Published: August 25, 2025
“Lady Rosemine, welcome back.”
As I was reading the knight’s tale that Hartmut had brought me, Brynhildr and Liselotte returned from the gathering of the attendants. Apparently, the attendants’ meetings were important occasions for exchanging information about what had happened from spring to autumn and subtly discussing the movements of their lords this year.
“This is for Lady Rosemine. It’s an invitation from the music teachers,” Brynhildr said as she handed me an invitation. It seemed the tea party was scheduled for three days from now. I tilted my head in confusion at how the plan was set with almost no prior consultation with me. Brynhildr smiled awkwardly.
“It seems the news that all second-year students at Ehrenfest have passed has already spread among the teachers. They were told that Lady Rosemine likely has no conflicting plans. They also seem to be aware of our grades and progress. Even when dealing with the teachers, I must strive harder so we can refuse if necessary,” Brynhildr said with a slightly frustrated pout.
Since Ehrenfest was invited by the teachers for the first time last year, it was difficult to turn down their invitations. Brynhildr was passionate about navigating this situation skillfully, so I felt confident leaving it to her.
“Lady Rosemine, it seems the fact that no one outside Ehrenfest passed the second-year sociology exams has become quite a topic among the teachers and other territories,” Liselotte said with a light smile.
“In many ways, Ehrenfest is gaining attention, and since it’s widely known that all second-year students have completed their classroom studies successfully, it’s possible that Lady Rosemine’s social engagements will increase,” Liselotte predicted.
Brynhildr tilted her head at this.
“Wouldn’t it be Lady Charlotte whose social life increases? The social season starts around when Lady Rosemine will be absent due to the dedication ceremony, and that’s when invitations to tea parties begin to rise.”
“…I must do my best socially for Charlotte’s sake too. As her older sister,” I said.
Since I would be gone during the social season, I’d have to do my best while at the noble academy. Liselotte chuckled quietly as she watched my enthusiasm.
“Lady Rosemine, when a younger sister relies on her older sister, it makes her feel recognized for her growth, so I think it’s fine to entrust some social duties to Lady Charlotte.”
Listening to Liselotte’s words, I recalled how I had been motivated when Tulli praised me or asked to meet with Corinna. Perhaps it was the older sister’s role to praise or rely on Charlotte to encourage her growth.
“…Becoming a wonderful older sister is difficult. I want to be a reliable older sister, though.”
“Well, simply attending the tea parties with the teachers where only Lady Rosemine is invited and the tea party with Dunkelfelger for book lending already makes you a dependable older sister. Invitations from teachers and high-ranking territories rarely happened at Ehrenfest before.”
Determined to focus on tea parties with the teachers and high-ranking territories, I started planning the music tea party with Brynhildr, Liselotte, and also Richarda and Rosina. We discussed souvenirs and new songs to prepare. Before long, the bell tolled six, signaling dinner time.
One first-year lower noble showed up for dinner, but it seemed the other first-years still couldn’t leave their rooms.
“Lord Wilfried, Lady Rosemine, a reply from Ehrenfest has arrived.”
After dinner, Ignatz, Wilfried’s civil official apprentice, brought letters from the knights in the transfer chamber. Hartmut took them, glanced through the contents, and divided them into those for me and those for himself.
“This one is addressed to Lady Rosemine. This is for Cornelius—from your mother, it seems.”
Brother Cornelius received the letter with a very displeased expression. He started reading and then held his head as if overwhelmed. Judging by his expression, it was likely a nagging demand to reveal the escort partner or that his secret had already been exposed. I glanced at Brother Cornelius, shrugged lightly, and then read my own letter.