Sister Anna and Paladin Irene were a breeze to persuade!
It’s not like we’re suggesting a trip to some sketchy place.
The story is simple: Princess Nicasia’s chalet is the perfect spot for a wholesome winter break.
Who in this world would deny friends the chance to make memories and diligently complete their homework?
“Impossible, I’m afraid.”
And there it was…
After hearing our tale, Vesta set down her laundry tub with both hands and firmly stated,
“Miss Murmur has responsibilities during the winter break.”
“Murmur believes studies can be done just as well at Princess Nicasia’s chalet.”
“Miss Murmur requires systematic study and exercise within the Academy’s specialized facilities.”
Somebody, please! How do we deal with this Spartan maid?!
“Murmur will properly handle vacation homework alongside other studies with us, Miss Vesta.”
“I must respectfully disagree. The likelihood of Miss Murmur enjoying leisure time with her friends is quite high.”
“Huh… Of course it is! In such a pretty chalet surrounded by everyone, who wouldn’t relax instead of studying non-stop? Ow!”
Esme spoke matter-of-factly, only to receive a swift slap on the back from Citrine.
“Esme! That’s exactly why Vesta says no!”
“Eh?! But winter breaks are meant for fun!”
“No fun for Miss Murmur, that’s what!”
Realizing the situation belatedly, Esme clapped her hands over her mouth in shock.
“But… While studying at the Academy is great, exploring new things at the chalet could benefit Murmur immensely.”
Despite Nicasia’s smiling reassurance, Super Maid Vesta shook her head adamantly.
“Miss Murmur must exercise in the mornings and catch up on martial arts basics in the afternoons.”
“Murmur…”
“And Professor Aiaie Hekati has prepared magic lessons. The Academy’s fully equipped classrooms allow Miss Murmur to practice and refine desired spells freely.”
Ugh! I, Murmur, know all this already!
Of course, staying glued to an Academy desk throughout the break to pre-learn or review classes is super efficient. Graphs confirm it—studying beats events when simply leveling up skills or stats.
But events offer more! They boost affinities and trigger quests too!
“Murmur wants to hang out with friends!”
“You’ve finally said it.”
Vesta shook her head.
“Waaaaah…”
“… Can’t we just get rid of her?”
At Esme’s suggestion, Citrine couldn’t hold back another slap.
“Does that even make sense?!”
“Aiyaa! Why are you hitting me?!”
“Do people dismiss those they dislike but see daily? No way!”
Esme rubbed her sore back, face full of委屈 (wrongedness).
“… Vesta!”
I, Murmur, finally grabbed Vesta’s hand and dragged her into the bathroom.
This conversation wasn’t meant for friends’ ears.
“Miss Murmur? My concern is solely for your studies…”
“Murmur understands, but Nicasia’s chalet is special.”
Vesta blinked, then nodded slowly.
“Murmur knows the chalet is near Gallagorun Kingdom, offering chances to befriend new spirits unseen at the Academy.”
These encounters improve summoning magic levels.
“It’ll be filled with so many things unavailable at the Academy!”
Survival Events grant unique knowledge and raise Gallagorun’s reputation.
“… Miss Murmur might suffer grave harm.”
Vesta gripped my hand worriedly.
“Nicasia will be there; Murmur won’t get hurt.”
“My worries extend beyond mere accidents. Miss Murmur could truly endure severe harm.”
It’s like she foresees me getting stranded during the event.
“Murmur has learned much at the Academy and won’t get hurt.”
“… Very well. If Miss Murmur wishes to create memories with friends, I cannot stop you.”
“Vesta is coming too!”
Vesta smiled faintly, mother-like, then nodded.
“Understood. I shall ensure Miss Murmur enjoys a fulfilling winter break.”
… She won’t force studying at the chalet, right?!
*
With blessings from the nuns and Vesta, nothing stood between us and Nicasia’s chalet once winter break began.
“We’ll arrive soon!”
Nicasia beamed, still wearing her Academy uniform.
“Arriving earlier than expected? Royal carriages really are different!”
“I thought it wasn’t a carriage at first!”
Esme and Monica genuinely marveled.
“Murmur was surprised too.”
“That’s true. Even I gasped at how majestic it was!”
Nicasia’s carriage was grand, pulled by six horses, twice the size of ordinary ones. Magic made its interior even roomier.
It felt almost like a train cabin—spacious and comfortable.
Even the decorations sparkled impressively, clearly marking it as “Princess’ Carriage.”
“Er… Mother insisted on a decent carriage.”
“Isn’t this the best one?!”
Esme exclaimed, startled, prompting Nicasia to cover her mouth.
“Obviously. The Empire’s finest carriage is drawn by mythical beasts, not horses.”
“I know! It’s that stunning Griffin and Bicorn-drawn flying carriage, right?”
“Wow… Definitely better than this?”
Nicasia half-covered her face.
“No, I prefer this. Too flashy, and crowds gather when disembarking…”
“Still, I want to ride it someday!!”
“Me too, I’ve only heard rumors.”
“I’ve only ridden it two or three times.”
Amidst friend chatter, Nicasia nodded reluctantly.
Our princess is adorable in these moments.
“Gallagorun looks freezing, as rumored.”
While chatting excitedly about carriages, Esme glanced out the window and commented.
The snowy, rugged mountains and plains painted a breathtaking scene.
“Do you know much about Gallagorun, Esme?”
“I have distant relatives there, so I’ve heard stories.”
Esme hugged herself while speaking.
“Don’t worry. The chalet’s secluded in the mountains, away from crowds.”
“Totally isolated!”
“Not that extreme. We can visit nearby towns via carriage, experiencing Gallagorun culture.”
Nicasia rose first upon feeling the carriage halt, smiling warmly.
“Looks like we’ve arrived. Let’s go, everyone.”
I, Murmur, hopped off my seat and clutched Nicasia’s skirt.
“Are you worried, Murmur?”
Nicasia gently stroked my hair and horns.
“Don’t worry. People here won’t react harshly to seeing Murmur.”
Gallagorun has long battled demons; their history defines them. Their gaze upon me is predictable.
“Just holding onto you so I don’t fall.”
“Hehe, understood. Shall we hold hands?”
Nicasia’s hand was warm.
“Ready, Your Highness.”
Nicasia’s maid, Riola, stepped forward, opened the carriage door, and exited gracefully.
“Ah… So cold! I should’ve worn Pearl’s coat!!”
“Didn’t you claim knowledge of Gallagorun?! It’s twice as chilly here compared to the Academy!”
Citrine already wore a fluffy, cozy coat.
Of course, I, Murmur, had on a warm coat forcibly dressed by Vesta.
“Hurry up, everyone! Once inside that visible chalet, we’ll warm up quickly!”
Nicasia cheerfully disembarked, pointing toward the massive lodge ahead.
Its grandeur rivaled any palace.
With a proper hot spring attached, endless winter fun seemed assured.
Truly, royalty lives up to its name!
“Ah! This winter break promises to be amazing!”
Bounding out last, Monica clasped her hands joyfully.
“There’s a hot spring, right? I’ve always wanted to try one!”
Esme hastily fastened her coat buttons as Citrine handed it over.
“Making wonderful memories with Miss Murmur seems likely.”
Citrine quickly approached me, gripping my hand tightly.
“Murmur is super excited!”
Even knowing disaster awaits, it’s all part of the fun.
Building snowmen, having snowball fights, sledding—there’s so much to enjoy!
My heart raced excitedly in anticipation.
