Published: August 25, 2025
When I entered the small hall, my eyes immediately caught sight of a cloth spread out on the usually pristine white floor, on which a magic circle was drawn. It seemed like the teleportation circle used by tax collectors and the high priest. I wondered what it was for, and as I stared at the circle, my gaze met with Rufen’s, who was standing with his hands on his hips in front of it.
"Oh, Lady Rosemine. I’m really looking forward to today’s practical training," Rufen said with a bright smile that could almost light up the room. But I had no idea what exactly he was looking forward to. I gave a polite smile and started looking for Hannelore. I needed to talk about the book-loving tea party.
As I glanced around excitedly, I spotted Hannelore talking with Wilfried. I hesitated to interrupt when people were talking, but with Wilfried, it was fine.
"Good day, Brother Wilfried, Lady Hannelore."
"You’re late, Rosemine," Wilfried said.
"I came straight from the library, you know. This is the best I could do," I replied.
Hannelore smiled sweetly and asked, "Lady Rosemine, were you at the library?"
"Yes. I was registering as a first-year student at Ehrenfest and replenishing mana for Schwarz and Weiss."
"Schwarz and Weiss are doing well, then. I feel like going to the library myself."
It seemed that Hannelore was interested in the library after all. Feeling happy, I quickly brought up the tea party. I would mention it now and later send an official invitation through the attendants.
"I was talking with Teacher Solange, and since Lady Hannelore will also be active as a library committee member, I’d like to invite you to the book-loving tea party. Would that be okay?"
"A book-loving tea party?"
"Yes. Since Teacher Solange is the only librarian, she can’t leave the library. So, during times when fewer students use the library, we hold a tea party in the library’s office. Would you be available?"
Hannelore pondered for a moment, tilting her head slightly.
"Theoretical classes finish relatively early, so I think I can make time in the morning about ten days from now."
"Then I will prepare for the tea party and invite both you and Teacher Solange. It will be held in the library."
"I’m looking forward to it," Hannelore said with a joyful smile as the four and a half bell began to chime.
We stopped chatting and turned our attention toward the teachers lined up nearby. Primver was close to Rufen, but it was Rufen, shining with excitement, who stood out the most.
As soon as the bell stopped ringing, Rufen surveyed the students and shouted loudly.
"Alright, everyone’s here, right? Today, we’ll work on the transformation of the stave. This year’s task is to create weapons and shields."
Wow, Rufen is really lively today.
"Nobles must possess the power to fight to protect themselves and their lands. This isn’t just for knights!"
Rufen began explaining the role Dunkelfelger played for Jurgenschmidt and passionately emphasized the importance of military strength.
"Lords’ families must be able to defend their domains. Ultimately, only the lord can protect the foundation magic. And the senior knights serving closely should naturally possess combat-specialized abilities. Even the attendants who organize daily life must protect their lord. Civil officials are the same. Danger can come at any time. At the very least, you must be able to buy time for the lord to escape. Am I wrong!? Strength! That is the most important thing!"
The boys sparkled with enthusiasm at Rufen’s fiery speech, but the girls didn’t seem as interested. The temperature gap was intense. Looking around, a few girls were listening attentively. They were probably knight apprentices.
…Rufen is so intense it almost puts me off, but what he says isn’t wrong. Combat and defense are essential. Emergencies happen suddenly.
I’ve already faced several dangerous situations, like nobles from other lands causing trouble in the temple or attackers invading the castle. Using mana to protect oneself and those around is the duty of mana-rich nobles.