Published: August 3, 2025
When my father and Tulli escorted me to a room in the temple, Fran greeted me with wide eyes. She looked back and forth between my family and me, blinking in surprise.
“What’s the matter, Myne-sama?”
“Fran, I’m sorry for the sudden visit.”
I stopped Fran from inviting me inside and briefly explained the situation at the doorway. I told her that the president of the Ink Association was targeting me to get information, that Lutz had been harassed by some unfamiliar men, and that for safety reasons, we were starting the winter retreat at the temple a bit earlier than usual.
I also mentioned that we didn’t even know the name of the president, but apparently, they were connected to the nobles and had a bad reputation. I warned Delia to be careful not to leak any information.
Fran listened with a serious expression but nodded slowly after hearing the whole story.
“Understood. I will inform the high priest later as well.”
“Fran, I’m counting on you to gather information here as well. I’ll come check on Myne.”
My father’s hand pressed firmly on my shoulder. Fran looked directly at him and nodded.
“Certainly. Myne-sama might feel uneasy, so please do come.”
“Myne, don’t be selfish and trouble everyone. Also, make sure to properly notify the high priest. Things go badly if communication with your superiors is poor.”
I smiled wryly at my father’s soldier-like warnings and tapped my left chest twice with my right fist. My father’s expression softened, and he returned the gesture.
Tulli hugged me tightly, staring at me with a worried look.
“Well then, Myne. I’ll come visit during my next day off. Until then, be a good girl, okay?”
“Yeah. I’ll be waiting.”
I watched my father and Tulli leave, then entered the room. Although it was my own room, staying overnight at the temple for the first time made me a bit nervous.
The attendants were all surprised when their master suddenly arrived just before dinner.
“What’s wrong, Myne-sama?”
“It’s a bit complicated, but I’m going to stay in the temple starting today.”
“What kind of complications?”
I hesitated, then said, “It might involve nobles, so I can’t explain in detail.”
Delia tried to dress me in the Blue Robes, but I stopped her, saying, “I don’t have any plans to go out today.” I exhaled softly. Since it was usually a time when I was already gone, I couldn’t immediately think of what I should do.
“What does everyone usually do at this time?”
Rosina was obviously playing the Fischpiel. Since playing time was set until the seven o’clock bell, she usually played until the last moment.
Delia prepared the bath, carrying hot water from the kitchen. Bath time was an important time for polishing one’s feminine skills. I had to learn from Delia’s dedication.
Gil wrote reports on what had been done and produced at the Myne workshop on stone tablets. This was based on the Gilberta Trading Company’s product management method, and he was studying it under Lutz’s guidance.
Fran was compiling reports on food and daily supplies used at the orphanage and this room, preparing replenishment requests. Because of the daily paperwork, Fran was very busy. He said it was easier now that some tasks were delegated to Rosina and Wilma.
“...Shall I write a letter requesting an audience with the high priest?”
Facing the office desk, I started writing a letter asking to meet with the high priest. It would take several days to receive a reply, so I wondered when I would actually be able to talk.
After finishing the letter, I began planning the next picture book, taking inspiration from Frieda’s ideas. I decided to compile stories about the divine retainers of the five gods related to each season.
While eating alone, served by attendants, I took a bath with Delia’s help, and then crawled into the soft futon by myself. On the bedside shelf were a water jug, a cup, and a bell to call for attendants.
“Good night, Myne-sama.”
“Good night, Delia, Rosina.”