Published: September 6, 2025
By order of my Foster Father, I returned to the temple to investigate the Sacred Scripture, but instead of going back to the castle, I devoted myself to reading. I was carefully reading a book borrowed from Hannelore. Dunkelfelger is a land where demonic beasts and demon trees frequently appear, so it seems one must be strong.
This book introduces various kinds of monsters and grandly describes how they were defeated, interweaving poems that praise the gods. It’s less of a knight’s tale and more like a poetic diary of monster hunts. Since the gods that appear are basically retainers of Raiden Shaft, just from reading the text, I can almost feel the stifling heat and sweaty atmosphere of Rufen.
...So I understand well why the people there like Ditter.
I also read a love story that Hartmut brought over from Clarissa, a civil official apprentice in Dunkelfelger. Unlike the widely known knight’s tales in Dunkelfelger, which my mother favored for their strong romantic elements, this was more like a tale reminiscent of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, where women set challenges for knights trying to prove their strength. Enduring unreasonable demands, battling until victory, retrieving mana stones from demonic beasts, and dedicating them to their beloved women seemed to be the expression of a man’s love in Dunkelfelger. It was a tear-jerking story of a knight’s stubborn, earnest devotion to love, never swayed even by a scheming woman.
...Hang in there, Dunkelfelger men!
While reading these borrowed stories, it seemed the high priest had finished his usual social engagements and returned to the temple. He said he would spend the time until the dedication ceremony researching the magic circle drawn by Hartmut. Preparations for the dedication ceremony would be handled by Kanfer, Fritark, and the gray priests, so the high priest planned to take a brief respite.
“After the dedication ceremony, I will be busy returning to the noble academy, but wouldn’t it be good for you to take a rest around that time, High Priest?”
When I suggested he could relax while I, the so-called problem child, was away, he gave me a cold glare with his pale golden eyes and called me a fool.
“It’s because I can’t see what you’re up to nor intervene when reading reports that I have such a headache every day. Rest is impossible.”
“A-au, I’m sorry.”
Just being able to hide away and read books like this makes me very happy, but things never go smoothly at the noble academy. When I said this, the high priest looked back at his attendants and handed me several sheets of paper.
“Orders from the noble academy to the Gilberta Trading Company and inquiries from Charlotte have arrived. Your responses are required for the inquiries.”
I glanced over the order sheets given to me by the high priest. They were carefully filled out by Brynhildr, detailed right down to the smallest points. With this, choosing threads and designs wouldn’t be too difficult.
“I’ll call the Gilberta Trading Company when the blizzard weakens a bit. I also need to order my spring outfits.”
I wanted to see Tulli after a long time. Also, since Hartmut and Filine wouldn’t be there, maybe I could ease up a little during this meeting. Perhaps because this thought was on my face, the high priest gave a complicated smile.
“I understand what you’re thinking, but time is short. For the sake of the artisans, deliver the order sheets along with the invitation as soon as possible.”
“Yes.”
I handed the order sheets to Monica and asked Gil, who supervises the handiwork at the orphanage, to contact the Gilberta Trading Company. Watching Monica leave the room out of the corner of my eye, I picked up the report from Charlotte.
“Lady Hannelore of Dunkelfelger has invited us to a tea party. She wants to spread the noble academy’s love stories to her friends there. It’s your book, but may I lend it to others under my authority? (Charlotte)”
Hannelore seemed to have enjoyed the noble academy’s love stories immensely and wanted to recommend the book to her own friends. She wanted to share the impressions at another tea party.