Ascendance of a Bookworm

After being admonished by Father, I immediately took out the time-stopping magic tool and Egmont’s attendants from their mounts and returned to the temple.

It was certain that Egmont was involved, but perhaps some of the other azure priests had some connection as well. I stopped by the high priest’s office and called out to Hartmut.

“Hartmut, since the high priest has gone to the castle, could you please interrogate the other two besides Egmont?”

“If Lady Rosemine requests it, I would be happy to.”

Hartmut left, taking the high priest’s attendants with him. The moment he did, the azure priests who had been working under his supervision all visibly relaxed their shoulders.

“This is no time to let your guard down. Once the high priest officially changes, this will be the new normal. Please focus diligently on your duties.”

Both the high priest and Hartmut shared the stance that ineffective azure priests were unnecessary, but their approaches differed drastically—either neglect or elimination. The high priest had entered the temple as a priest and was of noble status, whereas Hartmut was dispatched merely as my assistant. Their awareness of the temple and priests was completely different.

Hartmut was a typical high-ranking noble. Since the azure priests hadn’t graduated from the noble academy, he didn’t consider them nobles like himself. Except for me as temple head and the high priest, he regarded both the azure and gray priests as lower-status clergy from noble families. For Hartmut, the important thing was, as he said during his inauguration greeting, whether they were “useful to me.” It wouldn’t be surprising if he thought the gray priests were more valuable to the temple.

…Besides, after this winter, who knows how many priests will still remain azure.

The high priest mentioned a purge of the old Veronica faction. Without the support of their noble families, the azure priests could no longer remain as such. The changes wouldn’t be only in noble relations; the temple, heavily influenced by noble society, would also be affected.

…The students at the noble academy might survive if they make a name offering, but what about the little children? Will the orphanage take them in? Budget-wise, it might be tough to take them all in.

But if nobles aren’t raised, there will be problems down the line. I wonder how Foster Father views this. I might need to discuss it with him before heading to the noble academy.

While pondering these thoughts and working, Hartmut returned. The other two showed no involvement with the invading nobles. Since the interrogations of all azure priests were complete, the surveillance was lifted.

“I appreciate everyone’s cooperation. You may now return to your quarters.”

I released the azure priests and their attendants and thanked the high priest’s attendants who had accompanied Hartmut before returning to my room. By then, the underage aides were already heading back to the Noble District.

“Lady Rosemine, please take good care of yourself.”

Leonore, Judith, Roderich, and Filine said this with concern before leaving. After seeing them off, Brother Cornelius exhaled slowly.

“I wouldn’t have noticed even if Lady Rosemine had been poisoned. Even if told to be careful, I don’t know how to guard myself… I am still so inexperienced.”

Muttering that he must learn from Brother Eckhardt soon, Hartmut placed his hand on Cornelius’s shoulder, his jet-black eyes glowing intensely.

“Cornelius, what do you mean by Lady Rosemine almost being poisoned?”

Hartmut’s orange eyes gleamed sharply—he had left during the poisoning incident. I realized I hadn’t told him about the counterfeit Sacred Scripture’s details. Returning to my room, I ate dinner while reporting the day’s events to Hartmut.

“So, the counterfeit Sacred Scripture was coated with poison, and both you and Lady Rosemine were at risk of poisoning. The Viscountess Dardorf brought it in, correct?”

Hartmut, upon learning the scripture was poisoned, smiled chillingly.