Published: August 10, 2026
"First of all, it's important to make it look like the new Zent is receiving blessings from the gods, isn't it? If you bestow a blessing when the two of them enter and recreate the scene from their graduation ceremony, I think it would add a bit more mystique..."
"Is it really necessary to treat them that well?"
Ferdinand said that merely giving them the magic tool Gultrishite would be enough, but if Eglantine, who is to become the new Zent, was not smoothly accepted, it might become difficult for me to focus on the library city plan.
"Your top priority is the library city?"
"Is there anything else?"
"...I wouldn't say there isn't, but if you have no intention of getting any more deeply involved with the royal family, then a blessing or two should be fine."
That was how Ferdinand ultimately gave his permission. There was no need to explain everything to Eglantine and the others, either. I simply told them that I would give a blessing when they entered, and sent the two of them out to the auditorium. The moment the door was shut, I poured mana into my ring.
...Lady Eglantine and Prince Anastasius are probably going to have it incredibly rough, but good luck with Zent work! I'll at least cheer you on!
By making it glow just a little more than usual, it was basically a blessing no different from a greeting, emotionally speaking. I nodded to myself, thinking that was good enough, when Ferdinand pressed a hand to his temple and deepened the crease between his eyebrows.
"...This is the worst."
"What is it?"
"You have no awareness of it, do you? The divine power of the goddess surrounding you is increasing."
"Eh?"
I looked at my hands, but I had no idea what he meant. Even if I couldn't tell, Ferdinand's face had become very troubled. This was probably a rather bad situation.
"Lord Ferdinand, what should I do?"
"There is nothing to be done. Those two have already entered and the ceremony has begun. We can only proceed as is."
"...Will it be all right to proceed? The mana stone has started glowing..."
I didn't feel any increase in the goddess's divine power, but seeing the mana stones on the ornaments around my arms beginning to shine made it impossible to deny that something serious was happening.
"I anticipated unexpected events occurring partway through, but to have them happen before even entering the auditorium... As always, you manage to defy my predictions."
Clicking his tongue, Ferdinand began checking the magic tools and other items he had on hand. I could see bits and pieces of all sorts of things hidden in various places.
"That looks less like going to a ceremony and more like going to a battlefield."
"With the unexpected things you cause, I can't be sure this will even be enough to handle them."
"I have used healing potions at ritual sites before, but I've never needed attack magic tools."
When I puckered my lips, Ferdinand snorted.
"It is precaution for the off chance. More importantly, at least act a little more like the avatar of the goddess. You will be called soon."
As Ferdinand continued listing off the importance of acting like the avatar of the goddess, the auditorium doors opened. From beyond them, I heard Hartmut's voice.
"Lady Rosemine, the avatar of Mestionora, is entering."
...Avatar of the goddess, huh. I just need to look the part, I suppose.
Ferdinand apparently had thought through many things, so I figured that as long as I didn't make some huge mistake, I would at least look the part. Still, I was nervous. I placed my hand atop Ferdinand's outstretched one.
...Oh wow, that's really bright.
Even while I was listening to his scolding, it seemed the goddess's divine power had increased. Before I knew it, the mana stones and amulets covering my arms were all flaunting their presence with incredible intensity. It was a little harsh on the eyes, so I looked away, lifting my chin a little to keep the mana stones out of my field of vision. Ferdinand's polite social smile seemed to be accusing me of "causing trouble with that extra blessing," and I averted my gaze a little from his profile as well.