Published: September 6, 2025
“Cornelius, you’re a bit tense. You need to hold back a little, or your feelings will show to the other side.”
This was my first Winter Social Season attending not as a student of the noble academy but dressed in the attire of a grown knight. Amid the bustling chatter filling the grand hall before the opening banquet, Leonore leaned close with a sweet smile and whispered a warning. I exhaled slowly and tore my gaze away from Gibe Gerlach.
To be honest, I wanted nothing more than to kick that smug look off Gibe Gerlach’s face immediately, but now wasn’t the time. Unlike before, when I was gnashing my teeth without enough proof to capture him, this time we had undeniable evidence. It would be worse if he caught on now. I forced a smile and looked at Leonore.
“I’ll be careful. I can’t help but feel on edge this time.”
“Tension is only natural in this situation.”
This year, since we were refraining from purges, the knights who knew the plan appeared quiet but their eyes were sharp. The nobles from the old Veronica faction were animatedly discussing the guests from Arensbach who arrived in summer and Lord Ferdinand's recent journey there. There were many things to watch carefully: to see if any suspicious persons were definitely attending, or if any of our movements had been noticed.
“This year again, the goddess of earth Gedrurihi hides the goddess of life Avelibe. Everyone must pray together for the coming of spring.”
With Aub Ehrenfest’s voice, the banquet began. It was announced that Lord Ferdinand had suddenly gone to Arensbach and that Hartmut would take on the role of new high priest at the temple to support Rosemine.
When Aub finished speaking, it was time for the baptism ceremony and introduction. This year, Melchior, who had been baptized in spring, would participate in the introduction. Melchior had taken a liking to Rosemine’s sword dance and had been practicing with her.
On the stage, Rosemine, the head priest, and the new high priest Hartmut prepared for the baptism. Rosemine, helped by Hartmut, stepped up to a higher platform and spoke out.
“Let us welcome the new child of Ehrenfest.”
Until now, Rosemine had left greetings and myth narration to Lord Ferdinand, but this year she used a magic tool to amplify her voice and narrated herself. She told the myth in her youthful voice. To confuse those who knew about the Sacred Scripture replacement incident, no scripture was opened; it remained closed.
“Lady Rosemine’s expression has changed somewhat... Richarda whispered that she feels a tense atmosphere and is worried.”
“That must be because the parting with Lord Ferdinand had such a big impact.”
Since the farewell was decided and they secluded themselves in the workshop that day, the relationship between Rosemine and Lord Ferdinand suddenly changed. Rosemine openly expressed affection for Lord Ferdinand without hesitation and the distance between them during conversations noticeably shortened. As a guard, being close to one’s master and observing such changes is clear.
They also exchanged gifts. It’s not uncommon for those leaving estates due to marriage or other reasons to give items to close ones as a kind of parting gift. That’s why I didn’t understand why they dined at an Italian restaurant as a farewell. But it made sense as a way to honor Lord Ferdinand’s attendants and him himself.
...But something even more incomprehensible happened.
At the Italian restaurant, Rosemine and Lord Ferdinand exchanged mana stone amulets. Apparently, both wanted to surprise the other, but such precious amulets are rarely given unless one is an overly protective parent.
If Rosemine were an adult woman rather than a child, everyone would assume it was a proposal. Honestly, no matter how unwilling she was about the political marriage ordered by the royal decree, the mana stones given to Rosemine were much higher quality and more mana-infused than those given to her betrothed Dietlinde. If such high-quality mana stones existed, wouldn’t she give those to her fiancé first? I can’t be the only one thinking that.