Published: August 3, 2025
The move from the castle to the temple was planned for after lunch, but my fever hadn’t gone down by noon. Because of that, I couldn’t return to the temple, and the high priest arranged for the attendants to return to the temple ahead of me.
“Well, this should be no problem then,” he said.
By evening, when my fever finally subsided, I was placed on the high priest’s Mount, flanked on both sides by Darmel and Brigitte, as we made our way back to the temple.
“Darmel, have you found a partner yet?”
I asked Darmel, who hadn’t found anyone at the venue last night, how his search had gone. He lowered his eyebrows in slight embarrassment and shook his head.
“...No, unfortunately not. Even though I was appointed as Lady Rosemine’s Guard Knight, I’m still in the process of being reassigned and have been demoted to a knight apprentice.”
Indeed, considering Darmel had been demoted to knight apprentice status for a year, it would be difficult to consider him as a marriage candidate. Since he had become the Guard Knight for the lord’s adopted daughter, the young ladies should have made reservations before his status was lifted. With the blessing effect increasing his mana, he should actually be quite the catch for nobles.
“Well then, we can look forward to next year.”
“I’m not feeling very optimistic, but I will do my best… How about you, Brigitte?”
I cautiously asked about Brigitte’s experience at the venue, knowing how she had been. When our eyes met, Brigitte quickly averted hers.
“...I once broke off an engagement when my father died. I doubt I will find anyone this time.”
Her stiff, tense expression made me want to help her even more.
When we arrived at the Noble District gate and headed back to the temple, Fran was there to open the door and welcome us at just the right moment.
“Welcome back.”
“Fran, why are you here? You weren’t informed…”
“I saw the Mount coming from the Noble District side,” she replied matter-of-factly, but I guessed she had been watching carefully all along.
Thinking of Fran as the model attendant, I looked up at her, and she furrowed her brows slightly and knelt. Narrowing her eyes and peering closely at my face, she frowned even more.
“...Lady Rosemine, you don’t look well.”
“Do I? I’ve taken medicine, and my fever has gone down.”
As I touched my face and hands to check my temperature, the high priest shrugged lightly.
“Fran’s judgment is more accurate than yours. Fran, put Lady Rosemine to bed. Don’t let her do anything else today.”
“Understood.”
Before I could object, they had already made the decision between themselves. At this rate, I would be forced into bed.
As Fran carried me back to my room, I pleaded with her on the way.
“Fran, please send a messenger to the Gilberta Trading Company.”
“Please do that tomorrow.”
Fran shook her head, using the high priest’s words as authority. It was true I wasn’t feeling well, but I had things that needed to be done, so this was troubling.
“It’s urgent. My Foster Father’s visit to the restaurant has been scheduled, and I need to inform them of the date and time.”
“Tomorrow will do.”
Fran’s response left me no room to argue, and I pouted.
“My Foster Father and Father will visit the temple before going to the restaurant. Then I will also report to you tomorrow, Fran.”
Fran’s shoulders twitched slightly. When it became a personal matter, her face was filled with an indescribable anxiety.
“Fran, can you estimate when they will arrive? If it’s too sudden, preparing to welcome them will be difficult, right?”
“Understood. I will send a messenger. However, it will only be a letter. Please refrain from meetings... So, when will they arrive?”
“The day after tomorrow.”
Fran’s eyes darted about as she hurried back to her room. To prepare properly for receiving the lord, such as checking tea preferences and preparing tea snacks, the quality of what we had on hand might not be enough.
“Lady Rosemine, please rest as soon as you finish writing the letter.”