...Ohhh, Lady
With my shoulders slumped from the shock of being alienated by my dear book-loving friend, I trudged down the dormitory stairs on the lesser bus. I'd been told to wait in the multipurpose hall until lunch was ready.
"Oh Sister, we'll be practicing the Dedication Dance this afternoon, so we'll be able to be together then."
Charlotte looked up and said that when she noticed me. I nodded with a smile, then realized something terrible and felt the blood drain from my face in an instant. If I practiced the Dedication Dance in my current state, where I couldn't control my Magic Power, it was obvious that blessings would keep pouring out without end. I'd already alienated Hannelore during the morning lectures—if I did the same thing in the afternoon, she'd definitely start keeping her distance from me.
...I don't want that! Relying on divine intervention alone won't cut it—I need to do something!
"Lord Wilfried, Charlotte. I can't control my Magic Power, so I'm afraid the blessings won't stop during practice. Is there any good way to stop them?"
At my words, Wilfried, Charlotte, and everyone else in the multipurpose hall began to seriously rack their brains. This was because the children who had been hit by the blessings I'd let loose during the music lecture had been viewed with suspicion by those around them and had a terrible time. It was no longer someone else's problem for the students of the Ehrenfest dormitory.
"...Didn't Teacher
At Wilfried's suggestion, I shook my head. It wasn't as though I hadn't tried coming up with countermeasures at all.
"I used up Magic Power at the gathering spot on Earthday yesterday, but it didn't really help."
"I see. I was surprised by the sudden blessings, but that was to reduce your Magic Power, wasn't it."
Wilfried let out a soft sigh, and Charlotte blinked her indigo eyes as she looked at me.
"Sister, even all those blessings didn't help!?"
"No. During the morning lecture, I was the only one who had barely made it close to the end of the curriculum—my Magic Power was that far from depleted. And to make matters worse, I apparently startled Lady Hannelore, who was sitting next to me. She told me off, saying it was unfair that I didn't have to struggle despite receiving the same divine protections."
At Wilfried's words, Charlotte murmured, "You'll need to use even more Magic Power, won't you?"
"If I send a letter to Ehrenfest right now saying I want to fill empty magic stones and Magical Tools with excess Magic Power before the afternoon lecture, the empty magic stones should arrive after lunch, don't you think? ...With the Trombe subjugation coming up soon, the knights would appreciate it."
For just a brief moment, the gazes of the former
"If you're going to assist with the Trombe subjugation, the medicinal herbs grown in the gathering spot using
"It's not something that can be done during a lunch break, so it'll have to wait until today is over, but I think that's a good idea. It would help Ehrenfest, and it would help me too."
I immediately gave instructions to
"
"Understood."
As I watched Roderick's retreating figure as he hurried out of the room, Judith approached me in a small voice.
"Um, Lady Rozemyne. If your Magic Power has increased that much, would it be all right for me to receive some for my magic stone?"
"Of course, Judith. ...Not just Judith—anyone who needs Magic Power, please speak up! As long as it's before the Dedication Dance, I'll provide my Magic Power for free. I'm desperate!"
The multipurpose hall stirred. However, there was an atmosphere of reluctance at the idea of receiving Magic Power from a lord candidate. Amid this,
"Then, I'd like to ask for your help as well. I used them up during training and was meaning to recharge them."
"Understood."
When I began filling them with Magic Power,
"Of course. It doesn't matter if it's Alexis,
As I nodded while scanning the multipurpose hall, the apprentice knights remaining after the minimum guard was left behind all rushed to their rooms to fetch their magic stones and Magical Tools. A step behind them, the apprentice attendants and apprentice scholars followed.
"My lady, providing your Magic Power for free is not something to be admired, you know."
"I know. But I'm desperate."
I pursed my lips as I filled my guard knights' magic stones with Magic Power. It wasn't like I was doing this by choice. I was trying to suppress the blessing terrorism that could erupt at any time and place.
"Thank you so much!"
The magic stones lined up before me ranged from somewhat large to small ones. I pointed to several of the lined-up stones.
"Please be careful with magic stones this small, as they may turn into gold dust."
At my words, those who wanted to use their stones for magic purposes hastily pulled them back. However, there were also apprentice scholars whose eyes lit up at the word "gold dust" who brought out smaller stones. Many magic stones lined the table before me. I reached out and flowed Magic Power into them one after another.
"Thank you very much, Lady Rozemyne."
"This is a great help."
While everyone looked at their magic stones with delighted smiles or tidied up the gold dust, the bell rang to indicate that lunch preparations were complete.
"I'll fill the remaining magic stones after the meal."
After finishing lunch, I continued to pour Magic Power into the magic stones one after another. Because of the many divine protections I had, the amount of Magic Power I felt I was using was remarkably small.
"How much do you think I'd need to use to suppress the blessings?"
"No one else would know that."
The first batch of empty magic stones also arrived from Ehrenfest. A second batch was apparently coming tonight. I promptly filled them with Magic Power and sent them back. The magic stones my adoptive father sent were mostly large ones, and they absorbed a good amount of Magic Power.
"...Will this be enough?"
"If you still think it won't be enough and the blessings won't stop, how about just fainting as usual the moment you pass and burying the whole thing, like always?"
At Wilfried's suggestion, Charlotte nodded.
"If you say that Sister used up so much Magic Power that she collapsed because she wanted to give everyone blessings, wouldn't that at least help shake off the impression that she's troubled by having an excess of Magic Power?"
"Lady Charlotte, saying she performed blessings until she collapsed might obscure the amount of Magic Power, but it would accelerate Lady Rozemyne's Saint legend."
At Brünhilde's words about accelerating the Saint legend, I said, "That would be a problem," and Charlotte tilted her head with her hand on her cheek.
"But we can't deny Sister's Saint legend anymore, can we? You've received an innumerable number of divine protections from the gods, and your Magic Power is so great that blessings overflow at the slightest provocation—it's causing real trouble."
"Ugh..."
"The important point is how much you can obscure and what kind of impression you give to those around you as a Saint. It's already well known that you are a Saint with abundant Magic Power who performs many prayers and blessings, and there's no material to deny it."
I wasn't actually a Saint, but when it came to my words and actions, I truly couldn't deny it.
"Let's discuss Rozemyne's image management later. We should think about the afternoon practice instead. Time is running out. Why not wear all the charms Uncle gave you until the last possible moment, and take every measure you can to prevent even a drop of Magic Power from leaking out?"
"I'll do that."
I returned to my room, put on all the charms
"This should be enough. Lord Wilfried, Charlotte—if things go south, please escort me out of the small hall."
The Dedication Dance was for lord candidates only. The only ones I could count on this time were Wilfried and Charlotte. As the two nodded firmly, Richalta also offered, "I shall wait outside the door today as well."
And so, the three of us entered the small hall with our resolve set. This was the first time I'd been this nervous for Dedication Dance practice. Wilfried went straight to
After greeting Luetzinde, I looked around the small hall.
...There she was. Lady Hannelore.
I had only just been alienated moments ago. I was agonizing over whether it would be okay to greet her. If she avoided me here, I'd be so depressed I'd want to hole up in the hidden room for days. As I was lost in thought, Hannelore caught my eye and gave me a small wave with a smile.
...She's not avoiding me! Thank goodness! Thank you, gods!
I was about to go greet Hannelore, but Charlotte grabbed my arm and stopped me.
"Sister, you seem a little too excited—are you all right?"
"I-I'm fine."
...Right. Getting excited won't help. Calm down, calm down.
As I held my chest and took deep breaths, Luetzinde looked down at me with concern.
"Is Lady Rozemyne not feeling well today?"
"It's not that I'm unwell, but the Dedication Dance is a bit of a strain on Sister. It's the amount of movement, of course, but since it's a dance dedicated to the gods, Sister, who is the High Priest, can't help but push herself."
Charlotte said that with a worried look and let out a soft sigh. If blessings did burst out, this would serve as a partial excuse, and pretending to collapse would also be acceptable. Excellent preparation.
...Charlotte is the best! My sister!
While I was silently praising Charlotte in my mind, Hannelore approached me. The one with her, glancing about nervously as they came, was
"Good day, Lady Rozemyne."
Charlotte and Luetzinde, sensing that Hannelore had something to say to me, quickly moved away. I smiled warmly at Hannelore and Lestilaut.
"Good day, Lady Hannelore, Lord Lestilaut. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Ah. When are you planning to hold the tea party between Ehrenfest and
I was a bit annoyed that Lestilaut was saying they'd prepare something else if they weren't satisfied with the hair ornament Turi made, when Hannelore put her hand to her cheek and shook her head.
"Brother, why not honestly say that you're terribly excited to see what Ehrenfest's hair ornament turns out like?"
"I'm merely curious about what a backwater like Ehrenfest is capable of. That's all—there's nothing about being excited."
"Lady Rozemyne completes all her lectures on the first day, so she asked me to come with her because she wanted to arrange a meeting while we had the chance."
Hmph, Lestilaut turned away with a snort, and Hannelore tried to smooth things over. Between the two of them, it was easy to tell who to believe. I was friends with Hannelore, after all.
"Lord Lestilaut, I'm happy that you're looking forward to it. However, I'll be taking the apprentice scholars' course this year as well, so I'll need some more time for social engagements. ...How about we check each other's schedules in ten days? My plans should be more settled by then."
"Ten days, then. Very well."
When Lestilaut nodded, Hannelore let out a breath of relief that things had been settled, and a soft smile appeared on her face.
At that moment, a voice slipped in through the gap.
"Oh my, Lestilaut, did you order a hair ornament from Ehrenfest too? My fiancé is from Ehrenfest, so I ordered one as well."
Dietlinde entered with her characteristic "ho ho ho" laugh, and Lestilaut's mouth twisted as if he were annoyed.
"I just wanted to see what a backwater like Ehrenfest is capable of producing."
"Oh, but you'll be presenting it to your escort partner, won't you? Just as I'll be receiving one."
...Oh, right! I need to make it clear here that Lord Ferdinand had nothing to do with the design of Lady Dietlinde's hair ornament!
Remembering my mission, I put on a smile.
"Lady Dietlinde went out of her way to visit Ehrenfest to foster exchange between our territories. She chose the ornament she liked at that time herself."
"...It wasn't something made to look like the one your fiancé ordered?"
At Lestilaut's words, Dietlinde's smile deepened.
"Of course my fiancé will be presenting one to me."
"Hmm... I don't think your fiancé's taste is all that bad, though..."
As he spoke, Lestilaut shifted his gaze between my hair ornament and Dietlinde.
"What exactly did your fiancé order?"
"I haven't received it yet, so I don't know what the finished product will look like."
Dietlinde kept insisting that it was something her fiancé was gifting her, not something she had ordered herself, and she gave me a glance. Receiving a look that said "explain it to him," I began describing Dietlinde's hair ornament to Lestilaut.
"Five Schentis flower hair ornaments. The size is a bit small, but it might be easier to imagine if you think of Lady
At my explanation, Hannelore's eyes widened in surprise, and Lestilaut made an exasperated face.
"...You ordered five of them for graduation?"
"My fiancé will apparently present me with the most splendid hair ornaments possible. I can hardly contain my excitement to see what they'll look like."
Dietlinde smiled with the corners of her red lips lifted. The problem was that I couldn't get her to admit in words that the design was hers. Having no choice, I decided to shift direction a little. The flower design itself was similar to the one I'd given Adolphine, so that wasn't an issue. The key was that when Dietlinde wore them poorly, I could say "their taste is bad."
"I see you're surprised by the five flowers, but they're by no means wasted. Since all the flowers are different colors, they can be arranged to look either elegant or lavish depending on the combination, and by adjusting the number, they can be used for anything from everyday wear to glamorous occasions."
"I see."
Lestilaut murmured that it would be interesting to change the combination to suit the occasion, and sank into thought. Dietlinde puffed out her chest and smiled at this.
"It was actually my suggestion that such versatile hair ornaments would be best."
"Ehrenfest believes it was able to meet Lady Dietlinde's requirements. The design truly was splendid."
When I praised her, Dietlinde nodded several times with a satisfied smile.
"Wasn't it? I can't just leave things to Ehrenfest's artisans. I know best what suits me."
...It was Brünhilde and the others who came up with the design, but oh well. At any rate, I'd gotten her to admit that "she designed it."
"I look forward to graduation to see what kind of hair ornament you've come up with."
"Oh yes, Lord Lestilaut, you'll be quite startled when you see my hair ornament. Ho ho ho..."
While we were having this conversation, the instructors entered the group,
"Lady Eglantine will be demonstrating for us today. Upperclassmen, of course, but all underclassmen should watch carefully as well."
When the Dedication Dance instructor said this, Eglantine smiled gently, removed her black cloak, and handed it to the woman who appeared to be an Attendant she had brought along.
Then, with movements so graceful and fluid it seemed as though the dance had already begun, she moved to the center of the room and knelt down smoothly.
Her face, which had been quietly lowered, lifted sharply, and her body began to move gently. Lithe arms stretched upward toward the towering, vast sky.
...How beautiful!
I could only sigh. Mesmerized, I kept my eyes fixed on Eglantine's dance, not wanting to miss even a moment. The movement of her fingers, the flutter of her long sleeves, the direction of her gaze—everything was perfect. Just watching her was enough to make one feel happy.
As I was enchanted by Eglantine's Dedication Dance, I noticed Dietlinde, who was playing the
"I'm sure Lady Eglantine means no harm, but she does seem rather full of herself, doesn't she? A graduate performing the dance—it's almost like the Chaos Goddess backing the God of Winter, wouldn't you say?"
...If you have time to complain about Eglantine giving an unsolicited demonstration, why not watch closely and use it for practice? Compared to Lord Lestilaut's Darkness God, Lady Dietlinde's Goddess of Light is underwhelming, you know.
While I continued to watch Eglantine's dance without looking away, arguing back in my mind, Charlotte, who had been approached by Dietlinde, said in her gentle voice: "When I enrolled, Teacher Eglantine had already graduated, so I'm delighted to be able to witness such a wonderful dance."
After watching Eglantine's demonstration, it was time for our own practice. The lower classmen would observe, but everyone else would be separated by grade for practice.
As I headed toward the third-year area, Eglantine smiled brightly.
"I'm looking forward to seeing how much Lady Rozemyne, who showed us such a wonderful dance as a first-year, has improved."
"That's too much pressure, Teacher Eglantine."
"Haha."
She was probably genuinely looking forward to it—Eglantine truly loved dancing. But she was also probably trying to extract information from me, even a little. Otherwise, I couldn't imagine she'd bother coming to the practice hall.
...No blessings allowed.
I caught Charlotte's eye as she watched from the side of the wall. Charlotte looked nervous too, her fingers interlaced as she watched me intently.
...This is nerve-wracking.
I had to finish the Dedication Dance without letting blessings overflow. Taking a slow breath, I knelt in place.
"I am one who offers prayers and gratitude to the gods who created this world."
As the lord candidate from the highest-ranked territory, Hannelore spoke the opening words. I was supposed to echo them, but unable to let blessings out, I merely moved my mouth without producing any voice.
...Now, the prayer pose.
The Dedication Dance was a dance fraught with the danger of blessings. I sent my consciousness to my very fingertips, exercising the utmost caution so that not a single drop of Magic Power leaked out as I danced. Never before had I danced so seriously—I could proudly say that.
Even during movements that weren't particularly fast, my body was already heating up and beads of sweat were forming. My breathing was getting a little difficult. I'd feel so much better if I just let the blessings pour out, but I couldn't afford to stand out any more at the
...Almost there.
As the movements grew faster, my breathing became more ragged. I focused on dancing without disturbing my breath, completely sealing away the Magic Power that raged within me like searing heat.
My fingertips cut through the air, the breeze against my cheeks felt cold as I spun, and at the end I knelt once more. That was it. Sweat dripped from my forehead, but no blessings overflowed.
...I did it! I worked so hard. Someone praise me!
The moment I let out a sigh of relief, I noticed for the first time.
...What is this!? I'm sparkling!
Every single magic stone I was wearing seemed filled with Magic Power. Starting with the charms on my necklace and bracelet, all the magic stone charms across my body were glowing intensely, demanding attention.
I instinctively lost my composure and sat down, pressing my hands against the Magical Tools. But the glow didn't fade.
...Is this safe? Or out?
I couldn't immediately tell what state I was in, so I turned to Charlotte. Charlotte's face changed as if struck by realization, and she rushed over to me.
"Sister, how much Magic Power were you trying to pour into your blessings!? At this rate, you'll lose consciousness and collapse again!"
"I-I didn't actually produce any blessings, right?"
They didn't overflow, right? I asked to confirm, and Charlotte nodded.
"You didn't reach the point of blessings, but even so, your heart's sincerity in praying to the gods was fully conveyed. That's more than enough. Brother, please take Sister back to the dormitory right away."
"I can't, Charlotte. The results of the practice haven't been announced yet..."
After trying so hard, I couldn't go back to the dormitory without earning a passing grade. When I looked up at the instructor, the instructor seemed to startle and spoke up.
"I have witnessed Lady Rozemyne's dance given with her whole heart and soul. You have, of course, passed. Please rest yourself right away, and do take care."
"Thank you."
As I bowed my head, I noticed that everyone around me was staring at me with dumbfounded expressions. With me glowing like this, drawing attention was only natural.
"I apologize for the disturbance, everyone."
...After all that meticulous preparation, I was still out!
Supported by Charlotte and Wilfried, with tears threatening to fall and my body still burning hot, I staggered out of the small hall.
"My lady... I shall escort you back. Lord Wilfried and Lady Charlotte, please continue your practice."
Richalta seemed to understand everything from the state of the magic stones, and she said that before taking me back to the dormitory.
Back at the dormitory, the second batch of empty magic stones and Magical Tools had arrived, so I kept pouring in Magic Power, which cooled me down and made me feel a bit better.
"...Richalta, what's this?"
"A letter from the Aub Ehrenfest."
Along with the magic stones, a letter from my adoptive father had arrived.
It specified a meeting date and time with Hirschur.
I tried all sorts of countermeasures, but it was like pouring water on a hot stone.
Lestilaut is secretly rivaling Dietlinde's hair ornament.
And Lady Dietlinde is in top form.
Next up: the meeting between Hirschur and the Aub.