Li settled into a chair in the salon.

Chrysoberyl was being fluffed while sitting on her mother’s lap.

Obsidian had learned how to shrink his body and was curled up at Li’s feet.

Until the tea was fully prepared, Li and her mother spoke about the cleanup following the dungeon lecture.

Though calling it cleanup was generous, since she had simply tossed the matter over to her father and the Headmaster.

Apparently, things were proceeding surprisingly smoothly and might even result in a bit of extra income.

By the time that conversation ended, the tea had been perfectly prepared.

As expected of first-class maids serving a ducal household.

“So, Li-chan, what is it you wanted to discuss?”

Her mother took a sip of herbal tea and prompted her gently.

“Yes.”

Li moistened her lips with tea as well.

“It’s about extracurricular activities. I’m unsure which one to join.”

“Oh my, it’s already that time. How nostalgic.”

“Mother, which extracurricular activity did you join?”

“I was in the Magic Tool Development Club.”

From there, Li listened in detail about the club her mother had belonged to.

In summary, its aim had been to create new magic tools without being bound by existing designs.

Li found it quite interesting.

“You know, Li-chan, you might even consider creating your own extracurricular activity.”

“…What?”

That idea had never crossed her mind.

“You’ve always been interested in many different things since you were little, haven’t you? So there’s no need to force yourself into a predefined mold.”

I see, Li thought, nodding deeply.

Though she had the backing of the Ducal House, her parents had always supported whatever she took interest in without complaint.

It was precisely because they allowed her such freedom that she had become who she was now.

Her mother was telling her to continue in that spirit.

“That might… no, that may indeed be best.”

“If I recall correctly, you need at least ten participants to establish a new extracurricular activity. Do you think you could gather that many?”

If Li started a new club, then by all likelihood most of the girls in her class would join.

There were fifteen girls including herself, so it was not such a high hurdle.

It was her mother’s voice saying, “Ah,” that interrupted her thoughts.

“Li-chan, haven’t you been invited to the Student Council?”

“The Student Council?”

According to her mother’s explanation, it was something like a student government body.

In her previous life, Li had never had any connection to such things.

With her ducal bloodline and her outstanding presence within the Academy, it would be stranger if she were not invited.

She mentally reviewed which first-years were likely candidates.

The Crown Prince, the Saint, herself and Lady Alberta for certain.

And then the Crown Prince’s entourage.

To be honest, it sounded like a group destined to give her a headache.

Still, there were upperclassmen as well, so perhaps she need not worry too much.

Even so, a faint unease lingered.

“I imagine the Headmaster will approach you soon. But it’s fine to hold multiple positions. That’s what I did.”

Her mother smiled and picked up a mackerel sandwich.