Once the Spring Celebration Feast ended, the nobles gradually returned to their respective territories. Before that, I needed to arrange meetings with the civil officials involved in the printing industry, as well as the deputies selected from each province connected to printing.
The day after the feast, I was scheduled to meet with the civil officials related to the printing and papermaking industries.
However, my engagement announcement at the end of the Spring Celebration Feast had stirred up a hornet's nest.
It was only natural. For those who had rallied around
And for those in the former
By the time breakfast was over, a flood of meeting requests marked "urgent" had arrived at my doorstep, and my Attendants were scurrying about in disarray. No matter how many important people sent requests, I couldn't accept any of them. I'd been forbidden from getting involved with my guardians' affairs.
"First, I must consult with Aub Ehrenfest on how to handle these matters, so please decline all meeting requests."
"My Lady, not all of these are people we can easily decline."
Richalta rattled off the names of the senders. There were many relatives who had been labeled "Rosemine faction" by the Chief Priest. That made it all the more necessary to coordinate before any meetings.
"What should I do, Lord
I sent an orduanz and decided to dump the whole problem on the Chief Priest. The reply that came back was to return to the
...It's not like I'm thinking "Yay, I get to escape from all this hassle!" I'm the High Priest, so it can't be helped. No way around it!
"I will be returning to the Temple after today's meetings. Unfortunately, I cannot accept any audiences. I truly feel terrible about it, but—"
"My Lady, at least try to look a little disappointed."
Richalta said that while assigning the task of writing rejection letters on the audience request letters to the senior nobles Brünhilde and
"I've heard that the civil officials involved in printing and papermaking are mostly mid- to lower-ranking nobles. Having a senior noble's Attendant present would make them tense and hinder their work."
That was Richalta's reasoning.
Incidentally, I was also deploying today as a civil official apprentice. Without experience as a civil official apprentice, I couldn't become a civil official. And without becoming a civil official, I couldn't become a Librarian.
In truth, I had requested to work in the Library during my practical training, but the Chief Priest scolded me, calling me an idiot. He tapped me on the temple and said, "What is the person responsible for expanding the printing industry talking about? Your training assignment is the papermaking and printing industries."
...I made a promise with
"
"Yes, Lady Rosemine."
I smiled at Philine, who was also starting her first day as a civil official, and she nodded with a slightly nervous expression. Since she'd been given a room in the castle, we spent more time together, and I felt a little closer to her.
"
"I'll teach you whatever I can. ...However, when it comes to papermaking and printing, I don't think there's much I could teach you. If anything, I'll likely be the one asking for guidance."
Hartmut said that with a wry smile.
For Attendants, I would bring Richalta and Liesereta. For myGuard Knights, I would bring
I had asked
I took a lesser beast to the main building and entered the room where the meetings were to be held. Mother was already there. Not in her usual lavish attire, she had chosen a practical civil official uniform with less fluttering fabric, prioritizing function over form.
Her posture as she reviewed documents and the sharp expression on her side profile radiated the aura of a capable woman, and I let out an admiring sigh.
"Mother."
"You must call me
"My apologies. Elvira, are there any changes to today's schedule?"
This time, the plan was to explain the meetings and upcoming arrangements, and discuss the timing of transporting the
"I don't think there are any particular changes."
The Noble District's officials had meetings scheduled with the Guild Master and Plantan Company regarding the lower town's development, and the officials dispatched from each province had to prepare reception arrangements for the Gutenberg. Both groups of officials were sure to be extremely busy.
"The meeting with the lower town people will be held at the Temple, correct?"
"There may be times when the castle would be better, so I don't think we should absolutely decide on the Temple. However, for the people of the lower town, it's a more accessible place than the castle, and compared to having the officials go all the way down to the lower town, the Temple seems like a reasonable compromise."
"Once they visit, they'll realize it's not a bad place, but that one visit is a big hurdle," Mother murmured, since the Temple wasn't exactly held in high regard among the nobles. Then she produced a sheet of paper.
"By the way, Lady Rosemine. What is this 'legal deposit system' you've written here?"
"As noted there, it's a system that obligates the printing association to submit all publications to the Ehrenfest Library. I've already obtained permission from Aub Ehrenfest."
A legal deposit system collecting all printed materials. In expanding the printing industry, I believed this was the most important system of all.
"Books reflect the life and culture of their time. They are treasures that record culture—yes, they are the precious assets of Ehrenfest. Gathering, organizing, and preserving such books is the duty of the Lord's child, is it not?"
I saw my retainers' dumbfounded expressions, but my mouth wouldn't stop. I couldn't stop it. If Mother rejected or shut down the legal deposit system here, I'd be in trouble.
"Eventually, I intend to create a 'National Bibliography,' and if the system is in place, registering 'copyrights' will also become relatively straightforward. And while I have no intention of doing so, it would even enable censorship. For comprehensive collection, a mandatory deposit system is absolutely essential!"
I puffed out my chest and declared with confidence. Mother placed her hand on her cheek, exhaled lightly, and pointed to a section of the document.
"I understand that part. I acknowledge its usefulness. What I don't understand is why the deposit obligation isn't just to the Ehrenfest Library, but also specifically to the Saint of Ehrenfest."
...It's to reduce Lutz's burden.
Lutz said he'd deliver all the books he produced to me, but it wasn't practical for him to pick them up one by one from every province-run printing workshop. If he came every time, they'd ask him what the point was. The books were expensive each and every one, and it wasn't realistic for him to collect them from workshops just for me.
So why not create a system where books automatically come to Lutz? If I implemented a deposit system, all books would automatically flow to the printing association, of which the Plantan Company served as the association head. Lutz would submit the collected books to me. I would receive them and read them.
Perfection.
"I started the printing industry because I wanted to read books. Right now, it's just my workshop and the Hardenzel workshop, so all books are being submitted. But as printing expands, there will be territories that don't submit. If the books are produced by the very printing industry I expanded, isn't it only natural to collect all of them?"
"Natural?" Mother looked at me dubiously, but I nodded with a smile. Every book produced from now on should be mine. I would stop at nothing—even force—to obtain my dream in the greatest form possible.
"It is natural. So I thought that if I introduced the deposit system through the printing association, the books would automatically gather in my hands. Besides, if introduced midway, there would be pushback, but if it's there from the start, people will accept it as a matter of course, won't they?"
"I now fully appreciate what Lord Ferdinand meant when he said he wished Lady Rosemine's brilliance could be applied in a different direction."
As Mother and I talked,
"What were you discussing?"
"About the venue for meetings with the Commoner merchants and about the legal deposit system. It looks like the meetings will be held at the Temple."
The two retainers who were civil officials grimaced slightly, but Wilfried and Charlotte merely nodded.
"We can't exactly go to the lower town, but the Temple should be fine, shouldn't it?"
"The Temple doesn't have any strange smells, and they serve delicious snacks, so I have no objection."
Since they always stopped by during the Dedication Blessing and Harvest Festival, the place had become somewhat familiar to them. The irony that nobles avoided it while the Lord's own family was comfortable there almost made me laugh.
"Then, let me explain the work I'll be assigning to Lord Wilfried and Lady Charlotte."
Mother began explaining the tasks.
Charlotte and her Attendant would be assigned to review improvement proposals and requests compiled by lower officials from the lower town, and to obtain approval from Aub Ehrenfest for anything that required it—essentially, castle-based work.
Wilfried and his Attendant would be dispatched to the site for final confirmation once word arrived that preparations for starting the papermaking and printing industries were complete.
"...Why is Big Brother going for the final confirmation?"
"Because Lord Wilfried already has a riding beast. There's no luxury of traveling slowly by carriage. Besides, if the Lord's family is involved in the confirmation, they'll take the work seriously."
If Wilfried and his party's inspection found no problems, I would transport the Gutenberg to the site using a lesser beast.
"Lady Rosemine is currently the only one who can use a riding beast capable of carrying large numbers of people and cargo, so the Gutenberg's transport will be delegated to Lady Rosemine."
"Elvira, are you seriously suggesting that Lady Rosemine transport Commoners?!"
The retainers of Wilfried and Charlotte stared wide-eyed in shock.
"I was surprised too, but apparently Lady Rosemine has been doing it that way all along. If time efficiency is the priority, I thought it would be fine to keep it that way. Transporting the Gutenberg around is only until the printing industry has spread within Ehrenfest."
Once the printing industry expanded to a certain degree, officials would be dispatched from nearby territories. The Gutenberg flying around the domain would only be in the initial phase.
When the third bell began to ring, the civil officials filed in one after another. The meetings started immediately.
The Noble District's officials—three in all—had been selected on the premise that they could converse with Commoners to some degree. All three were recommended by the Guild Master. I only recognized
Then came the officials dispatched by provinces that had an interest in the printing and papermaking industries. Seeing me, Wilfried, Charlotte, and our Attendants lined up before them, their faces stiffened.
For those accustomed to working with Commoners in the countryside, this was quite a startling assembly.
"Please be seated."
Mother offered them seats. Once everyone was settled, the commencement of the printing and papermaking industries was declared. Then introductions were made. I noted down names, affiliations, and distinguishing characteristics, and committed to memory the face of Hardenzel's deputy, whom I would meet again during the Dedication Blessing.
Mother distributed the documents Hartmut had prepared for the deputies and explained the preparations to be made before inviting the Gutenberg. She added details about the frequent negotiations with Commoners, the minor dispute that had occurred at Hardenzel, and methods for keeping things running smoothly, all from a noble's perspective—a feat I could not replicate.
"Lady Rosemine's Gutenberg will also have work in the city of Ehrenfest. To avoid wasting time, please ensure preparations are as thorough as possible."
Then Mother continued, explaining that the lower-ranking civil officials who served as liaisons with the lower town would also hold meetings at the Temple. She added that since the Lord's family—including me and the Chief Priest—lived there, and that Wilfried and Charlotte came and went for religious services, this would help reduce their apprehension.
"After the Lord's Conference, merchants from other territories will be entering and leaving frequently. To avoid being looked down upon by other territories, the town must also be improved. Basic responsibility will rest with
"When the deputies have finished their preparations, please contact Lady Charlotte via orduanz. Lady Charlotte will coordinate the order and timing of the contacts, and Lord Wilfried will go for an inspection. If everything checks out, Lady Rosemine will transport the Gutenberg there on her riding beast."
As expected, people were startled by the idea of me, the Lord's child, transporting Commoners on my riding beast, but I had no intention of halting the Gutenberg's rides.
"Some of you may object to transporting Commoners, but the expansion of the papermaking and printing industries is an urgent and vital task for Ehrenfest—one important enough that I must transport them myself to improve efficiency. I want all of you to have a strong awareness that you are involved in this critically important new venture."
Having stirred them up as much as I could, the meeting ended, and I returned to my room surrounded by retainers. Since we were relocating to the northern wing, Wilfried and Charlotte came along.
"Rosemine, aren't mountains of meeting requests piling up for you too? Have you decided who you'll meet with?"
Wilfried also had many meeting requests, and his Attendants were being kept busy dealing with them.
"I've received many requests, but I must head to the Temple immediately for the winter Dedication Blessing and the spring Baptism Ceremony. I'll leave the matter of meeting with the nobles to my adoptive father, adoptive mother, and my fiancé, Brother Wilfried."
"Rosemine?!"
"I'm counting on you, my fiancé."
Charlotte, who had watched me dump the whole thing on Wilfried, covered her mouth and giggled.
"I can't very well interfere with Big Sister's duties at the Temple. Big Brother, do your best. I could help you, you know," Charlotte said with a mischievous smile, and Wilfried's mouth pressed into a tight line.
"I'll handle it myself."
Once back in the room, I immediately prepared to return to the Temple. Ottilie and Brünhilde had already packed my belongings and contacted the cooks and dedicated musicians.
"I'll be gone for about a week, so please look after things. If anything comes up, send an orduanz."
"Lady Rosemine, I'll accompany you to the Temple. You'll be performing the blessing at the ceremony, won't you? I absolutely must see it."
Hartmut's amber eyes were gleaming, but unfortunately, even if he were permitted to accompany me to the Temple, he would not be able to enter the prayer room.
"Only Temple personnel are allowed during religious ceremonies. Even my Guard Knights cannot enter the prayer room or the ceremony hall, so Hartmut cannot enter either."
"Oh no. What am I supposed to do, then?"
"You can work."
I thought I'd leave Hartmut with a mountain of work to keep him so busy that the disappointment would ease a bit. I'm such a thoughtful master.
For printing matters, I'd have Mother—my superior—receive the reports from the Plantan Company and the Guild Master, and entrusted her with Philine's training.
"Philine, please prepare a summary of the profits from the papermaking and printing industries up to now."
"I haven't quite learned how to write those documents yet..."
"It's fine. Hartmut will teach you. Right?"
Hartmut agreed with a wry smile. He was someone you couldn't underestimate—no matter how much work you piled on him, he handled it with ease.
After assigning tasks to the civil officials, I looked around at my retainers.
"This is a request for everyone staying at the castle, but if you have time, please collect the voices of the nobles within the castle. Adults and children, men and women, Attendants, officials, and knights—the information each group can gather will differ."
"Understood."
An orduanz from the Chief Priest arrived asking, "Are you ready?" I replied, "All complete," and departed for the Temple with Damuel, Angelica,
"Welcome back, Lady Rosemine."
"Chief Priest, I've been thinking about printing the novel I wrote starting this spring. Could you confirm whether there are any issues with it?"
I had written a romance novel based on a story I knew, imitating Mother's story from the
"Ah, yes. I should review it."
I also planned to have reference books printed starting in spring, but since they wouldn't go on sale immediately, I needed something that could sell right away. If Mother's romance novel was popular with noble ladies, I figured I'd ride that wave.
I handed the manuscript to the Chief Priest, then went to my room and listened to reports from my Attendants.
"Regarding Hugo and Ella's marriage—unfortunately, we still cannot create a conjugal room in the Temple."
"I see. Then while they're at the Temple, they'll need to stay in separate quarters, or we can prepare a room in the lower town for them to commute from."
I thanked Zaim for researching what I'd asked, then began making decisions about Hugo and Ella's marriage.
"Lady Rosemine, the Chief Priest is here. He says he has something to discuss about the manuscript you gave him earlier."
The Chief Priest entered the room with a deeply bitter expression. Without a word, he slapped the manuscript down on my desk and placed a eavesdropping-prevention Magical Tool beside it with a thud.
...This looks really bad.
Even without being told, I could tell I'd received a rejection. The fact that he brought out a Magical Tool meant he intended to explain his reasons in detail.
I gripped the Magical Tool. The Chief Priest sat in the chair Fran had prepared and met my gaze.
"Rosemine, this is beyond indecent. To print something like this under your name is out of the question!"
"Indec?! Indecent!? Where?!"
I looked back and forth between the Chief Priest and my manuscript.
It was a romance novel based on the love stories Mother used to write about the Royal Academy—two people of different social standings who pass each other by, only to ultimately be united. Eye contact leading to heart-pounding moments, accidental touch followed by blushing, a friendly female rival appearing and making the heart ache, and finally mutual understanding culminating in a kiss scene. It was supposed to be a thoroughly typical young ladies' novel, but it had been called indecent. Since it was aimed at young ladies, I hadn't used any explicit language whatsoever. I couldn't understand.
"The scenes where the two leads make physical contact—throughout the entire manuscript! I cannot fathom why you would write such obscene expressions. Did you really use Elvira's books as reference?"
"I did. It's based on a story from the Royal Academy."
I shoved Mother's book at the Chief Priest to make my case. The illustrations were from a book that didn't have the Chief Priest's face on the cover, by the way.
The Chief Priest flipped through Mother's book and opened to a certain page, holding it out to me.
"This is what you should be referencing."
The page he indicated featured three pages' worth of poetry praising the gods. It was the part I'd skimmed over because I didn't quite understand its significance.
"What is this?"
"If you're going to write scenes of physical contact between two people, reference this."
According to the Chief Priest, whose brow was furrowed with deep wrinkles, all the heart-pounding moments from minor interactions were unacceptable. Apparently, the parts of Mother's novel I'd thought were random poetry praising the gods were actually the love scenes.
...Is this an Indian movie?!
A man and a woman appear, lock eyes, and suddenly a chorus erupts from nowhere as song and dance numbers begin—it's just like an Indian movie! The dance transitions were smooth and enjoyable to watch as choreography, but I could never understand the storytelling in Indian films.
"What I'm trying to say is, your expressions are too direct and lewd."
I had written a romance novel for young ladies, and it was treated as erotic fiction. Truly regrettable.
"A Lord candidate publishing such an indecent story is absolutely inexcusable."
"I now clearly understand the vast gap in our common sense. I'll stop writing romance novels myself. It seems I should focus on cultivating authors instead."
"Do that. And dispose of this."
There was no way I could write a romance novel where love scenes suddenly transition to praising the gods. It seemed I needed to accelerate the training of new authors.
...Still, if this was the reaction to a love scene on the level of a young ladies' novel, I wonder what kind of reaction a real piece of erotic fiction would get?
The Saint who implements the deposit system to monopolize publications.
I cannot afford to choose my means when it comes to fulfilling my dream.
But the manuscript I worked so hard on was rejected for being indecent and obscene. What a shame.
Next time: a week at the Temple.