Published: September 6, 2025
“Rosemine, what do you mean by leaving the reports to everyone else?”
“Almost everyone in the dorm came to the training ground today, and Brother Wilfried and Charlotte’s civil official apprentices also conducted interviews, so there shouldn’t be any issues with the reports, right? I want to prepare for tomorrow.”
There are many people reporting today, but the final compilation will be done by my close aides. Since it was suddenly decided to hold it in the tea party room, I have to prepare tables and chairs. And even though it’s not really a tea party, since Lord Candidate Hannelore will be coming, I think some hospitality is necessary.
“Please inform my Foster Father that I will send my report on the joint research with Dunkelfelger later. For urgent reports, I leave them to everyone else.”
I entrusted the attendants with setting up the tea party room and reconfirmed the compilation method together with the civil official apprentices, Leonore, and Judith.
“...Ah, sister doing civil official work...!?”
“Theodore, you’re overreacting. I have been going to the temple for protection duties too, so although I’m not as skilled as Filine, I can do a little.”
Judith huffed in offense but secretly asked Filine and Roderich to hand in documents for her because “Lord Ferdinand is too scary.” But for the sake of Judith’s pride as an older sister, I refrained from revealing this to Theodore.
...After all, Theodore respects Judith so much.
“Rosemine’s Guard Knights will be engaged in document work at the temple. Matthias and Laurenz will have to do it from spring whether they like it or not, so please observe the flow carefully while on guard this time.”
Leonore’s words made Laurenz pale. “I became a knight apprentice because I’m bad at civil official work,” he muttered. In a way, Laurenz might get along well with Angelica. Matthias didn’t seem to struggle much and nodded calmly.
“Please discuss the compilation method thoroughly today. The princess will have to keep Lord Hannelore company here.”
“But this is the joint research I’m supposed to lead?”
I, too, am a civil official apprentice, so I intended to be involved in the compilation, but Richarda rejected that idea. They can’t make Lord Candidate Hannelore do clerical work, and since I am also a lord candidate, they apparently can’t leave me alone either, so they assign the attendants to keep Hannelore company.
“Shouldn’t Lady Rosemine hear detailed explanations from Lady Hannelore about the final ritual today? Unlike the songs the knight apprentices can learn, the final ritual seems unique to Dunkelfelger.”
Apparently, Leonore couldn’t fully catch the old-language blessing incantations that Hannelore chanted at the center of the arena while twirling her stave.
“It’s amazing that Lady Hannelore, unlike Rosemine, didn’t grow up in the temple nor is familiar with the Sacred Scripture, yet she can fluently chant such ancient blessing incantations.”
I nodded deeply at Leonore’s compliment. Then Liselotte giggled, presenting me a paper about tomorrow’s topics.
“There are thick, old history books like that. Surely, Dunkelfelger has many ancient texts. Maybe you could ask about those too? As friends who love books, I’m sure you’ll have a lively conversation.”
“That sounds wonderful, Liselotte.”
Advised to leave the compilation to the civil officials and focus on gathering information that only a lord candidate can do, I nodded in agreement.
By the time the second and a half bell rang, the tea party room preparations were complete.
Space was secured for civil officials to work, and a separate table was prepared for me and Hannelore to talk. Cookies were prepared for easy snacking, and the attendants were ready to serve tea.
When the bell rang to announce guests, I headed to the door to welcome them. Through the door Grethia opened, the students from Dunkelfelger entered, led of course by Hannelore.
“Good day, Lady Rosemine. Thank you for kindly preparing this place today.”