Published: September 6, 2025
After the dedication ceremony, I was to return to the castle with the high priest through the raging blizzard. The storm was growing fiercer. It must be almost time for the lord of winter to be observed again this year.
“Once we get back to the castle, can I go straight back to the noble academy? I want to have a tea party with Lady Hannelore. I want to discuss our thoughts on the books.”
At my request, the high priest’s face twisted into a very displeased expression.
“I understand your feelings, but I’m afraid no matter how many mana stones we have, they won’t be enough.”
“But so many empty mana stones were created during the dedication ceremony, so it seems just perfect.”
“...Honestly, you. It’s obviously not allowed. You need to consider the trouble it causes others around you.”
With a deep sigh, the high priest said, “Either way, there are several matters we must discuss before returning to the noble academy. It’s impossible to go back immediately.” Even though he said that, I had already talked over many things with him during lunch at the temple, so I couldn’t think of anything new that needed discussing.
...We talked about Tarnis Befaren, and I heard him muttering to himself about the material research sent by Hartmut. Was there something else?
“Um, what are we going to discuss?”
The high priest shot me a sharp glare. Apparently, there were things to confirm that couldn’t be done anywhere but at the castle—like checking the power of the water gun, reviewing the information Justox had gathered on Roderich, and details about the stage for the prayer ceremony that my foster father had been investigating.
Led by the high priest and his group through the blizzard, when we returned to the castle, Norbert and Richarda were there to open the door for us. Brother Cornelius and Leonore were also present.
Seeing those two standing side by side after hearing the story, they looked like a couple, which was strange. Surely, after finishing their lectures at the noble academy, they had gone to greet Leonore’s family together.
“Welcome back, Lady Rosemine.”
“I’m home... So, Brother Cornelius’s companion was Leonore. Was I the only one who didn’t know?”
“I don’t think you’re the only one unaware, my lady.”
Brother Cornelius gave a confident answer that made it clear most people probably knew. Leonore stood quietly a step behind, smiling softly.
“So, have you finished greeting Leonore’s family? Were there no objections?”
“Everything went smoothly.”
He answered casually. I wonder if I’m the only one a little irritated by how capable he sounds. I’m probably just the odd one out. Seeing that, Darmel’s smile briefly twitched. Seeing that eased my irritation instantly.
...It must be tough for Darmel to find a match, so I understand how he feels seeing Brother Cornelius, who is quite a bit younger, with a colleague whose status and mana are well-matched. I get it, I really do.
“Now, time to change the guard knights.”
At Norbert’s call, the guard knights switched shifts. Angelica and Darmel, who had guarded the temple all this time, were given a few days off to prepare for the lord of winter. The castle guard duty was left to Brother Cornelius and Leonore.
After seeing Angelica and Darmel off as they returned to the knight dormitory, I turned to Brother Cornelius and Leonore. The moment our eyes met, I noticed Brother Cornelius slightly tensed.
...You don’t have to be so guarded, I’m not going to tease or bully you.
“Will you tell me about the noble academy? I was at the temple, so I looked over the questionnaire that required answers, but other than that, I don’t know anything.”
“Understood.”
On our way back to my room, I listened to their report on the noble academy. Unlike last year, several tea parties had been held around Charlotte, and the serialized love story was becoming quite popular among the upper territory’s female students.
“I want to go back to the noble academy immediately and talk about it.”