Published: August 25, 2025
When I came to, I was in my own bed. When had I fallen asleep? I didn’t remember anything from last night. As I sat up and reached for the bell beside my pillow, a clear, tinkling sound echoed, and at the same time, Richarda entered the tent with a worried expression.
“Princess, how are you feeling?”
“Richarda, I was just having such a happy dream. I was going to be able to go to the Royal Palace Library.”
“...It’s not a dream, but we still don’t know if the king’s permission will be granted. It’s good to see you looking well, though.”
Richarda’s expression shifted from worry to exasperation, and she sighed deeply, shaking her head. Only then did I remember. I had been invited to the book lovers’ tea party at the Royal Palace Library and, overwhelmed with joy and excitement, my magic surged uncontrollably, causing me to collapse.
...Oh no! This is the second time I’ve passed out at the tea party—the second time I’ve lost consciousness in front of the royal family!
My blood drained from my face. This was bad. Really bad. Flustered, I looked up at Richarda.
“Richarda, um... what happened to the tea party? Did it continue?”
“Of course it was interrupted. There was no way it could go on.”
It seemed that the once cheerful and peaceful book lovers’ tea party had suddenly turned into a suspense or horror story because of my sudden collapse.
“As soon as the suggestion came up that the princess be invited to the Royal Palace Library as a thank-you for the books, you collapsed with a thud. Prince Hildebrandt’s attendants were flustered. Even the high-ranking central nobles known for their composure were left speechless, Princess.”
Arthur, who had inadvertently become the cause of my collapse, stood frozen with his mouth agape, apparently unable to process what had happened. Normally, no one would faint from sheer happiness at the proposal, especially before permission had even been granted.
...Ah, Arthur, I’m sorry.
When Richarda called to me without any response, Hildebrandt, in tears, shook Arthur, who remained frozen, asking, “What happened to Rosemine?” Even the voices of the prince’s attendants trying to calm Hildebrandt were trembling with confusion.
...I’m sorry. I never meant to traumatize everyone!
“Since mana stones were needed for exchanging books, it’s understandable that you couldn’t control your excitement when invited to the Royal Palace Library. But... you collapsed again in front of the royal family. Lady Hannelore remembered last year’s incident and had tears in her eyes.”
Of course, it wasn’t only Hildebrandt and his group who were flustered by my sudden collapse. Solange, who witnessed my first fainting, was also panicked, as was Hannelore.
“What happened after that?”
“We immediately sent an Ordnance to Young Master Wilfried and Princess Charlotte to request assistance.”
Wilfried and Charlotte arrived with their attendants and explained to Hildebrandt and Solange, saying “This kind of thing happens often,” and handled the situation. Meanwhile, Richarda carried me out with the Guard Knights, and the attendants and clerks cleaned up the scene.
“You should apologize and thank Young Master Wilfried and Princess Charlotte too, Princess.”
“I know.”
...I’ve caused so much trouble.
I lowered my head in shame and then suddenly realized I hadn’t asked something very important. I looked up at Richarda and timidly asked,
“Richarda... when was the tea party? Just now? Or yesterday?”
“Two days ago. Prince Hildebrandt, Lady Hannelore, and Teacher Solange have sent several Ordnance messages with gifts and inquiries about your condition.”
As I bowed my head, troubled that I’d worried everyone, a voice came from beyond the tent: “Has Lady Rosemine awakened?” It seemed the Guard Knights had sent word, and the girls’ attendants began gathering in the room.
“Princess, if your mana has settled and you’re feeling well, let’s have some food first. It’s almost noon, and Princess Charlotte will be back from her lecture. Please show them you’re well.”