The Royal Academy's Dedication Ritual

The day after my conversation with Eglantine, I returned to my dormitory after passing my lectures to find Brunhilde rushing over to me. Apparently, Klassenberg had sent a proposal saying they wanted to discuss joint research before the Dedication Ritual. But today was already the day of fire—the eve of the ritual. There was absolutely no margin to talk before the dedication.

"What should we do? Even if they say before the Dedication Ritual, I can only manage time tomorrow morning. The Priests at the Central Temple will be preparing, so there might be time between that to meet and have a brief conversation, but would that not be rude?"

I asked Wilfried and Charlotte for their opinions on Klassenberg's request. Both of them looked troubled.

"There are still two more Dedication Rituals, so it's not strictly necessary to meet before the first ceremony. However, since you are the representative of religious affairs for Ehrenfest, I expect what they want is a discussion with you."

There were indeed many things that should be discussed before the ceremony—what explanation to give the students gathering for the Dedication Ritual, how far Klassenberg's involvement should extend, and so on.

"Weren't your attendants called out during the socializing time? Wasn't that meeting already concluded?"

"The ceremonial arrangements were discussed, yes, but since the students haven't met at all, it can hardly be called joint research. It's true that I'd like to have at least a preliminary meeting. I only know Jansine, whom I greeted at the social gathering—I don't know the faces of the other students from there."

It seemed Wilfried and Charlotte didn't know the faces of Klassenberg's students either.

"Jansine from Klassenberg will be participating in Wilfried's ceremony, so is it really alright not to meet beforehand?"

"Hmm? I do want to meet before I perform the Dedication Ritual. That would mean next week, then? It'll be extremely difficult to find time, though."

Wilfried would be spending the most time interacting with Klassenberg during this Dedication Ritual. Since Charlotte and Wilfried were performing the ceremonies in place of me, citing my poor health, I couldn't just waltz in there myself.

"Sister, Brother, even if there's only time tomorrow morning, wouldn't it be better to arrange a meeting? If Klassenberg sent a request and Ehrenfest fails to make time for them, there's a risk we'll be criticized for it. Even with the rushed timing of tomorrow morning, it would be safer to show that Ehrenfest made a considerate effort."

Charlotte suggested that we extend the invitation and let Klassenberg decide whether to accept or decline the last-minute arrangement. Socially, it did seem better to at least make the offer of a meeting.

"I see. If it's too sudden and they decline, we can simply set up a meeting for next week instead. If Klassenberg accepts, I'll accompany you as well. I'm the one who needs to meet them, and you'll be busy with preparations, right? It would be hard to say you can handle Klassenberg's company by yourself."

Charlotte nodded along with Wilfried's words. "Jansine is a woman, so I should go with you as well." Performing the Dedication Ritual multiple times would be taxing magic-wise, so this was only for the meeting, but they said they would come to the lecture hall. That was a relief.

"Then how about meeting in the lecture hall tomorrow morning, from after breakfast until the third bell, and leaving the detailed discussions for a tea party later? Brunhilde, please send our reply."

"Understood. Well then, I'll be going."

When Brunhilde called out, I could see not only Berthilde and Gretia but also Melchior's apprentice attendants following along. It was clear they were still being educated.

As we were coordinating the meeting with Klassenberg, Charlotte suddenly looked up.

"Oh, Sister. A wooden plaque arrived from Ehrenfest just before you returned. One of Melchior's attendants and one scholar will be coming to tomorrow's Dedication Ritual."

"Eh?"

"Melchior expressed a wish for his attendants to experience the ceremony before performing it at the Temple, and Father gave his permission. They'll be wearing blue clothing to blend in with your escort knights."

We couldn't send all of Melchior's guards and attendants from the castle to the Royal Academy, but it seemed they were sending two promising young retainers who might be able to re-acquire their divine blessings.

"Melchior also has orders for the student retainers. He told them to thoroughly experience the Royal Academy's Dedication Ritual, finish their lectures by the time of Ehrenfest's Dedication Ritual, and return together with Lady Rozemyne."

When the Melchior retainers heard this message relayed by Charlotte, they replied, "We were told this some time ago, so we've been working hard to finish our lectures." They were truly dependable.

The day of the Dedication Ritual arrived. After breakfast, I purified myself and was dressed in the High Priest's ceremonial vestments. Even though this wasn't clothing I'd be wearing repeatedly at the Royal Academy, Lieselota had become completely accustomed to the dressing process. I could clearly see Berthilde watching Lieselota's hands intently, trying to learn.

"Rozemyne, Melchior's retainers have arrived from Ehrenfest."

"If everyone is ready, let's head to the lecture hall."

I addressed the group gathered in their blue clothing. At the front was Chief Priest Hartmut, followed by my adult escort knights, Melchior's retainers, and then Wilfried and Charlotte, all in blue robes. It was quite a large group. Wilfried and Charlotte's retainers were also coming along for the meeting with Klassenberg, but they weren't wearing blue.

I walked in a procession with everyone in blue robes toward the lecture hall. Along the way, I asked Melchior's newly arrived retainers about Melchior and the children's room. It seemed Melchior was managing things well.

I also told them that Melchior's retainers at the Royal Academy were working together with my own retainers and learning various things.

"Once the lectures are passed and free time opens up, the apprentice knights will have Cornelius and Leonore teach them about identifying and handling poisons, and give them training. The apprentice scholars will have Hartmut and Damuel cover the Temple's operations and paperwork, and the apprentice attendants will be taken around everywhere by Brunhilde after she finishes her lectures. That's all until we return to Ehrenfest for the Dedication Ritual."

After that, there wouldn't be the pretext of the adult group entering the Royal Academy anymore, so the deadline was fixed, but an intensive education program was planned.

When we entered the lecture hall, we could see a group in black cloaks and blue Priests working busily. Those in blue must have been from the Central Temple.

This time, it appeared Hildebrand had taken on the role of opening the door leading to the innermost chamber, as he was with the Central Knights. He noticed us entering the lecture hall and gave a little smile.

"Rozemyne, you're early."

"My, aren't you the early one, Prince Hildebrand? You're not participating in today's religious ceremony, so you must have come just for your duty of opening the door."

I exchanged greetings with him while commenting on how busy royals must have it. That was when the Klassenberg contingent arrived. Jansine first exchanged greetings with Hildebrand, then turned toward me.

"Lady Rozemyne, thank you ever so much for your accommodation of our sudden request."

"Jansine, the order of things has changed, but allow me to introduce the urgent ones first. They are wearing blue, but they are retainers of the ducal candidates who have been helping with Temple duties. You'll see them again during the intermediate and lower-class Dedication Rituals that follow."

I promptly introduced Hartmut and the others. I was keeping my escort knights by my side, but Chief Priest Hartmut and Melchior's retainers needed to prepare for the ceremony with the Central Temple's Priests.

"I'll now be conducting preparations and a final meeting with the Central Temple's people. Will Klassenberg's representatives be joining us?"

When Jansine glanced back at the woman beside her, several people followed Hartmut toward the altar. After seeing them off, I introduced Wilfried and Charlotte to Jansine.

"The two of them will be performing the intermediate and lower-class Dedication Rituals. They came today for the meeting. Let's have a leisurely discussion on the details another day. Has Klassenberg decided what kind of research to conduct?"

"Klassenberg possesses old texts that are believed to be related to religious affairs. We would like to learn the methods of performing ceremonies through this Dedication Ritual, and then research the reproduction of ancient ceremonies. What do you think?"

It seemed they'd had the same idea as Dankelfelger—if they could revive the religious ceremonies passed down in their territory in their proper form, it would be beneficial for the territory and could result in ceremonies that were easier for nobles to perform.

"I think that's an excellent approach. I would very much like to see those texts describing religious ceremonies."

The mention of old texts by Jansine made my antennae perk up. As I was thinking how much I wanted to see and read them, Jansine broke into a softly pleased smile.

"They're so old that it's difficult to bring the originals, so we plan to attempt reproduction based on copies. I do intend to bring the copies to our meeting, and I would love for you to see them, Lady Rozemyne."

...Jansine, aren't you a great girl? Aren't you absolutely wonderful?

"Ehrenfest has also successfully revived an ancient ceremony in its proper form. The effects of that ceremony were remarkable. If we make the reproduction of ancient ceremonies our common research and each territory's specific reproduced ceremonies our independent research, that would shape up nicely as a joint project."

If we used the spring-invitation ceremony from Haldenzel's Prayer Ceremony as Ehrenfest's research material, we could shape up the research without taking too much time. Wilfried and Charlotte both nodded at my words.

"If it's that kind of research, Haldenzel would be a good example. I've heard about it from the Giebes, so I believe I can be of help, Sister."

"As expected of Charlotte. Very dependable."

By the time we'd finished discussing the meeting and the general outline of the research, the ceremony preparations seemed to be complete. The blue Priests of the Central Temple emerged from the innermost chamber. At the front was Hartmut, walking straight toward me.

"Lady Rozemyne, preparations are complete."

"Thank you very much, Hartmut. You explained things to everyone as well, I trust?"

In addition to Melchior's retainers, the Klassenberg students had also been observing the preparations. Hartmut, who had been the one doing the explaining, must have had a tough time. When I expressed my appreciation, Hartmut smiled and then looked toward Immanuel, saying, "The Central Temple's blue Priests say they want to witness the ceremony—what should we do?"

It seemed the Central Temple had also brought their Holy Cup along with the sacred implements for this Dedication Ritual. Because of this, Immanuel was requesting to attend the ceremony. He argued about the importance of the sacred implements, insisted they had to be present to witness it, and maintained that having prepared for the ceremony gave them the right to participate. I shook my head at Immanuel.

"The blue Priests of the Central Temple collapsed during the Lord's Conference Dedication Ritual, so please refrain from attending today's ceremony where ducal candidates and high-ranking nobles will be gathering. To eliminate even a small amount of danger, no one who is not participating in the religious ceremony—royals included, along with their escort knights—is allowed inside the prayer room. If you absolutely must witness it with your own eyes, then please bring the Central Temple's Holy Cup to the lower-class nobility's Dedication Ritual."

If it was the Dedication Ritual for the underage lower nobility, I doubted anyone would lose consciousness without being able to stop it themselves. They should be able to halt the ceremony on their own. Reluctantly, Immanuel left carrying the Central Temple's Holy Cup.

I led Wilfried, Charlotte, and Jansine into the innermost chamber and showed them the altar's offerings, the statues of the gods, the sacred implements, and the red carpet, confirming everything was properly laid out. The Klassenberg students were taking frantic notes.

After confirming that preparations were in order, I relayed to Hildebrand that everything was ready, and had him inform the royals. With that, the preparations were complete.

"For the flow of the Dedication Ritual, please ask today's participants, Jansine. For now, it would be best if you returned to the dormitory before the other participants arrive."

If I lingered around carelessly, I'd lose the chance to leave. With words of thanks, Jansine, along with Wilfried and Charlotte, returned to the dormitory.

"It's a burden on both Ehrenfest and Klassenberg, but I'm counting on you."

"It's an honor to be of service to the Zent. The participants are the same as last year, I believe."

Just like last year, the royals were admitted first, then the ducal candidates and high-ranking nobles were filtered through a Wind Shield before being allowed into the innermost chamber. Perhaps because they knew about the Wind Shield this year, those with guilty consciences seemed to have opted out from the start. Every applicant was admitted to the innermost chamber without a single dropout.

From several territories, we received thanks regarding the recovery of gathering grounds, and questions about the most efficient way to pray when trying to re-acquire blessings at graduation. Just knowing that there were territories now positive toward religious affairs was rather heartening.

"It's most efficient to pray not for yourself, but for someone else. How about praying for each other with someone important to you?"

"Lady Rozemyne, you say that so easily—you have a fiancé who gifted you such a lovely hair ornament. For those of us who still don't have a fiancé, it might be a bit difficult."

When she said that to me with a dejected expression, I mentally cried out, "Oh! I'm sorry!"

"Well, it doesn't have to be a fiancé—family, relatives, or friends work too. And while it won't exactly be praying for each other, the object of your prayers doesn't even have to be a person. The Lord's family prays for the sake of their territory, after all."

"For friends... Thank you very much."

The female student seemed to cheer up, and Melchior's attendant guided her to the designated position.

Last year, the Holy Cup was at the center and everyone was arranged in a donut shape, but this year they lined up facing the altar in the order of royals in the front row, then ducal candidates, then high-ranking nobles. Even if it was only applicants, having not just scholars but also knights and attendants meant there were far more people than last year.

Once everyone was inside, the doors were closed and the ceremony began. Hartmut delivered the invocation, had everyone kneel, then rang his bell with a clear chime.

"High Priest, enter."

Matching Hartmut's voice, I began walking, surrounded by my escort knights.

...Even at Ehrenfest, the Dedication Ritual is performed in a room in the noble's area rather than the prayer room, so this might be the first time I've performed it facing an altar with a statue of a god.

I walked straight through the rows of participants, came before the royals, and knelt in the front row. My escort knights had been given magic-infused magic stones so that the front row wouldn't be too burdensome for them.

I looked around, made eye contact with Hartmut, and gave a single nod. Hartmut set down his bell and knelt beside me. I also knelt and placed my hands on the red carpet.

"I offer my prayers and gratitude to the gods who created this world."

Those who had participated in last year's Dedication Ritual and the adults who had participated in the Lord's Conference Dedication Ritual must have passed along the words. The prayer was echoed, and the ceremony proceeded smoothly. Magic Power flowed through the red carpet in ever-increasing amounts, becoming waves of light that rushed up toward the altar. Since this was a Dedication Ritual filled with nobles who had abundant Magic Power, the flow of light was faster than at Ehrenfest's ceremonies—to the point where the altar appeared to sparkle and shimmer.

The Magic Power flowed ever more toward the altar, and the magic stones held in the arms of the pure white god statues began to glow in their respective royal colors. This was a phenomenon never seen at Ehrenfest's Dedication Ritual.

"To the gods who bestow blessings upon all living things that draw breath, we pay our respects, and may we be worthy of the blessings of their sacred divine power."

Immediately after, pillars of light in each of the royal colors rose from all the sacred implements. The seven pillars shot straight up, then twisted and entwined with one another, forming a single mass that flew away.

...Wow, having so many sacred implements makes it quite a spectacle.

"Lady Rozemyne, we're approaching the limit."

Damuel, who had been kneeling on the opposite side from Hartmut, said in a strained voice, lifting his hands and the magic stone from the floor.

"The ceremony is now complete. Everyone, please remove your hands from the floor."

...I didn't expect all the sacred implements to light up, but I'm glad it ended without incident after just glowing.

I sighed with relief that the Dedication Ritual had been completed safely. The royals, who had been bracing themselves for something to happen, were probably feeling the same way. I could tell they had expressions of released tension.

After giving recovery potions and some rest time, the students were ushered out of the innermost chamber. After that, the accumulated Magic Power was transferred by the royals into magic stones, or carried away by escort knights, while the Central Temple's people handled the cleanup.

"Zent, would it be possible to spare some Magic Power for the library as well? Since Professor Ortansia isn't here this year, they're probably short on Magic Power."

"Father, please allocate some to Rozemyne. It would be problematic if the library's Magic Power ran out."

Thanks to Sigiswald's intercession, the Zent readily agreed to share Magic Power.

"How will you transport the Magic Power to the library?"

"I'll carry it using my Holy Cup, so it will be fine. ...Erdsegen."

I transformed my Staf into a Holy Cup and had the Magic Power poured into it. Anastasius was muttering, "As always, beyond common sense," and those around him seemed to agree, but since I'm no longer the only one who can create sacred implements with a Staf, I'd like to object to that phrasing.

...Well, it's too much trouble to actually file a formal objection, though.

I had the same amount of Magic Power that I'd last flowed into the library's magic stone poured into the Holy Cup, then headed to the library with my retainers. I had Leonore send an Ordnung to the library, and Cornelius and Damuel carry the Holy Cup. Once the departure preparations were ready, I looked around at the royals. I'd been told last year that a royal needed to witness this.

"I'll be the one to witness it this time."

When our eyes met, Sigiswald stepped forward and offered. As far as I was concerned, anyone could be the witness, so I simply replied, "Thank you, I'm counting on you," and set off with my retainers.

When we exited the lecture hall, I noticed the students outside flinching back a step at the sight of us. It was probably because all my retainers were wearing blue clothing, making it look completely like a Temple procession. Or perhaps it was because Sigiswald was at the front.

Drawing the attention of everyone around us, we left the Central Building. The moment we stepped outside, I noticed that the magic circle covering the Royal Academy's sky was emitting a powerful light. I couldn't help but stop in my tracks and look up.

...Wow, so praying in front of the altar in the innermost chamber really was some kind of trigger after all.

The Magic Power had thoroughly dispersed, and it looked like it could activate at any moment. With one more trigger of some kind, it would move.

...But what should I do after this? Pray again?

I wanted some hint about what to come next, but with Ortansia—one of the key's keepers—absent, would I even be able to go to the underground archive?

"Rozemyne, is something wrong? You have a troubled expression."

The moment we entered the skywalk, Sigiswald called out to me with concern, noticing that I had stopped. It seemed the magic circle above was invisible to Sigiswald. I shook my head and walked on toward the library.

"I'm deeply worried about Professor Ortansia not being here at the Royal Academy this year. She was the one managing the archive keys, wasn't she? Is there no replacement senior scholar?"

I asked Sigiswald while subtly hinting that I might not be able to access the underground archive. Sigiswald gave a bitter smile.

"Ortansia was the one who finally took the position after Raublut's persistent persuasion, and we only received notice that she wouldn't be able to come to the Royal Academy right before it started. A replacement scholar couldn't be found immediately. ...However, there's been a suggestion from Klassenberg to have Jansine registered as a Library Committee member, and we're thinking of having that done once the lectures are finished."

Sigiswald suggested that by adding Library Committee members and assembling key keepers, things should be fine. I was also concerned about the Magic Power supply to Schwarz and Weiss, and Solange would probably be lonely on her own, so more committee members wouldn't be a problem.

"But will it be alright without a single senior Librarian?"

"That's something I can't answer without trying first."

While having that conversation with Sigiswald, we arrived at the library. Solange had come out to greet us, and as Sigiswald exchanged pleasantries with her, Schwarz and Weiss hopped around me as usual.

"Princess came!"

"Princess, read book?"

"Well, that's a very tempting invitation, but I've come to supply Magic Power today."

Solange smiled warmly and said, "Lady Rozemyne's thoughtfulness is truly appreciated," guiding me to last year's Magical Tool.

"Professor Solange, there was a magic stone you were holding in trust from Professor Ortansia, wasn't there? Let's fill that one with Magic Power first. It would be terrible if Schwarz and Weiss ran out of Magic Power before the Library Committee members finish their lectures."

"Oh my, that would be a great help. With my own Magic Power, I can barely keep up with the library's daily operations."

I told her that I'd be spending more time in Ehrenfest this year, then immersed the empty magic stone Solange had given me in the Holy Cup and filled it with Magic Power. I then had the remaining Magic Power poured into the same large magic stone as last year. The rainbow colors had deepened slightly, so it should hold for a while.

...That should do it. Work complete for today.

While Sigiswald gazed at the library's Magical Tools with great interest, I dismissed the Holy Cup and let out a breath, finishing one task. In the next instant, Schwarz and Weiss grabbed my hands.

"Princess, 'jijisama' has Magic Power."

"'Jijisama', reading."

"Ah, that's right—since Professor Ortansia isn't here, I should probably supply Magic Power there too. Professor Solange, what shall I do? May I supply it?"

When the high-ranking noble Ortansia had taken the position, I'd left everything to her without getting involved, but since she wasn't here, it would be better to supply Magic Power there as well. It would be terrible if the library's functions suddenly stopped without anyone noticing.

"If Lady Rozemyne has the capacity, I would be most grateful. As a middle-ranking noble, I simply cannot supply Magic Power to all the Magical Tools..."

It really seemed that without Ortansia, things had become quite difficult. Receiving Solange's apologetic request, I headed to the second-floor reading room. Since I'd taken a recovery potion after the Dedication Ritual, there was no issue with my Magic Power whatsoever.

"Prince Sigiswald, I'm going to supply Magic Power to the second-floor Magical Tools as well."

"Rozemyne, you truly do treasure the library. Honestly, I didn't expect you to have supplied this much Magic Power to the library."

I smiled and nodded at Sigiswald's words, then ascended the stairs with Schwarz and my retainers. To supply Magic Power to "'jijisama'," I just needed to touch the Gutrisheit magic stone held by the statue of Mestionora in the back of the second-floor reading room.

I touched the Gutrisheit's magic stone. Magic Power was steadily drawn out. As I was flowing Magic Power without knowing exactly how much was needed, a magic circle suddenly materialized vividly in my mind.

It appeared as though the magic circle was glowing over the scene before my eyes, and with my vision flickering, I couldn't help but close them. In the darkened field of view, the magic circle was clearly visible.

...It's the same sensation as when I learned to create sacred implements?

The moment I thought that, I felt as though my body had floated into the air. Thinking I was losing my balance and about to fall, I hurriedly opened my eyes.

"Huh? What?"

For some reason, I was standing completely alone in a pitch-dark space.

I met with the Klassenberg students and held the Royal Academy's Dedication Ritual.

Pillars of light rose from all the sacred implements at the altar, surprising everyone around her, but Rozemyne's impression was that it was "quite a spectacle."

Through the library's "jijisama," the situation begins to move.

Next time: jijisama.