Published: August 10, 2026
"You've overdone it, fool. Most of the gibe members were left behind."
"I suppose it would be good if they grew accustomed to prayers quickly. As for me, I was surprised by how many nobles were able to pray properly. Hartmut and the others' education seems to have produced unexpected results..."
"I'm honored by your praise."
After the engagement ceremony, I had come to tour the newly built research institute and library. The spice trees were lined up in the large greenhouse, giving it the feel of a botanical garden. Among the many trees I had never seen before, I received a report from the civil officials on the results of their research so far. It seems that growing sugar is still proving difficult after all.
"Without the greenhouse, they would wither, so large-scale cultivation may be difficult. However, when they receive mana, there are small changes from one generation to the next."
"So there are visible changes with each generation. How interesting. Should I provide mana as well?"
I'm good at doing nothing but pouring mana in. I offered to help the civil officials, but Ferdinand stopped me.
"Wait. Your mana is somewhat special, since you once brought down a goddess. For the sake of a control experiment, I'd like to limit the targets that receive your mana. It will take a little preparation, so let's do it another day."
Ferdinand began discussing with the civil officials which variety would receive my mana, and where to pour mana so that it would not affect anything else.
In the meantime, Justox guided me into Ferdinand's room inside the research institute. There were still not many magic tools, but it was set up so that medicines could be compounded, making it feel very similar to the hidden room.
...Though the paperwork is neatly put away because the attendants can come in.
"Even so, this is my first time entering the library today, and I still don't understand why Lord Ferdinand's private room in the research institute is already so well equipped."
He must have been busier than I was with Eglantine's visit, the engagement ceremony, and preparations for the lords' council, yet his workroom was already so complete. When I asked Justox, "Are you actually getting enough sleep?" he gave a wry smile.
"Compared to before he was poisoned and collapsed, his sleeping hours have increased, and the amount of medicine he takes has decreased. Because he eats lunch and dinner together with Lady Rosemine, he now makes a point of eating both meals. It is a good trend."
Justox said that once the lords' council was over, things would become a little calmer. I nodded and said, "I see," and Justox gave a small laugh.
"Still not used to the way of addressing him?"
"Just like Richarda, you were the only one who called me princess..."
"You would be scolded by your mother if you kept calling someone who has formally become engaged 'princess.'"
Glaring at Justox, who was clearly amused, had absolutely no effect.
"Come to think of it, what are you going to do about Brother Eckhardt and Angelica? Mother said you should have your conclusion ready before the lords' council, didn't she?"
Actually, the matter of Brother Eckhardt and Angelica's engagement had come up again. Now that both of their masters were settling down in Alexandria, people were suggesting that since I had gotten engaged, the two of them should get back together as well. Grandfather was in full support of this.
"Brother Eckhardt and Angelica are compatible in things like their attitude toward work. But please confirm Angelica's feelings as well."
When I said that, Brother Eckhardt nodded and turned to Angelica.
"What will you do? I still haven't forgiven the Arensbach nobles who brought Lord Ferdinand down. This would be a good way to keep other marriage proposals from coming my way."
"I was also recently approached by a weak knight, and it was a hassle trying to think of a way to turn him down without causing offense, so this is convenient."
...Huh? Wait a second. That discussion ended way too quickly!
If Mother heard about the result, she would probably be disappointed by how matter-of-factly the two of them had decided to get engaged again. Liselotte smiled and said, "How like an older sister," but is it really all right to decide for such a reason?