Rozemyne's Invitation

“Forgive the suddenness, but there was something I wished to ask you before speaking with the Zent.”

At Lady Rozemyne’s request—“If possible, please come right away”—I found myself unable to decline and made my way to Alexandria’s tea party room. Lady Charlotte’s words—“Things tend to move very quickly”—echoed restlessly in my mind.

“Since this will involve discussion about the world of the gods, I truly am sorry, but may I ask your retainers to step away? Please have them wait behind this screen.”

“The Zent made the same request when I discussed it with her, so I have no objections.”

Once the tea and sweets had been tested for poison, Lady Rozemyne turned to her retainers and, with a word of apology, requested that they also wait behind the folding screen. My own retainers, guided by hers, moved reluctantly to join them.

Now alone, I accepted the anti-eavesdropping magic tool that Lady Rozemyne offered to me.

“This time, both my circumstances and Ferdinand’s ended up involving you, and I am truly sorry,” she said. “I’ve heard from Letizia and Lieseleta how you’re been referred to as the Second Avatar of the Goddess, and how that led to several duchies submitting bride-stealing ditter challenges, creating a rather difficult situation for you. Even so, you still showed concern for Letizia’s position and asked Lord Hildebrand to support her, did you not? You have my heartfelt thanks.”

It seemed that Lady Letizia, left as the sole archducal candidate of the newly formed Alexandria, had been placed in a very difficult position.

“I’m glad if my advice proved useful,” I said, “but I truly didn’t do much. I’ve been so overwhelmed with my own affairs that I haven’t even been able to supply mana as a member of the Library Committee.”

“That’s quite all right,” Lady Rozemyne replied. “There are archnoble librarians assigned to the library this year, so that matter is under control. Please only worry about offering your help when you have the time and mana to spare…”

Since I hadn’t been able to visit the Royal Academy’s library, Lady Rozemyne gave a gentle laugh and waved her hand lightly.

“That’s perfectly fine,” she said. “More importantly, I heard from a retainer who accompanied him to meet with the Zent that it was Ferdinand? who asked you to call down the Goddess once again. I nearly passed out with shock when I was told.”

“It’s only natural that Lord Ferdinand would be concerned,” I replied. “Even after the threads were reconnected, you still hadn’t returned. …It’s true that his request was a little forceful, but I did receive compensation, so please don’t worry yourself over it.”

However, Lady Rozemyne shook her head from side to side.

“Lieseleta informed me that after your first descent, it took about ten days for you to awaken, Lady Hannelore. And due to the goddess’ power’s lingering effects, it took several more days before you could attend classes again… This time, you’re already awake, but surely Ferdinand’s request for a second descent kept you from attending your lessons for quite some time as well.”

I couldn’t deny it. So I simply responded with a vague smile, letting the words pass.

“By a conservative estimate, nearly forty percent of your time at the Royal Academy has been disrupted, Lady Hannelore. I’ve already completed the archduke candidate course, and I came to the Royal Academy prepared for divine incidents to occur. But you had no such preparation or forewarning, did you? When I think about how much trouble we’ve caused you, I just…”

She seemed far more troubled than I had anticipated. This was concerning. I had already received proper compensation, so I didn’t want her to dwell on it so deeply.

“Lady Rozemyne, I’ve gained valuable insights from visiting the world of the gods, and I experienced both awe and joy at seeing things no ordinary person ever could. I was also properly compensated, so truly, please do not trouble yourself over it.”

Lady Rozemyne, too, had been caught up in matters of the gods. I did not wish for her to continue apologizing endlessly. I decided to change the subject a bit forcefully.

“More importantly, what was it you wished to speak about before conversing with the Zent?”

”…It’s about the divine starbinding ceremony. I’d like to know to whom and how you have reported it. That is, neither Ferdinand nor the people of Alexandria seemed to know about it. Have you reported it to the Zent or to Dunkelfelger?”

I had assumed the Zent would have already informed him, but it seemed Lord Ferdinand was still unaware. Most likely, the atmosphere hadn’t allowed for anything beyond what he had requested to be discussed.

“I reported to the Zent that a divine starbinding ceremony had been performed in order for you to connect Lord Ferdinand’s thread, using part of your own as compensation, Lady Rozemyne. Beyond that, I have told no one—not even my own duchy.”

When I told Lady Rozemyne that it would be best for those directly involved—herself and Lord Ferdinand included—to decide together what to disclose, when, and to whom now that she had returned, she let out a quiet sigh of relief and pressed a hand to her chest.

“I’m grateful for your thoughtfulness, Lady Hannelore. If possible, I would ask that you continue to keep this entirely to yourself. I plan to speak with the Zent about it after this. But I intend to treat it as though it never happened.”

She had originally planned to have her starbinding ceremony after graduating from the Royal Academy, during the archdukes conference at the end of spring. She had no intention of altering those plans just because of what had occurred. Drawing further attention from other duchies was the last thing she wanted.

“And please don’t tell Ferdinand, either. If I don’t time it right, he might try to march off and complain to the gods themselves.”

Her words were tinged with a wry smile, and I couldn’t help but return it with one of my own—remembering all too clearly the scathing remarks from the goddesses.

“It seems he said quite a few defiant things to the Goddess of Time as well,” I said. “So yes… choosing the right moment is indeed important.”

”…Did Ferdinand really say something to the Goddess of Time?” Lady Rozemyne asked, leaning forward with a furrowed brow. “I haven’t heard anything from the gods, and he hasn’t mentioned it either. So—he did do something, didn’t he?”

As she peered at me intently, I took a moment to consider. Was it truly appropriate for me to relay the goddess’ harsh assessments of Lord Ferdinand to Lady Rozemyne? A part of me felt as though doing so would certainly earn me a glare from him later…

“When the Goddess of Time descended, I was not myself,” I replied. “So I cannot say for certain.”

Lady Rozemyne leaned back slightly, looking contemplative. “So… the gods told you something about it?”

Her eyes narrowed, curiosity plain on her face. I hesitated, weighing the consequences. Even if I was relaying what had already been said by the gods, it still felt like revealing something Lord Ferdinand might not appreciate.

”…They did mention, in rather blunt terms, that Lord Ferdinand spoke quite rebelliously to the Goddess of Time.”

“I knew it,” Lady Rozemyne muttered, sighing. “Why must he always antagonize higher powers?”

I couldn’t help but laugh softly. “I believe that is a question only the gods can answer.”

“Oh? Then how is it that you know about it, Lady Hannelore?”

“When I lent my body to the Goddess of Time and remained on standby, I overheard the Goddess of Binding and the Goddess of Weaving speaking about Lord Ferdinand… If you’re curious what exactly he said to the Goddess of Time, I believe Zent Eglantine would know more—she was present at the time.”

With that, I subtly nominated the Zent to be the one to provide details, preserving my own safety. Lady Rozemyne, her eyes sparkling mischievously, looked delighted—as though she had just gained some precious leverage against Lord Ferdinand.

…Lady Eglantine, I’m counting on you.

“You may have heard from Lady Letizia, but there are several in Dunkelfelger who’ve recovered their memories—we’ve heard bits and pieces of your exploits, Lady Rozemyne. It sounded like mending the severed threads was quite the ordeal.”

“Yes, it truly was,” she replied. “Wherever I descended, Ferdinand was always on the verge of death. And knowing I was the only one who could reconnect his threads… it weighed so heavily on me.”

She spoke of how she had no idea why Lord Ferdinand was always at death’s door, and yet she had to think and act desperately in the moment, trying to find a way to save him each time.

She lowered her eyes, shadowed with quiet sorrow. “And… I was only permitted to reconnect Ferdinand’s thread. No matter how much I wanted to help the others, I wasn’t allowed to reach out. That was the hardest part.”

Though she didn’t explain exactly what had happened in the past, it was clear from her voice and expression that mending those threads had been far from easy.

“Even so, you saw it through,” I said gently. “You saved Lord Ferdinand—and twenty years of Yurgenschmidt’s history. I’m very grateful. Wasn’t it Ventuhite the Goddess of Weaving who forbade helping anyone else? You did exactly what the gods desired, Lady Rozemyne. Be proud of it. No one else could have accomplished what you did.”

At a loss for any proper words of comfort, I simply expressed my gratitude. I didn’t want her blaming herself for what could not be changed. Lady Rozemyne slowly lifted her gaze, and when our eyes met, she smiled gently, her eyes narrowing with a warmth that eased the weight in my chest.

“Understood. I’ll just blame the gods for the ones I couldn’t save.”

With a soft smile, she sipped her tea, her expression returning to the familiar, calm one I knew so well. I couldn’t believe she had truly made peace with it so easily—but even so, I hoped it might ease her heart, if only a little.

“I was taught by the gods how to mend my thread, and I have acquired the materials I needed. With my return, everything has come to an end for me—but things are still difficult for you, aren’t they? The male gods seem to be eagerly awaiting the ditter…”

”…Right, actually, that’s just what I was discussing with Lady Charlotte.”

I began to explain the course of events to Lady Rozemyne—how I awoke to find that several duchies had submitted bride-stealing ditter applications, how the match would now be held under the Zent’s supervision, and how most of the duchies withdrew after learning the true nature of the ditter, leaving just four who remained.

“Which four duchies remain?”

“Korinthsdaum, Drewanchel, Gilessenmeyer and Hauchletzte. It seems the three besides Drewanchel are working together.”

As I spoke of how troublesome Korinthsdaum’s covert maneuvering had become, Lady Rozemyne nodded in agreement.

“I’ve heard a bit from Letizia. Her older brother is Lord Lansrit, a candidate for Aub Drewanchel. It sounds like this ditter is also doubling as a stage for the duchy’s next aub succession.”

“If Lord Ortwin wins the marriage ditter, he’ll be confirmed as the next aub, so Lord Lansrit is interfering to stop him, isn’t he?”

At my words, Lady Rozemyne tilted her head slightly, looking puzzled.

“No, it isn’t Lord Lansrit himself who seeks the position. It’s the second wife and her child.”

It seems Lady Letizia has been gathering detailed information about Drewanchel. The level of detail in what Lady Rozemyne shared was surprisingly specific.

“I’ve heard that Aub Drewanchel once said he wished to decide the next successor without giving consideration to the generation with weakened schtappes. But Lord Ortwin wouldn’t accept that. He supposedly made various arrangements to secure the seat through the bride-stealing ditter instead, which has stirred considerable backlash from the other successor candidates.”

The memory of my conversation with Lord Ortwin about the next aub of Dunkelfelger, just before the descent of the goddess, surfaced in my mind.

…It may have been my comment—that in Dunkelfelger, my elder brother’s position as next aub was unshakable—that triggered the succession conflict in Drewanchel.

“Lord Lansrit seems to be in contact with Korinthsdaum as well. I’ve even heard he’s been offering them strategic advice. Lord Ortwin must be in quite a difficult position.”

“We’ve come to the same conclusion, but Dunkelfelger currently has very little access to information about Drewanchel or Lord Ortwin,” I said.

I explained that changing the format of the bride-stealing ditter to place it under the Zent’s supervision had led to various complications, and that issues surrounding inter-duchy social relationships —especially involving unrelated duchies—were now surfacing and needed to be addressed.

“We’re considering steps to lessen the impact on the social season, such as publicly naming the duchies that have already withdrawn and apologized, or clearly stating that Dunkelfelger doesn’t intend to interfere with the social activities of others.”

I had no intention of interfering in inter-duchy betrothals, but as Dunkelfelger has never had reason to consider those uninvolved in bridal ditter until now, we’re uncertain how best to respond.

…Would simply saying “please continue socializing freely as before” be enough to convey our intent? When and how should we even express it?

“I only just finished speaking with Lady Charlotte, so I’ll be discussing this with the Zent and my father soon. Once we’ve decided on a course of action, Lady Rozemyne, may I ask for your assistance as well? There are duchies with which Dunkelfelger, as a directly involved party, may find it difficult to reach out effectively…”

Lady Rozemyne brought a hand to her cheek thoughtfully as she looked at me.

“I don’t mind lending my aid,” she said, “but have you decided on your partner, Lady Hannelore? Last I heard, you were still saying you couldn’t choose between your fiancé candidates…”

“Yes,” I replied. “I will choose Kenntrips. Rasantark does not meet the necessary conditions.”

”…Conditions?” she echoed, tilting her head slightly.

“I considered my position within Dunkelfelger, the roles and responsibilities that will be expected of me moving forward, as well as the opinions of my retainers,” I explained. “Taking all of that into account, Kenntrips is the most appropriate choice.”

Lady Rozemyne’s eyes widened slightly. “You’ve become so decisive. It’s a stark change from when you were unsure who to choose.”

“I used to think I had to choose my marriage partner based on romantic feelings,” I admitted. “I’ve known them both since we were young, and I know they both care for me deeply. I’m fond of them too, but… my feelings aren’t the kind of love you read about in stories.”

“Stories and reality are quite different, I think…” Lady Rozemyne said quietly.

To me, reality is far more difficult. When one is simply infatuated with the idea of love, it becomes easy to overlook the person themselves. I’ve found myself confused by the many facets of people, misinterpreting their words, or failing to grasp their intent. Real-life love is far less straightforward than what’s portrayed in fiction—and far harder for me to understand.

“I do understand the difference between fiction and reality,” I said. “But even your feelings for Lord Ferdinand aren’t what you would call romantic love, are they? That only makes it harder to tell what kind of emotion truly is love…”

“U-Um… Lady Hannelore, please don’t use me as your standard…”

Lady Rozemyne lowered her head and covered her face with both hands. The parts of her face not hidden were flushed red. Her reaction was so vastly different from usual that I blinked several times in confusion and tilted my head.

“Lady Rozemyne… could it be that you’ve come to understand what romantic feelings are…?”

”…Y-Yes, I suppose so,” she replied, turning her gaze away in clear embarrassment.

After a brief moment of stunned silence, I tightened my grip on the anti-eavesdropping magic tool in my hand and leaned forward with urgency.

“Please, tell me everything—in detail, if you would!”

“Even if you say ‘in detail’…”

Lady Rozemyne trailed off, clearly flustered.

A mix of defeat—at having been overtaken by someone who once couldn’t grasp even the love in romantic tales—and urgency swelled within me. I couldn’t afford to miss this rare chance to hear firsthand from someone who had come to understand real feelings of love. I stared at Lady Rozemyne intently, leaning forward ever so slightly.

“You, who once insisted it wasn’t love, have now come to understand it—haven’t you? When was it? Where? How does one come to understand romantic feelings?”

“Perhaps I was just… slow. I think I only realized that the feelings had already been there and had grown over time… Um, it happened in the world of the past, so I can’t go into detail, but… I can at least assure you that you, Lady Hannelore, would never fall in love or realize such feelings under the same circumstances. I’m… rather unusual.”

Lady Rozemyne’s golden eyes, like the moon, wandered in all directions as she struggled to find the right words.

Seeing her act in such a way, in a manner I had never seen before, filled me with a vague unease. After all, not once during all the previous talk of Lord Ferdinand today had she shown this level of discomposure.

”…Um, Lady Rozemyne,” I asked hesitantly, “this may be an impertinent question, but… in the world of the past, you didn’t fall in love with someone else, did you? The one you have feelings for… it is Lord Ferdinand, isn’t it?”

“Eh? Ah, yes… it is, of course… Ferdinand.”

I felt truly relieved to have that confirmation. If Lady Rozemyne had fallen in love with someone else in the world of the past, I could not begin to imagine how Lord Ferdinand might have responded. Or rather, it was too frightening a thought to consider at all.

“Lady Hannelore, can we not speak of me anymore?”

“We most certainly cannot. I heard that the Goddess of Time ensured you could return to Lord Ferdinand’s side. So, after you became aware of your feelings—what was it like when you reunited with him?”

When I posed my question, the blush and smile instantly dropped from Lady Rozemyne’s face.

”…He scolded me.”

“U-um…”

“He lectured me about using my thread, about heedlessly accepting the words of the goddesses, about what I should have done instead in all those dangerous moments in the past, and questioned the intent behind my every action and word…”

“O-oh…?”

“He cornered me with that sparkling smile of his that makes your spine freeze and makes you want to cry! And I hate that I felt relieved and futtery at the same time!”

…Lady Rozemyne felt fluttery*? Not fear?*

“If someone like me could fall in love, then surely Lady Hannelore already has,” Lady Rozemyne muttered, cheeks red and eyes faintly misted with embarrassment as she glared at me.

“And what about you, Lady Hannelore? You said you chose based on conditions, but you’re aware that your chosen partner cares for you, aren’t you? What if the feelings have already started to bloom and you simply haven’t noticed?”

“I hope they bloom,” I admitted honestly, “but I truly don’t know how one comes to feel love in the first place. That’s why I’d like to hear more from you, Lady Rozemyne—purely for reference, of course.”

When I smiled sweetly and pressed for more talk of love, Lady Rozemyne gave a faint, pained “Ugh…” and flinched before donning a noble’s practiced smile.

“For now, let’s focus on the bride-stealing ditter. Until it’s over, your partner hasn’t been officially decided, after all.”

It must have embarrassed her terribly—she abruptly changed the subject. While I would have liked to hear a bit more about love, the bride-stealing ditter is certainly the more pressing matter, so I didn’t mind letting the topic go… for now.

“When I hear all of this, I must agree—just as you said, Lady Hannelore, there are quite a few issues. Especially the widespread effects on unrelated inter-duchy interactions—that’s certainly something that needs to be addressed. I’ll cooperate as one of the archdukes.”

“I apologize for the imposition, but… could I also ask for your help in your capacity as the goddess’s avatar, now returned from the divine realm? I’ve been keeping my second descent a secret, so I can’t publicly spread word of how the male gods desire the ditter.”

“Ah, that does make sense. In that case, as someone who just returned from the world of the gods, I’m indeed the most suitable person for that role.”

Lady Rozemyne and I discussed how best to resolve the current complications.

“Your help is greatly appreciated, Lady Rozemyne. The suitor duchies—especially Korinthsdaum—are only spreading confusion among the students, and with Dunkelfelger acting alone, the situation has become impossible to manage.”

“I don’t mind assisting, since it was Ferdinand and I who caused you to be named the second avatar of a goddess, Lady Hannelore. But… There’s something I find truly puzzling. Why is it that you, Lady Hannelore, seem to be bearing so much of the burden when it comes to the bride-stealing ditter?”

Lady Rozemyne asked the question with genuine confusion, and I found myself equally puzzled, tilting my head in thought.

”…Because I’m the one involved?” I replied.

“You are, certainly,” she said, still unconvinced. “But marriage decisions are made by the father, aren’t they? Since daughters cannot go against those decisions, the troubles that come with marriage are supposed to be handled by the father who made the decision in the first place.”

Her words, spoken almost as a confirmation, made me nod. Even in Dunkelfelger, unless it’s a bride-stealing ditter driven by mutual love or a forced marriage pushed forward with a formal challenge, it is the father who decides and handles everything.

“Especially in this case, didn’t you wake to find a flood of bride-stealing ditter applications?” Lady Rozemyne said. “You’re still a minor, and moreover, the bride being fought over. I just can’t see why you, Lady Hannelore, should be the one losing sleep and running about for suitors you never even wished for.”

“But since the effects are playing out here in the Royal Academy, my father and the others cannot intervene…” I replied. “And I am a Dunkelfelger archduke candidate, so…”

I don’t particularly want to deal with all these troubles either, but it’s a responsibility that comes with my position.

“That may be true,” said Lady Rozemyne, “but shouldn’t this be handled by your father, the Aub, or the Zent, who declared that the bride-stealing ditter would be held in the Royal Academy? Didn’t she say that the students of Dunkelfelger were not to be troubled by the ditter? I would say that includes you, Lady Hannelore.”

Lady Rozemyne gave me a gentle, almost pitying smile, and I felt my resolve waver between the temptation to cry “I’m a student too!” and throw all these negotiations aside, and the weight of my duty as a Dunkelfelger archducal candidate.

”…That is true,” I said, “but as a rule, adults aren’t supposed to interfere in the Royal Academy. It’s not realistic to expect the Zent and my father to meet and talk every time something comes up. I’m the one staying in the Royal Academy, so I have no choice but to act as an intermediary, don’t you think?”

Straightening my back with resolve, I chose responsibility—as a Dunkelfelger archducal candidate, I could do nothing less. My father was still watching closely to judge whether I possessed the qualities needed to remain in this position. No matter how tempting Lady Rozemyne’s words were, I could not cast aside my duties.

”…You truly have a strong sense of responsibility, Lady Hannelore,” she said with a gentle smile. “Very well. I’ll think of some ways to address the matter on my end. I’m sure if I consult with Ferdinand, he’ll come up with a good plan.”

“I’m most grateful,” I replied, relieved—both for having resisted the sweet temptation, and for Lady Rozemyne’s offer to consult Lord Ferdinand. If she were to act alone, things might spiral out of control, but with him involved, it would surely be fine.

…Lady Charlotte had also said, “It would be best to consult my uncle…”

“Then, shall we bring this discussion to a close? You must have many things to think about beyond the bride-stealing ditter, Lady Hannelore.”

Due to the long period I spent unconscious owing to the goddess’s descent—and the additional days I was unable to attend classes while the divine power lingered—my coursework had fallen behind. I knew that Lady Rozemyne was concerned about my progress, and yet I found myself gazing up at her pleadingly.

“There is much I need to consider,” I said, “but I can’t focus on my lessons at all—I’m too distracted by how one comes to recognize their own feelings of love. If you would teach me, Lady Rozemyne, I believe I could truly concentrate on my studies…”

Because I could reasonably expect to finish my classes by the middle of the socializing period—so long as there were no more unexpected events like the third divine descent—I was able to make such a request. Lady Rozemyne widened her eyes in surprise, exclaiming, “Eh!?” before falling into thoughtful silence with a quiet, “Hmm…”

…Just a little more pressure…

“Please, Lady Rozemyne,” I implored. “I wish to nurture both trust and affection with my future spouse, just as you have with Lord Ferdinand. Please share anything that might help—even a little advice would be enough.”

Lady Rozemyne furrowed her brow in thought and placed her magic tool down on the table—apparently, our conversation was over. I followed suit, setting mine down as well, reluctantly giving up on any further talk of romance.

“I’m not sure if this will be of any help to you, Lady Hannelore…” she began, then rang a bell. The attendants who had been waiting behind the screen filed back into the room.

“As I recall,” Lady Rozemyne continued, “Clarissa pushed Hartmut down when she obtained her engagement task, kissed him to confirm their mana compatibility, and checked whether they could marry. If that’s the Dunkelfelger way, then perhaps you could try the same?”

…Clarissa!

I nearly buried my face in my hands. I had known she had received a proposal task, but I never imagined she had gone so far as to confirm mana compatibility with a kiss.

…It would be no wonder if Dunkelfelger as a whole is seen as shameless!

My retainers, just now stepping out from behind the screen, were frozen in shock upon hearing this outrageous tale of one of our own. Only Cordula managed to compose herself, offering a polite smile as she asked, “Lady Rozemyne, if I may… just what sort of conversation were you having?”

“About the world of the gods, the effects of the bride-stealing ditter, and just a little bit about love… Perhaps about how women in Dunkelfelger assess their marriage partners,” said Lady Rozemyne.

I saw Cordula freeze up sharply at her words. This was going to be a problem later. I gasped.

“Th-that’s not true. It’s not something all of Dunkelfelger does… That was just Clarissa acting on her own. Lady Rozemyne, it’s a misunderstanding. Right, Cordula?”

“Is that so?”

Lady Rozemyne’s gaze flicked between Cordula and me.

“Yes, it was without a doubt Clarissa’s personal recklessness. Lady Rozemyne, please allow us to speak with Clarissa during the Archdukes Conference. We cannot allow such impressions to spread to other duchies. Now then, my lady, we should be on our way.”

At Cordula’s direction, the retainers finally began to move. No doubt the shock had been too great. They packed up with the swift precision of soldiers retreating from a lost battlefield.

“Lady Rozemyne, it truly is a misunderstanding. It’s true that women of Dunkelfelger may receive a proposal task from a gentleman they wish to marry, but we most certainly do not confirm mana compatibility with a kiss.”

“I understand now that it was Clarissa’s own recklessness. But at the very least, you can tell whether you’re compatible with someone when you kiss them.”

”…Pardon?”

…What exactly does that tell you? Did Lady Rozemyne find out something? What?

Everyone in the room drew in a sharp breath. And when Lady Rozemyne felt the weight of our stares, she seemed to realize the implication of what she’d just said. ”…Ah…” she murmured, then gently pressed a finger to her lips as if to silence herself for saying too much. Her retainers, for their part, subtly averted their eyes. The entire scene was rather telling.

“Now that all your worries have been settled, Lady Hannelore, I hope you can focus on advancing your classes. Please leave the rest to me.”

…But now I’m more curious than ever!

Even after returning to my room, even during the next day’s lessons, I couldn’t stop thinking about whether Lady Rozemyne really had kissed Lord Ferdinand to confirm their mana compatibility. I had promised to focus on my studies, and I was making great progress—but I found myself completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere in the classroom.

…Should I try it too? I mean, with Kenntrips, perhaps?

When I spotted Kenntrips in the dining hall, I shook my head from side to side. No, I can’t. That was Clarissa’s personal overstep. There’s no way I could try something like that myself.

…But Lady Rozemyne did say you could tell whether you’re compatible or not… Should I give it a try?

“Lady Hannelore.”

“Hyah!?”

Lost in such inappropriate thoughts, I flinched and my shoulders jumped at Kenntrips’ voice. I can’t even look at him right now.

“Is something the matter, Kenntrips?”

Cordula stepped forward. She must have known it would be awkward for me to face Kenntrips after learning about Clarissa’s actions.

“A letter has arrived from the Aub. …Lady Hannelore, what exactly happened at the tea party with Lady Rozemyne?”

Kenntrips’ puzzled tone made it clear how confused he was, and I tilted my head in return. I had submitted a report on the tea party to Father, omitting any mention of matters concerning the world of the gods, so I had no idea what could have caused this reaction.

“Even if Father had some questions or a message to send, I don’t think it would be something that would confuse you…”

“On the next Earthday, the Zent and the Aub of Alexandria will be coming to Dunkelfelger’s country gate. It seems a meeting will be held in one of the rooms by the border gate.”

”…Excuse me?”

…Dunkelfelger’s country gate? A meeting at one of the border gate’s rooms?

“Lady Hannelore, allow me to ask once more. Just what exactly did you do at that tea party?”

“Please don’t say it in such a pensive tone. I don’t understand at all. That kind of topic never even came up during the tea party. I’m innocent! Lady Rozemyne’s… impulsive actions, perhaps…?”

Because I’d been thinking about Clarissa’s impulsiveness just moments ago, the word “impulsive” slipped out before I could stop myself. And the moment it did, Lady Charlotte’s advice came rushing back to my ears.

”…If anything, I believe you will have the harder time from here on.”

“Things tend to move very quickly once my sister returns from a long absence.”

I could feel the blood drain from my face.

…Please wait, Lady Rozemyne! Just what exactly are you planning to do!?