Published: September 6, 2025
I spent my days managing the handover of the temple and printing business, reviewing my studies at the noble academy, and helping the children at the orphanage with their lessons. Children who possess magic tools and are of the age to undergo baptism ceremony this winter have an interview with Foster Father in autumn. Aub oversees them to confirm whether it is appropriate for them to be made nobles. Because of this, the children study diligently and try hard not to be criticized for their behavior. The blue apprentices, who have to prepare for Melchior and the harvest festival, are also working hard so as not to lose to the efforts of everyone at the orphanage.
Dirk, who has obtained his own magic tool, seems to be desperately accumulating mana while using the healing potions that I had Roderich and Filine make. There are still more than three years until he goes to the noble academy, but he must store up as much mana as possible by then.
One day, as I was living such days, an ordnance arrived from Otilier at the castle. Foster Father and the others who had gone to Arensbach for a funeral were apparently returning.
"It seems there are many souvenirs from Lord Ferdinand. Also, he said to return to the castle so we can have dinner together."
Feeling excited, I returned to the castle with Melchior and the close aides. I was eagerly looking forward to the souvenirs. I wondered if the time-stopping magic tools would be filled with plenty of delicious fish.
"Welcome home."
Foster Father got down from the carriage. Father, the guard knight, was with him as well. When Foster Father and the others got off, the servants started unloading the luggage packed on the carriage. Behind the carriage they rode was another carriage for the close aides, and behind that, several carriages loaded with many goods followed. There were plenty of things when they left, and there were just as many on the way back.
...There are more goods than when they left. There are so many carriages.
"There are so many goods. It's almost like when Lord Ferdinand went off to get married."
After greeting Foster Father who had returned, I looked at the long line of carriages and said this. Foster Father looked down at me with an extremely displeased expression.
"Who do you think is responsible? Do you two think I am some kind of servant for carrying luggage?"
I never thought Foster Father was a baggage carrier, and we only helped transport what Lord Ferdinand had asked for. In other words, there is only one culprit.
"Ah, I see. So you say it is Lord Ferdinand's fault. It must be hard for you with such a demanding younger brother."
Though I was trying to sympathize with Foster Father, I was suddenly lightly chopped on the arm hidden by his long sleeve. I couldn’t understand it.
"You apparently sent something outrageous. That fellow was holding his head, saying the materials prepared were not enough."
"What do you mean?"
"How would I know? For now, three carriages full of goods behind belong to you. We'll talk about the matters in Arensbach during dinner. Until then, check what is inside and get it sorted."
Foster Father said this, waving his hand as if to say "Go over there." I was surprised by the words "three carriages" and looked back and forth between the carriages and Foster Father. Aside from the carriage that carried people, there were five carriages loaded only with goods. Three of them belonged to me.
"Lady Rosemine, let's hurry and check. We won’t make it to dinner otherwise."
Otilier called Liselotte and Grethia, and they headed toward the carriages. We had to check and sort the goods, but just looking at the first carriage’s contents made me feel overwhelmed — there was too much.
"These are used dishes and pots. They have been washed at Waschen, so they should be taken to the temple kitchen... Ah, there are also items prepared by Mother during the territory competition. I wonder which dishes belonged where?"
Since I don't usually cook myself, I have to ask the exclusive chefs to know whose pots they are. There were many empty pots, so at least I could confirm that meals had been eaten, which was a relief, but cleaning up was harder than I expected.