Ascendance of a Bookworm

“Wilma, do you think it will be alright if the orphanage population increases during the winter retreat?”

I asked Wilma whether there was room for about ten people including Nora and the others. “Let me see,” Wilma said, pulling out last year’s records and flipping through them.

“We will have to increase the winter preparations compared to last year, but the number of rooms isn’t particularly an issue. However, if we don’t bring in bedding, tableware, and other daily necessities, we won’t have enough.”

She meant that while the six people who had originally been at the orphanage as gray priests or gray shrine maidens were accounted for, the four new ones would lack sufficient supplies.

Since the winter retreat was for the purpose of temple life and education, it was only for this year. If next year they were to do the winter retreat in Hasse, it would be better to bring in life necessities rather than just buying more.

“I see. We’re not yet certain how many people exactly, but please prepare winter supplies assuming an increase of ten. We have ample money and time this year, so it should be fine. That’s all thanks to you, Wilma.”

“It’s a pity the high priest forbade it. Hehe.”

Thanks to the proceeds from the high priest’s charity concert, this year our finances were warm and cozy. It was all because the illustrations of the high priest that Wilma drew sold out completely.

We planned to create orphanages and workshops in other towns as well, so though we couldn’t afford to waste money, if the funds were used for the orphanage’s winter preparations, it seemed appropriate.

“By the way, how are the summer retainers’ illustrations coming along? Are they nearly finished?”

“Yes, they’re almost done. One last piece needs finishing touches, but they’ve started printing the completed ones as of today.”

I had already heard from the guild that the text printing was finished, and now it seemed the illustration printing had begun too. If all went well, printing would finish within a few days, and then the books would be bound.

“…Hey, Wilma. Do you think it might be possible to also make picture books of the autumn and winter retainers before the winter social season?”

“That might be a bit difficult. There’s the winter preparations, and time is short.”

“That’s unfortunate, but I suppose we’ll have to give up on that.”

The main buyers of the picture books were the wealthy and nobles. I thought the winter social season would be a good sales opportunity, but if it couldn’t be ready in time, there was no helping it. It wasn’t necessary to sell all of them immediately; they could become next year’s products.

“Lady Rosemine, how about the winter handicrafts? Should we do the same as last year?”

“Yes. Since woodworking can be done by anyone, probably playing cards and Reversi will sell massively for only a few more years. Before everyone starts copying them, we should produce a large number, sell them, and then think of something new.”

The things I was making were all simple and would be imitated quickly. Taking imitation into account, we just needed to sell new things.

“Even now, Lady Rosemine, being the head priestess, managing finances is tough, isn’t it?”

To defend my guardian’s honor, unlike when I was a blue shrine maiden apprentice who had to earn my own living expenses, now I received enough budget just to live. Managing money was for the orphanage and for expanding the printing business to produce my books.

“The orphanage’s operating costs must be earned within the orphanage. If we rely on noble investments, when I’m gone everything will revert back. Ensuring the orphanage can continue its current lifestyle even after I’m gone is my duty as head priestess.”

“What reassuring words. I’m glad to hear that.”

“…So, in summary, it seems the orphanage can accommodate them.”

“Hmm. Then, after the harvest festival, let’s move them here.”

I reported my discussion with Wilma to the high priest. Also, I decided to ask if we could sell the picture books at the castle.