Ascendance of a Bookworm

The next morning, the carriage carrying the gray priests acting as gutenberg, along with Father and the soldiers, departed for the town of Ehrenfest.

“Gunther, everyone, please take care of everything.”

“I will definitely convey Lady Rosemine’s words to everyone. Please rest assured.”

After handing the usual travel expenses to the soldiers, I saw off the carriage. Soon after, we too had to depart for the next Winter Hall.

“Gil and Hugo, please head to tonight’s lodging.”

“Yes, Lady Rosemine.”

As the carriage carrying my luggage departed, I looked around at the priests and shrine maidens from the small temple who had come to see us off.

“During my two years asleep, you all worked well with the residents of Hasse, building a good relationship. That’s something the Ehrenfest Temple has yet to achieve. Keep up the good work… Thor, please let me know when you harvest some delicious vegetables. I’ll come to eat them.”

When I looked toward the fields and said this, Thor smiled proudly and promised, “I’ll set aside the best ones.” I’m looking forward to the harvest season.

While everyone knelt and sent me off, I boarded the mini bus and headed to the next destination.

After that, though warmly welcomed at the various Winter Halls, I finished the prayer ceremonies without any particular incident. Since I had been touring all the direct territories with the high priest before, doing just a quarter felt much easier.

With only the return to the temple left, I stretched deeply. This time, I only used two of the high priest’s special medicine with kindness, so I didn’t feel like I had overexerted myself.

“It’s very easy when the area is small. I must thank Charlotte and Brother Wilfried.”

“Lady Rosemine, don’t forget to thank the high priest.”

Fran glared at me briefly, and I smiled broadly. I hadn’t forgotten, just postponed it a little.

“I have to give immense thanks to the high priest who makes the medicine, so that’s in a separate category.”

“I see.”

Hugo and Gil, traveling by carriage, were to spend the day returning to Hasse, stay overnight at the small temple, then return to the temple. They would probably arrive at the temple around noon tomorrow.

We, riding mounts, headed directly to the temple, carrying the Holy Grail to return ahead of them.

“Ordnance.”

I used the divine relic entrusted to me by the high priest to announce our estimated arrival.

“This is Rosemine. We should be able to return to the temple by the fourth bell. Please notify Charlotte.”

Since there is only one Holy Grail, the four of us take turns visiting the direct territories for the prayer ceremonies. I needed a rest day, so I was first. Next would be Charlotte, Wilfried, and the high priest.

Arriving at the temple as planned, a line of carriages was waiting at the front entrance, and Charlotte was there wearing blue ceremonial robes. The high priest was beside her as well.

“I have returned.”

“Welcome back, older sister. How is your health?”

“Thanks to Charlotte and Brother Wilfried’s cooperation, I was able to finish the prayer ceremonies with hardly any health issues. Charlotte, it must be tough for you, but please take care.”

I handed the Holy Grail—the divine relic—to Charlotte and the high priest’s attendant who was going to the prayer ceremony. After ensuring the attendant boarded the carriage with the precious relic, Charlotte set off as well. Today she would perform the ceremony at the nearest southern Winter Hall and stay overnight there.

“I mustn’t be too late, so I will be going now.”

“Yes, go well. Everyone, please look after Charlotte.”

After watching the carriage leave and just as I was about to head to my room, the high priest grabbed my arm and forced me to lift my face.

“Wha!? What is it all of a sudden?”

“…You just returned from the prayer ceremony, but you look better than expected.”

“This time, the range was small, so I hardly took any medicine. It’s easier when everyone takes turns.”