunhilde gathered the friends' Attendants and began explaining how to use the Rinsham, those who hadn't received samples leaned forward as if unable to contain themselves.
"Lady Rozemyne, what is that? It smells wonderful."
"It's called Rinsham, and it's used to give hair a beautiful shine. There are only so many, so I was planning to distribute them only to my friends this time."
"Oh my, you won't give any to Lord Wilfried's friends? He is a lord candidate of Ehrenfest, same as you..."
Dietlinde widened her eyes slightly and looked at Wilfried. Wilfried, who had been receiving glances from all around, smiled faintly and shrugged.
"Rinsham was Rozemyne's creation. And unlike women, I'm not particularly interested in hair sheen, so matters of beauty like this are basically left to Rozemyne."
At his admission of having no interest in hair sheen, several of the male guests smiled wryly. They must have been unable to relate to women who lit up at the sight of Rinsham.
"I see. ...Lady Rozemyne, you'll let me have some, won't you?"
"Lady Dietlinde?"
...Excuse me? Why do you sound so certain that you'll get some?
Could it be that I was being commanded by a major duchy's lord candidate to "hand some over"? Caught off guard by this unexpected turn, I tilted my head in bewilderment, unsure how to handle it.
"Now, now, Lady Dietlinde. Didn't Lady Rozemyne just say she was giving them only to her friends? I don't think your conduct up to this point has been very friendly, to be honest."
With a gentle smile, the first-ranked
...Ah, so this is how the mid- and lower-ranking nobles cluster under stronger factions—to be protected from this kind of tyrannical power.
If Ahrensbach ordered Ehrenfest to comply, we would have no choice but to obey. But if the higher-ranked Klassenberg intervened, then Ahrensbach would have to back down.
For the first time, being shielded by Eglantine—who was neither a relative nor a guardian—I truly felt the position of mid- and lower-ranking nobles. At the same time, I learned firsthand what they sought in the leaders of their own factions.
...At the Royal Academy, I need to be mindful of getting along with everyone in order to become a top-ranking duchy. And when I return to Ehrenfest, I need to protect the mid- and lower-ranking nobles of my faction as one of its leaders.
But even with Eglantine intervening, Dietlinde didn't give up. She opened her deep green eyes wide in apparent surprise, blinked several times, and then lowered her gaze with a sorrowful flutter of her eyelashes, looking hurt.
"I'm always, always worried about Lady Rozemyne. She's my precious cousin who had to sleep for two whole years and went through such hardship."
...Eh? Eh? Precious cousin? Which cousin to which?
"Perhaps, to others, my words may have come across as a bit harsh, but that is simply the affection of family. You understand that, don't you, Lady Rozemyne?"
...I don't understand. Not one bit.
Having her story so masterfully flipped on me, I sat there dumbfounded listening to Dietlinde's impassioned speech. Snapping back to my senses, I hurried to deny her words. If I didn't explicitly refute this myself, Dietlinde's version of events would go unchallenged.
"...Was I Lady Dietlinde's cousin? This is the first I've ever heard that."
"How dreadful. Even Lady Rozemyne has misunderstood me."
As Dietlinde looked sadly downcast—an effect only amplified by her refined features—the surrounding guests, particularly the men, glanced away uncomfortably.
...I don't think that's a misunderstanding. I think that's just a lie. What do I do about this farce? How do I sort it out?
"Lady Rozemyne, it's all a misunderstanding. You are my precious cousin, aren't you?"
Even while receiving cold stares from Eglantine and those around her, Dietlinde seemed determined to push this charade through.
"My lady, then why not present a Rinsham to your dear cousin Dietlinde as well?"
I had decided to distribute Rinsham to friends for self-preservation. As Gudrun suggested, perhaps securing the title of cousin wasn't such a bad idea either.
...It's just so irritating after being told whatever she wanted.
"I had no idea Lady Dietlinde considered me her precious cousin. From now on, please do treat me as family."
Having made this declaration before lord candidates from all duchies, she would find it difficult to treat me dismissively afterward. With a bright smile, I held out the small bottle of Rinsham. Dietlinde accepted it and beamed.
"Yes, let's get along from now on, Lady Rozemyne."
Once Dietlinde received her sample, all the other women clamored for one as well. I did a quick headcount—it looked like I could just barely cover everyone who had gathered around me.
After finishing the distribution and providing usage instructions, the conversation shifted to Eglantine being escorted by Prince
"It was all thanks to Lady Rozemyne's help that I ended up receiving Prince Anastasius's escort."
"Is that so? Do tell us more."
The matter of which royal escorted whom was apparently of great political importance, and not just the women—even the male guests listened intently to Eglantine's story.
"Still, Lady Rozemyne, you had already returned to Ehrenfest by the time the socializing season began, yet you'd already built a relationship with Lady Eglantine."
"My first tea party was when I was invited by the music instructors. After that, I was invited to a tea party just before my return. My time at the Royal Academy is limited, so I was truly grateful that Lady Eglantine was willing to befriend me."
The people around expressed surprise at how early she had begun socializing, but Dietlinde's expression turned to one of sympathetic concern.
"Lady Eglantine will be graduating soon, so it must be quite nerve-wracking for you?"
"Oh my, Lady Dietlinde, you do worry so. There's no need for that kind of concern—Lady Rozemyne and I have promised to remain friends from now on. Right?"
Eglantine kept Dietlinde in check while smiling warmly at me. At that goddess-like smile, I nodded and smiled back.
"Um, Lady Rozemyne..."
A small, trembling voice reached me. When I turned, I saw Hannelore of Dunkelfelger standing there, her hands clasped tightly before her chest with an expression of great determination.
"Lady Hannelore."
"I've been meaning to speak with you about my brother..."
...Thank goodness. I can finally greet her properly.
I asked to be helped down from my chair and stood before Hannelore. She was on the smaller side, but still definitely taller than me. Looking up, I could see her rabbit-like red eyes glistening with emotion.
"I've been meaning to greet you properly as well. We keep missing each other."
I bowed formally. Hannelore looked at me in slight confusion, then matched my gesture and bowed in return.
...Huh? It seems like Hannelore didn't come here just to greet me? Did I mess up?
Growing anxious, I noticed Hannelore also looking uneasy, glancing around. I could see eyes full of curiosity—wondering what was about to happen—turned our way.
"I wanted to speak with you about my brother, but perhaps this isn't the right venue for that. Let's find another time."
...What could this be about? Was I about to be hit with some outrageous demand related to
I had won through a clever strategy in Ditter, refused Dunkelfelger's demand to become masters of
"Not only that, but I was also wondering if... you would be willing to become friends with me."
Hannelore fidgeted as she said this. I glanced at Brunhilde and went pale.
...It really was an outrageous demand! This is bad! I've already given out all the samples! I thought Hannelore had been talking with Wilfried and the others this whole time and wasn't interested in Rinsham! What do I do?
Perhaps for a major duchy, I should have held samples in reserve. Having already distributed everything, being asked for samples by a major duchy would be a problem. I wished they would assert themselves upfront like a proper major duchy. My head spun at this unexpected demand as I answered honestly.
"Lady Hannelore, I'm terribly sorry, but I've already finished distributing all the samples."
"...Eh?"
Her eyes, widened in surprise, slowly fell, and her head shook gently several times. By bowing her head slightly, others might not have been able to see her expression, but from my position—shorter than Hannelore—her crestfallen, on-the-verge-of-tears face was fully visible.
...Oooh! She gave me the most devastated look ever! What do I do? Help me, Justus!
When I instinctively turned back to Gudrun, she was smiling gently. She walked over quietly and stood behind me.
"Lady Rozemyne, I've heard from Teacher
Gudrun said this while gently pressing my shoulder. When I turned around with wide eyes, she nodded to confirm. Where on earth had she gotten that information from Solange? The question flickered through my mind for just an instant before being swept away by the importance of the information.
"Oh my! Lady Hannelore, do you enjoy books?"
"Y-Yes, I do. I'm quite fond of them."
Hannelore looked up and nodded. Despite barely any lord candidates ever visiting the library, Hannelore apparently went there regularly. If she had started reading in the library around the time her lectures ended, she must have begun frequenting it after I had returned to Ehrenfest. If not for these missed encounters, we could have become friends much sooner.
...Oooh! A princess who loves books—found! I absolutely want to befriend her. I must become friends with her. This must be the guidance of
I was so excited I wanted to pray on the spot, feeling magic power coursing through my body, but with so many lord candidates present and having just been criticized for my
"Lady Hannelore, I have several knight stories. Would you prefer stories focused on battles, or stories centered on romance? As a Dunkelfelger lord candidate, you'd probably prefer the battle-focused ones?"
"Actually, I tend to prefer stories centered on romance."
After a moment's thought, Hannelore answered in her gentle, unhurried tone. Just imagining the shy-looking Hannelore enjoying romance stories was enough to warm my heart.
...Lady Hannelore likes both, but prefers romance. Noted.
In that case, I'd lend her the romance-centered knight stories my mother wrote, listen to her impressions, and explore her tastes from there. Maybe we could even write books together someday. My dreams seemed to expand without limit.
"Then I'll have some delivered to you soon. I'm so happy to have made a friend who loves books."
When I beamed at her, Hannelore let out a small, relieved smile of her own—shy yet adorable. And then, as if struck by a thought, she clapped her hands together.
"Oh! In that case, I could lend you some books in return. What kind of books does Lady Rozemyne prefer?"
...Wh-What to do. Hannelore might actually be an angel. A precious angel who will lend me books. A messenger of Mestionora, goddess of wisdom. Oh, my friend!
Overflowing with excitement and joy, I was just about to raise my hand to finally pray—when Gudrun's hand on my shoulder tightened. The force in her grip told me clearly: "Suppress it." I fought to contain the magic power spiraling restlessly through my body in search of an outlet, and looked up at Hannelore.
"I'll read anything if it's a book, but I would especially love to read knight stories or romance tales passed down in Dunkelfelger."
"Understood. I'll have them delivered as soon as possible. Please let's be friends, Lady Rozemyne."
Hannelore smiled softly and took both my hands—the ones I had half-raised in an attempt to pray—and squeezed them gently.
...What is with this princess! She's so adorable! An adorable bookworm. What have I done—I've found the best friend in the world!
Hannelore's cute gesture made my own face break into a dopey grin.
"The pleasure is mine. Do let's be friends, Lady Hannelore. ...Ah..."
That was where my consciousness cut out.
When I came to, I was in bed. The familiar sensation from long ago made me sigh.
"...It's been a while since I last did this."
It seemed I had gotten too excited over my wonderful new friend. Without praying or transferring any magic power to a magic stone, the mana circulating inside me had exceeded the expanded capacity that had been so kindly enlarged by Yurive.
...Once I recover, I'll bring a book and go apologize to Lady Hannelore.
Dietlinde performed a spectacular flip-flop just to get her hands on Rinsham.
Apparently, she claims they're cousins.
Meanwhile, Hannelore was in tears after Rozemyne fainted the moment she discovered a fellow bookworm and held her hand.
Next time: the interduchy competition. The guardians who've received reports from Justus are arriving.