A Suitor for My Younger Sister and the Royal Academy Uproar

“Lord Lestilaut, it feels somewhat lonely, doesn’t it? I never imagined that it would be this quiet after the young retainers left for the Royal Academy.”

After dinner on the day we saw off the final-year students, my wife, Eineliebe, said this in a reflective tone. Just as she said, it becomes surprisingly quiet when the young retainers head off to the Royal Academy. Although I experienced this last year, it’s her first time, since we only married after the archduke conference at the end of spring and she gained retainers.

“Aren’t you also curious, Lord Lestilaut, about whether Kenntrips or Rasantark will become Lady Hannelore’s fiancé? If possible, I wish I could go to the Royal Academy to witness the romance unfold.”

At the end of autumn, the candidates for Hannelore’s fiancé were selected. They are Kenntrips and Rasantark, who are my retainers. When I first heard about it, I appealed to Father to make a decision, saying, “Please formally choose a fiancé, rather than letting Hannelore, who takes a long time to decide, choose her fiancé candidate.”

Rasantark will be a fifth-year student at the Royal Academy, but Kenntrips will be in his final year. Even though it’s important to decide on a partner or fiancé early, once you’ve been chosen as a suitor for an archduke candidate, you’re stuck. It’s unfair to leave it undecided at this point. However, Father rejected me, saying, “Since we have received permission from their father, you are not in a position to complain.”

He added, “You were the one who irresponsibly bet on Hannelore’s marriage during the ditter with Ehrenfest. You wagered your younger sister’s marriage without consulting or getting permission from me, her father, even though you hadn’t inherited the foundation magic yet and were only the next Aub.”

“But that was my doing, Kenntrips and Rasantark had nothing to do with it…”

“Are you trying to say that they aren’t involved? It’s too early for Schlaftraum, God of Dreams, to visit you.”

Father’s gaze grew sharper, as if to say that no argument would be allowed, and he glared at me.

“They are your retainers, and instead of stopping their lord’s reckless behavior at that time, they colluded with you to deceive everyone by claiming it was mutual love instead of a bride-stealing ditter. I have no intention of considering any difficulties their marriages might face due to being selected as Hannelore’s suitors. Understand that you all deserve this.”

Feeling the unyielding anger in Father’s eyes, I couldn’t argue further, thus Kenntrips and Rasantark became suitor candidates. Rasantark was overjoyed, and since Kenntrips didn’t seem particularly unhappy about it, I had no choice but to watch how things unfolded.

”…If only Hannelore would decide on a fiancé quickly, but she’s too indecisive. She’s probably just brooding over it alone, and from what I can see, there’s no progress at all.”

Hannelore is indecisive and slow to make decisions, so it’s easy to predict that she won’t be able to choose for herself anytime soon. It would be one thing if she were just flustered between the two candidates, but the real problem is Hannelore’s feelings.

During that bride-stealing ditter, Hannelore was easily influenced by a man, betrayed our whole duchy, and then had her marriage proposal rejected, which she meekly accepted. According to those around her, she still seems to be hung up on Wilfried. She should just move on, but instead, she continues to cling to and protect the person who rejected her.

Seeing her compare her lingering feelings with the suitors chosen by father, yet unable to make a decision, would no doubt make me feel increasingly irritated, and I’d likely end up telling her to “make up your mind already.” And then, Mother would certainly scold me for it. Thinking of that, I’m glad that I have already graduated from the Royal Academy.

“So, Lord Lestilaut, do you have a preference for who should be chosen as her fiancé, or who you think is more suited to Lady Hannelore?”

“No, I don’t particularly care either way. Both have liked Hannelore for a long time.”

When I replied curtly, Eineliebe raised her voice in surprise, “Oh, really? Is that so?”

“Since before my baptism, Lady Sieglinde had privately approached me as a candidate to be your fiancée, Lord Lestilaut. So, I believe I had more opportunities than most among the archnobility to be close to the archducal family. Even so, while I did see those two interact fairly comfortably with Lady Hannelore, I never witnessed any signs of special feelings. I didn’t think they were keeping a distance due to romantic affection…”

Eineliebe blinked her red eyes in confusion, but there was nothing confusing about it.

“Of course not. Hannelore was originally raised to marry into another duchy. If my retainers had openly shown affection for her, it would have been problematic.”

After Hannelore’s baptism, they took special care of her as my younger sister, but neither of them ever crossed the line between the archducal family and their retainers. It was only after the topic of her fiancé candidates came up that Rasantark began to openly express his feelings for Hannelore.

“When it was suggested that she become the second wife of someone from Ehrenfest, he spoke out in anger, so those who were at the Royal Academy at the time probably noticed, but most others wouldn’t know.”

“Most others…?”

“It wouldn’t be surprising if some of our relatives who attended the gatherings noticed. Until Hannelore’s baptism, both of them were quite obvious in their behavior.”

Those gatherings were meant to bring together the Archduke’s bloodline, reinforcing familial bonds. In this context, they provided opportunities for the Archduke’s children, who can’t leave the castle before their baptism, to gain experience interacting with their peers, assess compatibility with potential retainer candidates from the archducal branch families, and observe the various factions and relationships within the family. This is particularly important for the Archduke’s children, as they require retainers from these branch lines to assist with tasks like mana replenishment, making it crucial to assess compatibility from a young age.

“Can even unbaptized children of the archducal branches participate in these gatherings?”

Noticing Eineliebe’s puzzled expression, even though she had already attended two such gatherings since our marriage, I clapped my hands in realization. “Ah, I see. There currently aren’t any unbaptized children in the archducal branch families.”

“It seems that it’s about time for the children of my uncle’s second and third wives, or the children who are great-grandchildren of the previous archduke, to reach the age where they can participate. The children of the Archduke are allowed from birth, but it seems the children from the branch families aren’t permitted to join until they can conduct themselves properly. I heard Rasantark had a hard time getting his father’s permission.”

“Well… compared to Rasantark, it seems Kenntrips might be quicker.”

As Eineliebe had imagined, Kenntrips’ first participation was at the end of his third year, which was considered quite early. When I first saw him, I remember thinking that someone really small had come.

“Lord Lestilaut, this is my son, Kenntrips. It’s his first time participating today, so I ask for your guidance.” I was introduced to Kenntrips by my uncle before my baptism ceremony. At that time, I had only been introduced to a few people as “those who would eventually become my retainers” from among my mother’s retainers and older relatives, as I had not yet officially taken any myself.

“So, being uncle’s son means he’s Reginald’s brother? They don’t look much alike.”

I looked back at Reginald. He was also my uncle’s son, a caring man who had been suggested as a potential attendant for me. He is five years older than I am, and he was supposed to guide me as an upperclassman when I entered the Royal Academy. After thinking for a moment, Reginald gave a troubled smile.

“He is my half-brother. We only met recently, so I plan to deepen our relationship from now on.”

Reginald is the son of the first wife, and Kenntrips is said to be the son of the second wife. Even though they share the same father, they rarely see each other because they have different mothers. Before being taken to the castle’s gathering, their meeting really was just a brief greeting… I see. I only ever exchange greetings with my father’s second wife as well.

The first time they met properly was when they had dinner together at my uncle’s main estate.

“If anyone wants to go outside, you are free to do so,” said my grandmother, the first wife of the Archduke at the time. With her permission, we headed to the northern garden, a private space for the archducal family. We had only been walking for a short while when my sister’s crying started echoing from behind.

“Big brother, wait! I asked you to wait! You’re so mean… waaaah!”

Since she was part of the Archduke’s family, Hannelore was also participating, but to be honest, my little sister was just in the way. At that age, a three-year difference is significant. With Hannelore around, we couldn’t really play properly. When we’re in our rooms, I have no choice but to play with her since she’s the only playmate available, but at the gathering, there are plenty of playmates I don’t usually get to see.

“Hannelore, go back to Mother! Let’s go!”

After casting a brief glance at Hannelore, who was becoming a burden, I dashed off with those who would later become my retainers. Even if I left the crying Hannelore behind, surely the attendants or our relatives would take care of her.

When I turned back to check if Kenntrips, who was here for the first time, was keeping up, I noticed he kept looking back, worried about Hannelore.

“Alright, Kenntrips. I’ll leave that Lady Crybaby to you.”

“Huh?”

Kenntrips blinked in surprise for a moment but quickly ran over to Hannelore.

“Let’s stay together today.”

By the time I returned from playing in the northern garden, Hannelore was clinging to Kenntrips, who was pampering her despite calling her a “Lady Crybaby.” Even though her speech was still unclear and lisping, she seemed to be constantly complaining about me.

“Waaah, Kenntrips, big brother is being mean to me!”

“I’m here with you, Lady Crybaby.”

From that point onward at the gatherings, whenever Hannelore started crying because she couldn’t keep up, Kenntrips would voluntarily comfort her.

“Oh my… Such an adorable thing happened. Did Rasantark join in as well?”

“No, not at all. Rasantark didn’t pay any attention to Hannelore and just ran around the northern garden with me.”

When I denied it, Eineliebe smiled, eager to hear more.

By the time Rasantark first participated in the gathering, I had already completed my baptism ceremony. As I led my retainers, I observed Rasantark, who had been introduced as the child of my uncle’s third wife, with the intention of considering him as a future retainer.

“He’s about four, almost five now… He’s incredibly energetic, with more than enough stamina. Even though he lags behind a bit, he’s keeping up.”

“That one’s destined to be a knight, correct? Reginald, how is he at home?” I asked.

“According to my father, he seems to have quite a lot of mana as well. However, his straightforward temperament makes him suited for nothing but being a knight,” Reginald replied.

And so, it was quickly decided that Rasantark would become my apprentice guard knight. Though Rasantark seemed uninterested in Hannelore, preferring to enjoy outdoor activities at the gatherings, his expression changed noticeably when we started training together. He was captivated by Hannelore during training, something that surely the adults at the gatherings—or even those who weren’t adults—could easily notice.

“Lady Hannelore, which do you prefer: knights, scholars, or attendants?” Rasantark once asked at a gathering.

“I admire knights, who protect me from my brother.”

“A knight, huh…”

“Yes. If I had a knight, maybe I could beat my brother at least once. I just want to land a single blow on him.”

“Let’s win together. I’ll protect you, Lady Hannelore!”

…I can hear you, you know.

My soon-to-be apprentice guard knight, Rasantark, came up with ultimate techniques and combo moves together with Hannelore at every gathering, and they would constantly challenge me together.

“Hmph, I’ll take both of you down together.”

It was a ridiculous game, but since it only happened during the gatherings, I decided to humor them. It became a routine; after they were inevitably defeated, Hannelore would cry, and Kenntrips would comfort her.

“Have they always been defeated?” Eineliebe asked.

“I let them land a hit once. Just once.”

“Why don’t you just admit you lost?”

Eineliebe raised her eyebrows teasingly, and I frowned slightly in response. “I only let them win because I knew that was the last time Hannelore would be able to run around the garden with Rasantark.”

I had seen Hannelore being told by our mother to join the women’s socializing during the gatherings as part of her education in etiquette and as preparation for her baptism ceremony. Dressed in fine clothes, she had to sit with our mother and the others, drinking tea and learning the ways of women’s socializing, like embroidery. Knowing this, I allowed her to win just that once.

“Lord Lestilaut, it seems you were a surprisingly good brother,” Eineliebe remarked, looking at me with a warm smile.

I wasn’t really, but I’ll let her think that.

Hannelore was so overjoyed with landing just one blow, acting as if she had truly defeated me and completely ignoring the factional implications. Her smug expression irritated me so much that I retaliated until she cried, reminding her, “It was my mercy, don’t mistake it for your skill.” Of course, I’ll keep quiet about how Mother scolded me for that.

“Considering that such a cute memory exists between the two of you, it’s delightful that they’re now potential fiancé candidates. I’m already looking forward to the reports from my retainers about how their relationship with Lady Hannelore evolves in the academy this year.”

“It’s fine to find some enjoyment in training your retainers, but don’t get too relaxed. Even though it’s not yet a concern, their training is linked to selecting and developing the head attendant or the head scholar for our future children.”

Eineliebe, having become part of the archducal family through marriage, now had her own retainers. She needed to learn to understand their strengths and weaknesses, teach them how to write proper reports, and ensure they weren’t hiding, exaggerating, or altering the information they gathered—skills essential for a noblewoman in her position.

“It may seem a bit premature, but since I’m set to become the second wife, it’s quite a relief for me. Especially when I think about Lady Sieglinde, who was originally supposed to be the second wife but ended up becoming the first. By the way, Lord Lestilaut, what are your thoughts on choosing a first wife? Do you have any candidates in mind?”

In Dunkelfelger, the role of the second wife is to manage the internal affairs of the duchy’s nobles, while negotiations with other duchies are handled by the first wife. As a result, the first wife of the Aub is usually chosen from a higher-ranking duchy. Due to the civil war, my father couldn’t establish marriage ties with another duchy, so I am obligated to select a first wife from a greater duchy.

“If it weren’t for the royal decree, Letizia of Alexandria would have been ideal in terms of both lineage and duchy. There are also candidates like Gentiane from Klassenberg or an archduke candidate from Drewanchel… It will likely be someone from a higher-ranking duchy, but I’ll wait and see for at least three more years.”

Upon hearing my response, Eineliebe furrowed her brows in concern.

“You seem to be taking your time. If you wait three years before beginning your search, the candidates you have in mind might no longer be available. And besides, you can’t really judge a person’s character until you’ve met them face-to-face…”

“Even if my second marriage happens a bit later, it’s not a problem. I plan to search while Lungtase is still attending the academy,” I replied. Unlike Raufereg, Lungtase isn’t foolish. She understands that if Hannelore remains in Dunkelfelger, she herself will likely be married off to another duchy. The rank of her home and the strength of her ties to the Aub will significantly affect how she’s treated in her future marriage.

Unlike Raufereg, Lungtase is trying to build a connection with me. She might even go so far as to introduce her friends as candidates for my first wife.

“Besides, with Hannelore staying in Dunkelfelger, we can entrust her with negotiations with other duchies. There’s no need to rush into taking a second wife,” I continued.

Hannelore was raised with the expectation that she would marry as a first wife to another duchy. If she stays in Dunkelfelger, we can entrust her with the women’s social duties involving other duchies.

“Half a year has passed since Rozemyne became Aub Alexandria. I believe we should continue observing what she and Hannelore might do next, how the reign of the Zent who obtained the Grutrissheit will unfold, and how the changes to the Royal Academy’s curriculum will affect the nobility.”

The opening and closing of the country gates, the capture of Lanzenave people, the descent of the Goddess of Wisdom, the granting of the Grutrissheit… Rozemyne has brought significant changes to Yurgenschmidt, all within just a few years.

How her newly established duchy will stabilize and whether Yurgenschmidt will truly remain stable is still uncertain. We cannot lower our guard yet. We must be vigilant, for it would be disastrous if we thought we had married into a greater duchy, only for that duchy to be taken over or disappear.

“Lady Rozemyne aside, are you also wary of Lady Hannelore?” Eineliebe asked, sounding curious.

“It’s not good when those two are together. I cannot imagine a year passing in the Royal Academy without incident if Rozemyne and Hannelore are both present.”

”…Isn’t that a bit of an overreaction?” Eineliebe responded gently, though with a hint of doubt in her voice.

I chuckled at her skepticism. Rozemyne had activated the magic tools in the library during her first year, prompting Hannelore’s desire for them. In their second year, Rozemyne forged connections with royalty during a tea party Hannelore attended in the library, gaining access to information about a hidden archive. Their third year saw them leading joint research involving royalty, resulting in the discovery of the underground archive of the Royal Academy library. During the archduke conference, both were drawn into the modern translation of the underground archive. In their fourth year, after participating in the dedication ceremony, Rozemyne received the Grutrissheit from the Goddess of Wisdom, leading to a true ditter. What could happen this year? It’s impossible to think nothing will occur.

“Lestilaut, come to the Archduke’s office immediately.”

It was an evening about ten days after my conversation with Eineliebe when an ordonnanz from my father flew in. When I arrived at his office, Father, Mother, and Eineliebe were already gathered. Father had a severe expression on his face, but there were no wooden boards in sight. It didn’t seem like a report from the scholars.

“Father, what has happened?”

“An urgent ordonnanz arrived from the teleportation hall.”

Since an ordonnanz cannot cross the borders of duchies, it cannot be sent directly from the Royal Academy to Dunkelfelger. Normally, a wooden board would be delivered, but in cases where there isn’t even time for that, a knight stationed in the dormitory’s teleportation hall would teleport to Dunkelfelger’s teleportation hall, send an ordonnanz to the Aub, and immediately return to the Royal Academy. This method is only used in extreme emergencies.

“Has something happened to Hannelore?”

Mother’s face was filled with concern. Aside from Father and his retainers, none of us knew the details, so we all focused on him, urging him to continue.

“It seems an ordonnanz came from Cordula to the dormitory’s teleportation hall, reporting that Dregarnuhr, the Goddess of Time, descended upon Lady Hannelore in the gazebo at the Royal Academy.”

“A goddess descended upon Hannelore!?”

Mother exclaimed in surprise. I felt the same—this made no sense. However, even though I didn’t see it with my own eyes, there was already a precedent with Rozemyne, who had the Goddess of Wisdom descend upon her. And since Cordula sent an ordonnanz to the dormitory’s knight, this was likely not a joke or a lie.

“It seems this year’s commotion is even bigger than last year’s.”

“To think it would turn out exactly as Lord Lestilaut predicted…”

Eineliebe looked at me with a voice that mixed surprise and admiration, but there was nothing to be happy about having such a prediction come true. It only gave me a headache.

“If there were many witnesses, it could be a major issue. But since it happened in the gazebo, perhaps there were few? At this time of year, it shouldn’t be heavily used yet, no?”

“I’m not sure. I understand the hope that there were few witnesses, but don’t you think there’s an impression that when something related to the gods occurs at the Royal Academy, a pillar of light often appears? If a pillar of light was dramatically formed when the goddess descended, even if there were few people around at first, it would certainly draw attention.”

Mother’s prediction was more realistic than Father’s. A pillar of light did appear during the divine ritual for ditter. If a goddess descended, it wouldn’t be surprising if something even more dramatic occurred.

Just as I sighed, it seemed we had a visitor. I noticed the guard standing by the door moving.

“Aub, I have a message from the knight at the teleportation hall. It’s an update from the Royal Academy.”

Since the report had been written down on a wooden board and personally delivered by a knight to the Archduke’s office, the urgency seemed to have lessened. Father took the wooden board from the guard, read it, and then tossed it onto the table. Mother picked it up and began to read it aloud.

“It’s from Cordula. It says that the Dregarnuhr, the Goddess of Time, is using Milady’s body to summon the Aub of Alexandria. The situation will not progress until the Aub of Alexandria arrives. We are standing by in front of the gazebo and will report again as soon as there are any further developments.”

The ordonnanz from Cordula had been transcribed by the knight at the teleportation hall, and the names of two knights were written on the back of the wooden board.

“If the goddess remains descended upon Hannelore until the Aub Alexandria arrives, as stated on the board, the number of witnesses will only increase, won’t it? The gazebo is near the scholars’ building, so it’s a place where the curious tend to gather.”

Eineliebe agreed with me. “It’s not just the location; the timing is also unfortunate. It’s already past lesson time. Unlike during classes, the number of onlookers is likely increasing further.”

Even if there were only a few at first, the crowd must be growing.

“We don’t know why Dregarnuhr, the Goddess of Time, descended, why Hannelore was chosen, or what the goddess wants from Lady Rozemyne… There’s nothing we can do until we receive further updates,” Father stated.

We all nodded in agreement and decided to wait in the Archduke’s office. Since Rozemyne was being summoned within the Royal Academy, it shouldn’t take too long. However, no updates came, even after some time had passed.

“They’re in the same Royal Academy, so why is it taking so long? What has happened to Hannelore? Is the goddess making some unreasonable demand of Rozemyne?” I grew increasingly impatient as I waited. Then, an ordonnanz flew into the room. The small white bird landed on Father’s arm and opened its beak.

“This is an urgent message from Cordula. Due to the effects of the goddess’s descent, Lady Hannelore is in a near death state of unconsciousness and suspended animation. She must be placed in a rejuvenating jureve until she regains consciousness. Please send Lady Sieglinde’s or Lord Lestilaut’s jureve to the Royal Academy immediately. That is all.”

”…What? She’s in a state of unconsciousness and suspended animation?”

“What on earth happened!?”

I hoped I had misheard, but the ordonnanz repeated the same message three times before turning back into a yellow feystone and clattering onto the table.

“Prepare the jureve immediately! If Lestilaut’s jureve, brewed before his marriage, is still in storage, that would be ideal.”

“Reginald, Acringel, hurry to the storage room. I will head to the teleportation hall ahead of you.”

“Assist Lestilaut’s retainers as well.”

As I sent my scholars and attendants rushing to the jureve storage area, Eineliebe also ordered her retainers to help with the transfer.

“Lord Werdekraft, I will head to the Royal Academy immediately. I need to assess whether it’s better to bring Hannelore back to the duchy before she regains consciousness. May I have your permission?”

The teleportation hall was already scheduled to close, and using it after hours required the Archduke’s authorization. If Mother intended to go to the Royal Academy, the hall would need to remain open.

“Very well. I will personally ensure that everything is handled,” Father replied.

He sent an ordonnanz to the knight stationed at the hall, informing them of Mother’s impending departure. After instructing her attendants that dinner would be delayed, we all left the office.

Mother, accompanied by her guard knights and attendants, stepped onto the teleportation circle. She returned from the dormitory before my jureve had even arrived.

“I was able to speak with Cordula. It seems it’s best for Hannelore to remain at the Royal Academy for now. Given the potential power of the goddess’s descent, we may need to borrow certain items from the Zent. Additionally, being at the Royal Academy allows for easier access to information from Lady Rozemyne’s retainers, who have experience with such divine descents.”

Apparently, the statement about Hannelore falling into a death-like state until she regains consciousness came directly from the goddess. Due to the time difference between the world of the gods and our own, it may take a while for her to regain consciousness. That’s why the head attendant of Alexandria advised that she be immersed in a jureve to prevent her mana from solidifying during that time.

“Lady Rozemyne prayed to the Goddess of Time, requesting that Hannelore’s consciousness return quickly, and the goddess accepted her plea. As long as Hannelore remains in the jureve, her life isn’t in danger. They’ll send a detailed report on the goddess’s descent tomorrow.”

After checking on Hannelore’s condition, Mother seemed somewhat relieved, saying, “As long as we have the jureve, there shouldn’t be any problem.” Even though I still didn’t fully understand what had happened, the tension that had filled the teleportation hall began to dissipate.

“As long as her life isn’t in danger, that’s a relief. But isn’t Hannelore in her fifth year? Shouldn’t she have made her own jureve by now? Has she done it yet?”

“The academic year has just begun, and the jureve is typically created later in brewing classes. It’s not uncommon for it to remain unfinished. Life-threatening situations are rare, and for unmarried students, it’s common to use their family’s jureve, so the creation of their own is often a lower priority,” Eineliebe replied, her tone lightening up. Even I found myself able to exchange a bit of banter with her.

At that moment, our retainers arrived, pushing a cart onto the teleportation circle that connects to the Royal Academy. “We’ll transfer Lord Lestilaut’s jureve on this cart. It’s quite large, so it would take too long to carry it manually.”

As they spoke, a cloth was spread over the cart. The cloth was equipped with a teleportation circle specifically designed for moving objects. Once Reginald sent out an ordonnanz with the message “Preparation complete,” a large pot containing the jureve appeared on the cloth.

“Please send this directly to the dormitory. You’ll likely need the cart to carry it to Lady Hannelore’s room as well.”

As soon as the jureve was sent, a wooden board inscribed with Cordula’s handwriting appeared on the teleportation circle, reading, “Received.”

“Now, we can leave the rest to Cordula and her fellow retainers as we wait for Hannelore to regain consciousness. We should receive a detailed report by tomorrow. It’s gotten a bit late, but let’s have dinner,” Mother said as she exited the hall.

Eineliebe and I followed Mother. We needed to leave quickly, as Father couldn’t close the door until we were out.

“Well, well… It looks like we’ve got another big issue on our hands this year,” I sighed with relief as we headed toward the dining hall, but Eineliebe chuckled softly.

“You’re speaking as if it’s all over, Lord Lestilaut. You’re being too complacent, the semester at the Royal Academy has only just begun.”

Hearing her point out that it wasn’t even the middle of winter yet, I felt a chill run down my spine.

Just as Eineliebe had said, it was only a few days later that marriage proposals from other duchies started pouring in, all seeking Hannelore, who had become the second avatar of a goddess. As I looked at the ever-increasing pile of bride-stealing ditter applications, I found myself exasperated, yelling, “Even with Hannelore unconscious and Rozemyne absent, why can’t we catch a break!?”

It took several more days before we received word that Hannelore had finally awakened.