Published: August 15, 2025
And so, a new life began.
Since I had Richarda, the chief attendant, by my side, life in the castle didn’t feel all that different.
However, when I woke up, Liselotte and Brynhildr had already finished getting ready and were in the room. Feeling a bit uneasy about lazily sleeping while everyone else was awake, I wanted to get up early. But since I was the one being taken care of, if I got up early, my attendants would have to rise even earlier, so I had to restrain myself.
Breakfast was to be taken in the dining hall. After changing, Brynhildr, Liselotte, and even the Guard Knights, along with their respective attendants, all moved together to the dining hall in a group. It seemed like a herald had gone ahead, because when I descended to the second floor on my Mount, Brother Cornelius and the others were already waiting.
“Good morning, Lady Rosemine.”
The student aides were to eat together with me, and the serving was left to each attendant. Apparently, once lectures started, it was difficult to stagger meal times leisurely. So, I would be served breakfast by Richarda.
After finishing breakfast, I had someone carry the materials the high priest had drilled into us, and we moved to the multipurpose hall. The first-year countermeasure meeting was about to start.
“Richarda is here to attend to you, and Filine, the civil official apprentice, will be with you as well. We’ll leave one Guard Knight behind, and the others can head to their strategy meetings if needed.”
“The protection will be too thin, Lady Rosemine,” Brother Cornelius and Wilfried both furrowed their brows.
“It’s fine within the dormitory, Cornelius. Lord Ferdinand gave us plenty of amulets.”
“Amulets?”
“They’re magic tools so dangerous that those who attack will feel sorry for themselves.”
Without a stave, I couldn’t perform any real attacks unless I recited prayers or used intimidation by losing rationality to unleash my anger. I told the high priest that during the attack two years ago, I was unable to do anything in a pinch. In response, he gave me a magic tool that replenishes mana automatically by being worn constantly and activates immediately when attacked.
“I was told never to disclose how I wear it or how it activates, to prevent countermeasures, but it’s truly a magic tool typical of Lord Ferdinand.”
At my words, Brother Cornelius and Wilfried both grimaced. Had something happened between the high priest and them while I was asleep?
“...Understood. Then, I shall entrust Lady Rosemine’s protection to Leonore.”
“No, Cornelius. Please allow me to take charge of her protection,” Angelica stepped forward with a determined smile. Brother Cornelius smiled back enthusiastically, facing Angelica.
“The key to victory for the knight apprentice team is countering Angelica. Both the strategy meetings and study sessions won’t start without her, right?”
Angelica was dragged along by Cornelius’ smile. Though they had grown physically, what they did was exactly the same as in the 'Team to Raise Angelica’s Grades' days.
I glanced at Judith, who looked stunned watching Angelica being dragged away, and smiled softly.
“Judith, you may go as well. The second-year students’ discussion has already started at that table.”
“Y-yes. I’ll be going.”
I might have shattered Judith’s illusions about Angelica all at once. It’s unfortunate, but it’s better to know the truth sooner so the wounds are less deep. Angelica’s strength is genuine; she’s just not very good at studying.
“Is Leonore okay without studying?”
“No need to worry. She got the materials from Cornelius and has already looked over the fourth-year lectures.”
“Well, Leonore is quite capable.”
I remembered Darmel’s difficulties with Angelica and muttered, causing Leonore to smile awkwardly.
“Lady Rosemine learned this two years ago from Cornelius, didn’t she...?”
“I just compiled the materials with Darmel to teach Angelica. I haven’t fully memorized it and have mostly forgotten.”