Published: September 6, 2025
"Heheh, heheh... isn't it perfect?"
Today was the day of the meeting with the merchants from downtown. Along with the many amulets prepared in reserve and a list of topics to discuss, I had prepared Hugo’s recipes. The Otmar Trading Company had offered to exchange recipes between Ilse’s and Hugo’s. Ilse’s recipes were menu plans intended for the Italian restaurant opening this summer, and they were to be confirmed by me as the investor.
…New recipes, yippee!
When the third bell rang, Roderich and Filine were to come from the castle, bringing Brynhildr, Greschel’s civil officials, and some eager young civil officials. The merchants would arrive before them, so once Zaam, the guide, came to get me, I was to move to the conference room.
“Lady Rosemine, the high priest requests permission to enter.”
When Fran granted permission, the door opened. Hartmut, who usually wore a composed smile, entered with a rare look of unease.
“Is something wrong?”
“Today is an important meeting with downtown, so I thought this could wait, but I have an uneasy feeling and wanted to report first… Clarissa has departed from Dunkelfelger.”
“Huh?”
Clarissa, who viewed marrying Hartmut as a means to become my aide, seemed angry, saying, “I don't mind if the wedding is postponed, but it’s unbearable if my appointment as an aide is delayed.” Women inevitably have periods away from work due to pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing. Postponing the marriage would certainly delay her becoming an aide. She insisted on going to Ehrenfest immediately as Hartmut’s fiancée.
Originally, it wouldn’t have been strange to break the engagement once Hartmut became the high priest, but it wasn’t dissolved. This was because of Dunkelfelger’s peculiar claim that “Only the individual can dissolve an engagement won through martial challenges,” which Aub Dunkelfelger accepted.
As a result of discussions during the territory competition involving relatives including Aub Dunkelfelger, Hartmut told me that “If Aub Ehrenfest’s permission is obtained, Clarissa will move during the lords’ council.”
“That means Foster Father has given permission, right?”
“Yes. Without Lord Ferdinand, Lady Rosemine is having a hard time, and having an aide from a high-ranking territory like Dunkelfelger would please him. Aub Ehrenfest reportedly said they welcome Clarissa.”
That in itself isn’t strange. It’s true that things are difficult without Ferdinand, and it’s helpful to have Clarissa, a civil official from a high-ranking territory, come.
“…But why depart now? The lords’ council hasn’t happened yet. Is she coming through the noble academy?”
The noble academy, mostly empty, is guarded by knights taking turns watching the teleportation circle and is basically sealed off. To welcome Clarissa, everything would have to be opened, and people assigned. It requires a major schedule change.
“We haven’t received any notice from Dunkelfelger, right?”
“I heard only from Aub last night. Apparently, Aub Dunkelfelger feels deeply sorry that Dunkelfelger’s actions have greatly affected Lord Ferdinand's condition. He said that if Clarissa’s early arrival could ease Ehrenfest’s burden, then that would be good.”
…Aub Dunkelfelger!
Having heard that clearly, Clarissa apparently set out cheerfully with her attendants by land, not via the noble academy, so as not to be a burden on Ehrenfest. She departed early the morning after the spring celebration banquet.
After winter’s social season ended and after their daughter’s graduation and coming-of-age celebrations, Clarissa’s parents received the news of her departure on a refreshing morning. They hurried to Aub, exclaiming, “Dunkelfelger’s reckless behavior is troubling Ehrenfest again…” The Aub couple turned pale and sent apologies and reports using the emergency communication system among lords.
“A very apologetic Aub Dunkelfelger requested that someone pick them up at the Froebelthark boundary gate. Clarissa’s parents are chasing after them, and Mother has been at home since last night preparing the room and arrangements for the welcome.”