Author: Himezaki Shiu	Original Source: Syosetu
Translator: PunishedLyly	English Source: Re:Library

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

「I’ve returned.」

Eventually, Mia returned with what seems to be an envelope in her hand.
Moreover, it looks expensive, like something a wealthy individual would use.
Noticing it as well, Ciel asked Mia.

「Mia, what’s that?」
「I received it on my way back. It’s a letter for Ailneige from this nation’s royal family; what shall we do with it?」
「It’s troublesome, but we can’t pretend not to see it, right?」
「… I believe that will depend on the character of the sender.」

That’s true. People who don’t mind being ignored wouldn’t mind it regardless of their social class.
There are also people who would be bothered but wouldn’t make an issue of it, and I think the sender of this letter—the envelope is blank except for the royal family emblem I’ve seen before, but it’s probably Princess Leshimiiya—is of the latter type.

「I see… I suppose we should at least read it, then. Is that good, Ain?」
『I think that’s good too. It’s not like the very act of reading it would compel our compliance, and we don’t even know what it’s for to begin with.』
「Yeah, that’s true. Mia, may I?」
「Here it is.」

Receiving the envelope, Ciel chanted, 「Vintus, cyanels, palfor¹」 and cut the seal open with a finger.
Seeing this, Mia had a sparkle in her eyes. Opening a letter with sorcery is fundamentally excessive. Such an act would be considered a waste of magic power, but with Ciel’s capacity, it’s not an issue.

Moreover, this is surprisingly difficult to pull off.
A small mistake in control could result in the envelope and its contents being completely ripped to shreds.
Cutting only a single sheet of paper with this talon of wind is something Ciel was only able to achieve recently. As for me, I can’t even cut paper.

Ciel retrieved the letter inside and started reading, so I peered in from the side. I could read it through Ciel’s eyes, but I just felt like it.
First off, the sender is undoubtedly Princess Leshimiiya. To begin with, I don’t know any reason any royal apart from her would send a letter to us.

It was difficult to read through all the formalities, but in short, the princess wants to meet every freshman on this floor before the start of classes, so we’re invited to go to the top floor where she resides.
The date is tomorrow. It’ll be a one-on-one meeting, and it asks Ailneige to come in the afternoon. At the same time, it also clarifies that it’s fine if we don’t want to come.

At face value, it’s a simple meeting. I know from past experience that making acquaintances before the start of classes is quite beneficial.
However, it’s unlikely to be that simple.
Another possibility would be that she’s scouting for potential retainers?

In that case, there might be no deep meaning in inviting Ailneige outside of not wanting to leave her out of the loop.
Mia is more familiar with this kind of thing. So I had Ciel ask for Mia’s opinion, and 「Normally, that may be the case」 she gave an ominous reply.

「Normally, right?」
「I don’t know much of the intricacies of this country, so this will be mostly speculation.
I believe that—barring exceptions such as in your case—only individuals of certain status and pedigree may reside on this floor, which does actually qualify you to stay regardless.
If she has yet to decide on her retainers, the academy would be a suitable place to scout people, and it is necessary to at least try to make contact with individuals of high status.」
「I still don’t fully understand what retainers are, but if it’s similar to your position, wouldn’t it be better to get capable people regardless of status?」
「Eventually, that would be ideal. However, if you don’t start scouting from those of high status, even if they have no intention of accepting to begin with, there are nobles who would feel insulted and slighted for not being considered.
There’s also the matter of factions, so while it is not an absolute constant, there are situations where the royal family must show equal treatment to every noble family.」

Hearing Mia’s explanation, Ciel had an indescribable look on her face.
She understands the explanation, but she doesn’t understand the necessity, it seems.
But it can’t be helped; this is just how society works… I guess. I didn’t really get a taste of the wider society before I died, so that’s only my impression.

「I understand the normal now. Then, how about in this case?」
「Based on my understanding of your interactions, I cannot definitively reject the possibility that this is a pretext to have a private dialogue with you.」
「Really?」

From my conversation with Princess Leshimiiya, it sounded like she would prefer to avoid excessive interaction with us.
And I believe she should have understood that it’s best to ignore the landmine that Ailneige is.
As if to answer my confusion, Mia began to elaborate.

「What you two dislike is merely getting involved in trouble and needlessly standing out.
Due to that, it can be interpreted that Ailneige simply does not like to be seen as having a special connection with royals such as Princess Leshimiiya.」
「In other words, she’s interacting with Ailneige in a way that wouldn’t be special?」
「Precisely. In this case, by being invited as a fellow freshman schoolmate, it would not seem as if Lady Ailneige is given special treatment.
On the contrary, if you are solely excluded and this gets disclosed to the public, people might assume that you are being slighted by the royals.」

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And that ends our part for today! Teacher Mia’s going above and beyond today, it seems!

Just as we (or rather, our cast) thought that the princess won’t be a problem in the future, we now have a letter of invitation. They still aren’t finished dissecting, so I suppose we’ll see the rest in the next update.

Now then, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please feel free to comment. Stay healthy, stay safe, and have a nice day~!