Two days after the Star Binding ceremony, the book sale is being held this afternoon. It seems the ceremony also served as a preview of sorts, as there are more nobles remaining in the Noble District than usual.
Because of this, over the past two days,
The women who witnessed the fairytale-like courtship firsthand were relatively supportive, but the men seemed to think it was laughable that a lower-ranking noble like Damuel could ever hope to match a middle-ranking noble like
As for Brigitte, who had been courted, she said, "No matter what the outcome a year from now, I am more than happy that he protected my honor." The words were clearly meant to shield herself in the moment, and her expression made it obvious she believed it would never actually come to pass.
"A year from now… Damuel, will he make it in time?"
The speed at which Magic Power increases varies from person to person. I taught Damuel my compression method, but I have no idea how much it will help, or what the gap between Damuel's and Brigitte's Magic Power actually is.
"…I don't know. But I'm grateful just to have been given a deadline to work toward."
Damuel had set the timeline himself and steeled his resolve, and his face looked different from his usual slightly dejected expression—handsome and resolute.
On the day of the sales meeting, I also have a scheduled meeting with Giebe Ilgner over lunch. When the arrangement was made for Brigitte's new outfit, I had been asked to set aside some time as a thank-you.
It was perfect timing. I also wanted to discuss the introduction of the Plantan Company and the matter of Ilgner, so I had scheduled the meeting on the same day as the sale.
"Thank you for waiting, Lord
When I arrived at the room prepared for the luncheon, Giebe Ilgner and the High Priest were already waiting.
The High Priest had recently been formally appointed as my guardian, so he would be sitting in on all discussions related to the printing industry—to prevent me from being outmaneuvered by nobles or getting into some kind of trouble.
My first guardian, Adoptive Father, is the Lord, so he can't attend every meeting concerning me. Father is the Knight Commander and the Lord's bodyguard, so he likewise can't stay by my side all the time. That's apparently why the arrow fell on the High Priest.
The High Priest had already sighed, saying, "I never said I was going to leave the clergy." My condolences.
After the lengthy exchange of pleasantries customary among nobles, lunch was brought out. Once I took a bite to show the food was safe, the High Priest and Giebe Ilgner both picked up their cutlery.
After one bite, the corners of Giebe Ilgner's lips lifted in delight.
"During winter social events, I had the chance to taste the dishes Lady Rosemyne devised, and I was truly astonished by how delicious they were. Brigitte would occasionally boast about the meals at her workplace, so I was very much looking forward to today's luncheon."
It seemed Brigitte had indeed been bragging to her family about how good the food was at work. Embarrassed at being exposed, she blushed slightly and gave her brother a light glare. Giebe Ilgner's eyes softened at the sight, and he moved on to the main topic.
"At the Star Binding ceremony, you bestowed a new outfit upon my sister Brigitte, and I am overcome with gratitude. Thanks to Lady Rosemyne's generosity, my sister's honor has been restored, and it appears a suitor has appeared as well."
Giebe Ilgner said this while glancing briefly toward Damuel. A smile close to a reminiscent one flickered across his face. It appeared Giebe Ilgner had witnessed the whole thing perfectly.
"I left right after the blessing concluded, so I didn't see the scene myself. What was it like?"
From the brother's perspective, Brigitte's situation sounded less like a love story and more like a tale of good triumphing over evil. It was different from Mother's viewpoint and rather interesting.
I listened to these stories as I finished my luncheon.
"I'm not sure it qualifies as a proper thank-you, but I would very much like you to visit Ilgner. I would like to prepare a wide variety of wood for Lady Rosemyne."
While sipping tea after the meal, I was about to immediately leap at Giebe Ilgner's proposal when the High Priest raised his hand lightly and stopped me.
"Rosemyne, Giebe Ilgner's aim is to show his sister Brigitte's former fiancé that she has the backing of the Lord's adopted daughter, thereby preventing any future trouble. Keep that in mind before you answer. There is a possibility you could get caught up in things."
The High Priest said this quietly while looking at Giebe Ilgner.
As far as I'm concerned, having designed the outfit, I fully intend to support Brigitte. I have no qualms about backing Giebe Ilgner through Brigitte.
"I do not care for gentlemen who would harm Brigitte, and if conducting Plant Paper research in Ilgner will benefit Ilgner, then I see no issue with it."
Giebe Ilgner wants my backing. I want Ilgner's wood and research space. Since we each stand to gain something, I can send the Plantan Company without any sense of burden.
"Plant Paper research, you say?"
"Yes. You need paper for printing, after all. Before spreading the printing industry to Ehrenfest, we need to build a Plant Paper workshop."
"…And you would entrust that to Ilgner?"
Giebe Ilgner's eyes widened slightly. Being able to participate from the early stages of a new venture led by the Lord's adopted daughter—it would clearly demonstrate my backing to other nobles.
And I would be able to conduct Plant Paper research with a clear conscience.
"While researching new Plant Paper in Ilgner, I would be happy to teach them how to make Plant Paper as well. Compared to neighboring regions that also rely on forestry as an industry, they would be one step ahead."
"I am most grateful."
Knowing that my backing was certain, Giebe Ilgner's expression relaxed. I smiled warmly in return.
"For that purpose, I'll be leaving my workshop staff and people from the Plantan Company—the merchants who handle Plant Paper—in your care for a while. For accommodations, there should be a separate building where Priests stay during the Harvest Festival or the Prayer Ceremony, correct? If we use that, I think we could begin right away."
"…Right away?"
I flashed a broad smile at the blinking Giebe Ilgner and nodded firmly.
"I learned in geography class the other day that since Ilgner is to the south, unlike Ehrenfest, the rivers don't freeze even in winter. If that's the case, we might be able to make papermaking into a winter handicraft."
"…That would be extremely helpful."
"As for the detailed profit distribution when Plant Paper is produced, I'll have the Plantan Company explain it. It will likely require shipping costs, so the profits won't be exactly the same as from my workshop.
After asking Ottilie to summon Benno from the Plantan Company, who were preparing for the sales meeting in a separate room, a short while later Benno entered along with an unfamiliar young man.
"On this blessed day graced by the radiant divine light of the Fire God,
"The blessings of the Fire God, Leidenschaft, upon the Plantan Company."
Giebe Ilgner's blessing reached both of them.
With the introductions complete, I explained why I had called Benno. I had already informed him beforehand about the scheduled meeting with Giebe Ilgner and the possibility of being summoned, so there was no sign of panic on Benno's face. See, I am growing a little. Hehehe.
"Benno, I was discussing new paper research with Giebe Ilgner. When can the Plantan Company send people to Ilgner?"
"Whenever Lady Rosemyne calls upon us. Both the tools and personnel needed for papermaking are ready."
As always, so efficient and dependable, I praised the Plantan Company, then turned to look at Giebe Ilgner, who raised his head to meet my gaze.
"Lady Rosemyne, as long as we're simply opening up the separate building, we can accept them at any time. However, how long will they be staying? Priests come for the Harvest Festival, and we'll need the separate building then."
"They'll stay until the Ilgner Harvest Festival. I myself will attend the Harvest Festival, and at the same time, I'll hear the research results and bring back the people from the Plantan Company and the workshop."
That should eliminate any problems. Fundamentally, if I—the one touring the demesne—go to Ilgner, it will be clear that I'm looking after Ilgner.
"Lord Ferdinand, please allow me to go to Ilgner for the Harvest Festival."
"I shall consider it."
The High Priest didn't try to stop me or say anything contrary, and simply nodded slowly.
"Departure will be once preparations at my workshop are complete. For the detailed schedule, I'll send word through Brigitte via an orduit."
"Understood. We await your arrival."
After obtaining Giebe Ilgner's agreement, Benno asked to speak.
"Lord Ferdinand, Lady Rosemyne, Giebe Ilgner. Might I introduce a merchant from the Plantan Company who will be heading to Ilgner?"
"Yes, please."
"His name is Damien. He is the grandson of Gustaf, who serves as the Guild Master of Ehrenfest's commercial guild. I understand he once met Lady Rosemyne several years ago."
Damien, who had been standing behind Benno, swiftly crossed his arms, knelt on the spot, and bowed. Pale chestnut hair and amber-colored eyes. He was about the same height as Benno. Despite having the appearance of someone who had only been an adult for a few years, his composure in this setting gave the impression of an experienced merchant accustomed to negotiating with nobles.
Since he was being introduced this way, he had to be Frieda's brother, but in my memory, he was still just a young boy in his early teens. He hadn't been this big, and he certainly hadn't been an adult.
"I met him only once, when I was receiving hospitality from Gustaf and Frieda. But his impression is quite different now."
"He had a sudden growth spurt over the course of a year, so to people who haven't seen him in a while, he looks like a completely different person."
Once Damien's introduction was complete, I took out my writing board and conveyed my requests regarding the stay in Ilgner.
"In exchange for teaching them how to make Plant Paper, I'll leave the preparation of their meals to Ilgner. I'll send one grey Priest daily to help out. As for the sales and profits of Plant Paper produced in Ilgner, could you discuss those matters with Benno in Ilgner?"
After that, it was essentially between the Plantan Company and Ilgner. I would adjust things so neither party was disadvantaged, and subtly convey the merchants' positions where needed.
"Rosemyne, the fifth bell will ring soon. You need to head to the sales meeting."
Somehow able to judge the time by who-knows-what, the High Priest's warning came flying over.
I had Benno and Damien leave the room and exchanged farewells with Giebe Ilgner. If I summarized his long-winded parting words, it essentially came down to: "Please take care of my sister, who's ended up at the center of all this gossip."
After finishing with Giebe Ilgner, I headed to the room where the sales meeting was being held. Inside, there were numerous merchants. Apart from Benno and
…
The preparations for the sale were nearly complete, with books lined up neatly on the display tables. In addition to picture books of the Supreme God and the Five Great Gods along with picture books of the Divine Beasts for each season, there were five short knight stories. Six pieces of sheet music as well. This was the result of everyone at the orphanage working hard, including Hassé's workshop.
On top of that, there were many winter handicraft items prepared: karuta cards, playing cards, reversi, and more.
"Lady Rosemyne."
Benno noticed me and knelt, and the merchants followed suit, dropping to their knees in unison.
"I already received your greetings earlier, so there's no need. More importantly, is everything ready? The guests should be arriving soon."
"Preparations are nearly complete. Lady Rosemyne, please take a look—do you see anything lacking?"
At Benno's words, the merchants rose in unison and began moving to complete the remaining preparations. Their movements were smooth, and the preparations came together before my eyes.
"Benno, is that special item ready?"
"Of course."
I had been told the sale would begin after the fifth bell, but even before that, nobles began arriving to exchange greetings.
"Lady Rosemyne, thank you so much for fulfilling my request. I wanted books of all the seasons."
I had announced it in advance at the children's room during the winter social season, so studious students and their parents flocked to buy the Divine Beast picture books. I sat in my chair, accepted their greetings, and recommended products.
"My guard knight tells me that if I read and memorize these picture books well, third-year lectures become much easier. Please do your best with your studies."
"What is this?" the young girl asked, clutching a Divine Beast picture book to her chest as she pointed at the cover showing the silhouette of a man playing a FeSchpiel.
"This is sheet music for the FeSchpiel. The ones with a woman on the cover are children's practice pieces arranged by my musician, and the ones with a man on the cover are the pieces Lord Ferdinand performed at his concert."
The sheet music
"Oh my, Lady Rosemyne, did you compose these?"
"I haven't done anything worthy of being called composition. It's simply that, well, the musician and Lord Ferdinand happened to hear me humming certain tunes."
The girl said, "That's still amazing," and selected one of the more difficult children's practice pieces before purchasing it.
"My son kept insisting he absolutely had to have playing cards. They were quite well-received at the tea party as well, so I thought I'd get a set."
A middle-ranking or perhaps lower-ranking noblewoman arrived, practically dragged along by her young son. She had bought karuta cards in the winter for practicing letters, but apparently the boy desperately wanted playing cards too.
"It helps with practicing math, and there are ranks and prizes, so everyone tries so hard. Will I be able to win next winter with these?"
"I'm going to practice really hard and win snacks!" the boy said happily, clutching his playing cards.
After him, a somewhat older noblewoman came and peered at each of the covers.
"Oh my, so this is printing?"
"This printed material will become an important industry for Ehrenfest in the future. Please, do take it in your hands and have a look."
This time, it wasn't just children being prioritized—nobles interested in the printing industry and nobles hoping to establish connections with me had gathered as well. Wanting to know what printing was, they flipped through the books.
The knight stories, packed with text, sold well.
"I hear these are the sheet music pieces Lord Ferdinand played at his concert? Please, allow me to purchase them. …Lady Rosemyne, do you happen to have the illustrations sold at the concert?"
When the young lady asked in a quiet, almost secret voice at the very end, I answered, "No, we don't," while signaling Benno with my eyes to bring "that special item," and smiled.
"This knight story is a work of fiction, and all organizations, characters, and other elements depicted are entirely fictional. Even if they look similar, they are different people."
Mark swiftly produced a file made from thin boards and handed it to me. I gently opened the file in front of the young lady.
Between the thin boards were bound illustrations from the knight stories. Even with the books displayed, the covers alone didn't show the interior illustrations, so I had created a special illustrated collection of knight story artwork. Below each illustration was a title, making it a splendid tool for choosing which book to buy based on which illustrations caught your fancy.
I had considered displaying them prominently like signboards or propping individual illustrations up behind the knight stories, but there was a risk of the High Priest forbidding it, so I had them arranged to be viewed as discreetly as possible.
"Lady Rosemyne, may I have this illustration collection?"
"This is not for sale."
The young lady's eyes sparkled at the illustrations shown to her. She studied them carefully, then purchased a knight story. Immediately afterward, the file was returned to Mark.
The young lady apparently spread the word right away, because the number of female customers coming to buy knight stories increased dramatically, and everyone wanted to see the file.
They sold in large quantities.
The best seller was the FeSchpiel sheet music.
The pieces performed at the High Priest's FeSchpiel concert had only been played that one time, and they were completely unknown original compositions, so the number of noblewomen and young ladies seeking the sheet music far exceeded expectations.
There were all sorts of customers—those who wanted to practice and play while recalling the concert, those who wanted their own musician to play the pieces for them to listen to, and even men who wanted to use them to court women. It was quite interesting.
And the knight stories sold well to women. The most popular one was the story of a knight who defeats a magical beast and presents the magic stone to a princess. The illustration of the knight proposing with a sweet smile apparently seized women's hearts.
The High Priest might be the model, but run through the
"Even so, it's a shame there are no picture-only prints for sale."
The mother who had bought out all the knight stories and sheet music still let out a disappointed sigh.
"Indeed. It would be the best seller, which is exactly why it's so unfortunate, but Lord Ferdinand has forbidden it."
"Is there really nothing that can be done, when there's so much demand?"
She glanced at me, but what can't be done can't be done. I shook my head slightly, then suddenly looked up.
"It's absolutely impossible for me, my lady. …For me, it is."
I emphasized the last part, and the mother's eyes lit up with sudden understanding as she placed a hand on her cheek.
"Oh, that's right. Of course. It's impossible for you, isn't it?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, I am forbidden from doing so."
The meaning came across. I smiled warmly, and the mother smiled warmly in return.
"Rosemyne, Aub Ehrenfest is considering expanding the printing industry, isn't that correct?"
"Yes, my lady. He is considering spending about twenty years to spread the printing industry throughout the entire demesne and make it one of Ehrenfest's key industries."
"Why don't I ask my dear brother to help with his cute daughter's business? He would surely be willing to advise during the winter."
"Of course."
Expanding the printing industry within the demesne was the Lord's intention. No issues there.
And if the High Priest's illustrations were to be printed as a result, it would have nothing to do with me.
Mother's eyes sparkled as she immediately began making plans, starting with finding and training an illustrator.
Through discussions with Brigitte's brother, it was decided that the Plant Paper workshop would be established in Ilgner.
And will Mother's behind-the-scenes maneuvering succeed?
Next time: The Plantan Company heads to Ilgner.