Published: August 25, 2025
“Every territory is having a hard time these days, isn’t it?”
Voices of agreement rose from the smaller and medium territories. I, having grown up a commoner, didn’t feel it at all, but most of the other nobles actually experienced drastic changes in their lives due to the political upheaval, especially those closer to the center who felt these changes more acutely.
Just hearing Justox say that even the noble academy’s atmosphere had changed considerably showed that, compared to Ehrenfest, which had only lost some people, every territory seemed to be more deeply affected.
“You say Lady Rosemine is struggling with mana shortages, but Ehrenfest is improving its grades and spreading new trends, isn’t it?”
“I wanted to start by making efforts in areas that don’t require mana. Of course, we still have to work hard to increase our mana capacity as well.”
Ehrenfest’s surge in grades was in academic studies that didn’t require mana, and the trend they spread wasn’t new magic tools but sweets and accessories. Explaining that they were trying to compete in other ways due to the lack of mana drew nods of understanding.
“I thought Lady Rosemine’s hair ornament was very lovely. It’s wonderful to know there are things to do for the territory beyond just mana.”
Some expressed a desire to imitate and think about such efforts, while others pointed out, “Isn’t she also working hard in areas that do require mana?” When I turned my gaze there, a senior nobleman attending in place of an absent lord candidate looked at me with a probing expression.
“My first-year sister created a mount you can ride inside of, and I heard Lady Rosemine came up with that idea as well. How did you conceive such a mount?”
“I’ve always been rather frail and wanted to be able to move around without too much exposure to the outdoors.”
Though I was sorry for those impressed by that fabricated explanation, it was a lie. The only vehicle I could imagine was the car-shaped kind.
“A ride-in mount lets you mount without changing into mount attire and can carry luggage, so it’s especially convenient for women. But my Guard Knight said it’s hard to use weapons on them, so they aren’t suited for knights.”
A voice expressing admiration rose.
“The concept is brilliant, but Lady Rosemine’s mount resembles a demonic beast, doesn’t it? And there were rumors it attacked our Arensbach dormitory supervisor, right? Although it turned out to be a misunderstanding, it must have been because of its demonic beast form. Didn’t anyone around you stop you from making it look like that? Or do you actually like such terrifying things?”
Dietlinde’s words again drew attention to me. If I said “Lesser-kun is cute” here, I’m sure no one would understand.
As I wondered what to do, Wilfried shrugged.
“Rosemine’s mount is modeled after a demonic beast because she aims for strength. Since she’s physically weak, she admires and prefers strong things. She’s also fond of the knights order commander—Lord Bonifatius, Lord Ferdinand, Karlstedt…”
…Huh? Maybe he was trying to help, but that’s off. Brother Wilfried, when did I say I liked strong people!?
Whether out of sympathy or acting, Dietlinde then locked me with pity-filled eyes.
“I see… I somehow understand a weak one seeking strength, but since you’re a woman, it would be better to seek charm over strength.”
Some nodded at Dietlinde’s words, while others defended me.
“If Lady Rosemine seeks strength, wouldn’t she get along well with Dunkelfelger? Don’t you think so, Lady Hannelore? … Oh, where is Lady Hannelore of Dunkelfelger?”
“She stepped away a bit ago to wash her hands.”
…Looks like I missed greeting Lady Hannelore again. My timing’s been off today.
“Everything’s ready, Lady Rosemine.”
Brunhilde whispered softly. I looked for an empty seat and returned toward Eglantine and the others. I was about to distribute Rinshan samples to my friends.
As I returned to my seat, I was surrounded by eager eyes. Seeing the shine in Ehrenfest’s women’s hair and noticing that Eglantine’s hair was glossier made it clear many women were interested in Rinshan.