The next day, I left
After breakfast, I had Ela summoned and gave her a hair ornament as a "wedding congratulation," which moved her to tears. While practicing the fechspiel with
When the third bell rang, I headed to the Chief Priest's office with my apprentice scribe and escort knights to help out. The Chief Priest, who had assigned tasks to all my retainers except
"
"They're summer garments, so if we don't hurry, summer will be over by the time they're finished. Besides, I need to talk to my mothers about the dyeing event as well."
"Hmm. Very well, then. As for the matter of visiting the
"Isn't it really just because you want to eat new menu items, Chief Priest?"
Through
At my words, the Chief Priest merely raised one eyebrow slightly without answering, but his failure to deny it said everything.
"My going along is settled, but keep this from
"Won't it really boost the merchants' enthusiasm if the Lord personally reaches out to them..."
"He'll go before the Spring
The Chief Priest was dead set on preventing my adoptive father's visit. If my adoptive father came, things would get out of hand, so I basically agreed with keeping quiet.
"Now then, there's the matter of whether to replace the furniture in the orphanage director's room..."
Fran had apparently faithfully relayed what Hartmut and the others had said as well. Thinking that wasting money was something I'd rather avoid, the Chief Priest then said, "The orphanage director's room can stay as it is."
When calling scribes from the Castle for meetings, it seemed they would use a room in the noble area near the main entrance. The Chief Priest's reasoning was that noble scribes couldn't be summoned all the way to the orphanage.
"Furthermore, I don't know what kind of contact the Blue Priests will have with the nobles who visit the Temple. I intend to allow scribes entry only within my line of sight."
"If there's no need to replace the furniture, then that's fine by me."
"Ah, that room also has leftover furniture from the previous High Priest with no takers, so I plan to use those."
As I nodded in agreement that frugality was important, the Chief Priest gave a slight shrug.
"However, keep in mind that as the Lord's adoptive daughter, you must have furniture around you befitting your station."
"Understood." When I answered this, the Chief Priest told me, "The next time you prepare furniture will be for your wedding." That was still far in the future.
"Chief Priest, I have an additional question—what should I give as rewards to my retainers? I've been giving writing tablets or clothes to the Temple attendants and my Gutenbergs, and when the orphans work hard, I add dessert or an extra dish. But I can't think of anything to give noble retainers."
For girls, a different-colored hair ornament or a new Rinshan might work, or perhaps some of the newly dyed fabric. But for boys, I couldn't think of a single thing.
"They're working for the compensation they receive, so unless they accomplish something truly extraordinary, there shouldn't be any need for additional rewards."
As retainers of the Lord's family, the honor itself was supposed to be the greatest reward, and the most important thing was that I conduct myself befitting my role as their master.
...But still, I felt like there'd be quite a gap between the Temple attendants and the noble retainers.
"In the case of someone who has rendered truly extraordinary service, what kind of reward would be given?"
"Something bearing a coat of arms. ...It's not the sort of thing to give casually, so whenever you want to bestow one, always consult with those around you first."
"Understood."
Then, after helping until the fourth bell and finishing lunch, I wrote a letter to Frieda of the Otmar Trading Company.
The permission to go to the Italian Restaurant had been granted, but I noted that the Chief Priest—my guardian—would be accompanying us, that each person was to bring two escort knights and one attendant, and that I wanted information about the other guests who would be attending. I decided to ask Frieda and the others to specify a date that worked for them within the period from five days later to three days before the Spring Baptism Ceremony, so that even if I returned from the Castle and fell ill, it wouldn't be a problem.
"
"Understood."
After entrusting the letter to Gil, I returned to the Castle with my retainers.
When I told Richarta that I intended to have the
"Oh my! Isn't this the first time you've personally commissioned garments, My Lady?"
I'd always left garment matters entirely to my attendants, basically in a state of "whatever works," so the fact that I was taking an interest in clothing made Richarta genuinely happy.
"Let's also invite Lady Florentia and Lady
Having slept for two years, I'd turned ten and my skirt length had changed. Even though my body hadn't been growing during that time, I still needed new clothes. To place all the orders at once, in addition to the Gilberta Company, I also called in my adoptive mother's and mother's personal tailors.
Two days later, the tailors arrived, and the garment orders began. My adoptive mother, mother, and
...Sorry. I just got a little carried away with an idea—I didn't mean any harm.
On the day, Corina and several tailors from the Gilberta Company showed up, but Turi was not among them. She'd been studying etiquette and working hard, but it seemed she still wasn't able to come up to the Castle.
Feeling a little disappointed about that, I pointed at the design Turi had made that Corina had spread out and pleaded with my adoptive mother and the others that this was the garment I wanted. I whined that the balloon skirt I'd used in winter was adorable, and my adoptive mother, mother, and Charlotte peered at the design and began proposing modifications one after another.
"I'd like a bit more decoration around here. It looks a little plain, don't you think?"
"The flower ornament at the chest is fine as is, but wouldn't it be better to make the skirt's flower ornament a bit larger?"
"What color would be best? It's summer, so I suppose blue would be the way to go."
"I think a light blue would look lovely against Sister's hair color. And let's use plenty of white lace. It'll look refreshing, won't it?"
True to noble sensibilities, we ended up using much more fabric and lace, but I breathed a sigh of relief that the basic design had been approved. I was glad it hadn't been rejected.
After the order for the cool, aqua-colored garment Turi had designed was finalized, the other attendants began choosing their designs as well. Brünhilde was especially enthusiastic, and together with Richarta, the two debated "this way or that" as they seriously selected designs.
Seeing Lieselota, who was busy serving tea to my adoptive mother and the others, not going anywhere near the garment designs, I tilted my head.
"Lieselota, you're not really sharing your opinions. Are you not very interested in garments?"
"I'm waiting to have winter garments made. I want to show some connection between Rozemyne's garments and Schwartz and the others' garments."
"I won't yield on winter," Lieselota said with a happy smile. She was quietly harboring ambitions of making at least one outfit that, while not matching Schwartz and the others exactly, captured a similar atmosphere.
...She looked like she was having fun, so I figured, eh, why not.
"Come to think of it, the dyeing event we're planning to hold at the end of summer or the beginning of autumn—where should we hold it?"
Sipping the tea Lieselota had brewed, I turned my gaze to my adoptive mother and mother. If I were the only one viewing the dyed fabric, it would have been simplest to summon the artisans to the Temple, but with my adoptive mother and mother participating, holding it at the Temple was out of the question. The Castle would be the safe choice, but getting artisans into the Castle would be difficult.
"Since we'll be inviting many nobles, it'll have to be the Castle."
"You're going to bring artisans into the Castle?"
When I blinked at my adoptive mother's suggestion, my mother widened her eyes in surprise at my words.
"Of course we're not bringing artisans into the Castle! What are you talking about? This is a tea party where we'll evaluate the newly fashionable dyed fabrics. It would be terribly unsightly to have lower-town artisans coming and going."
...True, even Turi couldn't be brought up to the Castle. Artisans who'd received absolutely no etiquette training would never work.
I'd thought that if artisans from the dyeing workshop came, I might be able to see my mother, but reality wasn't so kind.
After considerable discussion, it was decided that the Gilberta Company would bring fabric from the dyeing workshop. The workshop names and dyed fabrics would be displayed along the walls, and we would enjoy a tea party while voting on our favorite fabrics and appointing our preferred workshops as exclusive suppliers.
After finishing everything at the Castle, I returned to the Temple. Today was training day for the apprentices, so only
"If you're actually attacked, there'll be shouting too, and attacks from the enemy as well. If you freeze up, you'll be in real danger. This training is to help you escape danger, Filinne. Please train diligently."
As we talked, I began writing down what had been decided about the dyeing competition in a letter. I needed to inform the Guild Master, the Gilberta Company, and the Dyeing and Weaving Association.
Hartmut looked at the letter and narrowed his eyes.
"Lady Rozemyne, you go into such great detail when communicating with commoners."
"Yes. By clearly explaining what the noble side wants, I try to minimize misunderstandings between both parties. If they're given information in advance, they'll handle things well on their end."
I handed the letter I'd written to Hartmut and had him copy the same text to make two more copies. One was addressed to the Guild Master, one to the Gilberta Company, and one to the Dyeing and Weaving Association.
While Hartmut copied the letters and Filinne worked on transcribing
It was quite a thick letter. Besides the names of the guests who would be attending along with their affiliated shops, it also included what kind of goods each shop dealt in. Detailed information about the merchants with the most referrals, those most frequently used, and recent revenue was also included.
The date for the Italian Restaurant visit was written therein: five days from then. At the same time, she asked whether there were any foods the Chief Priest or I couldn't eat or disliked. She seemed to think it would be even more helpful if she knew our preferences.
"Fran, Zahn, do you know of anything the Chief Priest can't eat or dislikes? And if there are foods he particularly enjoys, please let me know."
"I don't believe there's anything he particularly dislikes to the point of being unable to eat it. He eats whatever is put before him."
"He seems to favor the soup he had at the Italian Restaurant the most. I've heard that the Chief Priest's personal chef has difficulty reproducing the taste of
The two relayed information they'd obtained through the attendant network. As I jotted it all down, I thought, Hmm... Since we're at it, why not write a recipe too?
I wrote down my dislikes and preferences for Frieda, along with a recipe for panna cotta, and included a small amount of gelatin I'd made from the animal glue, wrapped in paper.
...If she takes the bait with the new recipe, maybe I could sell her the method for making gelatin and have her produce it from now on.
"Zahn, please ask Gil to deliver this to the Otmar Trading Company. And notify the Chief Priest of the date and time as well."
"Understood."
After entrusting the letter to Frieda and asking Zahn to inform the Chief Priest, I discussed the preparations for the Italian Restaurant visit with Fran.
"Since the escort knights will be leaving the Temple and entering the lower town, it'll be Damuel and Angelica, right? What about attendants? Since we're heading to the lower town, it would be awkward to ask the Castle attendants to come along..."
"I'll accompany you. I've been there once before, and I know what needs to be prepared."
Fran seemed perfectly reliable if left in charge. I nodded in agreement.
Then, the day arrived. Frieda sent a carriage timed to get us to the restaurant by the fourth bell. It was one older model and one brand-new, shiny carriage.
The gray priests serving as attendants loaded the tableware and various serving supplies into the older carriage, along with Rosina, who would be playing the fechspiel, and headed to the Italian Restaurant ahead of us.
After seeing off the carriage carrying the attendants and Rosina, Angelica, the Chief Priest,
"Why is Justus here? You said we'd be using the Temple attendants for serving..."
"He's serving as additional escort this time, Princess Rozemyne."
According to Justus, the Chief Priest rarely had many people around him outside the Castle, even after his return from holy orders. Since there hadn't been enough escort knights available for the lower-town trip, Justus had come along to make up the numbers.
"Justus, there's a difference between you not contacting the knights because you wanted to go yourself and there actually being few knights who want to visit the lower town."
"There are normally very few knights who want to visit the Temple or the lower town, so I was being considerate. This is a restaurant in the lower town reserved for the wealthy, where you can only enter with a referral. We have to make the most of this opportunity."
A high-end restaurant in the lower town that refused walk-ins—not even Justus could get in easily, he explained. As a high-ranking noble, he couldn't just stroll into the lower town, but if he disguised himself as someone from the lower town too convincingly, he'd lose the connections and influence needed to receive a referral from the large shop owners.
...The fact that they could even keep Justus out meant the "no walk-ins" policy was actually quite an impressive system.
As I was marveling at this, the carriage began to move. The Chief Priest furrowed his brow slightly as he looked around inside.
"Hasn't the swaying decreased considerably?"
"This is a carriage that I suggested, and
As I was proudly boasting about how amazing Zack was, the Chief Priest made a very complicated face.
"I thought Gutenbergs were people involved in the printing industry, but do they design carriages too?"
"He's a blacksmith, you know. It's not just printing he does. He's also the one who made the pump. You've met him before, Chief Priest, haven't you?"
"...Ah, that craftsman. I thought Gutenbergs were busy expanding the printing industry, but if he can develop things like this, he must have quite a bit of free time."
I shrugged at the Chief Priest's words.
"He doesn't have free time, but if he doesn't keep up with other work in town, his connection with his patron will dry up."
"The artisans in the lower town have their share of troubles too."
Until now, once you passed through the Gate, the roads had been dirty and filthy with a terrible stench, but thanks to Entwicken and Wasschen, the lower town had been reborn.
Like the Noble District, white roads stretched out with white buildings continuing up to the second floor. There were wooden buildings above that, but thanks to the improvements in Wasschen, the entire town looked like it had been reborn.
"This is incredible."
"...At least this way, merchants from other provinces won't find it unsightly."
The Chief Priest also seemed satisfied as he surveyed the lower town. I'd been worried that the residents' behavior might quickly dirty things again, but it seemed the beauty was being maintained.
It was surely the result of Father and the others working hard.
The cleaned-up streets looked like a completely different place from the lower town I knew, and I was feeling a little uneasy as I looked around—until we arrived in front of the Italian Restaurant.
Everyone was already waiting. When the door was opened by the Italian Restaurant staff, I could see over twenty owners of major shops kneeling in the hall just inside the entrance. Among them were the Guild Master,
The Guild Master delivered a lengthy greeting befitting nobility, and we were then guided to the dining hall. Square tables had been arranged in neat rows, set up for a large gathering.
The Chief Priest and I apparently had seats prepared at the very back, and I could see Fran and the others who had arrived earlier waiting there. Rosina was also at the back, already playing the fechspiel.
"Lady Rozemyne, this way please."
Amid the gentle music, I followed Frieda's guidance to my seat. Damuel guarded the door while Angelica stood beside me. At the Chief Priest's seat, Justus stood at the door and Brother Eckhart stood behind him.
At my seat, the cushion I regularly used at the Temple had already been placed on the chair, making it instantly recognizable. As I noted the height adjustment, I took my seat as Fran held the chair for me. Tableware had already been arranged on the table.
The Chief Priest and I sat at adjacent seats along the short edge of the long rectangular arrangement. Nearby were familiar faces—the Guild Master, Benno, and Otto. The shop owners who contributed to the Italian Restaurant's sales and those in collaboration with Benno's group were seated close by, while the farther the seats, the less familiar the shop owners became to me.
...It was reassuring to have familiar faces nearby rather than being surrounded by strangers, so I felt a little relieved.
I looked toward Benno and Otto and gave them a slight smile.
"Thank you all for gathering here today. I've heard from Frieda, who runs this establishment, that all of you are frequent patrons of this restaurant."
I specifically named those who frequently patronized the restaurant and those with many referrals, expressing my gratitude. The goal was to show that I was also putting effort into the Italian Restaurant.
The shop owners, who apparently hadn't expected to be personally thanked, widened their eyes in surprise and then smiled proudly. Being remembered by the Lord's adoptive daughter was a way of signaling to others that they were one step closer to becoming a favorite.
"The reason I've asked you to gather here today is because I have a request to make of you—the great shops that represent Ehrenfest."
As I said this, I looked around at everyone. The shop owner seated farthest away at the opposite end was hard to make out, but I could tell they were paying attention.
"Ehrenfest is entering a time of great change."
I announced that Ehrenfest's trends had spread to other provinces through the Noble Academy, and that although restrictions had been placed, many merchants from other provinces would be visiting.
"The Aub of Ehrenfest wishes to use this opportunity to strengthen our influence in other provinces. For that, we need your cooperation."
I explained that large-scale magic had been performed to welcome merchants from other provinces, and that maintaining the streetscape was up to the commoners of the lower town.
I glanced at the Chief Priest, and he gave a slight nod as if to say, "Continue."
"It's not enough to just keep the streets beautiful. Ehrenfest has never received this many merchants before, and the town will descend into chaos with such a large influx.
Everyone nodded at my words. I could also hear the voice of a shop owner saying, "We might be able to add one or two inns by next year, but we can't make it in time for this year."
"The hospitality of merchants will fall to you. Please gather information about other provinces' towns. Based on that information, we can adjust how we receive merchants. If there's a situation requiring noble cooperation, I will provide whatever help I can. If you gather information at the commercial guild, we'll look into it from our side as well."
Many shop owners were surprised because the noble side had never shown a willingness to cooperate before, but if they didn't show enthusiasm here, trade with other provinces wouldn't go smoothly, and everyone in Ehrenfest would suffer. The Lord, the nobles, and the commoners alike.
"Furthermore, it has been decided that two brides will be arriving from
There would be new furniture to commission, the feast would require large quantities of food, and there would be an increase in those seeking garments and accessories. Noble marriages had economic benefits, but having work pile up during an already busy time was tough.
"Additionally, a new event is being planned for the beginning of autumn. This is being organized primarily by the Dyeing and Weaving Association and the Gilberta Company, but it will involve the Lord's wife and many high-ranking nobles. Furthermore, I plan to determine my exclusive craftsperson and, just as I did for the Gutenberg in printing, bestow a title related to fashion upon artisans. For this reason, I'd like the shops involved in fashion to cooperate as much as possible."
A murmur rippled through the room. As voices rose saying, "A new title?", Otto sat looking composed.
Frieda, sensing a break in the conversation, came over and asked, "Shall we bring out the food?"
The serving staff began bringing food in and out, and drinks were poured. What Fran poured for me was a slightly sweet-scented juice.
The appetizers Fran plated for me were a caprese-like dish with pomme, cheese, and herbs, along with roasted flower vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. According to Frieda's explanation, the flower vegetables had been slowly simmered in consommé first, then roasted until sizzling. When eaten, you could enjoy the rich flavor of the soup.
After waiting for drinks and food to reach everyone, the Chief Priest stood.
"To the supreme god who governs the lofty firmament, bestowing upon us the lives of thousands upon thousands as our sustenance; to the five great gods who govern the vast, expansive earth—we offer our gratitude and prayers to the will of the gods, and partake of this meal."
Everything was wrapped up, and I made it safely to the Italian Restaurant.
Frieda has been enthusiastically preparing, and Ilse is in the kitchen today.
Next, I want to make it to Hugo and Ela's wedding.