Published: September 6, 2025
Lighting the magic tool, I pressed my hand to my eyes once more. It felt as if the glowing letters were still imprinted behind my eyelids.
...I wonder if Lord Ferdinand also felt his eyes flicker like this while reading my letter?
The image of Ferdinand frowning as he read somehow came to mind, and I smiled softly as I picked up the second batch of his reply.
“This one’s quite thick, too. Let’s see what’s inside.”
First, I read the parts written in ordinary ink. The sections that made my eyes hurt, I left for later.
What I had written was: “I am working as a prototype officer shaping Raimund’s design in Professor Hilsure’s laboratory. The details are as stated in the report via Professor Fraurelm.” I had written this plainly on the surface so that the censors could see that no letter from Fraurelm had arrived.
Ferdinand’s reply to this was: “Since no report from Professor Fraurelm has arrived, we have no details here. But if you are enjoying your research, that’s good. However, since you bring several close aides with you, be careful not to cause trouble in the laboratory.” A little scolding. With this, when Fraurelm receives the next report, I can complain, “It seems Lord Ferdinand hasn’t received the report.”
“He says not to cause trouble, but I bring meals to the two of them, and the lab has become very clean, so I think we're helping.”
Since the attendants don’t want their master to deal with dirt, Hilsure’s laboratory is very tidy. If they had gone to see it during the territory competition, they would notice the difference from before.
“Not sure if there’ll be time for that, though.”
I casually mentioned the royal family’s book-loving tea party, talking about the sweets and the books I had borrowed. Regarding sweets, I wrote, “In Dunkelfelger, it seems they have started making quatre-quarts with the local specialty ‘Laure’ incorporated. It would be delightful if quatre-quarts with regional specialties from various places become common. I hope more varieties will appear while I’m at the noble academy so we can enjoy them at tea parties.”
To that, he replied, “It seems the lord’s council purchased the recipe, so I will ask the head chef here if we can incorporate fruits native to Arensbach.” If the chef works hard, Ferdinand might be able to enjoy some nostalgic flavors in Arensbach.
Since I had written about the books before reading them, I only wrote superficial things like: “I was able to borrow books from the Central collection and the Royal Palace Library. Professor Solange lent me access to the closed stacks, which apparently contain references related to Schwarz and his group’s research. I’ll inform you if I find new discoveries. It’s thick and rewarding to read.”
Even so, it seemed to catch Ferdinand’s interest somewhat. He wrote back, “It’s good that you have something to enjoy despite not being able to go to the library. Please inform me if you find anything new. Just reading your letter makes me feel like I’m doing some research myself.”
...I wonder just how overworked he is? He seems really starved for research.
I wish he could spare a little time for hobbies, but if Dietlinde is at the noble academy and he’s trying to establish a foothold, maybe he really has no time.
As a superficial topic for the book-loving tea party, I ended with: “This time, I managed to finish the tea party without collapsing or losing consciousness. I’ve really grown, haven’t I? It’s thanks to Lord Ferdinand’s medicine.” Ferdinand replied with a bland, “I’m glad you’re enjoying your time at the noble academy without trouble. Things here are going smoothly as well.”
Beyond that, Ferdinand’s reply was a long account of Leticia’s education. He detailed the curriculum and progress thoroughly. It seems he teaches with the same approach as for Wilfried and Charlotte, but it sounds quite strict.
However, there were words like “well done” and “progress beyond expectations,” so Leticia is likely very talented.