Ascendance of a Bookworm

There was hardly any proper scolding, and the conversation with the exhausted guardians ended with the words, “Since we want to limit contact with the royal family, you will be sent back to the noble academy around the time the dedication ceremony finishes.” It wasn’t that I wanted to be scolded, but it all felt very strange.

…What is this feeling? Like wanting to ask, “Are you sure I don’t need to be scolded?” But I definitely would get scolded if I asked, so I didn’t say anything.

Unlike last year, returning to the noble academy early seems to be so Hildebrandt can gain social experience during the time he won’t be able to go out. But for me, if it means being swamped with social events and not being able to visit the library, I don’t mind if I don’t return to the academy.

…If it were a tea party where I could exchange thoughts on books with Lady Hannelore, I’d gladly attend—but such tea parties probably wouldn’t be allowed. Things never go smoothly.

“Otilier, please send this letter to the noble academy.”

“Understood.”

I asked Otilier to deliver a letter requesting Hartmut to gather materials for the regeneration ritual. As soon as Otilier, who is Hartmut’s mother, saw the recipient, her face turned anxious.

“How has Hartmut been at the noble academy? Has he caused any trouble?”

“He’s been working hard on gathering information and coordinating various matters. He’s also been diligent in writing reports submitted to Aub. The report I read today was lively. There’s no doubt he’s enjoying his life at the academy.”

I opened my mouth to reassure Otilier but could say nothing more. I couldn’t possibly say, “After witnessing the regeneration ritual at the gathering site, Lady Rosemine was thrilled and gave thanks to the gods, truly believing she was a saint.”

“Princess, it’s almost time for dinner. Please put down your pen.”

Ricarda said, and I put down my pen and stood up. After this would be dinner, where I would discuss the subjugation of Tarnis Befaren with grandfather.

…Because of Hartmut’s report, it seems I played a major role. What should I do?

I puzzled over this as I took my seat at the dinner table. Grandfather sat next to me, and the high priest was there as well. As we ate, I answered grandfather’s questions.

“So, from Roderich’s report, I realized Leonore was Tarnis Befaren, and I set out to bless everyone’s weapons with the blessing of the god of darkness. Brother Wilfried and the others who went ahead were buying time against a very large Tarnis Befaren. The reason it was bigger than Roderich’s report was because Traugott attacked with full force.”

“Traugott? Hmm…”

Grandfather’s atmosphere became tense, so I hurriedly clarified that the information about Tarnis Befaren had not yet arrived. Standing behind Foster Father as a Guard Knight, Father, the knights order commander, frowned.

“The problem is the narrow perspective that failed to realize Matthias was buying time rather than attacking. It’s good everyone was safe, but if deaths had occurred because Tarnis Befaren grew larger, would Rosemine still say the same thing?”

Father, the knights order commander, said that this time the surrounding support just happened to work well. I couldn’t argue and nodded.

“Everyone received the blessing of the god of darkness and began attacking. I fired the water gun, but it didn’t hit Tarnis Befaren at all. It seemed only my attacks were being actively avoided…”

“That’s only natural.”

The high priest raised one eyebrow and looked at me.

“Based on your explanation, your ‘Water Cannon’ weapon shoots out mana, right? Attacking with a weapon blessed by the god of darkness allows you to steal twice the mana charged into it from the enemy. Naturally, Tarnis Befaren would be most cautious about your attacks.”

“Indeed. For Tarnis Befaren, Rosemine was the biggest threat. Though you say your attacks didn’t hit, by drawing Tarnis Befaren’s attention, you created opportunities for others to attack, yes?”