After returning to Ehrenfest, I collected the Lesser Holy Cups brought back by the blue priests returning from harvest festivals across the territory, and received reports on this year's harvest quantities and the state of various regions. I needed to compile these blue priests' reports and head to the castle to deliver them to the Lord.
"Are you ready? Let's go."
"Yes!"
I rode to the castle on my feystormy alongside the Chief Priest.
...Once this is finished, I can have Uvel made for me.
When we arrived at the castle, I parted ways with the Chief Priest for the time being and headed to my room in the northern building with Richtharda, who had come to greet me, to change clothes.
"After the report to the Aub Ehrenfest today, there will be a greeting from Lady
"...Lady Charlotte? She's definitely
"Yes." Richtharda nodded deeply. "Lady Charlotte's
Come to think of it, Mother must have led the effort to prepare my room so I could use it starting from the day of my Baptism Ceremony. In my case, I was being drilled in education as a noble and was in no state to participate in room preparation, but apparently Charlotte was practicing giving orders and managing people to set up her own room.
...Just hearing about it, she seems more capable than Wilfried brother.
Thinking such thoughts, I entered the northern building and climbed the stairs. The door to the next room was wide open, and I could see furniture being carried in.
The girl observing the state of the room was about my height, or perhaps a little shorter. She noticed us coming up the stairs and turned around with a spin. Her curly, golden hair—nearly silver—swayed, and within her adorable features, so lovely you might mistake her for a life-sized doll, her vivid blue eyes blinked brightly.
"Lady
When our eyes met, Charlotte smiled happily and came toward me with her Attendant and guard knights.
...I- I was called "Lady"!
That was already enough just hearing the word "Lady." What else would I need besides that single phrase to become Charlotte's big sister? My heart was pierced through by that adorable "Lady," and I trembled with emotion.
"I have not yet completed my Baptism Ceremony, so I cannot truly offer a blessing, but may I at least greet you?"
"Of course you may."
Charlotte looked up slightly to confirm the prayer words, then knelt on the spot and bowed her head.
"On this day of harvest, protected by the Wind Goddess
"I allow it."
"I pray for the Wind Goddess Schutzaria's blessing upon Lady Rozemyne. ...I am Charlotte, daughter of Aub Ehrenfest. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Even though Charlotte couldn't perform the full blessing exchange, she recited the prayer words without a single mistake. I completely understood being nervous during this first greeting. When I first greeted Mother, my heart was pounding so hard I wasn't sure I could get the words out either.
Seeing Charlotte still kneeling, I remembered how Mother had spoken to me during that very first greeting.
"Welcome, Charlotte. I am your sister."
At my words, Charlotte let out a relieved little smile and raised her face. I couldn't help but smile back.
"You did a wonderful job with your greeting."
"Thank you very much. My siblings are all brothers, so I have always wanted a sister—I'm so happy. Let's get along well from now on."
"I also... I have always wanted a younger sister too. It's a pleasure to meet you."
...Charlotte is seriously adorable. She might just become my first angel since Turi.
When I let out a sigh of deep emotion, Charlotte tilted her head slightly.
"Lady Rozemyne, you are the High Priest, aren't you? Will you be the one bestowing the blessing at my Baptism Ceremony?"
Judging from her expectant blue eyes, this was definitely a request.
...A blessing! My first request! I absolutely had to grant this. Yes, as a big sister!
"Anything for my adorable little sister. If Lord
"I'll be looking forward to it!"
As I nodded vigorously at Charlotte's radiant smile, Richtharda stepped forward and interrupted.
"My lady, we should head to the report soon, shouldn't we? Once you return, why not hold a tea party? I'm sure Lady Charlotte loves sweets as well."
The wonderful sound of a tea party with my sister made me glance at Charlotte, and she was looking at me with the same expression Wilfried wore when sweets were placed in front of him. Though Charlotte looked cuter.
"Then, after I finish the report, let's have a tea party around the fifth bell. Othalie, please ask
"Understood."
After parting ways with Charlotte, I quickly changed in my room and then rode to the Lord's office at a slightly brisker pace. The Chief Priest was already waiting, and the attendants were fully prepared.
My adoptive father straightened up and looked at me.
"Then, let's hear the report."
"I thought Charlotte was very adorable."
"Mm, indeed."
The very first thing I wanted to report blurted out of my mouth, and my adoptive father nodded deeply in agreement.
"I promised to perform Charlotte's Baptism Ceremony."
"What you need to report is the harvest festival, you fool!"
After receiving the Chief Priest's quip—complete with his paper fan—I began the harvest festival report in earnest. The harvest quantities in the direct territories, excluding
"Relying on you again next spring would be the best approach."
Honestly, going to all of them was extremely taxing physically, but by next spring I should have a healthy body, so it shouldn't be a problem. I gave a small nod to indicate my agreement.
"Leave
After finishing the harvest-related report, I had intended to return to my room right away, but I noticed there was still more to discuss and slumped in dismay. It was only natural that I would rather attend a tea party with my adorable sister than sit in a meeting surrounded by my guardians.
Once the attendants had left, my adoptive father cracked his neck around and then—in a posture that, whether in public or private, I would describe as my own—said: "Ahh, Rozemyne. About the magic power compression method those two told me about—there's a chance it might work on adults too, isn't there? Even if it can't increase the size of the magic power vessel, it would mean you could store more magic power inside, correct?"
"...I am not an adult, so I wouldn't know. I think your reasoning has merit, so why not try experimenting?"
When I said that, my adoptive father's eyes lit up and he leaned forward. He was clearly raring to go himself.
"Right. The criteria are those who can compress on their own, those from the Florentia faction, and those who have obtained approval from six people. How about we start with your guardians and family—people close to you?"
Specifically, it seemed the targets were the Lord and his wife, the Chief Priest, my father, mother, Brother
The way it was already being discussed as a decided matter made it seem like they already had a blueprint drawn up in their heads.
"...If it does work on adults, it might be wise to reconsider the pricing a bit."
I had thought of magic power compression as an educational expense for children, but if adults could use it too, the number of users would surely increase—and that would put a serious strain on household finances. I didn't want to earn any extra resentment. We needed an appropriate price that everyone could manage while still conveying that it held real value.
"Why not charge half price for the second person from the same family? No matter how you look at it, paying for five people would be quite a burden, wouldn't it, Father?"
"That would help," Father said with a sincere, grateful tone. Among those participating, the Karstedt family had the most.
"Rozemyne, I'd like to let information about magic power compression circulate somewhat during the winter social season, so I'd like to try it as soon as possible."
It wasn't just my adoptive father leaning forward—Father and the Chief Priest also seemed to be fidgeting with anticipation.
"You're all just bursting with curiosity, aren't you?"
"Whether or not it can extend one's magic is an important matter for nobles. It's only natural to be curious."
They were clearly urging me to hurry, but gathering the members and preparing for Contract Magic would obviously take quite some time.
I shook my head vigorously.
"...I have a promise to attend a tea party with Charlotte today. Gathering everyone and preparing for Contract Magic would take too long, wouldn't it? Please do it another day."
"Wha—!? Rozemyne, are you putting Charlotte ahead of me, your own adoptive father!?"
"Charlotte is cuter."
When I answered bluntly, my adoptive father groaned, clutching his head. "That's true—I'm handsome, sure, but in terms of cuteness, Charlotte wins." Was he really handsome? Question marks swirled through my mind, but I wisely kept that to myself.
"Besides, my own medicine is more important to me than magic power compression, so I'll teach you once Uvel is made."
The Chief Priest had told me that even though I'd gathered the materials, he wouldn't make it until after the report was finished, so it still hadn't been prepared. My own health took priority over other people's magic power compression.
At my insistence, the Chief Priest narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Rozemyne, making the medicine is fine, but save the taking of it for later."
"Why is that?"
"Using Uvel would put you to sleep for anywhere from ten to one month—or in some cases, about an entire season. If you want to be certain you can attend Charlotte's Baptism Ceremony, it would be better to hold off for now."
The Chief Priest explained that since my clump of magic power had formed quite a long time ago, it would take considerable time to dissolve.
"Also, while you said you would perform the winter Baptism Ceremony, if you intend to actually do it, there is a vast amount you need to learn. Unlike the lower city Baptism Ceremony, you must memorize everything from magic power registration to the blessing, and in winter, the unveiling that follows. No matter how much you want to recover your health, you simply cannot afford the indulgence of taking that medicine right now."
"I want the physical energy, which is exactly why I want to make the medicine—how ironic."
But even if it meant postponing taking the medicine, I wanted to attend Charlotte's Baptism Ceremony. There was no way she would trust me as a big sister if I went and broke my promise right away.
"I have no choice then. I'll take the medicine after Charlotte's Baptism Ceremony."
"No, after the Baptism Ceremony, the winter social season begins immediately, followed by the Offering Ritual, wouldn't you say?... If you want to avoid suspicion from other nobles, it might be better to wait until after the Dedication Ritual."
"Wait a moment! It feels like my recovery just receded even further!"
I protested that I wanted to recover quickly, but the Chief Priest said, "We should carefully determine the timing." I could sense his silent pressure to reduce his own burden as much as possible. I might endure the wait for Charlotte's sake, but I had no intention of holding off on recovery until spring for the Chief Priest's sake.
The Chief Priest, who had been tapping his temple lightly with a troubled expression, suddenly looked at me as though struck by an idea.
"Rozemyne, why not attend the winter Baptism Ceremony not as the High Priest, but as a family member—as a new sister? If you do that, there's almost nothing you need to learn in advance for the Baptism Ceremony."
"That won't do!"
This was my first request from a little sister that I wanted to fulfill. Turi always granted my wishes. I wanted to be a good big sister like Turi.
"I want to bestow the blessing at Charlotte's Baptism Ceremony as her sister. No matter how much I have to learn, it's nothing. I've been learning all sorts of things up until now, after all."
"I see. You want to show your best side as a big sister to your first little sister?"
The Chief Priest said this while lightly tapping his temple, and I nodded vigorously. That was exactly right. I wanted to show Charlotte my best side and become a sister she would respect.
"...Then, rather than simply bestowing the blessing at the Baptism Ceremony, if you also showed your little sister that you are contributing to the territory as a lord's daughter through the Offering Ritual and the Dedication Ritual, wouldn't that earn you even more respect? Wouldn't that be a truly fitting act for a big sister?"
"I think so!"
When I clenched my fist in agreement, the Chief Priest nodded with a deeply satisfied expression, as if to say "just as I expected."
"Then do your best through the Dedication Ritual."
"Yes!... Hmm? Wait."
When I caught something off about the exchange and tilted my head, my adoptive father pointed at the door with a little grunt.
"Rozemyne, what about your tea party promise? You can go now."
"Is that all right?"
"Yes. Go give Charlotte some love."
"Of course!"
At my adoptive father's request, I thumped my chest in acceptance and took my leave. Leaving the Lord's office, I headed back to my room humming a little tune. After this, I was having a tea party with Charlotte. Hehehe, hum hum.
Before the fifth bell rang, preparations for the tea party were completely finished, and Ella had the sweets perfectly prepared. Today it was a pie made with plenty of seasonal fruits.
"Thank you so much for inviting me, Lady."
"I'm so glad you came, Charlotte."
Charlotte sat down in her chair with a slightly tense expression—it was her first time having a tea party with someone outside the family. I was also a little nervous about my first tea party with a new sister.
"Big brother always praises you, Lady, so I was truly looking forward to meeting you."
She told me about the Holy Book picture book Wilfried had brought and the karuta cards he'd brought but couldn't win.
"That picture book and the karuta—were they both made by you, Lady? That's what Big brother said."
How could I even express this emotion? Until now, I had been called useless by my own family, and here I was receiving praise from my little sister. I was so happy and so embarrassed I wanted to roll around on the floor in delight.
...I have to thank Wilfried brother. Thanks to him, I'm being showered with praise by an adorable little sister right now!
"The hair ornament Mother wore—you made that too, didn't you, Lady? It looked just like a real flower. It was so beautiful."
"The idea was mine, but the actual creation was done by a craftsman. Would you like me to introduce you to them?"
Among the Florentia faction, hair ornaments just like mine were currently all the rage. The publicity effect from
"Would that be all right? Do you think it would be in time for my Baptism Ceremony?"
"...That might be difficult for the Baptism Ceremony. If any of the ones I have match your outfit, I'd be happy to lend them to you. Richtharda, could you bring the hair ornaments with winter noble colors?"
"Please wait one moment, my lady."
Richtharda brought back the hair ornaments, and I was holding them up to Charlotte's hair to see which one suited her best when
"Lady Rozemyne, Lord Wilfried is requesting permission to enter. To see Lady Charlotte..."
While Angelica was asking me for permission, Wilfried appeared from behind her.
Wilfried's own Attendant and guard knight, who hadn't granted him permission, reached out from the doorway, telling him to come back, but Wilfried wasn't listening.
"I heard Charlotte was here..."
"Wilfried brother, entering without even waiting for an answer is very bad manners."
When I furrowed my brows and told Wilfried to leave and come back properly, he bristled and snapped back.
"Silence, Rozemyne! Charlotte, leave this room at once. Don't be deceived by Rozemyne!"
...Excuse me?
I couldn't understand what he was suddenly going on about. Everyone stared with mouths slightly agape while Charlotte blinked and tilted her head.
"Big brother, what are you saying all of a sudden? You've always praised Lady, haven't you?"
That jolted me out of my stupor, and I glared back at Wilfried. Being accused of such things in front of my little sister—there was no way I could simply take it. I was going to be a sister worthy of respect.
"Wilfried brother, just who exactly am I supposed to have deceived? Please stop making baseless accusations."
"Don't play dumb!"
As Wilfried charged forward with heavy steps, Brother Lamprecht rushed into the room to stop him, while Angelica grabbed the arm of the charging Wilfried as he tried to pass by and threw him to the ground. The two actions happened almost simultaneously. With a loud crash, Wilfried was pinned down by Angelica.
"Ow! What are you doing!?"
"As no permission to enter has been granted, I must ask you not to approach Lady Rozemyne."
"Who gave you permission to—"
"I am Lady Rozemyne's guard knight, so it is only natural that I would apprehend a suspicious individual who has not obtained permission to enter."
Angelica said this flatly as she held Wilfried down without budging. Brother Lamprecht looked between Angelica and me, sending me a gaze that practically begged for help.
As a guard knight, Angelica's actions weren't wrong, but I could sense his unspoken plea to release Wilfried from restraint.
Just as I was about to open my mouth to say "Angelica, that's enough," Wilfried—who had been glaring up at Angelica—thrashed about and shouted at the top of his lungs.
"The suspicious one is Rozemyne! I heard it from Grandmother! She said Rozemyne and Ferdinand conspired against her! They're the villains!"
...Grandmother? That would be the former High Priest's older sister, the one who's been confined, right?
I furrowed my brows. The Lord's mother had committed a serious crime, and I'd heard she was imprisoned somewhere. To prevent escape or aid from accomplices, she would have been locked away in a place that could not be entered without the Lord's permission.
At the end of summer, Wilfried hadn't even known that his grandmother was being held as a criminal. Where on earth had he managed to speak with her?
"Wilfried brother, when and where did you have the opportunity to speak with Grandmother?"
At my words, the guard knights and Attendants all changed color at once. Wilfried's guard knights and Attendants turned deathly pale. They rushed over to Wilfried with enough force to knock Angelica aside, their faces contorted beyond caring about spitting, and began interrogating him.
"Lord Wilfried, when!? When did you speak with Lady
"How did you meet her!?"
Judging by the panic around him, there was absolutely no way Wilfried could have met with the confined Veronica—this was clearly impossible.
This was not something that could simply be resolved by interrogating Wilfried here.
"Richtharda, please report this to the Aub Ehrenfest. ...I think it would be best to come here with a carefully selected escort. We should avoid escalating things unnecessarily."
"Understood, my lady."