Ascendance of a Bookworm (LN) - Volume 5.1 - Chapter 15

Professor Fraularm’s Class

I wouldn’t make any progress in the scholar course until the professors set dates for my exams, so I sent them each an ordonnanz at once. Their replies came in steadily as the end of the week drew nearer; soon enough, I was waiting only on Fraularm. She had shown Ehrenfest nothing but hostility thus far, so I expected that she would use her authority as a professor to exploit my situation. Perhaps she would say that she couldn’t find the time for my exam or claim to have never received my correspondence.

“I wonder what Professor Fraularm will do this year...” I said to my attendants, who were helping me to manage my schedule.

Philine rested a troubled hand on her cheek. “She should know by now that not even changing the curriculum can hinder you, and your status as the Saint of Ehrenfest will only make it harder for her to act against you. You have demonstrated your great talents so many times now that, if she did attempt to belittle you, she would only be met with disbelieving stares. She must be struggling to think of mean things to do at this point.”

Brunhilde listened to Philine’s somewhat twisted perspective with a wry smile, then added, “Even if Professor Fraularm has no intention of allowing a personal exam—as you suspect, Lady Rozemyne—is that not inconsequential in the grand scheme of things? You need only pass the final exam, after all. It would be wise for you to leave her exam for last and instead get a head start on your socializing and research.”

“If passing were my only aim, then yes, that approach would work,” I said.

However, relying on the final exam would potentially damage both my reputation and my chances of coming first-in-class—if more than one person secured the highest grade, then glory went to whoever passed first—and the last thing I wanted to do was break my promise to Ferdinand. Just to be safe, I had already sent a very deliberately worded ordonnanz to Hirschur: “I cannot come to your laboratory until after my exams are over, nor can I begin our joint research with the greater duchies. Is there anything I can do?” My hope was that the professor network would resolve things for me.

After breakfast but before our morning classes, I made my way to the common room, whereupon I convened with my siblings and their retainers. We needed to discuss our upcoming research project with Drewanchel.

“We should decide on the fundamentals first so that nobody finds themselves lost for words on the receiving end of a question from Professor Gundolf,” I said.

Wilfried shook his head. “Rozemyne, I understand that we should inform our apprentice scholars about this research, but shouldn’t you speak to Father first?”

“I’ve already mentioned in one of my daily reports that we are starting a project with Drewanchel centered around your and Charlotte’s retainers. That said... student research doesn’t require the aub’s permission, does it? This doesn’t seem like something worth disturbing him over.” I was pretty sure that nobody else in the Royal Academy was giving detailed reports on their student research or requesting their archduke’s approval for it.

Wilfried and Charlotte exchanged looks. “It wouldn’t require his permission in most cases, but with you overseeing things, this is sure to be anything but normal.”

“Plus, this research into paper is deeply involved with Ehrenfest’s principal industries,” Charlotte added. “You should discuss it with Mother and Father, Sister.”

They were both in agreement, so it seemed wise for me to listen to them. “I suppose we can wait until Ehrenfest’s response to my report, then,” I conceded. “That said, I can’t imagine that our research will have much of a bearing on our own industries. We won’t be teaching Drewanchel to make paper; we will simply be looking into the uses of paper made from its feyplants.”

“You think so?”

“Indeed. My focus is on what can be done with strange paper and magic tools such as those made from Illgner’s feyplants. The actual process of creating the paper remains a valuable trump card for us, so we will save that for the Archduke Conference. It will not be published as Royal Academy research. Even rinsham is too much for Drewanchel to perfectly recreate—nobody ever thinks to include the scrub—so they will not stand a chance against plant paper, which is far more complicated and requires so many specialized tools. And, above all else, they surely will not expect that commoners are the ones making this paper that functions similarly to magic tools.”

“There can be no doubting that,” Ignaz and Marianne replied in agreement. “Magic tools can only be made by nobles.” They still couldn’t believe that feyplant paper was made through the same process as the normal variety. Magic tools with mana in them were apparently made via brewing.

“Just as we sold the rinsham production method during the Archduke Conference to balance our oil supply and demand, we will want to sell our paper-making method such that our duchy’s trees are not expended. However, when we do this, do you not think we should try to make as much money as we can?” I gazed intently at Wilfried and Charlotte, a glimmer in my eye. “This joint research is our means to exploit Drewanchel into raising the value of our paper. Find out the extent to which commoner-made paper can be used as magic tools, the most effective means of using it, and what needs to be done to raise its efficacy. How much we can earn may depend on the results you find.”

“Rozemyne... you’re wearing a pretty evil expression right now,” Wilfried noted, seeming a bit put off.

Oops... Has my merchant spirit leaked through to the surface?

I quickly shut my mouth and smiled, doing my best to switch out of merchant mode. “In short, this is important for bringing wealth to Ehrenfest.”

“But if you consider this research so crucial, Sister, then should you not be leading it personally?”

“That would make sense, but I feel that I should interact with Professor Gundolf as little as possible.”

“Why? Has he been tormenting you?” Charlotte asked, her expression changing.

“Oh, no, not at all. It just seems safer to have Ignaz and Marianne take my place, as they know little about paper and will thus be immune to questioning.” It was possible that they might learn the production method through reports and such, but without having attempted it themselves, there was no way that they would manage to explain it well enough for anyone else to understand.

“I’m not sure I follow.”

“Were I to carry out our research with Professor Gundolf, then I would most likely reveal too many of our trade secrets without meaning to. This won’t be a problem for Ignaz and Marianne; they can’t leak what they don’t know.”

I was well aware of my tendency to run my mouth without meaning to. I also knew that I was terrible at resisting even the most obvious bait. Sure, I was able to keep a level head right now, but I would most certainly end up blabbing the moment I went up against ol’ conniving Gundolf. The best solution was for me to avoid getting near him in the first place.

“He who fears drowning shall walk near no wells!” quoth the wise man! “The best defense is avoiding danger in the first place!” Wow, I sure have grown. Eheheh.

“What should we do when Professor Gundolf probes us about the paper-making process?” Marianne asked.

“We are researching the usage of magic tools; there is no need for him to know how paper is made. You can inform him that his questions are best saved for the Archduke Conference, else he can look into the matter himself on his own time.”

“Understood.”

We went on to discuss how much information was safe to share for our joint research project, then I sent a request for paper made from Illgner’s feyplants to be sent over alongside a report on the research’s scope.

I was clearing one scholar course exam after another—and no matter where I went, the professors all asked me about the joint research I was doing with greater duchies. It seemed that the rumors had already spread quite far. I always kept my responses terse, saying that nothing was set in stone yet as our aubs had yet to discuss the idea, but the professors never seemed to believe me. Also, it turned out that their sources in both cases were dormitory supervisors. Rauffen and Gundolf were actively spreading word of our joint research venture to make sure that it went ahead, it seemed.

In the midst of all this, Fraularm sent me a response saying that she could schedule my exam for tomorrow morning. She had taken her sweet time, but I wasn’t going to complain; I had honestly expected her to ignore or outright refuse my request.

It looks like I’ve been too quick to judge you, Professor Fraularm. Sorry.

Despite her malicious words and actions, it seemed that she was at least willing to do the bare minimum expected of her as a professor. I apologized to her in my heart, then sent her confirmation of my receipt.

An instant later, an ordonnanz arrived from Hirschur.

“I said to Fraularm that, with all these rumors about Ehrenfest doing collaborative research with greater duchies, I wondered what reason there could be for Ahrensbach being left out, especially since the bond between it and Ehrenfest should be stronger than ever with Ferdinand there. I wondered if perhaps it was due to a certain someone not keeping up proper communications,” the bird said. “Expect a response from her soon.”

As it turned out, Hirschur was the reason that Fraularm had replied to me. I reported that we had scheduled a date for my exam and then thanked her. It wasn’t long before another ordonnanz arrived.

“Mention joint research with Ahrensbach to secure a passing grade. Your research with Raimund should meet all the requirements if you make prototypes of his designs and publish your results.”

It took Raimund quite some time to realize his designs, owing to his scarce supply of mana. If we collaborated, however, and the actual creation process was delegated to me, then I could research various aspects of the library’s magic tools. As I pondered this, Hirschur gave me some more advice; she wanted me to find an excuse to summon her—perhaps the fact that our joint research was being done in her laboratory would work—so that she could oversee the grading process and ensure that it was all done fairly.

Holy cow... I never thought Professor Hirschur would be such a strong ally!

My brief conversation with Hirschur had given me hope that I might actually secure a passing grade in Fraularm’s class. I was relieved, but at the same time...

“Do these rumors about our joint research projects really hold enough weight for Professor Fraularm to consider them a problem?” I asked my retainers. “Is it not just conversation between professors at this point?” I was already done with the archduke candidate course and was taking my exams for the scholar course separately from the other students, so I wasn’t aware of the ongoing rumors.

“Well,” Lieseleta said, “many students do know about our joint research, and, at this point, everyone believes the matter is settled. I was not aware that two professors were largely responsible for leaking this information, though.”

Philine gave a vigorous nod of agreement, having collected some information herself now that she was going to the scholars’ specialty building. “There is no mistaking that our results will receive universal praise once they are published. Several duchies have even petitioned Professor Hirschur about joining our collaborative project with Dunkelfelger.”

Naturally, these duchies were only interested in securing connections to greater duchies and the royal family. Professor Hirschur had turned them all down as a result, saying that they would not serve as good research samples.

This is her first time properly helping us, so I never noticed it before, but... Professor Hirschur really is competent.

“Many duchies have also asked Professor Gundolf about joining our research with Drewanchel,” Lieseleta continued. “He is flatly refusing those who aren’t skilled enough to be of any help, though, so we don’t need to worry about that.”

Philine nodded again. “We should really be concerned about whether Lord Ignaz and Lady Marianne will meet his standards. He is sure to double down on working with you directly if not.”

All in all, my retainers were making Gundolf seem like someone to be wary of.

Yeah, I really do need to avoid him...

While collecting information on the current state of the Royal Academy, I went to Fraularm’s laboratory in the scholar building for my exam. I had expected there to be documents, materials, and magic tools strewn all over—a sight I was very much accustomed to—so what I actually saw took me by surprise. Seeing such a neat and tidy laboratory actually made me tear up a little.

Aah! It’s so well organized in here! This is just what I’d expect from a professor who specializes in gathering and controlling information.

The room exuded self-discipline, and everything was in its place. It really was perfect for Fraularm.

“Allow me to cut to the chase, Lady Rozemyne,” Fraularm began. “There are rumors that Ehrenfest will be doing research projects with Drewanchel and Dunkelfelger. Is this true?” Just as Hirschur had said, she was entirely focused on this one thing.

I gave a confident smile. “That is what we are hoping for, but our aubs have yet to discuss the matter, so I cannot say whether it will come to be. That said, with both dormitory supervisors so motivated, I imagine it will only be a matter of time. Now, may we begin the exam?”

“My!” Fraularm exclaimed, her eyebrows shooting up. “Should you not be thinking more about your relationship with Ahrensbach? Your teacher’s engagement to Lady Detlinde was supposed to bring our duchies closer together. It is unfathomable that you are treating Ahrensbach with such disrespect.”

“I am already being very considerate of the relationship between our two duchies, but I don’t believe Ferdinand will accept Ordoschnelli without Glucklitat’s blessing. It’s very troubling.” It was an indirect way of saying that our discussion wouldn’t even be on the table unless I passed this class.

Fraularm flashed me a look of vexation, then took out the exam paper. In stark contrast to last year, the questions weren’t at all unreasonable. I answered them all without trouble and then returned the paper.

“Now then—allow me to summon Professor Hirschur,” I said.

Fraularm widened her eyes in confusion, so I gave an exaggerated look of surprise in response and placed a hand on my cheek.

“Oh? Have I misunderstood something?” I asked. “As this is my final scholar class, I thought we could pivot into discussing our joint research with Ahrensbach.”

“N-Not at all. We will absolutely be discussing the joint research. But why summon Hirschur?” She blinked at me in surprise, having never imagined that I would agree so easily. She really was bad at dealing with the unexpected.

“Professor Hirschur is my dormitory supervisor; she needs to be present for these discussions so that she can report them to Aub Ehrenfest. Do you not agree?” I smiled and prepared an ordonnanz, not mentioning that Hirschur hadn’t been present for the other joint research discussions. “Professor Hirschur, I wish to discuss doing a joint research project with Ahrensbach. Do you have a moment?”

Hirschur replied with only one word: “Certainly.” She then arrived so suddenly that I could guess she had been standing in wait.

After looking between Fraularm and me, Hirschur sighed. “Good day, Fraularm. Lady Rozemyne, I meant to ask—should this research discussion not wait until you have finished your classes? I recall you saying that you could not visit my laboratory due to being busy with your studies.”

“Professor Fraularm’s class is my last one. Oh, but my test has yet to be graded. Might I ask if we can do that now?”

Now that Hirschur was here, Fraularm wouldn’t be able to fake my score. She grimaced as she took the exam paper over to her desk. Hirschur was watching closely to ensure there was no foul play—and barely a moment passed before she interjected.

“Fraularm, you...”

“Oh, dear me. I appear to have given Lady Rozemyne the wrong test. Ohohoho...”

“Not that it seems to be a problem. She answered all of the questions correctly.”

“She—?! What did you say?!” Fraularm examined the sheet at once; her eyebrows raised even higher than before.

“Did something happen?” I asked.

“The test you just took was for fifth-years,” Hirschur explained. “How do you even know this material, Lady Rozemyne?”

“Ferdinand forced me to learn the syllabus for every single grade, so it is all the same to me.”

I had been taught everything up until graduation in one go, so I wasn’t even sure what counted as third-year material. The questions that Fraularm had given to me had seemed fine enough, so I hadn’t thought twice when answering them.

“Ferdinand truly does demand the unreasonable,” Hirschur said, a hand on her forehead. “I am amazed that you can keep up with him.”

Meanwhile, Fraularm was muttering, “This isn’t normal...” over and over again. I personally believed that her giving me a test meant for older students was the abnormality here—as was Ferdinand going so over the top as to have prepared me for it. I was normal.

“Does this still count as a pass?” I asked. “Or do I need to redo the test with a third-year paper?”

Hirschur turned to Fraularm. “Is there time for a retake? I was under the impression that we were going to speak about a new joint research project.”

Unable to endure the pressure that Hirschur and I were putting on her, Fraularm went bright red and hysterically screamed, “That will do for the exam!” She took a seat to indicate that she was ready for our discussion to begin, though I couldn’t help but notice how aggressively she dropped into her chair. It couldn’t have been good for her backside, but at least I understood that she was feeling very displeased.

After coming to an unspoken agreement that it was best not to address the elephant in the room, Hirschur and I dived straight into the matter of our research project.

“If our two duchies are to collaborate,” I said, “then I firmly believe we should use the research that Raimund is doing in Professor Hirschur’s laboratory. He is Ferdinand’s disciple and should now be serving as his retainer as well. Publishing our work on magic tools should suffice as joint research.”

“My goodness!” Fraularm exclaimed. “That would make it Hirschur’s research, not a collaborative effort with Ahrensbach!”

“No, it would not,” I replied with a smile. “The work that Raimund is doing is his own, and Ahrensbach will publish it at the Interduchy Tournament. Professor Hirschur’s laboratory is simply the ideal place for us to carry out our research, as Professor Hirschur is Raimund’s and Ferdinand’s teacher, and I am Ferdinand’s disciple. That said, there is a very considerable chance that both Professor Hirschur and Raimund will become too absorbed in their work to adequately report back to Ahrensbach. You are familiar with Professor Hirschur’s tendencies, I expect?”

“Yes, I am. I cannot imagine her giving any proper reports once she is consumed,” Fraularm replied, shaking her head and grimacing. It was clear at a glance that she had experienced this firsthand.

Hirschur merely smiled in response. She was playing along.

“Thus, I would pray for Ordoschnelli the Goddess of Couriers to involve Ferdinand in this joint research,” I concluded.

It would be easier for me to contact Ferdinand under the guise of consulting my teacher about our joint research project. Not to mention, we could secure another route of communication by having Fraularm send messages to Ahrensbach herself—which she was sure to agree to, as doing so would bolster her reputation. Checks and censorship were to be expected, so we would only be able to write things that we didn’t mind those in Ahrensbach seeing... but having an option other than Raimund would surely work in our favor.

“Professor Fraularm—as the dormitory supervisor of Ahrensbach, could you become our Ordoschnelli and ensure the success of our research?” I asked.

Fraularm’s lips curved into a grin; she evidently liked the thought of adopting a position that would allow her to see all of our reports and play a key role in improving the relationship between our two duchies. “Very well. I shall give reports, as is my duty as a dormitory supervisor. However, Lady Rozemyne, I must warn you: limit your abnormal words and deeds, else cracks may form between our duchies, and Lord Ferdinand may begin to struggle more in Ahrensbach.”

Hirschur stood up. “It seems the matter is settled, then.” She indicated that we should go, but Fraularm called out to me before we could reach the door.

“Lady Rozemyne, how has your health been of late? Have there been any changes, perhaps?”

I gave Fraularm a questioning look, unsure what had spurred such a question.

“I’m just aware that you have a terribly weak constitution,” she explained, faking a look of concern. “I’m a tad worried that you might not have the strength for all this research.”

“There have been changes, yes. But, um... for the worse.”

I wasn’t sure what she was trying to find out, so I gave a vague answer with a half-smile. I certainly hadn’t lied to her—things were taking a turn for the worse when you considered my unexpected blessing bomb during music class and my transformation into a human glow stick during whirling class, among other things.

“I see,” Fraularm replied, a thin smile playing on her lips and a dull glimmer appearing in her eyes. It was a worrying reaction, to say the least.