Published: September 6, 2025
“When we realized it, you were gone, and we hadn’t been informed of anything—it was truly difficult for us.”
My Foster Father and the others, who had received no notification, were apparently bombarded with questions by the nobles from other territories sitting around them, turning pale. “Since this is a request from the royal family, please direct any inquiries to them,” they said, then returned to the dormitory united as one.
Just as they returned, I was summoned, and now I find myself surrounded by everyone who has come to the multipurpose hall for the lords’ council meeting. Being surrounded by adults is quite intimidating. Compared to the students who have grown accustomed to royal summonses and unusual events, the adults are completely unused to it—the tension on their faces only adds to the pressure.
“Normally, at that meeting, we would have exchanged information in preparation for the afternoon conference, decided on the schedule for the tea party or banquet, but that was out of the question. We demand an explanation.”
My Foster Father shook his head, clearly reluctant to face the upcoming afternoon meeting after this lunch.
“That ritual is said to be an old method recorded in ancient texts found in the Central Temple. The head priest there lacked the mana to reproduce it, so they requested me to perform the reenactment.”
I explained the frustrating responses I had received and emphasized that I had confirmed everything with Prince Anastasius. I wouldn’t have minded if the head priest at the Central Temple had taken charge of the ritual and left, but Anastasius made the decision.
“This matter arose because Prince Anastasius accepted the Central Temple’s request and entrusted it to me. Since only the ritual procedures were detailed in the texts, I didn’t know what kind of ritual it would be until I performed it.”
“Did you perform it without knowing!?”
Both my Foster Father and Foster Mother looked shocked, but I nodded firmly.
“That was the royal family’s wish. Therefore, I believe it’s appropriate to respond to further questions from other territories after lunch by saying, ‘Please direct detailed inquiries to the royal family.’ It is a reenactment of an ancient ritual requested by the royal family and the Central Temple.”
Neither the royal family nor the Central Temple could likely provide much more information anyway, so Ehrenfest need not strain itself. It’s best to leave the responses to those who made the request.
“Essentially, it’s the same ritual that Dunkelfelger performed when they raised the Pillar of Light in the territory competition. It’s simply an old-fashioned ritual offering mana to the gods. That’s all there is to it.”
My Foster Father recalled the demonstration-like ritual performed by Dunkelfelger in the territory contest and seemed somewhat relieved.
“…I am more concerned about the Central Temple, which wants to revive the old ritual to gain the true Zent.”
Hartmut stepped forward at my words.
“Please be extremely cautious with the Central Temple. High Priest Immanuel does not listen to others. He acts ruthlessly to achieve what he believes is right. Nobles’ common sense won’t work here.”
Hartmut, who had been wary throughout the ritual, spoke seriously. Having lost a detour, his vigilance had only increased.
“Immanuel targets Lady Rosemine, who has the mana to revive the old rituals preserved at the temple. Obtaining a legitimate Zent may be necessary, but that is the business of the royal family and the Central Temple—not the responsibility of Ehrenfest’s lord candidates.”
Even if there was some breathing room, with Ferdinand en route to Arensbach, the purge cleanup unfinished, and Ehrenfest severely lacking mana and manpower, this was not a task for us.
“If there is a pretext that satisfies other territories, there is a risk that Lady Rosemine will be taken by the Central Temple or royal family. Please prioritize Lady Rosemine’s safety and consider declining assistance in the library.”