Published: September 6, 2025
“Lord candidates, even though tomorrow is the promotion ceremony and the social gathering, we still haven’t received confirmation that the students from Ehrenfest have completed their transfer, just like last year.”
Hilsure arrived while only the lord candidates and their attendants were having dinner. Seeing Hilsure looking angry, Wilfried and Ignatz exchanged glances with expressions that said, “Oops!” I felt the same way — with the purge and handling the children from the old Veronica faction, we had completely forgotten to notify Hilsure.
“I deeply apologize. However, we have some circumstances on our side as well...”
Wilfried stood up and started apologizing but hesitated, avoiding any mention of the purge. When I saw Hilsure twitch his eyebrows, I also stood up.
“I apologize for the lack of communication. I would like to hear about this year's announcements, and there are some things I wish to discuss. Would you care to join us for dinner?”
When I invited him to eat, Hilsure glanced over the plates on the table and then smiled softly. For now, it seemed that we successfully diffused his anger with a delicious meal.
“Richarda, please prepare a seat for Master Hilsure.”
“Understood, Lady Rosemine.”
While Hilsure’s meal was being arranged, we were informed about Ehrenfest’s rankings this year and announcements related to the promotion ceremony and social gathering. One of Wilfried’s attendants went to relay this information to the students in the multipurpose hall.
“Master Hilsure, have you received any news from Raimund or Lord Ferdinand?”
“...Only once from Lord Ferdinand at the end of autumn. He mentioned he would be heading to Arensbach soon and asked me to look after Lady Rosemine. Raimund hasn’t come to the lab yet, so there’s no news from him.”
It seems that teachers at the noble academy are also informed of the lords’ council results, so Hilsure was already aware that Ferdinand had become Dietlinde’s fiancé. However, he hadn’t expected that Ferdinand would leave for Arensbach with almost no preparation time. Hilsure said he was surprised when he heard about it.
“It’s ironic that Lord Ferdinand, the one most dreaded by Arensbach, where Lady Veronica sought even a slight connection, is the one heading there.”
At Hilsure’s sigh, I allowed a small smile. Except for those very close to Ferdinand at Ehrenfest, most were in a celebratory mood, pleased at strengthening ties with Arensbach. It was comforting to know Hilsure was aware that Ferdinand, who had been forced to feign smiles among the nobles, was reluctant to go to Arensbach.
“Master Hilsure, I have received permission to inherit Lord Ferdinand’s residence and convert it into a library. This year, Raimund and I intend to create magic tools for my library in the lab.”
“Ah, yes, Lady Rosemine is Lord Ferdinand’s ward... Then, have you also inherited his research materials? Or did he take them to Arensbach?”
Hilsure’s primary concern seemed to be the destination of the research materials. I recalled the luggage Ferdinand had prepared—mostly essentials, as he said he wouldn’t have time for research.
“I believe most materials remain. He will likely stay in a guest room until the starbinding ceremony concludes. My foster mother told me this. So, after they officially become a couple and Ferdinand receives a room in Arensbach, the remaining luggage will be sent.”
“Lord Ferdinand didn’t bring his research materials here, did he?”
“... I completely forgot to consider that.”
With so many matters on my mind—the marriage of Lord Ferdinand and preparations for the children after the purge—I had not prepared the necessary research documents to present to Hilsure. Last year, I merely needed to bring what had been provided, but this year, without a guardian, I must prepare myself.
...Ferdinand’s thoroughness has truly humbled me.
I had even forgotten to report his arrival to the dorm supervisor. I wondered what I would do if I needed to ask Hilsure for anything this year at the noble academy.