"Have a safe journey, Lady
At the castle, Eudet disembarked from the lesser beast, and
"Angelica, did you manage to get some rest?"
"Yes. Other than having my master drill me, I was resting."
...She didn't seem to have rested much.
I had given Angelica a few days off since she'd be serving as my guard for both the dedication ritual in my directly governed territory and for Risengang, but it hadn't really done much good.
"When I told him about how I cut fish and Lady Rozemyne praised me, my master said he'd train me. He told me to show him even sharper swordwork next time. He also said he wished he could have joined the subjugation."
"If there is a next time and it would be acceptable at the
"Understood. My master will surely be delighted."
Angelica chattered away in a cheerful, bouncy voice, telling me about how amazing her grandfather was, who the strongest knights in the Order were, and the fighting styles favored by Brother
"Lady Rozemyne, we've entered Risengang. We'll be arriving at the Summer Villa soon."
At Brother Cornelius's words, I looked down at the landscape below. Dark soil stretched in every direction with patches of snow still lingering, and there was very little green—it looked quite desolate. During Brother
"The atmosphere changes so much depending on the season. I didn't even notice we'd entered Risengang."
"It's good because even if enemies are hiding, they're easy to spot."
It was true that Risengang had seen many attempted ambushes, but surely not this time. In addition to my guard knights, members of the Knight's Order had come along as well, and during this period when the dedication ritual determined the harvest for the entire year, everyone was busy.
I could see the guides descending in altitude. It seemed we had arrived.
I had visited Risengang a number of times, but the only thing that clearly remained in my memory was the wing used by Temple personnel.
During Brother Lamprecht's wedding, I had briefly stopped by the Summer Villa as well, but we left right after eating lunch. After the wedding, I was exhausted and retreated to my assigned room to sleep, and then after driving the lesser beast back to Ehrenfest while still feeling unwell, I collapsed into bed—so very little of it remained in my memory.
When I dismounted from my riding beast,
Unlike
"Lady Rozemyne, the handover of the Small Holy Cup will be after the greetings, correct?"
"Yes, Fran. Please make the preparations."
After handing over the Small Holy Cup to Giebe Risengang, we were going to be guided to where the Gutenbergs would be staying, so they would remain waiting on the lesser beast for now.
I lined up holding the Small Holy Cup, with Fran and Monica at my side.
"Welcome to Risengang."
After Giebe Risengang and Mother, as the representative of the printing industry, exchanged lengthy greetings, I stepped forward with the Small Holy Cup.
Giebe Risengang had the atmosphere of a civil official and looked slightly older than Father. The first time we met, he had a gentle smile, but his eyes burned with ambition. He didn't give off that impression now, but it would be wise not to let my guard down.
"By the Water Goddess Fluträne, who brings healing and change, and the twelve goddesses who serve as her attendant kin, the
"Indeed, the Earth Goddess Geduldh is filled with the Magic Power of the Water Goddess Fluträne. I offer my prayers for the thawing of the snow and my blessings for the coming of spring."
Once the handover of the Small Holy Cup was complete, my work as High Priest was finished. I stepped back and instructed Fran and Monica to arrange the wing, and Hugo to prepare the meals.
Similarly, I instructed
"So that's why you forcibly added me as a traveling companion, using my being a relative of Risengang as the excuse?"
"There are many reasons. I explained them, didn't I?"
Ottilie alone would have been difficult, and since Richarda had served both Gabrielle and
"Lady Rozemyne, your explanation did not include anything about having me inspect the lower town of Risengang."
"Oh my, was that so? It seems I must have been careless."
With a "Ho ho ho" laugh, I turned my back on Brünhilde and stepped forward before Giebe Risengang.
"Then, without further delay, could you please guide us to where the Gutenbergs will be staying?"
"Certainly."
Giebe Risengang made a slight gesture, and a civil official from Risengang who handled printing promptly appeared. Having apparently heard about what happened at Haldenzel and Groschel, they made no particular comment about me transporting the Gutenbergs by riding beast, and the tour began.
"The place where the Gutenbergs will be staying is the town of Frose, located a short distance from the Summer Villa."
The closest Commoner town to the Summer Villa—which sat atop a small hill surrounded by forest—was apparently Frose. Everyone mounted their riding beasts and crossed the wall surrounding the Summer Villa.
Frose, located at the bottom of the hill, had an atmosphere somewhat reminiscent of
A few nobles grimaced slightly at the idea of descending into a Commoner town, but
"The blacksmith workshop and woodworking workshop are both here. Please teach the residents of Frose."
"Understood."
We greeted the masters at the blacksmith and woodworking workshops and were given permission to leave our luggage there. It was the same type of work we had done at Groschel. Watching this, Brünhilde surveyed the town with slightly widened eyes, as though she had noticed something.
"Unlike the lower town in Groschel, the dirt and stench aren't noticeable here. I wonder why?"
"Because this is a land where farming thrives, Brünhilde."
Unlike Groschel, which was enclosed by walls modeled after Ehrenfest, Risengang only had a wall around the Summer Villa—there was no lower town, and farmland spread out immediately beyond. Since the area centered on agriculture, the population density was low, and the stench didn't linger in the town.
"Has
In response to Brünhilde's question, Leonore nodded and said, "Yes."
"As an apprentice knight, I left the Summer Villa on occasion to subjugate magical beasts. That was before I entered Lady Rozemyne's service, so it was only for a few years."
Brünhilde was a relative of Risengang, so she had apparently visited several times. However, since she only stayed at the Summer Villa, she hadn't noticed the differences in where the Commoners lived—it had simply never entered her field of vision or awareness. She murmured that she never imagined such differences existed.
"As Lady Rozemyne said at Groschel, it's quite true that other territories and Groschel are very different from each other."
The reason Brünhilde had become able to make such comparisons was because she had stepped into the lower town with her own feet. Seeing different lands and different ways of doing things—she could use what she learned to benefit her own territory. When I said as much, Brünhilde smiled firmly and said, "I will do my best."
"By the way, where is the printing workshop?"
It was Wilfried, who was visiting the town for a final inspection, who answered my question.
"It's next to the Winter Villa. I've heard that in Risengang, as in Haldenzel, printing is conducted as part of the winter handicrafts."
Risengang had a vast area of farmland, and unlike Haldenzel, it was located in the south, so the snow melted early. As a result, it was said to be such a prosperous agricultural region that it was called Ehrenfest's granary. Printing was merely a side business, they said—not something to make their main occupation.
"The Giebe said that Risengang's top priority must be farming. Since Risengang is Ehrenfest's granary, they can't afford to neglect agriculture. It makes sense."
Risengang's harvest yields were directly linked to the food supply for winter social events. They reportedly exercised meticulous care every year to avoid being criticized for a poor harvest.
"Brother Wilfried, you really did your homework."
"Hmm?"
"I was admiring how thoroughly you've researched Risengang."
"I looked into various things with
Wilfried looked a bit smug at my words. I heard Mother say, "Oh my," in a delighted voice, and Brother Cornelius muttered with amusement, "Is Rozemyne the next target?"
"During your stay in Frose, Gutenbergs, please stay here."
We moved through the town of Frose, dropping off luggage at workshops here and there, and the final destination was the Winter Villa where the Gutenbergs would be staying. The civil official said that since the farmers would be returning to their own lands, the Gutenbergs should stay there instead.
"It was the right call bringing so many cleaning supplies."
Having endured difficulties at Groschel, the grey priests had apparently come well-prepared to keep themselves clean, knowing they would be staying in a lower town once again.
"
"Of course.
The two most accustomed to long-term assignments disembarked from the lesser beast and immediately split up to start working. The Gutenbergs followed their instructions and began unloading the luggage. Smiling at the reliable sight, I called out to Lutz.
"The meals during our stay have been entrusted to Hugo, so please eat in the wing."
"Much appreciated."
I heard Lutz's voice behind me saying, "All right, everyone—let's clean!" as I headed back to the Summer Villa with just
Back at the Summer Villa, Giebe Risengang and Mother held the center of a tea-drinking meeting where they conducted the final confirmations for the printing business, while the Plantan Company signed the necessary contracts for the printing association and the Plant Paper Association.
Since Risengang, like Ilgner, also had mountains and forests, it seemed that those who had worked in forestry would be involved in the papermaking business planned for those areas. Since even orphans could help out, it would likely become work for women, children, and the elderly.
"Giebe Risengang, I apologize for the presumption, but if printing is to be part of the winter handicrafts, might the return not justify the investment?"
Benno had a slightly worried look on his face, as though wondering whether they should proceed with the contract. Compared to the initial investment, the operating period was short, and unlike Haldenzel, it wouldn't become a winter enterprise with the entire population pitching in—so the profits would likely be small.
"That is not for merchants to worry about. When considering whether the investment is justified, the amount of money is not the only factor. Rest assured, I won't be canceling the contract later."
At Giebe Risengang's words, Benno said, "Much obliged," and turned to Damian. Damian handed over the contract, and the agreement was swiftly concluded.
"With this, all the contracts the Plantan Company needs to complete regarding the printing association and the Plant Paper Association are finished."
"I see. Then you should rejoin the other Gutenbergs."
At Giebe Risengang's words, Benno and Damian stood up, exchanged their leave-taking greetings, and exited the Summer Villa. Being in a place full of only high-ranking nobles seemed mentally taxing, so I simply gave a light nod and silently watched the two leave. They could relax in the wing.
Once only nobles remained in the room, Giebe Risengang had the tea refreshed and turned his gaze to Wilfried and Charlotte. He maintained his gentle smile, but his eyes seemed to be probing for something, so I braced myself as though to shield the two of them.
"Opportunities like this are exceedingly rare. Rather than hearing it secondhand, I would like to hear Lady Rozemyne's own words directly. Would that be acceptable?"
...Not Brother Wilfried or Charlotte, but me!?
I flinched at the unexpected words and straightened my back. I couldn't very well say "No, that's not acceptable" in front of everyone. Not only my attendants, but Wilfried's and Charlotte's attendants all tensed as well.
"Uncle."
Leonore spoke up, but Giebe Risengang gave a slight shake of his head, refusing any intervention. When I looked toward Mother and Father, they quietly nodded. They were telling me to handle it well.
...I would put Wilfried forward and emphasize that I had no intention of becoming the next Lord.
Recalling what the Chief Priest had told me, I faced Giebe Risengang.
"Please, go ahead."
"My apologies. ...I believe there is no Erwirblieb who, while in a position to reach Geduldh, would refrain from reaching out. What are your thoughts, Lady Rozemyne?"
...Being asked what I think puts me in a tough spot. Hold on. This is hard to decode.
"It is certainly true that no Erwirblieb would refrain from reaching out to Geduldh."
I echoed his words back almost verbatim to buy time while I thought desperately.
...Hmm, Geduldh can refer to one's homeland or the land where one lives, so this time it probably means Ehrenfest?
After a moment of deliberation, I interpreted his words to mean something like, "You have been adopted, become a Lord candidate, and possess the achievements, ability, Magic Power, and backing worthy of the next Lord—so why don't you aim for the position?" I was fairly certain I was right.
"I believe what Giebe Risengang says is true, but I am not an Erwirblieb, so I do not need Geduldh."
I replied that not everyone desired the position of Lord, and Giebe Risengang slowly let out a breath.
"My niece Leonore, my relative Brünhilde, and my half-brother's son
The Giebe said that, but if a former Commoner like me became Aub, nothing would fall into place.
"Lord Wilfried was removed from the line of succession after entering the Tower of Silence and was placed in the same position as his other siblings. However, through his engagement to Lady Rozemyne, he is once again being considered for the next Lord. The one truly suited to be Lord should be Lady Rozemyne, yet it is Lord Wilfried who is being eyed for the position. As Risengang, who shares your blood, that is utterly frustrating."
If I were the next Lord and Wilfried my fiancé, there would be no problem at all—but they apparently couldn't understand why it was the other way around.
I tilted my head and turned my gaze toward Wilfried. He was trying hard not to hang his head, but his tightly clenched fists told the full story.
"Since I believe Brother Wilfried is more suited to be Lord, the situation you describe could never come to pass."
Not just the Giebe, but even Wilfried looked at me in surprise. The attendants and knights around us all widened their eyes and turned their gazes toward me. Father looked particularly intrigued.
"Brother Wilfried, having once been cast down, knows what it means to work hard to claw his way back up. He participates in the Temple's religious ceremonies—which many nobles shun—to lighten the burden on me as High Priest. And by seeing the people of Ehrenfest for himself, he has learned what it truly takes to be a Lord—one who protects the people and strives to live alongside them."
I added that Giebe Haldenzel had also acknowledged this point, and Giebe Risengang slowly stroked his chin.
"But isn't the same true of you, Lady Rozemyne? You have amassed enough achievements to brush off the bad reputation of being Temple-raised, you have served Ehrenfest faithfully as High Priest, and you even devote your heart to orphans and protect the people."
...When put that way, I really do sound like a saint.
I couldn't really think of it as referring to me, so I let the words drift past me in a daze. I suppose this was how Hartmut's Saint legend had spread as well. Not something I wanted to think about.
"Giebe Risengang, there is a fundamental difference between Brother Wilfried and myself. It is a difference so great that I can say with certainty it determines who is suited to be Lord."
"And what might that be?"
Giebe Risengang's eyes widened slightly and he leaned forward. I could feel everyone's attention focused on me. I placed my hand on my chest and smiled.
"I live for books. Whether it's making cheaper paper or building printing workshops, everything I do is to increase the number of books for myself to read. Right now, if you look only at the results, it has benefited the territory—but everything I've done, I've done for myself. It wasn't started for the territory's sake. Unlike Brother Wilfried, who wants to live alongside the people, I want to increase the number of books, read books, and live with books."
"...I-Is that so?"
He had probably received some information about my love of books, but his expression suggested he never imagined it went this far, as surprise surfaced on his face.
Perhaps seeing the Giebe's composure crack eased some of the tension, because Wilfried broke into a smile.
"The challenge for the next Lord is to let Rozemyne pursue her own desires as she pleases, while turning them to Ehrenfest's advantage. I still have many shortcomings, but I intend to keep working at it. Giebe Risengang, who serves as Rozemyne's powerful backing, I ask that you please support us—helping to realize her ideas, sometimes even restraining her and making her give up—whatever serves Ehrenfest's best interests. Since Risengang shares Rozemyne's blood, that is very reassuring."
...Brother Wilfried, saying that is basically the same as saying, "Since I want you to be the next Lord, I can surely stop your reckless ideas easily!"
I had no idea how oblivious he could be, but Wilfried's words apparently struck Giebe Risengang—whose ignorance of my tendency to go off the rails was total—a critical blow.
"I understand both of your positions well. However, Risengang is somewhat removed from Ehrenfest. I can only offer cooperation within my means, but please allow me to provide my assistance."
The Giebe Risengang, who had been claiming to be my backing, had retreated to "cooperation within my means."
"For that, we'll need to move my grandfather's hardline stance, but..."
Giebe Risengang turned his gaze toward what I assumed was the direction of Grandfather's room.
That concludes my talk with Giebe Risengang.
More on where this man stands will come next time.
Next, I'll go visit Grandfather.