Published: September 6, 2025
With the restrictions on entering the head priest’s workshop lifted, others were now allowed inside as well. As soon as others could enter, I, being short and weak, was immediately sidelined. I shrugged lightly as I watched Eckhardt Brother happily enter the workshop and help the head priest.
The packed items were sorted into things to take to Arensbach, things to bring into my workshop, and things to carry back to the manor. Though some tidying had been done before, there were still many things that needed to be taken out.
“There’s the manor to tidy up as well. I want this place cleaned up by the end of today,” the head priest said.
The attendants widened their eyes in surprise upon hearing this. Aside from managing the head priest’s daily life, clearing out everything from this cluttered workshop was going to be a huge task.
“It’s going to be tough with just the head priest’s attendants. There’s just not enough time. We should call the gray priests from the orphanage for reinforcement.”
“What good will it do to bring in people who aren’t attendants?”
“It’s not like they’ll be promoted to attendants just because they help. We just have to pay them accordingly. Monica, please go to the orphanage and bring back about ten gray priests who are good at heavy labor.”
“Understood.”
Monica spun on her heel and walked toward the orphanage. I looked up at the puzzled head priest and shrugged.
“For the things we’re not familiar with or don’t want others touching, perhaps Eckhardt Brother and the attendants should handle them. The gray priests can take care of carrying the packed items. How does that sound?”
“…You're really good at delegating work to others.”
“I can't do anything by myself unless I ask others, so I’ve always left things to capable people. The head priest does everything herself, but I think she should learn to build more allies and delegate.”
As I said this, I thought about how the head priest could easily make allies. Though she was skilled at protecting herself, she was overly cautious and didn’t actively build alliances. She tried to manage with only those around her. But going to Arensbach, where aside from Raimund, there were no trustworthy allies except Eckhardt Brother and Justox, would be problematic.
“Lord Ferdinand, since many nobles gather during winter, why not use the opportunity to play the Fischpiel as a thank-you for the welcome and win over some noblewomen? It’s simple and effective. If you have a new piece, someone will definitely take interest. Let’s make good use of your skills, voice, and appearance.”
Since many noblewomen were charmed by the head priest’s Fischpiel performance at Ehrenfest, I thought it was worth trying in Arensbach too.
“Oh, and I’m preparing some sweets. Since you’re responsible for Leticia’s education, when she achieves something, give her treats as rewards. Constantly scolding won’t help her grow. Don’t forget to praise her. Also, please discuss the educational methods with Leticia’s close aides thoroughly. Don’t act solely on your own plans. And…"
“That’s enough. You do what you need to do.”
When I gave all the warnings I could think of, the head priest sighed and waved her hand. But I was at a loss when told to do what I should do.
Arrangements for the various things the head priest wanted to take with her were complete. Now, we only needed to wait for everyone to gather. The meals were steadily being prepared, and Justox was inspecting and packing items delivered by the Otmar Trading Company. We had purchased a hair ornament for Leticia through the guild, and Fritz had packed the teaching materials. Rosina had already finished writing the main melody’s sheet music and was struggling to arrange the Fischpiel until the last minute.
“Head priest, what should I do now? I came back to the temple to help you, right?”
“Go to the library with Fran and retrieve the books I brought in.”
“Retrieve the books…?”