Ascendance of a Bookworm

I left Aub’s office and joined Brother Cornelius, Hartmut, and Liselotte.

Since I’m not quite confident in walking elegantly and quickly like a lady yet, I brought out my Mount and rode it.

“Hartmut, please gather the knights in my room immediately.”

“You mean for the discussion about the invasion of Arensbach, right? I’ve already called for them to assemble. I told them to hurry no matter what, so those remaining at the temple should be arriving soon. Roderich and Filine have been instructed to maintain the status quo.”

I was surprised by how casually he said it, so I gave Hartmut a double take.

“…V-very well.”

“I’m honored to serve Lady Rosemine.”

Just as Hartmut said, when I returned to my room, the Guard Knights were already gathered and waiting. I glanced around at everyone. The knights who had been responsible for guarding the temple looked quite rushed, as if they hadn’t caught their breath yet.

“Um, Lady Rosemine. We heard from Hartmut that this is an emergency…”

“It’s truly urgent and sudden—we’re going to steal the foundation of Arensbach tonight.”

“…What?”

The situation had drastically changed between the morning and afternoon. This was something even I couldn’t have predicted, so I thought it was understandable. I quickly briefed my close aides, who hadn’t been at the meeting and were completely unaware of the current state of affairs, about Ferdinand’s condition, the possibility of invading Ehrenfest, the plan to go to Arensbach, Dunkelfelger’s assistance, and the joining of Justox and the others.

The urgency couldn’t be hidden. I could see everyone’s faces stiffen with tension. I began issuing instructions. There was really no time left before departure.

“First, regarding the placement of the attendants… Liselotte and Grethia will move to the library, while Otilier and Berthilde will stay in the castle. Otilier and the others will prepare my riding outfit, shoes, mana stones, and magic tools in this room. Also, since we plan to have dinner and take a nap at the library later, please arrange for a dedicated chef to be moved as well.”

“Lady Rosemine, how many people will be dining in the library? We might need to arrange for more food supplies.”

When Otilier spoke, I looked over my close aides and started counting, but Liselotte stopped me.

“Otilier, please move as much as possible from the castle supplies. If it’s not enough, I will contact Lady Elvira. Since Eckhardt Brother has returned, he should be able to assist.”

The division of work between Otilier and Liselotte was quickly decided.

“After we depart, the two remaining in the castle should gather intelligence to prepare for Georgine’s invasion and coordinate with Foster Mother, Charlotte, and Brynhildr.”

“Understood.”

Otilier smiled and started moving, saying, “This is really sudden,” but Berthilde, who wasn’t yet used to my sudden demands, looked bewildered and followed after Otilier.

“Then, Lady Rosemine, would it be alright for Grethia and me to move to the library and prepare for Razapham’s arrival?”

“Yes. Liselotte is very perceptive. Please also see to it that Eckhardt Brother and Justox have dinner and rest.”

“Understood. There’s no time to waste. Please make sure to bring Guard Knights when moving to the library.”

Liselotte warned me, “Don’t give orders to the close aides and then run around alone,” and then left with Grethia.

“Hartmut and Clarissa will distribute the magic tools and healing potions we’ve made so far in the library, and after that…”

“The preparations for departure are complete. Please don’t worry. After distribution, I’ll take a nap on rotation with Hartmut.”

Clarissa said enthusiastically. Unlike Clarissa, a martial bureaucrat from Dunkelfelger, I was surprised to see Hartmut, too, included so naturally in the departure team, and I stared at him.

“It would be difficult for Lady Rosemine to manage the numerous magic tools and medicines loaded onto the Mount. Especially if we’re distributing to Dunkelfelger. Please allow me to accompany you so you can focus on the rescue.”