To Ahrensbach

I had just now resolved myself to become an Aub. And the person who would be most affected by my becoming an Aub was Adoptive Father, so I went to him first to declare my intentions. I had steeled myself to have a serious discussion with him to make him understand my feelings, but why did he say "I already know"? I couldn't make sense of it.

"Already know…? Adoptive Father, is it truly all right for me to go to Ahrensbach? Even though Ehrenfest will…"

"Of course it is, Lady Rozemyne. We have also obtained permission from Aub Ehrenfest."

…Ah.

Hannelore and Heisshitze's smiles, and Adoptive Father's slightly distant expression—I understood at once. The pressure of a greater duchy, and the Archduke family had already been persuaded. In Ehrenfest, which had long pursued deferential diplomacy toward the upper duchies, they could never have bested Dunkelfelger's persuasion.

"To grant permission to take Ahrensbach's foundation, yet refuse to allow me to become Aub would be the height of absurdity. Furthermore, you should know that a Zent candidate who has obtained the Grutrissheit outranks the current royalty who do not possess it. …So I am told."

That reasoning probably only worked within Dunkelfelger. I felt a twinge of worry about whether this would truly be acceptable. But Hannelore had said she would stand as my backer. At the very least, within Dunkelfelger, the opinion must have been unified.

"If the Grutrissheit is to be brought to Yurgenschmidt, then whether you go to the central district or to Ahrensbach, it amounts to the same thing—leaving Ehrenfest. I hear the movement of goods and personnel is nearly identical as well."

"Yes. To prepare the Temple, we will be relocating several Gray Priests and Gray Priestesses, but unlike with Blue Priests and Priestesses, there is no particular change in terms of Magic Power. We also plan to conduct training for junior members."

When Hartmut began speaking with a lively expression—saying that there would be some increase or decrease, but it was really just moving goods and personnel they had already prepared—Adoptive Father shook his head wearily and murmured, "I understand already."

"I'm so glad we have Aub Ehrenfest's understanding."

Seeing Hannelore's thoroughly worn-out smile and my own attendants, I felt from the bottom of my heart that I owed Adoptive Father an apology.

"Adoptive Father, I'm truly sorry for troubling you when you're already exhausted. When I set off for the Temple, I never imagined it would turn into something like this…"

"No, there's no need to apologize. Ferdinand has resolved to negotiate with the royal family in a way that won't disadvantage Ehrenfest, and if you two are heading to Ahrensbach together, I have no objection. With Georgine dealt with, the only ones left causing me headaches are the royal family and you two. The situation keeps changing and yanking me around, and I have plenty to say about that, but it can wait until the Lord's Conference is over and everything is settled."

Waving his hands in a "go on, get out" gesture while grumbling, Adoptive Father turned a suspicious gaze on Ferdinand, who was standing beside me.

"Wasn't it you who told me not to cling to Ehrenfest and to prioritize my own happiness in Ahrensbach? I've simply decided to live as you wished."

Ferdinand said that with an utterly nonchalant face, then added "Brother" with a grin. Adoptive Father's cheek twitched, and he shot Ferdinand a glare that mixed irritation with pleasure. "You're only like this at times like these…"

The exchange between the two of them had such an intimate atmosphere—like they were speaking privately after sending everyone away—that I almost forgot Hannelore and the others were watching.

"Do as you please."

"Adoptive Father, Ferdinand's Geduldhli is…"

"That, I also already know. You've ended up demanding three or four research facilities, haven't you?"

Ferdinand said something dismissive, like "I'm glad Father seems happy about it," but Adoptive Father had it wrong. In truth, he had wanted a research facility in Ehrenfest, but that was rejected, so he had no choice but to try to secure one in Ahrensbach instead.

"Adoptive Father, Ferdinand's Geduldhli is Ehrenfest, so it would be better to build the research facility here so he can return whenever he wishes…"

"Ehrenfest doesn't have the luxury of building research facilities. If you've made a promise with Ferdinand, then take responsibility and build it yourself. On our end, rebuilding the summer estate in Gerlach that you completely destroyed comes first. Ferdinand even said to start from scratch since you'd tampered with the Gibe's estate foundation too."

Being glared at like that, I clutched my head.

"A-Ahhh! I am so terribly sorry! I'll make gold dust and deliver it later!"

"Don't make promises you can't keep right now."

"Ah…"

Watching Ferdinand, who was carefully hiding the fact that he probably wouldn't touch the magic stone either, while also conscious of Dunkelfelger's gaze—I slumped my shoulders, acutely aware of how useless I was, no matter how much Magic Power I had, if I was too afraid of magic stones to do anything.

"I intend to provide aid and concessions as compensation from Ahrensbach to Ehrenfest. Since your relationship with Ehrenfest isn't being severed, there's no rush to offer reparations."

"There's no need to hurry," Ferdinand said, lightly patting my shoulder.

"Besides, you seem fixated on bringing me back to Ehrenfest, but Sylvester is managing just fine as Aub even without me. If I'm permitted the occasional home visit, I'm content."

"I'm not so narrow-minded as to deny you the occasional home visit. I'll look after your estate."

Between Adoptive Father and Ferdinand, it seemed that Ferdinand's residing in Ahrensbach had been settled without anyone consulting me.

"Ferdinand, is it truly all right for you to live in Ahrensbach? You're not making sacrifices or enduring anything, are you?"

"Enough. This is the result of my own choice."

"It seems Ferdinand has, unusually, chosen to prioritize his own happiness. That's not something you need to stick your nose into. He's been asked for three or four research facilities, after all—that's more than ample compensation. Just let Ferdinand do as he pleases."

At Adoptive Father's words, I clenched my fist. If this wasn't self-sacrifice—if Ferdinand was choosing Ahrensbach as the result of pursuing his own happiness—then that was fine.

"I understand. As Aub Ahrensbach, I will prepare an environment where Ferdinand can fully devote himself to his research. Please rest assured, Adoptive Father—I will absolutely make Ferdinand happy."

When I made my declaration, Adoptive Father burst out laughing, and Father, who was serving as my escort knight, coughed several times to disguise his own amusement. While Hannelore and the others looked on with expressions that seemed to say "So close," Ferdinand gripped my shoulder firmly.

"Rozemyne, I understand your enthusiasm. That's enough—be quiet."

"Ferdinand, your ears are a little red…"

"Be quiet."

"Yes."

Just as I was silenced, Richarda came to fetch us, saying the teleportation circle was ready and contact had been established with the Border Gate. Among the attendants who entered were Ottlie and Gretia. Leonore and the others who had been preparing for departure in shifts were also visible.

"The attendants have begun having the officials send everyone's luggage. Please make your way to the Border Gate to receive it."

"Understood."

Adoptive Father nodded to Richarda, then said, "To the teleportation circle," and stepped out onto the balcony to summon his riding beast. It seemed we would be teleporting to the circle in the knight training grounds. Everything must have already been arranged, because the Dunkelfelger delegation was moving without any confusion. I was probably the only one here who had no idea what was going on.

"Ferdinand, I don't think I've been properly briefed. Am I the only one who doesn't understand what we're doing and how?"

"We'll discuss it on the riding beast. Come quickly."

I was loaded onto the riding beast, and we launched from the balcony. Ferdinand explained briefly in a voice too quiet for anyone else to hear. It seemed he had thought of a way to send our luggage without using lessaus, so as not to publicize the fact that I couldn't touch magic stones.

"They're using the teleportation circle normally used for tax collection to send your luggage first to the Border Gate, then from there teleport it to the Ahrensbach castle. An ordonnance has already been sent to the Border Gate. Contact with the Ahrensbach side should be established as well."

"Why isn't this used during marriages or political unions? It would be so convenient."

When I voiced this question—having lugged Ferdinand's enormous amount of luggage with lessaus in the past—Ferdinand explained the difference in our positions.

"Because it's a security concern not to know what might be sent in from another duchy, normally Aub doesn't permit direct delivery of goods to the castle. But right now, you as Aub are simply sending your own belongings to your own castle. There's nothing to worry about. …Also, operating the teleportation circle requires Magic Power, so permission isn't granted easily. This time, you're providing the Magic Power yourself."

Using carriages took more time but was cheaper. Since we only needed to send essential items immediately, the teleportation circle was the better option. If I needed clothes to wear tomorrow, a carriage wouldn't arrive in time.

"This time will only be a temporary stay. I'll create the Holy Books at the workshop over there and prepare so the people of Ahrensbach can attend the Lord's Conference. Any large-scale relocation or governance decisions as Aub will come after approval at the Lord's Conference."

Making the Grutrissheit and negotiating with the royal family were the top priorities.

The knight training grounds had a large teleportation circle, and we used it to travel to the Border Gate between Ehrenfest and Ahrensbach. I was relieved to find that while magic stones terrified me, touching a magic circle and flowing Magic Power through it didn't frighten me at all.

Knights from both Ahrensbach and Ehrenfest were assembled at the Border Gate, moving luggage from the Ehrenfest teleportation circle to the Ahrensbach one. Lieseleta and Gretia were at the center, checking luggage tags.

"Rozemyne, we'll be using the teleportation circle many more times. If you need recovery potions, take them now."

We sent luggage to the Ahrensbach castle, sent Justus, Lieseleta, and the other attendants along with Hartmut and the other officials to the castle, then returned to the Border Gate with Ferdinand and my escort knights. There, we collected Hannelore and the Dunkelfelger delegation and headed to Bindelwald. From there, we would teleport the Dunkelfelger volunteers to the Border Gate between Dunkelfelger and Ahrensbach.

"I have no idea how many trips it'll take to send a hundred knights."

"We did offer to have them move by riding beast…"

Hannelore said this with concern, but Ferdinand shook his head. Dunkelfelger lay to the southwest of Ahrensbach's city. The journey to Bindelwald alone took a full day, and he said they couldn't afford to spend more days than that.

"Rozemyne, set up a teleportation circle there and prepare to send everyone through."

Following Ferdinand's instructions, I prepared the teleportation circle. By the time I was ready, contact had been established with Zelgius at the Ahrensbach castle and Strehl at the Bindelwald estate.

"Nenryüssel Ahrensbach."

I confirmed that Justus, Lieseleta, Gretia, Hartmut, Clarissa, and Roderich were aboard, then Ferdinand and I flowed Magic Power into the teleportation circle and transferred. Their task would be to clear the luggage and prepare the rooms at the castle. After everyone disemblosed, I left them in the care of Letizia, who had come to greet us, and immediately returned to the Border Gate.

"Aub Ehrenfest. Once a date and time for meeting with the royal family has been set, I will notify you."

"I imagine it's futile to ask, but please don't do anything reckless."

…That promise might be a bit difficult to keep.

At Adoptive Father's words, I averted my gaze slightly. Creating the Grutrissheit and negotiating with the royal family—most people would consider that reckless in the extreme. Probably.

"What are you two scheming?"

"Aub Ehrenfest, could we request that you promptly calculate the damages from this battle? It will be an important agenda item at the Lord's Conference."

Ferdinand avoided answering Adoptive Father's question, deflecting with a smile while urging Hannelore and the others to hurry up and operate the teleportation circle. It seemed he was indeed aware that what they were about to do was reckless. Ignoring Adoptive Father's "Explain yourself!" Ferdinand urged me to move. "Hurry."

"Nenryüssel Bindelwald."

Arriving at Bindelwald as if fleeing from Adoptive Father's interrogation, we were greeted by Strehl and a full contingent of Dunkelfelger knights.

"Aub Ahrensbach, Lord Ferdinand. Welcome back. We've been waiting for you."

Strehl's greeting carried genuine conviction. According to what I'd heard, the alcohol and food supplies that had been prepared at the Bindelwald summer estate had been entirely consumed—eaten and drunk—by the Dunkelfelger knights. And today, starting from the morning, they had been split into several groups for a ditter tournament. The Ahrensbach knights who had been roped into participating looked exhausted, but the Dunkelfelger knights were bursting with energy. There seemed to be a significant difference in their baseline physical stamina.

"I will now teleport you all to the Dunkelfelger Border Gate."

"Yes, sir!"

The teleportation circle could hold a maximum of about thirty people. Together with my escort knights, I began sending the Dunkelfelger knights through the teleportation circle to the Border Gate. Meanwhile, Ferdinand listened to the knights' reports on the current state of Bindelwald and the former Berkenstock. The Bindelwald estate was to be sealed off for the time, and after the Lord's Conference, a new Gibe would be appointed.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Lady Hannelore."

"Since you're teleporting us, it hardly feels like we've waited at all."

Hannelore called the remaining knights to board the teleportation circle. After three round trips, I was starting to feel motion sickness from the teleportation. I wanted to rest a little, but there was one more trip to go. I held my head and slowly exhaled.

"Teleportation sickness?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Then I'll go with you for the last one. Strehl, leave five knights on watch at the Bindelwald estate, then return to the castle."

"Yes, sir!"

After giving Strehl his orders, Ferdinand boarded the teleportation circle with Brother Eckhart. He helped me flow the Magic Power, and we arrived at the Dunkelfelger Border Gate. The knights who had arrived before us were lined up neatly, waiting.

"Lady Hannelore and the Dunkelfelger knights have been enormously helpful. What would be an appropriate way for us to express our gratitude?"

"I'll be accepting a hair ornament, but beyond that…"

Hannelore was about to demur modestly when she let out a small "Ah."

"I am still a minor, but I would like to be specially invited to attend the Lord's Conference. I would very much like to see with my own eyes the moment when Lady Rozemyne, as the Incarnation of Mestionora, brings the Grutrissheit to the Zent."

…Huh? Incarnation of Mestionora? Wasn't that getting incredibly exaggerated?

The legend of the Saint was evolving further. As Hannelore spoke with her soft, beaming smile about something utterly ominous, I couldn't help but sense Hartmut's influence lurking behind it all.

"Um, Lady Hannelore…"

"Regarding compensation for this ditter, the Lord's Conference will include discussions between Dunkelfelger and ourselves. At that time, we will request that Lady Hannelore be permitted to attend as an observer, and make the necessary arrangements with Aub Dunkelfelger on our side as well."

"That is most gracious, Lord Ferdinand. I look forward to it, Lady Rozemyne."

…Look forward to what? What was she looking forward to?

While I blinked in bewilderment, Hannelore turned back to face the Dunkelfelger knights.

"Salute the Incarnation of Mestionora, who will bring the Grutrissheit to Yurgenschmidt!"

At Hannelore's commanding voice, the Dunkelfelger knights simultaneously struck their right fists against their left chests twice.

"Then, we shall meet again at the Lord's Conference."

…W-Wait a moment.

Before I could stop them, the knights mounted their riding beasts and took off in perfect formation. I stood there in a daze until the Dunkelfelger knights had disappeared from sight.

"Um, Ferdinand, what does this mean? I'm going to become Aub Ahrensbach, aren't I? The Incarnation of Mestionora has nothing to do with that. Why does Lady Hannelore speak of it as though it's already decided?"

"Hartmut argued that unless you're ranked above the royal family, the probability of you being exposed to danger increases. Go ask him when we return to the castle."

Ferdinand said this while extending his hand toward me.

"If the teleportation sickness is severe, you can go back by riding beast. From here, Ahrensbach's city isn't that far."

"Right now I feel more intoxicated by something far worse than teleportation sickness. I'm going back to the castle immediately to interrogate Hartmut!"

"Welcome back, Lady Rozemyne, Lord Ferdinand."

When we returned to the castle by teleportation circle, Letizia was there to greet us.

"A letter has arrived from Lady Detlinde. She appears to be quite displeased that she was unable to return to Ahrensbach."

A slightly pale-faced Letizia held out the letter. It read: "What do you mean the foundation has been seized and a new Aub installed?! I will be the next Zent before long. Leontio and Gervasio are here as well. Just you wait until I become Zent!"

She was the root cause of all this turmoil and would need to be apprehended, but the prospect left me feeling drained. I couldn't understand at all how far her planning extended or what she had been thinking.

"Ferdinand, do you know this Lord Gervasio mentioned in the letter? I've visited the Lanzanave estate several times, but I don't recall anyone like that. Who exactly has she brought with her?"

Letizia looked worried as she gazed up at Ferdinand. I turned my gaze to him as well. Ferdinand opened his mouth with a beautiful, perfectly composed smile that seemed designed to conceal all negative emotions.

"…I've heard the name at least. He should be a man raised as the king of Lanzanave."

To Ahrensbach for now.

Creating the Holy Books is the primary objective.

A temporary farewell with Hannelore and the others as well.

A letter from Detlinde, delivered upon our return to the castle.

Next—the creation of Holy Books.