Published: August 25, 2025
“Lectures are more important, so please prioritize Lady Hannelore’s schedule above all else.”
Because Solange had told me this in advance, I had Brynhildr arrange the tea party and send the invitation to Hannelore. According to Brynhildr, the first proposed date conflicted with sociology, so it was declined, and a different day had to be set. But in the end, the book lovers’ tea party was successfully scheduled.
“We must also give an invitation to Professor Solange,” Brynhildr said.
I quickly prepared the invitation and headed to the library with a light step.
…Yay, a tea party with Professor Solange and Lady Hannelore.
The tea party was to be held in the library’s office—a gathering for book lovers. I could feel my excitement rising steadily. I had to be careful not to get too overexcited.
“Princess, you’re here.”
“Princess, reading books?”
“Ah, Rosemine has really come.”
Upon entering the library, Schwarz and Weiss greeted me. In recent days, Hildebrandt had often been sticking around. It seemed he visited almost daily, lovingly fussing over Schwarz and Weiss to his heart’s content before leaving.
From Schwarz and Weiss, I learned that Hildebrandt was very bored. Sometimes he borrowed reference books meant for first-year students, but he said there were few books he could actually read. Feeling sorry for him wanting to read but lacking suitable books, I was currently sending a query to Ehrenfest asking if I could lend him some children’s books I had written.
“Good day, Prince Hildebrandt.”
After greeting Hildebrandt, I headed toward Solange. She laughed nervously, saying that her work these past few days had been welcoming royal family members, making every day tense. She seemed to have gotten somewhat used to it, knowing that Schwarz and Weiss were the main draw.
“Professor Solange, the tea party in the library has been scheduled.”
I handed over the invitation that Brynhildr was holding, and Solange took it with a delighted smile.
“Oh my, I’m looking forward to it… Four days from now, isn’t it?”
Solange, who tended to stay holed up in the library and had less interaction with other professors during the winter term when students were present, said last year’s tea party was very enjoyable, which motivated me to prepare enthusiastically. Brynhildr and I exchanged smiles, but then a childish voice interrupted.
“Is the tea party in four days?”
It was Hildebrandt, who apparently had come along with Schwarz and Weiss, tilting his head.
“In that case, would it be better if I refrained from coming to the library?”
Since Schwarz and Weiss were working as usual in the reading room, it was probably fine for Hildebrandt to come for them. But having a leisurely tea party in the office while the royal family visited might not be appropriate.
…Should I ask him to hold back?
I looked to Solange for judgment. She put a hand to her cheek thoughtfully, then looked down at me.
“Lady Rosemine, why don’t you invite Prince Hildebrandt as well? He’s registered as a collaborator, and I think you should inform Lady Hannelore too.”
…I see. I had the impression that tea parties were mostly women’s gatherings, but if it’s a meeting of the library committee, it makes sense for the prince to be there too.
It’s better to have a gradual approach: first tell Hannelore that Hildebrandt will attend as a collaborator rather than suddenly presenting the prince as a new library committee member.
Understanding this, I met Hildebrandt’s bright purple eyes full of expectation. I was relieved not to have said “Please refrain” on my own judgment. Smiling, I said to Hildebrandt:
“We would like to send you an invitation as well, Prince Hildebrandt. It’s rather sudden—would that be inconvenient for you?”
“No, I’m very happy… There aren’t many places in the noble academy where I’m allowed to go.”
Hildebrandt smiled shyly, but I wondered about his attendants. I glanced at them. One with a fixed smile turned his gaze to Brynhildr.