Ascendance of a Bookworm (LN) - Volume 4.2 - Chapter 1

Meeting for the Tea Party 

On the glorious night that I finished all of my classes, Wilfried gazed across the students gathered in the Ehrenfest dining hall, then spoke in a grave tone. “As of today, after much sacrifice... Rozemyne has passed her final class.” 

“Wilfried...” I interjected. “What exactly do you mean by ‘after much sacrifice’? Hm?” 

“I mean that you could have taken it slower.” 

At that remark, I saw many of the girls who had been desperately studying nod repeatedly in agreement. A few of those among them who hadn’t yet passed their written classes even started wailing in despair, upset that their hopes had been dashed mere moments before they reached the finish line. 

“If only we had just a bit longer... I was so close to finishing my written lessons, but now I will not even get to see Schwartz and Weiss be measured...” Lieseleta wept. 

“Are you not exaggerating a little, Lieseleta?” I asked. “They are only being measured.” 

“How would you feel if the library closed tomorrow after you put so much time and effort into achieving your goals?” she replied. 

The library closing right before I finished my classes...? That would actually kill me! 

It was only once I put myself in her shoes that I truly understood how terrible of a situation she was in. Just thinking about the library closing made my heart twinge so suddenly that I could have sworn it was getting crushed into pieces. I truly did empathize with the girls’ despair. 

“I have to schedule the measuring session with Professor Hirschur, so there is still time before the date is decided upon. My plan is to visit the library tomorrow, but I will not be measuring them right away. I will permit you to accompany me if you finish your written lessons before the measuring itself,” I decided, causing the girls to look a little more relieved. 

Wilfried, however, shook his head with a frown. “The measuring doesn’t matter. We need to talk things over before Rozemyne gets stuck in the library and never leaves.” 

Hm? There’s something we need to discuss? 

“Now that you’ve finished your lessons, socializing begins,” Wilfried continued. “I think we’ll want to decide in advance how many new trends we intend to introduce, and also settle on template answers for the questions we know everyone is going to receive. What are your thoughts?” 

“I am in favor. There are many questions I’ve been struggling to answer,” an apprentice scholar called out, positively lighting up at the suggestion. It seemed the apprentice scholars had recently been interrogated by students from other duchies while exchanging information. 

“Let me ask those of you who have already had contact with other duchies: what questions did they ask you, and how did you answer them?” Wilfried asked. “We can plan according to what we know. Even we first-years are going to be socializing soon.” 

Those gathered started providing example after example. This was another instance where our Better Grades Committee organizing everyone by course was really paying off, since we were getting answers from people of all factions. A few older students had already attended several Earthday tea parties and were used to exchanging information between classes, and as expected, the most popular topic of conversation was the secret behind the continued rise in Ehrenfest’s grades. It seemed that the first-years all passing their written lessons in one go had caught the other duchies’ attention, and this interest was only further increased with Wilfried and me having attained what were essentially honors-level grades. 

I absorbed all this news with interest, having made passing a priority solely for my own benefit, but the apprentice scholars all started exchanging looks. 

“It is true that our grades are the most common point of discussion, but our answer to such questions is already settled,” one explained. “Hartmut has instructed us to say that the Saint of Ehrenfest is the reason for our sudden improvement and that everyone is going to be even more surprised next year.” 

“Did you tell Hartmut to do that...?” Wilfried asked me, crossing his arms and deepening his frown. 

No, officer, I swear. 

“I gave him no such orders,” I replied, shooting the culprit a glare. “He acted alone.” 

“But is my proposed answer in any way untrue?” Hartmut asked, a dazzling smile on his face. “We are currently drawing attention for our written lessons alone. Evasive responses will do for now, and the true surprise will come next year, when those who have learned the Rozemyne Compression Method return with increased mana capacities. I expect that to dramatically improve Ehrenfest’s reputation.” 

In essence, Hartmut had predicted that this was only the beginning for Ehrenfest, meaning the real pain in the neck was going to be felt during the next year onward. It really wasn’t something I wanted to think about, but if we didn’t settle this matter before I went to the library, we’d only be making things harder for ourselves further down the line. 

“...That will do as an answer, but continue concealing the existence of the picture books, karuta, playing cards, and the winter playroom education program,” I replied. “I want our duchy to maintain its advantage, at least in terms of grades.” 

“As you wish.” 

Wilfried nodded along in agreement. “That should be all for the higher grades. Anything else?” 

“I was asked about the rinsham,” one girl said. “They wanted to know how it makes our hair glossy, where it is sold, and how it is made.” 

This was my first time hearing about it, but having the girls clean their hair with rinsham before the advancement ceremony had evidently paid off. 

“How have you been answering them?” I asked. 

“I always say that I simply borrowed the rinsham, and that I know only that it is becoming increasingly popular throughout Ehrenfest.” 

“I see. That will do; no more needs to be said.” 

Those in the Royal Academy generally lived off supplies teleported in from their respective home duchies. There were no stores here, nor any citizens, as it were; students gathered news of trends and the like, but actual business deals would only be hashed out at the Archduke Conference. Advertising products was fine if you wanted them to sell, but keeping such details close to your chest was also an option. 

“I give you all permission to take rinsham, hairpins, and pound cakes to tea parties,” I continued. “You may say whatever you wish about them, and discuss how they are growing in popularity throughout Ehrenfest. Do not, however, mention the name of the store that is selling them; their value will plummet if the production method is stolen or something of the sort before the next Archduke Conference. Do your best to increase the price by tantalizing them with samples while keeping some information to yourselves.” 

The students all nodded with serious expressions. Perhaps because they had recently needed to start earning their own money, they were a bit more sensitive to the value placed on information and how this value could change over time. 

“I was asked about drivable highbeasts today,” one student said. “It seems that many apprentice knights saw you and Professor Hirschur riding them above the school, Lady Rozemyne.” 

“Professor Hirschur created a shumil highbeast during our highbeast creation lesson,” I noted, going on to explain what had happened in the class. I also made sure to mention that several teachers had come to investigate the rumor about me attacking Fraularm in a feybeast-shaped highbeast. “And with their presence, this rumor was confirmed to be false. It should fade away into nothing soon enough.” 

“Ah, speaking of which—there are several first-years attempting to make drivable highbeasts,” Lieseleta said, breaking into a smile as she reported that many of them had chosen to make shumils. 

“Shumils might actually catch on,” I remarked. “They certainly are quite cute.” 

“It is a great boon that your highbeast can be ridden without first having to change clothes,” Brunhilde added. “Should I change my highbeast to a drivable one also? It may take some dedication, since I am used to the one I currently have, but perhaps it will be worth it...” She was the first to ask about changing her highbeast, no doubt wanting to support my new trend on the front lines. 

“Doing so exhausts more mana, but by making the highbeast larger, you can carry luggage inside it as well. It also conveniently protects those inside from rain,” I commented. “I must say though, my guard knights have informed me that drivable highbeasts are ill-suited for those who need to use weapons.” 

Judithe frowned sadly at my last remark; it seemed she had wanted a drivable highbeast as well. 

“Furthermore, for those of you looking to make a drivable highbeast, I would suggest abandoning the tradition of slender animals such as horses and instead going for rounder ones, as they are much cuter—ahem, rather, they offer more space inside,” I said, shilling the idea as best I could in the hope that I would see more cute highbeasts soon enough. 

“Everyone passing their written exams is, of course, big news, but not many people are talking about Lady Rozemyne being invited to a tea party by the music professors,” one older student said. 

“Perhaps that is because the tea parties held by the professors are not particularly rare, even if an Ehrenfest student being invited to one is quite the feat,” another suggested in response. 

I glanced over at Brunhilde. “Has a date for the tea party been chosen?” 

“I finished my written lessons today and will be discussing a date with Rihyarda. We shall handle preparations for the tea party itself, but you will need to memorize information about the professors ahead of time. It is best to know what you can regarding all those in attendance,” she replied. 

“Very well. On another note, I have a request for everyone: I ask that you all investigate just how much of a legendary and influential figure Ferdinand is within the Royal Academy.” 

“Lord Ferdinand, you say...?” came a voice among those gathered. 

“From what I’ve heard, many legends from his time here still remain,” said another. “Some love it when he is brought up at tea parties; others feel quite the opposite. I will learn what I can.” 

Ferdinand, as he often said himself, did not have a personality that would commonly be described as “likable.” He had a caring and protective side to him, yes, but he only ever showed it to people he saw as valuable. For the most part, he spoke in cold, harsh terms; I had to imagine he made a poor impression on an overwhelming majority of people. 

That said, he’s skilled at fake noble smiles and exchanging sarcastic barbs, so I imagine he has his fair share of allies as well... 

“Ferdinand contributed to my original music compositions, so I would be grateful if you organized them before my tea party with the music professors,” I said. 

“Understood,” replied the apprentice scholars. They all wore stern, determined expressions, in stark contrast to the apprentice knights, who did not look very motivated at all. 

“Knights, I ask you to also thoroughly investigate the legends Ferdinand left in his wake. It seems he never lost a game of treasure-stealing ditter. Ehrenfest will once again draw much attention while we archduke candidates are here, so do put your all into your training.” 

“Lamprecht always told me that glory was a once-in-a-lifetime miracle...” Cornelius protested. “Not to mention, the most common type of ditter played nowadays is speed ditter; the situation is entirely different from how it used to be.” 

I furrowed my brow. Treasure-stealing ditter involved a huge mess of knights from various duchies, which created the perfect environment for sly tactics to shine. The variations focused on speed alone didn’t leave much time to think, but they were simple enough that Ehrenfest surely still stood a chance. 

“Are you at least analyzing your opponents to find ways to defeat them as quickly as possible?” I asked. “I’m assuming there are only so many different feybeasts the professors can produce.” 

“There are a lot more than you might think...” Cornelius replied. 

“Professor Rauffen is probably saying that victory can be achieved with guts alone, or claiming that you can just ball up together and smash your opponents in a single move, but you mustn’t take him seriously,” I said. “Attacking all at once like that would be a grave mistake.” 

The apprentice knights exchanged surprised looks, which surprised me in turn. I couldn’t believe they had actually intended to launch an all-out attack. 

“The obvious course of action is to memorize the weaknesses of every feybeast the professors can create and plan how to deal with each one, so as to be ready no matter what you are faced with. But are you also organizing yourselves into offensive and defensive roles?” I asked. “Are you regularly swapping to ensure everyone is in the position that best suits their strengths?” 

“Er, no. We...” 

“Rather than attacking all at once, you will want at least one person staying back to observe the battlefield, and several fighters hanging behind so they can step in when your primary fighters need time to recover. Is that not the case?” 

Traugott grimaced at my suggestion. “As an archduke candidate, Lady Rozemyne, you do not understand the circumstances of apprentice knights. Fights do not last long enough for anyone to need to recover, so it is best to just unleash our full power no matter what feybeast comes. If we have the time to research weaknesses, we would be better off training to grow stronger instead,” he said. Angelica was repeatedly nodding in agreement, and given that she was a fervent hater of research and thinking in general, this came as no surprise. 

“Do recall that the Knight’s Order is tasked with hunting the Lord of Winter in a lengthy battle that can last many days. You cannot defeat it with a single all-out attack, and nobody is capable of enduring for such long stretches without time to recover. Furthermore, it is impossible to predict which feybeast will become the Lord of Winter, but no knight would ever use that as an excuse to avoid doing their research.” 

Apprentice knights were unable to participate in the Lord of Winter hunt, but they had most likely heard of the horrors it entailed. They were blinking at me in surprise, having never expected that I would know anything about such matters. 

“Your superiors in the Knight’s Order are always looking for ways to defeat the Lord of Winter faster, both researching the weak points of each feybeast and training hard to defeat whatever they may be faced with,” I continued. “Even here in the Royal Academy, there is a point to thinking about how to defeat large foes as promptly as possible. Make your roles clear, and always think while you train.” 

I smiled at Angelica, whose expression made her ennui more than apparent, then looked at Cornelius. 

“Which feybeasts are used in games of ditter, how are they defeated, and how long does it take to defeat them?” I asked. “Assuming we pay attention to every duchy, one year’s worth of data should equate to information on over twenty feybeasts. Over several years, we should encounter duchies that have faced the same feybeast multiple times, and from there we can learn their weaknesses and how best to fight them. Have the apprentice knights been recording this information?” 

“Only through word of mouth. We don’t write anything down,” Cornelius replied. It seemed that while people would talk about their ditter experiences during practice, nobody actually kept any written records. 

Unbelievable... 

“That will change, starting now,” I declared. “Everyone, write down everything you can remember about past ditter games and the feybeasts used during them. Books exist to store and convey information; if you write this down now and leave the notes for future students, Ehrenfest will grow stronger and stronger with each passing year.” 

My words drew more looks from the apprentice attendants than the apprentice knights. “If you wish for the apprentice knights to record that manner of information, then we shall record information absolutely essential to tea parties, such as what tea and sweets the professors prefer,” one said. “We will then be able to check things without having to research them anew when details are forgotten.” 

“It is our job to record information, so we shall record the oral history the apprentice scholars have built up over time as well,” added another student. It seemed there were a lot of areas where even the apprentice scholars were relying on speech and memory, and in the end, everyone agreed to share what they knew and write it all down. 

“To accompany this new development, I will place bookshelves in the common room,” I announced. “This will give all those who wish to read our new documents the means to do so.” 

“Lady Rozemyne, do you intend to turn the dormitory into a library as well...?” Philine asked, earning a smile and a nod from me. 

“We will need bookshelves either way, no? These aren’t documents we want other duchies to see, and it is important that all Ehrenfest students have equal access to them.” I was already planning out the book corner of the common room when I saw Wilfried shrug out of the corner of my eye. 

“While we’re here, Rozemyne... Could you give me some advice too?” he asked. 

“What on?” 

“The tea party with Detlinde. I need to form my own plans, since she’s prevented you from joining as well.” I could tell from his stiff expression that he wasn’t expecting it to be a particularly good time, even with it only being a gathering of family members. 

“Both Ahrensbach and Frenbeltag are plummeting in the Academy rankings, are they not? Does anyone have any good information regarding them? I will purchase it here and now,” I said. A few apprentice scholars complied, confirming that Frenbeltag was struggling even more than usual after losing Ehrenfest’s mana support. 

“I suppose they might ask you to start supporting them with mana again,” I noted. 

“‘Supporting them with mana’?” Wilfried repeated. “We were giving mana to Frenbeltag?” 

“Indeed. Ferdinand and I would fill small chalices in the temple which were then sent to them.” 

Wilfried understood the true weight of my words, having traveled through the Central District to fill it with mana in the past. “Ehrenfest doesn’t have the leeway for that...” he muttered, and boy would I have liked for his parents to hear that. 

“Our response to Frenbeltag should depend on their attitude,” I explained. “If they mention getting aid again, simply say that Ehrenfest is in such dire straits that we rely on our archduke candidates to fill our Central District.” 

“Hm?” 

“If they are willing to follow our example and attempt the same themselves, I do not mind giving them aid and advice. But if they scoff and say that archduke candidates are above the work of priests, I will never give them aid again.” 

Wilfried nodded in agreement. 

“What do we know of Ahrensbach?” I continued. “I must admit, I do not know much myself since Aub Ehrenfest instructed me not to engage with them.” 

“We have not been proactively gathering information on them either, for fear of earning the aub’s ire,” an apprentice scholar replied. I asked them to rectify that and then looked back at Wilfried. 

“For now, stay firmly on guard against Ahrensbach. No matter how friendly or inviting Detlinde may seem, do not be swayed. I expect the attendants you bring to keep a close eye on matters as well.” 

Wilfried’s retainers were all aware of the incident that had occurred during the hunting tournament two years prior, so they knew he was no longer guaranteed to become the next archduke. The fact they were still serving him despite all that was proof of their loyalty. “We shall protect him,” they swore, which elicited a subtle smile from their charge. 

“Lady Rozemyne...” Roderick began, his voice quavering but his expression brimming with resolve. “Why are you so on guard against Ahrensbach?” 

All eyes immediately fell on him. Wilfried and my retainers looked as though they couldn’t quite believe why he was asking such a question this late in the game, but the other children of the former Veronica faction were giving nods of agreement. Perhaps emboldened by their supportive gestures, Roderick clenched a shaking fist. 

“Ahrensbach is a greater duchy, and is their first wife not Lady Georgine, the older sister of Aub Ehrenfest? I do not understand why you view them as enemies. Should we not instead form a friendly relationship with them, just as you, Lord Wilfried, and Lady Charlotte are all close with each other? My father says that he wishes to make a brighter future for Ehrenfest by forging an alliance with Ahrensbach...” 

Once his small outburst was over, Roderick hung his head. To my knowledge, he hadn’t understood what he was doing when he participated in guiding Wilfried to the Ivory Tower, and he was distanced from Wilfried shortly after. The adults had probably manipulated him to their own ends, but laynobles and mednobles had very little ground to stand on when wrapped up with powerful people, and that kind of misstep stained one’s reputation for life. Roderick had made such an unforgivable mistake the year after his baptism. 

At the very least, I want everyone in the dormitory to be on the same team, but it looks like that won’t be easy. 

I could guess that some of the children here had been instructed to feed information back to their parents to help them get closer with Ahrensbach. I needed to explain myself; these students wouldn’t agree with me unless they knew some of the background circumstances at play. 

“Roderick, you may not know this since it happened before your baptism, but a noble from Ahrensbach once attempted to kidnap me while I was being raised in the temple, simply because I was a blue shrine maiden with an abundance of mana. Then, when I was attacked and poisoned during the winter of two years ago, the enemy was receiving aid from the personal soldiers of that same Ahrensbach noble.” 

The younger children balked, having likewise been completely unaware of these developments. 

“Lady Rozemyne... I was told that Viscount Joisontak was responsible for kidnapping Lady Charlotte, but I had no idea you were put through so much as well...” 

“Furthermore, the noble who poisoned me was not the same noble who was executed for kidnapping Charlotte. I can say that for certain, having dealt with them both, meaning the other culprit is still at large. Given the circumstances, are you comfortable saying that this other noble has no connections to Ahrensbach whatsoever? Do you not think it is reasonable for those of us who were attacked to stay on guard, considering there is still such a considerable threat out there?” 

“It is reasonable,” Roderick conceded. Those who had nodded in agreement with him just moments ago had now gone pale, so it was clear they really hadn’t been given enough information to make these judgments for themselves. 

“I too would like to forge a strong alliance with Ahrensbach, as it borders a great ocean, but a series of unfortunate events has left Aub Ehrenfest guarded against them. It is hard to imagine our two duchies being on friendly terms at any point in the near future.” 

My explanation seemed to be enough for the children of the former Veronica faction, who were all sadly hanging their heads. 

“There are many things that one cannot understand without seeing the greater picture,” I continued. “For this reason, Roderick, I advise you to hone your knowledge as an apprentice scholar by gathering information from a variety of sources. You are lucky to have so many reliable seniors here in the Royal Academy.” 

At those words, Roderick shot his head up and looked around, as if seeing his classmates for the very first time. 

“Once you have gathered information from various duchies, think hard and decide for yourself whether allying with Ahrensbach would work in our favor, or whether other duchies have more to offer us,” I concluded. 

“I will,” Roderick said, looking much less uneasy than before. The other children of the former Veronica faction were all nodding in silent agreement. 

I called an end to the meeting and everyone started to disperse. Just as I was about to head upstairs, however, Wilfried stopped me and asked to speak privately in a small side room. Thinking about it, “small” maybe wasn’t the right word, since it was sizable enough to fit all of our retainers. 

“You’re being too soft, Rozemyne. You need to keep the students from the former Veronica faction better under control,” Wilfried said. 

“I am well aware of my softness; I receive such reminders quite often. However, I am set on giving them a chance to redeem themselves, just as you were given a chance to apologize and grow, Wilfried.” 

My sharp response caused not just Wilfried, but also his retainers to falter. I took this opportunity to further emphasize my point. 

“What is unusual about a newly baptized child blindly following their parents’ orders? They are guilty of the same sin as you, Wilfried. Can you not understand how they feel, having yourself committed crimes without realizing what you were doing?” 

“I—” 

“You do, surely. Or have you already forgotten what happened two years ago? Perhaps it is ancient history to you now, but not to me. It is fresh in my mind, and I can clearly recall both your frustrated expression and your words of apology.” 

Wilfried said nothing in response. He merely hung his head, admitting defeat. 

“You are correct that we should not trust those of the former Veronica faction so easily, but their parents have little influence here in the Royal Academy. Should we not use this opportunity to hear them out and allow them to develop their own opinions, thereby improving our relationship bit by bit? The ideal future is not one where we cut off the former Veronica faction in its entirety. As grim as this may sound, I am even willing to cut off the parents but keep the children to ensure that our future faction remains as large as possible.” 

Getting the parents on our side would probably be unreasonably difficult; I couldn’t imagine people their age changing their minds so easily. Children, on the other hand, could still be saved. 

“Stay on guard while converting them to our side, huh...?” Wilfried asked, finally managing a response. “Sounds hard.” 

“It will be hard, but it is the duty of the future archduke to raise subordinates who will support both him and the duchy. And since I’m not going to be the next archduchess, that means it isn’t my job,” I said flatly, once again making it clear to Wilfried and my retainers that I had no interest in taking up such a position. It was best to be firm about this, especially considering that my retainers had been acting in a rather unruly manner behind my back lately. 

“What’s your job, then? What’ll you be if not the archduchess?” Wilfried asked. 

“As the High Bishop, my most important job at the moment is to run the temple and perform religious ceremonies. When I come of age, I will leave the temple to be wed, presumably becoming a pawn in some political marriage. Should I for some reason remain in Ehrenfest, I will manage the castle book room for the sake of our next archduke.” 

“I don’t think managing the book room will help the archduke much...” Wilfried said with a sigh, causing our retainers to chuckle.