50 — Chapter 50

The semester-end grades were posted on the wall. Apparently, the concept of “protection of personal information” doesn’t exist in this other world.

“Patience, your marks are nearly perfect.”

“Princess Margaret, your scores are quite respectable as well.”

Since we were outside our rooms, I addressed her by her title.

“Yes, except for Mathematics and Home Economics, my grades were decent enough. I just hope Mother doesn’t scold me…”

I had completely forgotten, but our Home Economics projects were also put on display. The first-years had pieces of cloth that looked like sewing practice. The second-years did dressing capes. It looked like Louise ran out of time. Taking projects home is strictly prohibited—mostly because if they were brought home, they’d just become the maids’ homework.

The third-years did embroidery on aprons. Princess Margaret’s… was at a level that made me worried she might not be able to graduate. The look in Queen Victoria’s eyes when she sees this will be terrifying. Yeah, I’ve decided to use my dressing cape only at home. Otherwise, it would seem like a slight, and besides, the Princess already owns many lovely capes.

The Middle School projects were a mixed bag. Fourth-years did one-pieces, fifth-years did dresses, and sixth-years did long gowns. Some were stunning, while others looked utterly unwearable. I suspect the reason there seem to be more “rocks” than “gems” is that the truly talented students get their Certificates of Completion and skip the classes early.

Art projects were also exhibited. My painting was adorned with a blue ribbon, and a few others had ribbons as well.

“You are so dexterous. You should practice the lute as well as the Hanon. That way, we can play an ensemble with my Hanon.”

I don’t think Princess Margaret’s artistic sense is bad. However, her execution suggests she should put at least half the passion she has for music into it. The “slacking off” vibe was undeniable.

Prince Keith, Ralph, Hugo, and Louise all had good grades. I wonder if Ralph is being careful not to outscore Prince Keith? But that’s not my problem. Prince Keith should notice it himself and scold him.

During my personal interview, I consulted Mr. Kepner about getting Certificates of Completion for Language, Classics, History, and Magic Theory.

“Patience, you don’t have to push yourself so hard.”

I explained the situation to the exasperated Mr. Kepner.

“I intended to choose the Civil Servant course when I skip to Middle School, but since Princess Margaret is choosing the Brideship course, I’ll likely end up taking both. If I can be exempt from the compulsory subjects, I’ll have more breathing room.”

Mr. Kepner looked shocked.

“There’s no reason you have to take the Brideship course just because you’re a lady-in-waiting. Hmm? Wait… if you’re exempt from all practicals except Dance… it might actually be doable. I’ll give you the third-year and Middle School textbooks for Language, Classics, History, and Magic Theory. Study them during your summer break.”

I really wanted to spend my summer vacation playing and studying with my brothers. As I was grumbling while carrying the heavy books back to the dorm, I ran into the troublesome Prince Keith.

“Patience, I heard you got your Math certificate. Wait—those books… are you planning to get certificates for every single subject?”

I wish people would mind their own business.

“If possible, yes.”

For some reason, Prince Keith glared at me.

“I won’t lose! I’m going to skip a grade to third-year next year. And the year after that, I’ll skip to the second year of Middle School. I’m going to catch up to you!”

Good luck with your weak subject, Classics! I cheered him on silently. Knowing anything I said would likely anger him, I bowed silently and tried to leave, but he blurted out, “I’ll carry those for you!”

It was meddlesome, but helpful. Of course, while Prince Keith was the one who offered, the ones actually carrying them were Ralph and Hugo. Apparently, a Prince cannot be seen hauling luggage.

Grade reports are sent to parents. Father was surprised by my marks and praised me. That was nice, but there was another letter on the desk. Talk about déjà vu.

“It says we depart for the Summer Villa in one week. They’ll be here to pick you up early in the morning.”

Even if I said I wanted to stay here, it would only cause him trouble. I decided to consult Wyatt about the maid situation. I left the study and headed to Wyatt’s office.

“My Lady, is something the matter?”

He always pretends to be ignorant even though he knows everything.

“Father told me we depart for the Summer Villa in a week. Queen Victoria mentioned I could bring a maid, but the court lady Charlotte said they would provide one if I didn’t. So, I’ll be fine on my own.”

Wyatt was silent for a moment, then objected.

“The Viscount has ordered that Mary accompany you. It is a breach of etiquette for a young lady to travel without an attendant. Regardless of how many court ladies or maids are at the villa, a lady of the House of Granger must be accompanied by a maid of the House of Granger.”

“But Mary is the only maid we have.”

Wyatt didn’t pay my counterargument the slightest bit of attention.

“Those remaining at the manor are only men. I have always looked after the Viscount. George and Eva will look after the young masters.”

The toilets are functional now, and unlike winter, we don’t need to keep the hearths lit. But I wanted George to look after the garden.

“My Lady, do not worry about the manor.”

With a chuckle, he produced three broken antiques. He really is a sly one.

“More importantly, you must prepare for the trip with Mary.”

I was smiled out of the room. I told Mary, “We’re going to the Summer Villa in a week.” Mary? Are you still breathing?

“Such an important matter, why… no, this is no time for that! I have to fix the clothes I was saving for when you grew bigger!”

Mary stopped breathing for a split second, but after that, she was a whirlwind. I ended up using Household Magic until I was exhausted. We turned several hand-me-downs from relatives into “new” clothes and desperately sewed them to fit my size.

“Mary, the Queen said she would provide clothes and essentials. Besides, I can clean them with Household Magic, so we don’t even need to do laundry.”

I was worn out and asked Mary if this was enough.

“My Lady, the clothes the Queen provides are just clothes. It is fine to accept them graciously, but you must not rely on them entirely.”

The House of Granger may be poor, but its servants are proud. Only the morning hours I spend teaching my brothers remain my heart’s oasis.