Published: September 6, 2025
“Brynhildr, are the preparations for the attire and mana stone okay? There’s hardly any time left, right? Will it still be in time if we start now?”
I asked as I stared at the door through which my Foster Father and the others had left. Since I was among the first students to return from the noble academy, we had more days than usual before the spring celebration banquet, but the margin wasn’t that generous.
“It’s difficult to tailor new attire on such short notice, and it might raise suspicion about when the preparations started. So I think it’s best to just make the current attire a bit more festive with minor adjustments. Thanks to Lady Rosemine, we have good-quality materials for the mana stone, so I think we can manage.”
Ideally, we should start making the mana stone immediately, but Foster Father said he would approach Gibe Greschel. Since it shouldn’t seem like Brynhildr made the offer herself but rather that Foster Father acted independently, we are pretending not to know until he approaches Gibe Greschel. Brynhildr was called back by her family and, though surprised by the sudden development, will prepare accordingly.
“I think once Father calls, I’ll have to return to my family home,” Brynhildr said.
“I understand. Since we can’t leave the North Wing and the Plantin Trading Company can’t be invited to a castle where many clients have been severely punished, we’ll have some leisure time until the spring celebration banquet. Brynhildr, please prepare with peace of mind.”
Otilier and Liselotte nodded at my words, smiling reassuringly at Brynhildr, and Gretia declared, “I will do my best too.” At that moment, Richarda stepped forward with a somewhat troubled, serious expression.
“Princess, I regret to trouble you, but I have a sincere request.”
“Richarda?”
“If possible, I would like to return to serve under Lord Sylvester.”
Richarda was appointed as my chief attendant by Foster Father to support me, his adopted daughter and lord. She has supported my unfamiliarity with noble life and educated the initially small retinue.
“Your current retinue is well-staffed with Reizegang-affiliated attendants, and many from the old Veronica faction who have made name offerings. The numbers are sufficient. Everyone serves well and is united. Therefore, I wish to return to Lord Sylvester, who is struggling enough to have to share attendants with his spouse.”
“I understand Richarda’s concern for Foster Father. Not having trusted attendants is truly problematic.”
Living as a lord family means delegating everything—daily life, official duties, protection—to attendants. If I lived as I pleased, it would trouble and anger the attendants, which I know well. In other words, without trusted attendants, life would fall apart. I would be at a loss if more than half my attendants left.
“Moreover, if Brynhildr becomes the second wife, it’s better to have someone who can mediate with Lady Florentia. Brynhildr will also feel more at ease if someone familiar is by the Aub couple’s side.”
“I appreciate Richarda’s consideration and it will help me, but if two attendants leave at once, won’t Lady Rosemine be troubled?”
Brynhildr glanced between me and Richarda as she spoke. I looked around at the attendants and considered briefly.
“Since the Princess will now seclude herself in the temple, Otilier and Liselotte will suffice as the castle’s attendants. Gretia’s education at the castle isn’t complete yet, but she is capable and will learn quickly. Brynhildr will accompany us at the noble academy, and Berthilde will join the retinue, so it shouldn’t be as difficult as with the Aub couple.”
“As Richarda said, my attendants include many Reizegang nobles and children from the old Veronica faction who made name offerings, so there seems to be no issue.”
Wilfried never fully replaced the initial attendants, so the old Veronica faction should still be present, but I don’t know the details of what happened to them. Melchior was supposed to help choose attendants for the noble academy this winter but was isolated. Only three adult attendants chosen by parents and those old enough to guide at the noble academy remain.