Published: September 6, 2025
I somehow managed to pass the dedication dance practice without letting the blessing overflow, but I couldn’t help being terrified of everyone’s reactions afterward. As soon as Wilfried and Charlotte returned from practice, I immediately took them to the conference room and nervously asked them. The two exchanged uneasy looks and quietly let out breaths.
“...You managed to suppress the blessing, but the entire mana stone was glowing. It was a sight that would convince anyone that you are truly a saint. Right, Brother?”
“Indeed. I noticed it while dancing. It was very conspicuous.”
It turns out Wilfried himself was distracted by the glowing mana stone during the dance and stopped midway. I knew everyone was stunned by the glowing mana stones, but I hadn’t even realized that the others had stopped dancing.
…I was desperately trying not to let the blessing overflow!
“Um, how did the others react?”
“Within the small hall, everyone was silent, so I’m not sure about their individual reactions. After Lady Rosemine left, we resumed practice with renewed focus.”
“Since they are all lord candidates, they are skilled at hiding their expressions and feelings. We won’t know how they reported back to their surroundings or to Aub until some time has passed.”
Wilfried shook his head, and Charlotte sighed as she spoke. Only lord candidates practice the dedication dance, so unlike the senior nobles who attend the practical music lessons, few have seen it. However, since everyone in the small hall is among the highest-ranking of their territories, no one knows yet how the incident might affect things.
“I see… Also, this arrived from Ehrenfest. Aub will be here two days from now during dinner to meet with Master Hilsure. I’ve already informed Master Hilsure through Ordnance.”
I handed over the wooden tag as I said this, and Wilfried and Charlotte exchanged anxious looks.
“...I see. Father will be here, then.”
“If we are to announce the divine blessings at the territory competition, we will need some assumptions and results.”
Their expressions darkened slightly, probably because they now understand the consequences of the purge.
Before Foster Father arrives, everyone, including the children of the old Veronica faction, will go to the gathering place to collect many medicinal herbs and materials, then recover them with blessings. We plan to give them to Foster Father and demonstrate that the dormitory is running smoothly. We also want him to prepare with mana stones and herbs for the subjugation of the lord of winter.
“Princesses, the knights from the teleportation circle have contacted us. It seems we will start moving soon.”
At Richarda’s words, Charlotte and I, who had already finished the afternoon’s practical lessons and theoretical studies respectively, looked up. It was much earlier than usual for dinner.
“It’s essential to align our discussions beforehand. Richarda, is the conference room ready...?”
“It’s already prepared.”
Richarda had apparently had the lower-grade attendant apprentices, who were done with theory and in the dormitory, prepare the conference room. I hadn’t noticed since I was reading in the multipurpose hall.
When we headed to the teleportation circle room, three Guard Knights came out and took positions awaiting the arrival of the lord through the circle.
“Mother is with you too!?”
Charlotte exclaimed in surprise. Aub wasn’t the only one arriving at the dormitory via teleportation circle. Neither of us expected Foster Mother to be with him, so I was also surprised. Foster Mother looked at us with indigo eyes similar in tone to Charlotte’s, then placed her hand against her cheek and sighed.
“The meeting with Master Hilsure is important for Ehrenfest. I must attend as well.”
“I was busy with other matters, so this year, Florentia was the one reviewing the reports coming from the dormitory.”
Foster Father said this, shrugging his shoulders. While things had been hectic with the purge being moved up on Matthias’ advice, it seems that it was actually Foster Mother who had been reviewing the noble academy’s reports, not Foster Father.