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Chapter Text

I'm Lorentz.
Through the introduction of my father-in-law, Lord Edwin, I am a civil servant at Alexandria Castle.
I originally came from a lower-ranking noble family serving a rural lord, so it was almost a miracle that I was able to marry Lord Edwin's daughter, Emilie, who is a middle-ranking noble.
As a result, I cannot look Lord Edwin in the eye.

One day, as I was doing my usual chores in the castle's civil servant office, I was greeted by Lord Justus, a civil servant to Lord Ferdinand, the Aub's fiance.
Justus is a very strange person who will just wander in, then watch everyone work, have a few words with them, and then leave.
As an aide from Ehrenfest, he may be monitoring the work of those from Ahrensbach.

However, Lord Justus was different today.
As soon as I entered my office, I was ordered, "Lorentz, the Aub is calling for you. Come to the office immediately."

I'm Lorentz...
Edwin glared at me with eyes that said, "What on earth have you done!?"

I shook my head frantically and claimed I had no idea what he was doing, but I couldn't refuse his summons.

I stood up and answered Justus in a trembling voice.

"I'm Lorentz. I'm here to answer the summons"

What did I do wrong?
It's impossible for a low-ranking civil servant like me to be called by name by the Aub...

I followed Justus into the Aub's office and knelt down to finish my greeting.
As I lowered my eyes and waited, the Aub called out to me directly.

"Well, you're Lorentz, right? I'm sure you're the one who compiled the research on parchment prices in the reference room."

You mean the parchment documents?! It's not really something I could call research.
I came from a financially disadvantaged background, so in order to buy parchment as cheaply as possible, I compared the wholesale price when I was with the Count, the price in the downtown area, the price in the noble district, and the purchase price at the castle, and recorded them on wooden tablets each year.
I remember that when Lady Rozemyne became Lord, she instructed me to use as much Ehrenfest paper as I wanted for the documents I placed in the archives, so I copied the wooden tablets onto Ehrenfest paper to reuse them and stored them in the archives.

I wonder if I'll be scolded for using too much Ehrenfest paper...
Even the wooden tablets are funded from a limited budget.
I regret my thoughtlessness in jumping at the expensive Ehrenfest paper.

Seeing me in my dejected state, the Aub made a surprising statement.
"Ferdinand, may I have this person? I would like him to compare the price of vegetable paper with that document and make a graph. It should be useful for setting the price of vegetable paper."

I was humbled and looked directly at the Aub with my eyes wide open.

The girl, who had her hair down and was clearly not yet of age, was looking at Ferdinand, who was sitting next to her, with shining eyes.
Is it true that the Aub liked my document and is planning to take it?!

"No, wait. The document I just looked through could be used as evidence of slush funds. Was it made for that purpose? You have a good point of view. I will use you as an aide."
Ferdinand also made a shocking statement.
I have not given the slightest thought to slush funds.

Now that you mention it, the price at the castle is higher than others, and it is clear that someone in the castle is in collusion with the Parchment Association.
They will find out soon.
However, becoming Ferdinand's aide would be too much of a big role.

In a desperate situation, I turned to Justus for help, and he looked at us both with an amused look.

"No, I want this man as my subordinate. It's rare to find mid-ranking nobles who have the ability to gather information in the downtown area. Surely espionage is the job that best suits this man?"
Espionage from me?!

It's true that I have no aversion to commoners.
That's because I come from the countryside, where commoners and nobles lived close to each other.
Since moving to the noble district, I've been correcting my behaviour under Edwin's guidance.

"Justus, that's unfair! If it's for the downtown area, give it to me."
"Justus, if you can gather intelligence, I'd rather take the reins myself."
"It is not the job of a lord's family to directly control your hands and feet. I would prefer that you leave this to your subordinates."

While the three were arguing, the civil servants and guards in the office were doing their jobs without any involvement.
...Aren't the guards doing their civil servant work?
I don't understand.

After a while, the guard knight standing behind Ferdinand slowly spoke and said.

"Why don't we let him do everything?"

I was so surprised that I cleared my throat.

"Well, I guess there's no other way. Roderick, please bring him a sample graph."
"That's better than leaving it to Justus. I'll allow you to have a desk in the Aub's office."
"Is it okay if I take you with me when I go out? I need to start educating you right away."

I can almost hear the sound of my peace being shattered...
And so I became a civil servant attached to the Aub's office.

Chapter Text

…Could it be that I am being harassed?
I wondered as I looked at the piles of wooden signs and documents.

"Lorenz, there is a meeting with the Plantin Company in three days. I will have you assist Hartmut, so please look over the history so far."
"There are many holes in the trade records so far. I want you to look into whether they were intentional or not. For now, the past five years will be fine."
"Please send me an invitation to the tea party that Lorentz's wife will be attending. If possible, I would also like a list of the participants."

I don't even know where to start.
It seems that I have to memorize this thick document by three days.
Hartmut is Rozemyne's top civil servant, but will he be able to attend a meeting with commoners himself?
Or rather, a meeting with commoners?

It seems that the Plantin Company is very important to Aub, as they prepared the venue to hand over the instructions.

Is it something to be happy about when they said the past five years will be fine?
It was around that time that the former lord was bedridden and the rules for inspecting packages from Lanzenave began to be neglected.
I have a feeling that if we investigate, we'll find evidence of embezzlement by the former lord's family and the upper nobles.

What are you planning to do with the tea party invitation, Lord Justus?
I'm sure you're single, aren't you?

I looked around at a loss, and my eyes met with the guardian knight who was standing at the door next to my desk.
Yes, her name was Lady Angelica.
Lady Angelica is such a delicate and fragile woman that it's hard to imagine she could be an escort knight.

She is so beautiful that even I, a civil servant, want to protect her.

It's embarrassing to say that I must have given her a pleading look.
Lady Angelica gave me some advice. "There's no need to think about it. Just do what is asked of you. Lady Rozemyne has never ordered me to do anything I can't do."
She said this and stared ahead with a dazzling calm gaze.

It was an eye-opener for me.
That's right, worrying won't reduce the number of wooden tablets.
As Angelica instructed, I prioritized the tasks assigned to me and got to work.

When the fourth bell rang, an attendant came to inform me that dinner was ready for Lady Rozemyne and Lord Ferdinand.
Do the two of you share a chef?
Normally, a private chef would prepare dinner for engaged couples...

Come to think of it, when you came to my office this morning, you were holding hands and looking very close.
I wonder if you have breakfast together?
...It's still before the Star-Knot, right?

After seeing Ferdinand escort Lady Rozemyne out of the room, I started to head to the civil servant dining room.
Then Roderick called me over and told me that I could have lunch handed to me.
Ehrenfest cuisine, huh...
I hope it suits my taste.

I want to scold myself for thinking that earlier.
The spices used smell familiar, but what a deep flavor. I never thought that fish would go so well with pommes in particular... Ehrenfest is truly formidable.
I probably won't be going to the dining hall from tomorrow onwards.

As we ate, he told me all about the little things.
I was particularly surprised to learn that honorifics are not necessary between close aides.
"Is it okay to call high-ranking nobles by their first names?"

"That's right. Lady Rozemyne's chief guardian knight at Ehrenfest was a lower-ranking noble. It's difficult to give orders if you use honorifics. Lady Rozemyne looks at abilities regardless of origin."
...I knew that Lady Rozemyne was the incarnation of the goddess, but isn't she now the goddess herself?

I heard that the head guard knight will be called in after his fiancé comes of age.
He must be a very capable person; I'm looking forward to meeting him.

Speaking of capable people, it seems that he also has underage aides, including Lord Roderick.
He must be that talented, and it is an honour to be wanted as an aide to the lord, but his parents must have been worried about sending him to another territory.

When I returned to my office after the meal, I found more wooden tablets.
It seems like there's no end in sight...

Chapter Text

Today, I have a meeting with the Printemps Company starting at the third bell.
I need to reduce the number of wooden signs that have piled up before then.

I arrived at the castle before the second bell rang.
But is the study open?
I've just realized that the door might be locked and I can't get in.

Ah, there are two guarding knights in front of the study.
They seem to be Matthias and Laurenz, his aides from Ehrenfest.

Laurenz, who was standing guard as Matthias was sprinkling something on the door handle, noticed me.
"You're quite early, Lorenz."
"Good morning. What are you doing, Matthias?"

I called out to him without using a title, but was I being too familiar?
However, Laurenz didn't seem offended and replied with a smile, so I was relieved.

"I'm purifying it."
"Aren't the attendants doing the cleaning?"
"There are some purifications that only knights can do... like poison."

There's no way there could be such dangers inside the castle...

But, perhaps...
The image of the former lord and his first wife, who had died one after the other, appeared in my mind.

I stared at them frozen with my eyes wide open, as the two of them entered the office.
"Please wait a moment until the purification is finished."
Laurenz, who was smiling mischievously, was supposed to be a minor. It must be quite a tough job to be an aide to the lord, to be used to such things at his age...

I was allowed to enter the room shortly after.
I immediately started working on the accumulated work, and the other civil servants arrived soon after. Everyone was up early in the morning.

Then the third bell rang soon after, and a small conference room was prepared under Hartmut's instructions.
The three who came to the castle were introduced as Benno, Lutz, and Mark.
He is younger than I imagined, and dresses sophisticatedly for a commoner.

For a wealthy man, Benno is quite the self-motivated man, as his clothes, tailored to his sturdy build, are made of fine fabric.

The atmosphere in the conference room was calm, and it felt like the wind of Ehrenfest was blowing through the room.
As soon as the greetings were over, Lord Hartmut whispered to his attendant, and shortly afterwards Lady Rozemyne arrived.

"Welcome to Alexandria! Was the carriage journey difficult?" Lady Rozemyne had spoken directly to the commoner!?

"Thank you for your concern. The view from the carriage was also interesting." The commoner replied calmly!?

"Ufufu, I was about to go and pick you up on my mount, but I got scolded." You were trying to go and pick them up!?
She smiles shyly, but she says something outrageous.

"By the way, is there a problem with the residence? I tried to accommodate as many of your requests as possible..."
Entwickeln accommodated the requests of commoners!? Entwickeln is the highest level of magic that can only be used by the lord's family!?

"It's very comfortable. The dyers and hair accessory makers were amazed at how central the residence is."
As I stared at Rozemyne, who was smiling happily, with my mouth hanging open, Lord Hartmut began with a wry smile.
"Now, first of all, about the papermaking workshop..."

"...Rozemyne-sama's ability is something that she looks at even for commoners, isn't it?"
After the meeting, I muttered to Lord Hartmut, who nodded happily.
"Gutenberg is a group that Lady Rozemyne personally assembled. They are extremely loyal to Lady Rozemyne, and far superior to the nobles around here."

Indeed, when I look at the plans for the workshop, I am amazed at how meticulous they are.
At first, I thought that the commoners would follow Lord Hartmut's instructions. However, today's meeting showed that it was the opposite, as Lord Hartmut was in charge of drawing out the commoners' requests.

From this, we will draw a line at what is feasible and make a final plan.

Even so, the schedule is quite aggressive, so negotiations with the temple, where the work will take place, may be difficult...
"It is your wish, Lady Rozemyne, to bring Gutenberg's plans to fruition. I understand."
Lord Hartmut nodded with satisfaction. "I'm glad you understood so quickly. Now, I have finished selecting the people to be my aides from among the civil servants involved in the Lords' Conference and Entwickeln. I would like you to guide them so that they can understand."

I thought I had said something strange in my voice. I'm sure that whoever takes on either job is better than me. "I'm not involved in either! Why was I chosen first?"
Lord Hartmut answered as if it was obvious.
"When you increased Lady Rozemyne's library, it was decided that Lorentz would take the office."

I don't understand the selection criteria!!

Chapter Text

I felt something was off from the moment I entered the office this morning. Something was different from yesterday. But I couldn't figure out what it was.
The faces hadn't changed, and it's not like the amount of work had decreased...
If I had to say, I'd say that Justus had a smile of amusement on his face?

As I tilted my head and gathered up my documents, Rozemyne and Ferdinand entered the room and took my hand to walk me to my seat.
It was then that I finally noticed that their desks were side by side.

Until yesterday, there was a gap between their desks, big enough to fit a cart in.
But this morning their desks were perfectly pressed together.
Ferdinand's desk top was a little higher, slightly covering the top of Rozemyne's desk.
It reminded me of the cloak of the god of darkness that hides the goddess of light, and I couldn't help but blush.

As Rozemyne sat down, she lowered her eyelashes in a bit of embarrassment, then gently looked up at Ferdinand beside her.
Ferdinand returned a loving look, and as their eyes intertwined, it was like Fairbelcken was breathing down her cheeks in an intimate conversation.

Um, you two were here before the Starknot, right...?

I wonder how their desks came to be moved.
When I think back, even when I was an apprentice under Giebe, Giebe and his wife didn't even sit at the same desk, let alone enter his office.
That's right, I'm sure Dietlinde and Ferdinand also had separate offices.
And why does Ferdinand always reside in the Aub's office in the first place?

I was caught up in such a whirlpool of random thoughts when Cornelius cleared his throat, bringing me back to consciousness.
I shook my head, thinking it was no good and I had to concentrate on my work, when Lady Rozemyne called out to me.

"By the way, Lorentz, what kind of books do you have in your house?"

I had many questions, such as what she was referring to when she said "By the way," and whether it was normal for a noble's house in Ehrenfest to have books, but I pondered for a while before answering.

"They're not really books, but I do have a few copies of poetry. When I was at the Noble Academy, I copied the poetry books in the library and gave them to my wife, who loved poetry."

"Well, does the Noble Academy library have poetry books? There didn't seem to be that many stories, though..."

"There may be more poetry books than stories. I remember that poetry books were popular because they were also used in the lyrics of Harspiel. It was a lot of work to copy so many books."

I answered with a wry smile, and remembered how I courted Emilie while singing her favorite poems.

Yes, it was thanks to the poetry books that Emilie and I were able to receive Sterlat's blessing.
"That's great! That's great, Lorentz!!" Even as Ferdinand next to her presses her shoulders, Lady Rozemyne leans forward.

"I told you to collect stories, but poetry was a blind spot. This will increase the number of books in your collection all at once."
She nods and mutters something.

"Lorentz...Lady Rozemyne wants you to transcribe the poetry collection you gave to her wife again. You really are good at tickling Lady Rozemyne's heart."
Hartmut's eyes are not smiling at all as he smiles.

His hands seem to be trembling as he hands over a stack of pure white Ehrenfest paper...
I'm scared, Lord Hartmut.

I promise to transcribe the poetry collection, and I'll continue putting together the documents in the afternoon.
I'm not sure if I'm overthinking it, but it feels like I'm taking on more work every time I come to work.

Sighing in my mind, I glanced over at Lady Rozemyne, and what a sight!
I saw Lord Ferdinand gently tucking Lady Rozemyne's hair behind her ear. Her sidelocks, which had been down, were now lifted, revealing her floral face.
Lady Rozemyne had her hair down as she had not yet come of age, but adult women usually wear their hair up, so touching a woman's hair is something that only takes place in the bedroom.

Feeling like I had seen something I shouldn't have, I hurriedly looked down at the documents in front of me.
I tried to get through to see if Lord Justus would look at it with amusement, but it seemed he had left his seat.
I wonder if from now on I will be witnessing the two of them getting along well every day.

Having finished my shift for the day, I returned to the mansion where Emilie was waiting for me.
Emilie is always cheerful and comforts me, but today she seems to be in an especially good mood.
"Lorenz, today I was invited to a tea party attended by only high-ranking nobles. You see, there was an invitation I left with you, right? Lady Gudrun joined us and it was a very enjoyable time."

"Who is Lady Gudrun?"
"She is Lord Justus's older sister and apparently serves as an attendant to the lord. Have you ever met her?"
This is the first time I've heard that Lord Justus was in Alexandria with his sister.
Perhaps she is an attendant to the inner palace, but I have never met her.

"Thanks to you, everyone knew that you had been appointed as the Aub's aide, and I was really proud of you. I'm sure you'll be able to make your Rinsham workshop in the summer, right? Please introduce it to me. The items you brought with you were very popular with the upper nobles."
I was worried that my relationship with lower nobles had increased since I was linked to you by star-link, so I'm glad that Emilie was happy.

I must also thank Justus.
I've decided to work hard on copying tomorrow, Saturday, so that I won't be dismissed from my position as an aide.

Chapter Text

"Lady Rozemyne, Lord Ferdinand, I am truly happy to be able to serve you both once again..."
The grey-robed priest, introduced as Fran, looked at the two of them with eyes filled with tears.
It was a shock. Is it possible for a commoner to look at a nobleman with these eyes?

It is not a relationship of laboror and employer, nor is it one of subservience, but a relationship of master and servant in which the two serve with pride.
I was simply astonished that such a relationship could exist between a commoner and a noble.

When I think back, there were commoner attendants in the house where I was born and raised. I feel like we sometimes joked around and were happy to see them grow up.
But commoners are commoners.
They served to make a living, and I never wanted them to follow me to the noble district.

I thought that commoners would not understand the joy of devoting themselves to service, and I have never served anyone with such feelings myself.
But the commoner in front of me seemed to be savouring emotions I was unaware of.

In this man's eyes, you two are good masters. I felt very envious of Fran.

"Everyone, these men are clad in gray, but they are my confidants. I will not tolerate anyone underestimating them or committing any acts of violence. Is that okay?" Lady Rozemyne asked, directing her stern gaze at the men from Ahrensbach.
The aides from Ehrenfest seemed to understand this, but the men from Ahrensbach looked at them with an unacceptable look.

I suppose that is inevitable.
In Ahrensbach, nobles frequently visited the temple. However, most of their visits were to offer flowers.
The grays were only required to prepare the situation and become flowers, so it was only natural that they would look down on them.
But then...

I let out a small sigh and bent my knees in submission.
"I will do as you command."
Everyone hurriedly knelt down, and Lady Rozemyne sighed in relief and slumped her shoulders.
She's an easy person to understand.
She must have been worried about whether the grey-robed priests would be accepted.

Lady Rozemyne now speaks in a bright voice, a stark contrast to her previous tone.
"Gil, this is Lorentz. He's the person in charge of launching Rozemyne's workshop at the castle! I'll keep him at the temple until launch, so please feel free to ask him anything."

What?! When did I become the person in charge?!
I certainly thought that delays in Gutenberg's plan would be a problem, so I showed my submission, but isn't it Lord Hartmut who is in charge?!

"Wilma, unfamiliar people like Lorentz come and go from the orphanage. Since Wilma is my personal artist, I can buy her and prepare a room for her in the castle. Are you sure you want her to be in the orphanage?"

"Yes, Lady Rozemyne. She wants to take care of the children. Please leave her at the orphanage."
What a Virgin Mary!
As I looked at her in admiration, Lord Hartmut reassured Wilma.

"Wilma, Lorentz has never asked for flowers at the temple, so there is no need to worry."
"Hartmut... why do you say that?"
Ahrensbach noblemen are taught at the temple before the star knot.
However, I am from the countryside, and I had no intention of seeking a woman other than Emilie, so I did not go to the temple. Why does Lord Hartmut know about this?

"Emilie told Gudrun in secret that Anhaltung's advice was insufficient on the night of the star-knot."
Emilie...!!

As an aside, while I was feeling dejected, Rozemyne called out to Ferdinand.
She must have said something very cute.
Ferdinand had a bright smile on his face and placed his hand on Rozemyne's cheek.
I wonder what kind of love Rozemyne whispered to him.

Chapter Text

Lord Wendel is here again...
Lord Wendel is the eldest son of the Southern lord.
He was the next lord, but recently he has been frequenting the castle in an attempt to win Lady Rozemyne's heart.

"Aub, Lord Wendel is in the reception room. What should we do? I haven't received a formal request to meet him, so there's no problem in leaving him here..."
Her chief attendant, Lady Lieseleta, also seems fed up.

"When he came yesterday, he said he'd come again tomorrow... so please let him in."
"Understood."

Soon after, Lady Lieseleta announces that Lord Wendel has entered the room.
"Aub, as I wait for Dreffangur to spin the thread, I feel as though I have been given the test of Glücklität. Even with Gramalatur's help, I cannot express the happiness of finally meeting you."

The office suddenly became noisy. I have to say that he is disturbing my work.

"Oh, I see. So what do you want with me today?"

"You are truly a Glücklität, Aub. You are testing my heart by treating me so coldly. Yes, that's fine. Give me the test to become your second husband. And when I overcome that test, make me your second husband. If I become your second husband, I will unite the former Ahrensbach faction of Governors and help you take control of the internal affairs of the Aub. I am being trained to be the next Governor, so I should be of some use."

...He is a man of words.

He is still engaged and not yet of age, and now he is proposing to be Aub’s second husband. They're probably planning to get him to commit while he's still a minor.

Glancing at Ferdinand, he has a very bright smile on his face. He's surprisingly generous.

"Are you helping out?" Rozemyne thought for a while, then suddenly looked up.
"Ferdinand, I've got a great idea!"
"Aub, when you speak of an idea..."

Interrupting Ferdinand, Rozemyne continues.
"Ferdinand, you said you wanted a calculator, didn't you? Wendel seems to want to help with his work, so why don't you try using him as a calculator!?"

Ah, what man could say no when peered into those sparkling eyes?

Putting aside the fact that she called Wendel a calculator, Rozemyne's beauty is breathtaking.

"A calculator, huh? I certainly wanted one..."
After thinking for a moment, Ferdinand replied with a bright smile.
"I'll take you up on your offer, Aub. Lorentz, give the wooden tablet I asked Wendel to draw the statistics on."

What?! Are you really planning to use it as a calculator?
Wendel's eyes were wide with surprise.
"I, I didn't mean it that way..."

"Wendel, please use this desk."
Justus raised the corners of his mouth in amusement as he brought in a desk from somewhere.
As I was ordered, I handed over the wooden tablet from my desk exactly as I was told, and stacked it on the desk Wendel had brought.

"You want me to calculate this?"
I'm in trouble for glaring at me, Wendel.

"The foundation is already laid on the Ehrenfest paper, so all that's left is to calculate and write each item down. We have about four times as many wooden tablets..."

He glared at me with hatred, but there was nothing I could do.
In a cold sweat, I fled back to my seat.

Crunch, crunchy...
Time just passed in the heavy, indescribable air.

Crunch, crunchy...

Lord Wendel, something's wrong with the calculator.

Crunch, crunchy...
Lord Ferdinand put his pen down and sighed.
"Wendel, you can't finish at that speed. The Aub has already done four times as much. It would be better to buy a grey priest instead."

Lord Ferdinand! That's a bit of an exaggeration.
Rozemyne's work ability is certainly astounding, and her processing speed exceeds that of Ahrensbach's senior civil servants.
Wendel, who isn't even a civil servant, can't even come close.
However, when he was told that he was only a quarter of Lady Rozemyne's, Lord Wendel dropped his pen and froze.

"Lord Ferdinand, when you say grey priests, you think of Fran and Zam, right? It's a shame to compare them. Wendel, it can't be helped if you're inferior to the grey priests, so don't be depressed."
Lady Rozemyne! Far from being a defense, those words are just a blow!!

If you admit that you're inferior to the grey priests, who are commoners, that's not encouraging at all.

Ah, Lord Wendel is leaning forward as if he's been hit.

"I... I'm leaving now..."
As Lord Wendel stood up, swaying from side to side, Lord Ferdinand called out to Lord Justus.

"Justus, Wendel doesn't seem to be feeling well. Please inform the lord that he will need to rest for a while. Lorentz, I'll leave the rest of the statistics to you."
"You want me to redo the calculations... I understand."
Lord Wendel glared at me and stomped his foot as he left.

"Lorentz, that's terrible."
"Yes, that was Lorentz's fault."

"Lorentz, you did a good job of chasing him away."
"It's amazing that you managed to chase away the next lord."
"It's the height of stupidity to not realize that you are being compared to Rozemyne, the incarnation of Mestionora. The merciful Rozemyne called out to me and gave me the Glücklität trial..."

Why am I being blamed by Rozemyne?
If anything, it was Rozemyne herself who dealt the finishing blow!? Is Lord Justus just having fun?
Lord Eckhart, I appreciate your praise, but I didn't chase him away!
Lord Roderick, please don't say such rude things.
I don't understand what Lord Hartmut is talking about...
Ah, Lord Ferdinand is smiling with satisfaction.

I feel like I've been tricked somehow.

Chapter Text

As an abbot, Lady Rozemyne also serves as the temple chief.
As such, she also performs religious ceremonies at the temple.
The first religious ceremony that Lady Rozemyne will perform in Alexandria is the commoner coming-of-age ceremony, which takes place on the last water day of spring.

One afternoon prior to the commoner coming-of-age ceremony, Lord Hartmut called out to me.
"Lorenz, wouldn't you like to see a real blessing?"
A real blessing...
Rumor has it that when Lady Rozemyne offered a prayer after the engagement ceremony, a golden light danced throughout the great hall.
Is that true?

"You can see at a glance that Lady Rozemyne has received the favor of the gods, and it is a wonderful thing. You can feel the breath of Mestionora as she speaks the blessing, and with each word, it's as if each strand of the dark god's lustrous hair shines brighter, and her appearance is so divine that even Quintziel cannot capture it.
The winds of Schutzeria that arise when she gently raises her sculpted hands are..."
"It must be a beautiful blessing, but will I ever get a chance to see it?"
"Of course! I'm looking forward to the next Water Day!"
I have a bad feeling about this, but it seems something has been decided.

On Water Day, I was led to the temple by Lord Hartmut, dressed in blue priestly robes.
"Do you have priest's robes, Lord Hartmut?"

"Hartmut is fine. I was the high priest in Ehrenfest."

"So it's true that nobles frequent the temple in Ehrenfest..."

It's unthinkable in Ahrensbach.

Lord Hartmut answered with a wry smile.

"The lord's family and their entourage frequent the temple, but the other nobles don't do that much. It's more like the knights of Dunkelfelger flock to the temple. I hope that it will be the same in Alexandria. ...So, this is for Lorentz."
He handed me the blue priest's robes.

"This is...?"
"Priest's robes."
Right.

"Am I going to wear this?"
"Do you prefer the gray?"
...Blue is fine.

I was led to a waiting room and made to change into the priest's robes.

Why am I dressed as a blue priest?
"It suits you, Lorentz."
Is this something to be happy about?
If someone from Ahrensbach said that to me, I'm sure it would be an insult...

After putting on my priest's robes, I headed to the temple master's office to greet him.
Of course, Lady Rozemyne was there, wearing her white temple master's robes.
In the temple master's office, Fran was busy, but also seemed to be enjoying herself as she prepared for the ceremony.
Seeing the fact that the Aub was the temple master, I was reminded that this was the new territory of Alexandria.
"Oh, Lorentz. You'll be participating in the ritual! Only adult priests can enter the ritual. I'm glad that you're interested in the ritual."
...Lady Rozemyne, I'm sorry.
I'm not interested in the ritual.
I don't even know why I'm here, or why I'm wearing this outfit.

As I nodded vaguely, Lord Hartmut guided me to a position where I could get the best view of the blessing.
"Now, let us enjoy the blessing of the goddess, Lady Rozemyne!"

The Coming of Age Ceremony will soon begin, and the commoners who came of age this spring are entering the room in droves.
The commoners are filled with excitement, gathering at the front to get a closer look at the temple head.
It must be a magical tool. The murmurs are absorbed, but here and there they can hear "Lady Rozemyne...", "The real blessing", "The new lord has become the temple head...".
It seems that detailed rumors about Lady Rozemyne are spreading in the downtown area.

"Lady Rozemyne, enter."
The door opens as the priest speaks, and Lady Rozemyne enters the room, clad in grace and majesty.
At that moment, the murmurs of the commoners stop, and they can only take their breath away at her divinity.

Lady Rozemyne spoke to the commoners.
"Everyone, I am Rozemyne, the lord of Alexandria. I have come to this land to heal and nourish it. As you all know, this land once had an open border gate. This land has profited from trade with other countries since ancient times. However, due to an uprising from other countries, the border gate was closed. From now on, we must create a territory that does not rely on trade with other countries."
Lady Rozemyne speaks to each commoner.
"It is difficult to create a new industry. You may be confused by unfamiliar work and lifestyles. But you have youthful energy. You have new ideas. Please lend me your strength. Let's build this Alexandria together. Pray to God!"
At that moment, golden light rose from Rozemyne's entire body, dancing and rising to the ceiling, and then all the light gathered and exploded.
The golden light exploded throughout the chapel, showering on the commoners.
A cheer went up, and the doors were opened, and the commoners rushed out to tell them about this miracle.
Everyone's faces were hot and their eyes were watering with excitement.

This person is incredible.
I shivered.
This person has taken control of the commoners in just one season.
Has a noble ever spoken to a commoner like this before?
Has a commoner ever asked for their help?
With the help of the goddess, Lady Rozemyne had healed her territory in one night.
Who could say no to a request for help from Lady Rozemyne?
They would undoubtedly work themselves to the bone for Lady Rozemyne.
And surely me too.
Sensing a turning point for Yurgenschmidt, I fell to my knees.

Chapter Text

"Hartmut, Clarissa, Cornelius, Leonore, the Starknot is coming up soon. Are the preparations going well?"
Rozemyne asked during a break from her duties.

"Thank you for your concern. Preparations are proceeding smoothly, but there is something I would like to discuss with you about what will happen after the Starknot. Clarissa."
Hartmut called his fiancée, Clarissa, to him.
"Rozemyne, I would like to continue serving you as a civil servant after the Starknot. Will you allow me to do so? Even if I have a child, I would like to return as soon as possible and witness Rozemyne's miracle with my own eyes."
Clarissa complained that it was so frustrating that only Hartmut was by Rozemyne's side.
Has the woman from Ehrenfest changed?
Or is it the woman from Dunkelfelger?
Or is it one of Rozemyne's aides?

"That is something I would never ask for, but is that okay with Hartmut?"
"I can understand Clarissa's wishes. If I were in her position, I would have wished for the same thing."
...Is that so?

"What will you do, Leonore?"
"What do you think, Lady Rozemyne?"

When Cornelius asked her again, Lady Rozemyne put her hand to her cheek and answered with difficulty.
"The truth is, I am thinking of having Leonore retire from her role as guardian knight."
"Is there something I have done wrong?"
"That is not it. I am not good at socializing, you know? I would like you to take on the role of Elvira, who supports Lady Florencia. I would be so happy if you could unite the factions in my place. Can you do that for me?"
"If that is the case, I will accept the role."
When she was told that she was counting on her, Lady Leonore blushed and thanked him happily.

"What do you think about Eckhart and Angelica's star knot?"
Eckhart glanced at Ferdinand.

"I have no intention of changing the color of my cloak before Ferdinand."
Indeed, when Eckhart is star knotted in Alexandria, the color of his cloak will change.
Ferdinand and Justus will be the only ones to wear the ochre of Ehrenfest.
He is truly a very loyal person.
Ferdinand seems to have been persuaded, as he gives a wry smile.
But then...
"Is that okay, Angelica?"
"I would like to do as you say, Eckhart."
How adorable is Angelica as she answers, looking down shyly.
Angelica has designated Eckhart the god of darkness and intends to wait for him forever! Ah, even though Eckhart-sama has Raffel in his hands, he is quite patient even though it is out of loyalty.

"But Eckhart," Hartmut-sama interrupted.

"It is urgent that we have a child."

What does that mean?

"In two years, Rozemyne-sama and Ferdinand-sama will be conjugated. At the earliest, a child will be born in three years. There is no way that the children of us, the Aub's aides, will not be among the aides to your child."

"Hmm, that certainly makes sense."

Isn't it a bit too lewd to talk about children in front of your fiancées, neither of whom have even been conjugated yet!?

Leonore-sama turned her face away, and Angelica-sama pretended not to hear and was guarding him!

"It would be reliable if your child would be an aide to our child, Ferdinand-sama."
Please don't even get Rozemyne-sama into the conversation!
Ferdinand is frozen!!

"By the way, Lorenz has only one child, and his wife is pregnant, right?"

...You know a lot, Hartmut.
"I'm glad that you have two children. Please make sure to give them a good education."

My child is also a candidate for the aide...
I'm grateful, but I feel sorry for my child.
I can only see my child surrounded by these excellent aide children and being busy with work.

Thus, the star knot was performed at the castle.
Though he was worried, Eckhart refused the star knot, saying that he would not go before Ferdinand.
And at Hartmut's request, an ancient ritual was performed using the cloak of the god of darkness and the golden crown of the goddess of light, and another legend of Rozemyne was added to the splendor of the gods' blessing.

Chapter Text

Suddenly, I realized.
The clothes worn by Lady Rozemyne and her fiancé, Lord Ferdinand, have matching designs.

The hem of Lady Rozemyne's loose gauze dress has a deep slit, revealing the contrasting blue of Leidenschaft. The color is a ripple-like dyed fabric not seen at Ahrensbach, and the same fabric is also used for Lord Ferdinand's sash.

Once you start to notice it, you'll find yourself looking at it every day, wondering what they're wearing today.
One day, the embroidery on the hems of their clothes will have the same motif, or the linings of their robes will be the same color...

Do the two of them not only share a chef, but also a dyeing workshop and a dedicated seamstress?
It's likely that their attendants also consult with each other about what to wear every day.
Unless there is a special event, it is not normal for a married couple's attendants to consult with each other...
The two attendants really get along well.

What surprised me was today's beast-mounted uniforms.
I heard that the two of you are heading out on an inspection tour, so I brought the documents to your private entrance.
The civil servants accompanying you are Lord Hartmut and Lord Justus, and the other escort knights and attendants are all riding their own beasts, but it appears that Lady Rozemyne will be riding Ferdinand's beast.

Their beast-mounted uniforms seem to be in the Ahrensbach style, with slim jackets with a row of cylindrical slots on the chest for storing magical tools, but the hem is generously long.
In the Ahrensbach style, women wear trousers that look like a skirt underneath, but today the two of you were wearing trousers of a shape I'd never seen before, loose down to the knees but tapered from the shins.

They were wearing similar colors, with Lady Rozemyne wearing cream and Lord Ferdinand wearing a slightly darker brown, and when they rode side by side on their mounts, it was as beautiful as a painting.

But what will happen this winter when they bravely head to the Noble Academy alone in their mounts is another story.

Chapter Text

Lady Rozemyne and Lord Ferdinand have gone on an inspection tour of the provinces.
This is a long-term trip, and they are accompanied by most of their aides and the chef, so the Lord's office is very quiet.
That being said, there is still plenty of work for the civil servants to do...

When I noticed the fourth bell, I had just finished the paperwork at hand, so I decided to head to the dining room for lunch.
Since Lord Roderick was still concentrating, I decided to quietly leave the room without calling out to him.

Usually, the Lord's handover is done in the waiting room, but that won't happen for a while.
It seems I was looking forward to the handover more than I thought.
I remembered the spicy seasoning of the dining room used by the castle staff, and my steps became heavy.
It was strange, as it was a taste I had been eating regularly until just a few months ago.
As I stepped into the bustling dining room, a waiter immediately showed me to my table.

"Hello, Lorenz. It's been a while."
The ones who called out to me were my colleagues from the castle's civil servant room.
I couldn't help but click my tongue in my mind at being caught by such troublesome people.
When I performed the star knot with Emilie, these same people would come and make snide remarks whenever they got the chance...
Ah, even if it was a hassle, it might have been better to go back to the mansion and get someone at home to make something.
"It's been a while. I hope everyone is well."
Ah...it seems they've made the effort to move their seats.
When they sat down at my table, a waiter came to move the glasses and cutlery.
I can't even leave the dining room and go home.

"Lorenz, we were worried. You may be mid-ranking now, but being an aide to the Lord is still too much of a burden, right? We were worried that you might make a mistake and be scolded."
Ah, so they were looking forward to me, a lower-ranking person, making a mistake and incurring the Lord's wrath.
"Thank you for your concern. Thanks to everyone's guidance, I've been able to get by without any problems so far."
"I see, that's good."
It doesn't sound like it at all...

The food in the dining hall had less spice than before, but the ingredients had a deep flavor, reminiscent of the recipes of Lady Rozemyne's personal chef.

Everyone's forks were moving quickly, and somehow I felt proud.
But the topic was, as usual, vulgar gossip.

"It seems most of the Aub's aides are mid-ranking. Even his chief attendant is mid-ranking, which is a factor in the prestige of Alexandria."
"Indeed. His fiancé is an illegitimate child who entered the temple, so to make him your first husband would be a disrespect to your great territory."
"That said, the Aub was also raised in the temple, so I'm sure the two low-ranking people get along well."
How difficult it must have been to suppress your anger as they talked happily together, hahaha.
It would be one thing if he was trying to spite me, a low-ranking person, but to make such derogatory remarks towards the Aub, Ferdinand, and all his aides...

"I heard that you've opened a workshop in the temple."

"Lorentz is in charge, isn't he?"

"Working among the commoners... is something I would never imagine."

"Can commoners understand your language?"

"Lorentz, you're not on friendly terms with the gray priests, are you?"

"Leave shameful matters like financial matters to the temple staff."

Bang!
The chair fell over with a loud noise as I stood up.
My fists, clenched tightly in anger, were white and bloodless.
I felt hot magical energy running through my body, seeking a place to release it.

"Lorentz, have you forgotten the manners of an aristocrat? I don't want to go to the temple."

I don't want to hear any more nonsense.
"...Shut your filthy mouth."
I said it, using all my reason.
I knew nothing of Lady Rozemyne's innocent smile that accepted everything, of Lord Ferdinand's insight, of the generosity of his aides, or of the abilities of the commoners in the temple and the downtown area.
"You're not saying those words to me, a high-ranking noble, are you?"
I gritted my teeth, and the atmosphere became tense...

"Lorenz, I've been looking for you."
"Roderick..."
Roderick came in with a relaxed tone that was inappropriate for the occasion.
"Excuse me for interrupting your meal. There is an urgent notice from the Lord, so may I borrow Lorenz? I will report to the Lord that you have come here."
"There's no need to report. Come on, Lorenz, hurry up."
They rushed me, looking impatient.

"Roderick, what is this urgent notice..."
Roderick, who was hurrying down the corridor, stopped and turned to look at me.
"Are you okay? Lorenz looked troubled, so I called out to him."
Roderick smiled and said, "You missed your lunch," and the tension in my shoulders relaxed.

"Thank you, Roderick. To be honest, you were very helpful."
Yes, really. If things had continued as they were, I might have been violent.
We slowly walked towards the office.

"...Doesn't Roderick get angry?"
"I'd be lying if I said I don't get angry, but I'm used to it. Since my time in Ehrenfest..."
Roderick's voice was enveloped in a lonely air.
"Roderick is Lady Rozemyne's trusted aide, isn't he? Wasn't he the object of admiration in Ehrenfest?"

Lord Roderick gave an ambiguous smile and neither confirmed nor denied it.

Chapter Text

Lady Rozemyne returned after completing the ten-day schedule without a hitch.
Oh, I never thought I'd realize how faded the castle was without its master until I returned...

"I've just returned. Were there any problems while you were away?"
"Everything is going well."
I felt Roderick's gaze on me as he bowed next to me.

When I returned to my office, there was a pile of documents for the inspection report.
It seems that peace of mind is proportional to the amount of work, and as I could see from the graph in my head, my thoughts were heavily influenced by Lady Rozemyne.
As I began working on the report right away, Lady Rozemyne, dressed in new clothes, was escorted by Lady Ferdinand into her office.
I thought it would be a good idea to take today off, but it's also true that we want to work hard because you two are so hardworking.

"Well, everyone, the workshop is up and running and the inspection of the direct territories is over. I am pleased that this is all the result of your hard work."

At this point, Lady Rozemyne raises her fist in a brave manner that is hard to imagine coming from her usual ladylike demeanor.
"Now, it's time to begin the temple classes!!"

"Aub?" Sir Ferdinand looks at Lady Rozemyne with a brilliant smile.
"Hohoho... I'd like you to begin preparations for the temple classes. Can you give me more details... Hartmut?"

"Yes, the temple classes are one of Alexandria's main projects. I'm sure you all know that Alexandria is a library city, but to make it a library city we urgently need to improve the literacy rate of the commoners and train writers. As a solution to this, we will gather children from both the noble district and the lower town at the temple located between them and provide them with a basic education. The content of the education will be reading, writing, arithmetic, and behavior."

"We would like to teach harspiel to those who want it, and encourage nobles to participate in offerings. It will also raise the academic ability of lower-ranking nobles who go to the noble academy and those who are not wealthy mid-ranking nobles."
Lady Rozemyne adds with a smile.
That's... something the lower-ranking nobles will be grateful for.

"But who should I ask to come up with the plan for the temple classes? In Ehrenfest, the gray priests were teaching the orphans, so it would be fine to leave it to the temple, but in Alexandria, I want the castle's nobles to take the lead and spread the word among the nobles."
"In that case, let's solicit candidates from the civil servants working in the castle. Why not have them submit several proposals and have the best one receive a reward?"

"A 'competition', Hartmut! I'm looking forward to it."
"Then Lorentz, I'll leave it to you."
It seems I've been appointed to organize this 'competition'. I'm happy to see Lady Rozemyne back, but... I sigh at the heavy task.

I think back to the people at the dining hall the other day and feel heavy-hearted, wondering if there will be any candidates for a temple project that they dislike.
As I was pondering this with a gloomy look on my face, Lord Justus urged me into the waiting room.

"Lorenz, this is a project that Lady Rozemyne has been working on since she was a child. Please understand that the castle has no need for civil servants who disagree with this intention. If necessary, take this."
Lorenz had her hold a small magical tool.

"And so, we are looking for several planners for this temple class, which is Alexandria's main project. Is there anyone who wants to participate? There will be a reward for the person who comes up with the best plan."
Looking around at the people in the civil servant room, they all had ambiguous smiles typical of aristocrats.

"You are Lady Letizia's aide, aren't you? That is an admirable desire. However, since you are working at the castle temporarily, I would like to see one of the senior civil servants working at the castle also apply."
As I urged her, the attention of the entire room naturally focused on one person.
Is this the high-ranking nobleman who started bothering me in the dining hall?

"Then, may I ask you to do the job? I expect you to come up with a plan that meets the Lord's wishes."

"... Understood."
He seems to have wrung out a bitter acceptance, but I wonder what will happen.

( *^-^)ρ(^0^* )

"Lorenz!"
I was called by the civil servant of Letizia, the candidate mentioned earlier.

"Lorenz, I would like to ask for your guidance. Could you spare some of your time?"

"Of course. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Of course we will accept participants from the nobility, but I am worried that there will be no commoners to participate. I heard that you know Gutenberg, Lord Lorenz. Would you mind introducing him?"
The civil servant's eyes were more serious than I had imagined, and he looked troubled.

"That would be great, but may I ask why you decided to run?"
We moved to a small conference room and were offered a chair.
The young female civil servant seemed to be collecting her thoughts as she opened her mouth several times, but after a while she began to speak.
"As you know, I am an aide to Lady Letizia. Lady Letizia entered the temple as a blue priestess. I have attended memorial ceremonies with Lady Letizia and made magical offerings with her, so I understand the importance of the role."

However...she continues.

"However, the castle's recognition of the temple has not yet recovered. I would like to help Lady Letizia to break down the barrier between the castle and the temple. I want everyone to understand the contributions of Lady Letizia as an apprentice blue priestess by making it normal for nobles to visit the temple."

"I see, if that's the case, I'll be more than happy to help."

I sent an invitation to the Plantin Company, so I went to the temple and asked Fran for his cooperation.

Fran seemed to understand, and showed me a list of the curriculum for the temple classes in Ehrenfest.
After that, after several discussions with the aide, the day came for the presentation of the plan in the civil servants' room.

Lord Hartmut and Lord Justus arrived and had the two candidates submit their plans.
"Hmm, this plan is detailed and wonderful. How did you estimate the number of participants?" Lord Hartmut asked, flipping through a thick document.

"We're assuming that the children of nobles will be eight or nine years old, and are from lower-ranking noble families in the noble district. With the Noble Academy approaching, this is the age when basic academic ability becomes a worry. For the children of commoners, we asked the commerce guild for help and they made estimates."
When Lady Letizia's aide answered timidly, the whole room was abuzz, wondering if she had asked commoners for help.

"What is the estimated cost?"
"I calculated the cost of the necessary stone slabs and textbooks based on the expected number of participants. I'm also thinking of purchasing the karuta cards that the children at the orphanage are currently playing with. If the budget allows, I would have liked to purchase musical instruments as well..."

"I see, so I will ask the Lord for his opinion regarding the additional budget. What are your thoughts on teachers?"
"I heard that the lower-ranking nobles, priests, and shrine maidens who make a living from copying manuscripts are feeling anxious after the printing workshop was established. I think that if we offer them a wage, there will be someone who will take them on."

"That's great. I would also like to make an offering to the Holy Grail using this magic stone. And what about the other proposal..."
The two of them frowned and flicked another thin document with their fingers.
"I doubt you even understand the Aub's intentions."

"Separate the nobles and commoners, hire teachers for the nobles, and assign grey priests to the commoners..."

The senior civil servant said, his face reddening as he raised his voice.

"It is only natural to make them understand their status!"

In response, Justus asked in a calm tone.

"There is a description of the education process for the nobles, but nothing about the commoners, is there?"

"We can just leave it to the temple to think about the commoners!"

"Oh dear, it seems you don't even understand the basics of why the Aub entrusted the drafting of the plan to the civil servants working in the castle."

The two of them took the two plans in their hands and stood up.

"Which one is better is so clear that we don't even need the advice of the Anhaltung... but let's follow the Aub's wishes."

The senior civil servant shouted, shaking wildly.
"There's no way I could be inferior to a fallen civil servant from the temple! A ridiculous project like a temple class is what's wrong!!"
"...You, did you know that what you just said was an act of disrespect towards the lord candidate and a criticism of the Aub who came up with the idea? Lorenz, is there a recording?"
"It's already recorded."
"We'll announce your punishment later. Place you under house arrest."
Without looking back at the collapsed man, the two of them left.

( *^-^)ρ(^0^* )

That night, I was having dinner with my father-in-law, Lord Ethwin.

"Lorenz, was this whole plan to have a competition to draft plans for the temple class meant to get rid of him?"

I shook my head and denied it.
"That's what happened, but it wasn't my intention."

"But Lorenz, we all know that he had been harassing you for years. We all trembled in fear at the impressive skill with which you removed him from the castle. It's reassuring to have you as a family member, but Lorenz, I had no idea you were such a master strategist."

Ethwin muttered that the Lord of the Houses had a good eye for people.

As for me, I was thinking back to the sight of the aide from the latter incident blushing and saying, "The truth is, Lord Justus encouraged me to run if he was going to call for plans. I never thought I'd be accepted."

I was nothing more than a baby in the hands of Lord Justus and Lord Hartmut.
And yet, the reality that the way others viewed me was changing made my body tremble.

Chapter Text

Lady Rozemyne sighed occasionally today.

"Aub, your hand has stopped moving. Is there something that's bothering you?"

Ferdinand asked, smiling more than usual.

He must be worried about Lady Rozemyne and trying to ease her mind.
He is always a kind fiancé.

"The temple classes have started, but I was a little disappointed that there were fewer participants than I expected."

"Everyone is probably waiting to see how things go. The Plantin Trading Company and the lower nobles are very proactive, so I don't think there's any need to rush."

"I understand that, but... is there any way to make the people feel more familiar with the temple?"

It's painful to see Lady Rozemyne so depressed.

I decided to personally present the copy of the poetry collection that I had brought with me to give to Lord Hartmut later.
"Lady Rozemyne, I'm late, but here is a copy of the poetry collection from my house. I thought it would be rude to give it to you directly, but I hope it will be of some comfort to you."
"Wow! Lorentz, it's even bound!"

"When I spoke to Lutz of the Printemps Company about the manuscript, he suggested that I bind it and give it to you. I asked Gil to bind it. This is just one book, but together with the ones in that wooden box over there, there are twenty volumes of written notes."
"Pray to God!! Lorentz, that's very good!!"

At that moment, golden powder blew across the office like a sandstorm.
"Lorentz..."
Everyone's gazes hurt.
What did I do wrong?

Lady Rozemyne was humming "Hehehe, hehehe" as she flipped through the poetry collection.
I could feel cold stares from all around, but it was good to see that Lady Rozemyne seemed happy.
"Huh?"
Sister Rozemyne stopped what she was doing and turned back to the page with a completely different serious expression from before.

Was there something wrong...?
Sister Rozemyne ordered her attendants to bring two or three other poetry books and continued to skim through them.
She didn't look like she was enjoying the poetry at all.
Seeing Rozemyne lost in thought, I became increasingly worried.

"Ferdinand..." Ah, at last, Ferdinand has grasped the magical tool and begun a secret conversation.
I should have checked with Hartmut before presenting it to him. I regret my shortsightedness.

"Lorenz, I have a few questions for you."
Sister Rozemyne put the magical tool away and asked me.
"Lorenz was from a lower-ranking noble family, wasn't he?"
Ah, so he must have made some mistakes as a lower-ranking noble...
"Yes, my parents were from a lower-ranking local noble family."

"I heard you married into a mid-ranking noble family, but was your magical power balanced?"
So your education, including your magical power, is an issue for a mid-ranking noble, I understand.
"My magical power grew a little when I was at the Noble Academy, and I'm now able to sense it somehow. Also, it's partly because I was given the protection of the family at the Noble Academy, which Edwin appreciated. I still have a long way to go as a mid-ranking noble, but..."

"So you were given protection after all! Lorenz, did you mutter or contemplate things strongly when you were copying?"
The conversation seems to have changed course.
Isn't it about education?

"Yes, of course I wrote it out loud, but I also sang it as the lyrics of the Harspiel. I always strongly wish for it... after all, it was a manuscript to turn my Effloremee back to me."
It was embarrassing to be asked again.
Rozemyne took notes without even noticing that my face was turning red.

"May I ask what kind of image you have of compressing magical power?"
Oh, my face must be as red as it gets.
"Imagine the magical power of welling up love, written into a book in your heart. I compress it by closing the book and fastening it with a belt. As I continued to copy, that image naturally came to me."
"Turning magical power into words! That's amazing!!"
Gold dust flew for the second time today.

Ferdinand next to me looked fed up as he pushed the magic stone onto me, but Rozemyne began to speak passionately.
"Ferdinand, this is a great discovery! Yurgenschmidt's poems are full of prayers to the gods. Doesn't this mean that you can receive divine protection by reading the poems while strongly contemplating them? If we were to collect all those poems and sell them as a 'poem collection that grants divine protection', wouldn't that be a huge hit?! Ferdinand, let's make it and sell it!"

"Rozemyne, your speech is slurred."
"Your speech will be slurred too! I'm sure it will become a book that is sure to be on every noble's bookshelf in Yurgenschmidt!! We can't let this go on like this, Lorenz!"

Ahhh!
"Please select from these poetry collections those that are both highly worthy as poetry and that also serve as prayers to the gods. If you need advice, ask Hartmut. If you know the author, please ask to buy the poem. If you don't know the author, please rewrite the poem so that the original poem is unrecognizable. It's not plagiarism, it's homage! Lorentz can write a completely new poem."

"Lady Rozemyne, please give me permission to write a poem as well!"
"No, Hartmut. You'll probably write a poem that features me, right?"
"Even Grammaratur would be upset that a collection of poems that offer prayers to the gods doesn't include a prayer to Lady Rozemyne, who is the incarnation of the goddess!"

"It would be upsetting to be treated in the same way as me.
Lorentz, how about including a magic circle that seeks protection along with the poem! Print it on magic paper and write the poem while passing magic through it. I'll read it. Ah, but that would increase the cost... well, let's think about that later. Lorenz, I'd like you to create magic circles that match the poems of Clarissa and Raimund. Please make them as simple as possible so they're easy to print.
I'd like to include the sheet music for Harspiel as well. Please discuss that with Rosina. Regarding the illustrations, please discuss with Wilma and have her draw a picture that shows that it's possible to create sacred items by praying at the temple."

"Rozemyne! Calm down for a bit. Do you really understand the value of that book? A book that easily gives you blessings will move Jurgenschmitt in a big way."
"It's okay, Lord Ferdinand. I won't include the fact that if you increase your blessings and get all attributes, you may be able to obtain the Book of Mestionora!"
"Of course!!"

W-Am I being ordered to create something outrageous...?

"I would like to try compressing magic by turning it into text, but it doesn't work well with my compression bags... I think I'll stop using compression bags and make it a book type instead. If I do this, Lorentz will take the title of book lover."
I don't want the title of book lover!

Thus began the creation of the "Poetry book that gives divine protection."
When it came to purchasing the poems, the other party was skeptical, and Hartmut secretly inserted a poem he had composed himself and was scolded, and as for the magic circles, we decided to use magic paper only for the cover and include several magic circles.
When you pick up the book, you will naturally be able to touch the magic circles.
Ferdinand also participated in the composition, and we also included an illustration of a man playing a harspiel.
Rozemyne seemed happy, saying, "I'm sure the women will buy it in droves."
Since the book has such a large impact, it was decided that it would only be sold in the territory for ten years, and then the situation would be monitored.

My name appeared as the editor and lyricist, and although this was the only book that had my name on it, what nobody knew yet was that thirty years later I would become famous as one of Alexandria's two greatest authors, alongside Shubolt(Roderick), the leading author of knight stories.

Chapter Text

Lady Rozemyne suddenly said to me.

"Lorenz, I'm going to take your leave."

Oh, it seems I'm finally going to be dismissed from my position as an aide.

What on earth did I do wrong?

No, there are several things I can think of.

I'm not good at guessing, and I'm not good at making magical tools.

Even if the aides from Ehrenfest are mid-level, they have the same magical power as high-level aides, so I knew that my low-level magical power wasn't suitable for the position.

However, if I'm removed from my position as an aide, how will I be treated if I return to my position as a civil servant in the castle?

Maybe I should just get a job as a teacher at the temple.

I remembered the faces of my beloved Emilie and my newborn son, who were happy that I had become an aide, and I hung my head, feeling guilty.

Furious at what I was saying, Lady Rozemyne continued.
"Even though I have free time, it's only about one week. I heard that Lorenz's wife had a visit from Entrinduge. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce a parental leave system to Alexandria."

"Parental leave system?"
I was relieved to hear that he was not being fired.
"Parental leave system is a system that gives leave to families when a child is born, with the aim of encouraging them to look after the mother and child. As the first person to take parental leave, I would like Lorenz to cherish his wife and child. Of course, we will compensate him for his salary during that time."

I was kind of sure I understood, but at the same time not... Lady Clarissa, sensing my expression, asked.
"Doesn't a noble's mansion have wet nurses? Servants will take care of the children and the house, so is it really necessary for the father to take time off work to look after them?"
"Even for the nobles who know how to heal, childbirth is a life-threatening experience, isn't it? I think it would be a relief for the husband to just look after his wife."

And then...Lady Rozemyne continued.
"Besides, doesn't the treatment of a noble's child depend on the amount of magical power they have? Even if they lack a little magical power, they can increase their blessings through prayer, and as they grow up, they can also increase their magical power through compression. Why don't you use this time off, Lorentz, to gather materials and make an amulet to seek blessings for your child? There are more and more powerful magical beasts in the forest, so surely there are more good materials to be found?"

What a thing to say!
For a noble, the magical power of a newborn child is the biggest concern.
Will that be solved?
Will the amount of magical power mean that they don't have to give the child up?
Lady Rozemyne, that would completely overturn the common sense of the nobles.
"...Thank you for your consideration."

"Emilie, Lady Rozemyne has given me time off!"
When I returned to the mansion with a big smile on my face, Emilie collapsed on the spot, speechless.

"Emilie!"
I caught her beloved body just before she collapsed, and the goddess in my arms glared at me.
"Lorenz, what have you done? You've just had a baby, and now you've been laid off..."
"That's not true, you're supposed to return to work after a break."

It seems I got the explanation out of order.
I told Emilie about the parental leave system, but she looked like she understood but also didn't.
Yes, I understand how you feel.

"Anyway, I'm going to head to the forest tomorrow to gather some good materials. I'll make a protection for my family that won't have the attributes my child has, and create a magical tool that will grant protection."
"Is that really possible?"
When Alexandria was founded, the idea that Rozemyne could grant protection through prayer was widely announced.
However, it seems that awareness of this is still insufficient.

"Yes. This has not been made public yet, but I am also involved in the editing of a book on how to obtain divine protection. My two children need the protection of many relatives. This is a good opportunity, let's create a guardian for the older child as well. He will be a candidate for the lord's child's retainer in the future."

Emilie turned pale at the seriousness of the situation.
"Are my children a candidate for the lord's candidate?"
"Yes, Emilie. After the baptism ceremony, the children will attend the temple class, and by the time Rozemyne's child starts attending, they must be prepared to be suitable for the lord's candidate. The current aides do not have children. It is a big responsibility."
"What! This is not the time for this. We need to assign more teachers to the older child and raise him strictly."

As I hugged the trembling Emilie, I thought to myself. Am I really caring for the mother and child? I feel like I am pushing them into a corner.
Ah, so the parental leave system is pretty strict.

Chapter Text

"Oh, Lorenz. I thought you were dismissed."

Even though it was my first time at the castle since my parental leave ended, Lord Hartmut, smiling, said something outrageous.

You're joking, right?

You're not serious, are you?

"I apologize for the inconvenience I caused everyone during my leave. I'm relieved that my desk is still here..."

Looking at where my desk should have been, I was speechless.

On the desk was a mountain of wooden signs and brand new Ehrenfest paper, and there was no place to work.
There was a wooden box next to the desk, and it was filled with wooden signs, probably because they didn't fit on the desk.

"Th-this is..."

"Yes, Lorenz is the first person to take parental leave, so we need him to submit that report and make further contributions."

"...I'll do my best."

I'm in despair.

I must prepare myself for not being able to return to the mansion for the entire tour.

I asked my attendant to bring out a round table, where I gradually removed the wooden tags.
I wonder how many days it will take before I can put them on the desk...

Later, Roderick told me with a sympathetic look on his face.
"Hartmut wanted to be the first to acquire the system proposed by Lady Rozemyne. Over the past few days, Hartmut has been happily increasing the amount of work for Lorentz. The same thing will probably happen when Lorentz's child attends the temple class, and when he is chosen as Lady Rozemyne's child's aide."
That must be tough... said Roderick, sympathizing.
However, I didn't want to know about that future.

When the bell rang to announce the passage of one hour, Lady Rozemyne arrived accompanied by two large Shumils like those found in the Noble Academy library.
The beautiful girl playing with Shumils, whose magic stones were sparkling on their foreheads, looked as if she had escaped from the Garden of the Gods.
"Oh Lorenz. I wonder if you were able to use your break productively?"
Ah, I'm remembering my break.
When I went to gather forage in the forest with the help of a knight, I was confronted with a stronger magical beast than I had expected and prepared to die, and when I was creating an amulet, I drank a lot of healing potions while compounding it in an attempt to complete it during my break.
Yes, it was certainly very productive.

I discussed with Emilie how to educate our children, and we felt a sense of solidarity that we had never felt before...
When I told her that, Lady Rozemyne smiled and said, "It wasn't quite what I had intended, but I hope you were able to spend your time productively."
I wonder what Lady Rozemyne had intended.

"More importantly, Hartmut, didn't I tell you not to use Lorenz's desk as a storage space? It must be a shame for Lorenz."
"Ah, I forgot. In that case, I'll take this wooden tablet."
And with that, Lady Hartmut moved the wooden box to his seat.
It was an accident... I thought it was just a prank.
I'm sorry.

"Let me introduce you to Lorenz. These Shumil-type magical tools are the Aub's guards."
"Their names are Nelly and Lisa. Lord Ferdinand made them. Aren't they cute?"
Lord Ferdinand and Rozemyne were introduced briefly, but... it was clear that they used several incredibly complicated magic circles, and that a huge amount of magical power was required just to move them.

"There are two more, but I'll introduce them to you another time."
While I was struggling to make the amulet, two more were made... Just imagining the production process makes me feel like I'm going to collapse from a lack of magical power.

Lord Hartmut is joking again.
"Lorenz, Shumil-type magical tools are very powerful. When they fought the enemy at Ehrenfest, it seems that the whole area was a sea of blood. Why don't you try attacking Nelly and Lisa, Lorenz?"

Hahaha... I could only chuckle dryly.
"Lorenz, Lady Rozemyne hates blood. Don't worry, it won't be a sea of blood. However, it will be so painful that she will beg to be killed... it's a shame that we won't have a chance to try it out."

Let's stay away from Shumil-type magical tools.
I vowed to myself.

It was lunchtime.
I suddenly had a question and asked Lady Hartmut.
"Hartmut, Shumil has joined the guards, but who is Lady Rozemyne's chief escort knight?"

"That's a good question. At the moment, no chief escort knight has been appointed. The biggest reason is probably that there is no knight stronger than Lord Ferdinand. Shumil only listens to orders from Lord Ferdinand and Lady Rozemyne."
I have certainly heard many rumors about how strong Lord Ferdinand is.
But that being said, he probably won't have time to serve as the chief escort knight.

"The second reason is Lady Rozemyne's own strength. If Lady Rozemyne, the incarnation of our goddess, were to use intimidation in earnest, there would be no one in Yurgenschmidt who she couldn't defeat, even if she were to search for them. Except for Lord Ferdinand."
So does that mean that the two strongest members of Yurgenschmidt are together in our Alexandria?

"Besides, if she makes good use of the amulet that Lord Ferdinand gave her, Lady Rozemyne could easily destroy other territories by herself."
...That makes her a walking weapon of massacre, doesn't it?

"The last reason is probably due to what Lady Rozemyne looks for in her guards. All of Lady Rozemyne's guardian knights are excellent. In terms of loyalty, none can match Angelica, and she will not hesitate to turn her blade against Lord Ferdinand if necessary."
What?! I felt that she was faithful to her duties, but I was surprised to see such a strong core in that delicate young lady.

"Cornelius also cares for Lady Rozemyne, but he feels more for her as his brother than as her guardian knight. Lady Rozemyne wants her chief guardian knight to protect what she holds dear rather than being loyal to her. There are no knights in Alexandria who fit that description."

"I heard that when you were in Ehrenfest, a lower-ranking knight was your chief guardian knight. Was that lower-ranking knight able to protect what Lady Rozemyne holds dear?"
"You knew. Yes, Lady Rozemyne trusted Damuel a lot. To the point that I was a little jealous."

He said it with a smile, but how was Damuel treated by Lord Hartmut?
I was worried, even though I've never met him.

Chapter Text

"Hartmut, are there any materials suitable for the Lord's Jureve in the castle's material storage? I want to prepare them before winter. After checking, I would like you to help me compound the Lord's Jureve."

Ferdinand suddenly said this in the middle of autumn.

Hearing this, Rozemyne put her hand on her cheek, tilted her head, and gently asked a question.

"Ferdinand, why are you in such a hurry to make the Jureve?"

"I have to go to the Noble Academy in winter. Who knows what will happen there."

Will a situation arise at the Noble Academy where the Jureve will be needed?

It's true that she is Yurgenschmidt's first underage Lord, so there may be some who plot something bad, but... does she have the power to destroy another territory with just a talisman?

Would anyone be willing to commit such a suicidal act?

As I tilt my head just like Rozemyne, the aides from Ehrenfest nodded vigorously around me.

"I'm actually worried about letting you go alone."
"Ferdinand is overprotective. I don't think the gods would call you that many times."
"Stop it. When you say that, I have a feeling it's going to become a reality."

So you were expecting the gods to call you, not a noble from another territory!
And it seems that being called by the gods is not a metaphor, but a physical thing. There are still many mysteries surrounding our goddess of Alexandria.

"Ahh, I'm getting depressed about going to the Noble Academy..."
"It'll be fine, I'll do everything I can. You go without worrying."
Rozemyne looked down and her hair, reminiscent of the night sky, fell, and Ferdinand picked it up and gently kissed it.

I, I saw something I shouldn't have seen!
I quickly looked away.

"That's not what I meant. If you go to the Noble Academy, you'll only be able to meet Ferdinand on Saturdays, won't you?"
"Are you planning on coming back every Saturday?"
"In truth, I want to come back every night. If I take my eyes off Ferdinand, he'll neglect his food and sleep."
There's no point in taking my eyes off him!

The sweet whispers between the fiancées that I can hear in my ears make my face turn red.
The lord of my territory seems to value his fiancée's food and sleep more than the gods' interference.
I've never heard of a student coming back every Saturday, let alone every night...

Emilie and I don't do it every night either.
No, it's not autumn yet for Rozemyne.
Therefore, winter can't have arrived... probably.

I shook my head to shake off my fearful thoughts, and saw Ferdinand peeking Rozemyne out from under his sleeve.
Emerging from inside the sleeve, Lady Rozemyne places her hand on her crimson cheek, her eyes moist.
It's obvious what was going on inside the sleeve.
I prefer to do such things in a secret room.
I've decided that tonight I'll hide Emilie in my sleeve too.

"Speaking of winter, what were the children's rooms like in Ahrensbach in winter?"
Lady Rozemyne asks me, whose mind was wandering to Emilie.
"There was a children's room in the castle, but not many people used it. Since it doesn't snow, people bring their children to socialize."
"I see, so things are different when the climate is different. Would people use the temple classroom instead of the children's room?"

"The people from the provinces who come to the noble district only in the winter don't know about the temple classroom, so we must first spread the word. And since there is a strong aversion to the temple, we may need to offer something more to counter that... For example, we could hint that we intend to select many of the aides to Lady Rozemyne and Lady Letizia from those who attend the temple classroom. However, I'm worried about how the grey and blue apprentices will be treated if so many nobles come and go."

"Hehe, I'll be fine if I leave it to Lorenz. Please write a report on the operation of the children's room and any problems that come with it."
What a surprise! I already have my hands full, but I've been asked to do more.

"Please set a separate fee for the temple school for children coming from the provinces as a winter special course. Please consult with the teachers regarding the content of the education."
Ah, even though I was only taking on one task, the things I have to think about are branching out more and more.
I look around for help, but no one looks at me.

Hartmut whispers from behind me, "Lorenz, make sure you make time to teach Rozemyne about her great achievements during the winter special course at the temple school."
I don't think I'll have time to hide Emilie under my sleeve tonight.

Chapter Text

I'm Emilie.
I'm a mid-ranking noble whose husband is an aide to the Aub.
My husband was originally a timid person, with only his earnestness as a redeeming feature.
He was definitely not the type of person to be the center of attention at a tea party for high-ranking nobles like this.

"Hey, Emilie. It seems that Lorentz has gained the Aub's trust recently, doesn't he? I hear that out of the new aides, he's the one they rely on the most."
That's true.
The Aub has a veteran aide who serves from Ehrenfest, and a newer aide from Ahrensbach.
Although my husband is a new aide, it seems that the amount of work he takes on exceeds that of the veterans.

"I am truly surprised as well. Lately he has been unable to return home often, and I am worried that he may collapse one day."
"Oh, perhaps he is not resting at the temple? I heard that he has been frequenting the temple recently. I heard that the orphanage where the workshop was established has a merciful shrine maiden like the Virgin Mary, so I wonder if Lord Lorentz is also receiving her mercy."

What are you saying! Are you trying to say that Lorentz is buying flowers?
I believe her husband bought the grey shrine maiden and made her his mistress... Please don't lump them together.

"Now that I think of it, I've heard rumors like this too. Apparently he's close with a female civil servant who is close to Lady Letizia, and they are often seen coming out of the castle's small meeting room together... The woman would call out to him in the hallways, and it seemed like he didn't want to get in between them."
No way, Lorentz...

Lorentz likens me to Effloremme, and even sent me a bookshelf full of love poems.
When I asked him to stop, he said something childish like "Only if you'll be my Geduldh," and he's a cute person.
I can't imagine him having eyes for anyone other than me.
"Isn't that right, Lady Gudrun?"
When I asked Lady Gudrun for help, she thought about it for a bit before answering.
"I don't think Lorentz would be so easily distracted, but he may be someone everyone loves. The Aub's personal musician also said that it was fun to compose music with Lorentz."
"Wow! You're composing music with a musician?!"
A scream-like, festive voice rose up in the room.

"By the way, when I invited the Gilberta Company to my mansion... I actually wanted a hair accessory made by the Aub's personal craftsman."
That's not fair! I want one too!! Voices like this rose up.
"But they turned me down... When I asked them if it was difficult even for one of the Aub's aides, they said that they had made a special order for Lorentz, who was introduced by the Aub. Do you know, Emilie?"
"I don't know..."
The Gilberta Company came to the mansion the other day and I bought some rinsham from them, but there was no mention of hair accessories.
At the time, there was also a hair accessory craftsman who was the Aub's personal assistant...
Who on earth gave Lorentz the hair accessory?
While I was lost in thought, the tea party had ended before I knew it.

That night, Lorentz returned home quite late.
"Lorentz, are you home now?"
"Emilie, you're awake? I've been busy lately, and if I sleep for a bell I have to go back to work."
I stared at my husband, thinking back to the conversation we had had that day.
"Are you resting at the temple? Do you know the Virgin Mary of the orphanage?"
"You mean Lady Wilma? She is certainly a merciful woman, like the Virgin Mary."
So that Virgin Mary is called Wilma.
"Are you also receiving mercy from this person?"
"What are you saying! I'm just asking Wilma-san to do illustrations for my new book. Wilma-san doesn't like men. There's no reason for you to be worried."
"Then what about Letizia-sama's aide? I heard that they're alone together at the castle."
Lorentz laughed, saying how knowledgeable he was, and I felt myself getting more and more angry.
"She planned the temple class for Letizia-sama. I was the one who organized it, so I just gave her some advice."
"So you won't be seeing her again? The temple class has started, hasn't it?"
Lorentz's wandering eyes are a habit when he has something to hide.
"The truth is, I was given a new mission for the temple classroom... well... I was short on manpower, so I asked her to assist me. That's why we were discussing it until just now..."
"You two alone until this time?!"
"There's nothing to be ashamed of! Next time, let's have someone else join us. That's right, you'll feel more at ease if it's Lord Edwin, right? Let's do that!"
"I understand, if it's work, I can't help it."
Lorentz must have felt relieved and thirsty now that I had stepped back.
He poured water from the pitcher and drank it from a goblet.
However, I couldn't let up on my questioning here.
"Then what about the story about you enjoying composing with the Aub's personal musician!"
Lorentz spat out the water. "W-where did you hear such a thing!?"
"Lady Gudrun told me."
"Justus' sister, eh? I've never met her before... but that's part of the job. The new book will also include sheet music."
"Don't blame it all on the new book! I've never heard of such a miscellaneous book."
"But it's true..."
What a poor lie.
I'm in tears.

"You thought I wouldn't notice that you copied the poetry book you gave me from my bookshelf and gave it to someone else!? To whom did you give it?! You're probably giving the hair ornaments you had made by Aub's personal hair ornament craftsman to that woman too! Tell me, to whom will you dedicate your poems next!"
"It's Aub, Aub wanted the poetry book!"
"You're in love with Aub!?"
How reckless!!

"Absolutely not! If you do something like that, Ferdinand will kill you, so don't even joke about it. Lady Rozemyne is crazy about books. If she asks about the books in our house, she says I have to transcribe them all and present them to her."
"How disrespectful, you say..."

"It seems it's a title for Lady Rozemyne... And as a token of appreciation, she gave me permission to make a hair accessory. I had it made secretly to surprise Emilie, but maybe that backfired. I called a craftsman and had it made with a design just for Emilie."
"Well, was the hair accessory a gift for me?"
"Who else could it be besides you? The new book will also contain a new poem dedicated to you. I was planning to give you the hair accessory along with the poem... Would you like to have it when it's finished?"

Ah, who could say no?
My dear Lorentz.
"I'm sorry I doubted you. I think I was fascinated by Kao Chaocipher. You've been so dignified lately that it's made me uneasy. I can't wait to spin Dregarnuhr."
"Oh, Emilie. Can I hide in your sleeve?"
I slipped quietly into Lorentz's sleeve.

The next morning, Lorentz went to work as soon as he confirmed that I was asleep.

When I was receiving Schlattraum's blessing, Justus teased Lorentz by saying, "Oh, isn't it too early for the snow to melt?"

"Justus knows everything," he muttered.

Chapter Text

As promised to Emilie, I have decided to involve Lord Edwin in planning the operation of the temple classrooms in winter.

"Lord Edwin, please make a list of all children of local nobles between the ages of 7 and 9. From that list, please make another list of children who used the children's rooms until last year. I expect these children will be happy to use the temple classrooms.
Lady Henriette, please set up educational content for children who will only be using the classrooms in winter. The difficult question is to what extent they should share rooms with the commoner children currently using the temple classrooms. Many of the nobles currently using the classrooms have little aversion to them. It probably won't be the same."

"In terms of the abilities of commoner children, I think it should be fine for them to share rooms for basic letters, arithmetic, and geography. You want them to study together as much as possible, right, Lord?"
"That is correct. Let's let them play together in games such as karuta and reading picture books to them. I'm a bit worried about how commoners will behave, but I think they should be able to play karuta with them. There are probably some parts where they will open up to the nobles after losing. I can see how frustrated the nobles will be. The basic knowledge of theology is high for blue and gray apprentices. It will be a good stimulus for the nobles."

"In that case, I want to show off the high ability of the apprentices at the tour and wipe away their disdain for the temple people."
"Hmm, but adult nobles who give preconceived ideas will be a hindrance. I'll ask Rozemyne and Letizia to socialize with the adult nobles and let the children get used to the temple first. The adult nobles from the provinces want to meet the Aub. They will be lured in by this and many will come to the tour. Edwin, please create a guide for a tea party during the tour for the nobles in question. I will ask the Aub for permission."

When I called out to Edwin, he looked at me with his mouth wide open.
"Do you always do this kind of work? Lorentz, are you such a fast worker?"
"There isn't much time until the opening banquet, Lord Edwin. If we don't hurry, winter will come."
"However, I can't create a list or announce the tea party right away."

I sighed and told Lord Edwin.
"I'm not talking about whether you can or can't. You have to do it."

After that, I left Lord Edwin, who was panicking, and went to discuss it further with Lady Henriette.
If more nobles from the provinces use the temple and their academic ability improves, people from the noble district will flock to the temple classes.
Since children from the noble district can attend all year round, I would like to show them the benefits of that.

I must spread the word that regular donations to the temple will grant them protection...
Ah, I really must speed up the creation of that book.

A few days passed, and we were finally able to have tea time as we waited for approval.
As he tilted his cup, Lord Edwin began to speak, remembering something.
"Lorentz, the other day the tax collector told me about the harvest festival tally."

Ah, a report had also been submitted to the Aub's office.
"The harvest was three to five times that of last year. It seems to be the highest on record."
"That is good news, Lord Edwin."

"How can you remain calm? No matter how much the goddess' healing power worked, how can there be such a big difference?"
Even though the winters in this land are warm, people will die if they do not have enough to eat. Last year, many people died of starvation and freezing to death, and many villages were lost.

This year, we will surely be able to prepare for the winter so that we do not starve.
It's all thanks to Lady Rozemyne's healing magic circle. That night, the forests returned to greenery, the soil regained its fertility, and the sea emitted a crystal-clear light.

"Lord Edwin, next year we will increase the harvest even more. This year we did not have any savings from last year, and were unable to plant enough seeds. But next year we will have savings. We will get through the winter without hunger, and we will have more people to work. I am looking forward to it."
"I see, so in Alexandria we can look forward to next year."
Yes, it is probably the first time that both nobles and commoners have had the experience of looking forward to the next year.
Of all the things that Lady Rozemyne has given, the most precious thing is "hope."

( *^-^)ρ(^0^* )

"Emilie, Lorentz has changed."

"Do you think so too, Father?"

Father and daughter nodded to each other as they drank tea after dinner.

"When you said you wanted to marry a lower-ranking nobleman, I knew I had to oppose it at all costs... but now that I think about it, Emilie, you were right."

"I was simply moved by Lorentz's sincerity. But that sincerity is probably what makes him so good. Just show him the direction, like Aub Alexandria did, and he will give you the best results. Lorentz has found the best master for himself."

"But Lorentz has a lot of work to do. Emilie, you'll have to support him."

Emilie took her mouth off the cup and smiled.
"Oh, Father. You've been drawn into Lorentz's work, haven't you? From now on, more and more Lorentz work will come your way. Are you sure, Father?"
"What a frightening thing to say! I've had enough!"

Chapter Text

"Ferdinand, are you sure you don't want to have any winter social gatherings?"
"I'm Ferdinand. It's about time you got used to it, Aub."

One day, just before the First Banquet on the following Saturday, Rozemyne exclaimed in surprise.
Ferdinand was immediately told to drop the title, but Rozemyne didn't seem to hear.
"Ferdinand, isn't the Aub invited to dinners and tea parties during the winter? Are you sure you don't want to go?"

Ferdinand sighed, as if he had given up.
"Either way, you're still a student. You have to go to the Noble Academy, right? While you have a just cause, use it. You're not good at socializing, are you? Alexandria is yours. There's no need for you to force yourself."

"I love you, Ferdinand!"
The moment Rozemyne raised her hands and revealed her affection, particles of light rained down from the ceiling, surprising Ferdinand, who froze for a moment and then cleared his throat.
"You've just got a sister-in-law, haven't you? Let Leonore go. You can use Cornelius if necessary. If you absolutely have to go, I'll be there with you. You'll feel more at ease with me, right?"

As Ferdinand looked into her eyes, narrowing his eyes kindly, Rozemyne's face broke out in delight. "Yes, as long as Ferdinand is by my side, I have nothing to fear."
"I see."
The office was filled with an indescribably sweet atmosphere, and the underage aide blushed and bowed his head, unable to bear it.
I had the disrespectful thought that perhaps he just didn't want Rozemyne, who is his Geduldh, to go out socially alone.

"So, I'll leave the two of you together for the opening banquet, but what about the tour of the temple classroom? Letizia will be there too..."
When Hartmut asked, Rozemyne hurriedly denied it.
"Letizia and I will be going to the tour! I want to show Letizia what I'm good at."

Ferdinand gave a wry smile, as if he was both exasperated and helpless.
"It's Letizia. You're still weak when it comes to younger people. I'll allow it if you can behave properly as a lord."
"I'll do my best, Lord Ferdinand!!"
Needless to say, the aides in the office all looked at the hopeless child with eyes like that.

Even so, it seems that Lady Rozemyne is very fond of Lady Letizia.
It hasn't been stated clearly yet, but is it true that the rumor is that she will adopt Lady Letizia after the star knot?

Since Lady Letizia is a candidate for lordship of the former Ahrensbach, few people would likely say anything bad about her being removed from the lordship candidates...
Perhaps it is this mercy that makes Lady Rozemyne known as a saint.

Thus, until Saturday, Lady Rozemyne, face flushed, eyes moist, practiced calling out "Ferdinand" over and over again, and each time we felt embarrassed, and we spent incredibly happy days together.
And so Saturday arrived, and it was the feast that marked the beginning of winter.

Lady Rozemyne was wearing red precious cloth, and Lord Ferdinand was wearing matching white precious cloth embroidered with gold thread.
It suited them very well... it was as if Geduldh and Eviliebe had come into the world.

What really caught my eye was Lady Rozemyne's new hair ornament.
I was already amazed by the previous hair ornament with five dangling rainbow magic stones, but the ornament she is wearing today is even more intricately crafted with magical silver.
It appears to be the same design as the betrothal magic stone on her chest, and it is obvious that it was made by her fiancé, Ferdinand.

It is likely intended to keep in check the male nobles she will meet in the future.
Lady Rozemyne behaves cheerfully, but I wonder if she is aware of Evilive's intentions.
When I think that anyone who proposes to the Aub in the future will have to create a magical tool of courtship that surpasses that hair ornament, I feel sorry for the men she has yet to meet.

In the midst of all the major nobles from Alexandria in attendance, Lady Rozemyne was escorted by Ferdinand to the stage.
Just the two of them walking across the picturesque carpet caused dreamy sighs to be heard from all around.

After smiling at Letizia, who was sitting on the left side of the stage, Lady Rozemyne turned around.
"Once again this year, the earth goddess Geduldh has been hidden by the life goddess Eviliebe. We must all pray together for the arrival of spring."
With a signal from Lady Rozemyne, the opening banquet began.

First, her real brother, Lord Cornelius, and his first wife, Lady Leonore, were introduced, and it was announced that they would be filling in for Lady Rozemyne while she was away at the Noble House.
The baptism and investiture ceremonies were then held without incident.

"Hey, Lorentz, please introduce me to Aub as well."
At the social gathering in the afternoon, my lovely Emilie begged me to introduce her, but it would be a while before we could say hello.
Right now, influential nobles were surrounding Aub and his fiance.

"Aub, let me introduce my eldest son. I hear you like harspiel. My eldest son is also quite skilled. How about some comfort for Evilive's long nights?"
"Well, you're good at harspiel, aren't you? I've been composing with Ferdinand and increasing the number of scores. If your son has written a song, I'd love to have the score, right Ferdinand?"
"Yes, Aub. If there's a good song, I'll play it for you every night."
Ferdinand, I don't think that's a good thing to say!

"Well, Lord Ferdinand! I'm good at singing. I'd love to have you accompany me. Please come to the mansion any time, I'll arrange flowers for you."
"The flowers in Alexandria are beautiful. The castle has particularly beautiful flowers, and I really enjoy taking care of them."
"Oh, I didn't know Ferdinand was taking care of flowers. If you like, please pick one."
Lady Rozemyne, that's it, that's not enough!

Maybe because I was shaking my head too much, but my eyes met with Lady Rozemyne's.
"Oh, Lorentz. Let me introduce you to everyone. This is my aide, Lorentz Zohn Zuberg, a very capable civil servant."
I felt the eyes of all the high-ranking nobles in the area turn towards me.

"Lorentz is highly trusted by the Aub and is extremely busy. I ask for everyone's cooperation."
Hearing Ferdinand's words, some of the crowd around the Aub moved to my side.
"Lorentz, I would really like to sponsor my family. I have a niece who is the right age for you."
"No, I would really like you to escort my daughter to her graduation ceremony."

Ferdinand, you sacrificed me...
Emilie next to me has a terrifying smile on her face.

Chapter Text

The day when Lady Rozemyne will go to the Noble Academy is approaching.

As a senior student, Lady Rozemyne would normally be admitted to the dormitory early, but due to the need to work until the last minute, she will be transferred with the first-years.

"Ferdinand, are you sure you don't want me to come home on Saturdays? I'll be leaving all of the work to Ferdinand."

"Once you return, you'll need to socialize, won't you? Besides, managing the Alexandria dormitory of the Noble Academy is an important job for the Aub."

The hard-working Lady Rozemyne probably feels bad about leaving all of her work to Ferdinand, who is still technically a part of Ehrenfest.

"But I'm worried about Ferdinand. Is he eating properly? Is he neglecting his sleep?"

Ah, it seems that she was not worried about the work, but about Ferdinand's life.
"Aub, if you are worried, don't forget to contact us at the regular time every day. If you forget to contact us at the regular time, I might forget to eat."

"I will never forget to contact the Seven Bells to keep an eye on Ferdinand!"
"You must never forget those words..."

Apparently, Lady Rozemyne and Lord Ferdinand contact the Seven Bells every night. I've been busy with work lately, and there are days when I can't see Emilie... I'm so envious.
Even so, Lord Ferdinand is really good at guiding Lady Rozemyne.

Then the day came when Lady Rozemyne was to head to the Noble Academy.
"Ferdinand, if anything happens, please let me know."
Surrounded by four Shumils, Lady Rozemyne turned around in front of the teleportation circle and Ferdinand emphasized this.
Yes, this was the same conversation that had been taking place in the office just a moment ago.

"Aub, please do not make your own decisions, but always consult me."
"I leave the food to Justus, so please listen to what Justus says."
"Aub, please be careful not to cause trouble for your attendants. Do not jump at a book even if it is in front of you."
"You must sleep properly in your bed at night. You must not be absorbed in your research in a secret room."
"You cannot bring books into your bed. No matter how much your body has grown, please do not stay up late reading."
"If someone says something unpleasant to you in a social situation, please tell me. I would hate to have to put up with it."
"We also have a new territory this year. If anyone invites you to a tea party, please do not accept it casually at your own discretion."

Ah, the two of them have been arguing for about half a bell.
"Aub Alexandria, it's time."
The person in charge of the teleportation circle has been acting all flustered for a while now...

"Yes, I understand, Ferdinand..."
"I look forward to you returning to the dedication ceremony."
Ferdinand gently touched Rozemyne's cheek, and she rubbed her cheek against his hand.

You mustn't look, you mustn't look, everyone.
It was a familiar sight to the aides, but for the rest of the castle, such sweet contact would be a pain in the eyes.

The person in charge of the teleportation circle had turned pale, and his mouth was agape, as if he had forgotten how to breathe.
Justus urged him, "Rozemyne, it's about time," and when he reluctantly removed his fingertips from her cheek, the aides all sighed in relief.

Once Rozemyne disappeared, everyone started to move quickly.
While Lady Rozemyne is away, I must not let work slow down and worry her.
I enter my study with a renewed sense of alertness.

It's strange, but the study feels somehow colder without Lady Rozemyne here.
I'm not Ferdinand, but I too am looking forward to your speedy return.

Chapter Text

Ferdinand has been gazing wistfully out the window more often.
At first, I thought there was something outside, but I see, that direction is the center.
Ferdinand must be very curious about Rozemyne at the Noble Academy.

His gaze was reminiscent of the strong bond between the two of them, as if he were pursuing two halves of one body.
Almost two weeks had passed since Rozemyne left for the Noble Academy, and that day again Ferdinand was looking out the window with that same gaze.

"I hope you return soon."
By the time I realized what I had done, he had already said it.

"I... I'm so sorry!"
It would be a shame for me to consider Ferdinand's feelings, let alone say it aloud.
I quickly got off my chair and knelt down, and Ferdinand smiled softly.
"Good. Justus, let's take a break."
"Yes, let's make Lady Rozemyne's favorite tea today."

...I was surprised.
Was Lord Ferdinand always smiling so softly?
I've seen him since the Ahrensbach days, but I don't think he ever showed this face to his fiancée back then.

Lord Ferdinand has changed.
It must be because Lady Rozemyne is by his side.
Ah, I can't help but hope that the blessing of Sterrat will soon shower upon the two of you.

"Hmm, it smells good."
That was the moment Ferdinand picked up the cup.
The cup fell to the table and broke, making an unpleasant sound, and Ferdinand collapsed to the floor.
At the same time, a rainbow-colored light overflowed from Ferdinand's chest and enveloped him.

"Ferdinand!"
Justus and Eckhart ran over and looked at each other in shock.
"Contact the princess!"
"Call Rozemyne!"

I ran off.
All I knew was that something very ominous had happened, and that Rozemyne was probably the only one who could help.
It just so happened that we were on break, so the three of them and I were the only ones in the office.

Feeling frustrated that I could run faster if I were a knight, I sent Ordnance to the knight in the teleportation chamber.
"I need you to hurry and relay this to the Aub! I need you to return to your domain immediately!"

I wonder if Rozemyne has returned to her dorm.
The Noble Academy is where students from all territories gather. If she hasn't returned to her dorm, if we can get Ordonnanz to tell her about Ferdinand's strange behavior, it will spread instantly throughout Yurgenschmidt.
Ferdinand's strange behavior will be Alexandria's weakness.

If that's the case...
I jumped into the teleportation chamber where Ordonnanz was shouting, and requested a teleport to the Noble Academy.

"An urgent message to the Aub! Go to the Noble Academy!"
I snatched the spare brooch and teleported to the Noble Academy.
I hope Lady Rozemyne is at her dorm...

I teleported to the teleportation chamber of the Alexandria dorms, and decided to send Ordnance to Lord Lieselotte first.

"This is Lorentz. Please tell Lady Rozemyne to hurry back to Alexandria."

As I left the waiting room and entered the multipurpose hall, I saw Lady Rozemyne running down the stairs.

Thank goodness, Lady Rozemyne is here!

"Lorentz, what happened?"

Should I use a magic tool to prevent eavesdropping? I thought about it for a moment, but I didn't want to waste time, so I leaned close to Lady Rozemyne's ear and spoke.
"Lord Ferdinand has collapsed."

"...! I'm going back to Alexandria."

With a stiff face, Rozemyne hurries into the teleportation chamber.

( *^-^)ρ(^0^* )

When I ran back to my study, I found Lady Rozemyne with her hands on Ferdinand's neck.
"Lady Rozemyne, I can barely feel Ferdinand's magical power," Justus complained impatiently.

"Yes, that seems to be the case. But is this... a remnant of the gods? If this is the work of the gods... I must return to the Noble Academy. Justus, do you have Ferdinand's Jureve?"
"No."
Justus gritted his teeth and looked down.

"I have my Jureve. Let's move to my room. Hartmut, Justus, please prepare first. Please send the knights away. Everyone, please follow me."
It seemed Ferdinand was going to soak in Jureve in Lady Rozemyne's room.
But was it okay for me to go with him?

As I hesitated, Lady Rozemyne spoke.
"Lorentz, I'm going to tell you something important. As the representative of the former Ahrensbach, I want you to take note of it on parchment. Please prepare."
"Understood."

Ferdinand was to be soaked in the bathtub in Rozemyne's room.
Meanwhile, gathered in the reception room were the adult aides from Ehrenfest, Zelgius, Strahl, and myself, who was acting as a scribe.
Rozemyne entered the reception room and began to speak slowly, as if gathering her thoughts.

"I will return to the Noble House and ask the gods for help. I do not know how long I will be away from the castle. Therefore, I would like everyone here to protect Alexandria while Ferdinand and I are away. Justus and Hartmut will be in charge of the main duties, Strahl will handle matters related to the Knights, Cornelius and his wife will be in charge of internal social matters, and Clarissa will be in charge of external social matters. I ask that no one notices our absence as much as possible."

"But the magic of the foundation..."
That's right. With Letizia at the Noble House, not a single member of the lord's family can enter the supply room.

Hartmut spoke up, and Rozemyne gently handed him something.
"Hartmut, please supply it with magical power."
"This... can't be!?"

"Yes, you still have a lot of magic stones containing my magic, right? I want you to enter the Foundation Hall directly and supply it with those magic stones. That should be fine for a while. If you run out of magic stones, Hartmut, please dye the Foundation."
What a thing! It appears that Rozemyne was given the key to the Foundation Hall.
No matter how much she trusted Hartmut, is this something that can be forgiven?

Being able to freely enter the Foundation Hall means that the territory can easily be taken over.
I would understand if the lord handed it over to his family, but Hartmut is nothing more than a high-ranking civil servant.

I felt my hand shaking as I held the pen.
"Lorentz, did you record it? I fear that Hartmut will be accused of treason. Everyone here is a witness. I trust Hartmut and leave the foundation to him. Is that okay?"

Ah, Lady Rozemyne is serious.
How could we deny her gaze when she looked into our hearts with those moon-like eyes?
All we could do was kneel down there and show our submission.

At that moment, Ordnance flew in from the knight in the teleportation chamber.

"Aub Alexandria. The Noble House has requested that you return immediately. The Goddess of Time has descended upon Lady Hannelore of Dunkelfelger and has summoned you."
"You came from over there?"
Lady Rozemyne glared and muttered, before receiving the order with a flourish.

"Lieseleta, I'll change into clothes that are easier to move in. Hartmut, Clarissa, gather any healing potions and magical items that might be useful."
Sister Rozemyne heads towards the teleportation circle with the bravery of someone about to go into battle.

She is wearing the same beast riding outfit as Ferdinand.
The last time I saw her, she was riding happily alongside Ferdinand's beast... But now she is heading out alone.

Please, gods, lend Rozemyne and Ferdinand your strength.
I hope to see the two of them walking side by side again.

Chapter Text

Justus was worried.

It was spring.
The story goes that a season had just passed since the founding of Alexandria.
The Aub and his fiancée were from Ehrenfest, so most of his aides were also from Ehrenfest. They hadn't brought many people with them, so there was an overwhelming shortage. They needed to bring in aides from Ahrensbach, especially civil servants.

Their master, Ferdinand, knew that, and had also been consulted by Hartmut, the Aub's top civil servant.
For that reason, Justus had put forward candidates from among the civil servants working in the castle who he thought were the right fit...
Were the conditions too strict?

First, he should be a man. It would be difficult for a woman to serve for a long time.

Second, he should be a high-ranking noble.
The princess's aides were already few and far between, and she was looked down upon. She didn't want to be looked down upon any more.

Third, do not be overbearing towards lower-ranking nobles, the temple, or commoners.
This is important.
Since the Princess's business is mainly run by commoners, if you are overbearing towards them, the Princess will undoubtedly intimidate you.

And fourth.
This is the most difficult, but make the Princess show interest.

A long time ago, a commoner said that the Princess is indifferent to things that do not interest her.
I tried out the candidates at Entwickeln and the Lords' Council, and asked if there was anyone the Princess would like to employ, but the reply was "Everyone is excellent, so anyone would be fine," which showed very little interest.
I don't think that's a bad thing, but... it's not interesting.

Those who the Princess likes generally do interesting work.
Wouldn't it be more interesting if the new servants were also ones who attract the Princess's interest?

However, high-ranking nobles are good at hiding their emotions.
It's true that those who are good at hiding their emotions are less likely to interest the Princess.

Maybe I should broaden my horizons a bit...
Justus heads to the library to see if he can find any clues.

When it comes to the Princess's interests, there's no way to talk without books.
If there was a civil servant who would donate a book to the castle library, that would make things easier.
But to his disappointment, there was no one like that.
Of course.

If there is a fool who would donate a book to the library and contribute to the castle when the territory is in decline, he must be incompetent as a civil servant.
So maybe it's the reference room?
He opened the door to the reference room without any expectations.

There seems to be not many people coming and going, and the air is a little mouldy.
Among the piles of wooden tags and parchment documents, he saw white Ehrenfest paper stacked on the nearest bookshelf.
I thought it was a document left by one of his aides, but there was an unfamiliar signature on it.

"Lorentz Zorn Zuberg?"
I'm sure there was a civil servant with that name working at the castle. He was an inconspicuous, timid man with no ambition.
Looking at the contents, it was nothing special, just the price fluctuations of parchment. But over the years, it suggested that he was a serious person.

Hmm, let's look into it.

I casually asked the castle staff, and he really did seem like an inconspicuous man.
He was originally a low-ranking apprentice civil servant in the Gibe territory in the south, and it seems that he married the daughter of a middle-ranking noble at the noble academy and became his wife.
The middle-ranking noble family, the Zuberg family, also seem to have little ambition for success, as they married a lower-ranking noble.

Through an introduction by Edwin, the head of the Zuberg family, the son-in-law also ended up working at the castle.
He seems like an average guy, but...

When I returned to the office, the guard knights were busy with their work, along with the civil servants.
Everyone was using a calculator as if it was the most natural thing in the world, so it was interesting to see that it was the princess's favorite.
Everyone in the Aub's office smiled, thinking that it should be like this.

"Lady Rozemyne, we've already found more documents about the Ehrenfest paper in the archives."
When I handed the documents to the princess, her honey-colored eyes sparkled as she looked down at the text.
The princess was really entertaining, reading the words with such amusement, even in documents like this.

"Justus, may I have this document? It's really interesting."
Oh, so the price trends of parchment are interesting?
It's true that it's rare to see wholesale and downtown prices listed for comparison, but...

"This is a document I found when I was looking for a civil servant to use in the Aub's office. If you're interested, should I call this person?"
The Princess put the document down and nodded with an excited look on her face, saying, "Yes, I'd love for you to be called."

Next to her, Ferdinand seemed interested in the Princess's behavior, and picked up the document.
He didn't say it out loud, but I could see his mouth move as if to say, "Hmm, interesting."
To have even attracted Ferdinand's attention... I wonder what it was about this document that piqued their interest.
I felt my interest pique as well.

"Lorentz, the Aub is calling for you. Please come to the office immediately."
When I called Lorentz from the castle civil servant's office, he stood up, his face pale, as if he didn't understand why he was being called.

It's not bad to have such expressive faces, he's the type worth bullying. He may be used to going down to the downtown area, since he is checking prices here and there.
It might be interesting to have him show me around the downtown area.

I can't help but laugh.
I have a feeling that things are going to be a lot of fun.

Chapter Text

"...Lord Hartmut"

Slurp, hag, ugh, hig...

"Haa...Hartmut..."

Agh, ugh, ahh, slurp, slurp...

Dirty. Very dirty.

Looking next to me, Lord Hartmut was dripping all sorts of fluids from his eyes, nose, and mouth.

Even if I wanted to ask for help, as soon as Rozemyne was teleported, Lord Ferdinand's aides ran off to the Aub's room, while Lord Cornelius and Clarissa were busy receiving royal orders and leaving, and Lord Strahl took his knights to a meeting.

I was the only one who hadn't received any orders, so I stayed behind during the teleportation and am next to Lord Hartmut.

Yes, I can understand why Lord Hartmut was so moved that he was in tears.

It would be hard not to be moved to tears if the Aub trusted him so much and entrusted him with the foundation.
Since he endured until Lady Rozemyne was teleported and out of sight, perhaps we should leave him alone, even if his face is a mess of tears, snot, and drool.

However...
"Hartmut, isn't it about time you stopped crying?"
"But, Rozemyne... higgh, I'm crying... higgh, I'm crying... ugh higgh"

Ah, I never knew Lady Hartmut was like this.
Who would have thought that someone who does everything with ease, and sometimes says mean things with a cool face, could be this hotheaded...

"Hartmut, earlier you said that Lady Rozemyne had to hide her absence, but if there was a summons from the Noble House... wouldn't everyone know that Lady Rozemyne was absent? If word of Ferdinand's incident were to leak out, wouldn't that put Alexandria in danger?"

...twitch
Lord Hartmut's tears seemed to have stopped.

"Shouldn't we first check how much information has spread within the Noble House? If possible, shouldn't we quickly manipulate the information?"

...twitch
The tension in his face seemed to have returned.

"There is no one else who could be entrusted with this task other than Lord Hartmut, who has been ordered to act for the Lord. After all, he is the person to whom the foundation can be entrusted."

...flash!
"That's right, Lorentz! What are you doing? Please contact your aides at the Noble House immediately. Please check to see how much information has been leaked to other territories. I will make an emergency contact with Zent."

"Understood."
This is how Lord Hartmut should be.

I met up with Lord Hartmut when the bell struck half-time.
First, I reported on the situation at the Noble House.
"According to information from Ehrenfest, the Goddess of Time has mentioned something strange about Ferdinand. However, it seems that this information has hardly spread to other territories. At the Noble House, the topic of Hannelore of Dunkelfelger seems to be more popular than Alexandria and Rozemyne. They say that she is the reincarnation of the goddess."

"I have called Zent to those who were at the scene and asked them to gather information and not to disclose any information that would be disadvantageous to Alexandria. Zent will be able to handle it well."
Will Zent be manipulating the information for Alexandria's sake? As I stared in shock, Lord Hartmut gave me a wry smile.

"There's a reason why Zent can't kill Lady Rozemyne. If Lady Rozemyne disappears, Zent will be finished."

What does that mean...?

"More importantly... is it the reappearance of the goddess's incarnation? It seems like it would be good bait to divert attention from Alexandria."

"Apparently, the goddess of time has descended, and suitors have already appeared for Lady Hannelore. It was witnessed by Ortwin of Drevanchel, who was present, declaring her as a potential fiancée for Dunkelfelger."

Lord Hartmut raised the corner of his mouth with a grin.

"Order the dorm students of Alexandria to stir up the times. Emphasize that the appearance of the goddess's incarnation has enriched Alexandria, and that other territories should also get their hands on the goddess's incarnation."

I couldn't help but smile wickedly as well.
"Fortunately, Lady Hannelore is a candidate for the lordship of Dunkelfelger. If we show that we can get her if we win the Ditter, it will be easier for the lower territories to raise their hands. Let's keep Alexandria out of everyone's mind."
"Lorentz, I'll leave it to you."
"As you wish."

At the time when a large-scale bride-taking Ditter was to be held, with many territories participating, including Corinthdaum, due to the much-instigated Alexandria dorm students, information was brought that Lady Hannelore had woken up.
According to Lady Lieselotte's report, Lady Rozemyne went to connect the broken threads of Lady Ferdinand. There were several tears, and one was connected during the ten days that Lady Hannelore was unconscious.

If it's one in ten days, does that mean that if there are three or four broken parts, she will return in about a month?
It's not guaranteed that it will go smoothly, but hope is building for the possibility that she will return in time for the territory competition.

Still, am I the only one who can't believe the conversation between the gods and the blessings of the stars that fell on the couple in the story?
I can't help but wonder how the people around them seem to accept meeting the gods as if it were nothing.
I wonder if I'm stubborn...

Chapter Text

Crunch crunch...
The only sound in the Aub office is the sound of a pen running.

Two months have passed since Ferdinand collapsed.

I was still in high spirits for the first two rounds, but after two more rounds, my fatigue deepened, and after a month, I had no time to sleep.

As for Hartmut, I'm even supplying the foundation, so I can't complain...

"Hey, Hartmut"

I called out to Hartmut, who had dark circles under his eyes and hollow cheeks.
I feel like I'll give in to sleepiness if I don't say something.

"What's up, Lorentz?"
We're both talking in a fluster because we don't have the energy to cover up.
I'm sure my face looks just as bad as Hartmut's.

"I've been wondering for a long time..."
I ask Hartmut without stopping my work.
"The Jureve that Lord Ferdinand is bathing in must be one infused with Lady Rozemyne's magical powers? I've never heard of a happy couple sharing a Jureve..."

I wonder if it really has any effect?
Or rather, are the two of you really in the middle of winter? I couldn't bring myself to say that, but...Hearing my question, Lord Hartmut's eyes lit up.
He always has those eyes when he talks about Lady Rozemyne, but now, combined with his terrible complexion, they look ferocious.

"There's a reason why Lady Rozemyne and Lord Ferdinand share the same magical power. Lady Rozemyne threw everything away to save Lord Ferdinand, who was imprisoned by Ahrensbach. In fact, she declared that she would go and rescue him even if it meant turning the great territories, the center, the royal family, and the gods into enemies, and she carried out that promise. Even if Yurgenschmidt collapses, it's fine as long as Ferdinand is saved."
Hartmut laughed and continued, "Isn't that wonderful? Lady Rozemyne is, in truth, more wonderful than the gods. However, I am so stupid that I cannot think of any better praise for her than to compare her to the gods. Even the gods would be jealous of Lady Rozemyne's beautiful blessings. But Lady Mestionora used her. In order to prevent Yurgenschmidt's collapse, she transferred Lady Mestionora's magical power to Lady Rozemyne. That magical power is nothing but poison to the human body. Moreover, Lady Rozemyne is weak and has no stamina, and her life was nearing its end.
Lady Mestionora's magical power—to erase it, it was necessary to use up all of that magic and overwrite it with the magic of a person. That's why Lady Rozemyne dyed Yurgenschmidt’s foundations, laid a magic circle on Ahrensbach, and after using up all of her magic, drank a potion imbued with Ferdinand's magic. When I saw Lady Rozemyne reach the heights, I cursed the gods."

Whoa, there was such a reason...
To me, the gods are things to pray to, and I have never even felt their presence, so to be honest, it feels like something from a story.
But I do understand this. "Lady Rozemyne goes to Ferdinand's rescue no matter how many times..."

"That's right. And Ferdinand lives only for Lady Rozemyne. That said, it seems Ferdinand does not have feelings for Lady Rozemyne."
Huh? I dropped my pen.

"Even if it means making all the territories, the center, the royal family, and the gods your enemies?"
"Yeah."
"But Ferdinand is more important than the collapse of Yurgenschmidt?"
"Yeah."
Hartmut laughed happily.

"But you've already tied a star to connect Ferdinand's thread?"
"Yeah. Even though your raffels are ripe, you don't seem to notice the color of your own raffels. Or maybe you need a bigger raffel to get into the goddess's field of vision."
Everyone knows Ferdinand's feelings, but Rozemyne is a sinner.

"Ferdinand is a man who never stops having trouble..."
"Ferdinand needs to try a little harder. Also, I wish he'd get up early and put away these documents."
Our attention returned to the piles of documents that had piled up, and we all sighed.

At that moment, Ordonnanz burst in.
"Ferdinand has woken up! Ferdinand has woken up! Ferdinand has..."
"Woke up!?"
Ahh! I'm finally free from my duties!!

When I rushed to the Aub's room, Ferdinand was getting his clothes ready and receiving a report from Justus.
"So, Rozemyne went to the Noble Academy, right?"
"Yes, I haven't heard anything about her return yet."

Ferdinand said firmly. "I'm going to pick up Rozemyne."
...Huh?

As I stood there dumbfounded during the teleportation, only Justus and Eckhart, who were supposed to have gone with Ferdinand, returned.
Justus said with a wry smile.
"Ferdinand has gone to the Goddess of Time."

I muttered to Hartmut.
"...Let's get back to work."

When will the two of you return?

Chapter Text

"Hartmut, I need to consult you..."
"What's the matter, Roderick? Did something happen while you were away?"
Roderick came in with a serious look on his face as soon as he returned from his inspection.

"The other day, I saw Lorentz being harassed by some high-ranking civil servants working at the castle."
...Oh, nothing like that.
Lorentz is a mid-ranking noble, so if he was suddenly promoted to aide, he would be jealous.
Lady Rozemyne likes him, so he can tolerate a little harassment when he thinks of the honour.
"Leave them alone."

"But those people called Ferdinand the bastard of the temple and despised Lady Rozemyne for being raised in the temple and being of low rank."
"Okay, let's erase them."
Say it now, Roderick.

In every territory, there are fools who cannot understand the greatness of Lady Rozemyne, who is favored by the gods.
But such fools have no right to be in Alexandria.
We must get rid of that smooth-talking idiot immediately.
How deplorable that he cannot understand the good fortune of having Rozemyne, whom all of Yurgenschmidt desires, as his Lord.

However... if someone from Ehrenfest makes too many flashy moves, the old Ahrensbach people may rebel.
Should we use him?

"Justus, do we have a moment? I think Rozemyne will talk about the temple class soon, and there is a civil servant I would like to get rid of at that opportunity. It seems there is a fool who is not shy about calling Ferdinand the temple's bastard."

"Let's cut him off." Justus holds Eckhart's shoulder as he is about to run off.
"Wait, Eckhart. That's from the old Ahrensbach. Let's have someone from the old Ahrensbach do it."

"Yes, how about having Lorentz do it?"
"That would be better." Eckhart looked unconvinced, but seemed to have given up on cutting him off.

Thus, the fool was eliminated by Lorentz, and the temple class started without incident. Ah, now it will be easier to teach Lady Rozemyne's great achievements. Children are easy to brainwash.

It might be good to make time to become a teacher at the temple class. That's right, I'll invite Clarissa too. Hartmut walked out with an excited heart.

Ah, Alexandria is a good territory.
Everywhere is filled with praise for Lady Rozemyne.

Chapter Text

"So, let's hear the report."

Three days had passed since then when Ferdinand and Rozemyne returned home together.

Although everyone had been looking forward to seeing them in the office together, seeing Rozemyne leaning over a chair as if Ferdinand was embracing her from behind, all of her aides were hesitant to report back.

Wrapped in Ferdinand's silver robe, Rozemyne placed her hand on her cheek and said with a troubled look on her face.

"Ferdinand, I can sit by myself. Isn't this causing trouble for everyone? You're really overprotective..."

No, Rozemyne. It's not overprotectiveness, it's Evilive's icy obsession.
"You have been exposed to Dreganguhr's power for too long. I cannot rest easy until your magic stabilizes. What will you do when I take my eyes off you? Sacrificing your own thread to join mine is completely outrageous."

With Ferdinand peering at her, Rozemyne seems dissatisfied.

"You say that, but Ferdinand is the one who is outrageous. Just because my thread got shorter, you threatened the Goddess of Time and made her twist Ferdinand's and my thread together... even the Goddess was surprised."

What... twisting threads together?

Just tying threads together is shameless, but you made the Goddess twist them together??

In other words... hasn't it been decided by the gods that you two will share the same fate?
You two are outrageous!

"If we combine our efforts, you won't be able to reach the top on your own, right? It's rational."
"It's certainly rational, but..."

Wait, it's not a question of whether it's rational or not!?
What Ferdinand is talking about is, in other words, a courtship that is like a dedication, like "we'll die together"?
Surely Rozemyne should blush a little more, or have a ladylike reaction!?

As I blush, the other aides all smile. Eh, maybe it's my shameless mind that makes me shameless?
Even at a time like this, Cornelius is frolicking with Eckhart.
They can't be too close.

"Justus, give us your report."
Justus can't help but smile as he begins his report over the past two months.
I bring out the documents I've prepared one by one accordingly.

"Hmm, how is the dedication ceremony going?"
"Strahl will tell you about that..."

Strahl took a step forward. "The dedication ceremony is being conducted by the head priest, and the Knights are making up for any missing magical power. I asked the escort knights of Aub's entourage to make a sacred tool with a schtappe, and the Knights all donated their magical power to the sacred tool. The children of nobles and blue-haired apprentices who attend the temple class are in charge of transferring the magical power from the sacred tool to the Holy Grail. Please give words of appreciation to the children in the temple class."

"Wow! So the Knights went to the temple. Strahl, you took the initiative to make the dedication, didn't you? Thank you very much. We need to give the children a reward."
"Hmm, we can expect an increase in the knights' blessings and an increase in the children's magical power. Let's prepare a ceremony to receive blessings as a reward."
"Thank you."

Sir Strahl looks happy, but I foolishly think that what Ferdinand is proposing is for Alexandria's benefit...
"What is this large-scale bride-taking ditter?"

Hartmut answers.
"When the Goddess of Time descended upon Lady Hannelore, she was heralded as the incarnation of the goddess, and received marriage proposals from all territories, from high to low, including Corinthdaum. The large-scale bride-taking Ditter, which treated Lady Hannelore as a treasure, took on the appearance of a festival."

"Lady Hannelore... how pitiful."
Lord Hartmut, it was you who encouraged the Alexandria dorm students to do this.
"Thanks to that, the proposals to Alexandria have calmed down," says Lady Clarissa with a smile.

"Were there any problems with social interactions within the territory, Brother Cornelius?"
"Yes, Leonore did her best. Rozemyne was originally scheduled to be absent at the Noble Academy, so there were no major problems here. Ferdinand-sama was not allowed to appear in public because, as his fiancée, he could not take any conspicuous actions while the lord was absent."
Ah, during the Ahrensbach era, the nobles who saw Ferdinand-sama being used for social interactions, temple work, and supplies must have been speechless.

"Everyone, it's very good. Now, no matter when I am called by the gods, Alexandria will be safe."
"Please stop, Rozemyne-sama!"

Everyone's shouts echoed through the office.

Chapter Text

I'm Gil.
After moving to Alexandria as Lady Rozemyne's attendant, a grey priest, I set up the Rozemyne Workshop at the orphanage, and was bought out by the Printemps Company and became a citizen of Alexandria.

Lady Rozemyne has a strong influence over the Printemps Company, so I feel a little embarrassed to be bought out by them and looked at with admiration by the grey apprentices from the temple.
However, I would be happy if I could inspire the grey apprentices and the children at the orphanage who do not have magical powers to work hard for their future.

Yes, Lady Rozemyne is the one who gave me that opportunity when I was young.
When I was at the orphanage in Ehrenfest, I was a selfish child who didn't know the reason of things. There were times when I behaved violently towards my master, Lady Rozemyne.

When I first went to the downtown area, I didn't even know what money was, and I even ate fruit from a street stall without permission.
At the time, I made Lady Rozemyne bow her head, and looking back now, I was an ignorant child who deserved to be discarded.

But Lady Rozemyne carefully educated me, step by step. She taught me how to read and write, gave me karuta and stone slabs, and let me read books. She entrusted me with the workshop and taught me that hard work will earn you praise.

It was an honor to do so, but to me, Lady Rozemyne was my master, my teacher, and my beloved.
No, of course, someone like me would not beg for Lady Rozemyne's mercy. I just wanted to make books and make Lady Rozemyne happy.

That said, when I heard that I would be purchased by the Printemps Company as a Dapla, I was very troubled.
If I stayed at the temple as an attendant, I would at least have an audience with Lady Rozemyne as long as she was the temple head.
If I become a dapra of the Printemps Company, I will no longer be able to remain an attendant, and I may never see her face again.

Although I wanted to learn a wide range of jobs like Lutz and be of use to Lady Rozemyne, I clutched the magic stone that was the mark of an aide and was troubled.
Normally, as a grey priest, I have no right to refuse, but Lady Rozemyne gave me time to ponder and spoke to me.

This is what Lady Rozemyne said to me.
"Gil, you are currently in my position of service, but if you become a dapra of the Printemps Company, our relationship will be equal, right? I am very much looking forward to that."
Of course, when I say equal, we are lord and commoner, so it cannot be equal, but Lady Rozemyne's words made me feel that she had recognized me as a person.
Encouraged by her words, I decided to leave the temple.

And so, in the beginning of autumn, when I was frequenting the workshop as a member of the Printemps Trading Company, I was asked by Lorentz, a close aide to Lady Rozemyne, to do something for me.
He asked me to bind copies of a collection of poems to present to Lady Rozemyne.
Nothing would make me happier than being able to help present a book to Lady Rozemyne.

I attached a cover decorated with pressed flowers, befitting a collection of poems, and carefully bound it together with thread.
Just imagining Lady Rozemyne caressing this cover, squinting her eyes as she turns the pages makes me happy.

I quickly finished binding around twenty books, and when I handed them over to Lord Lorentz, he brought me some alcohol as a thank you.
"Lorentz-sama, I have already received payment for the paper and thread with pressed flowers, so I can't accept anything more than that."

"Well, I heard from Lutz that Gil was bought by the Plantin Company, so I'm also giving this as a celebration. Gil was very helpful to me when I started my workshop. I guess in Ehrenfest, nobles give gifts to commoners on celebrations, right? When the workshop was first established, Justus also gave Benno some alcohol, so I prepared some alcohol this time too."

"...Lorentz-sama, Justus-sama is the special one, and it's not common in Ehrenfest either."
Lorentz-sama's shocked face makes me laugh.
"But, Hartmut often gives paints to Wilma, doesn't he?"
"Hartmut has Wilma paint a portrait of Rozemyne. The paints are her reward."
"Is that so... I thought it was a custom in Ehrenfest."

Lorentz-sama shyly offers me the drink.
"Since you've given me this, please accept it. And I'll count on you as Gil of the Printemps Company from now on."

"Lutz, Lord Lorentz gave me some alcohol as a celebration."
"Yeah, I told him that Gil had become a Dapla. So he went out of his way to prepare a gift for you. Lord Lorentz has changed a lot."

"...This is the first time I've ever received a gift from anyone other than Lady Rozemyne."

Lutz looked over at me in surprise. "I see, everyone is equal in the temple, right?"
"Gil..." he called out to me with gentle eyes that were similar to Lady Rozemyne's.

"Gil... you're no longer a grey priest. You'll live in the downtown area and live as a man. You'll make friends on an equal footing, and you'll even find a girl you like. I'm sure you'll even find someone who you can exchange gifts with. I'm looking forward to it."
I wonder if I, no... if I have such a future? I wonder if I'll ever buy gifts for someone.
A future I've never imagined before makes me feel itchy deep inside.

"Yes, Gil. I think something will happen before winter that will surprise Gil. Save the sake until then. They'll be happy to receive Gil's first gift."

"Who will be happy about that?"

"That's still a secret." Lutz chuckles and won't tell me.

I'm not sure, but Lutz seems to be having fun, so I decide to keep the sake.