Ascendance of a Bookworm

"At the report meeting, only the results were truly reported, but how was it in reality? If there are any people or behaviors I need to be cautious of at the noble academy, I would like you to tell me."

I was already told that my sociability was a concern. It’s best to be as well-prepared as possible. At my words, the high priest simply shrugged his shoulders.

"In your case, the best advice is to be cautious of everyone who approaches you."

"…That’s true, but among them, who should I be especially wary of?"

"Since Ehrenfest moved up to 10th place, the territories ranked slightly below are envious. Because the rankings switched from last year, even if they act deferential to those above them, in reality the backlash will be severe. If you show fear, they'll become arrogant; but if you act too high and mighty, the repercussions will be worse when the rankings switch again."

According to my foster father, in a previous political upheaval when the rankings changed and Ehrenfest suddenly rose, the territories now below them resented them greatly, saying, "Why does Ehrenfest have to be above us of all things?" It was a big problem.

Ehrenfest had been at the bottom until then, and though it stayed neutral during the upheaval, its rank rose, so the envy was understandable.

"Still, I was surprised at how many marriage proposals came one after another."

"Was it not like that during the territory competition?"

I had heard the territory competition was a preliminary battle before the lords' council. There were a few proposals from lower-ranking territories, but none from the upper-ranking ones.

"Probably because you were the top performer and Ehrenfest's ranking jumped sharply. Honestly, I’m glad we got the king's approval beforehand. They mentioned the library’s magic tool attire a bit..."

"Did the royal family say anything about Schwarz and the others?"

This might have been the most important report for me. Leaning forward eagerly, I asked, but my foster father shook his head.

"The ones who spoke were senior civil officials from the central upper nobility. They asked if the library’s magic tool attire could be renewed, and kindly shared a lot of information."

He stopped there and looked at the high priest, who grinned.

"The library’s magic tool attire is primarily made by the central upper nobles’ librarians, crafted by several people. They were quite worried if a rural place like Ehrenfest could make a substitute outfit. They feared we would end up dressing in a shabby costume because we couldn’t even gather the materials."

"Hoho..."

The high priest’s expression became truly amused.

"Then I look forward to next year’s evaluation. Rosemine, don't slack on the embroidery. The magic circles I made have no problems, but I won’t allow any costumes that give an opening by being shabby in embroidery or appearance."

…Wow, the high priest has gotten serious.

"Sylvester, which territories should Rosemine be most cautious of? Tell me more about these marriage proposals."

"You need to be wary of Classenburg, Dunkelfelger, and Drevannel. The others are lower rank, so they don’t require much caution."

"…Eh? Dunkelfelger? That’s impossible. Lady Restiraut disliked me, calling me a fake saint and malicious."

When I mentioned the interactions around treasure hunting Ditter, the high priest narrowed his eyes.

"The proposals definitely stem from that treasure hunting Ditter incident. The knights commander of Dunkelfelger and his nephew must have strongly pushed for you. Dunkelfelger’s knights greatly admire strategists who use them effectively."

"Do you have any idea what that might be? Did Lord Ferdinand get similar proposals?"

Looking up at the high priest, he lightly nodded.

"The knights elevated Ditter’s favorites and tried to force marriage on children of the right age in Aub. Even though you are top rank, they tried to impose a lord candidate from near the bottom, so there’s a princess who escaped Dunkelfelger, fell in love with royalty, and married into the royal family as a third wife during the political upheaval. I remember that."