Ascendance of a Bookworm

Although I had to summon them before the spring lords' council, it was still midwinter, with the blizzard growing stronger and the lord of winter yet to be defeated. Even if I wanted to call a commoner merchant, the situation did not allow for an immediate summons.

"Once the lord of winter has been defeated, we will send out invitations in the name of Aub Ehrenfest, so Rosemine, you should inform Benno and the others in advance. We can't just leave them unprepared, can we?"

The high priest muttered that the way I was summoned by Gibe Haldenzel had been pitiful. Now that I think about it, I remember hearing that to establish the workshop in Haldenzel, my mother’s family home, I had a difficult time negotiating surrounded by high-ranking nobles. Even the high priest seemed to sympathize with the situation.

"Also, coordinate the number of people who will go up to the castle with Benno and report back. The civil officials will prepare invitations for that number."

"Understood... Foster Father, the representative of the Gilberta Trading Company has already changed, but shall I invite their new representative as well?"

"Ah, leave that coordination to you. You’ll probably feel more at ease handling it yourself than entrusting it to another civil official."

"Thank you very much."

"Then, Rosemine, we will return to the temple tomorrow. We must make arrangements before the lord of winter fully mobilizes."

"Understood."

That evening’s dinner included my grandfather and the high priest, giving the atmosphere the feel of a family gathering for the lord’s household.

When Charlotte asked me what the noble academy was like, I eagerly spoke about the library and the Schwartz and Weiss.

"A large magic tool shaped like a Schumil that helps in the library? That must be so adorable."

"Yes, it’s very popular among female students. The new master will give it new clothes, and everyone is currently planning this together. They intend to dress it as both a boy and a girl, but the library committee armband is a must. I also plan to wear a matching armband."

"A matching armband? I’d love to see you walking inside the library with your older sister, who is the master. I’m looking forward to next year."

After chatting with Charlotte, my grandfather, clearly excited, asked me about the Ditter duel. It seems knights have a great interest in Ditter. Even Father, standing behind Foster Father, seemed to have a spark of excitement in his eyes.

"Rosemine, you used an unexpected strategy to defeat Dunkelfelger, yes? What kind of strategy was it?"

"It was a one-time unconventional treasure-hunting Ditter, so I could use a unique tactic. First, I had the treasure monster tied up with a stave, so it wouldn’t rampage. It was also tied up loosely enough not to die, and it wasn’t very large."

"Wouldn’t it die if attacked even once?"

Grandfather frowned and tilted his head. I puffed out my chest and answered.

"That’s why I put it inside my mount and protected it from being killed."

"Inside your mount!?"

"Yes. As long as I am riding the mount, no one can break it and steal the monster unless they surpass my mana. So it’s not easy to lose."

From the stunned expressions on Father’s and Grandfather’s faces, it was clear the strategy was unlike what knights usually think of. I saw the high priest nod appreciatively, murmuring, "To think such use for that Greun..."

Then I began to explain the surprise attack on the enemy returning after hunting the treasure. Grandfather listened intently but soon seemed puzzled again.

"...From what you say, it sounds like you just attacked the opponent who was returning while hunting demonic beasts inside the arena. That hardly seems like a surprise attack."

"Currently, speed-based Ditter is dominant at the noble academy, so no knight apprentices had experience with treasure-hunting Ditter. Because of that, no one expected an attack during the treasure’s transport."

I explained that’s why it was a surprise attack, but Grandfather’s expression hardened. "Too soft... far too soft," he muttered. It was apparently too gentle for a Ditter duel. I shudder to imagine how brutal the treasure-hunting Ditter era must have been.