Published: August 25, 2025
I told the children of the old Veronica faction to act cautiously rather than impulsively, and then dismissed them.
"…Until I heard it from my Foster Father, I didn’t know what it meant to dedicate one’s name. I’d like to hear various opinions. Is it something that can be exchanged for the method of mana compression?"
Once you become an adult, you can choose your faction by your own will. But the method of mana compression is so important that some cannot wait that long—perhaps it is something worth risking their lives for.
"I have no intention of dedicating my name to anyone. I want to decide for myself what to choose and how to live. Nobles who have dedicated their names to someone are probably only a handful. Loyalty can be offered without dedicating a name."
Brynhildr said this with a proud smile befitting a high-ranking noble. Leonore agreed with her opinion.
"That's right. It’s admirable to dedicate and be dedicated to by someone you love, pledging eternal feelings. But it’s unrealistic. I don’t think it’s possible."
…So, it’s not just loyalty, but there’s also that kind of dedication of a name. It’s scary to think about someone being forced to do it unilaterally, even if mutual dedication is one thing.
"I have seen with my own eyes the joy my Brother Eckhardt felt when he dedicated his name and earned Lord Ferdinand's trust, and the contrast when he entered the temple. Seeing my brother go through such hardships, I have no intention of dedicating my name to anyone."
…I see. Brother Cornelius has also seen someone who dedicated their name up close.
Hearing Brother Cornelius's opinion, Hartmut nodded several times and then simply said, "If Lady Rosemine wishes, I don't mind dedicating my name." While everyone’s eyes widened, Hartmut smiled cheerfully.
"But Lady Rosemine wouldn’t wish that, right?"
Unlike the High Priest, who was surrounded by enemies and had no one he could trust, I have many protectors: my foster parents who are lords, my high-ranking noble parents, and my guardians. I also have good relations with my attendants. I have absolutely no need for life-risking loyalty. I don’t even understand the value of having a name dedicated to me. Moreover, even the gray priests and shrine maidens are given choices and their wills are respected as much as possible, so Hartmut shrugged, saying he wouldn’t be pleased even if his name was dedicated.
I felt as if I were being studied very thoroughly, but that’s true. I would be troubled if someone dedicated their name to me.
"Brother Wilfried and Lady Charlotte, if the children of the old Veronica faction dedicate their names, will you accept it?"
This time, I turned my gaze to Wilfried and Charlotte, who would be in a similar position to receive dedications. Wilfried nodded naturally.
"As those in leadership, of course we would accept if names are dedicated to us. Being told you serve by dedicating your name is an honor."
Wilfried was firm that even the children of the old Veronica faction would be properly accepted if their loyalty was such that they dedicated their names, and Charlotte nodded in agreement.
"I will accept them too. Frankly, I don’t understand why Lady Rosemine hesitates to accept them. You have already accepted Filine, and as the orphanage director, you are already responsible for the lives and well-being of the orphans. Dedications of names are probably more readily accepted than loyalty without any guarantees, aren’t they?"
As Charlotte said, I still protect the people of downtown and support the lives of the orphans.
I think Filine’s position, whom I specially took under my wing, is close to a dedicated name, but she hasn’t truly dedicated her name. I originally chose her as my attendant and involved myself in her family issues.
Thus, I naturally think it’s my responsibility to care for her until she becomes independent as an adult, or rather, until she gets married.
However, being dedicated to by the children of the old Veronica faction—who until now were from a different faction and had little interaction—is like being told, "I ran away from my parents. I’ll do anything, so please take me in as an attendant and let me stay here," which means taking full responsibility for their entire lives.