Published: August 25, 2025
The high priest, having obtained new research materials, only comes out of the workshop during helping hours; aside from that, he seems to be completely holed up. As the fourth bell rings, the high priest, having finished his work, enters the workshop.
Eckhardt Brother is worried about the high priest, but since he seems to eat once a day, he probably won’t die.
“However, if this kind of seclusion continues…”
“Since he will be moving to the castle after the spring baptism ceremony, wouldn’t it be fine to let him research until then?”
Since work isn’t being delayed, no one is troubled. Why not just leave him be for about a week? I say this while tidying up the stone tablets and stylus I brought with me.
I think to myself that I want about a week of reading time too. Eckhardt Brother narrows his eyes slightly, looking a bit dissatisfied.
“Rosemine, you’re surprisingly lenient with Lord Ferdinand. Do you prioritize his research enthusiasm over my worries as his brother?”
“It’s not that I’m lenient with the high priest. It’s just my convenience. If he doesn’t research, the costumes for Schwarz and the others won’t be made.”
I say this to the overly worried Eckhardt Brother and return to my room. The Gilberta Trading Company is scheduled to come in the afternoon. After lunch, I'll move to the orphanage director’s office.
“Gil, Fritz, is what I asked for ready?”
“Yes. Two types of wax: one with high viscosity and low flexibility, and one with low viscosity and high flexibility; Heidi’s colored inks; a pot of boiling water; brushes; cloth with fixative; chopsticks — everything is prepared.”
Gil and Fritz arranged for the Gilberta Trading Company to be allowed into the workshop. Since explanations alone would be hard to understand, I intend to actually show them the batik dyeing process.
“Thank you, both of you. Please assist again when the Gilberta Trading Company arrives.”
“Understood.”
After a bit of coordination, Gil heads to the gate to welcome the Gilberta Trading Company, while Fritz returns to the workshop. I sip the tea Fran made me while checking that I haven’t forgotten anything I brought from my room.
After a while, Gil arrives with the members of the Gilberta Trading Company. Five of them come upstairs: Otto, Corinna, Theo, Leon, and Tulli.
At the moment our eyes meet, Tulli narrows her eyes and smiles happily. Just that makes me feel very happy. As always, Tulli is my angel.
“Gilberta Trading Company’s Otto, Corinna, and Tulli. We have come at Lady Rosemine’s summons.”
Otto, Corinna, and Tulli, who will negotiate with me, kneel in the front row, with Theo and Leon standing behind as assistants.
Theo is like Otto’s right-hand man. Just as Mark assists Benno’s work, he assists Otto. I haven’t seen much of Theo since Fran taught Otto and him the manners for attending the castle, but he’s a familiar face here.
Leon is an apprentice of the Gilberta Trading Company whom I’ve known since I was a blue shrine maiden. He used to act together with Lutz, but after the Gilberta and Plantin trading companies split, Leon stopped coming to the workshop, so it’s been quite a while. Back then, he still had a childish face around his coming-of-age ceremony, but now he’s fully grown.
After the lengthy noble greetings, I suddenly remember and place my right fist on my left palm in front of my chest.
“Blessings on the thaw. May the goddess of spring bring great grace.”
This is a spring greeting among merchants that Benno and Mark taught me. Since we’re about to have negotiations, I just recalled the greeting and tried it out.
Otto’s eyes widen in surprise, then he smiles softly and does the same, placing his right fist on his left palm over his chest.
“Blessings on the thaw. May the goddess of spring bring great grace.”
The other four follow Otto and say the same words. It feels strange to me that Tulli naturally uses this merchant greeting.
“Please have a seat. I have various requests.”