Published: September 6, 2025
It was quite wonderful, like unexpectedly getting a lucky bonus from just putting a book promotion on the shelf, but nonetheless, praise is praise.
...It really is wonderful. Ufufun.
As I basked in joy recalling Ferdinand's expression and the light touch of his hand on my head as he gave a small laugh at the end, Hannelore looked at me with a curious expression and placed her hand on her cheek.
“Lady Rosemine, you look rather happy.”
“Yes. I received the phrase 'quite wonderful.' Lord Ferdinand only praises us with 'quite wonderful' if the entire dorm passes the first day of their studies, or if we never drop in grades and finish lectures at the fastest pace. Since he went to Arensbach, I thought I’d only be praised in letters, so I’m really pleased.”
I was hoping for a warm "That’s good to hear" kind of response, but the expressions of the principal wife and Hannelore stiffened.
“Is something wrong?”
“...No. I was just surprised by how strict it was.”
The principal wife said this with a troubled smile, struggling to get the words out. It wasn’t the first time, so I was already numb to it, but it seemed Ferdinand’s guidance was “quite strict” rather than “quite wonderful.”
...Ah, maybe they thought I was being bullied again!?
“Ah, um, it might sound harsh, but once you get used to it, it’s okay. Before going to Arensbach, maybe because he was reluctant to say goodbye, Lord Ferdinand let me read new books I’d never seen with every task. He’s actually very kind.”
Trying my best to show off Ferdinand’s kindness despite the slight strictness, Foster Father chuckled lightly and waved his hand.
“That very task of reading those unfamiliar books is the next assignment, so unless Rosemine views it as a reward, it would be hard to keep up with Ferdinand’s guidance.”
...What!? I thought the books he handed me with the warning “If you don’t finish reading by tomorrow the next task will begin” were rewards from Lord Ferdinand, but they were actually assignments!?
As I widened my eyes in shock at this newfound fact, I saw a group wearing black cloaks approaching. Leading them was Prince Anastasius. Eglantine, who was with us last year, wasn’t in sight—probably occupied with her duties as a teacher. It felt a little lonely.
“Oh, since the royal family has arrived, after finishing our greetings, we shall take our leave here.”
The principal wife and Hannelore stood, intending to yield the place to the royals. At that moment, Anastasius raised his hand smoothly.
“Wait. I have something to discuss with the principal wife of Dunkelfelger.”
They weren’t allowed to leave even after their greetings and had to sit down again. Around the round table, Foster Father sat to Anastasius’s right, and the principal wife to his left. I sat with Foster Father on my left and Hannelore on my right.
“Rosemine, could you please cast the wind shield? Then use the range-specified eavesdropping prevention magic tool. Everyone else, stand back.”
While Anastasius instructed his attendants to prepare the magic tools, I raised Shutzelia’s shield. There was no particular hostility or ill intent; none of those nearby were repelled by the shield. Still, Anastasius instructed the attendants who had finished preparing tea and sweets, as well as the Guard Knights, to leave the range of the eavesdropping prevention magic tool.
“Are the Guard Knights being withdrawn as well?”
“Yes. You will understand why.”
He was likely referring to the Central Knights Order that had barged in at Ditter the other day. Reports seemed to have been properly made, as both the principal wife and Foster Father immediately consented and had their close aides stand down. Once all the aides had left, the principal wife spoke.
“This is rather strict; what is this about?”
“First, a rebuke for you all. I thought I had warned them repeatedly, but no improvement was seen. I hesitated on whether to summon them, but waited for the territory competition when guardians would be here.”