Heading to the Dedication Ritual

The study sessions for Angelica, led by the knights, had begun in earnest. Since Angelica had to return to the Noble Academy for supplementary lectures, she was apparently doing intensive karuta training with the apprentices at the knight dormitory while she still could.

Cornelius had taught me that when picking up a card you'd memorized, your hand should move swiftly to snatch it.

The basis of military strategy centered on the contents of a book Lamprecht had brought me right after I collapsed following my Baptism Ceremony.

When I'd read that book, I hadn't understood a word of it—partly because of the effort of using Magic Power—but after watching Damuel explain the concepts using Gwinnenen, a chess-like game that consumed Magic Power, I felt like I'd more or less grasped it.

"So, Damuel. In this case, I just need to move it here?"

"Yes, Lady Rozemyne. This is the standard way to play it, along with a few other positions."

As Damuel moved the pieces, he taught us several standard military strategies from the book.

Having the moves explained with the pieces actually being manipulated seemed to make everything click, and Angelica was thoroughly impressed.

"So this passage meant this?"

"Using Gwinnenen during lectures would be so much easier."

Angelica and Cornelius, who had previously gotten by using nothing but Magic Power and brute force to simply do as they were told, both seemed to have developed some interest in military strategy as well, looking at the book while moving Gwinnenen pieces around.

Brigitte, who had been watching the two of them, glanced at Damuel.

"Damuel, did you learn military strategy like this?"

"My older brother taught me, so I mostly studied using Gwinnenen."

Gwinnenen was a popular game among the knight order, but since it required Magic Power to play, it was more of a pastime for middle- to upper-ranking nobles. The fact that Damuel, a lower noble, owned a set and used it so casually felt somewhat peculiar.

"My brother says that when he attended the Noble Academy, Gwinnenen was all the rage. They even used it during the territory-versus-territory Magic Beast Hunts and Ditter tournaments. Ferdinand would come up with tactics and explain them using the pieces. It seems everyone knew military strategy without even attending the lectures."

Perhaps the reason Damuel held the Chief Priest in such admiration and respect had a lot to do with stories like this about his brother.

...Still, the more I learned about the Chief Priest, the more I was convinced—seriously, the man could do everything.

"When you enter the Noble Academy, karuta and picture books will probably become hugely popular too, won't they? Given how effective they are, I think you could sell them to other territories at an even higher price. It would strengthen Ehrenfest's position," Brigitte said while looking at the karuta and picture books.

"...Is Ehrenfest's position weak?"

"Right now, I'd say it's somewhere in the middle."

Ehrenfest had maintained neutrality during the civil strife and suffered relatively little fallout, so it was now sitting in the middle of the pack. But before that, it had been so low-ranked among the roughly thirty territories that it was faster to count up from the bottom.

"It's only that the influence of the territories whose lords were toppled has decreased—Ehrenfest itself doesn't wield any particular influence."

"I see. Then, regarding the teaching materials, I believe we should keep them secret from other territories for the time being. Let us make raising Ehrenfest's academic standards our goal for now."

I relayed to my adoptive father and the Chief Priest what Brigitte had told me about the teaching materials, academic improvement, and Ehrenfest's influence. With the political situation in such upheaval, strengthening Ehrenfest's influence while they had the chance was exactly what the Lord wanted to hear.

As a result, at the banquet celebrating the arrival of spring, the Lord publicly declared that the academic abilities of Ehrenfest's children had dramatically improved over the winter, that the Gilberta Company's teaching materials were to be kept secret from other territories, and that they were strictly forbidden from being removed from the dormitory when brought to the Noble Academy.

After the spring banquet concluded, I spent time talking with the children who were reluctant to part ways, had the lower-ranking noble parents write signed statements, and then lent the teaching materials to the children with their promise to treat them with care. Seeing the beaming smiles of the children happily clutching picture books and karuta sets, I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Lady Rozemyne, I'll gather even more stories before next winter."

"Yes, and I'll be preparing new picture books too. I'm looking forward to it. Do try writing one yourself—it will be good practice with letters."

The landowning nobles departed for their respective territories.

At the same time, Angelica had to return to the Noble Academy. She had shown clear improvement over these past few days, and I truly hoped she would keep up the good work.

"I'll be back on Earthday."

"Be sure to listen carefully to your lectures, and practice both karuta and Gwinnenen."

"Yes!"

Angelica left for the Noble Academy carrying the karuta, picture books, and Gwinnenen set her parents had bought for her. Her parents had been dumbfounded that Angelica was asking for study-related items, but they purchased everything immediately, and their gratitude was so overwhelming their eyes glistened with tears.

As the nobles gradually departed, the Chief Priest and I returned to the Temple to conduct the winter coming-of-age ceremonies and the spring Baptism Ceremony.

The following day, there was a meeting with the blue-robe priests heading to the Dedication Ritual, at which the Chief Priest announced his plan for who would be assigned where. The direct territory was to be covered by the Chief Priest and me, dividing the work between us.

After the meeting, the Chief Priest gave a more detailed explanation of the Dedication Ritual and the gathering process. I was in my room, taking a breather while drinking tea Nicola had brewed. Nicola quietly set a plate of sweets in front of me.

"Lady Rozemyne, you've been so busy. Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm still managing. The Dedication Ritual requires you and the others to accompany me as well. It will be busy with constant travel by carriage. I know it will be tough, but I'm counting on you."

"Yes!"

From beyond the door came the sound of a bell, and the Chief Priest entered with Zaam, who was carrying a stack of documents.

"Fran, Zaam. Please spread out this map. As with last year's Dedication Ritual, we'll be flying on our riding beasts to visit the winter palace in the morning and afternoon. Last year we covered every territory including the nobles' lands, but this time it's just the direct territory, so there should be a bit more leeway."

The Chief Priest had Fran and Zaam spread out the map of the territory and began pointing out the order in which they would visit during this Dedication Ritual. The meeting had apparently divided the route in half, but based on his explanation now, I was supposed to cover everything.

"Um, Chief Priest. During the meeting, I thought this area was assigned to you?"

I tilted my head, and the Chief Priest regarded me with a look of exasperation.

"Since I'm accompanying you, we'll cover everything together. At least figure that out. Besides, you were asked by the Lord himself to cover the direct territory. Have you forgotten?"

"I remember, but I just need to offer prayers and devote plenty of Magic Power, don't I? Couldn't you do that just as well?"

I didn't see why it had to be me specifically, and wouldn't it be better to split the work if possible? Last year's Dedication Ritual, where we had covered every territory, had been a truly grueling journey—I'd had to forcibly restore my stamina and Magic Power with medicine.

But the Chief Priest brushed aside my words without batting an eye.

"You were asked and accepted. This is your job. I'm merely your supervisor."

"Aaah... understood."

Apparently, the Dedication Ritual was unequivocally my job, and the Chief Priest was there in a supporting role.

The Chief Priest continued with "Furthermore."

"I plan to collect spring ingredients along the way, but there's a possibility something unforeseen could happen, as it did in autumn. I would rather we travel together from the start than have to wait and worry, then be summoned by an ordnance. It's less of a psychological burden for me that way."

"You were a tremendous help last time. I'll be relying on you again this trip."

Remembering the events at the Schwarz Facility, I asked the Chief Priest to accompany me. There was a vast difference in terms of safety and peace of mind with or without him.

"Rozemyne, Eckhart expressed a desire to accompany us on the Dedication Ritual. Would you have any objections?"

"Eckhart is your guard knight, so I have no preference either way?"

"No. In principle, I, who acts as a priest, cannot bring a guard knight along. He would have to go under the pretense of being your guard knight."

Apparently, my father had grown worried about his daughter traveling outside the territory and had used his authority as Commander of the Knights to assign guard knights to the Lord's adopted daughter.

"If collecting the spring ingredients will be another battle, wouldn't more combat strength be better?"

"If you have no objection, then I'll bring Eckhart. Also, I need to assign a civil official to oversee the situation in Hasse. Would Justus be acceptable?"

He'd brought it up himself, yet the Chief Priest was making an extremely displeased face. I tilted my head in confusion.

"I'd feel comfortable with Justus since I know him, but why are you making that face?"

"Well, when Justus is motivated, it never leads to anything good."

With a sigh from the Chief Priest, our discussion concluded, and the members who would accompany us on the Dedication Ritual were decided.

"Today we have a meeting with the Gilberta Company, but you've invited quite a large number of people," Fran remarked as we made our way toward the orphanage director's chambers, and I smiled faintly. Today I had invited Benno, Mark, Lutz, and in addition, Corina and Turi.

"There are quite a few things I need to take care of all at once."

When I arrived at the orphanage director's chambers, the Gilberta Company group had already assembled. Benno, as their representative, exchanged greetings with me.

After that, I turned my gaze to Corina and Turi.

"Corina, I'd like you to make a dress. I'd like it done by the Star Binding Ceremony."

"...Lady Rozemyne, you haven't come of age yet, so whose dress is it?"

Corina blinked several times before tilting her head with a calm smile.

I grinned and beckoned Brigitte over.

"It's a dress for Brigitte."

"F-for me?"

"Yes. I want you to create the dress that will make Brigitte look her most beautiful. That will be my reward to Brigitte."

I guided the flustered Brigitte to the hidden room. Brigitte stepped inside the hidden room she had never entered before with a bashful expression.

I then invited Corina and Turi, in her capacity as assistant, into the hidden room.

"Fran, would you tell them about the priests heading to Hasse?"

"Understood."

Leaving matters in Fran's capable hands, I entered the hidden room with Monica.

"During last year's Star Binding Ceremony, I saw Brigitte and thought her dress didn't suit her at all. So I began thinking about what kind of dress would look good on a tall woman like Brigitte."

I spread out the design sketches I'd had Monica carry onto the table and showed them to Brigitte.

"This style is called an 'American sleeve.' It features a large diagonal cut from the neckline down to the sides, exposing the shoulders."

Unlike a halter neckline, the fabric wasn't suspended by straps—instead, the back had the same shaped bodice as the front, so the back wouldn't be excessively exposed.

"And then, you tie these ribbons just above the elbow and attach only the sleeve portion."

"That's... quite unusual."

"The bodice hugs the body closely down to the waist, while the skirt uses generous amounts of fabric with plenty of pleats, so I think it provides more than enough elegance."

What I really wanted was a mermaid line to simply emphasize a slim silhouette, but using generous amounts of fabric was what distinguished noble fashion. Focusing on showing off Brigitte's bust and the clean line from her toned back down to her waist, I had decided to use ample fabric from the waist down.

I had designed it to avoid any taboos befitting what a noblewoman would wear.

"With the current fashion, the shoulders appear puffy and spread outward, don't they? For a petite or slender woman, it might look cute, but since Brigitte is tall, emphasizing vertical lines would look much more flattering. ...What do you think? If Brigitte doesn't like it, there's no need to make it."

When I glanced at Brigitte, her expression softened into a smile.

"No, I'd very much like this. Lady Rozemyne designed this dress specifically for me, and I already knew the current fashion didn't suit me or other women knights. We have to follow trends, so we wear clothes that don't flatter us regardless. But if the dress is made by Lady Rozemyne, the Lord's adopted daughter, we can make that into the trend."

Not just for herself, but as a dress that other tall-bodied women knights could wear as well, Brigitte accepted my proposal.

"Corina, Turi. Please take Brigitte's measurements and finalize the fabric and colors. Brigitte, the most I can offer is five large silver coins. If Angelica passes her studies, you'll receive an additional small gold coin. Keep that in mind when deciding on the budget for the dress."

"I am most grateful."

I set paper and ink in front of Corina and told her to use them freely, then handed Monica a small mallet-shaped Magical Tool.

"Monica, once the measurements and discussion are finished, please strike this here with this. The magic stone on the outside will light up so you'll know."

"Understood."

I left the measurements to Corina and Turi and stepped out of the hidden room.

The accounting report on the teaching material sales had been completed, and the arrangements for sending the priests to Hasse were nearly finalized as well. Since they had been back and forth many times already, the coordination went smoothly.

"Lady Rozemyne. I went to check on Hasse the other day."

According to Mark's report—he had gone to assess the situation in Hasse once the snow thaw began—there had been considerable discussion over the winter, and the mayor's faction had been completely isolated.

"For farmers, having no Dedication Ritual held is the same as being abandoned by the Lord. When they heard that the new High Priest was the Lord's daughter and was somehow managing to maintain good relations with him, it was only natural for them to side with the new High Priest's faction."

The farmers around Hasse had apparently condemned the mayor's poor judgment and solidified around the opinion that they should petition the High Priest, who was the Lord's daughter, to intervene on their behalf.

The townspeople of Hasse had been thrown into complete chaos when they learned all at once—while trapped in the locked winter palace—that the former High Priest was already dead, Cantona had been removed from his post, and the attack on the minor temple would be treated as an attack on the Lord's family.

"It seems the townspeople thought the minor temple was something the new High Priest had built on her own, and they had no idea that the white building had been constructed by the Lord's family. They kept insisting they had no intention of attacking the Lord—they were following the mayor's orders."

In Ehrenfest, everyone knew that white buildings were where nobles resided and were absolutely off-limits. ...I hadn't known that, personally.

"Since we spread the rumor that someone would need to take responsibility, the mayor has been living small, so to speak."

"...Thank you, Mark."

"It is an honor to be of service. I also spread a rumor that once spring arrived, civil officials and knights officially appointed by the Lord would come to arrest the responsible party, so they've likely been spending their days in a state of psychological distress."

Looking at Mark's dark smile, I thought that unwavering loyalty could be downright frightening, and quietly averted my gaze to look at Fran. Fran was also wearing a cool, thin smile.

"Then, I'd like the Gate soldiers to escort us to Hasse once again. Lutz, could you deliver this for me?"

I handed Lutz the letter requesting an escort. I had considered giving it to Turi, but it would be strange for me to hand Turi a letter requesting guard soldiers to escort the priests in front of everyone.

"I'll make sure it's delivered."

At that moment, the magic stone in front of the hidden room lit up, signaling that Brigitte's measurements were complete. I opened the hidden room and let the four of them out.

I received Brigitte's report on the fabrics and colors she had ordered, and as I did, I glanced at Turi.

Our eyes met and we exchanged a warm smile, but I couldn't think of any business to discuss with Turi in her capacity as a tailor's assistant. I racked my brain trying to find a reason to talk to her.

"So that's what we've decided to order."

"I'm glad you like it. Now, Corina, this will be a rare dress and no doubt a challenge, but I'm counting on your skill. ...And, Turi."

"Yes?"

Turi raised her face as if springing to life.

I chuckled and placed an order for a hair ornament.

"I'd like you to think of a hair ornament that matches Brigitte's hair color as well as the color and mood of the dress. After Corina and Turi return from the Dedication Ritual, I'll summon you both again."

Rather than the rushed atmosphere before the Dedication Ritual, I wanted to have this conversation somewhere calmer where we could take our time. Whether my true intentions had come across or not, Turi smiled softly and produced a wooden box.

"Lady Rozemyne, wouldn't you need a spring hair ornament? I made this over the winter, for you as you head to the Dedication Ritual."

"Of course, I'll take it."

As if I could possibly refuse. No. There was no way.

The hair ornament taken from the wooden box featured Renfel's white flowers—the harbinger of spring—wrapped in an abundance of green, from yellowish-green to deep green.

I had Turi place it in my hair, then lightly shook my head. The ivy-like leaf decorations dangling from the ornament swayed gently.

"It looks absolutely wonderful on you."

Turi smiled with satisfaction. Between the new hair ornament and Turi's smile, I was thoroughly pleased as well.

And so, ahead of our own departure for the Dedication Ritual, the priests heading to Hasse set out in the Gilberta Company's carriage, escorted by soldiers.

Rumor had it that Father was always chosen because he had personally come to fetch them at the Temple the first time around. This time, the soldiers had assembled at the Temple's back gate.

"Gunther, I'm counting on you again this time."

When I called out with a warm smile, Father knelt with a composed, serious expression.

"You can count on me. I will deliver everyone to Hasse safely."

"I trust you. Let's meet in Hasse after you arrive."

While I was giving instructions to the soldiers, Marte and Deria—who had become quite close, it seemed—were saying their goodbyes, clearly reluctant to part.

That was strange. We hadn't reached Hasse yet.

Perhaps it was because Damuel had gotten so enthusiastic about teaching?

Next time, we go to Hasse. This time, for certain.