48 — Chapter 48

The Academy had been in high spirits after the Aoba Festival, but once the scope of the June final exams was announced, a sense of calm—or rather, grim focus—returned to the halls.

I’ve been keeping busy with the home garden on the weekends. Since the strawberries are now out of season, I’m planting tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers in the greenhouse. (Well, George is doing the actual planting.)

“Grow big!” I use Household Magic to accelerate their growth. After all, tomatoes, eggplants, and cucumbers haven’t appeared in the grocery stores yet. That means they’re expensive. Oh, I’m not wandering the streets anymore, by the way. I just get my intel from Eva when she goes out to buy supplies. I couldn’t bear the guilt of seeing Mary’s worried face if I kept sneaking out.

“We’ll eat half at home. But we’re selling the rest.”

In my previous life, I remember hearing that British aristocrats used to serve cucumber sandwiches at tea because cucumbers were so expensive—you couldn’t grow them without a greenhouse. In other words, cucumbers will sell for a high price. Score!

I’m also harvesting the beans, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots from the backyard. I have the boys help out a little bit with this. While Mary doesn’t entirely approve of me doing “farm work,” she seems to tolerate it as long as it’s a “fun family activity.”

We aren’t selling these, though. They can be preserved, and I’m going to make sauerkraut with the cabbage.

Once the harvest is finished, I mix compost into the soil. (George made the compost bin for me.) I’m truly glad I can use Household Magic for this. Once the furrows are finished, I have George plant more beans, potatoes, and tomatoes. Now that the season is turning, it looks like we can grow the tomatoes directly in the ground.

I also cast “Grow big!” on the fruit trees. They’ve blossomed, so I have high hopes for the fruit.

I even tend to the roses in the front garden. Since I’m taken to the Palace once or twice a month and sent back in a royal carriage, it would be embarrassing if the estate looked too desolate. Besides, “Patience” seems happy when the flowers bloom.

“Once finals are over, it’s summer vacation! I’ll be with my Angels the whole time.”

Aside from the Math certificate, I have no concerns. And I’ve studied quite hard for that. So, on weekends, I spend my days in the garden and my nights absorbed in my side jobs.

“Summer is wonderful! It stays light so late in the evening.”

It saves on candles, too. But I can’t let my guard down. A harsh winter will come again. I never want to experience that cold and hunger ever again.

“I need to have Wyatt buy plenty of firewood… a horse still feels so far away.”

During the Aoba Festival, it wasn’t just the Riding Club members; even Prince Keith and his friends seemed very comfortable around horses. At this rate, Nasius is going to be a total outlier in P.E. For a boy, being bad at physical activities can make life quite uncomfortable.

Prioritizing food and fuel is unavoidable, but I really want more money.

“If only I could get a patent through the Alchemy Club…”

When I told Princess Margaret I wanted to join the Alchemy Club, she gave me a look of deep concern.

“If you have time to join a den of eccentrics like that, shouldn’t you spend it practicing for your Dance certificate or composing new songs?”

I decided I’ll wait until I’ve actually taken the Alchemy classes before joining the club. I read in a book at the manor that some people have an aptitude for alchemy while others don’t.

“The magic for metal processing is Fire and Earth, right? It’s easier if you can use Water too. I only have Household Magic.”

But since my Household Magic is a bit of a “cheat,” I might be able to pull it off. If I manage to skip to Middle School next year, I’ll try taking the classes.

The final exams were a breeze. I mean, the level is basically late elementary to middle school. As for Math, I was the only one taken to a separate room to take the 3rd-year Middle School exam. I’m pretty sure I solved every problem. I checked for calculation errors several times, so it should be fine. God Estena, please let me pass!

When the results started coming back, I had near-perfect scores.

I even got my Math Certificate of Completion! Now I want certificates for Language, History, Classics, and Magic Theory too. Before, I was relying on “Patience,” but now I can do it myself.

Next year will be busy with two courses. But if I’m exempt from the compulsory subjects, it’ll be much easier. I’ll work harder on my side jobs and finally buy that horse. Nasius is turning nine, after all. I’m going to challenge myself to make a birthday cake (well, Eva will). Since I was summoned by the Queen today, I should be able to get eggs and other ingredients.

Perhaps I was being punished for such selfish thoughts.

“Patience, you shall accompany us to the Summer Palace. That way, Margaret will enjoy herself more.”

As usual, Sophie from the Palace came to fetch me after my Art class on Friday. Going to the Palace and playing the Hanon was the same as always. But while I was enjoying some delicious tea, Queen Victoria dropped a bombshell.

“Thank you, Mother. I was worried Jane would be bored since she’s so young.”

I want to refuse. I really do. Summer vacation is for spending time with my brothers. Plus, I have to grow winter food in the fields during the summer.

I summoned my courage to decline and looked the Queen in the eye. Oh… I can’t say no. I knew it the moment our eyes met. Like Princess Margaret, the Queen gives orders with her gaze. You can make excuses for words, but you can’t defy that stare.

“Thank you very much. I shall consult with my father and give you my answer.”

Queen Victoria smiled satisfactorily. She knows Viscount Granger won’t refuse.

“Everything you need for life at the Summer Palace will be provided by us, so you have nothing to worry about. If you wish to bring a maid, she may accompany you.”

The Queen hasn’t even considered that we only have Mary at home.

“I will consult with my father.”

Wait—since it’s summer vacation, I won’t be in my uniform. Does that mean… I’ll have to eat dinner with them? With the King too? I’d much rather eat in the nursery with Princess Jane and Prince Marcus. But I gave up, knowing that everything depended on Queen Victoria’s whims.

In the magnificent royal carriage on the way home, I hoped against hope that my father would refuse. But deep down, I knew that was impossible.