Published: August 25, 2025
And so, the day of the tea party arrived.
I polished my hair to a glossy shine using Rinshan and had Brynhildr style it for me. The hairstyle and outfit incorporated the latest trends from the noble academy but were adorned with flowers in a way that made them stand out. Even while sipping tea, the floral hair ornament and the decoration at my chest caught the eye.
Of course, the sweets I brought to the tea party were quatre-quarts. Since I didn’t know Solange’s preferences, I had prepared a plain one this time.
“There really is no information about Solange-sensei. It seems she definitely hasn’t had tea with anyone else. Until Lady Rosemine suggested her as a tea partner, I didn’t even recognize Solange-sensei as someone suitable for tea parties,” Brynhildr said.
“I would have liked to visit the library to gather information slowly from the person herself if I had the time, but I had no such leisure. Still, as Brynhildr said, she was probably very lonely spending time alone without being seen as someone to socialize with. I hope this tea party with Lady Rosemine will be some comfort to her,” added Liselotte.
As attendants, Brynhildr and Liselotte tried to gather information about Solange but apparently, no one—neither within Ehrenfest nor among the attendant apprentices of other territories—had any information about her.
“The quatre-quarts will be served on plates, with cream, honey, currant jam, and fruit liqueur so that anyone can enjoy their favorite flavor. We’ll gather more information little by little from here,” I said.
If we learn her tastes, I can bake a quatre-quarts tailored to them. The tea this time was also prepared to complement the quatre-quarts. It’s my role to casually find out her preferences during the conversation.
Liselotte checked off the things I should do during the tea party while looking at me.
“Princess, you have the topics memorized, right?”
“Yes.”
“And today, you must not use the writing board. We are bringing a civil official apprentice to keep conversation to a minimum.”
Filine stood nearby, looking far more nervous than I was. This was her first assignment as a scribe. Hartmut would assist her as well, but some upcoming tea parties might be women-only. Filine would have to do her best.
“Filine, I know it’s tough, but please do your best.”
“Lady Rosemine, this is my first time carrying so much expensive paper. My hands are shaking.”
I had given Filine some defective paper from the workshop that I use as memo paper. I think it’s effective use of unusable paper, but Filine clearly did not see it that way.
“…But you need paper and ink to take notes, right? I could lend you my writing board, but if you’re not used to it, you won’t be able to control your handwriting size or choose which words to jot down.”
The writing board is held in one hand and used for taking brief notes, so you can’t write much.
Normally, no civil official would take notes during a tea party, but since we need to arrange fittings for Schwarz and Weiss and I will bring the draft of the knight’s tale to get Solange’s impressions, the civil official will accompany us.
That is the official reason. The real purpose is to let Filine gain experience as a civil official apprentice and, at Brynhildr’s request, to record Solange’s reactions.
Based on how Solange responds at this tea party, the civil officials and attendants will think about how Ehrenfest students can promote trends at future tea parties and how to catch the attention of people from other territories.
All my close aides would come along, as well as Rosina, who would play music. Since the tea party would be in the office connected to the reading room, whether or not Rosina would actually perform would depend on Solange’s wishes, but not bringing her would be rude.
“…Have I forgotten anything?”
I checked once more in front of the entrance. The cart Liselotte was pushing was packed with sweets, tea, and everything needed for the tea party. Brynhildr looked me over to check my hairpin placement and outfit, while Filine reviewed her stationery supplies.