Published: September 6, 2025
After hearing everyone's opinions, the close aides were dismissed to return to their daily tasks.
"Brother Cornelius, whether through Father or by requesting an audience with Foster Father directly, would you please ask Mother if it would be alright to tell her about becoming the king's adopted daughter?"
If I put it in writing clumsily, other officials might see it. Since Brother Cornelius knows the situation well and can convey this not only through Father but also directly from Foster Father, it would be best to ask him.
"If Foster Father gives his approval, please arrange a meeting with Father and Mother so I can discuss Angelica’s transfer to the Central region. Please tell them that I would like to have that conversation."
"Understood. Leave this matter to me. Rosemine, you should get some rest."
"Huh?"
Surprised by his words, I blinked. Brother Cornelius pointed at Darmel as he spoke.
"That must have been quite a tiring discussion, wasn’t it? Darmel was worried earlier because your complexion didn’t look well."
"Darmel, you say?"
Just back from the lords' council, Brother Cornelius left, advising me to rest. Since none of my attendants said anything, I assumed I wasn’t feeling unwell. Feeling oddly uneasy, I approached Darmel, who was standing by the door.
"Darmel, do I look pale?"
"…It’s less about your complexion and more about your posture or movements… well, um…"
He hesitated deeply, then bent over and whispered quietly.
"It seemed to me you looked as unstable as when you followed Lord Ferdinand at the temple. I apologize if this is unwanted meddling."
"I didn’t think Darmel would notice."
The affectionate exchange among the Aub family made me crave someone to lean on. Perhaps that’s why I felt like I did during my first winter retreat at the temple.
"I’m going to write a letter to Lord Ferdinand in the secret room."
"Please wait until tomorrow to do that and get some rest. Your complexion isn’t good. Lord Ferdinand will scold you otherwise."
Liselotte brought over the admonishing Shumil from its usual spot on the mantelpiece and activated it. Hearing the voice saying, “Listen carefully to your attendants,” my strength seemed to drain. When I tried to listen to other scolds, Liselotte took Shumil away.
"Let’s prepare for bed, Lady Rosemine. The scolding time comes later."
Before I knew it, I was made to prepare for sleep and was thrown onto my bed by Liselotte with the scolding Shumil. Liselotte seemed very attached to the Shumil plushie, carefully adjusting its angle and position in my arms before nodding in satisfaction several times and leaving after drawing the curtain.
That night, as Liselotte said, I hugged the scolding Shumil to sleep. Since I had been getting scolded non-stop before sleeping, I suddenly longed to hear "Very well" again in the secret room of the library.
The next day, Liselotte was off duty. Since Grethia was the only attendant accompanying me to the Central region, I watched Otillier start the handover and training. I then tried entering the secret room.
"Good morning, Lady Rosemine. Please accept my name."
"Did you really prepare this overnight…?"
Hartmut smiled on the fine line between refreshing and unsettling as he presented the Offering Stone. Otillier, acting as the witness, subtly looked away.
…Witness, don’t look away! You’re looking at me straight on!
The Offering Stone ceremony was agonizing for everyone, and Hartmut, chained by my mana, wore a blissful expression saying, “Is this Lady Rosemine’s mana?” which was quite frightening. Tearful, I pushed my mana out all at once to finish the name offering as quickly as possible.
…Ugh, Hartmut is terrifyingly cheerful despite the pain.
"Clarissa’s materials have not yet been gathered, so it will take some more time. She was very disappointed."
"I see…"
After enduring such an exhausting experience twice a day, I’d probably be bedridden. It was a relief Clarissa’s materials weren’t ready yet.
"I’ll go write a letter in the secret room."