Published: September 6, 2025
Clarissa and Filine had started working at the castle. Matthias and Laurenz had been requested to assist the knights order with their investigations once again, and Brynhildr was apparently going back and forth between Greschel and the Noble District with Berthilde. The close aides seemed quite busy.
Of course, I was busy too. Until now, Ferdinand had handled about half of the head priest’s administrative work. Since I couldn’t just dump all of that onto Hartmut, I had to do the head priest’s official duties myself, which was quite time-consuming.
As I discussed printing matters with Mother and prepared to head to Kilnberga, every day I painfully realized just how much Ferdinand had shielded me when it came to coordinating with the nobility.
...I know it’s impossible, but Lord Ferdinand, come back!
The day after the spring baptism ceremony, Gilberta Trading Company was scheduled to arrive. They would be placing orders for costumes and hair ornaments, and a request came that Mother be present during this. The reason was that as I grew, it might be better to slightly alter the color and patterns of the fabrics dyed for me.
It wasn’t possible to bring craftsmen, untrained in etiquette for dealing with nobles, into the castle, but since there were parts of the temple that commoners could access, I readily agreed to receive them there.
“Wouldn’t it be better to use the orphanage director’s office to make it easier for commoner craftsmen to enter? Commoners not permitted in the castle would find it difficult to access the Noble District,” suggested Hartmut.
Thanks to Hartmut’s attention to detail, orders to Gilberta Trading Company would be handled in the orphanage director’s office. I found his reliability reassuring, and so I asked Fran and Zaam if they could grant permission for Kamil to observe, since my request had been rejected with the explanation, “Children not yet baptized are prohibited from entering the temple.”
“I want to accept the request from Plantin Trading Company…” I began.
Hartmut lowered his eyes, pondering before saying hesitantly, “Acceptance will be difficult.” Fran and Zaam looked relieved.
“Is it because children not baptized can’t enter the temple?” I pressed.
“No, that doesn’t matter,” Hartmut shook his head.
“From now on, the number of azure priest apprentices will increase, and Melchior-sama and his close aides will be coming and going. If Plantin Trading Company is important, it would be best to avoid anything that might invite strange dangers. If someone visiting for observation is treated unfairly, can Lady Rosemine, instead of blindly defending commoners, act remembering her position as a noble and a member of the lord family?”
...That’s impossible!
If Kamil were to suffer unfair treatment, I’m not confident I could keep calm. With noble logic waving around that unbaptized children don’t count, or that commoners must obey completely, it would be absolutely impossible to protect Kamil without overdoing it, while still coordinating as a noble.
“I understand perfectly. I will apologize to Plantin Trading Company for my shortcomings.”
...Ugh, Kamil will be disappointed. I feel deflated too.
As I bowed my head and resumed work, I heard Hartmut calling me somewhat hesitantly.
“Until the dedication ceremony when more nobles arrive… it might still be relatively safe until then.”
“Head Priest!” Fran and Zaam’s eyes opened wide, but Hartmut slowly shook his head and then wore a strangely refreshing smile.
“It can’t be helped. Fulfilling Lady Rosemine’s wishes is my duty.”
...Hartmut is so cool!? ...But somehow, that’s a little creepy.
Thanks to Hartmut’s words, Fran and Zaam reluctantly agreed, and permission for Kamil’s observation was granted. That made me happy, but I felt a little scared, as if Ferdinand had previously restrained me, prohibiting such things, but now I was being pushed forward firmly from behind. It sent a chill down my neck, as if I had to hold myself back on my own.