Ascendance of a Bookworm

“Hm? Well, yes. While on guard duty, some combat experience is also necessary.”

When I invited him to go gathering together, grandfather readily agreed. Stroking his chin, he began discussing the personnel and what items to bring.

“We should probably report this to Lord Ferdinand first. He has repeatedly told us not to act on our own.”

I sent an Ordnance to the high priest. “We will be gathering in the Castle Forest as part of guard training. Since it could be dangerous, grandfather will supervise. Please rest assured.”

The high priest responded immediately.

“You fool. Of course it’s forbidden. Lord Bonifatius is far more dangerous than the demonic beasts in the forest. Lord Bonifatius still cannot hold back, so even if you intend to help him, if he throws you aside, you will die. How many times has your life been in danger? Don’t trouble me with unnecessary actions when we don’t know what will happen at the lords’ council. Understood?”

Since this was Ordnance’s reply, the warning was emphasized three times, and grandfather and I exchanged glances.

“That’s unfortunate. It’s forbidden, grandfather.”

“Uggghhh…”

While I shrugged and gave up, it seemed grandfather was already determined to go. After grinding his teeth, he dashed off saying he would wrest permission from the high priest. Maybe he was using physical enhancement, because he was incredibly fast.

“Grandfather has already left, hasn’t he?”

“Master was probably pleased to be asked by Lady Rosemine. He says there are few opportunities to interact.”

While I stared blankly at the wide-open door, Angelica smiled softly as she closed it and said this. Only Angelica and I could leisurely smile at grandfather’s behavior; Judith, who was denied permission to gather, was tearing up.

“Lady Rosemine, if it’s forbidden for me, what will happen to my gathering?”

“I will ask Lord Ferdinand if only the guard knight apprentices may go gathering. If it is still forbidden, I will share the healing potions I made the other day, so it will be fine.”

There were still healing potions left from when I was told they were enough for apprentices. Since I wasn’t going to use them anyway, I thought it would be good to give some to Judith.

“Lady Rosemine, you made the healing potions? You haven’t learned that yet, right?”

“I learned from Lord Ferdinand. He said I must be able to make my own healing potions at least.”

“…That’s strict.”

“Until now, I’ve been relying completely on others for gathering materials and making them. I want to be able to mix medicines myself soon.”

While talking with Judith, Ordnance suddenly flew over. The white bird spoke in the extremely displeased voice of the high priest.

“Don’t forget to prepare the healing potions. Also, do not let Cornelius out of your sight. Make sure to order him to protect himself from Lord Bonifatius. Understood?”

After repeating this three times, Ordnance returned to the yellow mana stone. At that moment, grandfather burst in.

“Ferdinand gave permission! Tomorrow we go gathering!”

Apparently, he forcibly wrested the permission. Spinning me around in his arms, I felt dizzy. The high priest’s repeated warnings that “Lord Bonifatius is the most dangerous” filled my head, and I grew very uneasy about gathering in the forest.

Today was gathering in the Castle Forest. After breakfast, I was dressed in riding uniform. As the lord’s adopted daughter, Richard and Brynhildr approved only of riding uniform as suitable attire. I had wanted to wear a cool outfit for gathering, but I couldn’t win against their enthusiasm. I hung a leather pouch for gathered items and healing potions on a leather belt over the riding uniform, fully prepared.

“Lady Rosemine, I’m ready too.”

Filine was also dressed in riding uniform, fastening her leather belt.

Today’s gathering was to be with a large group. The attendants said they would not accompany us because they were busy tidying rooms and embroidering, but civil official apprentice Hartmut and Filine wanted to accompany us to gather magic tool materials for their noble academy lectures. Since it would be dangerous without knights if demonic beasts appeared, they usually purchased from knight apprentices.