Lord's Conference Report Meeting (Year Two)

I asked Hartmut about what had happened to the Chief Priest, but it seemed he was only permitted to sit in during the negotiations with Dunkelfelger. He apparently wasn't allowed to be present where the Chief Priest had been summoned.

"All I saw was the Aub Ehrenfest shouting in the dormitory while Ferdinand-sama calmly deflected it all. Based on what I overheard, it seemed to be an unavoidable royal command."

And so I received Hartmut's report on the results of the negotiations with Dunkelfelger. The agreements regarding royalties and translation were roughly within the expected range.

"That lord's wife is quite frightening. She didn't seem certain, but she appeared to have noticed the printing."

"Why do you think so?"

"She had compared the books lent to Lady Hannalore, and the handwriting had virtually no variation—enough that it would be strange to call them the work of the same person. The way ink clung around the letters was different from other handwritten books. More than anything, the fact that the idea of selling books in Ehrenfest arose suggested that the same things could be produced using some kind of technology."

…Large territory officials are terrifying.

Drewanchel, who immediately began analyzing the rinshan tea he received as a sample, was also extremely scary, but the fact that Dunkelfelger's officials could notice all of this without even knowing about printing was frightening enough. The difference between Ehrenfest and them was made painfully clear.

"Also, they were comparatively quick to understand the costs and divisions related to royalties and translation."

Introducing entirely new concepts is difficult. Because making books by hand is taken for granted, the idea of "per book" was especially hard for them to grasp, and it was very challenging to get the lower-ranking officials involved in the printing industry to understand. Mother, who actually made and sold books, grasped it very quickly.

"I was extremely tense throughout the meeting, as I received piercing glances questioning whether I was a suitable match for Clarissa."

Clarissa's father had apparently been the Aub's guard knight, and Hartmut said he had been glared at the entire time. He finished the meeting nervous about whether he might be suddenly attacked.

"During the attack at the award ceremony, Lady Rozemyne's Wind Goddess shield that protected the Ehrenfest students had been very eye-catching, and it was even the talk of the Lord's Conference."

"…Hartmut, you didn't say anything unnecessary, did you?"

"Only the Saint legends about Lady Rozemyne that have already been publicly discussed. I have that much discretion."

He had apparently wanted to spread more recent Saint legends, such as the blessing of the Darkness God when he first defeated Tarnisbefahren and the recovery of gathering sites. But he said he had properly restrained himself.

"Restrain yourself a bit more, and please stop spreading exaggerated tales like the Saint legends."

"Since I have nothing but modest stories to offer, I am somewhat dissatisfied on a personal level, but if it is Lady Rozemyne's wish, I have no choice."

The next day's event was the same report meeting as last year. A large number of people gathered: the lord's family and their retainers, the knights' order, and upper-ranking officials. Wilfried, Charlotte, and I walked together to the conference room and took our assigned seats.

"Uncle is unusually cheerful. Was being summoned to the Lord's Conference a good thing, I wonder?"

Wilfried, sitting to my left, made that observation while looking at the Chief Priest, who was seated almost directly across from us. I had been trying to avoid looking at the Chief Priest's forced smile, but I shuddered. It was a smile I had rarely seen before. That was precisely what made it so frightening. I had absolutely no idea what the Chief Priest was thinking behind that smile or what he was angry about.

"Brother Wilfried, you mustn't be deceived. That is the face of someone who is extremely displeased."

"Is that so?"

"…It's a smile I've never seen before?"

Charlotte, sitting to my right, let out a startled voice, and Wilfried compared my expression with the Chief Priest's, looking skeptical.

"Ferdinand-sama hides minor emotional fluctuations behind a blank expression, but when he is extremely angry or in pain, he deliberately puts on a smile so that those around him won't notice his emotions."

"Rozemyne."

The Chief Priest deepened his smile and called my name, then raised one hand to cover his mouth. Realizing I was being told to shut up, I covered my own mouth with both hands and nodded several times.

…I knew it—the Chief Priest is scarier when he's smiling.

"It seems everyone is here."

Once everyone was ready, the lord and his wife entered. And just like last year, the report meeting began.

"As there have been major changes again this year, there are many announcements. Many important decisions were made, so please be careful not to miss anything."

After my adoptive father's greeting, his official announced this year's rankings. Ehrenfest was eighth. At the next Noble Academy, they would use the eighth door and room.

"Thanks to the Rozemyne method of magic compression, many children of growing age have seen significant growth in their Magic Power. Moreover, I believe the results of those children who set a goal of improving not just individual but overall territorial performance are well reflected in the number of top performers. Results at the Noble Academy have improved considerably. I hope you will continue in this vein."

At the ranking announcement, Wilfried puckered his lips in slight dissatisfaction.

"I had hoped we would rank higher…"

"With only Noble Academy results and trends, it would be difficult to go much higher, I think. Unless Ehrenfest gains more influence in the Central Government, we're probably approaching our ceiling. The territories above us are mostly medium territories with royal relatives or large territories that already had significant influence."

If they aimed for an even higher ranking, they would need to push trends, of course, but also send capable personnel to the Central Government. However, if personnel capable of speaking and wielding influence in the Central Government flowed out from Ehrenfest, the territory would find itself in a difficult position.

"So we need to develop personnel?"

"If we want to maintain these results while producing capable people, it will require time."

Wilfried and Charlotte both sighed in unison. Ehrenfest tended to have relatively few nobles for its land size. It would still take considerable time to cultivate personnel worthy of sending to the Central.

"Through this year's transactions, we can say we have gained a small amount of influence in the Central and with Klassenberg. Next year, we plan to finally expand printed materials at the Noble Academy. Those involved in the printing industry should approach their work with full vigilance."

And then, a report was given on this year's transactions. Deals had been finalized with the Central, Klassenberg, and Dunkelfelger. An official surveyed everyone in the conference room and reported.

"The Central was granted eight, Klassenberg—who caused that commotion in the lower city—was granted six, and Dunkelfelger was also granted six as the upper limit for commercial permits. For territories that once again could not secure transactions this year, we sold the manufacturing method for rinshan tea and candy recipes that Lady Rozemyne had authorized."

Since many territories wanted rinshan tea, the manufacturing methods had been sold at quite high prices, but they reportedly sold well.

"This should help curb the rise in plant oil prices to some extent. While expanding transactions is necessary, I have come to realize keenly that this requires not just improvements to Ehrenfest's lower city but overall infrastructure development."

The lower city of Ehrenfest could only accommodate a limited number of merchants, so unless they expanded Ehrenfest's city, or improved towns along the route like Groschel, they would not be able to increase transactions further.

…But this kind of urban planning is my adoptive father's job.

"Now then, I shall report on the printing industry. Discussions were held regarding the publication of a book about Dunkelfelger's history."

After the report—based on what Hartmut had told me—my adoptive father's retainers brought a box and handed it to him.

"I have here, on behalf of Dunkelfelger, spoils of war to be entrusted to Ferdinand, who won the rights through Ditter."

These were apparently the materials that Heisshitz had offered as incentives to lure the Chief Priest into the competition. The Chief Priest checked the contents of the box, nodded saying "I accept them," and handed it to Justus.

Then another official stood up and began presenting marriage proposals for Charlotte.

"With Wilfried-sama and Rozemyne-sama already engaged, marriage proposals for Lady Charlotte have been flooding in."

From second and third wives of large territories, and—unprecedented—to first wives of upper-ranking medium territories, there had apparently been an overwhelming number of proposals.

"As this is not something that can be decided immediately, the response has been held in reserve, and it will be considered with Lady Charlotte's input included."

Ehrenfest, it seemed, was also still in a state where it had not decided which territory to ally with at all. They needed to carefully consider whether a second or third wife alliance with a large territory would be better, or whether a first wife alliance—whose holder could attend the Lord's Conference—would be preferable.

"Similarly, proposals have been received for the Aub Ehrenfest for a second and third wife. Please give these careful consideration as well."

My adoptive father had publicly declared he did not wish to take any wife besides my adoptive mother, but circumstances had changed from the past, when he could simply retreat and maintain ties with almost no one. Through marriage, he needed to establish connections with other territories and expand his influence.

"…As with Charlotte, we shall hold that matter in reserve as well."

When my adoptive father said that with a bitter expression, my adoptive mother shrugged beside him with a look that said "What a difficult man." Clearing his throat, my adoptive father stood up and briskly waved his hand to change the subject.

"Now then, there is news regarding the royal family. Prince Hildebrandt, the child of the King's third wife, has been officially presented."

Though a prince of royal blood from the large territory of Dunkelfelger, he was being raised as a retainer. Dunkelfelger was apparently content with this, and it was no exaggeration to say the next king had been decided to be Sigiswald.

"The child of Gilessenmaier's first wife seems less impressive than Dunkelfelger's third wife's child, who has more Magic Power and appears more capable. Dunkelfelger was quite gracious to step aside."

"They must be prioritizing the avoidance of political upheaval above all else."

Various opinions arose from those around them regarding Hildebrandt being raised as a retainer. Cutting through those voices, another report was delivered.

"Furthermore, the Star Binding ceremony for Prince Anastasius and Lady Eglantine, a lord candidate from Klassenberg, was carried out without incident. The hair ornament Lady Eglantine used during the ceremony was from Ehrenfest. It drew considerable attention, and I expect we will continue to receive orders from large territories and the royal family."

If the Gilberta Company's hair ornament had attracted that much attention, there would surely be orders again this year. As I thought of the faces of the lord candidates graduating next, I wondered whether an order might come from Lestilaut of Dunkelfelger for a hair ornament to present to his partner.

…What will Lady Detlinde do, I wonder? The Aub had requested a groom from us, but the Chief Priest said he had refused.

Hmm, just as I was thinking, my adoptive father spoke up: "Finally, there is a report of great significance for Ehrenfest." His voice had grown slightly lower, and his expression had gone blank as if suppressing his emotions.

…Is this the most important matter from this Lord's Conference?

I raised my head. When everyone's attention had turned to my adoptive father, he slowly opened his mouth.

"By royal command, Ferdinand has been ordered to marry the lord candidate from Ahrensbach. As the bride-to-be, Lady Detlinde, has not yet graduated from the Noble Academy, it will be an engagement for the time being."

…Didn't they say that matter was settled?! A royal command—why?!

Without thinking, I looked at the Chief Priest. His face had been the same since returning from the Lord's Conference—still wearing that forced smile.

"Congratulations on your engagement. For Ferdinand-sama to finally receive such a proposal…"

"You were serving in the Temple, so I imagine no one expected a proposal from a large territory. What an honor."

"He must have made an impression on the royal family by receiving top marks consecutively."

The surrounding nobles offered their congratulations. The Chief Priest responded with slight nods, still maintaining his forced smile. It was clear from his own words that this marriage was not of his choosing, and the anger and dissatisfaction behind that forced smile were evident. Yet he received their congratulations as though it were a joyous occasion.

…How much does the Chief Priest have to endure? Being married to Lady Detlinde, who resembles Lady Veronica so closely—the woman he dislikes—can he truly be happy?

Watching the Chief Priest's forced smile alone was enough to make me feel so frustrated I could almost cry. My adoptive father, who until moments ago had worn a neutral expression, must have felt similarly, because as he watched the Chief Priest, deep furrows formed between his brows and his expression turned unpleasant. A light nudge on the arm from my adoptive mother reminded him to return to a neutral expression, though he didn't quite succeed.

With a slightly sour expression, my adoptive father surveyed the conference room and said, "Quiet." The congratulations fell silent, and attention once again gathered on him.

"What has been decided thus far is that, after Lady Detlinde's graduation, Ferdinand will transfer to Ahrensbach. The Star Binding ceremony will then take place at the immediately following Lord's Conference."

Normally there would be an engagement period of about a year, but this was quite rushed. Something must have happened in Ahrensbach.

"For this reason, Ferdinand must be removed from the position of Chief Priest. As it would be impossible for Rozemyne alone to manage the Temple, a new Chief Priest must be appointed."

A murmur rippled through the conference room. The role of assisting me would offer the benefit of building connections, so it was a desirable position—but the negative impression among nobles regarding involvement with the Temple was strong enough that many would not want it.

Between my retainers' comings and goings and the Haldenzel miracle performed during religious services, a gradual shift in awareness had taken place, but in an emergency, the aversion to the Temple still ran deep.

"Aub Ehrenfest. Please appoint me as Chief Priest."

The one who volunteered was Hartmut. He listed his reasons in rapid succession: he already visited the Temple as my retainer, he had been assisting with some of the Chief Priest's duties, so the transition would be easier than for anyone else, and assisting me was the duty of a retainer.

"But, Hartmut. You… weren't you going to be getting married in a few years?"

The Chief Priest furrowed his brow, noting that it would be impossible to allow someone into the Temple after having already introduced their marriage partner. There were no married priests in the Temple. Marriage was not permitted. That was precisely why my own service as High Priest was limited to the period before adulthood—before marriage.

At the Chief Priest's objection, Hartmut smiled as if it were nothing.

"Like Ferdinand-sama, I am not abandoning my standing as a noble. I am merely assisting Lady Rozemyne. Once Lady Rozemyne reaches adulthood and resigns to get married, I will also resign as Chief Priest and then marry. If Clarissa objects to my entering the Temple to assist Lady Rozemyne, she need only call off the wedding. There is no problem at all."

…I think there's a big problem! Making a promise to marry and then entering the Temple—Clarissa and her parents would see nothing but problems, and she's the only girl who could possibly marry Hartmut! What if this causes the wedding to fall through?!

It would be another four years before I reached adulthood. Making her wait until then would mean Clarissa, who comes of age next year, would be eighteen. It wasn't an age that would be considered an old maid, but I thought it was still a bit too long to keep her waiting.

…I don't need any more retainers who can't get married!

While I was holding my head in distress, my adoptive father appointed the sole candidate as the new Chief Priest.

"Then, Hartmut is hereby appointed Chief Priest. In addition to your duties as retainer at the castle, you will assist Rozemyne at the Temple. It will be extremely demanding work, and the transition period will not be very long, but I am counting on you."

"I accept with certainty."

With the Chief Priest's successor decided, the report meeting came to an end, and a buzz returned to the conference room. With a few exceptions, everyone departed with bright expressions, having gained a topic for celebration.

"That was quite a lot of reports this year."

"Yes. Since the printing industry will be moving in a big way next year, perhaps we should speak with Elvira and have her arrange work assignments for us starting now."

Having decided to give the officials more work and train them through their joint efforts with Grandfather, Wilfried and Charlotte headed toward Mother.

Watching the two of them walk away, I stood up with a clatter and made my way to the Chief Priest, who had not dropped his forced smile.

"Ferdinand-sama, I have something to say."

I wanted to hear his explanation. As I fixed the Chief Priest with a stare, my adoptive father was simultaneously approaching me.

"What a coincidence, Rozemyne. I also had something to discuss with Ferdinand. Both of you, come to my office."

His voice was brimming with anger, and I couldn't help but want to shout, "You don't need to lump us together!"

This is a little shorter than usual, but I'd rather stop here than cut it off mid-chapter. There were a lot of reports to cover.

The Chief Priest is being sent to Ahrensbach as a groom.

Next will be the Private Report Meeting (Year Two).