To her father, who was worried that he might lose his place at home, Li spoke calmly.

“Also, Father, while you are in your office at the Royal Castle, you should wear the sandals you use at the residence.”

“Hm?”

“As someone in charge of foreign affairs, you meet many people, so of course you must wear proper shoes in those situations, but when you are doing paperwork, please switch to sandals.”

“Does that really matter?”

“It does! To begin with, if you develop athlete’s foot, you could even pass it on to your family!”

At Li’s words, the atmosphere in the salon snapped into tension.

Especially the looks the women were giving the men.

“Li-chan, is that true?”

Her mother’s voice turned sharp.

“Yes. I confirmed it with Tori-chan, so there is no mistake.”

That was a lie.

Her knowledge about athlete’s foot came from her previous life.

Li had become capable of telling such lies without changing her expression.

Perhaps that too was thanks to Noble Lady’s Etiquette skill.

“Slan! Do everything exactly as Li-chan says.”

At her mother’s command, her father turned pale and nodded.

Incidentally, all of her father’s shoes would now be replaced in accordance with Li’s instructions.

Muttering, “But those were my favorite shoes,” his back carried a sense of melancholy as Li watched him.

And so, measures against athlete’s foot were implemented at the Ducal House residence.

That information would later spread among the kingdom’s nobility as important knowledge, but that is another story.

* * *

Amidst such everyday events, Li summoned the Rose Maiden Cross Society.

The location was the Ducal House residence.

The academy had already gone on break, yet attendance was one hundred percent.

“I have something to report to everyone.”

Once everyone had gathered, Li spoke.

“For this long vacation, I will be going to inspect the territory.”

As for the activities of the Rose Maiden Cross Society during the long vacation.

That was what they had been told the meeting would be about.

As noble daughters, they were busy with various family matters.

Even so, they had all come, because the Rose Maiden Cross Society was their top priority.

“How long do you plan to be away?”

Lady Alberta asked the necessary question.

“At the moment, nothing is decided. I might stay for the entire vacation period, or I might return early.”

“In that case, if we hold gatherings of the Rose Maiden Cross Society, it would be best to assume that Lady Li will not be participating.”

“Unfortunately, yes. Could you please make arrangements in that direction? My schedule is a bit uncertain.”

“Understood.”

The capable Lady Alberta had completely settled into her role as a secretary.

“Big Sister Li!”

At that moment, Patricia raised her hand.

“Will you have time for us today?”

Li nodded.

“Yes.”

“Starting next term, in the Magic Combat Matches, the first-year representatives will all be from the Rose Maiden Cross Society! So today, I want each of us to receive assignments! It will be the beginning of our strongest legend!”

It was an extremely forward-looking declaration.

To Li, talk of a “strongest legend” did not particularly matter.

However, the effort to polish oneself would become an asset for the future.

Patricia’s spirit struck a chord with Li.

Inspired, Li felt that she too could not remain complacent.

And so, she made her decision.

“Understood. Then today, I will guide each of you one by one.”

At Li’s words, voices rose from the members of the Rose Maiden Cross Society.

“Then I’ll go first.”

The Saint casually stood up.

“Hey, Erika!”

“That’s one thing I won’t give up!”

The usual trio began to argue.

Li stepped in to mediate.

“Given what happened the other day, let’s start with Erika. After that, Ally and then Patty.”

From morning, through lunch, and until evening, Li devoted plenty of time to guiding them.

It was careful, hands-on instruction.

The young ladies were all very satisfied with the results.

“Everyone, good work. You have all been working very hard. I was surprised to see how much your mana circulation has improved compared to before!”

Li offered her closing words.

Some were even moved to tears by them.

“However, you all still have plenty of room to grow! Erika, Ally and Patty, you cannot let your guard down either. Everyone is improving rapidly. During this vacation, remember what I said earlier and continue your training.”

““Yes!”” everyone responded in unison.

This meeting would become the very catalyst that spread the name of the Rose Maiden Cross Society beyond the borders of the country.