Published: September 6, 2025
“Have a good trip, Lady Rosemine.”
Judith got off the mini bus at the castle, and Angelica took her place on board. Around them, the nobles released their mounts and one by one, they galloped into the sky, heading out.
“Angelica, were you able to rest a little?”
“Yes. Aside from receiving training from my master, I rested.”
…That didn’t sound like much rest at all.
I had given Angelica a few days off since she would be assigned to guard duties both at the prayer ceremony in the directly governed territory and at the Reizegang, but it seemed it hadn’t been very effective.
“When I told my master about how I was praised by Lady Rosemine for cutting fish, he decided to train me. He said I must show sharper swordsmanship next time. He also said he wanted to take part in the subjugation.”
“Please convey that if there is another opportunity and the temple is suitable, I would like to invite him.”
“I understand. I’m sure my master will be very pleased.”
Angelica spoke cheerfully, excitedly telling me about how great grandfather was, which knights were strong in the order, and the fighting styles favored by Brother Eckhardt and the high priest. As I nodded and listened, Brother Cornelius’s mount drew a little closer.
“Lady Rosemine, we have entered Reizegang. We will arrive at the Summer Hall shortly.”
At Cornelius’s words, I looked down at the landscape below. There were patches of snow here and there, with mostly dark soil stretching out. The scenery seemed sparse, with little greenery, and rather lonely. At the time of Brother Lamprecht’s wedding, the farmland was surrounded by dark, dense forests with lush green leaves—a peaceful rural landscape.
“Different seasons really create different atmospheres. I didn’t realize we had entered Reizegang.”
“It’s better this way, easier to spot any enemies hiding.”
Indeed, there had been many attempted ambushes in Reizegang before, but this time there would surely be none. Besides the guard knights, knights from the order were present as well. The prayer ceremony at this time of year greatly affects the year’s harvest, so everyone was busy.
I watched the leaders lower their altitude—it seemed we had arrived.
Though I had visited Reizegang several times, the only part clearly etched in my memory was the detached building used by the temple officials.
I had been to the Summer Hall a little during Brother Lamprecht’s wedding, but after a quick lunch, we departed. After the wedding, I was tired and withdrew early to my room to sleep, and feeling unwell, I drove the mini bus back to Ehrenfest and collapsed into bed, so not much had stuck in my memory.
As I dismounted my mount, Fran, Monica, and Hugo each carried the luggage and food into the detached building used by the priests. Since at Reizegang we only had to hand over the Lesser Holy Grail, the priests didn’t have much work, but we had to stay until Gutenberg and the others finished their activities.
Unlike Haldenzel, the sturdy castle that served as the Winter Hall, Reizegang had a detached building, so the nobles wouldn’t come into contact with Fran and the others. That alone was somewhat reassuring.
“Lady Rosemine, the handover of the Lesser Holy Grail will be after the greetings, right?”
“Yes, Fran. Please prepare.”
After handing over the Lesser Holy Grail to Gibe Reizegang, we were to be guided to where Gutenberg and his group would stay, so they would remain waiting on the mini bus.
Holding the Lesser Holy Grail, I lined up accompanied by Fran and Monica.
“Welcome to Reizegang.”
After a lengthy greeting between Gibe Reizegang and my mother, the representative of the printing industry, I stepped forward holding the Lesser Holy Grail.
Gibe Reizegang appeared to be a civil official slightly older than Father. He had a calm smile when we first met, but his eyes seemed to burn with ambition. Now, that feeling was less apparent, but I knew it was best not to let my guard down.
“By the water goddess Flutlene, who brings healing and change, and the twelve retainers who serve by her side, the earth goddess Gedrurihi has been granted the power to nurture new life. I sincerely hope that all things on the vast wide earth will be filled with the noble color of the water goddess Flutlene.”