Ascendance of a Bookworm

The next day, I left the report about the meeting to Fran and spent the day at the temple.

After breakfast, I had Ella called over and gave her a hair ornament as a wedding gift. She was so moved that she cried. While practicing with Rosina and Fischpiel, Filine came to the temple and praised us. During dedication dance practice, Hartmut asked, "Does the dedication dance not invoke blessings?" Although it was the usual routine, the day felt a bit different.

When the third bell rang, I took a civil official apprentice and a Guard Knight and went to assist the head priest. The head priest had assigned tasks to the close aides except Angelica, who was guarding the door, and then called me in.

"Rosemine, I received the report from Fran. Are you returning to the castle once to have summer clothes tailored?"

"Since it's summer attire, we need to hurry, or the season will end before they're finished. Also, I need to talk to my mother and others about the dyeing event."

"Hmm. Very well. I heard you intend to visit the Italian restaurant to call on the merchants of the downtown area... But letting you go unsupervised is dangerous. Also, I want to accompany you to see how the downtown looks after the development."

"Isn't it just because the head priest wants to try new menu items?"

Through Todd, I only shared recipes purchased by the head priest. I heard from Zaam that the head priest's exclusive chef is also experimenting with new dishes, so the head priest must be curious about the Italian restaurant’s menu.

At my remark, the head priest only raised one eyebrow slightly and didn't answer, but his silence was telling.

"It’s decided that I will go, but keep it secret from Sylvester. If even a hint leaks, he'll definitely come along, causing a huge fuss."

"I think the merchants would be much more motivated if the lord himself came to invite them..."

"You'll be going before the spring coming-of-age ceremony, right? You’re currently handling the piled-up work unusually efficiently, so it's better not to disturb you."

The head priest seemed determined to prevent the foster father’s visit at all costs. Since his arrival would escalate matters, I basically agreed to keep it quiet.

"Also, about replacing the furniture in the orphanage director’s room..."

Fran apparently reported Hartmut’s concerns thoroughly. When I thought about wasting money, the head priest said, “The orphanage director’s room can stay as it is.”

When officials from the castle come for meetings, they will use a room close to the noble district's main entrance. The head priest said they cannot summon noble officials to the orphanage.

"Also, I don’t know how the azure priests will interact with the nobles who come to the temple. I intend to allow officials only into areas within my sight."

"If there’s no need to buy new furniture, that’s fine."

"Yes, that room still has furniture left from the former head priest, which has no takers. We plan to use those."

I nodded, agreeing that it’s important not to waste. The head priest shrugged lightly.

"However, remember that as the lord’s adopted daughter, you must have furniture appropriate for your status around you."

"I understand," I answered. The head priest added, "The next time to prepare such furniture will be at your wedding." That was still far away.

"Head priest, one more question: what kind of rewards should I give to my close aides? I’ve given writing tablets and clothes to the temple attendants and Gutenburg’s staff, and desserts or an extra dish when the orphanage children work hard. But I can’t think of what to give the noble aides."

For girls, different colored hair ornaments or newly designed hairpins would be fine, or maybe newly dyed fabrics. But I had no idea what to give the boys.

"They work for their wages, so unless they accomplish something remarkable, they don't need rewards."

Since they have the honor of being the lord family’s aides, it is most important that I behave suitably as their lord.

...But I think it will create a big gap between them and the temple attendants.