Published: September 6, 2025
“Princess, please tell me what you’re thinking in detail. What do you mean by allowing lord candidates from other territories to participate in the rituals? We haven’t heard anything about this!”
As soon as I returned to the dormitory, Richarda stood firmly in place. With her hands on her hips and raised eyebrows, it was clear a scolding was about to begin. Yet, I hadn’t done anything yet.
“...It’s only if I get permission from Dunkelfelger, you know?”
“That’s not the point. I’m objecting to you carrying out such a serious matter without consulting us.”
“Didn’t Aub say that since the research is conducted at the noble academy, students can manage it without needing to consult anyone in particular?”
I tilted my head slightly at Richarda’s words. It felt like our understandings were out of sync. She slowly shook her head at me.
“In your case, Princess, it would be best to report to us, but more importantly, this is about consulting the close aides who assist you. At least, please tell us in advance what you’re thinking and planning to do.”
“We’ve already discussed conducting the rituals as part of the joint research with Dunkelfelger. I only proposed it because it seems everyone wants to participate. What we’re doing hasn’t changed, right?”
No matter how many times she questioned me, the decision to perform the rituals was already settled. But Richarda shook her head slowly.
“Do you think you can deceive me with words like that? You’ve always considered rituals you could perform alone so far. Why suddenly decide to include lord candidates from other territories?”
The expressions of my close aides around me were stern; none tried to stop Richarda’s interrogation. I pursed my lips in dissatisfaction but then deliberately forced a smile.
“It’s not that I’ve gotten fed up with constantly hearing malicious rumors about my Foster Father at every tea party, nor that the rituals are neglected and no one listens to what I say while still wanting the benefits from small and medium territories.”
“...You seem quite angry.”
Richarda exhaled softly, commenting that I’ve become good at hiding my emotions, but then shaking her head with a troubled look, she advised, “Please learn to express your feelings properly next time.”
“Then, Princess, what exactly do you plan to do with the rituals?”
“If Dunkelfelger grants permission for others to participate, we’ll hold a dedication ceremony at the noble academy.”
“A dedication ceremony? That’s the ritual usually held at the temple around this time, isn’t it?”
Filine touched her cheek, as if recalling Hartmut and the others preparing for it.
“Yes. If I’m going to show Dunkelfelger the ritual I always perform at Ehrenfest, nothing is more appropriate than the dedication ceremony. Since it’s difficult for me alone to fill the Holy Grail with mana, I was struggling to decide which ritual to show him, but with many collaborators, filling the Holy Grail becomes easy.”
“Um, Lady Rosemine, isn’t that essentially taking mana from lord candidates of other territories?”
Grethia asked timidly. The other close aides’ expressions changed sharply. I looked at Grethia and chuckled softly.
“Oh, please don’t say such things that sound bad. I’m not forcing anyone at all. Everyone is a willing and enthusiastic collaborator, voluntarily offering their mana to Dunkelfelger. Isn’t that a rude way to put it? Besides, I’m sure the royal family will be pleased to see so many cooperative lord candidates.”
Only those who want to join will participate. I’m not forcing anyone, and if someone doesn’t want to, I simply wouldn’t ask them in the first place.
“Um, Lady Rosemine, why does the royal family get involved in this?”
Laurenz asked, looking as if he had just heard something ominous. Theodore nodded nervously, suggesting he’s also not comfortable dealing with the royals.
“If we want to use the altar at the noble academy, we need the royal family’s permission, right? Also, even though participation is voluntary, if I personally use the mana offered by everyone in this shortage period, it could cause problems. So I intend for the royal family to make effective use of it.”