Published: September 6, 2025
“By the way, when will we hold it? Right now is impossible, and we need to coordinate the number of knights as well.”
“I understand. We also need to arrange the location. Once I confirm Ruufen’s schedule as the judge and book the training ground, I’ll let you know.”
As Wilfried and Restiraut began discussing the details of the Ditter, the knight apprentices started to gather. Theodore, being a first-year and unable to participate, was assigned as my guard, while Leonore and the others headed for their own discussion.
“Lady Rosemine, would you care for some tea?”
Hannelore pointed to the table with a face so close to tears. So much had happened in such a short time. Indeed, I also wanted to moisten my throat a little.
As I moved towards the table, the attendants immediately began preparing fresh tea. Watching Brynhildr pour the tea, I noticed Hannelore quietly muttering while glancing towards Restiraut, “Cordula wants to speak with Lady Rosemine.”
“Please come this way.”
Cordula handed me an eavesdropping prevention magic tool. It seemed to be a conversation Restiraut wasn’t meant to hear. I immediately gripped it in my hand.
“I deeply apologize for this tea party ending this way. It’s truly due to my lack of ability…”
It was supposed to be a pleasant tea party, yet I had insulted Wilfried and provoked him. After Wilfried calmed the situation, Restiraut belittled Ehrenfest, proposed to me right in front of my fiancé, and when I refused, pressured me as a great lord to bring this to a Ditter.
“Lady Rosemine, you suggested we let bygones be bygones, but this outcome tramples on that, and I am truly sorry.”
“I only involved Lady Hannelore because I hoped Restiraut would stop the Ditter. I’m the one who should apologize.”
“No, it was actually your brother who ruined the excuse to cancel the Ditter that Lady Rosemine kindly offered.”
At Hannelore’s sad smile, I glared briefly at Restiraut.
“If Ehrenfest wins, I intend to revoke the conditions involving Lady Hannelore. My only wish was to stop Restiraut, and it would be too rude to take Lady Hannelore as a second wife.”
“…I appreciate your feelings, but decisions made in a Ditter cannot be overturned. At least not in Dunkelfelger.”
“How troublesome… no, stubborn… um…”
Unable to find the right noble words, I trailed off. Hannelore just nodded and looked down.
“...What would you like to do, Lady Hannelore?”
“What do you mean by that?”
“If you have a preferred partner for the future, when we win, we will negotiate with Dunkelfelger to have you united with that person.”
Accepting Dunkelfelger would be easier than becoming Ehrenfest’s second wife. Hannelore blinked at my suggestion.
“…My parents and brother have decided everything, so I never had such wishes. But, after seeing you, Lady Rosemine, stand your ground against your brother’s pressure, today I found myself wanting to choose for myself for the first time.”
“Then when Ehrenfest wins, let’s make that your wish to Dunkelfelger.”
“I cannot burden Ehrenfest any further. I will gratefully accept just your feelings.”
Hannelore smiled as she said that, but compared to her usual smile, it was a little clouded.
“If it becomes unavoidable for you to come to Ehrenfest, I will welcome you and do my utmost to ensure your happiness. So please come with peace of mind.”
I desperately tried to appeal to her by saying she’d get to read new books first in Ehrenfest—a paradise for book lovers—making her chuckle softly.
“I’m really glad you didn’t say you would stop your friend because of this.”
Indeed, Dunkelfelger is quite troublesome, but Hannelore is an important friend. At least, I have no intention of stopping my friends.
“Hannelore is a friend of my heart!”
“Then, as a friend of the heart, I have one more thing. Lady Rosemine, you may think you can win with that wind shield, but there are ways to counter it. Your brother already knows. …Please, be careful not to become complacent.”