I popped in to music club and alchemy club at least once a week, but I ended up spending most of May buried in my studying.
Final exams went all right. I also submitted my papers for business and economics. Team Cordova won the debate in diplomacy class, and the atmosphere in the class was a bit awkward. The teacher said that from now on, he would split us into different groups, so Philips and Russell were likely going to be assigned to separate ones. It was no surprise, since they’d completely obliterated the students on the Lawrence team through intense debate, and we’d won in a landslide.
It was time for final grades to be announced, and I still had no plans for the summer.
“It appears that Richard will be traveling outside the kingdom,” Princess Margaret shared. “Mother’s been busy preparing for that.”
Romano University also had summer breaks, so during that time Prince Richard was likely being sent out to learn about foreign countries, since he was next in line to be king.
I’m jealous. The Grangers are too poor to travel overseas. Such envy ended up harming me, because soon after, I was summoned to the palace.
“I think you’ll be invited to the summer palace again,” Princess Margaret said.
Yeah, I think so too. I’ll only get to spend a little bit of time with my angels this summer, I thought, suppressing a sigh.
“Jane is ten years old now, Margaret,” the queen pointed out to her. “This summer, you must take the lead and be an example for her.”
Oh, Princess Jane is ten now! She’s no longer with the caretaker, and she gets to join us for meals.
“I’m sure serving Margaret has left you exhausted, Patience,” the queen said. “You should relax and have a leisurely summer break.”
That means I don’t have to go to the summer palace, right? Princess Margaret didn’t seem too happy about it, but Queen Victoria shot her a glare, which made the princess keep her mouth shut. I did my best to maintain a neutral expression and hide my overwhelming joy.
“I think you rely too much on Patience, Margaret,” the queen continued. “During the summer, you are to wake up on your own.”
Gosh, that’s going to be tough.
“In fall of next year, you will be making your debut into society,” Queen Victoria remarked. “You must be more considerate of these things.”
Making your societal debut meant you were considered an adult. Would Princess Margaret leave the dorm? Maybe she won’t need a lady’s maid anymore. It was foolish of me to carelessly think such things.
“You will be turning thirteen next year, right, Patience? You shall make your societal debut alongside Margaret.”
Huh? Is that even possible? My family is really poor. It was also quite soon to be debuting. Catherine and some others had been buzzing about how they were making their debuts this fall, which was how I’d learned that even fourteen was a young age to be making your societal debut. The girls in our class were envious of Catherine and her friends.
I’d heard various rumors on the topic and learned that some people even debuted when they were only twelve, but people who did that usually were betrothed to someone already, and the debut was mostly a way to show off the engagement to noble society. In those cases, you would debut alongside your suitor, but you wouldn’t attend the reception afterward.
“My, it would be fun to make my debut with you, Patience.”
Princess Margaret was happy about her mother’s order, but I would rather make money using alchemy than attend a party.
“You have nothing to worry about, Patience,” the queen said. “We will make all the preparations necessary for your debut.”
It sounded like my gown and everything else would be taken care of, but even so, I wasn’t really interested in the whole thing. My father was also currently unemployed, so I didn’t know how it would appear if his daughter was out making merry at social functions. I was doing my best to maintain a neutral countenance, but it seemed my worry was obvious.
The queen smiled and continued speaking.
“We’ve caused a lot of trouble for the Granger family, but I believe you will be hearing some good news in the fall.”
Does that mean my father’s getting a job? No, I can’t get my hopes up! I know I shouldn’t...but I can’t help but feel excited!
The queen then turned to her daughter.
“You must obtain as many certificates of completion as you can by next fall, Margaret. You will primarily only be attending functions on weekends, but there are always situations which call for exceptions.” Queen Victoria looked over at me. “I’m sure I don’t have to worry about your credits, Patience.”
Wait, I’m losing my weekends with my angels because of parties?!
“Your studies at the Royal Academy will take priority, so during the social season, which is between fall and winter, you will attend several functions, but it won’t be very many,” the queen explained; she likely wasn’t interested in making Princess Margaret attend trivial soirees. “You will be studying with Jane over the summer.”
If Princess Margaret focused on studying classical literature and history, she would likely be able to get certificates of completion in both subjects at the end of the fall term. She was quite close to passing magic practicum, but she’d unfortunately failed at passing the entire course.
“I do my best studying when I’m with Patience,” Princess Margaret remarked. “Keith was also finally able to comprehend classical literature thanks to Patience’s tutoring.”
Wait, don’t tell her that. Oh no, the queen has such a wide grin. I’m scared!
“Until you change your spoiled way of thinking, I will instruct the tutor to be extra strict with you.” It seemed that the princess had an intense summer ahead of her. Still, she’d probably get to have some fun too, like going swimming in the ocean, horseback riding, and playing the hanon.
Good luck, Princess Margaret!