Published: August 10, 2026
"Welcome back."
"Welcome, Lady Hannelore. We offer our deepest thanks for Dunkelfelger's cooperation."
When my wavering vision settled, the scene before me was the same as when we had departed: the knights' training grounds inside the castle. Charlotte and Florentia were standing side by side to greet us, though they had brought only the minimum number of attendants. I thought Melchior was in the temple, but I could not see Wilfried or Father. That unusual welcome made my chest feel uneasy.
"Foster Father, I can't see Brother Wilfried, Melchior, or Father anywhere..."
"We finished our battle only a short while ago, though a little earlier than the fighting at Gerlach ended. Knight Commander Karlstedt is in the knights' barracks, and Wilfried is helping there as well. Melchior has not yet returned from the temple. None of them are seriously injured. We are simply still dealing with the aftermath. Do not worry."
We had dumped the cleanup after the battle onto Arensbach's knights and Gerlach's nobles, but Ehrenfest had nowhere to dump it. As aub, Foster Father was the chief authority, and it seemed the lord family was being swamped with the aftermath. Since Father, as knight commander, could not avoid appearing at the banquet, he was probably utterly buried in work.
"What about downtown and the temple? Was there any major damage?"
"So far, we have received no reports of any serious damage. ...Do not make such a worried face. The gate soldiers and the knights stationed at the temple apparently performed admirably. You should ask your attendants who were there for the details."
I was told to put off anything further for now, as I needed to greet Dunkelfelger. I obediently stepped back. Foster Mother and Charlotte also came forward beside Foster Father, and the three of them exchanged a long, formal greeting that included Hannelore and the names of the gods, offering thanks for their cooperation.
"...Without the cooperation of Dunkelfelger's knights, it would likely have been difficult to protect the foundation. The reinforcements from Gerlach were also a tremendous help."
Foster Father explained how Hannelore's use of Volkenir during the purge of lanzenave in Arensbach, as well as the methods used to deal with the poison Ferdinand had suffered, had helped in the defense of Ehrenfest. It seemed Georgine's group had launched Volkenir at the gate. Knights had been stationed at each gate, so it had not become a major catastrophe, but some soldiers were said to have been injured.
...I'm glad Clarissa and Hartmut's letters were useful.
"If we let this chance slip by, it will become difficult to repay Dunkelfelger's knights for their cooperation. We are deeply grateful that you accepted our sudden invitation. After the sixth bell, we will hold a banquet in the Small Hall to celebrate our victory. It is modest, but we would be honored if you would enjoy this evening's banquet and accept Ehrenfest's gratitude."
After finishing his greetings and thanks to Hannelore and Heisshitze, Foster Father turned to Foster Mother and Charlotte.
"Florentia, Charlotte. Please escort our guests from Dunkelfelger to the guest rooms... The purification preparations are also complete. Please make yourselves comfortable until the sixth bell."
"How kind of you. I had been hoping to purify myself before the banquet."
Hannelore gave a small, bashful smile. After returning her smile, Foster Father turned his gaze to Ferdinand.
"Ferdinand, we have also prepared a guest room for you."
"...A guest room? Ah, yes."
Ferdinand looked momentarily puzzled, then glanced at me. Even if he was told "welcome back," Ferdinand had already given up his home for me. He must have remembered that he no longer had a home of his own. I wanted Ferdinand to be able to return to Ehrenfest, and yet I was the one who had robbed him of his place. That was no good.
"Lord Ferdinand, please use the library."
"No, that is..."
"I will be using a room in the castle, so please don't hesitate. I've left the room just as it was. You'd feel more at ease in a familiar place, wouldn't you? If you need medicine, you're free to use the workshop and materials as well. And if possible, please let Razapham see that you're safe."