Chapter 31

Wednesday morning was filled with classes, followed by a mentally taxing lunch in the High Hall (Salon). During the afternoon Classics period, I listened to the lecture quite seriously. Patience could pass easily, but I personally still need to study.

The history taught in the Elementary level is just a simple overview of eras, but I don’t know any of it. In my previous life, you learned the general flow in elementary school, a bit more detail in middle school, and the “why” and “how” in high school. First-year Elementary seems to be around the elementary school level, while second and third years are probably closer to middle school.

I have Home Economics with Louise. If she wants to be a Lady-in-Waiting so badly, I really wish she’d just move into the dorms. People should stop pining for what they aren’t willing to work for.

The second-year Home Economics curriculum was, as expected, more than just sewing in a straight line.

“For the Spring Term, I would like you to embroider a dressing cape. Since you skipped a grade, you are a little behind, but as long as you finish by the end of the term, you’ll be fine,” said Ms. Cameron. Her gentle way of speaking is very soothing. It’s true that the regular second-years started their capes in the first week, but they’ve only done a tiny bit.

“Are we free to choose the design?” Louise asked proactively. It’s nice having her there to ask the questions for me.

“Yes, but we will be displaying them at the end of the Spring Term, so it would be quite embarrassing if the pattern is too simple.”

Louise seemed to catch fire at the teacher’s words. She immediately began drawing a complex pattern on her cape with tailor’s chalk. I thought I might use mine when I brush Princess Margaret’s hair, so I went with a simple idea: I drew a border of marguerite flowers and leaves all along the hem.

I knew I had until the end of the term, but I tend to get hyper-focused on this kind of work. Before I knew it, I was finished. It seems I had unconsciously used Household Magic halfway through. I went and did it again.

“Oh, you must be Patience Granger. I’m friends with Ms. Jefferson from Magic Practicum. I’d heard rumors, but you really are talented. It seems there is nothing left for me to teach you.”

And just like that, I was handed a Certificate of Completion. I guess I just get along well with the “Grandma” teachers. I could feel a blistering gaze from Louise, but more importantly, I was thrilled to have more free time.

Now I’m exempt from the 4th period on Mondays and Thursdays (Magic Practicum) and Wednesdays (Home Economics). I can bring socks from home to darn for extra money, or use the time to review math and study Language, Classics, History, and Magic Theory. Tra-la-la!

Academically, everything is fine except for Dance. I think I can handle that if I practice. I’m starting to seriously consider skipping ahead to Middle School.

Unlike the Elementary level, Middle School uses a credit system. Furthermore, it splits into the Knight Course, Civil Servant Course, Mage Course, and the Home Economics (Brideship) Course. Princess Margaret and her schoolmates will likely take the Brideship Course. Since I have no dowry and want to look after my brothers until they can support themselves, I’m basically destined to be an “old maid” by this world’s standards. Besides, I don’t want to be a nuisance of a sister-in-law when Nasius gets married. (Wait—just thinking about Nasius getting married makes me want to cry.)

I have no choice but to become a career woman!

That’s right, Patience had said she wanted to become a court lady. In the Granger family, the only marriage prospect would probably be as a second wife to some rich old man. The proud Patience couldn’t stand that. I don’t have a thing for old men either, so that’s a hard “no.”

Wait—if I find a partner who lets me use money freely, maybe I could open a sweets shop? Ouch! Patience is getting really angry. Well, it is her body. Sorry!

“I think I’ll take the Civil Servant Course.” Patience seems to agree with that. Good grief, I wish she’d stop the headache attacks.

However, a schedule full of nothing but law classes sounds boring. The school handbook doesn’t list the specific requirements for each course. I assume they explain it when you move up to Middle School.

When in doubt, go to Mr. Kepner. Since the afternoon is mostly practicals, I hoped he’d be in the faculty office.

“Oh, Patience? Wait, weren’t you supposed to be in Home Economics?”

When I showed him the Certificate of Completion, he was both surprised and delighted for me.

“Now that you mention it, I heard you joined the Music Club. I’m sure you’ll get a certificate for Music as well. All the members of that club usually do.”

With that roster, I could see that happening.

“I’ve been told I still lack practice, so we’ll see. More importantly, could you tell me what the curriculum is like for the Middle School Civil Servant Course?”

Mr. Kepner was a bit surprised, but he nodded understandingly.

“Most girls take the Brideship Course, but the Granger family truly is different. The Civil Servant Course is difficult, but it is rewarding.”

Ah, I don’t actually have such a noble motive. I just decided I’m going to be an old maid and don’t want to be a meddling sister-in-law who ruins my brother’s marriage, I felt like making excuses.

“The requirements for the Civil Servant Course… ah, I only have the one that lists all courses, but will this do?”

I couldn’t exactly tell him the details of my family situation. Having obtained the Middle School curriculum, I headed back to my room.