After returning to the
And with the Star Binding ceremony approaching, the Temple quietly held a ceremony for the Chief Priest's return to secular life, and word was spread that he would return to his role as Chief Priest once the Star Binding ceremony concluded.
For just a few days, the Chief Priest's chambers would be sealed off with no one allowed inside. Having returned to secular life, the Chief Priest could no longer remain at the Temple, so he would be moving back to the Noble District.
"
"Understood."
"
"Yes."
He gave his instructions looking extremely anxious, and then the Chief Priest departed for the Noble District. This year's Star Binding ceremony would have to be conducted without the Chief Priest.
You could tell that Kamil and Fritola, who had been entrusted to stand in for him, were already nervous.
"You can simply read the story of the gods straight from the Holy Book, so you don't need to be that nervous."
"No, High Priest. My concern isn't about telling the gods' stories—it's whether the blue priests, starting with Lord
Egmont and the others, who had been the former High Priest's lackeys, were among the higher-ranking blue priests in the Temple. At the very least, they outranked both Kamil and Fritola. If they tried to throw their weight around, the two of them would have a hard time handling it.
"In that case, please let me know. I will deal with it as High Priest."
"It pains us to ask this of such a young High Priest, but we'll count on you if it comes to that."
I gave the two of them a sweet smile and accepted the responsibility. Blue priests who tried to throw their weight around and wouldn't listen could simply be overpowered with authority of my own. And if they still wouldn't comply, a light display of Magic Power intimidation would settle the matter. It was hardly any trouble at all.
"Today is the Star Binding ceremony, but in the lower city they call it the Star Festival, right?
I nodded at
"I wonder if the children at the orphanage have left by now? Apparently
And
"Hugo had broken up with his girlfriend, so once again he couldn't participate in the Star Festival as the main star this year.
Nicola told me this with a laugh, saying that Hugo had made an incredibly bitter face when he'd said it. The two personal chefs were also extremely busy today, since we would be departing for the Noble District as soon as lunch was over.
"Nicola, I'll need you to prepare dinner tonight."
"Leave it to me. I've gotten much better, you know."
In the morning, we held the ceremony at the Temple, and in the afternoon we moved to the castle for yet another ceremony.
This year, beyond just the ceremonies, I had also designed Brigitte's outfit and would be unveiling it, so things were quite hectic.
"I bet Brigitte is having a tough time right about now."
Brigitte had the day off from work, and since that morning she had been having her entire body polished and prepared for the unveiling. Normally, she would get dressed at the Knight's Dormitory, but since she would be wearing an outfit I had produced, she was using a room in the main building.
"Since Lady
Damuel in the passenger seat was fretting as though it were his own problem, pressing a hand to his stomach.
Damuel also had to participate in the Star Binding ceremony, so as soon as we arrived at the castle, he headed off to the Knight's Dormitory.
My guard knights once I arrived at the castle were Brother
"First, we need to see to Lady Rozemyne's preparations."
"Compared to last year,
Rihyarda fixed me with a stern gaze, examining me in my High Priest outfit from top to bottom, left to right, front and back, from every conceivable angle. After slightly adjusting the pleats at my waist, she gave a single nod.
"This will do for the Lady's preparations. Now, allow me to guide you to the room Brigitte is using."
Guided by Rihyarda, by the time I arrived at the room, Corina and several other tailors were bustling around Brigitte in various ways, and Mother was watching them all intently.
"Mother, thank you so much for agreeing to my request. I'll be counting on you for Brigitte today."
"Yes. Leave the unveiling of the new outfit to me, and you, Rozemyne, make sure you carry out your duties as High Priest without incident."
For this year's Star Binding ceremony, Mother had agreed to attend to Brigitte and handle the outfit unveiling. Since I had my role as High Priest, and being a child, I would have to leave immediately after giving the blessing.
Mother had agreed happily because her faction had already made a big splash with the unveiling of the trial outfits and received a good reception. To add to that, neither Brother
"It suits you wonderfully, Brigitte."
"You're too kind, Lady Rozemyne."
It was a dress with American sleeves that hugged the body, beautifully showing off the line from chest to waist. The pale emerald green dress brought out the dark hues of Brigitte's red hair, making it look stunning.
The floral decoration adorning the waist area, where the many pleats added volume, was a similar red to her hair. And the flowers to adorn her hair were pure white, with leaves in the same shade as the dress. The hair ornament was a matching set with my own hairpin, so it was immediately obvious that I was her sponsor.
"The outfit alone will certainly attract plenty of attention, but since Rozemyne was the one who designed it, I expect ambitious lords will start circling around you."
When Mother warned her to be careful, Brigitte put on a faint smile tinged with resignation.
"I am a woman whose engagement was once broken off. I never expected to find another match. So as long as Lady Rozemyne's outfit helps me find a good lord for Ilgner, I couldn't ask for more."
...I mean, I'd really like to find someone better for Brigitte than Ilgner, though...
Not yet understanding the full impact that a broken engagement among nobles could have, I had no words to offer Brigitte.
"Well then, shall we head to the grand hall soon? Rozemyne, you go back to your room for now."
Mother left the room with Brigitte, who was all prepared. "I'll be watching from the dais," I called out to Brigitte, and she gave a slightly embarrassed smile.
After the door shut with a soft click, I also spoke to Corina, who was cleaning up.
"You've worked hard all the way up to today, Corina. Thanks to your efforts, Brigitte looks absolutely beautiful. The new outfit is sure to be the talk of the evening. And the name of the
"I am truly grateful for your patronage, Lady Rozemyne."
Corina knelt, and the other tailors followed her lead.
"Well then, I have my own schedule to keep, so I'll be excusing myself now.
"Understood, Lady Rozemyne."
Unlike last year, since I could use a riding beast in the main building, I wasn't rushed along by Rihyarda and arrived at the grand hall right on schedule.
I put away my riding beast, had Rihyarda check that my outfit was in order, and entered the grand hall.
"The High Priest has arrived."
The grand hall, as spacious as a gymnasium with its high ceiling, had a black carpet with gold trim running down its center.
Just as last year, I attracted everyone's attention as I made my way straight toward the dais. My slow pace was the same as ever.
"This way, Rozemyne."
On the dais, my adoptive father, adoptive mother, and my father were already waiting. When I sat in the chair beside my adoptive father, just as I had last year, Brother Cornelius and Angelica took their places behind me.
"I must say, you certainly made a rather bold outfit. I'd never have guessed she was the same person as last year's female knight."
My adoptive father looked down from the dais at Brigitte, who was surrounded by all manner of people in one corner of the hall, and spoke in an impressed tone.
Brigitte appeared to be surrounded not just by men, but also by women curious about the new outfit.
"Heh heh heh, my guard knight is beautiful, isn't she?"
"Ah, with that, there'll certainly be men approaching her."
Last year, my adoptive father had offered nothing but criticism, but this time he nodded without a single complaint. It seemed like his eyes were glued to Brigitte's voluptuous curves, but I decided not to point that out. I had a feeling it would be best not to lower my adoptive father's standing in my adoptive mother's eyes any further with careless remarks.
"But that outfit is like advertising to the whole world that she has your backing. Ambitious men will swarm around her. Make sure you warn her."
"Mother already warned her. But Brigitte says that if a good match for Ilgner comes from among the swarm, then so be it. Having had her engagement broken off once, Brigitte seems to have given up on finding a truly good match. I hope she finds a good partner this time."
When I pursed my lips slightly, my adoptive father raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm. She'll no doubt find some match or other, but whether it qualifies as a 'good match' depends on Guildreeb Ilgner's skill as well. Let's just hope it isn't another miss."
"I can't take responsibility all the way to that point. As long as it's a good choice for Guildreeb Ilgner and Brigitte, that's all that matters."
I didn't even know what kind of person was sought after in Ilgner's territory. I had no idea what would count as a good match for Brigitte.
"I'll be satisfied if people simply know that Brigitte is a beautiful and lovely woman. And additionally, I'd like it to become commonplace for women to wear outfits that suit them, rather than just following the latest trends."
"You were thinking beyond just creating a trend..."
My adoptive father widened his eyes in surprise, but it really wasn't anything that grand. I simply wished that everyone could freely wear what suited them.
Suddenly, amid the buzz of conversation, several young ladies let out shrill screams. Wondering what had happened, I turned my gaze and saw the Chief Priest making his entrance.
The young ladies swarmed to catch sight of the Chief Priest, but none of them dared obstruct his path. As if by prior arrangement, none of them set foot on the black carpet with gold trim that ran down the center.
"So you've arrived,
The Chief Priest made his way to the dais without anyone getting in his way and sat down beside me, on the opposite side from my adoptive father.
Behind him stood Brother Eckhart, who couldn't quite hide his delighted expression. Being able to serve as a guard knight again seemed to make him far happier than searching for a new bride.
"You look happy, Brother Eckhart."
"I am. I never thought there would come a day when I could serve Lord Ferdinand again.
"Ah, he did say he wanted to visit the Temple as much as possible. I felt like the gazes of interest were passing right through me, Rozemyne."
The Chief Priest turned his gaze toward me with a meaningfully suggestive look.
"...Could it be that I'm the one you're after?"
"If I confirm that, it would make Justus sound like he has a thing for little girls, which wouldn't sound great—but in terms of his hobby of gathering information, it's undoubtedly true that you're a subject of interest."
He said it sounded bad, but confirmed it all the same. Apparently, for Justus, there were all sorts of unexpected things to be found around me.
"Be careful not to say anything that could be misconstrued."
"Yes. Come to think of it, if you return to secular life, you can get married, can't you, Lord Ferdinand? Don't you need to start looking for a partner?"
Rather than sitting on the dais, wouldn't it be better to go talk to at least one of the young ladies? When I asked this, the Chief Priest shrugged and shook his head.
"It's pointless."
"Excuse me?"
"There's no woman whose Magic Power matches mine."
He said it so definitively that my eyes went wide. I knew that a mismatch in Magic Power meant someone was unsuitable as a marriage partner. But was he saying that every single eligible young lady in the grand hall was out of the question?
"Um... there isn't a single one?"
"If we narrow it down to marriageable women from Ehrenfest, then no."
"Huh? But you've had women you've been seeing, haven't you? I think Mother mentioned something about them not lasting long..."
I didn't think there could be any errors in the Ferdinand intelligence that Mother held. After all, most of her sources were Brother Eckhart, who was on the Chief Priest's side.
When I briefly glanced toward Brother Eckhart, the Chief Priest seemed to catch on to my source-checking and let out an exasperated sigh.
"What are you two discussing, honestly? ...It's about my time at the
Even in Ehrenfest, the Chief Priest shrugged, it wasn't as though there were no married women whose Magic Power matched his own.
...When you bring up Magic Power compatibility, isn't that married woman my adoptive mother?
"That must be quite the predicament, not being able to find a woman whose Magic Power matches yours."
"Oh my," I said, discussing it entirely as someone else's problem, when Father furrowed his brow.
"Then why doesn't Ferdinand simply marry Rozemyne? Once Rozemyne grows up, her Magic Power should match, shouldn't it?"
From an entirely unexpected quarter came this outrageous bombshell, and the Chief Priest and I both gaped.
"You want me to look after this problem child for the rest of my life? What kind of harassment is this,
"Exactly! Being scolded by him for the rest of my life would be nothing short of harassment. Father, you know how capable Lord Ferdinand is—do you really think he'd want to marry me?"
"My, my, you two are in perfect agreement."
At my adoptive father's unsettling grin, I couldn't stop my cheeks from twitching. That was the face he made when he was trying to stir up trouble for his own amusement.
"Adoptive Father..."
I was about to tell him to stop thinking ridiculous things, when the Chief Priest stopped me. He shook his head lightly, saying it would only amuse him further, then placed his hand on my shoulder and fixed me with a serious gaze.
"Rozemyne, the time you spend at the Royal Academy is when you'll have the most potential partners available. Use that time to find the best match for yourself. This is your chance—even leaving Ehrenfest is fine. I'll permit it. Hide your true nature and search for a partner in earnest. Understood?"
"I understand. But Lord Ferdinand, you should put in the same effort yourself. Considering our ages, you should be looking first."
When I nodded firmly, my adoptive father hurriedly intervened.
"Wait a moment. You can't just decide the fate of an entire territory on your own. Ferdinand doesn't have the authority to grant that kind of permission."
"What are you talking about,
"Oh my, Adoptive Father. Isn't a guardian supposed to be like a parent?"
As this conversation was going on, I tried my best to find Damuel once again this year, but I still couldn't spot him. Had he finally found a cute girlfriend this time around? Or was he simply gawking at Brigitte?
When the bell for seven o'clock rang out, Sylvester rose swiftly, flipping his cape as he stepped forward.
"The Star Binding ceremony will now begin! Brides and grooms, come forth!"
The brides and grooms lined up in a row, and my adoptive father began his address. After that, each pair signed their Contract one by one.
Once all the Contracts were complete, I would bestow the blessing.
"Oh Supreme God, the divine couple who rules the vast and towering heavens—darkness and light—hear my prayer. Bestow your blessing upon the birth of this new couple. What we offer unto you are their thoughts, their prayers and gratitude. Grant us your sacred divine protection."
As I poured Magic Power into the rings while praying for the blessing of the Supreme God's divine couple, golden light and black light spiraled from the rings and soared toward the ceiling. Then the gold and black twisted together, overlapped, and burst apart.
They scattered into tiny particles of light, raining down upon the brides and grooms, and cheers erupted from the crowd.
...Phew, job done.
There was apparently an announcement about the Chief Priest's return to secular life coming up after this, but once I'd given my blessing, I would be making a quick exit.
Whatever happened after that, I'd just have to hear about it at the tea party with Mother scheduled for the following afternoon.
"Mother, was Brigitte's outfit well received?"
I took a sip of tea and a bite of sweets myself first, then invited Mother to do the same as I asked about the previous evening.
After drinking her tea, Mother let out a dreamy, intoxicated sigh.
"Brigitte last night was simply... stunning."
With a rapturous expression, Mother began her tale—not about the evaluation of the new outfit, but about a romance that had unfolded around Brigitte.
Brigitte, who until last year had been wrapped in ill-fitting outfits, had appeared this year so beautiful that she drew every eye, clad in her new garment. The outfit had been designed by the Lord's adopted daughter.
Among the many noblemen whose eyes were riveted by Brigitte's newfound allure, thanks to her powerful backing, the one who approached her with a smile was her former fiancé.
"We can get engaged again. That's the way to do it that will damage your reputation the least," he declared with a smirk, and extended his hand.
The ones who stepped between them were Damuel and several fellow knights.
Damuel had fought valiantly to protect Brigitte's honor from her former fiancé, apparently.
"And then, he knelt before Brigitte and said he would acquire enough Magic Power to make a proper proposal—he asked her to wait one more year... It was like watching a knight's tale unfold right before my eyes. My own heart was racing just watching from the sidelines! I'd love to receive a courtship like that someday."
...What!? I wanted to see that too!