Since Brother
Once those were over, I moved to the castle to prepare for the dyeing competition. I would be spending the short period until the Harvest Festival there.
"Lady
When I arrived at the castle,
"It's wonderful, Lieseleta!"
"There's just a little left. I'll help too."
...Everyone here is so skilled at feminine arts.
I'll leave things to these ladies with their impressive feminine arts. I have other things I need to do.
"I'll assign the escort detail to
I needed to finish transcribing the
I left all the tea party preparations entirely to
The tea party would be held in the afternoon, but at the third bell, the
I was the first to enter the venue, but my adoptive mother and Mother arrived shortly after.
After exchanging the lengthy greetings typical among nobles, Mother surveyed the room.
"Otto, what are those wooden frames for?"
Employees of the Gilberta Company were setting up wooden frames one after another along the walls. I could tell at a glance that the frames were used for draping cloth. However, it seemed my adoptive mother and Mother didn't grasp that right away. After all, they were accustomed to having merchants spread out cloth in front of them for viewing.
The frames Otto had brought in resembled clothing racks—specifically the kind used to display kimonos spread wide. They stood about two meters tall and looked somewhat like the torii gates of a shrine.
Mother furrowed her brow at the sight of these frames lined up against the walls. When asked, Otto offered a slightly troubled smile and began his explanation.
"Even though this is a debut for new dyeing techniques, it's still a tea party, so I wanted to make sure all the cloth could be seen even from seats farther away. That's how we arrived at this setup."
When nobles choose cloth, it is laid out before them, and they have merchants spread it out, touch it, and examine it before selecting their preferred fabric.
With so many nobles this time, and every one of them needing to see all the cloth, trying to give each person the usual individual treatment would require far too many hands, too much cloth, and far too much time. It simply couldn't be done, and Otto had been racking his brains over the problem.
"The artisan who primarily makes Lady Rozemyne's hair ornaments made a suggestion. Since the castle has white walls, if we lined the frames along the walls, the dyed cloth would really stand out, wouldn't it? If we spread them out large and used them as tea party decorations, it would make it easier for people to appreciate the cloth they prefer."
"Indeed. This time, it's not about selecting cloth for new outfits but rather announcing the dyeing techniques and simultaneously deciding on exclusive artisans. Everyone needs to see all the cloth. I think having them spread out like this makes things much clearer. As long as the staff don't make mistakes in the order of things when nobles are deciding on their exclusive artisan or choosing cloth, there shouldn't be any problems."
Normally, when commissioning new clothing, nobles choose from cloth brought by their exclusive tailor, but this time the purpose was to decide on their exclusive dyeer. As I explained this and backed Otto up, Mother's expression softened slightly.
"...I suppose that's true. If we need to look at every piece of cloth and decide which appeals to us, then even dividing it by table wouldn't leave nearly enough time."
Once the frames were set up and the cloth began to be draped, a variety of reds started to color the stark white walls. Ranging from reds close to pink to reds bordering on orange—though they were all called red, there were countless variations. Many pieces even featured gradations of color within a single cloth. Perhaps because nearly all of them had been created based on my proposal as the Lord's adopted daughter, most bore floral patterns.
As soon as the cloth began to be displayed on the frames, Brunhilde immediately started issuing corrections to the Gilberta Company employees.
"You there, please widen the spacing between those frames. The pattern of this cloth doesn't stand out with them so close together."
"Y-Yes, ma'am."
"This cloth should be displayed so this part is clearly visible. This floral pattern is the most beautiful, isn't it?"
"As you say, madam."
She was giving meticulous instructions on how to display each cloth to its best advantage. The Gilberta Company staff had to make fine adjustments to the positioning to match Brunhilde's observations, which looked exhausting, but Brunhilde's eye for these things was truly remarkable. Even the slightest change really did make a difference in the overall impression.
"Lady Rozemyne..."
Otto caught my eye from where the staff were being run ragged by Brunhilde and gave me a SOS look, calling me in a small voice, but I had no intention of interrupting Brunhilde while she was in her element.
"For the display arrangements, it would be better to leave things to Brunhilde's sense of aesthetics as a noble. That way, it will be better received at the tea party. The Gilberta Company would do well to learn from her."
By that time, the castle Attendants were also busy running around with tea party preparations. The table setup had begun, reports about sweets preparations were coming in, and my adoptive mother was handling those matters.
Mother, who had been watching the cloth being displayed one after another, suddenly looked up as if she had noticed something.
"Otto, looking at the cloth displayed like this, there's no way to tell which artisan made which. Will there be tags or labels?"
Otto shook his head at Mother's words.
"To ensure fairness to the artisans, the cloth brought into the venue has been numbered in a way only the Gilberta Company can identify. If you find a piece of cloth you're so taken with that you'd like to designate it as your exclusive, please tell me the number. I can then provide you with the name of the workshop and the artisan."
"So we're choosing solely by our own eyes. Since this is a new technique, I suppose that's fine."
Mother nodded in agreement, but I was not willing to accept that. If that were the case, I might not be able to designate Mother as my exclusive artisan!
Understanding that Otto's insistence on "fairness" was aimed squarely at preventing my family favoritism, I pouted my lips.
...A little favoritism shouldn't be a big deal! How mean of you, Otto!
With no other option, I would have to find Mother's work with my own eyes.
...I'll do it! I'll show off my family love!
After finishing lunch and completing a final check of the tea party preparations, the tea party began at the fifth bell.
I had been told off by Richarda for skimping on lunch so I could eat lots of tea party sweets, but Ela's recent confections—she'd gotten quite into pies and tarts lately—were very filling. I needed to have at least some room in my stomach or I wouldn't be able to eat much.
"Lady Rozemyne, please allow me to introduce her properly."
Mother, who had briefly gone home for lunch, returned bringing someone who wore the veil of
Just as Mother had been worried about, Aurelia's face was hidden behind a thick, heavily embroidered veil. At first glance, she looked as though she was rejecting Ehrenfest and upholding Ahrensbach's customs.
"Lady Rozemyne, this is Aurelia, Lamprecht's bride. It would be difficult for her to enter the castle alone, so although it's early, I brought her along. Aurelia, this is Lady Rozemyne. She is my daughter and Lamprecht's sister, but she has become the Lord's adopted daughter. She served as High Priest at your Starbinding Ceremony, so she's no stranger to you, I imagine?"
"Yes. I was truly delighted to receive your blessings."
After Mother's introduction, Aurelia and I exchanged greetings. Through the veil concealing her face, it was impossible to really see the person behind it.
"Aurelia, since there are other nobles gathered today, wouldn't it be better to remove your veil?"
"Lady Rozemyne says the same, Aurelia."
"No, Mother. No matter how many times I am told, I shall not..."
Aurelia gripped the veil tightly, making clear her refusal to remove it.
It was obvious that Mother had asked Aurelia multiple times to take off the veil, and equally obvious that we wanted her to remove it since a person whose face you can't see comes across as unsettling.
But the small hand clutching the veil trembled, and to me, Aurelia looked frightened even while wearing it.
"Aurelia, we're worried about you. Insisting on wearing an Ahrensbach veil makes it seem as though you have no intention of fitting in with Ehrenfest."
"That's not my intention at all, but..."
Even so, Aurelia didn't loosen her grip on the veil. I didn't know what kind of misunderstandings she'd faced before, but it seemed to run quite deep.
"If you don't want to remove the veil, how about having a new veil made from Ehrenfest cloth? That way, I think it would immediately give the impression that Aurelia has blended in with Ehrenfest."
I felt Aurelia flinch at my words.
Mother exhaled softly and said, "If that's the case, it would certainly change the impression."
"Today is a day when old and new dyeing techniques from Ehrenfest are displayed side by side. This is a debut showcase for cloth that artisans have dyed using the techniques I proposed. If Aurelia selects a cloth she likes from among these and changes her veil fabric, I think it would make a considerable difference in impression. What do you think?"
"I'm grateful for your wonderful proposal, Lady Rozemyne. I shall have my veil made from Ehrenfest cloth."
Aurelia's voice conveyed a sense of relieved ease.
After that, Mother and my adoptive mother, who had arrived, began bustling about with final preparations. While Brunhilde stood nearby, scrutinizing the cloth display arrangements with a stern eye, I searched for Mother's cloth among the pieces lining the walls.
Because the dyeing workshop had received orders for cloth to be worn at the winter debut, all the displayed pieces were based on red tones.
But within that red, there was a wide variety of colors. From orange-leaning reds to purples close to red, there were cloths of many different hues. Some had gradations from deep red to pale red within a single piece, some had the mottled appearance of tie-dye, and others had patterns dyed at even intervals.
...Which one is Mother's cloth?
Among the colorful fabrics, a few pieces with brighter colors on just the flower portions or with green leaves stood out here and there. Multi-colored cloths were still relatively uncommon, so they really caught the eye.
...Huh? Am I being followed?
Aurelia was trundling along behind me. Since both Mother and my adoptive mother were busy, it was probably my job as the idle one to keep her company.
...Some conversation topic. Something... um.
"Aurelia, you're wearing a veil, but can you see in front of you?"
"...Eh?"
"I once wore a veil meant to hide my face, but at the time I could only see the ground at my feet and couldn't see the person I was facing at all."
During the prayer ceremony of my time as the Blue Shrine Maiden, when I wore a veil, presumably the other person couldn't see my face either, but I also couldn't see theirs. That made socializing impossible, I thought.
Apologetically, Aurelia responded to my question.
"This veil has a magic circle embroidered into it, so... it seems we can see you from this side."
"So there's no chance of mistaking someone while wearing a veil, then."
"Y-Yes, that's right."
"Are you skilled at embroidery, Aurelia?"
"I'm about average, I'd say."
...So she's actually quite good? Lieseleta had said she was average too.
"Lady Rozemyne, you must be skilled at everything, correct? Lamprecht boasted that you were a sister to be proud of."
Lamprecht had apparently told Aurelia that I was truly compassionate like a saint. That without my saving his master
"He told me that because you show mercy even to orphans and those of different factions, you wouldn't dislike me upon our first meeting. But I couldn't simply take that at face value. However, Lady Rozemyne, you spoke kindly to me at the Starbinding Ceremony, didn't you? I was truly happy. And today, rather than asking me to remove my veil, you proposed making a new one—I'm so grateful for that."
Since I'd had almost no contact with Brother Lamprecht, we hadn't spoken much and I hadn't known, but apparently Aurelia was quite grateful to me. The fact that Aurelia approached me with goodwill seemed to be largely due to Brother Lamprecht's words.
I wanted to praise Brother Lamprecht and boost his stock, but no convenient topic came to mind. For now, I'd focus on deepening my rapport with Aurelia.
"In that case, let me, his proud sister, give Aurelia a piece of cloth as a wedding gift. Would you prefer something cute or something beautiful?"
"Given my height and build, I don't think something cute would suit me..."
I could tell Aurelia was shaking her head, but despite saying it wouldn't suit her, she seemed like someone who liked cute things.
"You might want to think carefully about whether the color matches what you usually wear, but since it's a veil and your face is hidden, there's really no question of it suiting you or not."
Aurelia's head tilted ever so slightly. I could practically see her thoughts shifting, and I was starting to enjoy myself.
"Brunhilde, if it's going to be used as a veil, what kind of pattern do you think would suit her?"
"How about this cloth combining shibori and wax-resist dyeing? If you want to showcase a large pattern, this one is also lovely. If you're going to embroider a magic circle, a cloth like this one—where the hem has a pattern but this section is left open—might be quite practical."
Aurelia began examining the cloth with genuine interest. Even though I couldn't see her face, I could tell because she was standing in front of the cloth and staring at it for longer periods.
While watching Brunhilde note down the number of the cloth Aurelia had lingered on longest in the corner of my vision, I continued searching for Mother's cloth.
Having befriended Aurelia before the debut showcase began, I found myself seated between Aurelia and Mother. Mother had given me a secret mission to steer the conversation toward Ahrensbach as much as possible and extract as much information as I could. This was a critical assignment.
...Topics about Ahrensbach.
While sipping tea, I addressed Aurelia.
"Um, Aurelia. There are things I'd like to know about Ahrensbach. May I ask?"
"If it's something I know..."
Her voice stiffened warily, but I had a critical mission to carry out.
"How large is the collection in Ahrensbach's Library?"
"...The Library's collection?"
Aurelia's pitch rose, and I could tell she was flustered. Mother and my adoptive mother both looked as though they wanted to say "Wrong topic" and subtly lowered their eyes.
"Oh my, it must be quite vast since it's a major territory, yes?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't know the exact number. I didn't go to the castle very often. However, the Royal Academy library was far more extensive."
She had said she was the Lord's niece but had been neglected as the daughter of the third wife. No wonder she hadn't visited the castle much.
"Then did Aurelia perhaps bring any books from Ahrensbach as part of her dowry? I simply adore stories. Dunkelfelger had many tales of powerful knights—what kind of stories does Ahrensbach have? If you know any, please tell me."
As I waited excitedly for her answer, Aurelia tilted her head slightly.
"Let me see. The most commonly told knight stories are about slaying sea magic beasts."
"Oh, Ahrensbach has stories like that too? Do tell me more."
When Mother chimed in, Aurelia said, "It really is a rather common tale," but nodded in agreement.
What she told us was the story of a knight defeating a giant sea monster—a tale utterly foreign to Ehrenfest. Philine was furiously taking notes.
Aurelia's story was peppered with the names of various fish, and my expectations only grew.
...Fish! Fish! Seafood! Woo-hoo!
If I could get on good terms with Aurelia, I might be able to get my hands on dried seaweed and dried fish at the very least. Aurelia's intricate veil pattern had started to look like a massive school of fish to me.
"I learned in geography that Ahrensbach is on the coast. What kinds of fish are there? Are they delicious?"
I clasped my hands together and looked up at Aurelia with expectant eyes, causing her to sway slightly as if intimidated.
"I believe Ehrenfest's food is more delicious. Of course, as the cuisine of my homeland, Ahrensbach's dishes taste good to me."
"Once you're in Ehrenfest, you can't eat them anymore, can you?"
Disappointed that she apparently hadn't brought any as part of her dowry, I saw Aurelia's shoulders droop slightly.
"I have some things I brought from Ahrensbach using a Magical Tool that stops time, but they can't be eaten."
"Why not?"
She had apparently prepared boxes filled with raw ingredients, intending to have her homeland's dishes available when nostalgia struck. But no matter how fresh or nostalgic, raw ingredients couldn't be eaten.
"Unfortunately, there wasn't a single item in the box that I recognized as something I'd eaten before."
Upper-nobility young ladies don't cook themselves. Cooking is for chefs. Having the ingredients alone wasn't enough. Apparently, Ehrenfest's—or rather, my family's—food was so delicious and unique that the fish were just sitting unused inside the Magical Tool.
"The Magical Tool that stops time consumes an enormous amount of Magic Power, so since I can't eat them anyway, I've been thinking of just throwing them away."
"That would be absolutely outrageous! If you're going to discard them, please give them to me instead!"
"Lady Rozemyne, it's unseemly to ask for things like that."
Mother and Brunhilde both looked displeased. But if I held back here and those precious fish were thrown away, I would regret it until the day I died and then some.
...Fish! Saltwater fish! I want to eat them. I desperately want to eat them. Even just grilled in salt—I want to eat them.
"Aurelia, I'll have my chefs prepare them. The seasonings are different, so it won't taste exactly the same. But we could create entirely new dishes."
"...New dishes?"
When I said new dishes, Mother's brow twitched.
"Marriage requires both parties to respect and adapt to the cultures they each grew up in. It can't work if only one side makes all the concessions. If Aurelia wants to use ingredients from her homeland, then by all means, why not incorporate Ahrensbach ingredients into the cuisine? This too is a form of exchange between Ahrensbach and Ehrenfest."
I wasn't the one getting married, and I was well aware I was making grand pronouncements. But none of that mattered. What mattered was whether, thanks to Brother Lamprecht's marriage, I would be able to eat seafood or not.
"If the ingredients from your homeland begin to circulate naturally, won't Aurelia feel more at home in Ehrenfest? I'll create new dishes using Ahrensbach ingredients and Ehrenfest's chefs! This could even become a new trend. Aurelia, let's work hard together on this!"
"Y-Yes."
I made Aurelia promise me that she would absolutely not throw away the ingredients.
I had gained new ingredients, but despite scanning the entire line of cloth against the wall, I couldn't find Mother's.
...My family love was defeated.
A defeat in family love at the dyeing competition.
But I did get information about Ahrensbach.
I want to get my hands on those precious seafood.
Next up is the Harvest Festival.