My Coworker Is A Weirdo

I am currently in my final year at the Royal Academy and serving as an apprentice guard knight for my sister, Rozemyne, who is an adopted daughter of the Archduke.

The primary challenge that I am currently facing is finding a way to avoid Rozemyne’s teasing. Despite not actually being born to our mother, the two of them share a love for all things romantic, and it is eerie how similar they are when it comes to their habit of teasing me at every opportunity. They both also have the terrible habit of turning other people’s love affairs into books and selling them. Mother’s fascination with love stories and Rozemyne’s fascination with books are beyond normalcy.

“Have you yet to inform Lady Rozemyne? In my opinion, the teasing and becoming the subject of a book both seem inevitable.”

Hartmut shrugged his shoulders, wearing an expression of displeasure. He is a proficient apprentice scholar and also one of Rozemyne’s retainers. He is odd in so many ways that I earnestly hope to never end up like him, yet his skill is undeniable.

The two of us are in the same year, and we are the only men among Rozemyne’s retainers in the Royal Academy. Consequently, we find ourselves spending a considerable amount of time together. I would feel awkward talking to Damuel about my graduation ceremony escort, so my choices are limited to Hartmut alone.

“Even if it is inevitable, I would like to postpone it for as long as possible. If she finds out, my personal affairs will be put on display to the Royal Academy’s dormitory and Ehrenfest, and possibly even to Yurgenschmidt as a whole. The work that Rozemyne has given to my mother is far too dangerous.”

“Given Lady Rozemyne’s fondness for Lady Elvira’s books, surrendering seems the wisest course.”

Hartmut, who reveres Rozemyne as a saint, mentioned this with a casual wave of his hand. His perspective is granted by the fact that he has yet to acquire a graduation ceremony escort of his own, but it’s merely a matter of time before he shares my predicament.

“What about you, Hartmut? Have you found a partner to escort yet?”

Hartmut maintains amicable relations with apprentice scholars and attendants from various duchies, extracting a wealth of information from them. Yet, to the best of my knowledge, he has yet to select a partner. Upon hearing my inquiry, he crossed his arms, descending into contemplation.

“No, I haven’t reached a final decision yet. I think it’s just a matter of time, though… By the way, what led you to choose Leonore, Cornelius? You could have opted for Brunhilde, Marianne, or Angelica as your partner, couldn’t you?”

Hartmut and I, being archnobles, face a limited pool of suitable candidates should we choose to wed within Ehrenfest. Considering that we serve Rozemyne, we cannot marry just anyone from another duchy either. That is my opinion after seeing all the trouble that came from my brother Lamprecht’s marriage.

“To begin with, Leonore doesn’t exhibit an excessive devotion to Rozemyne.”

“Hmm? For me, the primary requirement for a marriage partner would be an unwavering devotion to Lady Rozemyne.”

“You and I are not alike.”

Witnessing the blessings bestowed by Rozemyne during her baptism and debut, Hartmut was led to believe that she was a saint. He enthusiastically spread tales of her throughout the Royal Academy. The echoes of people mocking me as the ‘Brother of the Saint’ still linger in my memory. I cast a disapproving glance at Hartmut, but he remained unfazed.

“I’m certain, Hartmut, that you wouldn’t hesitate to sell the tale of your blossoming romance to my mother to gain Rozemyne’s favor. However, I am resolute in my decision not to entertain the idea of taking a woman of that sort as my partner.”

“I see. Any other reasons?”

“I prefer intellectual women.”

I dedicated a substantial amount of time tutoring Angelica at the Royal Academy, being a member of the Raise Angelica’s Grades Squadron. To facilitate her learning, I had to study topics in advance, inadvertently improving my own grades. Yet, there were numerous occasions when I grew weary of her persistent lack of understanding, no matter how many times I explained the subjects to her.

In contrast, Leonore was the exact opposite. A single explanation sufficed for her understanding, and she possessed a formidable drive for self-improvement. Her grasp extended effortlessly to any topic I endeavored to teach. Even when she expressed awe at my abilities, it resonated in a manner completely distinct from Angelica’s praise.

Incidentally, praise from Angelica was never entirely trustworthy, always carrying the subtle implication of ‘please, do the work in my stead.’ I genuinely regard my brother Eckhart as a hero for agreeing to escort Angelica in my place when our family broached the subject of our marriage.

“Should I relay this to Rozemyne, she’ll undoubtedly make sure to assign the two of us together at work, make us sit next to each other at meals, and seize every opportunity to playfully tease us.”

“I believe the outcome would be the same regardless of when you inform her.”

Hartmut said that, but I flatly denied it.

“No, it wouldn’t. Rozemyne is always gentle with girls. If Leonore is alone, she won’t face much teasing. Should anyone tease Leonore and upset her, Rozemyne will undoubtedly go to great lengths to support her. With me, she’s less reserved due to our sibling bond, leaving her unrestrained in her actions.”

“Is that supposed to be a boast about how well you and Lady Rozemyne get along?”

“Huh? Did it come across that way to you?”

As usual, conversations with Hartmut invariably took a peculiar turn.

“Regardless, I find it rather unfair that only you, Cornelius, get to engage in banter so freely with Lady Rozemyne. So, if you wish to keep the affair with Leonore confidential, I’m more than willing to assist you.”

“I’m really not sure how to feel about that, but thanks.”

Having a collaborator drastically improved the odds in my favor. Despite his quirks, Hartmut was undeniably skilled. Upon pledging his assistance, he even approached the other retainers and ensured the utmost discretion in handling the matter.

If only he wasn’t such an eccentric who worshiped Rozemyne as a saint, he would be perfect.

I couldn’t help but sigh.

◆

“Cornelius, Lady Rozemyne is engrossed in one of Lord Ferdinand’s books, so I believe you can venture out for the entire day without any concerns. Gathering materials should be mostly completed by afternoon, right?”

It was the first Earthday since the term began at the Royal Academy. While I readied myself to gather materials for the day, Hartmut, having just handed a book to Rihyarda, descended downstairs ready for his own expedition. My intention was to carry a packed lunch and hunt for a brief period post-lunch, with no plans to stay out any longer. However, Hartmut suggested I could spend the entire day, leaving me perplexed.

“Leonore, what are your thoughts?”

“Well, um, I would be delighted to spend some time together… However, if Lady Rozemyne were to find out, wouldn’t Hartmut incur her displeasure?”

Leonore cast a concerned glance toward Hartmut. Certainly, Hartmut worshiped Rozemyne as a saint and had a tendency to let his fanaticism run wild. And yet, he didn’t look worried in the least.

“While I would be troubled if Lady Rozemyne were displeased, I have a countermeasure in place, so everything will be fine. You need not worry about me.”

After uttering those words, Hartmut casually waved his hand and mentioned, “Now, I have a meeting scheduled with an apprentice scholar from another duchy,” before departing the dormitory. Recognizing the significance of this opportunity to acquire valuable information for Ehrenfest, I bid him farewell without further words.

Before long, the remaining apprentice knights assembled. Today’s agenda involved leaving only a minimal number of knights behind to guard the archduke candidates, while the rest of us proceeded to procure the materials essential for our classes.

The collaborative hunt with other duchies concluded before lunch. Since it wrapped up earlier than anticipated, Leonore and I decided to have our lunch at a flower bed near the herb garden for professors.

“In just a few more days, we will be heading to the library on a daily basis. I wish she would turn that enthusiasm towards something else… But I suppose that is wishful thinking.”

“I have heard from Lady Elvira that, if not for that enthusiasm, neither plant paper nor rinsham would have come into existence. Lady Rozemyne does everything in her power to get what she wants, and the result is favorable for Ehrenfest, so is it not acceptable for her to be the way she is?” Leonore giggled softly.

Rozemyne is my adorable little sister. In terms of appearance alone, nobody could find fault with her. Certainly, she has some troubling aspects to her personality, and while it’s acceptable for me, as a family member, to address them, I find it intolerable when others criticize her or diminish her efforts.

Rozemyne’s passion for books was far from ordinary, so seeing someone accept that with a smile made me feel happy and gave me an indescribable sense of relief.

And for that reason I said to her, “Leonore, I’m overjoyed that it was you who I ended up together with.”

“Wh-What are you saying, all of a sudden?!”

There was no hint of her usual composed demeanor as Leonore blushed, her eyes wide open. As I observed this uncommon sight, she scolded me, “Please don’t stare at me so.” It was amusing in its own way, and just as I intended to playfully tease her a bit more, a white ordonnanz came flying straight towards us.

“An ordonnanz?”

We held out our arms, and the ordonnanz landed on mine and started to speak in Matthias’ voice.

“This is Matthias. Upon entering the dormitory through the back door, I noticed Lady Rozemyne standing near the exit to the central building, awaiting someone’s return. If you wish to keep your activities discreet from Lady Rozemyne and the others, I recommend promptly returning to the dormitory. I’ll be stationed outside the dormitory with approximately half of the apprentice knights, just as a precaution.”

After sending Matthias a reply that said, “Thanks, I appreciate it,” Leonore and I promptly summoned our highbeasts and made our way back to the dormitory.

“My apologies for the delay.”

“No need to apologize, Lord Cornelius. You’re not alone in your apprehension of Lady Elvira’s books.”

We joined the crowd of apprentice knights, all wearing wry smiles, and made our way towards the entrance hall through the rear door leading to the gathering spot.

Based on Matthias’s message, I anticipated Rozemyne quietly engrossed in a book in the entrance hall, attentively watching the main door. However, reality painted a different picture—she stood with her legs apart, hands on her hips, wearing a grim expression as she awaited someone’s entrance through the main door. Despite my awareness of her vigil, witnessing her in this stance was still quite surprising.

“Lady Rozemyne, has something happened…?” Leonore timidly asked her, but Rozemyne kept her eyes fixed on the main door.

“Hartmut left in secret. I imagine he is in the middle of a romantic meetup with his partner, so I am waiting for him to return. I shall make him tell me who she is.”

I honestly couldn’t have cared less.

Admittedly, I could have simply stated, “Hartmut has not yet chosen a partner,” but past experience taught me that any unnecessary remark here would inevitably lead to further questioning from her. Undoubtedly, she would counter with, “And what about you, Cornelius?”

“It gets really cold near the door, so you’re going to get sick if you keep standing around here. Could you at least wait in the common room?”

I uttered that, partly in exasperation and partly out of genuine concern for her well-being. However, as I gestured towards the common room, Rozemyne merely shook her head and returned to her intense glare at the main door.

“I want to surprise him, so I’ll continue waiting here.”

“I see… I’ll go get changed, then.”

I ascended the stairs, letting out a quiet sigh of exasperation. Along the way, I paused and glanced back. Rozemyne displayed no inclination to budge from her position. It was imperative to persuade Hartmut to return promptly, or she would undoubtedly fall ill. Leonore, too, had turned around to cast a concerned gaze toward the entrance hall.

“Is Lady Rozemyne going to be all right after standing in that spot for so long?”

“I shall send a message to Hartmut.”

Matthias’ message had spared me from a similar predicament, prompting me to dispatch an ordonnanz to Hartmut with the message, “Rozemyne is waiting for you in the entrance hall, near the exit to the central building.” I also included a note about the possibility of Rozemyne falling ill from the prolonged wait in the cold. Surely, that would be sufficient to expedite Hartmut’s return.

I hastily changed clothes and made my way back to the entrance hall. As anticipated, Hartmut swiftly returned. Upon spotting Rozemyne patiently waiting for him, he feigned surprise at her presence.

“Why, Lady Rozemyne, what are you doing here? Have you finished Lord Ferdinand’s book already?”

“Thought you could distract me to have a secret meeting with your sweetheart, did you? Who is she? Is it someone you dare not introduce me to?”

After widening his eyes in surprise, Hartmut chuckled as if genuinely amused.

“You sound entirely like a jealous wife…”

That reminds me; he did express a desire for Rozemyne to pay more attention to him, didn’t he? Is the current situation bringing him enough joy to prompt such a statement? Hartmut truly is an oddball.

I anticipated that his statement would only escalate Rozemyne’s anger, but he promptly produced a bundle of paper. In response, Rozemyne tensed up, displaying sudden suspicion. Her head moved from side to side, and her body began to sway as if mirroring the motion.

What’s going on?

As Hartmut shifted the bundle of paper to the right, her entire body moved in unison, and the same occurred when he shifted it to the left. It dawned on me that Rozemyne, driven by a desire to obtain it, was tracking its movement with her eyes. In that moment, I felt suddenly drained of energy, and the impulse to crumple down where I stood overwhelmed me.

How foolish can you be, Rozemyne?! Don’t let him bait you so easily!

After Hartmut handed the bundle of paper to Philine, Rozemyne got into her highbeast and ascended the stairs alongside Philine and Judithe. The highbeast moved gracefully up the stairs, and Rozemyne, seated within, wore the broadest smile ever. Her demeanor was a stark contrast to the intense glare she had directed at the main door just a short while ago.

As I stood there, taken aback by the rapid shift in her mood, Rozemyne spotted me and flashed a brilliant smile, gesturing towards the bundle of paper in Philine’s hands.

“I shall be reading knight stories in my room.”

I released a sigh, partly bothered at how easily Rozemyne had fallen for the bait, and partly in admiration of Hartmut’s skill in crafting the perfect distraction for her. I advised her to warm up before delving into her reading, and she obediently agreed as her Pandabus joyfully ascended the stairs with nimble steps.

“Hartmut.”

When I called his name, Hartmut looked up at me and said, “Thank you, Cornelius. Your message granted me the opportunity to see a truly adorable side of Lady Rozemyne, and I enjoyed it to my heart’s content,” as he tossed my yellow ordonnanz feystone back to me.

Should Rozemyne really be keeping a weirdo like him as her retainer?

◆

Despite my concerns, little did I know at the time that the woman Hartmut had chosen to marry was equally as weird as he was.