Published: September 6, 2025
Lectures for civil official apprentices cannot proceed without the exam schedule being announced by the teachers. After sending an Ordnance requesting the exam dates to the teachers of the civil official course, replies started coming in one after another at the beginning of the week. I was coordinating the timing together with my attendant, but there was still no contact from Fraurelm.
Since Fraurelm has always acted against Ehrenfest every year, I suspected that, as the worst possible harassment under his authority as a teacher, he might say something like, "It’s very unfortunate, but there wasn’t enough time to schedule the exams," or "We haven’t received any Ordnance or letter."
"What on earth will Fraurelm do this year?"
I consulted Filine, who had caught my muttering, about the kind of harassment Fraurelm might attempt this year. Filine placed her hand on her cheek in a troubled manner.
"It’s clear from last year that Lady Rosemine will pass no matter if the exam content slightly goes beyond the scope. With your abundant mana, the amount of blessing, and the blessings received through music and dedication dance, no one would dare question your title as the saint of Ehrenfest. If Fraurelm tried to interfere, he’d just end up being looked upon coldly. I guess coming up with harassment is quite difficult for him."
Brünhilde chuckled wryly at Filine’s slightly off-point opinion and spoke up.
"Lady Rosemine, as you have considered, even if Fraurelm doesn’t feel like holding an individual exam, wouldn’t it be fine to just pass on the final exam day? We could postpone Fraurelm’s lectures and begin socializing and research."
"That would be fine if we only consider passing."
However, if I couldn’t pass the lectures before the final exam day, my evaluation would drop, and I wouldn’t be able to reach the promise I made with Ferdinand to be the top of the class. For now, I sent an Ordnance to Hilsure saying, "I can’t visit your lab or start the joint research with the large territory until the exams are over. Is there any good solution?" I want to rely on the teacher network.
After finishing breakfast, I headed to the multipurpose hall and began discussing the broad outline of the joint research with Drevannel together with Wilfried’s and Charlotte’s close aides before the morning lectures started.
"I want to decide to some extent about the joint research so I won’t have trouble if asked questions during Gundolf’s lecture."
"Rosemine, I think it’s important to discuss joint research with civil official apprentices, but shouldn’t you discuss it with Father first?"
"I did mention in the daily reports, focusing on Brother Wilfried and Charlotte’s close aides, that we would start joint research with Drevannel. …But, the nobility academy students don’t need Aub’s permission for their research topics, right?"
I believe no one at the academy had reported or sought permission regarding students’ research themes. "I don’t think it’s something that requires consultation," I said, tilting my head. Wilfried and Charlotte exchanged looks.
"No, usually it wouldn’t be necessary, but since this is something you’ve organized, it definitely feels different from ordinary student research."
"If it’s about paper research, since it’s deeply connected to Ehrenfest’s core industry, I think it’s better to consult Father and Mother, older sister."
Both said that, so I answered, "For now, I have reported it, so let’s wait for a response from Ehrenfest."
"But the joint research with Drevannel involves studying the uses of paper made from demon tree, not teaching them how to make paper, so I don’t think it’s that deeply tied to the core industry..."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I want them to research the mysterious uses of paper made from Ilkner’s demon trees and how to improve its quality as a magic tool. The paper-making method itself is an important trump card in diplomacy and should be a topic for the lords’ council. It won’t be presented as part of the academy research."