Chapter 72

As the end‑of‑year exams approached, even the usually graceful students of Class A wore serious expressions; our second‑year classroom felt heavy. Since classes are reshuffled by academic rank, I can only imagine the pressure their parents are putting on them to cling to Class A.

Even Prince Keith, who sits in my advanced classes, looks like his pride is on the line—he can’t afford to drop to Class B. He’s skipping grades in Math, Language, Magicology, Music, and Dance, so he’ll probably be fine, but he’s so high‑strung I avoid him.

And yet we still have lunch together. Prince Richard isn’t here—apparently he’s taking the entrance exams for Romano University. The graduation exams for the final‑year students are already over—otherwise it’d be pretty embarrassing to have a “farewell party” at the Harvest Festival only to fail and repeat a grade.

Since the graduation ceremony hasn’t happened yet, the dorm residents are still around, but many students are away on career paths or job hunting, which gives the place a slightly lonely air.

The end‑of‑term exams began. I wanted certifications in Language, Classics, History, and Magicology, so I took my tests in a separate classroom. Dozens of students were taking Language and Magicology, while only about ten took Classics and History.

Princess Margaret said she planned to get her Language and Magicology certifications at the spring finals too. Once you hit Middle School, more students start aiming for these qualifications.

As for my results—I think I’ll be fine. I studied hard all year. It’s been a long time since I studied this intensely as a member of the working world, but then, I am a student again. And Patience’s brain is seriously impressive—her memory is excellent. She’s only eleven, after all.

I went to see the Home Economics and Fine Arts exhibitions. Princess Margaret’s Home Economics project was decent this time; I don’t think Queen Victoria will scold her. As for Fine Arts, she might get her certification if she pushes a little harder.

The results of the end‑of‑year exams weren’t made public. Parents are notified directly by letter. Was the spring term’s public announcement just to motivate students at risk of failing and make the reasons for any demotions clear?

I see—it’s been a year since I reincarnated.

Warming myself by the dormitory fireplace, I remember how cold it was back then and hope this winter won’t be as harsh. If the monsters weren’t as big as last year, does that mean a milder winter? And will we have enough firewood?

Princess Margaret has returned to the Royal Palace, and as usual I’m waiting for Mary to pick me up.

With free time, my mind wanders. I’ve used up all my materials for side jobs, so I can’t even work. Being naturally frugal, I don’t dwell on things that won’t earn money.

To begin with, I was reincarnated into another world, but I still don’t know why. Is my previous self dead? Am I unconscious there? Can—or do I want to—go back? It was a more convenient world and my parents are there, so I’d like to, but I can’t. Nothing good comes from idle speculation. Let’s think about making money instead.

First, when I get home I’ll sell the roses from the greenhouse. It’s social season, so party roses should fetch a good price. If I make a profit, I’ll grow more next year.

Maybe I can sow strawberry seeds and grow them with Lifestyle Magic to sell at a premium.

“Thinking about making money really cheers me up.”

Is Patience appalled by me? Lately her presence feels like it’s fading. Maybe I’ve internalized her manners without needing her to correct me; my sleeping posture has become natural, and the headaches are gone. I’m glad about that, but part of me feels lonely. Is Patience going to fade away entirely? Does that mean I can’t go back?

“No, no—thinking about things I can’t control won’t make me any money.”

Right. Our firewood and food situation has improved, but the Granger family still lacks many things. First, I want to buy Nasius a brand‑new uniform and undergarments when he enters the Academy next year. And a horse! If we keep a horse we’ll need fodder—should I grow barley in the garden over summer? But we also need vegetables. Horses eat grass, right? I don’t really know; I’ll ask Wyatt. Maybe a pony would be better for Nasius at first. Horses are so tall and scary. I need to discuss this.

“Milady, sorry to keep you waiting.”

Mary finally arrived to pick me up, so I headed home.

“Sister, welcome back!”

Nasius—it’s only been a week, but you’ve grown! You’re going to overtake me soon.

“Welcome back, Sister! Let’s have a jump‑rope race!”

Henry, I don’t think I can beat you anymore. I really need to build stamina.

“I’m home. You’ve both grown so much.”

Nasius still lets me kiss him when I come home. I’m so happy. Henry is fine with it anytime—so cute.

In the nursery I talk with the two of them about what happened while I was away and check that they’ve been eating properly. Their cheeks have filled out; they were so gaunt before.

The fire in the nursery fireplace is going properly. It’s not as warm as the dormitory, but the room is large, so it can’t be helped.

“Nasius, are you already studying the first‑year textbooks?”

The first‑year books I skimmed through sat on Nasius’s desk.

“Yes. Father has been teaching me. Language is easy, but Math, Classics, and History are still difficult.”

Nasius, aren’t you a genius?

“That’s wonderful. You must thank Father.”

Father seems like an excellent tutor, but I still wish he’d find a job.

“I’m studying a lot, too!”

Henry reads aloud fluently.

“That’s amazing, Henry!”

The Granger family is truly talented. And yet Father got fired. That’s in the past now, but I’m worried he still can’t find work.

Patience didn’t have any useful knowledge about employment either, so I’m at a loss. Isn’t there something like “Hello Work” or a job‑listing magazine? Are nobles forbidden from working?

An Adventurer’s Guild job seems impossible for Father. What about me? Would it be wrong to take a part‑time cleaning job using Lifestyle Magic? In light novels beginners always start by cleaning the city. Would that be scandalous for a noble’s daughter? Mary would try to stop me, but I want to find a way to earn money without damaging a lady’s reputation.

After dinner I was called to Father’s study. I thought it would be about skipping a grade, but I was in for a surprise.

“There is a marriage proposal for you. Of course, since you are only eleven, it is not for the immediate future. It would be for after you graduate from the Royal Academy. However, I thought I should let you know.”

Is this world a pedophile’s paradise? I’m a “shotacon” in theory, but I don’t actually lay a hand on anyone! Officer, there’s a pervert over here!

I must have looked utterly disgusted, because Father looked relieved.

“No, it’s still too early, isn’t it? I thought so as well. I shall decline this offer.”

Declining is fine, but who sent the proposal? Who brought the offer? I was about to ask, but the conversation shifted back to skipping a grade to Middle School.

“Skipping to Middle School is quite a feat! Normally one can only skip one grade per year, but since you obtained certifications for all mandatory subjects, you’re permitted to enter Middle School for the new academic year. Patience, you’ve worked very hard. So, which course will you choose?”

He really doesn’t want to talk about the marriage proposal—I could tell by how vigorously he spoke.

“I’m considering the Civil Servant track. However, since Princess Margaret is in Home Economics (Bridal Training), it looks like I should take that too.”

“Two courses!?”

“Since you have certifications in the mandatory subjects, plus Magic Practice, Fine Arts, Music, and Home Economics, you should be able to handle two courses. However, do not overexert yourself.”

I left the study with Father’s encouragement, but I was still curious who sent the marriage proposal—and who brokered it. Wyatt is very tight‑lipped, so I’ll ask Mary.