Published: August 25, 2025
Lectures started immediately the day after the social gathering. Inside the Ehrenfest dormitory, everyone was prepared right after breakfast and studied diligently until the last minute. The Victory Conditions set by the Academic Improvement Committee were the same as last year: “Aim for the fastest passing! Or, have many top performers!”
The freshmen stared wide-eyed at the upperclassmen who had been giving it their all since the first day of lectures and hastily opened their reference books. Charlotte led the freshmen in their efforts, but since she hadn’t experienced the noble academy last year, she inevitably lagged a step behind.
Watching the freshmen like that, I handed a letter to Richarda.
“Richarda, please submit this request for an audience to Professor Solange during the morning lectures. I have to go register the freshmen.”
“Understood, Lady Rosemine.”
After handing over the request, I glanced over my personal review notes summarizing the parts I easily forget. Charlotte looked at me with slightly puffed cheeks.
“...You make it look easy, older sister.”
“I had a whole year to prepare. …Charlotte and the others complain that their preparation time is short, but they were able to study geography and history in the children’s room last year and this year, and I made sure to give them proper reference books, didn’t I? Even aiming for everyone to pass in one shot as quickly as possible, it should be much easier than for last year’s freshmen.”
I said this because last year’s freshmen had almost no time after arriving at the noble academy dormitory to cram everything in. The second-year students, mid- and low-ranking nobles who struggled with geography and history last year, nodded several times. Their faces, which had looked deathly last year, didn’t look so bad now, since they had been better prepared this time.
By the way, this year’s second-year goal is “everyone passes at once with high scores.”
“It’s about time. Everyone, please come out to the entrance hall.”
We had to move in time with the two and a half bell chimes. At Richarda’s voice, everyone put away their study materials and gathered in the entrance hall, wearing confident yet nervous expressions.
After confirming cloaks and brooches and giving the freshmen some instructions, the first- and second-year students headed toward the Central Building, while the third-years and above went to the specialized building.
This year, the freshmen would have practical training in the morning and lectures in the afternoon. The second-years had the reverse: lectures in the morning and practicals in the afternoon. The morning lectures covered history and law.
“For the freshmen like Charlotte, it’s their first practical training. Do your best handling mana!”
“Yes. Older sister and older brother will aim to pass the lecture tests on the first day, right? I look forward to hearing that everyone has passed.”
Nodding vigorously at Charlotte’s encouragement, we second-years headed toward the lecture hall.
“You must not leave the lecture hall until we come to get you.”
After being reminded firmly by our close aides, we entered the lecture hall and found seat number 10, as usual. Seats and desks were assigned by territory, so there was no confusion.
“Lady Rosemine, Lord Wilfried. Greetings.”
Among the gathering students from various territories, a familiar voice reached my ears. The soft sound, still retaining a hint of youth, was Hannelore’s.
Looking back, a group from Dunkelfelger wore blue cloaks. At the front was the lord candidate Hannelore, but rather than leading, it looked more like she was being firmly protected by those around her.
“Lady Hannelore, greetings.”
“Is Ehrenfest aiming for everyone to pass again this year?”
Hannelore smiled softly, as if watching something charming—the situation of everyone studying hard with their own notes. “I was amazed that everyone passed on the first day last year.” Wilfried replied, “We hope to do the same this year.”