The girls chatted as they walked toward the study. Shard followed beside Lecia, then turned in puzzlement to ask Miss Galina, who was walking with them:
"You don't have to take exams, do you?"
The Duchess arched an eyebrow:
"Of course not, but there are still some official documents I need to handle. Anyway, your study, like your bedroom, is big enough—can't you spare me a patch of desk? Tifa isn't here now, there are some things I have to deal with myself. I'm already starting to miss my dear apprentice."
"Then tonight..."
Luviya tugged on Shard's sleeve:
"I knew you still wanted to ask. Yesterday was Saturday, it was originally Lecia's slot but she gave it to me. Tonight I'll sleep in the guest room."
As she said this, a smile appeared on Her Highness the Red-Haired Princess's face, so Shard looked again at Miss Galina. The Duchess glanced at Lecia and teased:
"Does Little Lecia need any help?"
Lecia certainly wouldn't admit defeat:
