Star Binding at the Lord's Conference, Part 2

At my insistence, Immanuel led us to the High Priest's waiting room and proudly produced the old document. The document inscribed on the white Slate bore a striking resemblance to the one in the library's underground archives.

"Here is the document. Whether Lady Rozemyne can read it..."

"That won't be a problem."

I took the white Slate and dismissed the divine instruments I had been wearing. Once I had the document in hand, there was no need for divine instruments.

"The divine instruments vanished!?"

"Maintaining divine instruments when they aren't needed is just a waste of Magic Power. After I've reviewed this, if they're truly necessary, I'll put them on when the time comes."

Without taking my eyes off the white Slate, I answered Immanuel's surprised exclamation while tracing the inscribed text. Preparations for the ceremony were progressing around me, and while I would be the only one reading, as the High Priest conducting the ceremony, I couldn't begin it without understanding how the old ceremony was performed.

...Immersing myself in reading here is my duty as High Priest. My duty.

"Hmm-hm-hmm, hm-hm..."

Ancient script can be classified into several types depending on the era. The characters inscribed on this Slate matched those from the underground archives, so this was likely a copy of the documents stored there. The writing style was similar to that of the other Slates describing different ceremonies.

...Still, it was surprising that someone in the Sovereign Temple could read this script. The royals had said they couldn't read the old language, but it seemed the Sovereign Temple did have people who could. Whether the Sovereign Temple had refused because teaching a false Zent was out of the question, or the royals had dismissed the idea that anyone in the Temple could read ancient script, or they simply never asked in the first place—I didn't know, but if the royals had cooperated with the Sovereign Temple, things might have gone more smoothly for them.

...Then again, if you were sacrificing your lifespan to support the country only to be called "a false king without a Grutrissheit" or told "as if we'd cooperate," you probably wouldn't feel much inclined to reach out either.

Putting the relationship between the royals and the Temple aside, as Immanuel had insisted, this was indeed a document about the Star Binding ceremony. Aside from wearing the crown of light and mantle of darkness, the simplified flow of the rite as written was basically the same as what I knew. The prayers were unchanged too. Since the Slate only contained so much text, it didn't take long to read through.

...But something was off. In Ehrenfest, the Star Binding ceremony was a nighttime rite. It was based on the myth in which the Darkness God, the highest deity, blessed the marriage of the Life God and the Earth Goddess, and I had been taught it was performed at night when the blessings of the Darkness God were easiest to receive. Even now, Ehrenfest held it at night.

However, as evidenced by how I had headed to the lecture hall right after breakfast, the Star Binding ceremony at the Lord's Conference began with the Third Bell. Was it really alright for a royal ceremony not to be held at night? That question crossed my mind, but the white Slate contained nothing regarding the timing.

"Is something the matter, Lady Rozemyne?"

Leonore peered over at me. I shook my head, answered that "it seems the only difference is the High Priest wearing divine instruments—the order of the ceremony and the prayers remain largely the same," and returned the Slate to Immanuel.

...Well, whatever. As long as I followed what was written here, the Sovereign Temple would be satisfied, and once I gave my blessing to Prince Sigiswald, the royals' request would be fulfilled. The Aub from every province was already preparing to attend the ceremony. No matter how you looked at it, changing the ceremony's timing at this point was impossible. There was no point even bringing it up.

"For now, let me inform the royals of the situation."

Having read through the document to my satisfaction, I sent out an ordonnance. I informed Anastasius that the Sovereign Temple was attempting to revive an old ceremony using the mantle of darkness and crown of light, and that they had requested our cooperation.

"The document itself appears to be genuine. Do you want to revive the old ceremony, or have the High Priest of the Sovereign Temple perform the ceremony as usual?"

I also relayed that I had been told I wouldn't be needed if they went with the standard ceremony. Since it was the royals who had asked for the blessing, I wanted them and the Sovereign Temple to discuss and decide together what kind of ceremony to hold and who would serve as High Priest. I had finished reading the document, so I had no further business here.

"Stay right there. I'm coming."

Unfortunately, Anastasius didn't tell me I could leave, so I idly watched Immanuel and Hartmut going over the ceremony's proceedings. In addition to confirming the ceremony's flow, Hartmut was seriously considering where my support staff would be positioned.

"Is Rozemyne here?"

"It's been a while, Prince Anastasius."

After exchanging greetings, I let Immanuel and Anastasius decide between themselves how the ceremony would be conducted.

...I didn't say it aloud since I'd be scolded for disrespect, but I thought the way they were giving orders to the Sovereign Temple—roping in an outsider to serve as High Priest—was remarkably sloppy. The Sovereign Temple's High Priest, who had been conducting religious rites for ages, was not going to be pleased about having his role taken by an outsider's High Priest. Without any prior coordination or even advance notice, they had the nerve to pick a fight over the fact that I wasn't wearing divine instruments. I had wished Anastasius—the one who had asked for my blessing in the first place—would step up and take charge right then and there.

...But I suppose that just showed how little the royals' words were valued by the Temple.

"So, the old ceremony is acceptable?"

"...Yes. At least this way, I can prepare myself mentally rather than having something like what happened with Dietlinde happen without warning. Nothing good ever happens when she's involved."

It was an incredibly rude thing to say. If he didn't want anything to happen, perhaps he should reflect on his own words and actions. Did Anastasius even realize that he himself was the one who had called upon me to serve as High Priest?

"So, Rozemyne. What exactly happens when you perform the ceremony wearing divine instruments?"

"I don't know."

"Didn't you just say you read the document?"

Anastasius's eyes went wide, but the document only contained a brief description of how the ceremony was to be performed. It said nothing about what would happen as a result. There was no way I could know.

"...But there's no question that this is a document about the Star Binding ceremony, so there shouldn't be any issue with the marriage."

Anastasius groaned for a while at my explanation, then looked at me with a resigned expression.

"As long as the Star Binding ceremony can be performed, that's fine. It's nearly time for the Aubs to arrive. ...The royals will enter later. I'll head back for now, but you stay here. Be careful not to wander around carelessly."

"Understood."

I watched Anastasius turn on his heel and leave, then observed the Aubs from various provinces gradually arriving. The colors of their mantles made it easy to tell which province was entering. Though there were differences between students and adults, the sight was remarkably similar to a graduation ceremony.

Clang, clang... the Third Bell tolled through the hall. But it seemed the entrance procession wasn't quite finished yet. People's movements sped up slightly compared to before the bell. Once all the province colors were accounted for inside the lecture hall, Chief Priest Immanuel stepped before the altar and shook a Magical Tool adorned with many bells.

In time with the sound, the doors opened and the royals entered. Traokval and his First Wife, along with Anastasius and Eglantine, entered and took their seats. Just as I was wondering about the absence of Second and Third Wives, I remembered that the Lord's Conference was a meeting attended only by the Aubs and their First Wives.

The second ringing of the bell signaled my turn. I rose to my feet and began walking toward the altar. Had the fact that I would be serving as High Priest not been communicated to all the provinces? I could feel a wave of surprise and confusion spreading through the lecture hall. I ignored the voices around me and walked as quickly as I could while being careful not to trip. Hartmut walked beside me carrying the Holy Book, with my guard knights in blue ritual robes following behind.

As anyone familiar with Ehrenfest's religious rites would know, the High Priest was supposed to enter alone—but I was completely surrounded by blue priests, all because Hartmut had declared "that's how it will be." Hartmut was extremely wary of the Sovereign Temple. When the Temple insisted that the High Priest was supposed to enter alone, he had smiled and pushed back with, "If you want the old ceremony conducted the way the Sovereign Temple desires, then silently do as we say." To the guard knights, he had said with a straight face, "Consider keeping them away from Lady Rozemyne your most important mission. If anyone touches her without permission, you have my full permission to cut off their arm."

...I thought cutting off someone's arm was going a bit far, but having the knights on guard because of how unsettling Immanuel's eyes were—that, I was grateful for.

When I reached the altar, Hartmut handed me the Holy Book. Then Leonore straightened the hem of my garment. Immanuel confirmed that I was ready. The brief squint and slight hand gesture had to be his signal for "Put on the divine instruments."

But Hartmut, who knew exactly how much Magic Power maintaining divine instruments would consume, ignored Immanuel's signal and sent one of his own: "Just get started." The back-and-forth of "Put on the divine instruments" and "Get started" went on for several rounds, and just as the nobles in the lecture hall began calling out "Are you going to start or not?", Immanuel finally gave in.

"We shall now begin the Star Binding ceremony. Brides and grooms, approach!"

Led by the royal couple Sigiswald and Adolphine, five pairs of brides and grooms from other provinces entered. The lecture hall erupted in applause and cheers from the nobles, congratulatory words were called out, and the air was filled with joy. If things had gone differently, Ferdinand and Dietlinde would have been here, and I would have been able to give Ferdinand my blessing.

The royals had asked me to serve as High Priest precisely because they wanted me to give Sigiswald my blessing. I likely wouldn't be performing any more religious rites as High Priest after this. Even if I wanted to give Ferdinand my blessing, that opportunity had been taken away. Having missed the perfect chance, I let that frustration leak out in my heart.

...If only the Aub of Ahrensbach had lived at least until today. Then Ferdinand would have been given the hidden room, and I could have given him whatever blessing I could. His worries might have eased, even if just a little.

...The timing was just awful.

I was about to sigh when I caught myself making an expression unfit for such a joyous occasion as a wedding, so I put on a smile instead. My eyes met those of Sigiswald and Adolphine as they took the stage, and I gave them a warm, congratulatory smile.

I placed the Holy Book on the reading stand, unlocked it, and turned the pages. I thought I heard Fraulem's voice echo from somewhere with a "Nmaa!", but after that I heard nothing, so I decided to begin the ceremony.

Then I caught sight of Immanuel forming his eyes into triangles and signaling "Put on the divine instruments." But while I was telling the story, I would also be using the voice-amplifying Magical Tool. Putting on the divine instruments would come later.

...I had said I'd put them on when the time came. How impatient.

Ignoring Immanuel's signal, I began using the voice-amplifying Magical Tool to tell the myth. It was the myth of the Darkness God and the Goddess of Light from the Holy Book—the tale of how the Life God came proposing and was granted permission to marry the Earth Goddess.

While I was telling the tale, Hartmut and Brother Cornelius prepared the Contract documents to be used in the Star Binding ceremony, along with Magical Tool pens for inscribing with one's own Magic Power.

"Now, let us bring about the birth of a new couple and offer our blessing, just as in the myth."

I stepped back and hid myself within the wide sleeves my guard knights had spread open, then donned the mantle of darkness and the crown of light. Being small made it easy to hide completely at times like these.

Naturally, all eyes turned to me as I reappeared wearing the mantle of darkness and the crown of light. Only Immanuel, who had been beside himself worrying that the ceremony would just proceed as normal, wore a satisfied smile as he spoke.

"First Prince of King Traokval, Sigiswald, and Drewanchel candidate Adolphine."

The two stepped forward to the altar as if snapped to attention at the call of their names.

"Anastasius told me about this, but seeing you actually wearing the divine instruments is quite surprising."

"Are these divine instruments from Ehrenfest?"

...They were made from my own Stap.

There was no way I could say that, so I simply offered a smile to avoid answering, then confirmed the two's intent to marry and presented them with the Contract. Once the two had finished writing their names, the document burst into golden flames. The others wrote theirs as well, and the Contracts burned away.

"Now, for the birth of this new couple—a blessing from the High Priest."

At Immanuel's words, I raised my hands and began to pray.

"O highest deity who reigns over the vast expanse of the heavens, divine couple of darkness and light—"

The moment I began praying, the mantle's clasp came undone on its own. The mantle slipped away without a sound and drifted upward toward the ceiling. With my hands raised and my gaze tilted slightly upward, I watched as the mantle of darkness spread wide and transformed into a night sky.

"Hear my prayer and bestow your blessing upon the birth of this new couple."

The crown of light that had been on my head rose into the air on its own, radiating light. It was like a sun floating in the night sky. I thought I could see the Darkness God spreading across the lecture hall like a canopy and the Goddess of Light illuminating it from within.

...Yes, the highest deity. I thought so without the slightest doubt. And so, I continued praying directly to the highest deity.

"Before you I offer their hearts—prayers and gratitude—may you grant your sacred divine protection."

The night sky began converging to a single point. A ring of light began to spin. Immediately after, pillars of darkness and pillars of light rose, and a portion of them flew off somewhere. Since this was a familiar sight from religious ceremonies at the Royal Academy, it didn't particularly move me. The majority of the remaining light twisted, overlapped, and burst apart. Then, becoming tiny motes of light, they scattered and rained down upon the bride and groom as a blessing. This was the same as the rite performed in Ehrenfest.

However, seeing this scene, it finally made sense that at the Royal Academy, performing the rite while wearing divine instruments produced the night sky on its own—so there was no need to hold the ceremony at night deliberately.

...It was over. Sensing the Stap return to my body, I realized the rite had concluded, and I let out a breath of relief at having successfully completed the task the royals had entrusted me with.

"As always, holding a ceremony at the Royal Academy is several times more spectacular than in Ehrenfest."

Hartmut, who had been standing beside me, was probably the only one who caught my muttering. Hartmut quietly chuckled, "Several times more divine, too," cradled the Holy Book, and offered me his hand.

"Let's make our exit while everyone is still stunned."

...No objections!

Following Hartmut's lead, I first ducked into the High Priest's waiting room. Hartmut handed the Holy Book to Leonore, had Damuel pick me up, and ordered him to get back to the dormitory as quickly as possible.

"Please lend me Cornelius to handle the cleanup and inquiries here, Lady Rozemyne."

"That's fine, but..."

"It would be best to get back before anyone difficult to deal with shows up. It'll be a slight detour, but please return this way."

With that, Hartmut ushered us out of the room. They must have already coordinated in advance. Angelica gripped the hilt of her Stinluke with her hand always ready to draw, and took the lead. Without missing a beat, Damuel picked up the overwhelmed me and followed at a brisk pace, while Leonore brought up the rear with a reassuring smile, saying, "Just to be safe."

"Hartmut is simply being extremely cautious of Immanuel from the Sovereign Temple. He called him a dangerously obsessive fanatic."

The fact that I could perform ceremonies wearing divine instruments, that I could immediately read a document the royals couldn't understand, and that Immanuel's eyes were growing more feverish by the minute—apparently, all of this was making him appear increasingly dangerous.

...So Immanuel had been called a fanatic by Hartmut. ...Well, I could see it. His eyes were different, and the kind of fear he inspired was entirely distinct.

"It seems they're determined to bring you into the Sovereign Temple by any means necessary. They can acquire knowledge from documents and such, but they apparently lack the Magic Power to actually perform the ceremony. They want to use your Magic Power to obtain a true Zent."

Apparently, he had told Hartmut something to the effect that obtaining a true Zent was the most important thing for Yurgenschmidt, so Ehrenfest's Temple should cooperate with the Sovereign Temple, which had been researching the old ceremonies. They wanted him to ask the Aub of Ehrenfest to send me to the Sovereign Temple. Everything was for the sake of obtaining a true Zent—and for Yurgenschmidt. Hartmut had apparently smiled and rejected the proposal, saying, "I act only for Lady Rozemyne's sake, and Lady Rozemyne wishes to remain in Ehrenfest."

"Can't we just ignore the Sovereign Temple's demands?"

"Yes, if it were just the Temple, ignoring them would be simple. But the royals also want the Grutrissheit—and a true Zent. When the interests of the royals and the Sovereign Temple align, there's no telling what orders might be issued. That's what Hartmut was most concerned about."

Ehrenfest had no way of refusing a royal command. Knowing this, Hartmut apparently felt the royals were giving Ehrenfest too many orders.

"It's because you have a personal relationship with the royals, but normally, no one gets asked to do so many different things by the royal family." Reading the documents in the underground archive during this Lord's Conference was also a royal command. Normally, it wasn't a time for minors to enter, nor was it something that should require a Royal Academy student's help. But the royals had ordered me to do it, precedent be damned.

"Since you were looking forward to going to the archive, he wouldn't say anything, but Hartmut is uneasy about the royals ordering you to perform the Star Binding ceremony and modern-language translations in the underground archive when you're already busy with Temple duties and merchant negotiations."

Leonore showed a troubled smile, saying, "They're royal commands, so there's nothing we can do, but filling Ehrenfest's gaps is more important than helping the royals."

"...You're right."

Hearing that helping with the castle's work would benefit Ehrenfest far more than helping the royals, I felt a twinge of guilt about looking forward to going to the underground archive.

"Um, well..."

Perhaps trying to break the slightly heavy atmosphere, Damuel let his gaze wander here and there before saying with a smile, "Lady Rozemyne, you've gotten heavier." Rather than breaking the heavy atmosphere, he froze the air solid. I understood he meant it in the same sense as "grown bigger" or "grown up," but being told "you've gotten heavier" to my face still stung a little.

"P-please put me down."

"No, Lady Rozemyne. ...Damuel, don't you get disliked by women for saying things like that?"

At Leonore's remark, Damuel looked back and forth between us in bewilderment.

"Huh? I was just happy that Lady Rozemyne has grown..."

"I understand what you were trying to say, and I know you were trying to lighten the mood, but telling a girl she's gotten heavier is a very poor choice of words."

"...I apologize for my poor manners."

Damuel's slight dejection actually helped lighten the mood a little. As I chuckled and we turned a corner, Angelica suddenly came to a halt. Immanuel and several priests were blocking the hallway. I could feel Damuel's arms tighten around me.

"Oh my, Lady Rozemyne. You seem to be in quite a hurry. I haven't yet thanked you for conducting the old ceremony..."

"Yes. I overexerted my Magic Power and am feeling a bit unwell, so I'm heading back to the dormitory. I'm rather embarrassed to be seen like this."

As I explained my current state—being carried by Damuel rather than walking on my own—I considered whether there was a way to break through the encirclement peacefully.

"Lady Rozemyne, the Sovereign Temple has many other ancient documents as well. We would like you to visit the Sovereign Temple sometime and read through them."

Damuel's grip tightened, keeping me perfectly still.

"The royals have dismissed the Sovereign Temple's documents as forgeries and refuse to listen to us. We would very much like you to read them and convey to the royals that the Sovereign Temple's words are correct."

"I'm sorry. I'm feeling far too unwell to even think about such things. Please allow the Aub of Ehrenfest to pass."

Having said what needed to be said, I signaled Angelica with my eyes to move forward. Angelica nodded once and began walking.

"Why don't you rest here for a moment?"

The instant Immanuel reached out, Angelica drew her Stinluke.

"Touch Lady Rozemyne without permission, and I will cut you down immediately."

I heard Immanuel gulp loudly. He clearly hadn't expected that Angelica—dressed as a blue Shrine Maiden—was actually my guard knight and armed. With Leonore guiding the way, Damuel carried me right past the stunned, wide-eyed Immanuel. Angelica held her Stinluke at the ready, keeping them at bay until we were a safe distance away.