Published: August 15, 2025
It has already been three years since I became Gibe Ilkner.
Since my father passed away and I assumed the role of Gibe, it has been nothing short of tumultuous. My sister’s fiancé tried to take my life, which enraged my sister into breaking off the engagement. Since then, our entire family has united to deal with the continued harassment.
Brigitte, who was about to graduate from the noble academy, couldn’t find a new suitor, and at the graduation ceremony, I ended up escorting her — a bitter memory indeed. After graduating, Brigitte decided to distance herself from Ilkner by joining the knight dormitory as a female knight. She hoped that by forging new connections there, the harassment would lessen somewhat.
By visiting the temple and the downtown area, Brigitte secured the position of Guard Knight for Lady Rosemine, the lord’s adopted daughter. Almost simultaneously, the harassment towards Ilkner drastically decreased, allowing us to finally breathe easier. We decided to come under Lady Rosemine’s protection. That decision marked a major turning point for Ilkner.
Lady Rosemine took the lead in pioneering the papermaking industry ahead of other nobles. Though it was an opportunity we couldn’t miss, once it began, it turned out to be incredibly demanding.
With the Plantin Trading Company, Lady Rosemine’s commissioned merchants, and the gray priests from the Rosemine Workshop staying here from Ehrenfest, we were constantly confronted with everything Ilkner was lacking. Nobles who had never visited before came, continually questioning my resolve and spirit as a noble, as well as my attitude toward the tenants.
But we could not stop. Ilkner had to move forward, developing while continuing papermaking.
“Master, it’s done! Please check the number of sheets!”
On a mid-summer afternoon, Kaya burst into my office beaming. Volk followed behind, bowing properly, then scolded Kaya's exuberance.
“Kaya, that was quite disrespectful to Gibe Ilkner.”
“I-I'm sorry. I just got a little carried away.”
After apologizing, Kaya left the room and re-entered, a habit instilled by the gray priests’ training for those working in the manor.
Since Lady Rosemine used Yureve for treatment and fell asleep, there seemed to be no immediate plans to expand the papermaking and printing business. Ferdinand had apparently been turning down noble offers. However, nobles were expected to visit Ilkner in the future, so manners became essential for the staff.
“Volk, is it ready?”
“Yes, Gibe Ilkner. We have produced the target number of sheets.”
Calm but rarely emotive, Volk smiled quietly as he carefully presented the finished paper.
I accepted it and counted the sheets by type.
Honestly, I never thought it would really happen. But trusting Lady Rosemine’s words, Volk and Kaya had been tirelessly making paper, their hands red and swollen from the cold winter water. Their efforts finally bore fruit.
The two of them, radiant with the pride of their achievement, were dazzling to me.
“It’s definitely enough. I have to attend the starbinding ceremony in the Noble District, so I’ll sell the paper to the Plantin Trading Company then, and in exchange, finalize Volk’s sales contract.”
“Understood.”
“Gibe Ilkner, if possible, I would appreciate it if you could inquire about Lady Rosemine’s condition from the high priest when you get the chance.”
“Ah, I will ask.”
I made an appointment to meet Lord Ferdinand through Brigitte at the Ordnance Office, then headed to the Noble District for the starbinding ceremony.
Since I was the only one attending, I decided to travel swiftly on my Mount. The distance to Ehrenfest was considerable, and I preferred to avoid carriages.
Though it might not be commendable for a noble, I strapped several wooden boxes filled with paper to my Mount and galloped toward the Noble District. The butler stationed at Winter Hall was surprised as he came out to greet me.
“Master, you’ve arrived early.”
“I’m alone this time, so I’m light on my feet.”