Published: July 26, 2025
Starting today, I am a shrine maiden apprentice at the temple.
They said it would take some time to prepare the Blue Robes, so compared to Lutz, who completed the baptism ceremony with me, I would start my apprenticeship almost a month later. I was so eager to go that the wait to enter the temple felt unbearably long.
Even though the wait was long, I wasn’t just idling away my time. Tulli and I visited Corinna several times to learn how to make hair ornaments. There was also a tasting event for quatre-quarts. At that event, I was dragged along by Benno, who went berserk after being provoked by Ilse, to tour the bakery. I also took part in scouting craftsmen to recruit. Ultimately, I ended up overexerting myself and came down with a fever.
It was a busy time in many ways, but being confined to the library felt really long and I was eagerly awaiting each day. However, that waiting period ends today.
Finally, finally, I can read books! And not just any books — those chained ones! Just thinking about it gives me chills of excitement!
“Myne, Lutz has come to pick you up.”
As I twirled around in my room, Tulli called out, shrugging in exasperation.
“Thanks, Tulli. I’m off.”
“Myne, be careful not to get too excited!”
That’s impossible!
Answering that in my heart, I dashed out of the house.
Since the temple is in the north side of town, I wore the best outfit I had — the Gilberta Trading Company’s apprentice uniform. I figured I could wear this until I received the temple’s Blue Robes.
“Heheh, hu-hu~n…”
While skipping and humming to myself, Lutz suddenly tugged my arm with a frown.
“Myne, you’re a bit too excited. You’ll catch a fever before we even get to the temple.”
“Uh… That would be a problem.”
I tried to calm my restless feet that wanted to jump around, feeling frustrated about my frail body that wouldn’t even let me enjoy being happy. Clenching my feelings, I tried to walk faster but held myself back. Holding hands with Lutz, we slowly made our way to the temple.
“Myne, are you really okay?”
“Today is just about receiving the robes and being introduced to the attendants, so I should be fine.”
My workday would basically be the same as Lutz’s. The family and Benno decided that until the attendants assigned at the temple could manage my health properly, it was better for Lutz to look after me as before.
I don’t think anyone else could manage my health as well as Lutz, ever…
Maybe they want to keep Lutz by my side forever. My family, Benno, Mark, even Lutz himself, all seem very wary of the temple nobles.
But relying on Lutz forever defeats the purpose of giving up on becoming a merchant apprentice so I wouldn’t become a burden. When I complained to Benno, he snorted, and Mark gave an awkward smile and told me:
Apparently, Lutz will receive direct instruction from Mark himself to open an Italian restaurant and a paper mill in another town. Since he’s the liaison with me, the initiator, his training will be quite unconventional.
They plan to have him participate in the new business from the start, gaining hands-on experience and learning the work thoroughly.
Isn’t that more like on-the-job training than rookie training? I wanted to say, but Lutz was really excited to be able to go to another town much earlier than planned.
If Lutz is happy, then that’s all that matters.
Good luck, Lutz!
When we reached the temple, a gray priest was waiting at the gate. A fairly well-built man, he saw me and smoothly bowed, crossing his hands in front of his chest.
“Good morning, Lady Myne. I will guide you to the high priest.”
“Lady Myne!? Pft, hahaha… doesn’t suit you.”
Lutz burst out laughing at the gray priest’s polite manner, glancing between him and me.
Noticing the gray priest’s displeased twitch of his brow, I hurriedly pushed the laughing Lutz back toward Benno’s shop, clutching my stomach.
“Lutz, you’re laughing too much!”
“Ah, sorry, sorry. Myne, wait here until the fourth bell rings, then I’ll come pick you up.”