Last week was the start of Part 5 Volume 7. The prologue was from Ferdinand's perspective. Many details of Ahrensbach's current situation were revealed. Ferdinand had lunch with Letizia serving meals and sweets sent by Rozemyne. In their discussion Ferdinand learns more of the ongoings of the Lanzenave Estate and that Lanzenave has a non magical explosive similar to gunpowder.
Following the prologue is a chapter about the baptism and debut of Dirk and Bertram. We witness a side of Gretia's character previously unseen. It is also revealed that the Royal Academy's dedication ritual will be held at the start of the term. An anomaly occurs during Dirk's mana registration where his mana colors were faint with Wind being the most prominent. Bertram gives Aub Ehrenfest the greatest display of gratitude possible while receiving his noble ring.
We then get an update on the status of the winter playroom. Charlotte receives her crest engraved pendant from Rozemyne after which Melchior and Wilfried design their own to be ordered from Johann. Students then depart for the Royal Academy. The second year and higher students make a trip to the gathering spot to collect materials. While riding her highbeast, Rozemyne sees the beams of light that were revealed to her during the Archduke Conference. Flying high in the air allows Rozemyne to see that it forms an enormous selection magic circle. Rozemyne contemplates how to activate the magic circle by prayer and Judithe proposes the shrine in the Farthest Hall. Bertilde becomes Rozemyne's archattendant and Melchior's apprentice retainers will serve Rozemyne during the term.
With the Royal Academy Dedication Ritual, advancement ceremony, and fellowship gatherings on the horizon what developments do you predict will occur?
As far as predictions go, I'm not having anything really. But I am looking forward to seeing a couple of things. For example which of the princes will be the royal overseer. With how last year went, Hildebrand had to defer to his brother more often than not, making it kind of pointless to have him in place, when he has to call Anastasius 3 out of 4 times anyway. On top of that, the impending adoption is going to raise the stakes for the country further, making it all the more sensible to have someone who can react quickly and decisively to any crisis in place, rather than someone who can only call for help.
With how the magic circle is already fully charged and Rozemyne already got all the slates, I doubt the dedication ritual will cause any fuss, but with Rozemyne you never know. ^^
In hindsight, it's actually pretty good that Schwartz and Weiss have this quirk of calling all their masters milady. Imagine if they only did that to actual princesses and zent candidates. That would give Rozemyne's new status away pretty quickly. Guess this is a case were the bug turned out to be a quite benefitial feature after all.
I'm also looking forward to what Rozemyne and Hirschur will produce in their attemt to copy the shumil magic tools, but I'm pretty sure that'll not be in the upcoming pre-pub, and potentially not even in this volume.
I kind of hope that Hildebrand is still the overseer. I like his interactions with Rozemyne. And now that's he's about to be Rozemyne's new little (half?) brother, I expect some doting on before long.
Seems like Rozemyne is going to maybe test the magic circle before the Dedication Ritual to make sure nothing unexpected occurs? Is this the same place that the Dedication Whirl is performed? I would almost expect something to happen there if that was the case.
No Lestilaut or Detlinde to deal with during this year's fellowship gathering. I'm interested to see how Hannelore does this year without her brother around. She mentioned having a long way to go to become a proper Dunkelfelger woman. Maybe we'll get to witness some of that growth this year.
Speaking of Hannelore, I wonder how she and Wilfried will interact. I don't think they had a chance to really talk, after the whole potential marriage debacle.
Half brother? I suppose that will depend on which of Trauerqual's wives is chosen as the mother. With how she's supposed to later marry Sigiswald, I could see a good argument to have the second or third wife become Rozemyne's adoptive mother. And if that's the case, it's a 50/50 chance if it's the second wife or Magdalena, making them "full" adoptive siblings in the latter case.
I wonder which one Hildebrand would actually prefer. Having the same mother means he can probably have more chances to spend time with her, but at the same time, it might make them more like siblings, potentially putting Rozemyne into even less of a mind to consider him a marriage partner.