Ascendance of a Bookworm

The Lesser Bus is big today. My side services, Fran and Monica and Nicolas, four exclusive cooks Hugo and a castle cook, two clergyman's side services, and then a large quantity of luggage, including the sacred objects necessary for the ritual of the star knot, costumes for the ritual of me and the clergyman, food for the side services and dressing.

And the companions from the castle side are Otilier and Brunhilde, Hartmut, Angelica and Leonore, the escort knights. As we stayed at Risegang, priority was to be given to relatives and those of high stature.

Dermuel, Eudit, Filine, Lieselator and Richarda are leaving messages.

Brother Cornelius is not my escort knight, but accompanies him as a relative on the groom's side. Likewise, your father is not the Knight Commander today, but the father of the groom.

The adoptive father's escort knight is organized around the deputy commander.

It is said that the participation of the Lords' clan is not only with the Lords and their wives, but also with Wilfried and Charlotte. When it comes to the Lords clan, Bonifatius should also be accompanied, but externally, he has already made a retirement statement, so he is asked to leave a message for the protection of the castle. With so many people taking close to each side, the castle becomes rather thin.

The temple group that performs the ritual and its flanking, the clan of lords and their proximity, the knights for escorts, the groom is not just Brother Lamprecht, some are called Freuden, and their families are with them.

When I was briefed about this companion, I was surprised by its size.

"That's a lot"

"If Arlensbach hadn't pushed forward the position of Aub's niece and the tension between the territories, it wouldn't have been on this scale"

According to the chief cleric's explanation, if there is any entrance from other lands, in a normal nobleman, after obtaining the permission of their respective lords, they will pick them up to the gates at the border with only their relatives, greet each other and bring back their brides and bridegroom. At this point in time, in the state of the fiancé, who has not yet completed the ritual, the formal marriage will await the ritual of the star knot of summer.

"What is the case if you are not a regular nobleman?

"Lordship candidates and royal marriages are different again."

Because royal and lord candidates' marriages will require the permission not only of the lord, but also of the king, the temple chief comes from the central temple at the time of the Lords' Conference, and the ritual of star knot takes place, he said. They perform a star knot ritual in a prayer room with an altar that passes when they go to pick up God's will, and then only revelations take place in the territory.

Either way, like this one, there doesn't seem to be any rituals on the border.

"Why did this intake become so big? Though I believe that Aub Ahrensbach has gone out of his way to perform a star knot ritual at the gates on the border in case he worries about his lovely niece and says hello."

It must be a message from the Arlensbach side that Aurelia, whose Risegang blood dowries in a thick house, should not be scorned, as it did in Gabriele.

"But that would not be the only purpose. If you trust Lamprecht's words, the bride is the daughter of a third lady from Flaberturk. You don't have to make it so big. Isn't the prime purpose of deciding to deal with the centre or with Crassenburg and to restrain Aerenfest, who is trying to get a distance from Aerensbach? I guess Arlensbach's in a hurry too."

That's what the chief cleric said, sighed.

"Until now, the Veronicans, to say the least, the influential faction of Arlensbach boasted the greatest power in Aerenfest for decades. And with Zilvester, who drew Arlensbach's blood, he became lord, it was supposed to be a stone's throw. But by saving you and pleading guilty to Veronica, the former temple chief and mother, Zilvester cut off the faction that was his own ground."

In the words of the Chief Cleric, I was finally able to perceive the situation of my adoptive father. When I had no understanding of the aristocratic factional relationship, I wondered, "Why would I allow such an all-you-can-do sinner to rustle," but that absolution seemed to be an act of severing my faction, which was necessary to be a lord.

Replacing my position means giving or turning away some disposition to the Lords and their wives, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, and most of their closest friends. In that case, we will have to confront the nobility, which was not so familiar, and the nobility of the opposition, which had previous resentments, with very few allies.

Knowing what it meant to lose a back shield was terrible.

"That's what I went for thinking I needed Zilvester. In fact, I needed it. You don't have to look like that. [M] … and I think that this purpose of Arlensbach will include observing you that could not be seen in the House of Lords"

"Because I've been told so many times, I know. Until the Chief Cleric speaks to me, I don't move spontaneously. You minimize blessings, don't you?

I plan on wandering around behind the chief cleric like a chick walking behind her parents to make her look like she's just doing what the guardian says.

Leaving early in the morning, we were able to reach Risegang by lunch. Compared to when I traveled around the winter hall here and there at the prayer ceremony, it was pretty fast because I just pushed straight ahead. It would also have been great to have been able to increase the speed, since it is a journey on horseback by all the nobles above the intermediate level.

"Welcome aboard,"

The Counts of Risegang greet me, and the Lords and their wives, Vilfleet and Charlotte, will enter the mansion, but I will not soon. We need to be able to maintain the beast even when we're away, and give instructions to Frans.

Let the proximity from the castle wait before you leave, and me and the chief clergyman will give instructions to the temple group.

"After lunch, I'll come away to get dressed. Get ready for that."

"Yes, sir."

As during the prayer ceremony, clerics and witches cannot be admitted to Count Risegang's Hall. I will be staying away. For this reason, it was necessary to prepare food, and he said that me and the clergyman would have to go away when we changed into ceremonial clothes. When they say it was normal, I think Ilkner, who had allowed the gray clerics free access to take care of us at the Harvest Festival, was still quite loose.

"To prepare for the altar, we shall go first to the Gate of Boundaries. We don't have much room."

The gray clerics move into the word of the Chief Cleric. I have to clean away, eat Ella's lunch and bring in the luggage I need to get dressed. You'll be pretty busy.

After seeing the grey clerics who began to move, me and the clergyman headed to the mansion with my proximity.

"Here's the cook"

The court cook brought from Hugo and the castle is a helper for tonight's feast welcoming the brides. Instead of lodging, they show me the correct way to make a collection of recipes my great-grandfather bought me.

When they assign the room and have lunch, change into the temple chief's ritual clothes and the temple group leaves first. Even when it comes to the Temple Group, it also includes me and the proximity of the Chief Cleric.

There is no ritual at the gate, so naturally, there is no altar. We have to make a simple altar. At the same time, the chief clergyman is to work in various detail in the waiting rooms of the gates and in the rooms where rituals take place in preparation for accidental raids, etc.

I let Monica and Nicola change and board the Lesser Bus. Angelica in the passenger seat and the grey clerics in the back seat are confirmed to have boarded and are leaving.

Running further south from Risegang into the sky.

"... Huh?

During the prayer ceremony of the Blue Witch Era, from above, neither Aerenfest nor Aerensbach made a difference, and the same forest continued all along. Naturally, I didn't know where the boundaries were.

But this time the boundaries are visible. It is divided into abundant woods and shrub meadows, as it really draws a clear line. For some time now, I did not know that the sight near the boundary had changed so far because it had not come as far as the southern edge of the nobility's jurisdiction, with all the prayer ceremonies and harvest festivals in the direct jurisdiction.

As I turned my gaze to the Chief Cleric, I saw the Chief Cleric narrowing his eyes with a difficult face and looking down under his eyes. After all, it seems to be an unspeakable situation.

I wanted to ask a lot of questions to the chief clergyman, but even though it's not an emergency, it's visible that he would say, "How about as the adoptive daughter of a lord" to raise his voice over the horseman. I had no choice but to put up with it to the gate.

He says the lord will know when nobility crosses the boundary between territory and territory. Conversely, it cannot be perceived by bearers of magic that fall short of aristocratic standards. Apparently, thanks to this boundary-guarding junction, the Lords can detect the invasion of the nobles of other territories as soon as possible.

And it is the boundary gates that are set up for proceeding and entering and leaving other territories so that nobles are not suspected of aggression or the like.

"... is that the border gate"

"It's nice to not have to worry about making a mistake"

Angelica's right, you don't seem to worry about making a mistake. There are streets, so although that part is somewhat open, it can also be seen very noticeably from above, because only the white and huge gate is Dawn as the forest spreads around. It is made on the assumption that nobles will use it in their entrance, so it is much larger and wider than the gates of the city.

However, unlike the city walls, there is an invisible junction stretching out of the boundary gates, so there is only a gate in the woods, which feels pretty weird.

"Dear Rosemayne, Dear Ferdinand, I've been waiting for you"

When we arrived at the boundary gate, the knights who were the gates' turn greeted us. Naturally, there are not only Aerensbach knights at this boundary gate, but also Aerensbach knights.

"It must be tough because today is a big day for the Lords clan to gather from both sides of the territory, thank you very much."

I greeted both representatives as instructed by the Chief Cleric, and handed over the leather bags given to the Chief Cleric to their respective representatives. What's in the leather bag that sounds jalali is the money for the knights who later pack it at the border gate to drink a celebration.

The reality of the celebration was that it was easier not to prepare it from here because there was a risk of something being mixed in. Since there is no real thing, there will be no sneak drinkers out during the mission, and I am giving them to you in front of everyone, so the delegates will not be able to dress.

"I'm afraid so."

Just a little grin on the knights' faces because the money was given to launch after the big job. First impressions matter. For a moment it seemed to please me, so I was led to a room where the knight of Aerenfest would perform the ritual.

"The priests are ready for the altar. Rosemaine's waiting in the waiting room."

After the clergyman gives the instructions and takes a glimpse of the baggage to be carried in by the Frans, making sure that all the baggage is carried out, he clears the horseman and heads to the waiting room.

While Fran and the others prepare, my care will be at the side of the castle. Otilier and Brunhilde moved around and made me tea. The tea contract is a cookie Ella prepared for me before I left.

When I was eating the shampoo, I gave some instructions, and the clergyman came to the waiting room to see if the installation of magic equipment, etc., had been completed. Soon Yustox starts brewing tea. There are Yustox and a few other unknown faces near the chief cleric. It felt strange not to see Brother Eckhardt.

After today's ceremonial and role-sharing revelations, I wave to the clergyman the topic of the view from above.

"... Nevertheless, the scenery has changed a lot. It's not what I remember, but it's the same place that was raided, isn't it?

That time, it seemed to pass properly. "Well, it's roughly the same," the chief priest nodded, frowning. Since this conspicuous gate was not in sight, it is similar in the sense of being near the boundary with Arlensbach, though somewhat remote.

From the leather bag that was lowered to the belt of his hips, the chief cleric delivers an anti-bugging magic tool and offers it to me. "Because there are also knights of Ahrensbach," he whispered with a sigh like he had given up, and I found myself silent again.

"I'm sorry."

"Well, good. Perhaps near this boundary was the jurisdiction of the Earl of Bindebalt. After Count Bindebalt has been disposed of, is the magic of the seconded nobility insufficient, or is the nobility not dispatched as punishment to the land, because of the magic of the entire Arlensbach in the first place?... Either way, Arlensbach seems to be in a lot of trouble with his magic."

To the word of the chief priest, I point my lips softly.

"In so much trouble with magic, what's the purpose of letting both of you in the bride? Does the lord's niece mean he's a senior aristocrat, more magical than Brother Lamprecht before the magic compression? I think it's a valuable person..."

"I'm determined to demand more than two brides for consideration. I don't know what I'm after yet..."

Overwhelmingly ill-informed, the chief cleric drank tea while saying so.

When the altar was ready, the people of Aerenfest arrived, and then the people of Aerensbach also arrived.

Lords exchange long greetings with each other. Hearing it blurry, I was observing the people on Arlensbach's side.

Aub Ahrensbach and his clan, who are greeting him, came first into view, as the brides, dressed in vale and often unable to see their faces, are behind them.

... Is this Aub Ahrensbach?

Aub Ahrensbach is old enough to say grandpa, isn't he in his mid to late 50s? When Georgine lined up next to him, he was as old as his parents and children, and when Dietrinde was there with him, he looked like three generations altogether.

There was a girl about the same age as me, even younger than Dietrinde, to hide in Aub Ahrensbach. Blonde blue-eyed, that's, that's a cutie.

... Is that kid another lord candidate?

If you're a Lordship candidate, you must be the son of a Lordship, but you shouldn't be the son of Georgine. I have heard that Dietrinde is my youngest daughter. Besides, you don't look like Georgine, and it's not the distance between parents and children, even if you think about it from a standing position.

... Do you have another wife, or, like me, an adopted daughter from the sidelines?

Looking at the Lords clan in Arlensbach, it seems the greeting between the Lords is over. Georgine smiles softly and refrains half a step back from Aub Ahrensbach. The impression of my modest wife made me look somewhat different from what I saw at Aerenfest.

And as Dietrinde smiles, he greets Wilfried. Besides, Wilfried was also answering.

"Wilfried, you and Rosemayne were engaged?... although it doesn't look like the relationship between the two of us has changed."

"Rosemaine and I were originally family, so it's no different."

"Yes, sir."

I then turned my gaze to Brother Lamprecht's bride Aurelia and her family as I reflected on the edge of my sight that Dietrinde would also exchange first-person greetings with Charlotte without difficulty.

Aurelia is wearing a vale, so her face is not very clear. But I was only told beforehand that I would daughter-in-law as the lord's niece, putting together a rather sumptuous costume.

Slightly taller for a woman, it feels just right alongside Brother Lamprecht.

Aurelia's father, like Aub Ahrensbach, is quite old. If you suck, your first grandson is an adult generation. I guess the Third Lady, Aurelia's mother, is the wife she got late. The Third Lady looked old enough not to be too different from her mother.

And turn your gaze to the girl in line with her mother.

... Is that the sister that she is loving, driven and adored? Maybe it looks a little like Thuri.

He was smiling at the way he was knitting three fluffy hairs, and the active and bright atmosphere looked somewhat similar to Touri's. He's about the same age as Thuri. Tulli is developing better than his surroundings, so he's probably about the same age as Dietrinde. I'm pretty sure he's in the House of Lords, even if there's a slight difference in grade.

Behind the Aurelias, a greeting was seen between the relatives of Freuden and those of the intermediate aristocracy of Arlensbach who would be his bride.

"Now let's begin the ritual of star knot"

By the extraction of the chief priest, the ritual of star knot can begin. Relatives moved to a room with an altar, and the bride and groom and my side and the side of the clergyman were left in the waiting room.

"Are you Lamprecht's sister, the temple chief who will perform this ritual? I hear you're with the Virgin of Aerenfest, but are you that young and okay?

I looked back in astonishment at the voice of Aurelia. They tell you not to make contact, but you can't be spoken to and ignored.

At the same time as I looked back, I was surrounded by Angelica and the proximity of the vigilant attitude that came forward softly. As I echo it, the bridesmaid's escort knight also narrows his eyes and takes an alert stance.

"It's not a celebratory occasion. It's not a noisy sign."

That is what I say from behind my proximity, and I also speak to Aurelia.

"Although it may be disturbing for Arlensbach to entrust such an important ritual to a child, I have performed the ritual many times as head of the temple. Don't worry, I will give you a proper blessing"

"Dear Rosemaine, contact is forbidden"

To the words of my closest friends, I was ready to be scolded later by my guardians, and I strayed from my face with a twinkle.

"We are not in contact. This is my solitary."

"That's a lot of solo talk"

No matter what they say, a fine voice echoed from Arlensbach's side as I insisted. I'm not sure because a few people are holding me back, but I think maybe it's Aurelia.

"... I'm talking to myself, too, but bless, can you?

I blinked my eyes at an anxious voice containing surprises. What's splitting inside Aerenfest is supposed to be information turning from the old Veronicans to Aerensbach. It's a push on the Arlensbach side for this one, but maybe it was also a push from above by power for the brides. If that were the case, the two brides would be the ones most anxious to marry into a difficult situation.

"This is solitary, but isn't it natural to congratulate a new couple? That's why I'm here....... We will have a lot of anxiety about each other because the territory is a complex situation. But life at Aerenfest is something that the couple discuss, support, and choose to create. I hope it will be full of happiness."

The atmosphere in the waiting room was soothed when each other's escort knights looked at each other and lowered to a sigh. At the same time, the voice of Fran, "Temple Chief, please enter", was heard from across the door. I turn to the two brides, laughing nicely, then with the scriptures, to the open door.

Feeling a strong gaze from Arlensbach's side, I walked straight towards the chief priest in front of the altar. Take great care not to step on the hem and fall in this important ceremony.

Behind the altar for placing the scriptures is a stepping stone for me. As usual, when I gave the scriptures to the chief clergyman and asked him to put them on the altar, I went up to the platform.

When I am ready, the Chief Cleric raises his voice.

"Start the star knot ritual with this. The bride and groom go to this!

From the door opened by the gray clergy, the bride and groom entered. I was looking down in a slightly hospitable mood to hear applause and celebration from my relatives, although it is a ritual in which each other's Knights show tension.

There is a biblical story by the clergyman, after which two groups of brides and grooms are questioned about their will to marry in the presence of both lords. I'm going to marry Aerenfest, so it's Aerenfest's side that prepares the marriage papers. The bride and groom sign the paperwork the adoptive father took out, using a magic pen.

Marriage is formed when two contract documents burning in gold, all of which disappear beautifully.

"Bless the birth of a new couple from the temple chief."

Here is my turn. In order to regulate the quantity of blessings, the Demonic Stone, which was beforehand magical, was given to me by the Chief Cleric. Bless only with the magic of this magic stone. It is an "overdoing prevention operation" by the Chief Cleric.

I nodded lightly at the clergyman's gaze that I would never do anything extra, and once I took a deep breath, I prayed to God.

"The Supreme God, who presides over the high pavilion sky, is a husband and wife of darkness and light, who hears my prayers, who bless the birth of a new couple, who offer their thoughts, their prayers and their gratitude, and who do not give them the blessing of holiness."

If we pray for the blessings of the supreme God's couple God, the gold light and the black light swirl from the ring as usual and fly near the ceiling. And the gold and black twisted, overlapped, and bounced.

Everything becomes a small grain of light, splashed and poured down on the bride and groom. I was told to refrain this time, and the bride and groom are two pairs, so it's not such a big blessing.

As my blessing, dictated by emotion, exhaled relief at the fact that it flew equally to the four, a caged exhale of exclamation "ho..." leaked from the Arlensbach side.

"It was a wonderful blessing. Virgin of Aerenfest"

"I'm afraid so."

Aub Ahrensbach giggles furiously.

But that gaze was directed not at me, but at the chief cleric.