Published: September 6, 2025
“Also, I was consulted a little by Aub Classenburg about their refusal to conduct the dedication ceremony again next year as a joint research project…”
“Yes. The burden on Ehrenfest is just too great.”
I explained that this year, we hurriedly finished the dedication ceremony at Ehrenfest and brought in the tools; the head priest, who manages them, was only allowed access on the day itself, which was very taxing; I was asked to prepare mana recovery potions; and that next year, there’s a high possibility I will return for the dedication ceremony.
“What exactly does Classenburg intend to do with this joint research?”
“Apparently, Aub wanted to discuss that. Negotiations start from there, don’t they?”
It seemed they were confused and troubled because the discussions were cut off before negotiations even began.
“But we cannot order another domain’s temple to lend divine relics for a dedication ceremony at the noble academy. That would affect the next year’s harvest. As I explained during the dedication ceremony, the mana recovery potion recipe is not mine.”
At my words, Eglantine glanced at Ferdinand. She seemed to already have a good idea whose recipe it was. However, Ferdinand ignored Eglantine’s gaze.
By next year, Ferdinand will have completed the starbinding ceremony and become part of Arensbach. He will have nothing to do with the joint research between Classenburg and Ehrenfest. There’s no point in cooperating.
Also, he probably thought it better to keep the recipe as a trump card for emergencies rather than publish it in joint research with Classenburg. There can never be too many trump cards for cleaning up Dietlinde’s mess or exoneration from implication.
“Of course, I agree with Classenburg’s desire to offer mana to the royal family even a little. But if it is to be an annual event, at the very least, divine relics and priests should be lent from the Central Temple, with mana recovery potions prepared for participants using Classenburg’s recipe, and Ehrenfest only needs to participate in the ceremony as the head priest. Without this, I believe holding the dedication ceremony at the noble academy will be difficult.”
I think I managed to diplomatically express my wish not to have my precious reading time taken up by preparations and cleanup. Just as I thought I did well, Ferdinand looked at me as if I were a poorly performing child and lightly tapped my temple.
…Huh? Did I mess up somehow?
“Lady Rosemine, I understand your concerns well. Doing it once is one thing, but continuing for a long time involves many difficulties. I will convey today’s discussion to the royal family and Aub Classenburg.”
The talk with Eglantine was wrapped up earlier than the graduation ceremony’s end. Anastasius had told me to call Ferdinand to talk, but it was Eglantine who independently called him. Anastasius understood it was urgent, but I sensed he was somewhat annoyed, probably out of jealousy.
…Prince Anastasius is just like Avelibe, as usual.
After the greetings, we quickly left the detached palace. Even walking side by side, without an eavesdropping prevention magic tool and with each of us accompanied by aides, Ferdinand and I couldn’t discuss anything complicated. The topic was limited to the joint research, not the dedication dance’s magic circle.
“Are you really that stupid? Why did you say you’d consult with Aub but ended the conversation?”
“It seems consultation is not particularly necessary for joint research since it falls under the students’ domain.”
When I relayed what Foster Father had told me, Ferdinand frowned deeply.
“In your case, it’s not joint research between students but a project involving both Aubs and even the royal family. And with such conditions, it will become an annual event. What do you plan to do after graduation?”
“Melchior is already appointed as head priest, so I think it will be fine if we train him from now on.”
I whispered in my heart that after Melchior, there is a baby yet to be born, and that by the time the baby enters the noble academy, Wilfried’s child might be born too. Since Hartmut and Melchior’s close aides will act as head priests, I think it is possible to continue even if it becomes a regular event.