Published: September 6, 2025
“Fran, Monica, Zaam. I’m entrusting you to take care of things while the lords’ council is in session.”
I said this to the temple attendants, and then repeated the same to Filine and Roderich. The two of them, being minors and unable to attend the lords’ council, would be looking after the Azure Priests along with Fran and the others, as well as checking on the orphanage.
Roderich had been under Harutmut’s strict training along with Melchior’s close aides, so I think he’s relieved to have a break while Harutmut is away. But I doubt Harutmut would be that kind.
“Matthias, Laurenz, if possible, please come to the temple to assist Roderich and Filine, and supervise Nicolaus and the others’ training.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
I asked the underage knights to at least show their faces at the temple. Recently, Grandfather, having received abundant blessings, had become even more powerful and was very enthusiastic about training.
It seems he was also making them train to counter the silver cloth that repels mana, so the knights were ordered to carry normal weapons other than the Staves that could slice through silver cloth. For knights used to armor and weapons made of mana stones that felt almost weightless, this was quite troublesome. They said that while those weapons are indispensable in emergencies, they are heavy and cumbersome for everyday use.
“Judith will basically operate from the castle. I heard that Brynhildr will be coming and going for educational purposes accompanied by Bertilde, but it’s worrying to leave Grethia to manage everything alone.”
“Understood.”
Judith accepted with a bright smile. Apparently, those who extended their lives through name offerings of the old Veronica faction sometimes faced criticism from other nobles. Both Otilier and Liselotte would be accompanying me to the lords’ council, so it was worrisome to leave Grethia alone in the castle.
“Well then, let’s head to the castle. Have we forgotten to pack anything?”
“We have loaded everything needed for the starbinding ceremony — the head priest’s robes, the blue garments, accessories, and the Sacred Scripture.”
Harutmut, who was accompanying me as the high priest, said confidently, and so I returned to the castle after a long time.
“Welcome back, Lady Rosemine.”
“I have returned.”
Upon meeting the attendants who worked at the castle, we immediately began checking the garments and accessories to be brought to the lords’ council. Since I was scheduled to do translation work in the library’s underground archive, we needed to prepare plenty of plant paper and ink.
“Harutmut, after the starbinding ceremony, you’ll be participating in the negotiations as a civil official, right? Are preparations for that ready?”
“I’m mainly there for headcount and gathering information, but I’ve prepared well enough not to embarrass myself as Lady Rosemine’s close aide.”
Several old Veronica faction civil officials had been removed from the Aubs’ close aides, so new ones were being trained, but as an eighth-ranked territory, a few more people were still needed. Harutmut would serve as the high priest for the ceremony and then join the lords’ council as a civil official.
“Still, managing the duties of high priest and preparing for the lords’ council at the same time — I’m always amazed at Harutmut’s competence.”
“You flatter me... It’s not only my effort; Clarissa and my father’s cooperation are crucial.”
Harutmut glanced sideways, where Clarissa stood with a face saying, “I did my best.” I praised them both together. Later, I should also thank Harutmut’s parents, who had been overseeing Clarissa.
The people accompanying me to the lords’ council included attendants Otilier and Liselotte, civil officials Harutmut and Clarissa, and four guard knights: Cornelius, Leonore, Angelica, and Darmel.
“Grethia will be left here alone. Is that alright? I’ve heard some nobles treat the old Veronica faction’s name offering group harshly.”