I decided to make a refrigerator.
It was a simple structure—just placing ice inside a well-insulated container, much like the refrigerators of old times.
I used it to chill some pudding, and it turned out great.
You might wonder why such a simple thing doesn’t exist in this world. I think it’s because, while I can easily create ice through transformation magic, very few magic users in this world can use ice magic.
“Refrigerators help preserve perishable items for a bit longer.”
While explaining the refrigerator, a thought crossed my mind.
I want to eat ice cream!
I can’t get vanilla beans here, but with transformation magic, I should be able to create some. Not that I will, though.
“It’s done…”
The most delicious-looking ice cream!
“Charmy, try this.”
“What is this?”
“It’s a sweet treat called ice cream.”
Even without vanilla beans, it was proper ice cream.
“A sweet treat, you say…!? This is delicious! It’s very cold, but the sweetness and coldness go so well together!”
“Hey, give me some too!”
“There’s a portion for you too, Ben. Here.”
“Let’s see… Wow! This is amazing! I could eat this forever!”
“Lord Toma !”
Ah, the chefs want some too. Go ahead.
“Delicious!”
Later, the maids joined in, and everyone enjoyed the ice cream together.
The maids, along with Charmy, were squealing with delight. It was a scene that clearly showed how much girls love sweet treats.
“Toma , is there some for your mother?”
“Of course, I made portions for both Mother and Siegvalt.”
Both of them had some ice cream.
“It’s yummy!”
I wiped the ice cream off Siegvalt’s mouth.
“I’d love to eat this every day.”
“If you eat it every day, you’ll gain weight.”
“Ugh…”
Don’t look so discouraged.
Today is my first day at the academy.
There’s no entrance ceremony here—it’s not a common practice.
While the Roxfall residence was quite far, our new house, located in the southern part of the noble district, is much closer to the academy.
“Toma , take care.”
“Yes, Mother, I’m off.”
Mother is staying in the capital to give birth to her child, which is due in May.
Father has returned to Ashud territory on his own.
Grandmother is also in the capital, so Mother can give birth without worry. Though the real reason is that Grandmother insisted on staying.
She couldn’t be present for my or Siegvalt’s birth and wants to witness this one.
“Take care, Toma .”
“Yes, Grandmother.”
Grandmother spends most of her time at our house, managing things in place of my expectant mother.
“Nee-nee.”
“I’m off, Siegvalt.”
“Okay!”
Siegvalt is so adorable. His cheeks are so squishy.
I boarded the noble carriage along with Charmy and Lara, a maid who came with Mother to the capital.
Lara, now 15, serves as my personal maid. When I first met her at 10, she was a cute little girl, but she’s grown quite mature.
We were accompanied by Captain Susanna and her temple knights, knights of the Roxfall Marquisate, and Ben.
This was partly for security, but the academy allows six attendant slots for high-ranking noble families, and they filled those too.
Honestly, I don’t think attendants are necessary. But saying so would earn me disapproval from Grandfather and Lord Dardale.
The carriage gently clattered as we made our way through the royal capital.
When the academy came into view, the number of carriages increased.
The academy’s carriage stops are divided by social rank.
Commoners stop near the entrance, followed by lower nobles, then middle nobles, and finally high-ranking nobles, whose drop-off area is the farthest and the most spacious.
The academy also has an exclusive salon for high-ranking nobles.
Since I still had some time, I planned to have Lara prepare herbal tea before heading to class. How refined.
“Ah, Toma !”
The voice calling out was that of Prince Reinhardt.
“Prince Reinhardt, it’s been a while.”
“You promised to drop the title and just call me Reinhardt, remember?”
“… Fine, Reinhardt.”
“Yes, that’s better. By the way, we’re friends, so feel free to visit the castle.”
When did we become friends? Did I lose that memory?
“No, thanks.”
“Don’t be so cold. Please visit sometime.”
“I must decline.”
There’s no way I’m going to the royal family’s residence.
“Prince Reinhardt, and Lord Toma , was it?”
“Ah, Lady Claudia.”
“Lady Claudia, it’s been a while.”
“Lord Toma , there’s no need to be so formal. Your marquisate holds a higher rank, and you’re the head of the family.”
“Then I’ll speak more casually.”
“Please do.”
The two of them noticed the teacup in my hand. Right, I was still holding it.
“Would you two like some? It’s a special blend of herbal tea.”
“I’ll have some.”
“I’ll join as well.”
At their words, their attendants stepped forward.
Oh, poison testing? I’m not going to poison anyone. If anything, I’d just lower their rank.
“Stand down. This is the academy.”
“Yes, disrupting tea with friends is unacceptable.”
After sipping the herbal tea, both praised its taste.
Lara served them slices of chestnut yokan.
The unusual black confection left them wide-eyed.
I took a bite of the yokan, savoring the harmony of its sweetness and the chestnut’s aroma.
“Delicious.”
“Indeed, it’s exquisite.”
I’m glad they enjoyed it.
“Toma , where can I buy this?”
“It’s homemade, not for sale.”
“Ah, I see. I wanted to share it with my mother. That’s unfortunate.”
“I wanted my mother to try it too.”
“I can make some as a gift next time.”
“Really?”
“I’d love that.”
