Library Committee Tea Party

It seemed they truly had been lying in wait for my classes to end, quietly preparing the tea party behind the scenes. As soon as I sent an ordonnanz, the date was immediately decided, and two formal invitations arrived from Alexandria.

…Why were there two at the same time?

Tilting my head in confusion, I looked over the first one that Andrea handed me. It stated that the gathering would be held tomorrow from third bell in Alexandria’s tea party room. According to Professor Solange’s wishes, the participating library committee members would be the professor herself and the original three members.

“Tomorrow afternoon, is it…? I may have just finished my classes and have no other plans, so even if it is a bit sudden, it is not an issue—however, what of my retinue’s schedules, will they be alright?”

Because of the goddess’s descent, it was only my own classes that had ended late; the rest of my retainers had long since finished theirs. In other words, there was a high chance they already had other social engagements scheduled.

“Please do not concern yourself, milady. Not everyone has plans.”

“We were informed in advance when your lessons would end, so we adjusted our schedules and kept ourselves available.”

The apprentice scholars said this as though it were only natural, while the apprentice attendants began their preparations for tomorrow. As everyone set into motion, I tilted my head, looking down at the invitation.

”…Even though this is a tea party for the library committee, it’s being held in Alexandria’s tea room. Until now, it has always been held in the librarians’ office, so it feels rather unusual. Is there some reason for that?”

“There is nothing strange about it. Until now, it was held during times when there were few visitors, but this is the season when many students crowd into the library. We cannot very well hold a tea party with the office doors wide open while keeping an eye on the reading room.”

When Cordula pointed out that letting music and the smell of sweets drift into the reading room would disturb the students studying for their final exams, I found myself in agreement.

“Even so, should we not also invite Lady Gentaine, who expressed her desire to join the library committee, or Lady Letizia, who came to the library to supply mana during her absence? Especially since it is being held in Alexandria’s tea room…”

At my question, Elusia gave a wry smile, and Cordula frowned.

“It is written that this is at Professor Solange’s request, so I believe there must be a reason for limiting the participants.”

“You will understand once you go. There is no need to trouble yourself over it here. More importantly, please check the other invitation.”

Brushed off rather curtly by Cordula, I turned my attention to the invitation Andrea handed me.

“Oh my, the day after tomorrow is also in Alexandria’s tea room…?”

Once the social season begins, it is not unusual to have tea gatherings scheduled on consecutive days. Even so, it is rare to go to the same location two days in a row.

“It will be on consecutive days…but we were informed by an apologetic looking apprentice attendant from Alexandria. This one is a tea party for book lovers, and it seems that those whom Lady Rozemyne has newly invited to the library committee—such as Lady Letizia, Lady Gentaine of Klassenburg, and Lady Charlotte of Ehrenfest—will be attending.”

When she put it that way, I found myself even more curious about what Professor Solange had to say. Lady Rozemyne, Lord Hildebrand, and myself—just the three of us… As I thought it over, what came to mind was the library’s underground archive. Could it be related to once again registering our mana to the keys there and translating the materials into the modern language?

“Lady Hannelore, shall we bring the books for the book lovers’ tea party that we had prepared in advance?”

“Huh!?”

Pulled from my thoughts by Elusia’s voice, I looked up in surprise. While my retainers were busily making preparations for socializing, it would not do for me to remain lost in thought.

“The books we prepared in advance will be fine. However, since the tea parties will be held on consecutive days—will the sweets be alright?”

If it were a tea party in another duchy, or if there were some time between gatherings, bringing the same sweets would be acceptable. But surely, we cannot present the same sweets as a gift on consecutive days.

“All arrangements have already been completed. Please leave the preparations for the tea parties to us, also please inform Lady Sieglinde that you have finished your classes and that you will be attending tea parties with Alexandria on consecutive days, milady.”

Prompted by Cordula to think as an archduke candidate and reminded that there were other things I ought to be doing, I ended up writing a report.

After sending it to the duchy, a reply from my mother arrived before long. It contained words of appreciation for finishing my lessons earlier than expected, along with instructions to be sure to report on the tea party—and to stop Lady Rozemyne if she seemed likely to run wild again.

…Though I think it would be impossible for me to stop Lady Rozemyne.

Certainly, at the previous tea party, my words had served as the trigger for that sudden meeting using the country gate. But at the time we were speaking during the tea party, I had never imagined it would lead to something like that.

…At the very least, I pray that tomorrow will pass without incident.

When we arrived at Alexandria’s tea room at the third bell, Lady Rozemyne greeted us with a warm smile. I could already see that Professor Solange was present.

“Welcome, Lady Hannelore. I was surprised that you finished your classes earlier than I had expected.”

“Thank you ever so much for inviting me. It is thanks to you, Lady Rozemyne, that I was able to finish so early.”

My words were not a lie. Thanks to the meeting on Earthday, my mother—who had previously said, “Now that you are being called the second avatar of the goddess, you must achieve results comparable to Lady Rozemyne, the first avatar”—had relented and said, “It is enough for you to achieve results befitting an archduke candidate of a greater duchy, so finish as quickly as possible.”

“Gretia, please escort Lady Hannelore to her seat.”

“Certainly.”

Lady Rozemyne would likely be waiting near the door for Lord Hildebrand’s arrival. Guided by Gretia, I headed toward the table where Professor Solange was seated.

The Alexandrian cape swayed across Gretia’s back as she walked ahead. I watched it with a strange feeling, as it was not the familiar color of Ehrenfest. An adult could move between duchies of their own will if summoned by their master, but she was still a minor. It was not normal to change one’s duchy midway through one’s time at the Royal Academy.

…Though I imagine her whole family serves Lady Rozemyne.

Even with loyalty, it must have been difficult for the retainers who moved to a new duchy. Unlike a marriage—where one goes to a place fully prepared to receive them—they had to support their lady in governing a duchy taken by seizing its foundation, all while facing possible resistance.

“Lady Hannelore, this way please.”

The seat Gretia guided me to was beside Professor Solange. Though, since it was a round table, “beside” still meant a slight distance apart.

As I arrived, Professor Solange rose from her seat, her attendant pulling back her chair for her.

“Once again, Dregarnuhr the Goddess of Time has woven our threads together and blessed us with a meeting… I am relieved to see that you are well, Lady Hannelore.”

Receiving her greeting after so long, I was reminded that I had not been able to visit the library at all since coming to the Royal Academy.

“Professor Solange, it has been quite some time. This year I have not been able to visit the library, and as a member of the library committee, I…”

“My, my, please do not trouble yourself over it. This year we have archlibrarians, so there were no issues in terms of mana. More importantly, I have heard that both you and Lady Rozemyne went through quite an ordeal. I am very glad that you returned safely.”

Professor Solange said this with a gentle smile. It also seemed that Lord Hildebrand had arrived, and at the edge of my vision I could see Lady Rozemyne going to greet him.

“I must admit, I was a little surprised when I saw Lady Rozemyne’s invitation. Even though it is a tea party for the library committee, I did not expect it to be held in Alexandria’s tea room. With so many students gathering for the final exams, it would not be appropriate to hold it in the office, of course…”

“Indeed, and we also have more archlibrarians now. If we were to hold a tea party in the office, there would be no place left for the librarians who are not participating to take their breaks.”

The table at the back of the library office was used by the librarians during their breaks. Certainly, if we occupied it for a tea party, it would cause trouble for the others.

“It is a little disappointing, since tea parties in the library always felt so special—but this means that Professor Solange now has enough leeway to visit tea rooms elsewhere. That is a very positive change, is it not?”

“Yes, truly… It is something to be grateful for.”

Professor Solange replied with a gentle narrowing of her eyes, yet they seemed slightly moist, and I began to feel strangely uneasy. I could not shake the sense that what she wished to discuss today might not be something I would find particularly pleasant.

“Lady Hannelore, Professor Solange, I look forward to your company today.”

Lord Hildebrand came over to join us. After exchanging brief greetings, we all took our seats. The sweets were laid out before us, and we each demonstrated a taste for poison before sipping our tea. Naturally, our gazes turned toward Professor Solange. It seemed I was not the only one curious about what she had to say.

“Professor Solange, um…”

At Lady Rozemyne’s call, Professor Solange slowly looked around at each of our faces in turn.

“Today, I wished to offer my thanks and share an announcement with all of you members of the library committee. As you are aware, three archlibrarians have been assigned to the Royal Academy Library. At the beginning of this winter, they registered their mana as the masters of Schwartz and Weiss, and just recently, their mana has surpassed Lady Rozemyne’s, resulting in a complete change of ownership.”

“That is wonderful news. It means the library is gradually returning to how it was before the civil war.”

At Lady Rozemyne’s bright voice, Professor Solange nodded with a gentle—yet somewhat lonely—smile.

“Indeed. The mana registration for the keys to the underground archive have also been completed, so it is truly a good thing for the library. With three archlibrarians, Schwartz and Weiss will be able to continue their duties from here on… Therefore, there will no longer be any need to ask for the cooperation of students like yourselves to supply mana.”

That was, in effect, a declaration of the library committee’s dissolution.

Lady Rozemyne, Lord Hildebrand, and I all drew in sharp breaths, our faces stiff with shock. I could see a faint sheen of tears in Professor Solange’s eyes.

“Without your cooperation, Schwartz and Weiss would never have moved again, the door to the underground archive would never have been opened, and the Zent would never have obtained the Grutrissheit. As these matters are kept secret from others, there are few who know of your devotion, and I cannot offer my thanks publicly. Please, allow me to express my gratitude here.”

“There is no need for thanks… I merely did as I wished. If anything, I should be the one thanking you, Professor Solange, for accepting my selfish requests.”

I found myself in complete agreement with Professor Solange’s words. There was no doubt that it was Lady Rozemyne who had saved the Royal Academy’s library. As for me, I had merely gone along with the flow of events without truly understanding, offering my help here and there—I did not feel I had much to do with the parts Professor Solange had mentioned.

“I only became a library committee member because I wanted to touch the adorable shumils and become closer with Lady Rozemyne, without really understanding anything. It was Lady Rozemyne who actually acted to save the library. Please, do direct your thanks to her.”

“Please wait, Lady Hannelore!”

Perhaps it had been unexpected, for Lady Rozemyne’s eyes widened in surprise. At her reaction, Lord Hildebrand let out a small chuckle and added his own words.

“I, too, simply had time to spare at the Royal Academy before enrollment and found enjoyment in the activities of the library committee. I did not act with the goal of saving the library. If anything, I likely held things back more often. If you wish to give thanks, it should be to Lady Rozemyne.”

“Oh my, even you, Lord Hildebrand! Did we not work together in the underground archive during the Archduke Conference to translate into the modern language? It was not only I who contributed to the library.”

Professor Solange, who had been watching our exchange, let out a soft laugh.

“Now that I think of it, this year at the Royal Academy, there were quite a number of archduke candidates who attempted to visit the underground archive.”

“That underground archive?”

Lord Hildebrand’s brows drew together slightly in caution. The materials there were records of past Zent candidates, and many clues to obtaining Grutrissheit lay hidden within them. Since we had been told to keep it secret while helping translate those documents into the modern language, hearing that people from other duchies had entered made me feel somewhat uneasy as well.

“It seems they were likely told something by their Aub. Quite a number requested to go underground… However, since they had not been informed of the details, most of them came back up quickly once they found they could not read the materials.”

“That place is filled with documents written in the ancient language. There are very few who can read them.”

I let out a small breath. In Dunkelfelger, members of the archducal family are instructed to study the ancient language, but I do not think many people in other duchies learn it. Lady Rozemyne, who was raised in the temple and had thoroughly studied scriptures written in the ancient language, is the exception.

“Some grow frustrated at being unable to read the materials and take it out on the librarians, while others compete to reach the underground archive first, leading to minor disputes between archduke candidates and their retainers… For that reason, I was hoping to ask all of you, as the original library committee members, to help guide them in such matters. When archduke candidates oppose one another, even archlibrarians can find it difficult to restrain them.”

When archduke candidates clash, it ultimately becomes a matter for the royal family—but given how busy the Zent is, and that Lord Anastasius is occupied with his duties as a professor, it may take time for them to intervene. I understood her wish for matters to be resolved among the archduke candidates themselves, without burdening the librarians.

…However…

While considering whether I should say it or not, I took a sip of my tea and turned my gaze toward Lady Rozemyne. It would be troubling if she agreed with Professor Solange’s suggestion. Slowly drawing in a breath, I opened my mouth.

“Would it not be dangerous to make that a privilege of the library committee? At present, there is no issue because Lady Rozemyne, who dearly loves the library, is here. However, if members of the library committee are placed in a position where they can assert authority over archduke candidates from other duchies, there is a risk that it may eventually be abused.”

When I thought of the knowledge and history contained within the underground archive, I could not help but feel that this proposal risked distorting the system far too easily. At my words, Lady Rozemyne nodded in agreement.

“Just as Lady Hannelore says, there is also the concern that the underground archive could end up being monopolized by the library committee. It is sad that the committee’s duties will come to an end, but we should not continue it in such a manner. Maintaining order in the library is the responsibility of Schwartz and Weiss and the librarians, and it also overlaps with the duties of the royal family, who govern the Royal Academy.”

At our words, Professor Solange’s shoulders sank slightly.

”…You are quite right. Simply because I so enjoyed the time I spent with all of you in the library, and wished for the archlibrarians to retain some kind of connection with you as well, does not mean things would continue in the same way after being passed on to others.”

“That… sounds almost as though you are saying you will no longer be there, Professor Solange.”

At Lord Hildebrand’s words, his brows drawn tight, Professor Solange gave a lonely smile. Lady Rozemyne’s eyes widened as though she could hardly believe it.

“Professor Solange, is that true!?”

“It is not something that will happen immediately. I am still in the process of handing things over. Due to the civil war, the archlibrarians were lost to us, and many duties were interrupted. There are quite a few tasks that we are only now resuming by cross-referencing my own memories with the closed stacks and old records, proceeding little by little.”

Professor Solange said that it would take more than a year to review the duties carried out for each event and season. However, that also meant she would retire once the handover was complete. Even if more archnoble librarians were appointed after the Archduke Conference, how much time remained before Professor Solange stepped down? Even if the goddess’ descent had delayed the timing, considering that she was speaking to us now at this year’s Royal Academy, the answer became clear on its own.

…Surely, by next year’s Royal Academy, she will no longer be here…

“Lady Hannelore, there is no need to look so sorrowful. At my age, it would not be strange for me to have already retired long ago. Carrying so many books for organizing the archives and airing them out has become quite difficult, and I find myself suffering from aches in my legs more often. Physically, I have reached my limit.”

At Professor Solange’s gentle attempt to console me, I murmured, “That may be so, but…” Even though I understood in my head that it could not be helped, the sadness and loneliness did not simply fade away.

“The royal family did not provide a replacement, and as someone who knew the library as it once was, I wished to carry it forward into the future—that is why I have continued working as a librarian until now. If possible, I would have liked to see both Lady Rozemyne and Lady Hannelore through to your graduations, but that is likely beyond my reach.”

“Professor Solange, at the very least, so that you may remain until next year’s Royal Academy, I—”

“Lady Rozemyne, you must not.”

As Lady Rozemyne started to rise with a faint clatter, clearly intending to do something for Professor Solange, I hurriedly stopped her. With a surprised “Eh?”, she turned back to look at me.

“Lady Rozemyne, um… if Professor Solange feels that, due to her age, it is difficult to continue—and once she has completed the handover—then it is only natural for her to retire from her duties. And the affairs of sovereign nobles fall under the jurisdiction of the royal family and the Aub of their home duchy. No matter how lonely or saddened we may feel, we must not detain Professor Solange based solely on our own sentiments.”

“Lady Hannelore…”

My heart wavered at the sight of Lady Rozemyne’s expression, as she looked at me with eyes pleading for understanding, unable to fully accept it. Even so, I had to stop her from acting on emotion no matter what. It was something I had been told by my duchy as well, and I could feel the pressure of my retainers gazes urging me, “You must stop her, no matter what.”

“Lady Rozemyne, you may think my words harsh or cold, but the Zent cannot simply disregard the opinions of those of us who are called avatars of the goddess. That is precisely why we must be mindful of our position and carefully consider the words we speak… otherwise, we will only bring confusion to those around us.”

I went on to tell her how, when I had tried to consult the Zent regarding the bride-stealing ditter, Lord Anastasius had rebuked me, saying, “Do you intend to wield your position as the Second Avatar of the Goddess?”

“Even if it begins with kindness, we must not let sentiment drive us to push through selfish desires. If, after completing the handover, she were to remain in the library due to the intercession of those called avatars of the goddess, yet be unable to perform her duties properly due to physical limitations—how do you think those around her would see that medlibrarian?”

“Ah…”

“Once matters have already been set in motion, it is too late to say that was not your intention. Before acting on emotion, it is important to consider the consequences that will follow. We have been placed in a position where such responsibility is required of us. If we act rashly here, Lord Ferdinand will surely scold us, you know?”

“Hehe… he absolutely would.”

Lady Rozemyne gave a wry smile and sat back down. As Lord Hildebrand said, “It is quite frightening to be scolded by Lord Ferdinand,” while rubbing his wrist, Professor Solange let out a small laugh and replied, “I truly felt that when I heard him speaking into the ordonnanz to request the return of our books.”

As several examples were shared of just how frightening it was to be scolded by Lord Ferdinand, laughter began to rise from everyone, and the atmosphere in the tea room gradually softened.

“Lady Rozemyne, I am grateful for your feelings. However, my body can no longer keep up with the duties expected of a medlibrarian. Once I have finished the handover, I intend to retire. That is precisely why I wished to spend this final time speaking with all of you like this.”

“Professor Solange…”

“I am truly grateful to all of you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for saving the Royal Academy’s library—and for saving me as well, from when I was spending my days there in solitude.”

At Professor Solange’s words of gratitude, not only Lady Rozemyne but I as well felt a quiet, somber warmth settle over us. If Professor Solange—who had protected the library alone since the civil war—could retire without lingering worries, then I felt a small sense of pride in having been able to contribute, even just a little.

“Professor Solange, where will you reside after you retire?”

As if to shift the mood, Lord Hildebrand posed the question. At his words, Lady Rozemyne tilted her head curiously, looking at the red scarf around Professor Solange’s neck.

“Will you not return to Klassenberg? That is your home duchy, is it not, Professor Solange?”

“Among sovereign nobles, once they have children, those children are raised in either the husband’s or the wife’s duchy. After retirement, it is common for one to go and live with those children. Were you not aware of this, Lady Rozemyne?”

At Lord Hildebrand’s words, I recalled the knights who returned to Dunkelfelger after retiring. Those who had finished their service in the Sovereignty would live with their children, assist in training apprentice knights at the castle, or instruct children who aspired to be selected as knights.

“In Dunkelfelger, when sovereign nobles return after retiring, the archducal couple personally offer words of appreciation to them and their families in the audience chamber. Does Ehrenfest not hold any such ceremony to welcome back retired nobles?”

“In Ehrenfest, perhaps because there are so few nobles who go to the Sovereignty, I am not aware of any who have returned after retirement… Though there have been those who passed away while in service.”

Perhaps because Ehrenfest had risen to a high ranking duchy under Lady Rozemyne’s influence and its name was now frequently brought up in important discussions, I had completely forgotten that it had once been a lower-ranking duchy before the civil war. Since it had remained neutral during the upheaval, there should have been very few nobles who entered the Sovereignty. It made me realize once again just how much Ehrenfest’s rank and standing had changed in only a few short years.

“Even if there are none from Ehrenfest, there should be a fair number who became central nobles from Old Ahrensbach. Matters concerning those who retire fall under the Aub’s jurisdiction, so would it not be best to discuss this with Lord Ferdinand in advance?”

At Lord Hildebrand’s remark, Lady Rozemyne nodded. “You are right.” It seemed there were many matters she would need to reconsider anew as the Aub of Alexandria.

“As I have no children, I will be returning to my family home. It will be my nephew’s household, so I imagine I may feel somewhat out of place…”

“My… then, would you consider staying in Alexandria?”

At Lady Rozemyne’s lighthearted invitation to Professor Solange, I let out a small laugh and gently interjected, “Lady Rozemyne, you must not decide such matters so casually.”

“It is only a suggestion. It would make me happy to have a fellow book lover nearby.”

“I am grateful for the invitation, but at my age, living in an unfamiliar land would be rather difficult. I have heard that Alexandria’s summers are extremely hot, and the food would differ in both ingredients and seasoning, making it hard to adjust.”

“Ah, yes… climate and food are indeed significant concerns.”

At that reason for declining, both Lady Rozemyne and Lord Hildebrand nodded. Having both changed their place of residence since the end of spring, they had likely struggled with differences in climate and food as well.

“If you truly wish to help Professor Solange, Lady Rozemyne, you should consider what you can do as Aub Alexandria.”

“Lord Hildebrand, do you have something in mind?”

Lady Rozemyne’s eyes sparkled with interest. I could tell that Cordula let out a troubled sigh—no doubt thinking, “Please do not say anything unnecessary.”

“If you place Professor Solange, upon her return to Klassenberg, in a position where her nephew’s family cannot treat her lightly, that would suffice. Klassenberg has sought to build ties with you, Lady Rozemyne. In that case, you could compile Professor Solange’s account of the civil war into materials and, under the pretext of printing them, establish industrial ties with Klassenberg…”

Lord Hildebrand’s proposal was very much befitting a former royal. He had a firm grasp of interduchy relations and was able to present a mutually beneficial idea. If this had been an order imposed upon Alexandria by the royal family, it might have caused trouble—but as things stood, with Lord Hildebrand merely an archduke candidate, there would be no issue.

“I think it is an excellent proposal. If Professor Solange is not only someone who was able to serve in the Sovereignty as a mednoble, but also becomes someone whom an Aub continues to seek cooperation from even after her retirement, then her family will not be able to treat her lightly. Of course, since it is Alexandria that must decide how to expand the printing industry, it may not be possible to use Lord Hildebrand’s proposal exactly as it is…”

Deciding how much information to keep confidential and how to form such a partnership would require careful discussions with the nobles in charge of printing and the printing workshops.

“Of course, discussions with Ferdinand will be essential, but I will take this as a reference. Lady Gentaine will also be attending the tea party tomorrow, so perhaps I shall speak with her then.”

…Honestly, why is Lady Rozemyne always in such a hurry!?

There was no way I could possibly stop her. I could practically see the hardship awaiting Lord Ferdinand as he handled affairs in Alexandria.

…Please do your best, Lord Ferdinand.

It seemed I had not been mistaken in thinking that Lady Rozemyne needed someone to hold her reins. Watching her grow increasingly animated with Lord Hildebrand as they discussed how she should act as Aub in light of Professor Solange’s retirement, all I could do was offer silent encouragement to Lord Ferdinand in my heart.