Just Being a Disciple Would Have Been Enough

“Raimund, report to the castle at third bell tomorrow.”

It was at the end of autumn when an ordonnanz from Lord Ferdinand reached me. Ordonnanz cannot cross the borders of a duchy. In other words, at this time of year, with the winter social season approaching, he must be in Ahrensbach.

Lord Ferdinand’s marriage into Ahrensbach was decided during the Archduke Conference at the end of spring, and his engagement ceremony with Lady Detlinde was held as the end of summer approached. However, it shouldn’t yet be time for him to relocate.

…Ugh, I have a bad feeling about this.

The last time I was ordered to report to the castle, I was told to accompany him to Ehrenfest for the engagement ceremony and that I would be treated as one of Lord Ferdinand’s retainers. I have no idea what he will ask of me this time.

…I want to run away already.

It is true that, as someone who comes and goes from Professor Hirschur’s laboratory, I receive remote assignments from Lord Ferdinand through Lady Rozemyne and have them corrected as his disciple.

However, that master–disciple relationship is limited to research. I would be at a loss if I were told to become a retainer to Lord Ferdinand after his marriage. Among mednobles, I have relatively little mana, so even if I were taken into the service of the archducal family, I would feel more out of place than honored. Rather than serving as a retainer, I would much rather focus on my research.

…The only ones who would be pleased about me being taken on would be my family and relatives.

I have long been looked down upon by them for my low mana. And yet, ever since Professor Hirschur took notice of me and I became Lord Ferdinand’s disciple, they completely changed their attitude. Just thinking of them sidling up to me with those convenient smiles makes me let out a heavy sigh.

“Haah…”

I knew that no matter how much I disliked it, I couldn’t refuse. Since I was going to the castle anyway, I might as well have Lord Ferdinand look at the improved recording magic tool.

I repeated to myself several times, “It’s for research,” calming myself, then steeled my resolve. Summoning my schtappe, I sent back an ordonnanz acknowledging the order.

“Lord Ferdinand, I have brought Raimund.”

At the third bell the following day, I was led by a castle attendant to one of the archducal family’s offices. Once the attendant who had guided me left, I could take in the room. Lord Ferdinand sat at a large desk in the back, with the aub’s retainers gathered around him. They all turned toward me at once, their eyes probing me with suspicion.

“Come here, Raimund.”

Unable to refuse Lord Ferdinand’s command, I cautiously made my way toward the desk. Watching me, his retinue began to speak one after another.

“Lord Ferdinand, do you truly intend to take him on as a retainer? Please do not misunderstand—I do not say this out of malice, but the envy of the surrounding nobles will be directed entirely at him. It would be far too pitiful.”

“From what I hear, he is a mednoble closer to the lower ranks. The retainers of the archducal couple are all archnobles. In terms of mana—and considering the quality of education he has received—the duties of a retainer would be too much for him.”

From the sharpness of their gazes, I thought I was being appraised, but it seemed the aub’s retainers were actually concerned for me. I myself have never once thought I was suited to serve as Lord Ferdinand’s retainer—not in the slightest. It would be enough if I were judged solely on my research. The duties of a retainer are more than I can handle.

…They’re absolutely right—it’s too much for me. Please reconsider making me a retainer, Lord Ferdinand!

“As they have all said, I also believe that the role of a retainer in the usual sense would be too much for Raimund.”

At Lord Ferdinand’s words, it felt as though a bright light suddenly shone into my heart. The aub’s retainers also let out sighs of relief.

“Then, Lord Ferdinand…”

“Raimund, what I am about to tell you must not be disclosed. You are not to tell even your family.”

“Huh?”

Before I could say that I wished to decline becoming a retainer, Lord Ferdinand cut me off. As I stood there in confusion, blankly stunned, he began to speak of something I should not be hearing if I intended to refuse.

“The aub passed away the other day.”

More than Lord Ferdinand’s quiet voice, the sound of people sharply inhaling was louder.

…Isn’t that the kind of thing you can’t take back once you’ve heard it?

Cold sweat ran down my back, leaving it chilled. Feeling as though I had been dragged somewhere I should never have stepped into, I looked at Lord Ferdinand. I hope he can forgive me for the slightly resentful look in my eyes.

“I came to Ahrensbach with a greatly altered schedule in order to swiftly receive the transfer of duties from the aub’s retainers. You have likely already been informed, but I will be taking you—who have been in a master–disciple relationship with me—as my retainer.”

“Lord Ferdinand, what are you thinking!?”

Ignoring the voices of criticism from the surrounding area, Lord Ferdinand kept his gaze fixed on me.

“Raimund, you are to prioritize your research. After graduating from the Royal Academy, I intend to make you my research assistant. I have no plans to take a mednoble like you to the Archduke Conference or involve you deeply in the affairs of the archducal family.”

I felt a bit relieved, but the others looked dissatisfied.

“Then there is no need to take him on as a retainer, is there?”

“Is there truly a reason to secure him even to the point of revealing confidential information?”

“I have been conducting my research in a hidden room within my chambers. I intend to make him my assistant there. An ordinary scholar would not be permitted into the private chambers of the archducal family, would they?”

”…I see.”

“Since I am taking you on as a retainer, I intend to provide you with instruction on the conduct expected of one in that role in due time. However, I do not currently have the leeway to do so. I must first familiarize myself with the duties at hand.”

As he is in the process of taking over the aub’s duties from his retainers, it seems that neither Lord Ferdinand nor the adult retainers have any time to spare for my education.

…It’s terrifying, so if possible, please put it off. I wouldn’t mind at all if you simply forgot about it.

If possible, I would have preferred to become a Sovereign noble through Professor Hirschur’s connections rather than serve as a retainer to the archducal family, but I felt there was no escape. Even if it made me seem stubborn, it was simply not my place to stand among retainers who were all archnobles.

“I understand that you and the others are busy, Lord Ferdinand. Does that conclude today’s business?”

“No, the main matter begins now. In order to have those around us recognize you as a research retainer, I want you to conduct joint research with Ehrenfest at the Royal Academy as my disciple.”

If it was just doing research with Lady Rozemyne, then it would be the same as last year. There was no problem at all. Just as I began to find it a little suspicious that what was expected of a research retainer seemed easier than I had thought, Lord Ferdinand smiled faintly.

For some reason, a chill ran down my spine.

“Make sure that research earns an award this year as well.”

…As expected, it isn’t easy at all!

I had suspected as much. From the assignments I had been given, the piles of reference materials, and the experience of conducting research together for the first time at his mansion in Ehrenfest, I knew there was no way it would be something I could handle easily. At the same time, I had never been given a task that was truly impossible. Lord Ferdinand likely already had a foundation for research worthy of an award in mind.

Unlike me, who had accepted it with a half-resigned mindset, the surrounding retainers showed clear signs of alarm.

“An award!? That’s outrageous—!”

“It is not something to be demanded of a mednoble.”

The ones growing restless were only those from Ahrensbach. The two wearing Ehrenfest capes behind Lord Ferdinand looked as though it were only natural.

“It is nothing worth being surprised over. If a mednoble incapable of that were taken on as a retainer, I doubt the other nobles would accept it. Above all, Lady Detlinde, the next aub, is in her final year. If, through my guidance as her fiancé, my retainer—and disciple—Raimund were to receive an award, it would also benefit her.”

The aub had passed away. To show other duchies that the territory would remain stable even with a change in leadership, it was necessary to demonstrate that the next aub was capable. At the Royal Academy, the quickest way to do so was for the individual in question—or their retainers—to receive an award. If I were to be recognized, there was no doubt that Lord Ferdinand’s—and the duchy’s—reputation would rise. Lady Detlinde’s reputation would also improve, in that she would be seen as someone capable of discovering and cultivating the talent of mednobles.

…But doesn’t what he just said also sound like, “Lady Detlinde herself and her retainers wouldn’t be able to earn an award on their own”?!?

It wasn’t something that had been said outright, and it was true that those around Lady Detlinde were not capable of earning awards, so I could neither point it out nor argue against it. I understood why the surrounding nobles all wore such awkward expressions.

“Raimund, your progress? Has the miniaturization and mana efficiency of the recording magic tool been advancing?”

“Here it is.”

I quickly took out the improved recording magic tool. I had only brought it along to soothe my own reluctance at being summoned. When those around me remarked, “Oh? Well prepared,” I felt terribly uncomfortable

“Hmm, not bad. However, there is still room for improvement.”

“Improvements…?”

I had improved the magic tool so that it could be held in one hand instead of requiring both. It had become quite a bit smaller, and I thought I had reduced the mana consumption as well. And yet, Lord Ferdinand was able to notice inefficiencies in such a short time. At moments like this, I was made keenly aware of just how remarkable my master was.

“If the lid is removed, it should be possible to make it even smaller.”

That had been a blind spot. Indeed, even without a lid, there would be no problem with its intended use. Just as my mind began to move on how to improve it further, Lord Ferdinand called my name once more.

“Raimund.”

Thinking he had more advice to offer, I looked up at my master with eyes full of expectation.

“Yes! Is there anything else?”

“Indeed. I will also entrust you with gathering information at the Royal Academy.”

”…Pardon?”

It wasn’t advice—it was an order. And a rather troublesome one at that.

“Having only just relocated, I am far too occupied with the transfer of duties to take on a new student retainer. While I have some reservations about leaving it all to you alone, I will rely on you. No matter how capable they may be, the others cannot go to the Royal Academy.”

The retainers he glanced toward gave wry smiles.

“If it were possible, I would like to turn back the flow of time.”

“I do feel nostalgic for our days at the Royal Academy, but that is precisely because there was no adult interference. It would not do for us to intrude.”

“If he is such a capable scholar—well-prepared as this—then we can surely expect much from him in gathering information.”

…Please don’t expect me to handle information gathering!

Because I immersed myself in research, my relationships with others were sparse, and I was particularly poor at socializing. Even as a scholar, I was bad at gathering information. I couldn’t imagine being able to obtain the kind of information that would satisfy Lord Ferdinand or the aub’s retainers.

“It may be harsh for a mednoble like you, but I would also ask you to report on Lady Detlinde’s movements. Her retainers tend to flatter her, so their information cannot be expected to be very reliable.”

If retainers of the aub—people who had once been such distant figures that I couldn’t even greet them—asked me with such apologetic looks, there was no way a timid person like me could refuse. I had no choice but to nod.

“Raimund, and also…”

…Ugh! There’s more!?

Bracing myself for what else I might be ordered to do, I flinched slightly as I looked toward Lord Ferdinand.

“Do not be so wary. At the opening banquet where the duchy’s nobles gather, act together with your fellow retainers. Aside from that, there is no need for you to come to this office. Tell your family and any nobles who approach you that you have been ordered to prioritize your research at the Royal Academy.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

It seemed he intended to ensure I had time for my research while still making it clear to others that I was being treated as a retainer. Feeling relieved by words that were both an order and a consideration, I relaxed—only for Lord Ferdinand to add, “Lastly…”

“I am not only your mentor, but Lady Rozemyne’s as well. Just as I exchanged assignments and evaluations with you through Lady Rozemyne last year, from this year onward I intend to communicate with her through you. Can I entrust this to you?”

“Leave it to me.”

If I was simply being told to do for her what had been done for me, it only seemed natural. Lord Ferdinand’s assignments were strict, but there was no doubt they would benefit her. Just as I had the year before, Lady Rozemyne would surely welcome them.

“Then, use this magic tool to deliver a message to Lady Rozemyne.”

”…Pardon?”

Lord Ferdinand proceeded to speak directly into the recording magic tool in front of everyone. From the content he recorded without hesitation, it was easy to see the aub’s retainers’ expressions stiffen.

And now, after moving to the Royal Academy and finishing the advancement ceremony and the fellowship gathering—I called out to Lady Rozemyne and the others as they were returning to the dormitory and asked whether she wished to hear Lord Ferdinand’s message.

Since I had been instructed to further improve it, I could not hand over the recording magic tool itself with the voice already recorded.

“Play it. Play it now, I want to hear it.”

Seeing Lady Rozemyne lean forward with a nostalgic, affectionate expression, eager to hear the message, I—already knowing its contents—felt terribly out of place.

“Rozemyne, it is I. Remember your vow to come first-in-class once again. Allow your or the duchy’s grades to slip and I will show no mercy.”

Her breath caught as she trembled, clutching her cheeks, and the color rapidly drained from Lady Rozemyne’s face. She had been told to take top honors again and ensure Ehrenfest’s overall performance did not decline. Compared to me, she was being given an even more unreasonable demand.

“Ah, yes. Rozemyne. If your grades go down at all, then I intend to consult Aub Ehrenfest about taking back the library I gave you. One who cannot manage herself can hardly be expected to manage so many books.”

“Noooooo! Anything but that!”

Clinging to the magic tool wouldn’t earn any concessions from Lord Ferdinand. I gently took the recording magic tool back from Lady Rozemyne. It would be a problem if I were entrusted with a message for Lord Ferdinand from her in such a flustered state.

“Not even my best attempts to improve this magic tool have been enough for Lord Ferdinand, so I understand what you must be going through. Let us, uh… all work our very hardest.”

Putting on a polite smile, I hurriedly made my escape and dashed into the Ahrensbach dormitory, where those from other duchies could not enter.