Published: August 10, 2026
"Have you recovered from your fatigue, princess? It is almost time for the fifth bell. I do think it would be fine for you to rest a little longer, but..."
At Richarda's words, I thought for a moment. I did feel like staying in bed a little longer, but mentally I felt extremely refreshed. Rather than risk dozing off a second time, it would probably be better to just get up.
"I'll get up. ...Has Lord Ferdinand returned?"
"He ate lunch here, discussed various matters with the aub, and sent ordnances to many places. He should be resting now with the knights of Arensbach in the detached palace. It was so that you would not need to worry about Arensbach, princess."
Although I had dyed the foundation as aub, I still had not finished making the brooch needed to use the noble academy dormitory, so the knights of Arensbach could not enter the dorms. I was glad there was a detached palace connected to lanzenave's mansion, but could Ferdinand really rest in a place like that, with so few good memories? That worried me more.
"Let us prepare tea first. Since the princess has not eaten lunch, I will have something light prepared."
"Please do. Could you also arrange a room on the first floor for tea? I would like to hear reports from everyone."
"I shall ask the aub and obtain permission."
When Richarda said that, I blinked several times. I had assumed that if anyone was going to handle rear support, it would be my foster mother, who was far more experienced at it.
"Is my Foster Father here as well?"
"Showing your current state to the public would cause quite a commotion, so it has been decided that we will invite the royal family to the tea party room and hold our discussion there the day after tomorrow at lunchtime. Lord Ferdinand gave instructions during lunch, so Lord and Lady Aub are very busy with preparations."
After a brief exchange about the current situation, Richarda called out beyond the curtain.
"Otilier, contact the male close aides. Brynhildr, Berthilde. I am leaving the princess's change of clothes to you. Clarissa, please inform Lord Ferdinand's close aides that the princess is awake."
From the sounds beyond the curtain, I could tell the close aides were springing into action.
The sisters Brynhildr and Berthilde helped me change clothes. As I looked down at the outfit I had never seen before, Brynhildr gave a troubled smile.
"They are pressing very hard for the completion of the outfit that is still being fitted in Ehrenfest. This one is not from Gilberta Trading Company, but was prepared by Lady Florentia's personal attendants. Since the fabric used for the fitting was the same as the finished garment, it seems they were able to speed up the completion. We should receive one outfit from Gilberta Trading Company tomorrow as well."
They arranged my hair. Their hands seemed to tremble a little, and I stared at Brynhildr through the mirror. Sensing my gaze, Brynhildr looked away slightly and touched her cheek as though searching for words.
"...I think this must be the power of the goddess, but to look directly at Lady Rosemine requires strong resolve. The closer one gets, the stronger the feeling of reverence becomes, and one cannot help but tremble. From a little distance, it also seems as though Lady Rosemine herself is faintly surrounded by light."
"Older sister... ah, no, as Brynhildr said, Lady Rosemine is truly divine. I am so happy to have the chance to serve at her side like this."
...Hey, Berthilde is looking at me with sparkling eyes as though worshipping me, and saying I'm divine and fearsome because of the power of the goddess... am I basically not human anymore?
If Hartmut were the one making extravagant praise, I could just let it go, but being stared at with reverent eyes by attendants who had otherwise been normal was rather hard to endure, especially since my essence had not changed at all.
"If Wilma saw Lady Rosemine in such a state, she would surely want to preserve it in a painting, and everyone at the orphanage would probably offer prayers."