Published: August 15, 2025
A few first-year students hadn’t appeared at breakfast, but by lunchtime, all the first-years had gathered. It seemed everyone had successfully assimilated the "god's will" without incident.
"I was worried you wouldn’t make it in time for lunch," Wilfried said with a proud expression, accompanied by his attendants as we headed to the small hall where the dedication dance practice was held.
The lord candidates had dedication dance lessons, the senior knight apprentices had sword dance training, and the rest practiced music. Since it was difficult for everyone to perform the Fischpiel, they practiced other instruments like flutes and drums.
“...Is Angelica practicing sword dance?”
“Yes. Teacher Rufen recommended her. She’s not good with music, so she’s happy about it.”
Later, Brother Cornelius quietly informed me that Angelica had mana equivalent to that of high nobility, excelled at the physically demanding sword dance, was a stunning beauty which added flair to the performance, had no interest in learning instruments and wasn’t improving, and various reasons combined for her recommendation.
“Even though she’s bad at music, didn’t she have to perform the Fischpiel as well?”
“I’ve been trained in the Fischpiel since I was little and practiced desperately in second year to get permission to wield the demonic sword Steinluk. I haven’t improved much since then but have managed to survive with it.”
She had fought with her family over choosing a specialized course, working hard to be acknowledged as a knight apprentice who could wield a demonic sword. Angelica is incredibly determined when it comes to her goals—I understand that well.
“...I see. It’s good that she has a teacher who accommodates her.”
“Yes. Sword dance is very enjoyable, so I’m glad she was recommended.”
If Angelica is motivated, that’s what matters. I was about to think lightly of it when Judith’s words made me widen my eyes.
“Angelica is truly exceptional, Lady Rosemine.”
“Huh?”
“Not every high noble is chosen for sword dance. Especially from Ehrenfest, very few have been selected historically. Despite being a mid-level knight, Angelica’s selection is truly remarkable.”
Judith’s violet eyes sparkled as she proudly puffed out her chest and explained that both dedication dance and sword dance selections took place at the end of fifth year.
Ernesta, Charlotte’s Guard Knight who learned the Rosemine-style compression method just before fifth year started, lacked enough mana to be selected for sword dance and missed it by a hair. She was very frustrated because by final year, her mana was sufficient.
“I’m a mid-level noble and not as strong as Angelica, so I probably won’t be chosen, but Leonore and Traugott might have a chance.”
If Leonore and Traugott, both high nobility, learn the Rosemine-style compression method before selection and improve their mana, they could be chosen.
Traugott’s deep blue eyes glinted sharply.
“I want to learn Lady Rosemine’s mana compression method and be chosen for sword dance like Angelica and Cornelius.”
“I’d be happy if one of my Guard Knights is selected. Do your best.”
“Well then, Lord Wilfried and Lady Rosemine, please focus on your training... Today, all grades will gather.”
At Richarda’s words, Wilfried and I slowly nodded.
All lord candidates from every grade were to practice dedication dance together in the small hall—from freshmen to seniors. It was the first time meeting upperclassmen since the social gathering, so I felt a bit tense.
“First-years will observe the first half of the practice. Watch the upperclassmen’s dances carefully. In the second half, you’ll actually perform and show how well you can dance.”
The teacher’s instruction sent first-year lord candidates to sit on chairs lined up at the edge. Looking around the small hall, I saw different grades practicing separately. The first lesson’s purpose was to check how much progress had been made from spring to autumn.