Published: August 15, 2025
“Princess, to the reading room, let’s go.”
“I will guide you.”
The two rabbits guiding me were Shuwaltz and Weiss. As they said this, they tried to head deeper into Solange’s office. We all exchanged glances, wondering if it was okay to go further in like this, when Solange called out to the two with a wry smile.
“Shuwaltz, Weiss. That door is not for guiding guests.”
Apparently, beyond this office was a door that led directly to the library’s work area.
Although Shuwaltz and Weiss used that door daily, Solange reminded them it was not an entrance for guests. So, the two rabbits trotted back to the door through which we had entered, and then opened it wide for us.
“We’ll go this way.”
“The princess is our guest.”
Since Shuwaltz and Weiss were magic tools designed to work, perhaps that was why the clothes they wore were puff-sleeved, short-sleeved dresses. Shuwaltz, the black rabbit, wore a predominantly white dress, while Weiss, the white rabbit, wore a dress primarily black—their outfits were color inverses.
Over their dresses, they wore vests with intricate embroidery in various colors. The shiny stones used as buttons appeared to be mana stones. If those decorative buttons were mana stones, the clothes themselves must be quite valuable. Moreover, I had never seen magic tools working like this before in the noble academy. Perhaps their very existence was rare.
“Teacher Solange, won’t Shuwaltz and Weiss be suddenly snatched away or stripped naked? I am very worried about them.”
“Shuwaltz and Weiss were created as magic tools for working in the library. Except when accompanying their master, they cannot operate outside the library. Also, although I don’t know the details, previous masters with similar concerns had various protections installed to prevent them from being taken away. As long as they remain inside the library, there is no need to worry.”
That was reassuring, and I stepped out of Solange’s office, prompted by Shuwaltz and Weiss.
“Princess, this way.”
The two led the way, crossing the corridor at the front of our group. Their heads and ears bounced as they trotted adorably. I wondered who had made them, as it seemed we shared similar tastes in cuteness.
While I was thinking this, a sigh of admiration came from behind me, filled with awe.
“Ah, how adorable.”
I looked back to see Liselotte, who was usually calm beyond her years, shining her deep green eyes as she stared at Shuwaltz and Weiss.
The moment our eyes met, Liselotte’s expression tightened as if startled, yet her gaze kept flickering toward the two rabbits, clearly fascinated.
“When Liselotte praises Shuwaltz and Weiss, their master is also happy.”
“Is that so? …Well, I keep Shumil at home, and since this is the first time I’ve ever seen such large, talkative Shumil-type magic tools, I suppose I got a little carried away.”
Liselotte smiled softly, feeling relieved, and slowly returned her gaze to Shuwaltz and Weiss. Her look spoke volumes about how irresistibly cute she found them. Liselotte’s admiration was charming, but a certain word caught my attention.
“…Shumil?”
I had heard that word somewhere before. As I tried to recall where, I looked at Shuwaltz and Weiss. While I couldn’t immediately remember, Liselotte eagerly began teaching me about the Shumil.
“The real Shumil are about the size of my knee and are demonic beasts kept as pets among nobles. Of course, unlike magic tool dolls, they do not speak but only make a ‘puhi puhi’ sound. Lady Rosemine, have you ever seen one? They love currants and are very charming when eating them diligently.”
“…‘Puhi puhi’?”
That word finally triggered my memory. I grimaced recalling a rather unpleasant first meeting with my foster father.
“…I can’t say exactly who, but I was told once that I resembled a Shumil.”
“Well, now that you mention it, your golden eyes are similar. The Shumil I know have a glossy navy-blue coat that reminds me of your hair color. It’s probably meant as a compliment about how adorable Lady Rosemine is.”