Published: September 6, 2025
As soon as I returned to my room after inviting Theodor, Judith’s younger brother, to be my exclusive attendant at the noble academy, Richarda scolded me.
First, Judith said, “Before introducing any relatives to the princess, thorough discussion and groundwork must be done! Otherwise, it causes trouble for both parties.”
Apparently, before introducing someone as a candidate for an attendant, there are many things to iron out: whether the person truly wishes to serve, their past performance, if they’re reliable enough to be entrusted with duties, and if they’re underage, what their parents think.
Brynhildr spent a whole year observing me as her mistress, watching Berthilde practicing diligently under Mother’s guidance, and confirming the expansion of printing at Greschel before introducing Berthilde to me.
But Judith, learning that Brynhildr’s introduction was accepted, thought she could do the same and jumped on the bandwagon. Yet that was simply a lack of groundwork and only caused trouble around her.
“The princess has clearly said she wants to respect Theodor’s wishes, so he won’t be forced to be an attendant. But if someone orders him to become one, then Theodor’s own desires would be crushed.”
Especially now, with lord candidates being so close in age, only a limited number of children at the noble academy can serve as attendants. It’s not unusual for Theodor, who is of lower status, to have his opinions ignored.
“I apologize.”
When Judith dropped her shoulders and apologized, Richarda softened her stern expression slightly and smiled at her.
After finishing her lecture to Judith, Richarda turned to me, her face once again stern.
“I told you many times not to speak to the princess impulsively! Now that you’ve explicitly stated that Theodor will serve as an attendant at the noble academy in front of the other children, we must decide how to proceed from here. Discuss thoroughly with Sylvester and young master Ferdinand!”
After Richarda reported to the guardians, I was summoned to my foster father’s study. The first to speak was the high priest, who wore the most severe expression.
“So, an attendant just for the noble academy? What exactly are you thinking?”
“No matter what you say… I was at least referencing Lord Ferdinand.”
“Referencing him?”
The high priest frowned in confusion.
“Lord Ferdinand only has two trusted attendants who accompany him to the temple, Eckhardt and Justox. At the castle, he only uses his foster father’s civil officials, and especially not attendants, as needed. Even during the territory competition, he brought a few knights to maintain appearances, but they aren’t his attendants.”
During the territory competition, several knights stood behind us while we sat and had tea, but I only recognized their faces; they weren’t the high priest’s constant bodyguards. In fact, after the subjugation of Tannis Befaren began at the awards ceremony, the knights prioritized guarding the lord and lady, and the high priest’s escort was only Brother Eckhardt.
“Lord Ferdinand is also a lord candidate, so he probably had many attendants during his academy days. What happened to them? If it’s fine to have attendants only when necessary, then I should be able to have attendants just for the noble academy too.”
I explained that since I was told I couldn’t share attendants with Melchior, I was imitating the guardians. The high priest sighed and shook his head.
“…You and I are different.”
“How so? Honestly, I only want to maintain appearances at the noble academy. I plan to train a few core civil officials, but the rest are sufficient.”
While the high priest looked displeased, Father sighed and lowered his head. Richarda pressed her hand to her forehead, and Foster Father looked between me and the high priest, then burst into laughter.
“Ha ha ha, saying that maintaining appearances is enough is exactly what Ferdinand said. You must nurture your attendants to be a model for Rosemine.”