On the morning of the Harvest Festival, a carriage loaded with clothing, tableware, and other daily necessities set off with
Prioritizing my health, I was set to travel to
"Rosemine, make sure you don't do anything reckless."
"Yes."
Since my exclusive cook and attendants had left my room, I accepted the High Priest's invitation for lunch. After finishing the meal together, listening to the High Priest's final instructions, we prepared to depart immediately.
"Eckhart, Justus, I'm counting on you. Keep your eyes on her at all times."
"Yes, sir!"
Today, only Fran and I would ride on my Lesser Beast. With Daumel and
When I summoned my Lesser Beast as usual, Eckhart and Justus took a step back.
"...Rosemine, this is your riding beast?"
"That's right, Eckhart. Cute, isn't it?"
When I chuckled, Eckhart looked back and forth between the Lesser Beast and me with a startled expression and spoke in a flustered voice.
"C-Cute? This is a Grün, isn't it?"
"Huh? It's not a Grün, it's a Lesser Beast."
"I-I see..."
His face was quite strained. It looked very much like the High Priest's expression from the beginning, so I realized again that it wasn't very well-received among the nobles. Well, even if it's a little unpopular, it's cute and convenient, so no problem.
When I opened the entrance with a "Unyun" and Fran and I climbed in, Justus watched with his eyes sparkling, looking extremely delighted.
"Lady Rosemine, how is this riding beast configured? I would very much like to ride it too..."
"Justus, what would you do that for!? Stop saying foolish things and summon your own beast quickly!"
A reprimand from the Chief Priest flew out, and Justus, looking mildly rebuked, summoned his riding beast.
It was a type of riding beast I had never seen in the Knight's Order. It had many horns, a flashy head, and was like an animal resembling a winged cow. It had a long, sharp horn like a unicorn and large, spreading horns like an elk. It was so imposing that you might worry about the view being blocked while riding.
Its legs were like those of a lion or tiger, thick and sturdy, ending in sharp claws.
"Just like your Grün, Justus's riding beast is modeled after the magical beast Bathelm."
"My riding beast is not a magical beast!"
"Anyone can see it's nothing but a magical beast, but never mind that. Hurry up and depart. The Harvest Festival won't be able to start."
The Chief Priest lightly waved his hand, signaling Daumel and Brigitte to go quickly. Their beasts took flight, and my Lesser Beast followed with them.
Today, Fran was my co-pilot. Fran, who had once worn a pained expression, now rode the Lesser Beast normally without any tragic resolve.
While chasing after Daumel's pegasus and racing into the sky, I entrusted Fran with an important task for the day.
"Fran, don't forget to make contact with
"Yes. It was decided not to send priests to the Spring Prayer Ceremony, and Lady Rosemine has been working hard to arrange things, so I just need to subtly convey that the Chief Priest's anger runs deep?"
"...Not subtly. I want you to convey it clearly."
Since I had written the letter in a noble-like manner, the town mayor still didn't know that the High Priest had died. Saying he had "ascended the stairs to a place far higher up" wouldn't make his death clear. It wouldn't be strange to simply think he had been promoted.
If it were from my time in the former life, one might say he had "become empty" or "passed away," expecting others to understand he was dead. If you didn't know, you wouldn't understand such expressions.
Fran slightly furrowed his brows and lowered his gaze. His voice was stiff as he said, "As you command," clearly reluctant.
"The mayor was on good terms with the High Priest, and I understand the Chief Priest's anger at the mayor's disrespect, as well as Fran's own anger, but I don't want all the people of Hasse to be involved."
"Weren't the people of Hasse the ones who attacked the small temple?"
Fran sighed, implying my handling was too lenient.
No matter how lenient I was, I had to inform the mayor of the previous High Priest's death before he committed any more acts of disrespect. If the evaluator was the Chief Priest, then every new act of disrespect by the mayor would make completing my own task more difficult.
"I understand, Fran. Let's rephrase."
Clearing my throat, I imitated the Chief Priest's manner of speaking. Of course, I didn't forget to furrow my brows as much as possible and put on a difficult expression.
"I will carve into the minds and hearts of that mayor and the people of Hasse that the previous High Priest has been executed and there is no one left to rely on, that even in spring no priests will be dispatched, and drop them into the abyss of fear until their very souls are chilled. Understood, Fran?"
Hoping this would finally stop him from calling me lenient, I looked at Fran in the co-pilot seat. He was desperately pressing his lips together, trying not to laugh.
"I shall do as you command."
The part facing the main road was the mayor's mansion, with the blacksmith's shop, carpenter's workshop, and other craftsmen's stores lined up in the same building. Beyond that was the winter mansion, used only in winter.
Large, wooden buildings arranged in a U-shape, like an old elementary school, perhaps for natural light, and the open space resembling a playground was already crowded with people from the villages.
The square, which would be the venue for the Harvest Festival, was wrapped in the heat and bustle of a festival, completely unlike the usual tranquil atmosphere of the town. Amidst the clamor, just like during the Prayer Ceremony, we descended by riding beast into the square of the winter mansion.
The people, spotting our riding beasts, looked up at the sky, pointed, and parted with voices of awe, creating a path for us to land. A natural route formed from where we landed to the stage.
Built flush against the building, the stage had a place to entertain the priests and tax collectors on the left, and a seating area for Hasse's officials on the right, with chairs and tables prepared. In the center was an altar for conducting the rituals.
Daumel led the way, followed by me, carried by Brigitte and Fran. I had said I could walk, but everyone rejected it. Eckhart and Justus prefaced their refusal by saying, "It's a judgment made after seeing the processions during the
Carried by Fran, I proceeded toward the stage.
Mixed with the curious, unfamiliar gazes were anxious ones watching my state. It was probably because the rumors
Eckhart, who had been behind me, stepped up to my side as if to block the view. His expression was stern and composed, and I could tell he was vigilantly scanning his surroundings.
"Lady Rosemine, this way please."
Prompted by Fran, I took my seat. Eckhart and Justus sat on either side of me, and Fran and the two guard knights lined up behind us.
Once on the stage, I could see the square clearly.
The protagonists of the Baptism Ceremony, Coming-of-Age Ceremony, and Wedding Ceremony were gathered before the stage, dressed in their finest.
The children for the Baptism Ceremony wore white Festive Clothing embroidered with autumn's noble colors, while the new adults for the Coming-of-Age Ceremony wore simple Festive Clothing in autumn's noble colors.
The wedding attire seemed to be passed down from parent to child, gradually altered over time. Some were lavishly decorated with embroidery and ornaments, while others, newly made with pristine fabric, had fewer decorations. The women wore wreaths woven with autumn's wild grasses and harvests.
Since all the ceremonies took place in autumn, unlike in Ehrenfest, siblings born in different seasons didn't necessarily need separate Festive Clothing. It was impressive that everyone wore clothing centered around autumn's noble colors.
The children weren't that different from the children in Ehrenfest, and from what I saw of the townspeople of Hasse, they didn't stand out much, but the adults and elderly gathered from the villages seemed to have their backs slightly bent forward from years of farm work.
"I now declare the Harvest Festival open! Children for the Baptism Ceremony, please come up!"
The mayor's declaration of the festival's opening was met with great cheers. Amidst the applause and cheers, the children celebrating their Baptism Ceremony this year came up on stage. There were over ten children, but the difference in physique between those almost eight years old and those who had just turned seven was noticeable.
...The only thing I could say for sure was that I was smaller than anyone lined up here.
Fran stepped forward before the dozen or so children, holding a white, flat, medal-like object. Just like during my Baptism Ceremony, he would have them imprint a Blood Seal.
I slightly lowered my gaze, averting my eyes as I waited for everyone to finish imprinting the seal. Seeing others' blood was painful.
After that, Fran would tell the story of the gods, but this time he would read from the Holy Book picture book I had made for the children. It was because my voice wouldn't carry.
Having likely never seen a picture book, the children leaned forward eagerly as they looked at it. Seeing them listen intently with sparkling eyes, I thought again that a school was necessary for promoting literacy.
...Since the
It would be a temporary temple classroom only during winter. If they were snowed in and idle, perhaps not just children, but adults too might be inclined to learn.
...Though improving the status of Gray Priests came first.
In the current situation where Gray Priests were despised as orphans, sending them on assignment to the isolated winter mansion worried me terribly about their treatment. It was easy to appoint them as my attendants, but that wouldn't remove the label of being orphans.
"Have you learned how to pray to the gods? Then, let us receive the High Priest's blessing."
Fran's voice startled me, and I stepped forward to the center of the stage. I could feel the eyes of everyone in the square and on the stage focused on me.
I stepped onto the prepared platform and slowly took a breath.
"I am Rosemine, who was appointed High Priest by the Lord this summer."
After a light greeting, I looked around at the children who blinked in surprise at the appearance of a High Priest smaller than themselves. It seemed they hadn't realized I was the High Priest, thinking I was just with Fran.
"Praying for the healthy growth of these new children, let us offer our prayers to the gods. ...Pray to the gods!"
As Fran had taught them, the children were earnestly offering their prayers, albeit a bit unsteadily. Looking cute in their efforts, I smiled as I infused my ring with Magic Power.
"Then, I shall now bestow upon you the gods' blessings. Please kneel where you are."
When Fran knelt, the children imitated him and knelt in the same manner.
"Goddess of Wind,
A yellow light flew from my ring and rained down upon the children's heads.
"Whoa!"
"It's sparkly!"
They immediately stood up, raising both hands, moving around trying to bathe in the light dust. It was a very childlike reaction.
Having only known the well-disciplined children of the orphanage, Fran seemed unaccustomed to such eccentric behavior. He looked on, slightly wide-eyed and frozen.
"Your blessing is now complete. Alright, step down from the stage and let the new adults take your place."
"Okay, got it!"
"Hey, yours is tiny but awesome!"
With excited, sparkling faces, the children said that as they descended the stage and ran back to their families. Taking their place were the new adults.
And so, following the Baptism Ceremony, the Coming-of-Age and Wedding Ceremonies concluded, and the next big event of the Harvest Festival began. Simply put, it was a ball game between villages. A competition mimicking the battle of autumn and winter, where the winner was promised a good harvest next year.
As I rarely went outside, this was the first time I had seen such a sporting event. While listening to the mayor's explanation and wondering what kind of competition it would be, Eckhart stood up abruptly.
"Lady Rosemine, let us return to the small temple."
"Huh? Yes, I don't mind, but..."
...Huh? Wasn't it okay to watch the festival until the seventh bell? It was only just the fifth bell!
He pulled me away with an irresistible smile, so I tilted my head but stood up as he led me.
"Fran, you will stay with Justus to check the offerings. Daumel, you and Brigitte are her guards. Brigitte, you will return to the small temple as Rosemine's guard."
"Fran, I leave the rest to you."
Giving brisk orders, Eckhart effortlessly lifted me in his arms. Then, summoning his riding beast on the stage and mounting it, he raced into the sky. Brigitte followed immediately.
"Eckhart, what's the sudden change of plans?"
"There seem to be quite a few suspicious individuals in Hasse with unsettling looks. It's unlikely they'd do anything dangerous, but in the excitement of a festival, you never know what might happen. It's better to take the safe route."
...Ah, it was about Richt.
I knew Richt, who was seated in Hasse's officials' section, had been looking like he wanted to talk for a while. The ceremonies weren't even over yet, and surrounded by Eckhart, Justus, and Fran, he probably couldn't get close to me.
Since there was no time to talk and he kept glancing over, Eckhart had apparently deemed him suspicious.
"I was looking forward to the festival, though..."
"Even if you can't watch from here, from now on every day will be a Harvest Festival. You'll be forced to see it whether you like it or not. Today, I assume you'll be feasting at the small temple for those who couldn't attend? Enjoy it there."
"Yes, sir."
Since we didn't know how the town of Hasse would change with the spread of rumors, the people of the small temple were instructed not to go out during the Harvest Festival.
In exchange,
When we arrived at the small temple, it was in utter chaos—preparing beds for the night, cooking the feast, everyone bustling about.
Gray Priests gave orders as soldiers carried the Gilberta Company's goods into the men's building and the kitchen. I caught a glimpse of my father carrying a wooden crate down toward the kitchen.
Monica appeared to be giving directions and managing the preparations. Noticing my arrival, Monica's eyes widened as she rushed over.
"Lady Rosemine!? What happened? Are you feeling unwell?"
"No, I was brought here for safety's sake. ...Lady Rosemine, we will be staying at the mayor's mansion. We'll come for you in the morning, so please wait here."
"I understand."
When I nodded, Eckhart turned to Monica.
"Attendant, please prepare Lady Rosemine's change of clothes. I will return to the venue now."
"I leave the rest in your hands."
Watching Eckhart return to the Harvest Festival venue, I entered the hidden room behind the chapel that served as my bedroom with Monica.
Having come and gone to the small temple several times, the room was always kept tidy and ready for me to stay.
With Monica's help, I changed out of the High Priest's ceremonial attire. Ella, Nicole, and the Gray Priestesses were busy in the kitchen preparing the feast.
Rosina was in the women's building, tidying up rooms for herself, Nicole, and Monica.
"As the preparations are not quite complete yet, Lady Rosemine, please rest in your room until dinner is ready."
"Thank you. Don't worry about me. I know you're busy, but do your best."
"Yes."
Brigitte, being a noblewoman, ended up sleeping in my room. She said it would be fine with a long chair, so I had her bring in just a futon.
While resting in the room, the magic stone mounted on the wall lit up. Someone was calling me. When Brigitte opened the door with a click,
"Lady Rosemine, we have a report."
I let the two inside and closed the door. With Brigitte present, neither of them relaxed their formal posture. I straightened up as well to listen to them.
"The glue-making you ordered, Lady Rosemine, is complete. It's been arranged in the workshop and is drying nicely for winter."
At Gil's report, I nodded slightly. If Brigitte hadn't been here, I would have patted his head and praised him for his hard work. Thinking this, I met Gil's eyes. He must have been thinking the same, as he glanced at Brigitte and shrugged. I smiled faintly.
Then, the orphans from Hasse, who had been looking forward to the annual Harvest Festival, were thrilled to learn they would be feasted here after being disappointed about not being able to participate.
According to Lutz, the bonus he had given as travel expenses the last time had spread, and this time the guard soldiers had apparently fought fiercely to be selected. Only my father, whom I had specifically requested, had watched the fray with a calm expression.
"And, Lady Rosemine, whether it's because your words were heard, or because the sergeant's training has taken hold, the soldiers are more cooperative with the priests than last time."
"Oh, that's good. Then I'll need to cover the travel expenses again. Ask Benno if he can provide them."
I wasn't carrying cash for the Harvest Festival. I only had my guild card with me at all times, so I could pay, but...
"How about the rumors?"
"It seems caravans who heard the rumors in Ehrenfest passed through quickly, and some spread word to be careful of Hasse too. When Master Benno and Mark came to town, some people came to listen. It's spreading just as Mark predicted."
"Once people start gathering from the villages, the residents of Hasse will stop talking, I think. The townspeople aside, the villagers probably don't know much about the rumors yet."
I nodded slightly at Lutz and Gil's words.
"They're probably trying to prevent the confusion from spreading..."
I remembered Richt, who had been watching us intently as if wanting to talk. Once the previous High Priest's death and the fact that no priests would be dispatched for the Spring Prayer were conveyed, confusion would inevitably spread.
"Lutz, please ask Mark to move on to the next phase."
"As you command."
After ending the discussion with the two, a little while later, Monica came to call me, saying dinner was ready.
Going to the dining hall, I saw everyone kneeling before the many dishes.
"Today is the Harvest Festival. It's a festival, after all. Let's hold an 'unrestrained feast'."
My words were met with looks of incomprehension from everyone. That was to be expected. There shouldn't be any noble besides me saying such a thing.
But I couldn't bear to eat while everyone was waiting, thinking, "Hurry up and let us eat," with all the delicious food laid out.
"Simply put, let's eat together. It would be a waste for the warm food to get cold. Call the kitchen staff too. We'll separate the tables for the nobles, attendants and exclusive staff, priests and shrine maidens, the Gilberta Company, and the soldiers, but let's all enjoy it."
There was no alcohol, but we toasted with fresh juice, and everyone began eating together. Behind me, the soldiers were getting rowdy with excitement, while only Brigitte looked displeased. As a noble, it was probably unbearable for her.
"I'm sorry, Brigitte. But I just couldn't eat leisurely with all these eyes on me. You might be unhappy eating with servants and soldiers, but..."
"No, my family is very rural, so we sometimes eat with our servants, and during certain events, we join the peasants in revelry. I don't feel any aversion to this situation. It's just, imagining what Lord
Brigitte pressed her cheek and glanced at me. It was easy to imagine him shouting, "Just what do you think you're doing!?"
"It's possible because Fran and Eckhart are being hosted by the mayor and staying there. Keep it a secret from everyone."
I raised my index finger, making an X over my lips. Brigitte raised her eyebrows slightly and said with a small smile, "Lady Rosemine, please be careful not to slip up yourself."
After finishing my meal, I went around to the different tables. When I approached the soldiers' table, everyone, who had been eating voraciously, hastily put down their food.
Chuckling, I addressed my father, the representative.
"Everyone, are you enjoying yourselves?"
"It's a shame there's no alcohol, but the food is fantastic. Right, everyone?"
At my father's voice, everyone nodded in unison.
"Yeah, I've never eaten anything like this."
"Just eating this made coming here worthwhile."
"If only we had alcohol, it would be perfect."
They tried to use polite language and praised me haltingly, but their eyes were glued to the food. Their entire bodies screamed, "Hurry up and let us eat more!"
"I'm glad you think it's delicious. I'll tell the cook. Please, continue."
At my words, the soldiers lunged for their food with a whoop. Watching them eating and jostling amidst the noise, my father spoke in a volume that blended into the bustle, like small talk.
"...Today's food has a very nostalgic taste. It reminds me of the first dish my daughter ever made for me. She used up a generous amount of my secret stash of liquor without permission."
As he brought the wine-steamed bird to his mouth, my father narrowed his eyes reminiscently. I remembered sharing the secret honey wine and laughing together, and tears threatened to well up.
...I can't cry here.
I took a slow, deep breath, holding back the tears, and smiled.
It was the Harvest Festival of Hasse.
Rosemine only experienced the ceremonies; there was almost no festival itself.
But she had wanted to interact with her father.
Next time, they would head for the Harvest Festival outside of Hasse.