A Book-lovers Tea Party (Part 1)

“Lady Hannelore, a letter has arrived from Lady Sieglinde.”

Early in the morning, an ordonnanz arrived from the teleportation hall. I read through the letter that Elusia had gone to retrieve for me.

Since I had sent a report regarding yesterday’s tea party for the library committee, the letter contained her thoughts on the matter, along with several points of caution regarding today’s tea party.

“‘Today, do not spend all your time exchanging books. Focus on gathering information as well’… is what she says.”

“Well, that’s only natural. Even Lady Sieglinde would be curious about the situation in Gilessenmeyer and Hauchlezte, who were unable to withdraw due to the contract magic with Korinthsdaum and have now been forced to participate in the bride-stealing ditter.”

I nodded at Cordula’s words.

When one remains within the duchy, obtaining information about other duchies is not easy. I understood Mother’s desire to know how much the situation in other duchies had changed since that meeting. She wanted information not only about Dunkelfelger, but about the other duchies as well.

“Naturally, at the tea party for the library committee, Professor Solange’s situation took priority, so there was no opportunity to exchange information about other duchies. But this time, it’s the perfect chance. Not only will there be archduke candidates from Alexandria and Ehrenfest, but also from Klassenberg and Blumenfeld.”

When Elusia said that, my other retainers also began listing, one after another, the kinds of information they hoped to obtain at today’s tea party.

“I would like to hear from Lady Charlotte about the overall atmosphere of the Royal Academy and any information from the middle-ranking and lower-ranking duchies.”

“Yes. We want to confirm whether the general students’ dissatisfaction has truly been resolved. There’s no one who would report such things directly to Dunkelfelger, after all.”

“I’m interested in learning what position Klassenberg intends to take.”

“Ah, whether they will follow the wishes of Zent Eglantine, or prioritize their rivalry with Dunkelfelger and lean closer to Korinthsdaum…”

The retainers eagerly discussed the information they wanted to gather.

That was only natural. After all, this socializing period existed for exactly that purpose.

…Though, personally, I would rather spend a pleasant time with my friends.

Until now, these tea parties for exchanging books had been a precious opportunity to talk about books without having to carry the burdens and agendas of our duchies. Being told that we should use them to exchange information with other duchies instead… Even though I understand that it’s necessary, it makes me feel a little reluctant.

…Rather than discussing the state of the Royal Academy, I would rather talk about books. And I want to hear Lady Rozemyne talk about romance.

I cannot imagine Lady Rozemyne discussing romance at a tea party attended by so many people, but surely I may be allowed to at least harbor such wishes in my heart.

“I am delighted that you were able to join us again today.”

When I arrived at Alexandria’s tea room, Lady Rozemyne and Lady Letizia greeted me. After being shown to my seat, I saw that Lady Charlotte and Lord Hildebrand had already arrived and were exchanging information about the current situation at the Royal Academy.

“Please allow me to join the discussion as well. Lady Charlotte, has the situation at the Royal Academy settled down? There may be differences in the information available to Dunkelfelger and the other duchies at the moment.”

“The socializing within the Royal Academy has settled down considerably, and we’re beginning to see the usual interactions again.”

It seemed that Lady Charlotte had received words of thanks from several duchies that had sought her advice.

“Though I told them that all I did was consult with Lady Hannelore and Lady Rozemyne,” she said.

Even so, there was no doubt that her consultation had helped bring about the meeting that was held using the country gate.

…I truly have so many shortcomings.

Lady Charlotte had chosen the right people to consult, ultimately moved the Zent into action, and resolved the problems at the Royal Academy. More and more people would likely seek her counsel in the future, and her personal connections with other duchies must have deepened considerably. It was a splendid performance worthy of an archduke candidate from a greater duchy.

When I looked back on my own actions—running about in circles trying to push through requests to the Zent—I could only feel embarrassed.

“Um, Lady Charlotte. Have the complaints of the ordinary students from Gilessenmeyer and Hauchletzte, the duchies whose participation was decided, been resolved as well?”

”…As expected, it isn’t as though all dissatisfaction has been completely eliminated. The outcome of the bride-stealing ditter will have some influence on their futures, after all.”

I nodded at Lady Charlotte’s response, and Lord Hildebrand added further clarification.

“However, it does not seem that their dissatisfaction is directed toward Dunkelfelger. From what I’ve heard, their complaints are aimed at their own Aubs, wondering why they refused to withdraw despite being urged so many times to do so.”

“I suppose that’s only natural. Lord Edelark is a third-year student, and he was originally an archnoble. Back when many duchies were still seeking the Avatar of the Second Goddess, one could understand it. But even now, I cannot see why they would pursue a marriage with Lady Hannelore so aggressively.”

I wonder how many people actually know that, because of the contract magic, the Aub was unable to withdraw even if he wished to do so?

As I listened to the two of them, I nodded while pondering the matter.

Surely they could not openly say that they were unable to withdraw because they had entered into a magic contract agreement with Lord Sigiswald. Considering the dignity of an Aub, that was likely not something that could be publicly disclosed.

“Lady Hannelore, the participants in the bride-stealing ditter are Korinthsdaum, Drewanchel, Gilessenmeyer, and Hauchlezte—these four duchies, correct?”

At Lady Charlotte’s question, I nodded.

“Yes.”

“Lady Luzinde has my sympathies, since she does not wish for the ditter. However, if it is the Aub’s decision, there is little anyone else can do. We archduke candidates may express our opinions to the Aub, but we cannot overturn the final decision.”

“That’s true…”

A faintly bitter smile appeared on Lady Charlotte’s face. I was sure that she, too, had memories of times when she had been dissatisfied with an Aub’s decision yet had been powerless to change it.

“Good day, everyone.”

“Lady Gentiane, good day.”

Lady Rozemyne and Lady Letizia approached the table, accompanied by Lady Gentiane, an archduke candidate from Klassenberg.

The attendants served tea. We each drank and sampled the sweets that everyone had brought, performing the customary poison check.

“Before we begin our enjoyable discussion about books, I have an announcement for all of the library committee members.”

Lady Rozemyne explained the decisions that had been made at yesterday’s tea party. With a sufficient number of archlibrarians now assigned, there was no longer any need to supply mana to Schwartz and Weiss. No new library committee members would be recruited in the future. And disputes were occurring among archduke candidates and their retainers over access to the underground archive…

“As we are archduke candidates from greater duchies and are involved with the library as library committee members, we are in a position to mediate such disputes. I believe we should help settle the initial confusion. However, I have no intention of increasing the authority of the library committee.

The library committee members are, primarily, volunteers who offered their assistance out of goodwill during an era when mana was insufficient. Please be careful to act only after the librarians have requested your cooperation.”

Everyone indicated their agreement with Lady Rozemyne’s explanation.

“Lady Rozemyne, if the library committee is eventually dissolved, will tea parties like this also come to an end?”

“No. I would like to continue holding tea parties for book lovers. After all, I want to hear everyone’s thoughts on new books. However, since the numbers of both librarians and library committee members have increased, we can no longer hold tea parties in the library itself…”

“Oh my. I had always dreamed of attending a tea party in the library.”

When Lady Charlotte said that in a joking manner, Lady Gentiane chuckled and agreed.

“I felt much the same. I was even hoping that, if the tea party were held in the library, I might be able to have tea with Schwartz and Weiss. It’s a shame that dream won’t come true.”

“Schwartz and Weiss work in the reading room, so they have never participated in a tea party. Still, if they had joined us, it would have felt like something out of a storybook. I’m sure it would have been delightful.”

As I spoke while imagining Schwartz and Weiss attending a tea party and sitting neatly in little chairs, it seemed that Lord Hildebrand and Lady Letizia had begun imagining it as well.

“A tea party where Schwartz and Weiss serve tea like attendants?”

“Perhaps they would even arrange the sweets beautifully on the plates.”

After everyone spent some time enthusiastically imagining what a tea party with Schwartz and Weiss would be like, Lady Rozemyne informed us that Professor Solange was planning to retire.

“It is a shame that Professor Solange will be leaving.”

“It is unfortunate, but considering her age, it is not surprising.”

“I’ve heard that she will be spending her retirement in Klassenberg. I hope she will be able to enjoy a peaceful life there.”

As everyone shared their thoughts one after another, Lady Rozemyne turned to Lady Gentiane and addressed her.

“Lady Gentiane, would you be willing to help ensure that Professor Solange can spend her retirement comfortably? I would like you to deliver this to the Aub.”

“Of course. I will speak with my father. Since he would likely welcome a connection with Lady Rozemyne, I believe he will be pleased to help.”

Lady Gentiane accepted the letter Lady Rozemyne offered her with a smile and handed it to her attendant.

Watching this exchange, Lady Charlotte offered a word of caution.

“Big Sister, it is dangerous to show favoritism toward a single noble.”

“Professor Solange’s circumstances could become a weakness that others exploit against you.”

“My, even Charlotte says things like Ferdinand now. But I’m worried about Professor Solange’s life after retirement.”

It seemed that Lord Ferdinand had warned her about the same thing.

Showing special favor to a single noble from another duchy could create a vulnerability that others might take advantage of. And since Lady Rozemyne was an Aub, it could even result in Professor Solange being treated as something akin to a hostage in interduchy relations.

“What concerns me is Klassenberg.”

“Eh? Not Professor Solange?”

Lord Hildebrand let out a surprised exclamation.

“Indeed. My sister seized the foundation of Ahrensbach in order to save our uncle, who had married into another duchy. If someone were to think they had gained leverage over my sister and did something to Professor Solange…”

…I’d rather not think about it.

And this time, it wouldn’t be only Lady Rozemyne involved. Lord Ferdinand is there as well.

“You should make sure to explain those risks as well when you ask Klassenberg to look after Professor Solange, Sister.”

Klassenberg had not been directly involved in the series of conflicts surrounding Lanzenave, so it was difficult to know how much detailed information they possessed regarding Lady Rozemyne’s actions.

Especially when it came to Lady Rozemyne, there were many things that were difficult to believe even after witnessing them firsthand.

…Lady Charlotte’s point was entirely valid, and I found myself sympathizing with it. However, from Klassenberg’s perspective, wouldn’t it feel less like being informed of the facts and more like a warning?

I stole a glance at Lady Gentiane.

From the gentle, somewhat troubled smile on her face, I could not tell at all how she had taken Lady Charlotte’s warning.

“I will certainly deliver Lady Rozemyne’s letter, and I will also convey Lady Charlotte’s opinion. However, as someone who is destined to marry into another duchy, I regret that I cannot make any promises regarding the future here and now.”

…Well, that is only to be expected.

The best course would be to bring the matter back to the duchy first and have the Aubs discuss it among themselves.

Especially when Lady Rozemyne becomes actively involved in matters concerning Royal Academy professors, there is no telling what might happen. I imagine even the Zent has no choice but to keep a close watch on such developments.

“Um, Lady Gentiane. When you say that you are destined to marry into another duchy… could it be that Lord Sigiswald has already made a private approach? My mother said that, considering what will happen after the ditter, it would not be surprising if preparations were already underway behind the scenes…”

At Lord Hildebrand’s words, everyone’s gaze immediately turned toward Lady Gentiane.

“Eh? But Lord Sigiswald is proposing to Lady Hannelore, isn’t he?”

“That would be impossible. Submitting a ditter challenge while privately approaching another lady, even unofficially, would be the height of insincerity, would it not?”

“I don’t know myself. It was only something Mother said. However…”

In response to our remarks, Lord Hildebrand lowered his gaze uncertainly and went on to share Lady Magdalena’s speculation.

After learning of the goddess’s descent, Lord Sigiswald had incited numerous duchies in an attempt to oppose Dunkelfelger through sheer numbers. When that was prevented, he allegedly sought to have the ditter itself cancelled, and pressured Lord Ortwin through students from other duchies in an effort to force a withdrawal.

However, that scheme had also been halted through discussions between the Zent, Lady Rozemyne, and Dunkelfelger.

“Since it has become impossible to avoid the ditter, Mother believes there is a high likelihood that he is already considering what comes afterward. If a marriage with Lady Hannelore does not come to pass, then Lady Gentiane of Klassenberg may become the next candidate, or so she fears.”

Lord Hildebrand hesitated briefly before adding:

”…Mother said, ‘That is the kind of person Lord Sigiswald is.’”

These were the words of Lady Magdalena, the Zent’s third wife, who had observed Lord Sigiswald’s behavior from relatively close at hand.

I could not accept everything she said without question, but considering the various schemes Lord Sigiswald had carried out behind the scenes thus far, caution was certainly warranted.

Lady Rozemyne looked at Lady Gentiane with concern and quietly sighed.

“A connection with Korinthsdaum requires one to be prepared for them to lean on you with all their weight. It would be best to warn Aub Klassenberg.”

“But even with such a warning, would it really be possible to refuse an offer from Lord Sigiswald?” Lady Gentiane asked. “Korinthsdaum ranks above Klassenberg, and he is likely to wield the prestige of being a former royal. Moreover, Zent Eglantine does not appear inclined to show favoritism toward her home duchy.”

Lady Charlotte placed a hand against her cheek and furrowed her brows sadly.

She was probably thinking of both Lady Luzinde and Lady Gentiane, seeing how Lord Sigiswald’s schemes had placed each of them in difficult circumstances.

”…If only a duchy could reject Lord Sigiswald’s demands simply by being stronger at ditter, regardless of its ranking… But Klassenberg does not incorporate ditter into its customs, does it?”

“I doubt Klassenberg would ever use ditter to settle such matters. At the very least, I have never heard of such a thing.”

…Really, the other duchies should adopt ditter as well. It would solve so many problems.

“Even if I were to offer my opinion to my father regarding my marriage, I think it would be difficult unless there were another suitable destination for me besides Lord Sigiswald.”

Even if Lady Gentiane had someone she cared for, it would mean little if Aub Klassenberg did not approve of that person.

At present, I could think of very few people who would be capable of rejecting an offer from Lord Sigiswald.

“If we’re talking about duchies capable of rejecting Lord Sigiswald, then surely Dunkelfelger comes to mind first. Wouldn’t Aub Klassenberg be satisfied with becoming Lord Lestilaut’s second wife? Or perhaps Lord Raufereg, though he’s younger?”

At Lady Charlotte’s cheerfully offered suggestion, I blinked in surprise.

Lady Rozemyne also looked at me expectantly, so I placed a hand against my cheek and tilted my head slightly in thought.

“As for Raufereg, he is the son of the second wife, and I have had very little interaction with him, so I cannot really say anything on that matter… Besides, I do not believe Father would decide on a fiancée for Raufereg while he is still only a first-year student.”

I could not openly mention that Raufereg was likely to be demoted to an archnoble. And there was no way Aub Klassenberg would marry Lady Gentiane to someone who was destined to lose his status as an archduke candidate.

“And if Lady Gentiane were to marry my brother, she would become his first wife, not his second.”

“My, even though Dunkelfelger ranks above Klassenberg? Doesn’t Dunkelfelger usually make the woman from the higher-ranked duchy the first wife?”

Lady Rozemyne tilted her head curiously, clearly puzzled.

“Eineliebe comes from an archnoble family, after all. Besides, the role of the first wife is to handle relations and negotiations with other duchies, while the role of the second wife is to oversee and coordinate the nobles within the duchy. It is difficult for someone who married in from another duchy to manage our duchy’s nobles, and when one considers attendance at the Archduke Conference, I believe it is best for the first wife to be someone who has married in from another duchy.”

There are important meetings at the Archduke Conference that must be attended by the ruling couple, and in such cases, the ruling couple consists of the Aub and the first wife.

In the past, only the first wife was considered the official wife, while the second and third wives served in supporting roles beneath her. For that reason, unless the first wife is unable to attend due to illness or some other circumstance, an Aub is not permitted to bring his second or third wife in her place.

“Lady Gentiane is a second-year student, so in terms of age, she would not be an unsuitable match for my brother’s first wife. There would also be no issue with the relative rankings of our duchies. It would be possible for me to introduce her to Father and my brother during the Interduchy Tournament, however…”

For second and third marriages, it is generally considered preferable to leave a gap of about three to five years between marriages, taking into account the period during which the earlier wife is expected to bear a child.

“But is that what you want, Lady Gentiane? Do you possess the confidence and resolve to stand beside my brother, the future Aub, as the foremost lady representing Dunkelfelger?”

When I posed the question, Lady Rozemyne and Lady Charlotte both looked bewildered.

“Um, Lady Hannelore. Weren’t you only planning to mention it to the Aub as one possible suggestion?”

“Isn’t that a bit too serious for a tea party conversation? If you ask about someone’s resolve here and now, wouldn’t that put Lady Gentiane in an awkward position?”

The only concern I had regarding introducing Lady Gentiane was that she was the daughter of a third wife.

I did not know whether she had received the education expected of someone destined to marry into a greater duchy. Moreover, my own ability to judge character would be tested as well.

That was why I could not casually recommend just anyone.

…Lady Charlotte was the one who brought the topic up at the tea party in the first place, so why was it suddenly being called “too serious”?

As I sat there in confusion, Lord Hildebrand also tilted his head slightly, looking equally puzzled.

“Lady Gentiane is the daughter of a third wife. In that case, isn’t it only natural to confirm whether she has received the education necessary to marry into a greater duchy, and whether she personally has the resolve to marry Lord Lestilaut, before Lady Hannelore brings the matter to the Aub?”

”…Is there really that much difference in education among archduke candidates?”

Lady Charlotte and Lady Rozemyne exchanged glances, both wearing expressions that suggested no such possibility had ever occurred to them.

…Could it be that in Ehrenfest there is not much difference in the education given to archduke candidates?

I had no way of knowing whether that was unique to Ehrenfest, common among lower-ranking duchies, or whether varying educational curricula was something unique to Dunkelfelger—or perhaps common among greater duchies.

Cautiously, I turned to Lady Gentiane and Lady Letizia for confirmation.

“Depending on whether one is expected to marry into a higher-ranking duchy, a lower-ranking duchy, another branch of the archducal family, or an archnoble family within one’s own duchy… there are differences in the education provided, especially for women, aren’t there?”

“Is that true, Letizia?” asked Lady Rozemyne.

In response to Lady Rozemyne’s questioning tone, Lady Letizia gave a small laugh.

“Since I was designated by royal decree to become the next Aub, I am probably an exception when it comes to the education given to women. However, I have heard stories of women who were educated with the expectation of marrying an archnoble within their own duchy suddenly being required to serve as an interim Aub and finding it extremely difficult. Based on that, I believe there were differences in educational curricula in Old Ahrensbach.”

“There are differences in Klassenberg as well.”

Lady Charlotte and Lady Rozemyne looked surprised.

“So that’s how it is in the greater duchies.”

Then, their expressions became more serious. Lady Charlotte looked around at the rest of us before speaking.

“Um, everyone. This may be rather forward of me, but would you mind if I asked a little about education? To my embarrassment, Ehrenfest spent a long time as a lower-ranking duchy, and we have been instructed to adopt the practices of the greater duchies as quickly as possible.”

I found Lady Charlotte’s eagerness to learn the customs and methods of the greater duchies admirable.

Wanting to learn as much as possible, even in small matters, was a commendable attitude.

I nodded immediately.

“Up until about the time we enter the Royal Academy, archduke candidates generally receive the same education. After that, however, the content of our education—and the duchies with which we are encouraged to build closer ties—varies according to the Aub’s intentions. As for me, it was decided that, due to my personality and other factors, marrying into royalty would likely be difficult. Therefore, I received an education intended for someone who would marry into a greater duchy. When it was later decided that I would remain in my home duchy instead, the expectations placed upon me changed quite suddenly, which has been rather challenging.”

After giving my answer, I turned my gaze toward Lady Gentiane.

She smiled pleasantly and nodded in agreement.

“Klassenberg is much the same. We all receive a common education at first, and then the Aub speaks with us individually. In my case, I was told that I should become a support to Lady Eglantine…”

“That sounds even more difficult than my situation.”

I could not help but sympathize with Lady Gentiane.

She summarized it in a single phrase—“to support Lady Eglantine”—but Lady Eglantine’s position had changed repeatedly in a very short span of time. She had gone from being the wife of the future king, to the wife of a royal who would not become king, and then to becoming the Zent herself.

Until Lady Eglantine became Zent, Lady Gentiane had likely been educated for marriage into duchies with close ties to the royal family of the time—such as Gilessenmeyer, Hauchletzte, or perhaps middle- and greater-ranking duchies with relatively close relations to Klassenberg.

“If we are speaking of someone who will stand in a position to support the Zent, then Aub Klassenberg would only approve a man who has already been designated as the next Aub of a greater duchy, or whose future position would be secured through marriage, correct? In that case, neither Blumenfeld nor Alexandria has an archduke candidate whom Lady Gentiane could marry. Wouldn’t that leave only three options—Dunkelfelger, Korinthsdaum, and Drewanchel?”

”…No. As long as the bride-stealing ditter is taking place, there are not even three options.”

Lady Gentiane lowered her eyes slightly and shook her head.

“If Drewanchel were to win the bride-stealing ditter, Lady Hannelore would marry into their duchy, and given the age difference, I would no longer be a suitable candidate. On the other hand, if Drewanchel were to lose, the succession of its next Aub would become uncertain. Furthermore, considering the Zent’s opinion of the duchies that declared their participation in the ditter, my father would likely hesitate.”

Since I could not reveal the planned cooperation with Lord Ortwin, I could do nothing but silently nod in agreement.

“From what I have heard today, it seems that Lady Hannelore, Lady Rozemyne, and Lord Hildebrand… and probably even the Zent… do not have a particularly favorable impression of Lord Sigiswald. The reason you were concerned that private negotiations might already be underway, and why you advised me to look for another marriage prospect, was because of that, wasn’t it?”

Lady Gentiane looked at us with anxious violet eyes, yet there was also a determination there—as though she would not miss even the slightest reaction.

Faced with that gaze, those of us who were aware of Lord Sigiswald’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering could do little but nod.

“If Lady Hannelore were willing to recommend me as Lord Lestilaut’s first wife, then I am prepared to make whatever efforts may be required of me. However, if Dunkelfelger were to accept me as its first wife, it would place the duchy in opposition to Aub Korinthsdaum for a second time. Do Aub Dunkelfelger and Lord Lestilaut truly have the resolve to accept me under those circumstances?”

My eyes widened in surprise.

I had never expected Lady Gentiane to question Dunkelfelger’s resolve.

Even if there were a second conflict with Lord Sigiswald after defeating him once through ditter, it would not be a particularly serious concern for Dunkelfelger. What truly mattered was whether Lady Gentiane herself was considered worthy.

I smiled gently.

“Hehe… Lady Gentiane, Aub Dunkelfelger is not the sort of person who avoids a conflict simply because it may be troublesome. If we deem a confrontation necessary, we will face it head-on.”

“My, that is very reassuring to hear. In that case, please inform them that I would like a little time to speak with the ruling couple and Lord Lestilaut during the Interduchy Tournament.”

Lady Gentiane wore a gentle smile as she spoke, quietly but firmly advancing her own wishes—a smile that was, in truth, very characteristic of Klassenberg.