Published: August 3, 2025
After calculating the concert’s profits, the net gain amounted to 12 gold coins, 8 small gold coins, and 6 large silver coins. After deducting various expenses, the remaining pure profit exceeding 10 gold coins—it must be said, the head priest is truly versatile.
I seriously regret being forbidden from selling my illustrations. I even begged to be allowed to sell them, offering to pay a portion of the profits, but I was firmly refused with the words, “We are not short of money.”
Besides the budget allocated to the blue priests by the head priest at the temple, he also receives payments akin to a salary whenever he assists the lord or the knights order, plus he has an inheritance left by his parents. On top of that, he earns income from selling magic tools he has crafted himself or newly developed. So, for the head priest, the share of profits from selling illustrations is mere petty cash.
…That’s the kind of line I’d like to say at least once. Ugh, such a rich guy!
“More importantly, summer is drawing to a close. Have you memorized the prayer for the coming-of-age ceremony? The baptism ceremony will be soon after autumn begins.”
“I have. It’s almost the same as the starbinding ceremony, so it wasn’t too difficult.”
My duties as the head priest are to bestow blessings during rituals and offer mana.
Normally, there would be approvals of other blue priests’ work, handling nobles who come aiming to offer flowers, negotiating donations with the blue priests’ families, and various other tasks—but most of these are done by the head priest in my place.
At least, I must properly perform the blessings.
“The baptism ceremonies for nobles are held in their respective manors, just like the one you conducted at Karlstedt’s mansion. Some nobles requested your blessing as the new head priest, but we declined on our own judgment. You should delegate tasks you can’t manage to the other blue priests. Focus on what you must do.”
“Understood.”
Although money is received from performing baptism ceremonies, the head priest explained that considering the connections between nobles and the time involved, it’s not worth it.
Apparently, work should be given to blue priests who want money. Since I’m already busy with workshop matters, I have no objection.
“Also, if you don’t have one yet, order a hair ornament incorporating the noble color for the autumn baptism ceremony. The budget concerning you is entrusted to me and Richarda by Sylvester. Be sure to speak to us before making any payment.”
“Yes!”
I responded cheerfully to the head priest’s words. Ordering a hair ornament meant I had an excuse to meet Tulli.
I had Lutz, who was in the workshop, called over, and we dove into the secret room.
“Lutz, Lutz. Call Tulli over—today, tomorrow, or the day after, whichever’s fine.”
Just as I leapt at Lutz, he suddenly stretched out his hand and stopped me with a “Wait!”
“Don’t leap on me! You’ll get ink on those expensive clothes!”
“Eek!?”
Startled, I pulled back and looked at Lutz, noticing ink stains here and there. No wonder he was dressed just like when we went to the forest today. Lutz wiped his hands on his pants and asked,
“It’s fine to call Tulli, but what’s sudden about this?”
“I’m ordering a new hairpin. It needs to incorporate the noble color for the autumn baptism ceremony. The head priest said it was okay. Hehe~ I get to see Tulli.”
At my words, Lutz muttered, “Ordering goods, huh… it might still be too soon.”
Originally, Tulli wasn’t considered ready enough to appear before nobles. Even if he memorized the standard greeting, he’d soon slip up.
“…If the master is with him, maybe it’ll be okay. I’ll try asking anyway.”
“Please tell Benno that it absolutely has to be Tulli.”
Lutz agreed with a smile, then his expression darkened a bit.
“By the way, Fey’s sister has a baptism ceremony this autumn. She and Myne didn’t really hang out much, so they probably don’t remember things clearly, but at least change your hairstyle. I hate being asked weird questions.”