Published: August 25, 2025
After the tea party with Eglantine ended, I happily continued my daily visits to the library. This blissful routine would last for about two more weeks. I had to focus on reading as much as possible before returning for the dedication ceremony.
“Hey.”
I heard someone calling out to someone else. Thinking “Quiet, please” in the library, I flipped the page.
“Hey, you little Ehrenfest.”
“Lady Rosemine, Prince Anastasius is here!”
Liesereta, flustered, abruptly closed my book from the side. I was startled and looked up. Apparently, the noise had been coming from Anastasius all along.
I had heard from Restiraut of Dunkelfelger that lord candidates and royalty usually send their attendants to fetch the books they need and don’t come to the library themselves. So why was Anastasius here? Maybe he also liked the atmosphere of the library and came here of his own accord.
…My impression of the prince just went up a bit.
“Is there something you need? If there’s a book you require, Ms. Solange will find it for you immediately. Schwarz and Weiss also know a lot about the books and materials on the second floor.”
I gave a smile that was about thirty percent friendlier than usual. Anastasius’s expression, however, twisted into one of bitter displeasure.
“You don’t mean ‘is there something you need.’ The tea party with Eglantine ended three days ago, didn’t it? Why haven’t you reported back? Don’t tell me the letter requesting the meeting has gone missing?”
…So he’s not a book-loving prince after all. What a disappointment.
The goodwill I just felt dropped all at once. I sighed in dismay.
The missing letter excuse is a classic line meaning, “I did my part properly, but the civil official neglected to handle it…” It’s like when someone important makes a mistake and blames their secretary’s unilateral action.
Gray’s eyes glared at me with irritation, and I blinked several times, tilting my head in confusion.
“I promised not to approach Prince Anastasius myself, remember? I wouldn’t go back on an oath with the royal family, so I was quietly waiting to be summoned.”
…That was just a pretense. The truth was, I thought trying to contact Prince Anastasius myself would cause a fuss, so I used the promise as an excuse to wait until called.
“Since I promised not to contact you, I was at a loss for what to do.”
“You were so engrossed in reading that you didn’t even notice when I called out personally?”
Anastasius snorted, but I feigned ignorance and smiled, “I’m relieved to have the opportunity to report now.”
The conversation with Anastasius was held privately, so none of the aides knew a report on the tea party with Eglantine was necessary. That’s why everyone was pale now.
“Then I will summon you now. Report immediately.”
“I haven’t even prepared a gift…”
I wanted to postpone, but Anastasius seemed quite impatient. “No matter. Hurry,” he said, flicking his black cloak as he headed for the exit of the reading room.
I stood up and reached for the book on the table. If the report to Anastasius dragged on, I might not get back to the library. I needed to complete the lending procedure before leaving.
“I want to borrow this book…”
“I’ll take care of that. I’ll also return the carrel key, so Lady Rosemine, please prioritize your report to Prince Anastasius.”
“...Yes.”
Liesereta quickly took the book from me, and Richarda urged, “Princess, please hurry.” Being forcibly pulled away from the book, I left the library feeling torn.
…Ah, I messed up.
Accompanied by Richarda, Hartmut, Cornelius, and Leonore, I followed behind Anastasius.
Being summoned by the prince and trailing behind like this made me feel extremely conspicuous, especially now that more students had free time between lectures.
…I should have just submitted the meeting request properly. How stupid I am!
While I felt like hanging my head in defeat, I forced myself to walk with my chest out and a smile on my face. Anastasius suddenly stopped and turned around.