Ascendance of a Bookworm

With so many people around, it was impossible to clear everyone out and have a private conversation with my Foster Father about Roderich’s name offering and attribute increase. This time, all the students who needed to offer their names to survive had already completed the blessing ceremony, so there was no urgent need to consult. We could discuss it after returning to Ehrenfest.

When Lord and Lady Aub returned to Ehrenfest, I went back to my room and steadily poured mana into the mana stone, gradually lowering the compression rate inside my body. Until now, I had been compressing unconsciously, but from now on, I had to be careful not to compress too much.

...I’m used to compressing and packing mana tightly, but consciously spreading it thin is difficult.

Unlike the commoner days when I had to squeeze in even the slightest mana to keep myself alive, now it seemed possible to control magic by spreading the mana thinly and reducing how much remained inside the vessel.

“...Huh?”

As I poured more and more mana into the mana stone, there came a moment when my body suddenly felt lighter, like a gentle drop settling into place. Instinctively, I sensed this was the limit of the stave’s capacity and pushed a little more mana into the stone.

“Yeah... this should be fine.”

...I hope it really is.

The next day, after breakfast, all the students gathered in the multipurpose hall. The purpose was to talk about the purge in detail. Since everyone knew that Lord and Lady Aub had visited the dormitory, the students were tense—especially the children from the old Veronica faction, some of whom looked pale or had stiff expressions.

“As you all know, Lord Aub visited last night. The reason was a meeting with Professor Hilsure, but at the same time, there was also a discussion about the purge. I want to tell you all about it.”

Wilfried began explaining confidently, looking around at everyone.

As planned, those who had offered their names to Georgine—the principal wife from another territory—would be executed. The others would be investigated, and their fate decided during the winter.

“Those who can’t survive without offering their names are Matthias, Laurenz, Muliera, Baltolt, and Cassandra. The rest won’t be dealt with immediately but will be allowed to return to their families.”

“...Even if it takes time, we’ll be able to see our families again.”

A first-year student, who had been wrapped up by Leonore, let out a relieved breath. His words eased the atmosphere in the hall.

It was understandable that most relaxed upon hearing they didn’t need to offer their names, and I was also glad his family wasn’t among those who had offered names to Georgine.

However, Baltolt and Cassandra, who would lose their families and be bound by the name offering, looked pale and white. When I glanced at them worriedly, they forced smiles that clearly didn’t reach their eyes. Realizing that my concern only made them pretend more, I quietly averted my gaze.

“Including the orphans, as I mentioned earlier, those who can settle the matter with a fine will be able to return home after the noble academy ends, but children whose parents must perform hard labor will stay in the castle dormitory until the labor is complete. Some details about who is guilty of what remain unclear, so don’t forget that.”

When the talk ended, children who had been anxious and tense about never meeting their families again finally relaxed and smiled naturally. Relieved by the softer atmosphere, I observed my close aides, who didn’t look particularly dissatisfied.

“Lady Rosemine.”

As Matthias and Laurenz approached calling my name, Leonore and the others stepped forward with serious expressions. Brynhildr and Liselotte also looked cautious, and the hall instantly tensed.

Blocked by the guard knights, the two knelt on the spot.

“Our stones are ready. Please call us whenever you are prepared to accept the name.”

“Let’s receive it as soon as possible. That way, Leonore and the others won’t need to be so guarded. Liselotte, please prepare the room. Is it alright if just my close aides are present?”