Ascendance of a Bookworm

I returned to my room and began reading the letter I had received from Hannelore. The letter mentioned that the Ehrenfest books were thin and easy to carry, written in contemporary language, making them very easy to read. It ended by asking me to lend her any other books I might have.

...Leave it to me! I’ll ask Mother to increase the collection of romance novels for Lady Hannelore!

Because my romance novels were rejected by the high priest, I want the noble ladies who share the same faction as Mother and love writing to do their best with the romance novels.

...Next, I’ll lend her some love stories from the Noble Academy. Tee-hee.

I looked at the book Hannelore lent me. It was thick, heavily decorated, and large, so it was quite heavy just to turn the first page by myself. I seriously wished for a reading desk with a slanted top like the ones in the temple library.

The content consisted of old tales from Dunkelfelger, written in difficult and archaic language. It felt as if I were reading a sacred scripture or a classical text. I enjoyed it, so that was fine.

There were several knightly tales included, but it seemed the region valued martial prowess. Many stories were about fighting relentlessly—losing, fighting, fighting, fighting... and continuing until victory was achieved.

Some of the earlier tales resembled stories that had connections to the sacred scripture, written like narratives but also serving as a sort of history book.

...If this really is part of a history book, then Dunkelfelger has existed almost since the country's founding. But since it’s unclear whether parts were conveniently added later, I want to read books from various territories.

Books from other regions are really interesting. They’re full of things I didn’t know about. I should probably transcribe these stories I’ve never heard before.

“We’ll be busy moving between the temple and the castle, but Filine and Hartmut, please help out as well.”

“Understood.”

After discussing with Foster Father, it was decided the temple would be treated on par with the Noble District, allowing apprentices to enter and exit freely. However, just because they can enter doesn’t mean the close aides want to.

“If your family objects or if you feel uncomfortable entering the temple, you don’t have to accompany us as before.”

“No, I want to try the temple’s food that Angelica spoke about.”

It was a little amusing how Judit was looking forward to going in and out of the temple just for the food. Filine asked if she could meet her younger brother Conrad. It’d be good to contact Wilma in advance, but I don’t think it will be a problem.

Leonore seemed troubled, but she decided to follow Brother Cornelius’s advice: “Just go once, see with your own eyes what the place is like, then decide what to do.”

“There are only rooms available in the temple for two guard knights who are adults, so everyone else should commute.”

“Understood.”

All the guard knights were to visit the temple at least once. I turned my gaze to the attendants.

“What will everyone do?”

“I want to do embroidery for now. After finishing the costumes, I’d like to see the environment where Lady Rosemine was raised, though...”

“That’s fine, Lieselotte. The temple isn’t going anywhere, so please prioritize Schwarz’s costumes now.”

When I encouraged her to do embroidery, Lieselotte giggled and reached for her sewing box. Since the high priest was strict about costume quality, I hope the skilled young ladies will do their best for my sake, too.

“Then, I’ll stay at the castle and embroider alongside Lieselotte. Since the temple has its own attendants, I probably won’t have any work there.”

Brynhildr said that if I tried to take on work there, I’d be taking jobs away from the temple’s attendants. I hadn’t thought that far, but she was right.

“I’ll focus on my work at the castle, but please call me for any meetings related to dyeing. Also, I got a message from Father the other day. The printing business is ready to start in Greschel. He said he would contact Lady Elvira.”