Published: September 6, 2025
We returned to the underground archive. After escorting me back there, Anastasius and Eglantine seemed to head back for lunch and an afternoon meeting.
“I must report that the shrine pilgrimage has ended and discuss it with the fathers.”
“…In other words, could it be that this whole matter was Prince Anastasius’s unilateral decision?”
“I wouldn’t say it was entirely unilateral, but I am aware that I acted somewhat hastily.”
…Somewhat? Is it really just ‘somewhat’?
I tilted my head, unable to believe it was just ‘somewhat.’ Anastasius’s face seemed expressionless, but his gray eyes appeared to flicker with impatience. Even if the blank expression was to hide similar emotions, it was more readable than Ferdinand’s.
…Could something have happened to the royal family?
We returned to the library and descended the stairs to the underground archive. Beyond the transparent wall, I could see Hildebrandt copying text, Magdalena translating it into modern language, and Schwarz standing there. Hannelore was nowhere in sight—perhaps she was on a break.
Looking down the stairs toward the resting area in front of the archive, I saw Hannelore drinking tea. The attendants seemed to be preparing lunch but stopped when they noticed us.
“We just returned. Once we call Magdalena, we will return to the detached palace. There are matters that must be told to Father and Brother immediately. Please inform them.”
“Understood.”
Before I finished descending the stairs, Anastasius busily began discussing with his close aides. Anastasius and Eglantine’s attendants were sending Ordnance flying around and getting ready for departure, while Magdalena’s attendants signaled toward the archive to summon their mistress.
“Welcome back, Lady Rosemine. Has the purification of all the shrines been completed?”
I approached Hannelore, who had set her cup down and smiled warmly. Her gentle smile soothed me, and I returned the smile as I greeted her.
“I’ve just returned, Lady Hannelore. Everything is finished.”
“Princess, you’re back.”
While Hannelore and I were talking, Weiss suddenly hopped over. He had stood quietly in front of the transparent wall the whole time the archive was open, so I was surprised by his sudden movement. Hannelore also seemed surprised, blinking her red eyes and intently watching Weiss.
“I wondered what happened when Weiss suddenly moved—was it to welcome everyone?”
Without responding to Hannelore, Weiss walked straight to me and took my right hand.
“Princess, please come this way.”
“Eh? Um, Weiss?”
I was about to ask where, then suddenly realized there was only one place to be led after completing all the prayers at the shrines—the next destination where I must go to acquire The Book of Mestionora.
Just as I swallowed hard, Hildebrandt was suddenly pushed out of the archive by Schwarz.
“Schwarz suddenly told me to leave. What on earth is going on… Rosemine?”
Everyone looked puzzled, watching the unusual behavior of Schwarz and Weiss, and me being led by Weiss toward the archive.
…Is it really okay to proceed like this?
I turned back, and Anastasius nodded stiffly with a tense expression. Confirming I had his permission, I entered the archive with Weiss. As soon as we entered, Schwarz took my left hand.
“Princess, please purge.”
No need to ask what—this was the path to Gultrishite.
Schwarz and the others guided me to the wall inside the archive and had me touch it with the hands they held. My mana flowed into the white wall. A magic circle appeared, like when the underground archive’s key unlocks, and a hole opened in the wall.
…A path has appeared.
Curious about the reactions of everyone beyond the wall, I glanced back and saw the transparent wall had turned completely white. I could no longer see the princes and attendants who should have been there.
“Princess, this way.”
Led by Schwarz and Weiss, my heart pounding, I entered the hole in the wall. The corridor was pure white. Thinking that The Book of the Goddess lay ahead made my legs tremble with tension, my heart race, and excitement build despite myself.