The Announcement of a Scholarship

It was some time after the rites for Cain Elder had concluded and news of the princess’s birth to the imperial family had spread, filling the nation with joy, that I learned of the scholarship.

While tidying up the accumulated duties that had piled up during recent grand events, I was enjoying a quiet life at the academy, when I received summons to a meeting of the student council officers.

In the student council room, senior members and several teachers were already present.

Once I took my assigned seat and waited, the other officers quickly arrived and took their places.

"All are present, then. Let us proceed without delay to the matter at hand. Professor Headmaster, if you would."

Shia, the council president, looked over the assembly before speaking.

Stepping forward was an elderly man with a thick white beard, small spectacles, and a robe — the very image of a wizard. He was the academy’s headmaster, and also the teacher of magic to Cain Elder. His name was Professor Hubert.

The headmaster clears his throat once and begins to speak.

“This term, our academy welcomes a new student. One among you may already know her—her name is Stella von Emmental. You may be more familiar with the title given to her: the Miracle Heiress. She will not be enrolling for next academic year, but will be transferring in at the beginning of next month. She will be placed in the fourth year, general studies. There will be classmates among you who will share her class; I ask that you all take the lead in assisting her. As is widely known, her family has recently been elevated from commoner to noble, and concerns have been raised about her lack of noble education. I shall therefore ask all members of the student council to offer their help, regardless of year or gender.”

The headmaster’s words fell upon me like lead weights, heavy and unyielding.

It wasn’t as though the household had said anything about my elder sister… In truth, after my elder brother’s wedding, I had been too busy with school examinations and preparations for events like the music festival to return home at all…

Still, wouldn’t it have been better to inform us by letter, at least?

The headmaster’s words continued.

“As previously stated, Her Majesty has instructed that she be given maximum support due to her limitations. Therefore, Miss Nefel and Miss Mariana have been appointed as her support instructors, and special classes will be held for her. Furthermore, as her younger sister, Miss Spica, will be especially tasked with supporting her during her time at the academy. Thus, while it may increase the burden on all of you in student council activities and other matters, I have no doubt that you, as exceptional students, will manage without issue.”

I chew on the words the headmaster spoke, turning them over in my mind until they settle. Why must I be treated as if I am already the assistant to my elder sister—why as though I have already consented to this, as though it were settled?

“Please wait, Headmaster. Miss Spica is involved in many activities beyond the student council. I understand the need for consideration regarding my sister, but might it not be possible to assign someone else instead of Miss Spica?”

It was Shashya who spoke. She, who shares my dormitory, must have sensed my unease, the weight of my position. Her concern, spoken so gently, steadies me more than anything.

Yet…

“Such care is taken because the closest family member, both within your household and from the royal line, is naturally best suited to assist. And I have heard, Miss Shashya, that Miss Spica herself has already agreed.”

The headmaster’s reply came, quiet and certain.

Shashia lowered her head, saying, “I acted without thought,” and took her seat.

In that instant, our eyes met— I pleaded with a glance, saying I knew nothing, but she did not seem convinced.

Following this, the headmaster and the other instructors provided explanations regarding future policies and their responses during special lessons. Once the formal remarks had concluded, the gathering dispersed.

As the headmaster stepped away, he tapped my shoulder and said, “I’m counting on you.” I offered only a vague smile in return.

After the teachers and the older-year officers had departed, only Shashá, Sia, and I remained in the room.

Now then, shall I have you explain? Pearl… just what does this mean? We heard that Lady Sister has returned home, but we had no word of her enrollment next month, did we?

Sitting on the desk reserved for the student council president, Spica asks.

"Wait, Shias. I just heard this news myself—I don’t know anything beyond what the teacher said… And I certainly didn’t know about the support arrangement, nor did I consent to it, did I?"

"Is that true? You seemed unusually flustered just now, so I spoke up without thinking…"

"It’s true, Shias! You know as well as anyone that I haven’t returned home lately, and that no letters addressed to me have arrived from home or friends, don’t you?"

In the dormitory, letters—whether from family or friends—are handed directly to the recipient only after dinner in the dining hall, except in the case of news of a family death.

"You’re right… but then why did the teacher say you had given your consent?"

I may not know for certain, but I have a conviction about the answer.

"Perhaps... I had once told Mother, 'If there is anything I can do for my elder sister, I will assist.' She may have taken that as my consent... or perhaps she simply believes it is only natural to support a family member of such importance.

Either way, if she had informed me beforehand, I would not have been so unsettled..."

"Indeed, it is difficult for you too, Pearl. Yet I must admit, I am rather looking forward to meeting the Lady of Miracles! I did catch a glimpse of her at the recent celebration, but as one of the main figures, I could never quite draw near... "

The two are aware of the incident from that day. Indeed, even Celia claimed she had deliberately spilled a drink on me, and had intended to protest to her elder sister about it.

But it was a celebration, and as the one directly involved, I had left early—so it did not come to pass, as I have heard.

"Yes, I only exchanged a few words myself... Still, I heard that Your Majesty found her quite memorable during the tea gathering this time. Did you hear anything about it, Pearl?"

The fact that Her Majesty and my sister had held a tea gathering was entirely new to me.

"I'm sorry... I had no idea about this tea gathering at all... But perhaps my sister's rather unconventional noble mannerisms were to Her Majesty's liking. She dislikes anything dull, after all..."

Shia nods, understanding at once—she who has shared tea gatherings with Her Majesty countless times. She holds Her Majesty, now her stepmother, in particular regard.

"Regardless, Pearl seems set to grow busier... It will be lonely, losing even more time to speak with her, but please don't overexert yourself."

Shasha gently grasps my hand, her concern clear.

I offered a smile, saying, “It will only be until I settle in. You are so social, after all—I am certain I shall be of no further use in no time.”

They both realized, from my ignorance, that nothing more could be drawn from me… and so the gathering naturally dispersed.

Back in the dormitory, I collapsed onto the bed, utterly ungraceful.

I cannot refuse the Emperor’s command, nor do I lack the will to support my elder sister.

Yet why did Father and Mother decide this so recklessly, without consulting me? Had there been even a single word of warning, I would not have had to suffer so deeply.

Even the matter of the tea gathering with Her Majesty—information exchanged at social events can be a weapon. Thus, sharing such knowledge within the family is a common practice.

This time, had I not known of my elder sister’s entrance into the academy—had I not been informed of her tea gathering with Her Majesty—I would have been regarded as one of little social worth, a family member overlooked in matters of importance, and a subject of ridicule…

It was fortunate that I learned of it in time, having been stationed within the student council, and that I received word from Celia, who is close to me. Had I learned of it from another source, I shudder to think how deeply I would have been humiliated.

I understand you are busy, yet you do not concern yourself with my welfare…

After lingering in bed for a time, the matters that must be addressed gradually come into view.

I allowed myself to sink into sorrow.

Now, there remains only what I can do.

A lady’s grace lies in the ability to shift her heart. From tomorrow onward, I shall lock away the restless thoughts within me, and strive to resolve what lies within my power.

I began by writing a letter.

One to Professor Nephel and Professor Mariana, inquiring about the future curriculum and seeking their counsel.

Another to the household, requesting a detailed account of the recent matter and asking for guidance on future direction, should any be available.

A third to His Highness Arthur, inquiring whether he knew anything of the tea gathering.

And finally, a letter to Alyssa, asking her to inform me of the household’s state and any information I might not yet know.

I had finished writing by deep night, perhaps because I was more disheartened than I had expected. The stars shone brightly against the darkness, darker than ink.