Homecoming

The late days of summer, on a fire-day.

Today was my Coming-of-Age Ceremony. I was sent off to the Temple in Arensbach—which had far more people than Ehrenfest—not by my parents, but by Benno, Turi, and the others.

...They told me I could leave after the ceremony was over, but still.

When the Gutenbergs were all set to move at the end of spring, Benno had asked me, "Should your family attend your Coming-of-Age Ceremony first, then you move alone afterward?" It was the kind of considerate gesture you'd expect from someone who cares deeply about family, but there was no way I could do that.

Mom sighed and said, "Turi and Gunther will be there, so it's somewhat reassuring, but I really wanted to see your Starbinding with Turi." Dad encouraged me in his own roundabout way: "When you're trying to become a full-fledged adult, you think you can just walk away from work?"

"Man, this Temple is way too huge! I couldn't see a thing inside. Lutz, how was it?"

Uncle grabbed my shoulders and shook me the moment I stepped out of the Temple. The uncle who was supposed to be celebrating my coming of age had a dead-serious look in his eyes—he'd long since passed me by and was focused entirely on the Temple. What he wanted was information about the High Priest. As always.

"Hey, Dad. Today was Lutz's Coming-of-Age Ceremony, so at least say congratulations first."

"That's right, Gunther. We promised we'd celebrate on behalf of Dieter and Karla, remember? Congratulations on your coming of age, Lutz."

I patted Uncle's shoulders after he'd been scolded by Turi and Aunt, then told him about what had happened in the Temple—this uncle who could never get Mine out of his head.

"It was an amazing blessing, just like the rumors said. A blue light spread throughout the entire Temple in one big wave..."

"Wasn't it especially grand because Lutz was there today?"

Turi giggled and walked up beside me, took my left arm, and started walking while saying, "Let's go home." Camillo walked on my right side, looking pleased with himself as he explained, "I heard that when Gutenbergs conduct religious rites, the blessings always get bigger."

"The other day, when I went on an errand to the blacksmith workshop, I heard that Zack's Starbinding was incredible too."

Camillo wore the apprentice uniform of the Plantane Trading Company. His hair was the same color as Mine's, and he had light brown eyes, but his features resembled Uncle's, so he didn't look all that much like Mine. Behind Camillo, Benno and Mark walked along. Since I was a double, they'd made the effort to come.

"Well, thanks to Lady Rozemyne—who drove off the barbarians from another country rampaging through the streets and then listened to commoners' opinions while planning the new city—our work in this supposedly new city turned out to be surprisingly smooth. You should be grateful too, Camillo."

"Yes, Master."

Since trade with Lanzenave had disappeared, the old merchants were desperate to latch onto new industries. We'd been called to Alexandria for these new industries, and the city had welcomed us with less friction than expected. Within a single season, the Plantane Trading Company had become the negotiating window for nobles. Apparently, the merchants in this city were completely unused to how things worked, since the nobles here were so different from the ones they'd known before.

...It wasn't just the merchants—the noble bureaucrats seemed equally out of their depth.

Lady Rozemyne rarely showed her face at meetings with merchants. As expected of a Lord, she couldn't very well come running to the commoner district all the time. However, Hartmut attended every single meeting, and since I was familiar with his face, things were extremely easy for me.

"Even so, Master—Lady Rozemyne hasn't been here long at all, but she's insanely popular with the commoners, isn't she? The fishermen apparently fight at the port over whose catch to present to the Lord. I've never heard of anything like that in Ehrenfest..."

At Camillo's words, I nodded, recalling the state of the city. The reason every Gutenberg was warmly received wherever they went was that the commoners wholeheartedly welcomed this new Lord who had performed incredible magic. "It's gotten that bad at the port?" Turi giggled.

"I've heard a lot of stories about the new Lord's magic—how a sky full of darkness was covered with countless magic circles, and light rained down all at once. The next day, the ocean water turned crystal clear and fish were leaping, the soil became fertile and trees were sprouting, and the leaves were vibrant green. It's such a shame I couldn't see it, even though I was her exclusive attendant."

"No matter how many times you hear that story, it still doesn't make sense, does it?"

Laughing, we all walked together and quickly arrived at the Plantane Trading Company and the Gilberta Company. They were right next to each other, just a short walk from the Temple. The Gutenberg workshops—blacksmith, woodworking, printing—were all gathered in the artisan district near the center. The fact that all Gutenberg-related businesses were consolidated in the center made it abundantly clear that Lady Rozemyne was giving them preferential treatment.

...According to city rumors, even the doors and windows were properly installed—apparently, a noble had come to personally verify it.

The people of the city said there was no way a noble would actually come, but having known nobles who regularly visited the orphanage and workshops, I didn't find it all that strange.

"Change your clothes and come over to our place, alright? We're preparing a celebratory lunch."

When Aunt said that, Benno and Mark both smiled. After a Coming-of-Age Ceremony, it was customary for family to celebrate together. Since my parents were back in Ehrenfest, Turi's family—as my fiancée's family—and my guardians Benno and Mark would celebrate with me.

"You'll be wearing it again, so it would be a problem if the Festive Clothing Aunt Karla made got dirty."

Turi released my arm and gently smoothed the Festive Clothing. It was the outfit Mom had called her "last thing she could do," which she and Turi had embroidered together. I had to treasure it.

I returned to the Plantane Company's second floor with Benno and Mark. Turi was a double, so she lived on the second floor of the Gilberta Company, while Uncle, Aunt, and Camillo lived on the third. The families of the Gutenbergs and Lady Rozemyne's personal attendants were practically neighbors.

I quickly changed and headed to Uncle's house, where we ate a feast and then leisurely enjoyed post-meal tea. Aunt and Turi were cleaning up together. Watching them, I ruffled my hair.

...In a perfect world, she should have had her Coming-of-Age Ceremony too.

The person who had been wearing the High Priest's vestments on the dais, sending out blessings—if everything had gone as planned, she should have been receiving those same blessings at a Coming-of-Age Ceremony alongside us. After all, we'd been through the Baptism Ceremony together.

But Lady Rozemyne had undergone a second Baptism Ceremony a year later and become the Lord's adopted daughter. If I remembered right, nobles had their Coming-of-Age Ceremonies at the Royal Academy at the end of winter, all together. So she'd come of age about a year and a half after me.

"The next religious occasion will be Lutz and Turi's wedding, but shouldn't you start preparing for the marriage soon?"

"Stop it, Camillo! I don't want to hear those words!"

"Turi really should get married properly next year, so Dad, just zip it. Lady Rozemyne is planning to expand the printing industry in Alexandria too, right? If she drags you all over the territory like before, there's no guarantee you'll be able to get married next year. Prepare quickly and get married quickly—that's the way to go, absolutely."

Benno and Mark laughed at Camillo's manner of speaking.

"What Camillo says isn't wrong, but we were called here to expand the printing industry. Lutz will be traveling around with the Gutenbergs again. But if you state your schedule in advance, she'll take it into consideration. When Zack and the others brought it up, Lady Rozemyne was very thoughtful about it."

As we were chatting, a sound echoed—like a door being opened. We looked at each other involuntarily. Uncle rose to his feet and strode quickly to the door, lowering his center of gravity while signaling the others to back away with a hand gesture.

"Didn't that come from a different direction than the front door?"

"...Everyone's here, right?"

Everyone fell silent to avoid making noise while staying alert. Then we heard the tap-tap-tap of footsteps. Two sets of sounds—a bouncy, light one and one that seemed to deliberately make its footsteps echo—drawing closer.

"Today is definitely the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, so they have to be here. ...Ah, we have to be quiet or they'll notice! Lower your footsteps. Let's move softly."

The carefree voice was instantly recognizable—I wanted to retort, "You're the loudest one here!" But there was no way she could be here. Confused, I looked around instinctively.

Benno and Mark had distant looks on their faces, muttering, "We didn't receive any word about this." Uncle, Aunt, and Turi had their mouths slightly open, blinking. They all looked like they knew exactly who was behind that door. Only Camillo wore a bewildered expression, unable to read the others' reactions.

The doorknob turned, and the door burst open with a bang.

"I'm home, everyone! It's Mine!"

The incarnation of a goddess blessed by the gods, a beautiful girl of great renown. Her night-sky-colored hair was adorned with hair ornaments made by Turi and several other hair ornaments with stones that glowed in strange colors. According to Hartmut, her perfect beauty had been crafted by the gods themselves. Within it all were golden eyes like the moon, reflecting emotions with perfect clarity. Her beautiful features, which received countless praises, were completely ruined by her words and behavior. No matter how you looked at her, it was Mine.

"So... what about your Contract Magic!? Is it okay for you to just say 'It's Mine'!?"

Mine's family was frozen, opening and closing their mouths, unsure of how the Contract Magic would react. Speaking in their place, I shouted.

Mine laughed proudly. "Fufufun."

"That Contract Magic is only valid within Ehrenfest, so it's fine while I'm in Alexandria. Since I've become Lord, I'll never enter into that kind of contract again."

"You're kidding..."

The shock of suddenly learning the Contract Magic's range was so great that I couldn't speak. But Mine tilted her head with a puzzled look at our reaction.

"Even so, you don't seem that surprised that I suddenly came back. I was expecting something like 'Whaaa!?' or 'Who are you?!'..."

"Your voice could be heard clearly, so..."

"Huh? Really!?"

She looked around as she said it, then puffed out her cheeks in dissatisfaction and turned behind her.

"See? Lord Ferdinand gave me away! I was trying to surprise you, and he ruined it."

"It was obviously your voice that everyone noticed."

...What!?

I was startled by the sound of Ferdinand's voice from the direction she'd indicated. Uncle, Aunt, and Turi all widened their eyes.

"Huh? Lord Ferdinand!? Why are you here!?"

At Uncle's exclamation, Mine beckoned toward the part of the door still hidden from view. The person who appeared was Ferdinand, expressionless as always. When Mine grabbed Ferdinand's sleeve, her cheeks flushed red and she began searching for words while her gaze wandered.

"Ah, um. Well... you see, I... actually..."

Somehow, from that sweet atmosphere alone, it was immediately obvious what Mine wanted to say. Seeing Mine fidgeting, Uncle clutched his head and sighed, while Aunt and Turi exchanged glances and shrugged, freed from the tension of Ferdinand's arrival.

"So you've settled on Ferdinand, then? I know."

Benno and Mark said that with a laugh. Camillo was the only one still seeing stars, looking around in confusion. "What's going on? What does this mean?"

"Ehh!? How do you know, Benno? It hasn't been announced to the commoners yet, right?"

"I asked Turi and she reported it."

"Why does Turi know!?"

I turned to Turi. Her expression had shifted from the shock of Mine's return to exasperation, and she let out a breath while shaking her head, looking at Mine.

"When Hannalore placed the order for the hair ornament, didn't Mine say it? Something about being infatuated with Lord Ferdinand, or that a political marriage with Lord Ferdinand would be fine, or that someone who's like family is basically a spouse..."

When I'd heard that story, I'd been completely shocked, and also deeply moved. I'd thought Mine, who seemed to only care about books, had finally found someone.

"Wait, wait, Turi! The individual words are right, but the details are completely different, and I never said that!"

"As long as it's roughly right, it's fine. Fussing over small differences like that isn't like you, Mine."

"A small difference can make a huge difference!"

Mine looked back and forth between Ferdinand and Turi, desperately shaking her head. "No, that's not it! I never said anything like that!" Ferdinand's expression didn't change at all, so I couldn't tell what he was thinking, but Mine's reaction was just too entertaining. It was almost admirable, really—seeing Mine make that face, like a girl in love.

...Well played, Ferdinand.

"So? You say it's different, but you've decided to marry Lord Ferdinand, right?"

"Well, yes, but... the content of our conversation was completely different!"

"Was it? Well, if you're marrying him in the end, it's the same, so there's no real problem."

Turi said that with a perfectly casual expression, but Mine seemed to have a very serious problem with it. She pressed her burning cheeks and glared at Turi.

"There is a problem! It makes it sound like I actually like Lord Ferdinand! I keep saying I'm not infatuated with him, but nobody believes me!"

...Huh? What is she talking about?

I was sure everyone's inner thoughts were in perfect sync. From any angle, she looked like nothing other than someone who was head over heels for Ferdinand. Even Benno and Mark were watching with lukewarm expressions. Turi knew it too, clearly—I could tell from the way she was looking at Mine with a face that was half exasperation, half teasing. Aunt was covering her mouth, desperately holding back laughter. Uncle... was covering his ears with a "I don't want to hear this" expression, tears in his eyes, retreating toward Aunt as though fleeing.

...Wow, this is going to be a huge pain in the ass later.

Remembering how Uncle had been after my engagement to Turi was settled, I felt a twinge of exhaustion watching the two of them bicker.

"Hmm, is that so? Then you don't like Lord Ferdinand?"

"I don't dislike him!"

"Then you like him, right?"

"Ah, well, I like him, but not in that way..."

...Then what way are we talking about here?

I wanted to retort, but if I pushed too hard, she'd probably cook up some weird logic and land on a bizarre conclusion. Turi was clearly having fun, so I'd leave the teasing to her.

"Okay, okay, enough. I get it."

"Turi, you totally don't get it!"

Mine glared at Turi, who was waving her hand dismissively. Seeing her golden eyes getting teary, I figured it was about time to put an end to the teasing.

"Hmm? I get it. You don't dislike Lord Ferdinand—you like him so much you want to marry him. Right?"

"Wha!?"

Mine turned beet-red all the way to her neck. She stammered at Ferdinand, who was quietly watching over her without a word, "Ah... no... that's... not... that's wrong," then backed away step by step, turned, and bolted.

She was slow and clumsy on her feet, and she'd quickly run out of steam—but the target she aimed for was Camillo, who had been standing frozen near the door in a daze, watching the exchange between the sisters. Mine grabbed Camillo in a tight hug, rubbing her cheek against his head, and pleaded.

"...Uuuu, Camillo~. Turi is being mean to me~."

"Huh? Eh? ...Wh... wai... wait."

Camillo, suddenly hugged tight by Mine, turned red and started flailing in tears. For him, he was being embraced by a stranger—a beautiful older sister—and being cuddled. He was in a state of complete confusion, which was painfully obvious.

"What is this!? What the hell!? Who are you!? What's going on!? Whaaa! Lutz, help me!"

"Yeah, yeah, you don't know who she is, right? That's big sis Mine, Camillo. Haa, you've really grown. I've wanted to hug you like this for so long. I'm glad you haven't changed from when I last hugged you and you cried."

...Is that really something to be relieved about?

Mine, driven mostly by her own embarrassment from the teasing, was completely unfazed by Camillo's confusion no matter how much he struggled. Aunt and Turi watched with fond smiles. But even so, having "Lady Rozemyne" cling to you without any explanation was just pitiful.

"Mine, Camillo's totally confused, so let him go already."

"Nope. I want to savor seven years' worth of hugs."

She rubbed her cheeks against him, but Camillo was desperately reaching out toward me. With "noble lady" planted firmly in his head, he couldn't just physically shove her away.

"Camillo hasn't been told anything. If you want seven years' worth, the perfect target is over there."

When I pointed at Uncle, who was squirming with anticipation, Mine pouted her lips and said, "Remember this for later," before releasing Camillo. She then dashed toward Uncle. While straightening his thoroughly tousled hair, Camillo shot me a resentful look.

"Lutz, what's going on here? Everyone else seems to know the situation, but I'm the only one left in the dark..."

"It was too dangerous to tell you, because if the Contract Magic was triggered, it could have killed her. Uncle decided it was better to keep you in the dark."

"Mine made a Contract Magic pact to never again be involved with her family, in order to prevent her family from being executed along with her when nobles from other territories tried to target her. It seems the Contract Magic had a range limit, and Alexandria is outside it, so she can interact with us as family again. She's definitely your sister."

With my and Benno's brief explanation, Camillo screamed through his tears, "This makes no sense!" Benno and Mark nodded in unison, agreeing.

"Well, Camillo, I understand the confusion. Mine tends to produce that reaction in people no matter what it's about."

"Indeed. Whether you see it up close or hear about it from afar, it just doesn't make sense."

The two most reliable people in the shop, who had never before shown an "I don't get it" expression, nodded deeply—and Camillo went pale.

"...More importantly, Camillo, you should prepare yourself. The next hug attack is coming immediately. Seven years' worth of her affection is going to crash into you all at once—it'll feel like a lifetime's worth of love heading your way. Didn't I tell you to remember that?"

"A lifetime!? That sounds terrifying!"

Seeing Camillo flinch, I laughed. Let him get crushed under the weight of seven years of Mine's affection. The love Mine had for Camillo, whom she'd only glimpsed from afar in the Temple, must have become something monstrous.

"Dad, I'm home!"

"...Mine, welcome back. You made it back. ...I'm so glad you made it back."

Uncle, who had given up on ever being able to embrace her like this again, let large tears roll from his eyes at Mine's return.

"It's thanks to Lord Ferdinand. He helped me so much... He even created the teleportation circle to get here..."

"I see... I see..."

Aunt wiped the corners of her eyes with the edge of her apron as she watched the two of them. Then her gaze suddenly shifted, as if she'd noticed something, and I found myself following it. Ferdinand was watching Mine and Uncle. Expressionless, silent, just watching.

At first glance, it was impossible to tell what Ferdinand was thinking. But from Mine's words—"it's thanks to Lord Ferdinand"—and the way he simply watched Uncle and Mine embrace, I vaguely sensed that this was the scene he'd been hoping for.

"Mine."

"Mmm... What is it, Mom?"

Mine looked at Aunt with tear-filled eyes. Aunt was teary too, but she put on an exaggeratedly exasperated expression.

"What do you mean, 'what'? How long are you going to leave your future husband standing in the hallway? At least invite him inside, or properly introduce him."

"Oh, right!"

Mine scurried over and took Ferdinand's arm. In that instant, a furrow appeared between Ferdinand's brows.

"No, I'm fine here."

"You are not."

...Hey, Mine. Is it possible that Ferdinand really, really doesn't want to marry you?

I didn't see them together often, but the permanently frowning Ferdinand now had even deeper lines between his brows. I felt a twinge of anxiety.

But Mine dragged Ferdinand in regardless, and with her tear-reddened eyes, looked around at her family.

"This is my fiancé, Ferdinand. Like Dad, he's someone who will protect me, along with the entire territory. ...We'd already announced it among the nobles, but I wanted to properly introduce him to everyone like this."

"Hey, calm down. Don't get so emotional."

As Mine's eyes welled up with fresh tears, Ferdinand swiftly produced a magic stone, took out a handkerchief, and began dabbing at her eyes. Was it just my imagination, or did he seem incredibly practiced at this? It didn't seem like something a noble—rather, something Ferdinand—would do. I stared in disbelief.

...Why is that? He's got a grumpy face, but the atmosphere around them seems so sweet somehow.

"Because I really never thought I could be with everyone like this, and I'm just so happy..."

"I know. Just rein in your emotions a little. ...Lungenschmeil."

Ferdinand covered Mine's eyes and cast a blessing, and the redness from crying was healed. She looked like she was going to keep crying after that, so maybe he should have waited until right before they left?

"Hey, let's have a Coming-of-Age Ceremony! Mine came back on the day of the ceremony, after all. We can just do her hair and celebrate together. Let's have Mine's Coming-of-Age Ceremony! I'll go get the hair tools!"

Turi dashed off, and Uncle grabbed a cup from the cupboard and shook it lightly.

"Turi's all gung-ho, but Mine—do you have the time?"

"Um... Lord Ferdinand?"

Mine turned to Ferdinand after seeing Uncle's gesture of offering a drink. Ferdinand thought for a moment, then said, "We must return before the sixth bell, but we should have plenty of time until then." The fifth bell hadn't even rung yet. It looked like we had quite a bit of time.

"Good. Mark, go get the alcohol from our place. The reserves we brought from Ehrenfest."

"Understood, Master. Since it's a special occasion, why don't I also bring that Alexandrian wine we were planning to open tonight? Camillo, can you help me?"

"Yes, Mark."

Camillo followed behind Mark, fleeing the scene.

"I'm back! Sit down, Mine. I'm going to do your hair. Ah, just the loose parts, though. The area around the hair ornaments has been set with styling product."

Turi came back with various tools from the shop, thumped a wooden box down on the table, and gestured for Mine to sit on a stool. Mine patted the chair next to her stool and smiled.

"Please sit here, Lord Ferdinand."

After a moment's hesitation, Ferdinand sat down. Aunt offered Ferdinand tea, saying "While we prepare the drinks," but Mine reached over from the side and took a sip.

Aunt's eyes went round at Mine taking the guest's tea, and she scolded, "Mine," but Mine didn't look that way. She wiped where her lips had touched with her finger, showed it to Ferdinand, set the cup down, and then gently, with a refined gesture, offered the tea.

"Here you go, Lord Ferdinand."

"...It's unnecessary here."

"Is that so?"

I knew about this from when Mine had told me about noble customs during her time as a Shrine Maiden Apprentice. That was the poison taster's duty. Seeing Mine do this so naturally made me reflect, once again, on how much she'd changed since her commoner days.

"Then, if you would. Turi."

After finishing the tea tasting, Mine swept the hair draped over her shoulder down her back and said that. Turi eagerly reached for Mine's hair. The night-colored hair slid smoothly through Turi's fingers.

"Wow, Mine's hair is beautiful, and it feels so nice to the touch!"

"Right? It's because the Attendants work so hard."

"Say it's because of Rinsham's shop. That's what you should say."

Turi puffed out her cheeks, and Mine clapped her hands.

"Oh, there's a Rinsham workshop here too, right? How does the quality compare to the one in Ehrenfest? I've been curious and wanted to ask directly, but I'm not exactly in a position to go wandering around casually."

The two chatted about the Gilberta Company's work while Turi did her hair. Benno leaned in and started talking business.

"I've been told to push the printing industry forward, but how much of a plan do you have? How many printing workshops are we adding to this city?"

"In addition to the Mine Workshop, we need at least two more urgently. We're planning to start temple classes for the orphanage children after the autumn Baptism Ceremony in preparation for the Royal Academy, and you know about that, right?"

Fran and the others had transferred over, and the Temple had been organized just as it had been in Ehrenfest. I'd heard that along with educating the orphanage children, they also wanted to begin education for the wealthy merchants' children at the same time.

"We're planning to send Camillo. Right now, he doesn't know how to interact with nobles, and the big-shot Dahlua at the Grand Company doesn't seem too enthusiastic about it. He's weighing the benefit of making connections with nobles against the risk of his child causing an incident and being punished."

Even though education costs were low, the judgment was that the risk was too great. Since the Plantane Trading Company and Gilberta Company were bringing in their new apprentices in Alexandria, the other merchants would probably follow their lead.

"Ah, I really want to see the actual site. It's so frustrating. If I could, I'd love to sneak around like my adoptive father does."

"Don't think about unnecessary things, you idiot!"

Benno and I spoke in perfect unison. Mine's inability to change was enough to make you want to clutch your head.

Lord Sylvester sneaking into the commoner district's forest, Lord Justus wanting to work in the workshops, Lord Hartmut coming to discuss how to spread the Holy Lady's magnificence in the commoner district—I'd been dragged around dealing with all of them.

"Truly, you are..."

Ferdinand furrowed his brow and said that. I felt relieved that there was someone in a position to scold her, and looked to Ferdinand as though yielding the role.

"Are you aware that you are currently here in disguise?"

"Oh, right."

...So this was a disguise visit. Right. Which meant Ferdinand had actually allowed this.

I'd been so happy about Mine's return that it had completely slipped my mind, but I hadn't thought Ferdinand was the type to permit disguise visits. Now that I thought about it carefully, he might not show it on his face since he was expressionless, but this man had not taken his eyes off Mine once. He was still watching Turi do Mine's hair.

...Wait, could this actually be a pretty serious situation?

If Mine started coming and going from here more often, and if Ferdinand permitted her to go outside... I exchanged a look with Benno, my mind racing with predictions of the future.

"I just had a new library built, but my library is still so empty and lonely. I really want the Plantane Trading Company to make tons of books. Do your best, Lutz!"

Mine's golden eyes sparkled as she urged me to make more and more books to fill the shelves, but Benno shrugged. "Unfortunately, that won't be possible."

"Lutz will be away on business trips for one to two years, so plan accordingly. His wedding to Turi is coming up."

What I'd been hiding all this time to avoid getting blessed had been casually outed by Benno. Mine's eyes went wide as she looked at me, then turned toward Turi.

"Mine, don't move your head!"

"But you said Turi and Lutz are getting married, right!? I never heard about that!?"

"We were waiting for the right time, because it would be troublesome if we got a grand blessing."

I nodded along with Turi's exasperated explanation. Being reported on in a blaze of light at a gathering with tons of bureaucrats would be a disaster.

"So it's really true!? Wow, what should I do!? I'm so happy! I pray to the gods—"

"Stop, you fool! If blessing light leaks out from here, you'll never be able to come back!"

"That... that would be a problem! Ah, ah, but I want to give you a blessing..."

"Do it on the actual day. It'll be good practice for Retadia and the others' training. Besides, I'll do it too. It's your family's wedding, after all."

According to Ferdinand, Alexandria's policy was to educate nobles so they could routinely offer prayers to the gods. As a result, Mine's prayers were apparently allowed to be as massive as they wanted. The wedding day was going to involve an absurd amount of blessings.

...But wait. If Mine and Ferdinand were getting married, then I—marrying Turi—would be related to Ferdinand. ...No way.

I'd known about Lady Rozemyne and Ferdinand's engagement, but I hadn't anticipated Mine returning in this form. Even when I'd just heard about it, my brain had refused to process it. It seemed I was going to be having family dealings with Ferdinand, who looked every inch a noble. Could I even handle that?

While I was thinking about this, Mark, Camillo, and Uncle—dragged into service as helpers—made multiple trips between the shop and here, carrying alcohol and snacks to prepare for the celebration. Aunt occasionally glanced over at Turi doing Mine's hair while she made the food to go with the drinks.

"Done! What do you think? Doesn't it look great?"

Mine's hair was done up. I'd thought the same thing when Turi's was done—just putting up their hair made them look like mature women in an instant, and it was truly fascinating. Turi looked at Mine from the side and behind, then said happily, "Yeah, yeah, it looks great. You're cute, Mine."

"Ohh, as expected of Mine! My daughter! The cutest in the world. As beautiful as Effa. You've grown into a woman all at once. I'm so happy I could see you like this!"

"Dad, you're exaggerating."

"No, I mean it. When Effa first put her hair up, I thought the same thing—girls become beautiful so suddenly with just the smallest change. Today, Mine, you're exceptionally beautiful."

Mine smiled shyly, but Uncle, his eyes crinkling, praised that smile to the heavens. Mine giggled and looked at Ferdinand.

"How about it, Lord Ferdinand? Do I look mature?"

"Not bad."

The moment Ferdinand nodded expressionlessly, Uncle's eyes went hard. He leaned across the table and glared at Ferdinand with a dangerous expression.

"Hey, wait a minute. What do you mean, 'not bad'? My daughter is the number one in the world!"

...Uncle is the one who should wait! What is he saying?!

My blood ran cold. What was he saying to a noble!? This was going way too far. I looked at Ferdinand nervously. Ferdinand remained expressionless. Before anything could happen, Uncle and I stood up.

"Gunther, calm down."

"That's right, Master. This is Lord Ferdinand we're talking about?"

"So what!? This is the guy who's taking Mine away!? If he doesn't treasure Mine, I don't care if he's a noble or a god—I won't forgive him!"

Uncle's eyes were wild as he slammed his hand on the table. We all gasped—and then Mine started giggling.

"That's so like my dad, isn't it, Lord Ferdinand?"

"Aaah, indeed. You really are very much like Gunther."

Ferdinand gently stroked Mine's cheek and turned to face Uncle. His expression hadn't changed, so I couldn't even tell if he was angry or not.

"Gunther. Effa."

At his address, the rest of us watching jumped. But Uncle kept his confrontational posture, and Aunt wore a neutral expression.

"I have been saved by Mine, who was raised with such deep love from you two. Though we stand on different sides as noble and commoner, bound by Contract Magic, you still cherish even the thinnest of connections—for that, I feel genuine respect. It was Mine who taught me about the meaning of family, but more precisely, it was you, who raised and protected Mine."

Ferdinand's face showed no emotion. And yet, the quiet voice in which he spoke carried a feeling that shook the hearts of all who heard it. It wasn't because Mine was family that he respected them—his feelings for Uncle and Aunt were genuine.

"Just as you have cared for and protected each other, I will protect her. I have already sworn to protect her along with her entire territory. I swear to you as well that I will treasure Mine above all else. And so, to you—Mine's family—I ask you to allow me to become Mine's family too."

He wasn't asking to become her family as a noble—he was asking to become Mine's family.

Mine was staring intently at Uncle and Aunt. Her golden eyes were shimmering with happiness. Seeing that, there was no way anyone could say "no."

"So our judgment to entrust Mine to Lord Ferdinand wasn't wrong after all. I'm glad she found someone who will truly treasure her, Gunther."

Aunt said that happily and placed a wooden cup between Uncle and Ferdinand with a clunk. Uncle creased the bridge of his nose and poured alcohol from the bottle Aunt handed him into the cup.

Ferdinand, with a bottle set before him, looked at Mine as if asking what to do. Mine blinked. Normally, when someone placed a bottle before you, you'd pour—but for two people who were accustomed to having Attendants serve them, this might not be obvious. Or perhaps they were confused because there was only one cup.

"You pour alcohol into that cup too, Ferdinand. It's what commoners do when they make a pledge."

"Lutz."

"I did the same thing when my engagement to Turi was settled. I don't know the noble way of doing it, but if Ferdinand is willing to follow the commoner custom, I can teach you how."

"I'd appreciate that."

Ferdinand said that, took the bottle, and poured into the cup. The sound of the alcohol flowing—tok, tok, tok—was the seal of the promise.

Uncle picked up the cup. He took one big gulp, then held it out to Ferdinand.

"Take care of Mine."

"You have my word."

Ferdinand took the cup and drained it. Mine and Ferdinand's engagement was sealed.

After that, the celebration of Mine's Coming-of-Age and the engagement continued until just before the sixth bell, with everyone making merry.

Benno jeered at Mine to "at least kiss her if you're engaged," making her fluster. Mark said, "Lord Ferdinand, the Water Goddess of your heart was Mine, wasn't she?" and Ferdinand replied with a straight face, "To me, every goddess is Mine," leaving everyone at a loss for a response. Camillo was hugged by Mine once more, crying out for everyone's help. Ferdinand told Uncle stories about Mine during the time they'd been separated. Turi, Mine, and Aunt discussed new outfits. Mine grilled me with questions about how Turi and I had gotten together... The happy time flew by in an instant.

"Come again, of course with Lord Ferdinand too."

"Next time, you prepare the drinks."

Cheerfully drunk, Uncle ruffled Ferdinand's hair as he said that. Ferdinand let him do it and replied, "I'll bring the reserves." His expression hadn't changed, but according to Mine, he actually looked quite gentle.

"I understand that you can't tell your retainers about coming here, so keeping in touch is difficult. But next time, you absolutely must wear this, Mine. This one is for Lord Ferdinand."

Turi handed Mine several commoner outfits—the kind a wealthy merchant's daughter would wear. Even though they were much more practical and had fewer frilly parts compared to other clothing, if she came in noble work attire, it would cause problems if other people saw her.

"Thanks, Turi. I'll work hard so I can come visit about once a season. ...Camillo, practice calling me 'big sis Mine' before I come again next time. I'm looking forward to it!"

Hearing Mine say that in a slightly lonely voice, Camillo—who had been avoiding Mine the entire time—peeked out awkwardly from behind me. The reason Camillo had been running from Mine wasn't that he disliked her. He just didn't know how to react to this sudden, beautiful, adorable big sister.

"I'm not at the age where I can call someone 'big sis' anymore... I'll call you Mine by name, like Turi does."

Mine smiled happily and leaned against the wall. At that moment, a door that hadn't been there before appeared. The door, hidden by magic, opened.

"See you, Mine."

"Yeah. See you, everyone!"