Rozemyne, Freed from Restraint

In an unexpected twist of divine will, Mestionora does not take away Rozemyne’s most cherished memories—those even dearer to her than books—but instead seals away her self-restraint. With her inhibitions gone yet every memory intact, Rozemyne moves through the world with unfiltered honesty and boldness. This short story follows her—and the bewildered people around her—as they navigate the chaos that ensues.

Notes:

A translation of 自重が封じられたロゼマ様 by ユー

Another MTL Translation

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Chapter Text

“Rozemyne, name the ones most important to you. When I threatened you, who came to mind? Can you recall what the goddess who took your body did? What were you doing before you lent it to her? And do you know what must be done now?”

“Eh? Um…”

The questions came so quickly I had no chance to object. Ferdinand’s relentless barrage left my mind spinning. I tried to remember, but it was as though a faint mist had settled over my thoughts. No matter how I reached for them, the memories slipped through my fingers.

…Well, except for one thing.

The contents of the book I had been reading in the library just moments ago floated into my head in perfect clarity.

“I don’t know… But I do remember the book I was reading earlier. It was about the gods, and I—”

“That is not worth remembering. Forget it immediately,” Ferdinand interrupted, his expression twisting in distaste.

Forget it? A book?!

“What? That’s awful! How could you tell me to forget a book I just read?!”

Ahh!! I want to read more! That’s it—I’ll just go back and read. Yes, that’s a good idea. I should do that right now.

“It seems the goddess interfered with your mind to make it easier to borrow your body. She said it was only a little interference… but the effect appears to be quite deep.”

“Eh?!”

I had thought I was just lending her my body for a short time—I didn’t realize she was meddling with my mind. That’s… kind of scary. Maybe I should go and complain to Mestionora-sama. Yes, I’ll march right up and—

…Wait. Where would I even go for that?

For that matter… where am I?

“Shall we begin?” Ferdinand asked.

“Eh? Is someone else here?”

I glanced around, but only Ferdinand stood within arm’s reach. Surely there wasn’t anyone else—right?

As I blinked in confusion, Ferdinand stepped away from me and stood.

“This is the Garden of Beginnings. Erwaermen-sama and Gervasio are here.”

“A—ah! Ahhh! I remember now! We were in the middle of a battle! Ferdinand-sama, why are you just standing around?!”

I leapt to my feet, quickly stepping in front of him to shield him from harm, and summoned my water gun. Hurting people was scary… but right now, I felt like I could totally do it!

“Stop,” Ferdinand said, pressing down my hand.

“Why?!”

“Calm yourself. The battle is over. Mestionora has forbidden the taking of lives here.”

“Eh?”

Looking more closely, I realized he was right—Erwaermen and Gervasio were only watching us now. The air of hostility had vanished entirely.

…Still, seeing them standing there like that… I couldn’t help but think—if I wanted to, I could totally take them out right now.

“Stop that,” Ferdinand said, halting me again.

Muuu…

“Rozemyne, Mestionora has forbidden the taking of lives here. Do not attempt to attack.”

Muuuu… If he says it directly like that, I guess I can’t argue. Fine. I’ll just… put it to the side for now. Just for a bit.

“And one more thing—you are a devouring girl, which means you are more receptive to the mana of others. Here, in a place where one communes with the gods, if you offer a prayer, there is a high chance they will find it amusing and descend. I don’t mind summoning them as often as you like—they are dear old acquaintances of mine—but the strain on you would be considerable. You would do well to be cautious.”

Oho? In that case… would my complaints to Mestionora-sama reach her? And if the child misbehaves, shouldn’t the parents hear about it too? Maybe even the doting grandparents?

“Praise be to—”

“Stop it.”

“Rozemyne, what are you—?”

Ferdinand swiftly intercepted me, and to my surprise, both Erwaermen-sama and Gervasio-sama were staring in my direction with startled expressions. Huh. I didn’t know Erwaermen-sama could make that kind of face.

“Well, it seems Mestionora-sama did something to me, so I thought I’d send her a little complaint. And while I’m at it, I might as well send it to her parents and grandparents too.”

“Ha!?”

Honestly, Gervasio-sama didn’t need to look that shocked.

“Rozemyne…” Ferdinand pressed a hand to his forehead, clearly at his limit.

“She said she sealed away your self-restraint…”

What was that!?

“I assumed it wouldn’t have much effect since you weren’t the self-restraining type to begin with, but… you were restraining yourself more than I imagined.”

Excuse me, how rude!

“Praise be to—”

“I said stop!”

“It’s just a little! If Mestionora-sama sealed away my self-restraint, then surely she anticipated I’d have a few things to say about it!”

“…” “…” “…”

Oh? Did I just render two Zent candidates and a former god completely speechless? Ufufun♪

“Mestionora-sama! How could you seal my self-restraint without permission?! Geduldh-sama! Ewigeliebe-sama! Your daughter is being outrageous!!”

“Stop that!!” three voices shouted in unison.

A shame. I wasn’t finished filing my complaint with the grandparents yet.

“Quinta…”

“It was Mestionora-sama’s doing,” Ferdinand answered when Erwaermen-sama turned to him for help.

Well then, where was I…?

“Let’s begin the race.”

“Wait, I’m not finished with my prayer yet!”

Was Gervasio trying to interrupt me? …Should I just take him out?

“Rozemyne.”

“Deal with this dangerous item,” Gervasio said.

Dangerous… item? Did he just call me that?

That’s it—I’m taking him out! I can do it!

“Stop it!”

“Mestionora-sama is proving to be quite troublesome…”

“That she is,” Ferdinand agreed.

Everyone looks so troubled… This only confirms it—I really should file my complaint with the grandparents.

After a great deal of back and forth, we finally finished filling the border gate with mana.

Since we couldn’t simply let Gervasio roam free, the decision was made to bind him with a magical contract and bring him to the abandoned duchy. Before that, he would first return to Lanzenave to fetch his wife and child—after mass-producing rainbow-colored magic stones in Regisch.

Naturally, complaints were bound to flood in from all directions. But that was fine. We would simply make it public that abandoned duchies cause mana to leak from the country’s foundation, and that the foundation had yet to be recolored. We could even print flyers declaring that, thanks to Klassenburg’s great purge, the country was on the path to being reduced to white sand.

After all, this was all the fault of the royal family who started the political upheaval, and of the so-called winners and losers who joined in. The First Prince bore the most responsibility, of course, but those who propped up a prince without a Grutrissheit were war criminals too. The problem was, they didn’t realize they were in the wrong.

Well then… perhaps if we explained it to them clearly—and followed it up with a little punishment in the form of mana collection—they might finally understand.

Yes, that was it. First, we’d need to help those troublesome royals comprehend the weight of their sins.

Unforgivable! Down with them all!

Down with Trauerqual, who dared to issue a royal decree to Ferdinand-sama!

Down with Sigiswald—“Oh, I’m royalty! What’s hardship? Never heard of it!”—the man who has no idea what’s going on!

Down with the Anastasius and Eglantine couple, who cast me into the depths of despair!

And down with Ralfrieda, who bears the responsibility for their upbringing!

Down with Hildebrand, who clung to me and stole away my blissful library time!

And down with Magdalena, who bears his upbringing responsibility!

Unforgivable!

On the morning of my scheduled “discussion” with the royal family, the Gilberta Company delivered my outfit.

It was made from Ehrenfest-dyed cloth, paired with a gauzy Ahrensbach fabric gifted to me by Ferdinand.

“The way the light filters softly through the sheer fabric is so beautiful. And Tulli’s hairpiece is as exquisite as ever.”

“Yes, truly beautiful.”

Ufufun♪ Tulli is amazing! As expected of the Archangel! As expected of my big sister!

“Princess, Lord Ferdinand has arrived. He wishes to go over the plan with you beforehand.”

The moment I moved to leave the room, Angelica threw a silver cloth over me and scooped me up.

“Angelica, please handle Lady Rozemyne with more care. Your movements have grown rather rough. Lady Rozemyne is not baggage. You are carrying the living incarnation of a goddess—act with the proper reverence.”

“Understood. I will be careful from now on.”

I could hear Clarissa scolding Angelica about how she treated me.

True, I had noticed Angelica was getting a little too used to carrying me, treating it more like routine labor than a sacred duty.

Clarissa’s instructions were spot-on—maybe she’s so good at handling warriors because, well… most of them are muscle-brains.

When I entered the tea room, Ferdinand was already there, a range-limited eavesdropping prevention tool active at his side.

“Rozemyne, did you memorize the contents I gave you?”

“I did, but…”

“But what?”

“Well, you see… my self-restraint is sealed right now, isn’t it?”

Don’t frown at me like that! If you have complaints, direct them to Mestionora-sama! Or better yet, to her parents, grandparents, and every god involved in her upbringing!

“So, if their attitude is too terrible, I might just…” I touched my cheek and exhaled a long, knowing sigh.

Ferdinand rubbed his temple, deep in thought.

“Also, my mana is rather unstable, isn’t it? I might accidentally intimidate someone.”
I tilted my head innocently.

“In fact, if I so much as look at their faces… well…”

Well, it’s more than possible, actually.

“Haaaaaaaah.”

That was a long sigh. A very long sigh.

“…Fine. I’ll explain your condition to them once you enter the room.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to tell them in advance?”

“No. A claim like ‘a goddess descended and sealed her self-restraint’ will only be believed when seen firsthand.”

“…You have a point.”

Yes, that would make for a perfectly adorable bit of revenge—letting them experience my intimidation without warning.

Hm? In that case… should I also intimidate Dunkelfelger while I’m at it?

For all the trouble they’ve caused me?
Yes… yes, I think I should.

“Haaah… Whatever you do, make sure you absolutely—absolutely—don’t do it on purpose.”

“…I think I understand.”

“Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah…”

What a sigh. So long. So drawn out.

“For now, can we prioritize the meeting? We’re short on time.”

“Yes.”

The fourth bell had barely finished ringing when Aub Dunkelfelger arrived with his wife and their retainers.

Since the hosts of today’s gathering were the Aub and Lady of Ehrenfest, they stood to greet their guests at the door.

As for Ferdinand and me—we were here as invited participants, not hosts.

The moment Aub Dunkelfelger stepped into the tea room and spotted me seated inside, his eyes went wide.

Without hesitation, he strode directly toward me, his wife at his side.

A sidelong glance at Ferdinand earned me a single nod—his silent command to stay seated and let things play out.

The pair stopped before me, then knelt.

“O Goddess of Wisdom, Mestionora, we beg that you grant your blessings upon Dunkelfelger.”

“Aub Dunkelfelger,” I replied with a polite smile, “I’m afraid you misunderstand. I merely wield a portion of the goddess’s power. Inside, I am still Rozemyne. I cannot bestow blessings as a goddess would.

And, as Mestionora has sealed away my self-restraint, my mana is… unstable.”

“…That is…”

“In other words,” I added sweetly, “if something were to happen, this goddess’s power might… press down upon you.”

The couple froze mid-breath.

Their retainers, who had been lingering in the doorway, looked equally shaken—apparently realizing they couldn’t even approach without risk.

“As you were likely informed before entering,” Ferdinand’s calm voice cut in, “you are welcome to withdraw if you fear what might occur.”

“Ferdinand-sama,” I said, tilting my head, “do you truly think Dunkelfelger would run away just because of a little mana pressure? Of course not.
Though, if they treat me like they did during the third-year Interduchy Tournament… or try to force their ‘goodwill’ on me again…”

“Rozemyne,” Ferdinand warned, “I expect Dunkelfelger has done their research for this meeting. They surely won’t repeat such rudeness.”

The word run made the Dunkelfelger couple and their retainers twitch.

And when Ferdinand implied they wouldn’t dare be discourteous a second time, their complexions went pale—whether from fear or humiliation, I couldn’t tell.

“…But of course,” the first wife managed after a long, heavy pause. Her smile was strained, but she accepted the terms and moved to take her seat.

Moments later, I heard Trauerqual's voice, rough and tired:

“Aub Ehrenfest, I thank you for hosting this gathering.”

The royal party entered in a slow procession: Trauerqual and his first wife, looking haggard; Prince Sigiswald and Lady Adolphine; Prince Anastasius and Lady Eglantine; and, despite it being spring, Prince Hildebrand with his hands tucked into a cylindrical fur muff, accompanied by Lady Magdalena.

Just seeing their faces was enough to irritate me.

Especially Sigiswald’s ever-pleasant smile.

“Ugh…”

“Rozemyne,” Ferdinand murmured warningly.

“Oh dear,” I said innocently, “it seems that, with my self-restraint sealed and my mana unstable, a little bit of it leaked out.”
No apology. It had only been a faint spill, after all.

Really—if they were affected by that, didn’t the royals have far too little mana?

Well, Hildebrand was still a child, so perhaps it couldn’t be helped… but for Sigiswald to look just as strained? How pitiful.

Led by Trauerqual, the royal family filed into the room and knelt before me.

“O Goddess of Wisdom, Mestionora, we humbly beg that you grant us your blessing.”

“I would be glad to reward the measure of sincerity and effort you have shown,” I replied with a pleasant smile. “After all, Prince Sigiswald was kind enough to provide me with a permit…”

I turned my gaze to Hartmut.

Without missing a beat, he stepped forward, leather pouch in hand.

Sigiswald’s eyes darted between my foster father and me, his expression somewhere between confusion and mild distress.

“This chain, it seems, was crafted from your mana, Prince Sigiswald?”

“Yes,” he replied at once. “I made it for Rozemyne—”

“Lady Hannelore and her companions mentioned sensing mana from it,” I said, deliberately talking over him before he could gather momentum.
No, I had absolutely no intention of listening to whatever excuse he planned to spin. (Having my self-restraint sealed away is such a convenient alibi. Honestly, I might be enjoying it a little too much.)

“It’s a shame,” I continued, “but the chain lasted less than a bell before it began to deteriorate. I thought it best to return it to you as soon as possible.”

The royals exchanged startled looks.

“I had assumed it was a simple metal necklace, like those made by commoners. That would have been far more durable—especially if I poured mana into it, don’t you think?”

I withdrew the permit from Hartmut’s pouch.
Truly, I needed to return it without delay. Just last night, while reviewing what needed to be sent back, the goddess’s power had been leaking from me like an open tap. The chain had been bathed in it until the metal turned entirely to gold dust.

To hand over such a defective item—honestly! Unacceptable!

“Rozemyne, don’t touch that with your bare hands—”

“Ah!”

Ferdinand’s warning came a second too late.
The magic stone centerpiece had still been intact, but the instant I pinched it between my fingers, it crumbled into shimmering powder.

The royals collectively inhaled, the sound sharp and incredulous.

“Oh my? Well, if the goddess’s power reduced it to gold dust, then surely it’s now a rare brewing ingredient. The mana density will be exceptionally high, the attributes numerous, and all the values at the very top, I would think.”

Smiling sweetly, I held out the leather pouch—now heavy with glittering powder—to Prince Sigiswald.

He froze for several seconds, then returned my smile with one of his own, accepting the pouch with careful hands.

“I’m glad to hear the permit proved useful,” Sigiswald said politely.

“Oh! In the future, if you issue any permits, I recommend signing them on parchment instead. It’s much lighter, and it won’t deteriorate so easily.”

I nodded to myself. Yes, that was an excellent suggestion!

“…Thank you… for the advice…” Sigiswald managed, his smile twitching in a way that suggested he had forcibly dragged the words out of hiding.

Hm? Why is everyone looking so… aghast?

Eh? Did I… do something?

…Ah well! Maybe they’re just shocked because I gave a specific piece of advice, when nobles are so fond of their vague, roundabout expressions.

“You are truly wicked… Hm.”

Ferdinand’s mutter was so low it would have been lost to anyone else, but standing right beside him, I heard it perfectly. Wicked? Wicked?! I’ll have you know, I don’t accept such slander from the Wicked Demon King himself!

“Gold dust imbued with the goddess’s power… Prince Sigiswald, I can’t help but envy you,” Ferdinand added, his tone suddenly bright with interest.

Wait—was that… was that a request for materials?! You mad scientist! Even the royals—still in the middle of their greetings—were darting their eyes between us in alarm.

You call me wicked, yet you go and unleash your own madness?! The audacity!

Keeping my displeasure carefully hidden, I donned my most divine smile.

“Oh my, Ferdinand. If you require some as well, I can certainly gold-dust an item for you. Of course, you will have to prepare the materials or magic stones yourself.”

“I am deeply grateful for the generosity of Mestionora’s incarnation,” he replied with a smile so venomously pleased it could have belonged to a demon lord. Clearly, the thought of new research material had put him in a very good mood.

Before the formal discussion began, we shared lunch and exchanged information.
The interrogation of the knight order members incited by Raublut was going well. Those present in the lecture hall had suffered only light influence from the trombe-like trug spores, and while some memories were hazy, they could be read well enough to identify criminals and co-conspirators. Apparently, this was thanks to my swirling Waschen.

As for Trauerqual… apparently he had been on the verge of drowning.

…Really? Even after we warned him about the truhk, he still got so swept away that he nearly drowned? Unbelievable.

“Indeed. I have no excuse,” Trauerqual admitted gravely.

…Wait.

“Rozemyne, you’re saying that out loud,” Ferdinand cut in.

I clapped my hands over my mouth.

A furtive glance around the table revealed a variety of reactions: irritation, shock, and even a few wry smiles.

“When one’s self-restraint is sealed, such things are bound to happen,” I declared sweetly, in my best goddess-like voice.

“I had thought you entirely unacquainted with self-restraint,” Prince Anastasius muttered, looking utterly drained, “but it seems you actually possessed some after all.”

Yes, yes. Let’s not forget—it was my self-restraint that kept Prince Anastasius and his wife alive in the first place.

Had my self-restraint been sealed back then like it is now, during that forced shrine pilgrimage, the two of you wouldn’t have even had magic stones left behind.

…Well, perhaps the stones would remain. They are royalty, after all. But then again… it’s entirely possible Prince Anastasius is only on par with an archduke candidate from a middle duchy. In that case, if I hit him with Leidenshaft’s spear… maybe not even a stone would survive.

“You couldn’t throw Leidenshaft’s spear alone and actually hit your target,” Ferdinand interjected.

“…Eh!?”

“Sigh… You’re saying that out loud again.”

Again?! Ugh! My thoughts keep escaping my mouth without permission! This is becoming a real problem.

“In that case, if a one-hit kill is difficult, how about using a water cannon to attack the whole area at once?”

“Your own retainers would probably be caught in the blast.”

“That’s no good!!”

Hmm. This is tricky. I’ll have to come up with another plan…

“If there’s something you wish for, I will make it happen. Just tell me,” Ferdinand said.

“! My deepest thanks!!”

Tere-re-te-teee! Rozemyne has obtained Ferre-mon—the ultimate companion!

After gaining the strongest partner imaginable, the discussion moved along smoothly.
Well, there were some moments—like a bit of intimidation, and one prince being trussed up tightly by his own father—but overall, things went almost exactly according to plan:

The royals were dismantled into archduke-level appointments, Gervasio and company were accepted, rewards were distributed… and although Lady Adolphine’s divorce wasn’t in the original schedule, I suppose that’s fine.

Still… can Prince Sigiswald really run a duchy with only his wife? He’s got that whole “sparkly prince☆” thing going on, but he doesn’t seem the type to know hardship. Well, it’s not like their duchy borders mine, so… not my problem.

But… if royalty can’t even manage a single duchy, they’ll lose all standing, won’t they? Wasn’t he being called the next Zent? If he fails even at being an Aub, then every duchy and every noble will be thinking, “Good thing he never became Zent.”

That’s a public execution in all but name!

…Apparently, that part came out of my mouth too, because the royals in question had gone pale.

BONUS

“I, Zent Eglantine, hereby grant you permission to take the title of Aub Alexandria from this day forth.”

“Wait a moment! How can a minor become an Aub!? There is no precedent for this!”

A voice rang out from somewhere in the hall, and that one outburst quickly sparked a flood of similar objections.

Eglantine’s face went pale.

“Gutrissheit,” I murmured under my breath.

Immediately, Ferdinand was at my side, with Brother Eckhart and Angelica following close behind. Hartmut arrived a moment later.

…Wow. Everyone’s danger sense is top-tier.

“Copy and paste. Kay—”

“Stop!”

“Hold it right there!”

The Zent and her husband both shouted at once, stopping me mid-motion.

Aww, so close! Just a few more seconds and we could’ve teleported!

“What exactly were you about to do?” Eglantine asked, her voice trembling.

“Oh, just pop over and grab the foundation stone real quick.”

“…Eh!?”

“Wha—!?”

It was rare to see Eglantine with her mouth hanging open like that. Quite unladylike, but really, it’s nothing worth being so shocked about.

“May I… ask why?”

“Of course. If we dye the foundation stone of a duchy that’s opposing us, its current Aub ceases to be Aub, correct? Then we could move the former ruling family into the White Tower. Since I’ve already dyed Alexandria’s stone, I thought I might as well dye theirs too.”

“I will follow you to the ends of the earth!!!”

The declaration erupted from multiple throats at once. The hall buzzed with astonishment, almost like during Detlinde’s dedication dance.

…Ew. Don’t lump me in with that.

“Ferdinand, stop Rozemyne!!” roared Anastasius—ah, wait, I suppose he’s no longer a prince. Former Prince Anastasius, then.

“I have already decided to support the wishes of Lady Rozemyne—incarnation of all the goddesses—in whatever feasible form I can provide,” Ferdinand replied smoothly.

“Dyeing a foundation stone is not a feasible form!!”

“Insofar as it is possible,” we said in perfect unison.

While the hall was filled with shock, the Dunkelfelger contingent let out a resounding,

“Ooooooohhh!!!”

Of course. Leave it to Dunkelfelger to cheer for chaos.

“If it’s only dyeing the foundation stone, even a mednoble could do it,” I mused. “Why not just hand it over to the anti-Aub faction of that duchy?”

“Yes,” Ferdinand nodded. “It would be to Alexandria’s advantage, and they would certainly become our allies.”

The objecting Aubs had gone pale, mouths opening and closing like fish.

Former Prince Anastasius swept his gaze across the room. “You who objected—are you certain? You are content to leave this dangerous individual outside of Alexandria’s borders?” His voice dropped low, each word a deliberate threat.

…Excuse me? Dangerous individual? Rude.

“I will dye the stone properly! I’ll fill it with magic, and the anti-Aub faction will surely be pleased! There’s precedent, after all—the Great Purge left some people who weren’t even in line for Aub suddenly becoming Aub. If you value precedent so much, then let’s follow it! The magic supply will be greater than in the Great Purge, so the confusion should be far less!”

Really, the farther they are from the ruling family, the happier they’ll be, I think.

“Lady Rozemyne, congratulations on your appointment as Aub Alexandria!!!” voices cried from all around the hall.

And just like that, I had safely and officially become an Aub.

Chapter 2 Chapter Text

“Is it true that Lady Mestionora has sealed away the self-restraint of the Aub of Alexandria?”

“If you doubt me, why not go and ask Lady Mestionora yourself?”

“What!?”

This exchange took place during the Archduke Conference following my inauguration ceremony.

One particular Aub—who had somehow managed to take his seat without losing his foundation—decided to pick a fight.

Unfortunately for him, he was promptly crushed under the verbal equivalent of “Don’t speak out of turn when you can’t even set foot in the Garden of Beginnings!”

“I was there with the Aub of Alexandria when she met Lady Mestionora,” another lord confirmed. “It is indeed true that her self-restraint was sealed.”

“What!?”

“Huh!?”

Really now… was that worth such dramatic reactions? The one most affected here is me, you know. The rest of them can simply stay out of it and be fine.

“Isn’t there some way to undo this?” someone asked.

“Lady Mestionora’s actions have already come to the attention of the Goddess of Light,” I explained sweetly. “Since they were deemed to bend the laws of mortals, she will be punished for them.”

All those complaints I offered up in prayer—to the Garden of Beginnings, to the God of Darkness and the Goddess of Light, to Ewigeliebe and Geduldh, and to every other deity said to have had a hand in Mestionora’s teachings—had paid off.

“What!?”

Honestly, they looked far too shocked. This was good news! Thanks to that, divine interference in mortal affairs will be less frequent. Shouldn’t they be thanking me? The way they stared at me as though I’d grown a second head was baffling.

“If you’re truly so close to the gods,” came the oily voice of Aub Korinthsdaum, “why have you not asked for their aid on Yurgenschimdt's behalf?”

Aid from the gods?

“Aid requires payment,” I tilted my head. “What exactly would you ask for… and what would you offer in return?”

“Jurgen Schmitt suffers from a shortage of mana! To speak of ‘payment’ is an insult to the gods’ mercy,” another Aub cried, others rallying to his side.

“And whose fault is that shortage?” I asked sweetly.

Several Aubs faltered, lips pressed tight. Ah, so they did know.

“I recall Prince Anastasius once said, ‘My concern is for the royal family, the Sovereignty, Yurgenschmidt… and Eglantine. Ehrenfest should take care of Ehrenfest.’”

The Zent and her spouse blanched.

“By that logic,” I continued, “the matters of one duchy should be handled by that duchy’s own people… don’t you agree, Prince Anastasius? Zent Eglantine?”

“…Ah. Yes,” Anastasius admitted reluctantly.

“Of course,” Eglantine said with steady grace. “The affairs of one duchy must be resolved within that duchy. That is something we, as former royalty, must reflect on deeply—especially for having favored Ahrensbach alone.”

The chamber stirred with surprise. Criticizing former royals outright was no small thing.

“As Zent, as one of royal blood, and as someone raised as a Klassenburg archduke candidate,” Eglantine continued, “I wish to atone for those past sins.”

Oh? Not bad, Eglantine. She had told me herself that being my retainer had made her lose a little of her self-restraint.

“Past sins?” someone murmured in confusion.

“Lady Eglantine’s resolve is admirable,” I said at once, lending my support.

Trauerqual, who had looked down at first, was now watching her closely. Perhaps he was steeling himself as well. Unlike some, he hadn’t sought the Zent’s crown—so refraining from blaming others entirely, and instead choosing to fulfill his duties, was respectable.

Sigiswald, however, was glaring daggers at her.

Predictable.

“And since so many of you aided in inviting foreign intervention,” I added lightly, “would it not be fitting—by way of atonement—to cleanse your temples and promptly offer mana to the gods?”

“What!?”

“Foreign intervention? We did no such thing!” Aub Klassenburg protested, eyes flashing.

“Was it not Lady Georgine’s scheme to bring me into the Sovereignty Temple?” I asked, watching several people stiffen.

“That was—!” someone hissed, “—encouraged by Lord Sigiswald!”

“I did warn the royal family of Ahrensbach’s hostility toward Ehrenfest, of the tension between us, and of the Sovereignty Knights’ suspicious behavior,” I said pleasantly. They turned to stare at me. Sigiswald's glare shifted in my direction.

“Every Aub here should have been aware of Ahrensbach’s enmity. Its dormitory supervisors and archduke candidates treated me oddly enough, did they not? Surely your own candidates reported as much.”

Silence. Which, as everyone knew, was as good as confirmation.

“And yet you forced Ferdinand into marriage with Detlinde, and planned to send me to the Sovereignty Temple the following year to travel the provinces. Was your goal not to strip Ehrenfest of candidates, thinning our mana and defenses?”

I let just a hint of mana seep into my voice. Light pressure—barely noticeable, really.

“Dunkelfelger and Drewanchel both had archduke candidates in my year. Dunkelfelger’s was in the same class as me—you must have known their issues. Drewanchel’s was a woman, surely you understood her character. She even acted out in front of you.”

The Aubs in question turned pale.

“And yet you followed Georgine’s lead. So… were you aiding foreign intervention, or simply incompetent?”

They stammered denials, but the damage was done.

I moved on to my next target. “Aub Immerdink, who just loudly declared you would not acknowledge my appointment…”

“Y-Yes!” His face went chalk-white, lips trembling.

“It seems you were quite close to Ahrensbach, were you not?”

“That is—!”

“And Lady Murrenreue was particularly friendly with Detlinde. At last year’s social gathering, she even spoke of the Sovereignty Temple—how very loyal to Ahrensbach’s designs.”

“That is not true!”

“Then she withheld accurate reports from her Aub, did she not?”

“…It seems so,” he admitted reluctantly.

“You spoke of striving to be a land of wisdom, yet executed an Efflorelume resident who was an archduke candidate,” I added with a pointed smile.

Before the poor man could stammer further, Ferdinand’s voice cut in. “Lady Rozemyne.”

Some Aubs looked visibly relieved that he had stopped me—but they were mistaken. Ferdinand with less self-restraint than usual was far harsher than I was.

“Aub Alexandria,” Eglantine said gently. “Your thoughts are slipping out loud again.”

I pressed a hand to my lips. Oops.

“It is only natural for Rozemyne—and for us—to suspect other duchies of aiding foreign intervention,” Ferdinand said plainly, his words slicing the air. “Too many here cannot handle information properly. Those who refuse to even attempt obtaining a Grutrissheit, who accept such disgraceful conduct at graduation, who tolerate disrespect toward the crown—these were the ones ruling from the top.”

Shock rippled through the chamber.

“And when the leaders are lacking, their subordinates’ abilities inevitably deteriorate,” he added with a bright, almost blinding smile.

The insult was perfectly clear.

“Well,” I said sweetly, “I had assumed it was intervention rather than incompetence that left so many of you blindfolded in Verbergen and wandering Schlaftraum's dream world. Which is it?”

Faces paled.

“I have acknowledged before that my own irresponsibility has burdened others,” Eglantine said firmly. “Living irresponsibly with an irresponsible husband brought about these consequences. I understand that now.”

She smiled with renewed resolve. “From this day forward, I will not run from my duties as Zent. I will corner my husband if he tries to escape his own, and if he remains incompetent, I will consider demoting him. I will restore Yurgenschmidt to its ancient form.”

Her words caused a stir—but I believed her.

“Rozemyne once told me, ‘If you cannot respect your husband, you may divorce him.’ That shocked me like a blow from Verdrenna herself,” Eglantine said with a soft laugh.

Everyone turned to stare at the two of us.

“In Alexandria, where our numbers are few, we promote the active participation of women. They have the means to live even if they divorce.”

“During the reconstruction after the attacks, we built women’s dormitories alongside the city’s rebuilding,” Ferdinand added. “Several divorce negotiations are already underway.”

The assembly was visibly stunned to hear this from him of all people.

“As Rozemyne says—if there is no affection or respect, it is only natural to offer prayers to Verdraeos,” Eglantine said. “And if the marriage was forced by a blindfolded patriarch, then calling upon Chaosfliehe is likewise natural.”

She said it with a serene smile—right in front of Aub Korinthsdaum and Aub Drewanchel.

I didn’t have to say “So, how does that make you feel?” aloud. The message was clear.

The Eglantine who had seemed every bit the gentle princess now stood revealed as someone who had long been holding back with formidable self-restraint. And now that restraint was gone… she was truly free.

Bonus 1

“...It seems my self-restraint has been sealed away,” I said, tilting my head. “But surely it hasn’t caused much trouble for the rest of you?”

(Trouble?) Sigiswald's eyes twitched. (I’ve been on the receiving end of her intimidation more times than I can count!)

(On the contrary...) Eckhart muttered inwardly, (...it’s freed my heart in the most wonderful way.)

The rest of the group glanced at one another.

(No, it’s not fine at all. We’ve all been shocked quite a bit, actually.)

Ferdinand’s gaze swept over me. “You’ve been suppressing yourself again and again until now. From this point on, every wish of yours will be granted.”

(Ferdiiiii!) I nearly flung myself at him, but caught myself at the last moment. “But I’m trying to become a refined lady like my mother. Without self-restraint, that will be difficult.”

“Elvira is indeed an intelligent, rational woman. I understand your respect for her,” Ferdinand said, “but you have contributed greatly to Yurgenschmidt. You deserve to be respected more than anyone, and to live freely.”

I puffed my cheeks. “You’re spoiling me too much! What if I turn into a frivolous princess like her!?”

“That is impossible.”

“And why can you say that so confidently?”

“Because unless flowers are blooming inside your head, such a transformation is unachievable.”

“Is that so? Well, I have no desire to become the kind of fool who would disgrace herself like that.”

“You have the favor of the gods. There is nothing to fear. If anyone were to become like her, it would be the others long before you.”

“True,” I said with a smile. “There are quite a lot of people similar to her, aren’t there?”

(Wait—what?! Are you telling us there are people you consider as foolish as D?!)

Bonus 2

“Why is Lady Adolphine participating as an Alexandrian Scholar?” Aub Klassenburg asked.

Adolphine folded my hands politely. “I am the elder sister of Aub Alexandria, and I am to marry Lord Ferdinand’s Chief guard knight. As precedent has shown, even a fiancée may relocate ahead of time with the consensus of all.”

“What!?” Aub Klassenburg sputtered. “How did such a thing happen?”

“If one receives the protection of Dultsetzen, overcomes Glucklitat's trial, and beholds the blessing of Greifenchan,” Adolphine said with perfect composure, “then it is only natural to seize it as Steifebrise would.”

(Wait. The rumors about a divorce... were about Lady Adolphine? So she gave up on her father and moved to Alexandria instead?)

“I had hoped to move after my status fell to that of an archnoble,” Adolphine continued, “but engagement proved faster.”

“For an archduke candidate to relocate legally,” Ferdinand explained, “either a demotion to archnoble or a marriage is necessary. For those below that rank, a simple transfer of territory is possible.”

“It’s also possible,” I added sweetly, “to approve relocation from a treacherous territory as a form of reparations.”

“If it’s someone you want,” Ferdinand said, “I will arrange it.”

“Oh! In that case, perhaps you could use my trends to exert a bit of pressure?” I offered with a grin.

(Wait, not releasing the trends?! What about the sugar? She said she was going to cultivate new sugar! Is that included too?)

“Adolphine has been invaluable—promoting women’s empowerment, consulting on divorces... so much work,” I said warmly.

“I can imagine,” Ferdinand replied, “that to be treated only as a source of mana, despite being intelligent and capable, was a most humiliating existence.”

“Yes,” Adolphine agreed. “Perhaps they oppressed me deliberately out of inferiority, since I was more capable and had greater mana than they.”

“To prefer a woman inferior to oneself is tantamount to proclaiming one’s own incompetence,” Ferdinand said flatly.

“Still,” I countered, “aren’t most men fond of quiet, obedient women who follow three steps behind?”

“That is because such men lack the ability to fulfill the requests of a more capable wife.”

“I suppose that’s true! Honestly, I would rather not have a future spouse inferior to me.”

“As would I,” Ferdinand said.

“Eh!? But I’m inferior to you, Lord Ferdinand.”

“No. Your creativity and initiative are far beyond me. I remain bound by common sense; your ideas are a unique gift from the gods.”

(Bound by common sense!? Him?! He’s the Demon King! Someone please shackle him down more tightly!)

“Surely you don’t wish to remain among those who neither respect nor value you?” Adolphine asked.

“Indeed not!” I said. “If anyone else wishes to escape, please do contact Alexandria.”

“If they are truly capable, they will find it easier to live there,” Ferdinand added.

“Especially authors!” I cried. “Please, as many authors as possible!”

Ferdinand sighed, rubbing his cheek against mine. “Good grief...”

“Oh! And illustrators! Illustrators would be wonderful, too!”

“In that case, why not researchers?”

“Yes! Researchers who meet your standards, Ferdinand! We have so much to study—sugar, fish, magic trees—so much!”

“The capital has splendid research institutes,” Adolphine added, her eyes shining. “The kind that make one’s heart leap.”

(Research?! And in Lord Ferdinand’s own institute?! This is huge!)

(Would ditter count as a special skill? Could I still play ditter in Alexandria? Ditter... with the Demon King!)

(Divorce... divorce... If I could just separate from that husband and move to a new duchy...)

Chapter 3 Summary:

Today was the day for socializing with Frenbeltag — a gathering between Ehrenfest and three other duchies. As always, my sense of restraint had yet to return.
“The word restraint simply does not exist in my dictionary!”

Chapter Text

The long-winded greetings of the nobility concluded, and the guests were shown to their seats.

Today’s social gathering was supposed to be with Ehrenfest. Just Ehrenfest.

But no — Frenbeltag had decided to join in.

Apparently, they had requested to my adopted father, “Since we’re relatives, we simply must sit together.”

…Which meant the meeting I’d planned for in-depth discussions with Ehrenfest — including post-war measures — was now thoroughly compromised.

A complete nuisance.

Adopted Father, you could have refused, you know?! Honestly!

It was obvious Frenbeltag wanted to gather information. But really, what could we say in front of other duchies? The topics we could broach were limited from the start.

And thanks to the sheer rudeness of their sudden intrusion, Alexandria’s impression of Frenbeltag was starting from a solid negative. Waiting their turn properly would have made a far better showing.

I made harmless small talk while wondering why I’d even scheduled this meeting with Ehrenfest in the first place, when—

“Lady Rozemyne, I do hope we can continue to be friendly as relatives,” Lady Constanze said with a pleasant smile.

I smiled right back.

“Fufu. I suppose that might be possible… once Frenbeltag has shown some sincerity.”

“…Sincerity?” Aub Frenbeltag looked at me suspiciously.

“Yes. After all, Frenbeltag was complicit in the inducement of foreign aggression, were you not?”

“What!?”

“That’s absurd!” Frenbeltag’s party grew flustered.

“Words are cheap,” I said lightly. “But your past conduct speaks for itself — and it says you sided with Georgine to aid in her treason.”

“Why would you say such a thing?” Lady Constanze asked, her face twitching.

“Rozemyne, that’s not true,” Lady Florencia interjected.

“Oh? Then perhaps you can explain why Frenbeltag has so often acted in the exact same way as Georgine?”

“…Hm.” Ferdinand’s eyes narrowed in understanding. My adopted father and Florencia paled. Aub Frenbeltag and his wife still seemed lost.

“For instance — several years ago, you pressed us for the Small Chalice under the pretext of sibling ties. That was in collusion with Georgine, wasn’t it?”

“And giving a capable spouse to someone far inferior in both mana and ability, in order to compensate — the same mindset, is it not?”

“Ah, there was that too,” I added.

“You even supported sending me to the Sovereignty Temple, did you not? Despite all the benefits Ehrenfest had granted you, you returned nothing, and instead sowed further discord.”

Ferdinand and I spoke one after the other, leaving the Frenbeltag couple scrambling.

“That… was… for Frenbeltag’s position…” Aub Frenbeltag stammered.

“Even if Alexandria were to befriend you, there would be no benefit — only a high likelihood of further discord,” I said. “You’ve repeatedly put Frenbeltag’s interests first, shoving the resulting strife entirely onto us.”

“And without settling past grievances or showing any reflection, you forced your way into this meeting as Aub Ehrenfest’s siblings. All the while forgetting that Alexandria outranks Frenbeltag.”

“You leapt at potential gain without considering the disrespect you’ve shown. How exactly do you intend to account for that?”

“At times like these, one feels compelled to say, ‘As expected of Detlinde’s aunt.’”

“…You do resemble Georgine quite a bit in your thinking, Lady Constanze,” Ferdinand noted.

“Good thing Frenbeltag doesn’t have a border gate,” I added sweetly. “You may have aided foreign aggression, but the lack of a gate means you’re less likely to be the main culprit.”

By the time we’d finished, the Frenbeltag couple’s faces were pale and wordless.

“Rozemyne, Ferdinand,” Florencia called, her voice taut.

“Frenbeltag would never—”

“I understand your desire to cherish your homeland, Lady Florencia,” I interrupted, “but you must also understand that Frenbeltag has abandoned you.”

“What!?” My foster father jolted in shock.

“That’s not true!” Florencia protested. Aub Frenbeltag and his wife simply shook their heads in silence.

“Lady Constanze knew better than anyone about that mother-in-law. Did she warn you properly?”

“Or perhaps she fled for her own peace, sending her husband’s half-sister as a sacrificial bride?”

“And really — an archdukr candidate from a bottom-ranked duchy clinging to one from a duchy two ranks higher? Ridiculous.”

My adopted father muttered a shocked “What!?” but I ignored him.

“Normally, you would chide your younger brother or report him to your father so he could be recalled. But instead, you failed to act, you shielded him — and you offered up Lady Florencia.”

“Yes. After all, Ehrenfest was short on archduke candidates without my adopted father. Lady Constanze might have been made to stay with a husband from among the archnoble. Instead, you arranged a marriage to a higher-ranked duchy’s daughter — one with greater mana than yourself — so you could leave without issue.”

“And you kept Veronica’s truth hidden.”

“Perhaps you told your husband — which would mean even your full brother had cast you aside.”

Florencia stood frozen in shock. Aub Frenbeltag and his wife protested feebly, but truth wrapped in verifiable events is easier to believe.

“…No…”

“That is not true, Lady Florencia! We had no such intentions!”

“But the facts remain, do they not?”

Florencia’s lips trembled. She didn’t want to believe it, yet the memory of her long years of mistreatment was clearly weighing on her.

“Aub Alexandria, there is no truth to these accusations,” Aub Frenbeltag insisted.

“And yet,” I replied, “you did force the Small Chalice upon us. You did propose mana-imbalanced marriages. You did offer no aid. You did leave Florencia to her struggles, passing them not to the perpetrator, but to an underage Ferdinand.”

“…!” My adopted father clearly hadn’t known that last part.

“Of course, I hold Adopted Father most at fault,” I said.

“Guh—”

“But it is also fact that before Florencia married, Lady Constanze neither corrected her brother nor warned Florencia. And the result, as your own mother said, is all that matters.”

Her eyes widened — I’d thrown her own family’s words back at her.

“Have you forgotten how you treated me after my baptism, Lady Constanze?”

“…Ah…”

“And yet you now wish to be ‘friendly relatives’?”

Constanze lowered her head.

“Ferdinand, how did she treat you?”

“As if I didn’t exist.”

“What!?” Adopted Father gaped. So he really didn’t know.

“Oh my! So the lady from a separate household ignored the lord’s son, poisoned him, filled his retinue with those loyal to her, persecuted him, drained the mana of her sister-in-law after marriage, and sought to weaken Ehrenfest by binding her to someone from Efflorelume. Truly, what an admirable family you have, Lady Constanze!”

Frenbeltag’s faces went deathly white. Even my foster father was opening and closing his mouth like a fish, unable to deny yet unable to speak.

“You, Georgine’s full sister, who acted so like her, now wish to be friendly with her victims?” I asked.

“As I’ve said in the Assembly — one must treat with caution any duchy that aided foreign aggression.”

“Indeed,” Ferdinand agreed. “Especially when their thinking so resembles Georgine’s. Who knows what harm they might bring next?”

“They all say ‘We never intended such a thing,’” I added, “which only makes it more frightening.”

“…Eh?” The Frenbeltag group blinked in confusion.

“You would commit crimes without meaning to. Aid treason without realizing. Make the worst choice without a thought. Seize at short-term gain and end up committing a capital offense.”

Ferdinand’s tone was flat, factual. The Demon King was in fine form today.

“Do you understand what we mean?” I asked with my sweetest smile.

“We… understand. We understand that Frenbeltag has lost our trust.” Aub Frenbeltag spoke with a contrite face.

“It’s not just the past — it’s ongoing,” I said.

Their eyes went wide.

“As I said in the Assembly: you are arrogant enough to think yourselves an exception. You forced Ehrenfest to allow you here because of family ties. You shamelessly called yourselves ‘relatives.’ And you have yet to show even a gesture of sincerity.”

“Frankly, I see no benefit in associating with Frenbeltag. If anything, I foresee greater harm.”

They made noises of protest — but facts were facts.

That was Frenbeltag, as seen through my eyes.

Bonus

Behind the Engagement of Adolphine and Eckhart

Adolphine: “I have grown utterly tired of Father.”

Adolphine’s Father: “What do you mean by that?”

Adolphine: “I gave you proper reports about Lady D.”

Father: “And I heard she was unfit to be an archduke candidate, so I asked Lord Ferdinand for assistance.”

Adolphine: “Assistance? That was coercion. And with absolutely no benefit to him.”

Father: “It was an arrangement with the Aub of a greater duchy.”

Adolphine: “Father, you knew that once Lady Letizia became Aub, he would be demoted to an archnoble, didn’t you?”

Father: “Even so, that’s better than being stuck in the temple.”

Adolphine: “I have told you repeatedly that was a mistake!”

Father: “The temple is the temple.”

Adolphine: “Then by all means, keep living with such outdated notions. I, however, will go to Alexandria — even if it means being demoted!”

Father: “What!?”

Adolphine: “No matter how much information I send you, if you can’t make use of it, there is no point staying under your authority.”

Father: “How dare you!?”

Adolphine: “Do you know how many days I spent praying to Jungereise and Dultsetzen because of the marriage arrangements you made? I don’t need any more trials from Glucklitat.”

Father: “Stop spouting nonsense.”

Adolphine: “So much for being the Aub of the Land of Knowledge.”

Father: “...!” (fuming)

Adolphine: “It seems my prayers to Jungereise have been answered — I have been granted the blessing to leave my home.”

Father: “Do as you like!”

Adolphine: “Gladly. Then I shall proceed with the necessary paperwork, just like the Goddess Steifebrise did.”

Adolphine: “Lady Rozemyne!!! Please take me in!”

Rozemyne: “Eeeh!? Is this one of those ‘become the God of Darkness’ kind of requests?!”

Ferdinand: “Lady Adolphine? Are you saying you wish to compete for the favor of all my goddesses?” (pressure)

Adolphine: “This is a misunderstanding! If Lady Rozemyne were a man — or if I were a man — I would be applying to be her second husband!”

Rozemyne: “Eh?!” (cheeks flush)

Ferdinand: “Hmph!?” (sharp glare)

Adolphine: “What I mean is... I want to transfer to Alexandria.”

Rozemyne: “Eeeeh!?”

Ferdinand: “I see...”

Adolphine: “The truth is, my father petitioned the Zent to order Ortwin to marry into your family — naturally, he was refused. So, having lost all faith in my father, I wish to dedicate myself to Lady Rozemyne, who once saved me! I also wish to join the research institute Lord Ferdinand will surely establish! I want to work at the cutting edge of research! Research, research, and more research!!”

Rozemyne: “The first half of that sounded like the face of a competent archduke candidate... but the second half was just a hopeless researcher talking.”

Ferdinand: “I see. It seems your father has no sense of propriety. This is useful information.”

Adolphine: “Then! May I join the institute?”

Ferdinand: “And what exactly would you do there, Lady Adolphine?”

Adolphine: “Research! All day long!”

Ferdinand: “Such an enviable life will not be permitted.”

Rozemyne: “Lord Ferdinand!?” (Wait, did he just envy something unhealthy?!)

Ferdinand: (clears throat) “Lady Adolphine will join the archducal family and assist Rozemyne in her social duties.”

Rozemyne: “Eh? Does that mean... my second wife?!”

Ferdinand: “Fool!”

Adolphine: “If Lady Rozemyne wishes it...” (blushing)

Ferdinand: (radiating cold) “You will become the first wife of Rozemyne’s blood brother.”

Rozemyne: “But my brother is just an archnoble... and which brother?”

Ferdinand: “Eckhart, of course.”

Rozemyne: “Eeh!? But... (mumbles about Lady Heidemarie)”

Ferdinand: “Eckhart will do well.”

Eckhart: “If it is for Lord Ferdinand, I shall accept with honor!”

Ferdinand: “This will make Eckhart part of the archducal family.”

Eckhart: “Yes! ...Wait, what?” (confused...) (No, if it’s Lord Ferdinand’s command, it must be correct!) “Yes!!”

Rozemyne: “Um?”

Ferdinand: “There is no strict definition of ‘archducal family.’ Only the Aub must be a lord candidate.”

Rozemyne: “That’s true, but...”

Ferdinand: “Eckhart will not become a lord candidate or take that course, but his status as my guard knight will remain.”

Eckhart: (My guard knight... Lord Ferdinand’s guard knight... I will serve for life! Follow him anywhere!! Even in death!!!)

Ferdinand: “It is not so different from an archnoble marrying into the archducal family. This way, we gain another person to provide mana to the foundation and strengthen our defenses.”

Rozemyne: (That’s true...)

Ferdinand: “Eckhart is known as your blood brother. Even if he marries Angelica later, there will be no shortage of offers for a first wife.”

Rozemyne: “That’s true...”

Ferdinand: “And if left as is, his grudge against Ahrensbach may lead him to... deal with them physically.”

Rozemyne: “Hieee!”

Eckhart: (For him to understand me this well! I will follow him for life!!)

Ferdinand: “Making a princess from a greater duchy his first wife will ensure Ahrensbach keeps their hands off.”

Adolphine: “Um... Will Sir Eckhart not mind that I have been divorced?”

Eckhart: “If anything, I’d rather cut that man down myself, but your divorce itself doesn’t bother me.”

Adolphine: “...And Lady Heidemarie?”

Eckhart: “She was my wife. We were starbound and even had a child, but Lady Veronica, interfered... Since then, I have remained unmarried.”

Adolphine: “I see... Even so, are you truly fine with this, though it’s an order?”

Eckhart: “Lord Ferdinand’s commands are never wrong!”

Adolphine: “Then I shall mostly stay at the research institute. Please keep your main residence filled with Lady Heidemarie’s mementos.”

Eckhart: “Eh!?”

Adolphine: “I would prefer a white marriage, but... you will need someone to help raise Lord Ferdinand and Lady Rozemyne’s children, yes?”

Eckhart: “Naturally!”

Adolphine: “In that case, you will need children of your own as part of the archducal family’s branch.”

Eckhart: “...That’s true! Lady Adolphine, I look forward to it!”

Adolphine: “Then, when the child is born, please let me stay in the detached building.”

Eckhart: “Eh?”

Adolphine: “Lady Angelica will have to be married quickly, won’t she?”

Eckhart: (...That’s true?)

Rozemyne: “Exactly!!”

Adolphine: “I will mainly stay in the institute, and Lady Angelica will be in the knight’s dormitory, correct? We’ll need to keep up appearances for the main and detached residences, but staying there from pregnancy until weaning should be enough.”

Eckhart: “No, surely that’s...”

Rozemyne: “You mustn’t become the kind of husband who neglects his home like Father!”

Ferdinand: (Karstedt, you brought this on yourself.)

Eckhart: (The same as Karstedt? No way!)

Adolphine: (Honestly, fathers are all the same!)

Rozemyne: “Still... isn’t it too early to be talking about our children?” (blushing)

Ferdinand: “Oh? Has your emotional maturity grown?”

Adolphine: “If I am to assist, it’s better to give birth first. And older retainers will be needed.”

Rozemyne: “Lord Ferdinand’s child! Hyaaah!”

Ferdinand: (Adorable. Cherish. Winter is here...)

Hartmut: (Older retainers! That’s our job, isn’t it!?)

Clarissa: (Hartmut! Our mission is decided!!)

Hartmut: (All for Lady Rozemyne!!)

Clarissa: (Yes!! For our most glorious Lady Rozemyne!!)

Rozemyne: (I have a bad feeling... Oh no, don’t look at Hartmut and Clarissa...)

Rozemyne: “Um... Angelica is already late to marry. I’d like to starbind her this summer.”

Adolphine: “If I’m allowed to stay in Alexandria, I don’t mind waiting several years.”

Rozemyne: “Please don’t make me wait that long!!”

Adolphine: “Oh? But there was someone here who tried to make me work as a fiancée for years, wasn’t there? It was approved at the Archduke Conference, too.”

Rozemyne: (Remembering those days makes me so mad...)

Ferdinand: “Drewanchel has no grounds to object now.”

Adolphine: “Indeed. And I won’t be treated roughly for it.”

Rozemyne: “Of course not!”

Eckhart: “Lady Adolphine.”

Adolphine: “Yes?”

Eckhart: “Rozemyne says I’m all brawn, so I won’t understand complicated things. Second wife Angelica will understand even less. So if you have any complaints or requests, say them clearly.”

Adolphine: “Eh?”

Eckhart: “If you expect me to notice on my own, I won’t. But if you say it, I’ll listen.”

Adolphine: “Fufu... Very well. No subtle maneuvering at home, then.”

Eckhart: “Make it as clear as possible!”

Rozemyne: “A bad husband? No, wait — if he listens to what’s said, isn’t that a good husband?”

Adolphine: “Lady Rozemyne, a man who listens to you is absolutely in the good husband category.”

Rozemyne: “There are a lot of bad husbands in Yurgenschmidt, huh~”

Ferdinand: “I’ve seen enough bad examples to avoid becoming one.” (kisses Rozemyne’s hair)

Rozemyne: “Hyaaaah!”

Chapter 4 Chapter Text

Today was the Archduke's Conference.

Socializing, followed by a meeting—no matter how you looked at it, it was exhausting. There were far too many pointless conversations, too.

…Would it be so bad to say, “If you don’t have at least twenty divine protections, you don’t get the right to speak”?

Well, they say that gaining more than twenty after acquiring your schtappe is risky, but people are still born with certain attributes. So perhaps twenty-five should be the baseline? Surely an aub would already have at least five attributes to begin with.

Small duchies that only became aubs due to the political upheaval might struggle, so… maybe twenty-four would be acceptable for them? And the greater duchies could be set at twenty-six.

That way, they’d have no choice but to carry out the temple reforms. I should talk to the Zent about it later… no, Ferdinand first! If I told Lady Eglantine first, he might get jealous.

Actually—why wait? This meeting is already wasting my time with this nonsense. I’ll bring it up right now!

I slipped Ferdinand a magic tool to block eavesdropping.

“Is something the matter? Are you tired?” Ferdinand looked at me with clear concern.

…And there it was. With his self-restraint completely gone, Ferdinand was sweet—and radiating dangerous allure.

Even before I realized I loved him, he kept whispering words of affection. And not in the formal noble language, either—plain, direct words.

He told me I was beautiful, adorable, that he liked me… again and again. I was so shocked that I worried he might be unwell, but when he looked dejected in response, his sheer adorableness struck me like an arrow from a BluAnfah. After that, well… we became both an engaged couple and hopelessly in love.

“I’m a little tired, but it’s nothing to worry about.”

“I see. And?” Ferdinand covered his mouth as he spoke.

“This meeting has been so full of ridiculous talk that I’ve been thinking of a more productive suggestion.”

“Oh?”

“They’ve been whining endlessly about not wanting to do the temple reforms themselves, haven’t they?” Honestly, this was getting unbearable. If it affects harvest yields, they should just get on with it already.

“So, why not make it so that only those with a certain number of divine protections are allowed to speak at the lords’ conference?”

A small, delighted smile curved Ferdinand’s lips. I think I heard a few squeals from the surrounding area, but I ignored them.

“For example, twenty-four or more for small duchies, and twenty-six or more for greater ones.”

“Ah, because more than twenty after acquiring your schtappe carries risks…”

“Yes. I did take that into account.”

Ferdinand kissed my hair and murmured, “You are merciful.”

“Alexandria! What are you doing?!” came the bark of Anastasius—the Zent’s consort and her provisional first husband.

I set down the magic tool and replied, “I was considering a groundbreaking proposal after hearing everyone’s opinions.”

With an elegant smile, I added, “Aub Alexandria’s idea is perhaps a little too merciful. Would you allow Ferdinand to present it in a more practical form first?”

“My, I never thought myself especially merciful, but Ferdinand is the one who can make my ideas feasible,” I said, smiling sweetly at him.

“Zent, may we proceed?”

“My! I would dearly love to hear the plan of Lord Ferdinand, who can make Aub Alexandria’s idea a reality,” Lady Eglantine said warmly, clearly just as tired of this drivel as I was.

With her permission, Ferdinand began his explanation, his beautiful smile in place.

The result? Any duchy with fewer than thirty protections would lose the right to speak at the archduke's conference. Next year would be an exception—twenty would be enough—for the sake of “mercy.”

“I see. I’d set mine at twenty-four to twenty-six right away without thinking about next year. As expected of Ferdinand!” Truly, there was no matching his foresight. It really might be impossible to reach twenty-six in a single year.

“What?! Twenty is already impossible!”

“Thirty!? Are you insane?!” came the cries of protest.

“The more protections you have, the less mana you expend, and the greater your ability to wield grand magic. This is an essential skill for an aub. If you cannot even make this effort, then perhaps you should resign,” Ferdinand said smoothly.

I added, “Indeed. To bear the responsibilities of an aub while refusing even this much effort… I would say you take the role far too lightly.”

“I suspect Aub Alexandria says that because she has already achieved it.”

“I have, yes. But I’m still offering prayers in the hope of completing every divine protection available.”

Gasps echoed around the chamber.

“With reduced mana expenditure, you can supply the foundation more easily, and even offer mana to the temple. That alone could be enough to fill your duchy’s reserves. Is that not an efficient way to fulfill your duties as aub?”

“What about simply increasing the number of archducal family members?” someone offered.

“That creates more obligations for them as well. I see no reason to impose hardship on others for something I can accomplish myself,” I replied.

“Indeed… relying on one’s wife for territorial management is unsightly for a man,” Ferdinand added, a perfect jab. He knew about that certain someone who had been pestering Adolphine.

“…But, all divine protections? That’s…” someone muttered.

“Of course, I’m doing this for the sake of my people as aub—but also because I thought I might have a chance to beat Ferdinand.”

Yes, even during his harsh days in Ahrensbach, I kept praying. And with every little event, I prayed again. Surely that made it easier for me to gain protections! Any chance to beat the seemingly-invincible Ferdinand was worth seizing. I owe Hartmut and Cornelius an apology for thinking their divine instrument competitions were childish.

People stared at me as though they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.

“Well, it benefits my people and lets me win my personal competition. There’s no downside,” I declared.

Ferdinand’s lips curved into a sharp smile. “I thought as much.” He kissed the back of my hand.

Hiee. He knew. But how? Why?!

“However, I am also praying daily so as not to lose to you.”

“Grr… I won’t lose!” I glared at him, and someone nearby whispered, “She’s unexpectedly strong-willed.”

“What are you talking about now? This is the woman who toppled a foundation for my sake. Do you think someone timid could manage that?”

Ah, was this a love boast?

“Of course, for someone dear to me, I would gladly topple a foundation as many times as necessary!” I declared.

The conference hall grew noisy, but I ignored it.

“Indeed, if the right to speak is determined by number of protections, it will be clear that the Zent is pressing for temple reforms,” Lady Eglantine said with a bright smile.

The room went silent for a heartbeat before voices rose, demanding she retract the statement.

“Criticism is welcome—if you have an alternative proposal,” the Zent said firmly.

And so they hemmed and hawed, unable to present one.

“Aub Drevanchel,” he asked at last, “I’ve heard that obtaining more than twenty new protections after acquiring a schtappe makes mana difficult to control. Is thirty not dangerous?”

“It is not,” Ferdinand replied. “So long as you thin your mana, it remains controllable.”

“But that defeats the purpose, does it not?”

“Not if you know you will be using grand magic,” Ferdinand countered. “In that case, you can compress it in advance. You merely lose a little fine control during that period.”

He went on to explain, “You can keep your mana compressed in daily life. When fine control is needed—for example, in delicate alchemy—you can first use a large amount of mana on the foundation, on divine instruments, or to heal the land. This thins it enough for precision work.”

“Exactly! As Ferdinand says, there aren’t many situations that require constant fine control. And if blessings pop out more often, it’s all upside for me,” I said with a grin.

Aub Drevanchel only gave a vague “Ah” in reply, still staring at me as if dazed.

In the end, Lady Eglantine declared that from the year after next, only those with thirty or more protections would be permitted to speak—twenty or more for next year as a special case. I suspect her frustration toward Klassenburg’s endless objections played a role, along with the influence of a certain noisy former royal and an aub with a grudge.

Incidentally, I learned that aubs receive their protections under the Zent’s supervision. And if, by some chance, an aub cannot name the gods… well, it’s already decided that such a fact will be made public.

Next year’s going to be so much fun.

Bonus

Socializing within Alexandria before the Lords’ Conference
(Note: “Mob” refers to background nobles seeking to gain power through Ahrensbach.)

A noble (Mob 1) approached Ferdinand with an over-eager smile.

“Lord Ferdinand! I would be honored if you would take my daughter as your Flower Goddess!”

“…Are you suggesting she is on par with Lady D?” Ferdinand’s voice was low and perfectly calm.

“W-what?!”

“Ah,” I said sweetly, “you mean her head is full of flowers?”

Ferdinand’s lips curled faintly. “And, in the end, she would also be a gaudy spectacle draped in lace and ribbons—quite the eyesore.”

“How curious,” I mused. “Was your daughter perhaps close with Lady D? Is that truly the pinnacle of Ahrensbach beauty?”

“Wha—wha—wha—?!” the gathered nobles spluttered in unison.

“If that is your ideal,” Ferdinand continued smoothly, “then losing the duchy’s standing was the correct outcome.”

“Wha—wha—wha—?!” they chorused again.

“Of course, preserving old culture can have its merits,” I said with a gracious nod. “If one wishes to become Ferdinand’s concubine, dressing up like Lady D would make the intent far more obvious.”

“Indeed!” Justus leapt in with an eager grin. “Lady Rozemyne speaks the truth! D was under the impression she was loved by Lord Ferdinand. To make such… similarities clear, one should decorate oneself just as she did!”

“That’s right, Justus! I thought the same thing!”

Ferdinand looked between us, expression unreadable. “Very well. From now on, anyone who recommends or nominates an unnecessary concubine for me—including the candidate’s associates—shall be required to dress exactly as D did.”

“How wonderful!” I clapped my hands. “We’ll preserve Ahrensbach’s culture and make their feelings for you crystal clear. Two birds with one stone!”

Another noble (Mob 2) stepped forward hesitantly.

“T-then… for Lady Rozemyne’s second husband, might I suggest this gentleman?”

“Oh? And on what grounds?” I asked.

“Ah… well, he has excellent grades, a handsome face, exceptional skill in administrative work, and so on…”

I gestured to Ferdinand. “Look at Ferdinand.”

“…Yes?”

“I have known Ferdinand since I was a child. My standard for nobles is Ferdinand.”

“…I see.”

“Now, look at Ferdinand, then look at your candidate. Can you still claim he is as excellent, handsome, and skilled in his duties?”

“…Well…”

“I am aware Ferdinand is exceptional even compared to the average noble,” I continued. “However, having been imprinted with Ferdinand as my standard before my baptism, that is the only scale I measure by.”

“…Yes…”

“And being educated by Ferdinand, of course I have achieved results that match his standards.”

“…I understand…”

“So—can you compare him to Ferdinand and still repeat your earlier statement?”

The noble’s mouth opened and closed. Then, without another word, he bowed his head and left in silence.

Chapter 5 Chapter Text

Finally, the day of the ranking announcements had arrived.

Thanks to my "self-restraint" still being sealed away—by divine intervention, apparently—I had been pushing ahead with all sorts of initiatives in Alexandria, even setting new trends left and right. Honestly, I wasn’t too worried about our position. And besides, the Zent herself, Lady Eglantine, had also lost her self-restraint because of my influence.

Of course, there had been the official assembly, but I’d also run rather wild in our private social gatherings. Still, it’s strangely calming to know there’s someone out there who’s even more unrestrained than I am.

At this point, I was beginning to think… maybe having my self-restraint sealed forever by the gods wouldn’t be so bad. I’ve spent so much of my life holding back—especially after Ferdinand left.

It’s not like I go out of my way to make enemies, but isn’t it ridiculous to waste energy being considerate toward people who mean me harm or want to use me?

All I’ve ever wanted is to read books, eat delicious food, and spend peaceful days with my family. That’s all. Such a tiny wish in the grand scheme of things—and yet people have trampled it over and over again. Maybe the gods sealing away my restraint is actually a reward for enduring so much!

And I’m not the only one. Many of those who’ve lost their restraint under my influence are people who have endured plenty themselves… so yes, this has to be a blessing from the gods!

Looking back, I’d kicked up a huge fuss, filing complaints everywhere because I felt Mestionora had treated me unfairly—but in the end, things had turned out pretty well.

Yes. I should share this feeling with my fellow restraint-less companions. Everyone still harbors some resentment toward the gods, but if I tell them I’ve decided it’s actually a good thing, maybe they’ll find it easier to pray with a clear heart.

“Now then, we shall announce the rankings,” declared the Zent’s attendant scribe.

1st – Dunkelfelger
2nd – Alexandria
3rd – Drewanchel
4th – Klassenburg
5th – Hauchletzte
6th – Ehrenfest
7th – Gausbuttel
8th – Gilessenmeyer
… 22nd – Blumenfeld
23rd – Korinthsdaum

Once all were read out, the hall erupted into murmurs.

“I cannot accept this!!! I am a former royal, you know!?” shouted Aub Korinthsdaum.

“Oh? And what exactly do you find unacceptable?” asked the Zent with a serene smile.

“How can my territory, ruled by someone of royal blood, be placed at the very bottom?!” he bellowed, his face flushing red.

“As I explained on the first day, there is no longer any such thing as the so-called ‘royal family’.” Eglantine once again outlined how she had dissolved the monarchy.

“The royal family was the very lineage that led Yurgenschmidt into decline,” she declared sharply. Gone was the soft, ethereal princess who needed protection; this was a ruler with steel in her voice.

Perhaps, now, I could be friends with this Eglantine. Then again, maybe it’s only because my lack of restraint means I can choose not to endure things I dislike. Respect? Yes. Worship? Not quite.

“I have explained this to Aub Korinthsdaum so many times: the falsehood of the royal family no longer exists.”

“But still—!”

“Even without that title, while enjoying royal privileges, you neglected your duties and have failed in your current territorial governance. This ranking is the result.”

Korinthsdaum refused to let it go.

“If it’s because we’re a new territory, then the same should apply to Alexandria!”

Persistent man.

“Korinthsdaum low ranking is not due to being new. The evaluation is based on the same standards as all other territories—harvest yield, governance efficiency, and so forth—while also factoring in the past failures of its ruler.”

“Failures!?”

“Yes. Namely, enjoying royal privileges while shirking duties and living in idleness.”

Oho… Eglantine was on the offensive today. I’d heard that even after becoming Zent, she’d had trouble with Aub Korinthsdaum. Sounds like their issues went back to when they were both in the so-called royal family.

I couldn’t help but wonder—was it wise to make their animosity so public? And why weren’t his retainers stepping in to stop him? Probably because they’re just as bad. Poor Korinthsdaum citizens… a lousy lord and equally lousy aides. Their territory’s doomed.

“You are quite right,” Eglantine said, looking straight at me.

Oops—hand over mouth, too late.

“Lady Rozemyne,” she continued, “upon becoming Aub, you immediately performed an Entwickeln, aided the injured and bereaved, reformed your temple, created new fashions… You have worked hard and produced results. To you, it is only natural that a lord who merely supplies mana to the foundation and otherwise lazes about would seem slothful. Your concern for the people of such a territory is truly compassionate.”

As she spoke, Ferdinand took my hand, kissed the back of it, and gave me a sidelong glance while unleashing a venom-laced compliment. Stop. Don’t radiate that kind of allure. You’ll make me swoon.

Yes—this was the Bluanfah Dance! No… maybe more like the Verdrenna Impact.

Haaah… that charm. Too handsome.

Wait—danger!

I jumped up and wrapped my mantle around Ferdinand, shielding him from sight. Even a plain, book-loving maiden like me might keel over from that level of attractiveness—no way was I letting anyone else see it.

There were shrieks and gasps around the room, but I ignored them. This dangerous specimen must be hidden.

“Rozemyne…?” he murmured, peering up with an upward glance that was practically dripping with seduction.

Chuu.

Ah! His allure lured me into stealing a quick kiss.

Ferdinand’s ears turned red. So cute. I wanted to adore him forever. My Ferdinand.

“Enough already, Alexandria!!!” came the most unromantic interruption from former Prince Anastasius.

To interrupt my Ferdinand-appreciation time—surely that’s a capital offense?

“Rozemyne,” Ferdinand murmured, still blushing. “We are in the middle of archduke conference.”

“In that case, let’s continue this back at the dormitory,” I whispered, planting a kiss on his cheek before lowering my mantle and taking my seat.

Hm? The ladies’ faces were crimson.

…Yep. Definitely dangerous to let Ferdinand’s charm loose in public. Maybe I should see if we can make an Ahrensbach-style veil for men.

“Heh. Ferdinand was once teased as being like Ewigeliebe, but it seems he’s actually your Geduldh, Lady Rozemyne,” Eglantine said with a smile. The ladies tittered, while Mother—present as a scholar—scribbled furiously. Looks like she’s already writing a book about us. A little embarrassing, but… I welcome new reading material.

“We are each other’s Ewigeliebe and Geduldh,” I said sweetly. “I have eyes for no one else, and anyone who tries to take my Geduldh knows exactly how I’ll respond.”

I scanned the room, adding the barest hint of mana to my gaze. “If you lay a hand on my Geduldh, I will respond with my full power.”

“Hmph. The same applies to me,” Ferdinand replied. “I once believed that enduring in silence was the way to protect those I cared for, but I’ve learned that crushing the threat entirely is far more effective.”

Another kiss to my hand.

“Then if anything happens to either of us, it will be a race to see who strikes first—like a personal ditter match!”

“Indeed… though instead of competing with you, I think Alexandria as a whole versus the offender’s territory would allow for more strategic options.”

“Oh, yes! The opponent will regret living—but that’s the consequence of their own choices.”

We smiled at each other, while the entire hall collectively recoiled. Well, except for Dunkelfelger—who were murmuring things like “As expected of the Demon King” and “As expected of the Goddess of War.”

And so, with our “Do Not Approach – Danger” reputation firmly cemented, we successfully concluded the Lord Conference.

Bonus

Ehrenfest at That Time

“Fran, Gil, I’ll need you to move to Alexandria immediately,” Aub Ehrenfest said gravely.

Fran bowed. “As you command… Um, how soon is ‘immediately’?”

“On the next Windday. You’ll be sent through the teleportation circle then.”

“…Understood. I shall make haste.” Fran’s voice was composed, but his hands trembled slightly.

Sylvester gave him a steady look. “Rozemyne insisted she must welcome you herself. I’m counting on you.”

Only four days remained until Windday.

“Everyone, an order has just come from the Aub!” Fran called out. Prepare yourselves to join Lady Rozemyne in four days’ time! Hurry!

“What? That soon?!” Gil shouted, eyes wide.

“Apparently, Lady Rozemyne needs us.” Fran’s face softened into a shy, glowing smile.

“Lady Rozemyne needs us!” Gil’s joy exploded across his face.

“It seems even the attendants left behind in Ehrenfest for being underage are included. We’re all going.”

Hurry! Hurry! No time at all! But if it’s for Lady Rozemyne, then hurry! Hurry!

“Damuel, Philine,” Aub Ehrenfest turned to them, “you will also relocate to Alexandria on the next Windday.”

“…Windday?!” Damuel blurted.

“Yes. You’ve heard Rozemyne’s restraint has been sealed away, haven’t you?”

“…I have.”

“Apparently, she’s been shouting things like—‘I cannot possibly imagine anyone but Damuel as my Chief guard knight!’” Sylvester mimicked Rozemyne’s high-pitched voice perfectly.

“W-what?!”

“And—‘Philine is absolutely essential to me!’” he continued, mimicking her again.

“Eh?!” Philine squeaked.

“There is no longer anyone who can stop Rozemyne, now that the gods themselves have sealed her restraint,” Sylvester intoned.

“B-but what about Lord Ferdinand?!” Damuel asked desperately.

“He’s lost his restraint as well.”

“…What?!”

“Those who stay too close to Rozemyne are inevitably affected.”

“Ehh?!”

“And now he’s declaring, in a deep voice, ‘I shall grant every wish of the goddesses,’ and doing whatever he pleases.”

“Ha?!”

“Eh?!”

The two laynobles stared, utterly bewildered.

“Philine, bring your younger brother. Damuel, your elder brother as well, if possible.”

“Eh?!” “Ha?!”

“Ferdinand suggested it,” Sylvester explained calmly. “Philine’s father and stepmother may yet make a move. He wants her brother’s aid in the temple at Alexandria. And Damuel’s brother is sure to face resentment over his promotion—there’s more than enough work for him in Alexandria.”

“…Ha…” Damuel groaned.

(Leaving them behind truly would be dangerous. To think Lady Rozemyne would be so considerate!) Philine’s eyes shone. Oh, Lady Rozemyne!

“Make preparations at once.”

Hurry! Hurry! No time at all! But if it’s for Lady Rozemyne, then hurry! Hurry!

“I too shall go to Alexandria!” Brunhilde declared suddenly.

“…I thought you might,” Sylvester murmured.

“You’ve already had your betrothal ceremony,” Florencia said helplessly.

“That was a decision made solely for Lady Rozemyne’s sake—certainly not for Ehrenfest, the Aub, or even for Lady Florencia!” Brunhilde snapped back.

“…We know. But still—”

“You two may do as you please as always!” Brunhilde cut them off sharply. She turned on her heel. (It was always for Lady Rozemyne’s sake. Sylvester was chosen by process of elimination anyway. My role here is done. Farewell!)

The Aub couple watched her go, utterly bewildered, as she strode briskly away.

“Father, I’m going to Alexandria as well,” Judithe announced.

“You may not.”

“Oh, but Lady Rozemyne said if you refuse, she will personally come to persuade you on Windday. Is that truly what you want?”

“…What?!”

“Are you prepared to trouble Lady Rozemyne, the Aub of Alexandria, and all her retainers with such a matter?” Judithe leaned in threateningly.

Her father paled. (Wait… is she serious?)

“Fortunately, Kirnberger has a border gate.”

(Wait… she’s serious?!)

“And what do you suppose a Rozemyne, bereft of restraint and bearing Mestionora’s Book, would do if provoked?”

“…U-Understood.”

Thus Judithe departed for Alexandria as well, with her family—now thoroughly convinced—seeing her off.

Chapter 6: Securing Funds is Also Part of an Aub’s Job

Summary:

Alexandria was still suffering from the debts inherited from the Ahrensbach era, compounded by the recent invasion from Lanzenave. The treasury was running dry, and with new policies about to be implemented, more funds were needed than ever.
Please note: The final page contains R15 material.
Told from a third-person perspective.

Chapter Text

The Turmoil Before the Archduke Conference

It was the hectic season before the Archduke Conference.

One of the scholars, looking pale as a sheet, stepped forward to deliver a report before the Aub, her fiancé, and their gathered retainers.

“I see. I understand your meaning.” Ferdinand’s reply came in a stern voice, his brow deeply furrowed.

“That Ahrensbach hasn’t already been dissolved into a ruin of a duchy is nothing short of a miracle.”

Rozemyne pressed a hand to her cheek, her expression troubled.

“Once the harvest comes, there will be no issue with food. But at this time of year, without immediate measures, starvation will spread, and with it long-term damage to our financial base,” Ferdinand warned.

The scholars stationed in the office paled even further.

“Quite so. Thanks to the sea’s revival, the towns near the fishing ports will survive… but inland folk are another matter. Still, with the Blessing of the Ritual, surely the forest is producing food again, is it not?” Rozemyne tilted her head, her words uncomfortably on the mark.

“Yes, as Lady Rozemyne says, it is possible to reduce the number of those who starve,” the reporting scholar answered, still looking sickly.

“And with the Archduke Conference ahead, sugar and spices will no longer sell. Which means,” Rozemyne cut straight to the heart of the problem, “we cannot secure the very foundation of our revenue.”

Silence.

The scholar's wordless response was affirmation enough.

“Understood. Then I shall earn the money at the Archduke Conference!” Rozemyne declared, clenching her fist with gallant determination.

“W-Wait! What exactly do you intend to do? The Gutenbergs haven’t even begun full-scale production!” her fiancé cried out, panicked.

“Leave it to me. Hartmut, paper.”

“At once.” Hartmut produced paper and pen with perfectly fluid, efficient motion.

Rozemyne raised her voice in proclamation, her eyes gleaming:

“With this Forrin paper, I shall bring in gold—real large gold coins!”

Thus declared the Aub of Alexandria.

Her fiancé pressed his fingertips to his temple, brows furrowed in deep exasperation.
Around them, some could not suppress their eager anticipation, while others stared suspiciously, wondering just what madness would come next.

Socializing with Ehrenfest

“Aub Ehrenfest, this is the manuscript for a book we are planning to publish in Alexandria.”

“…And it is permissible for me to see it?”

“Of course. It is only the summary, after all…”

Rozemyne—now Aub Alexandria—smiled sweetly as she handed over a single sheet of paper.

“…? And should Ehrenfest wish to purchase this content, I would be open to selling it instead.”

Her words came with a bright, innocent smile that sent a chill down the spines of the Ehrenfest delegation. Aub Ehrenfest accepted the sheet with a suspicious expression and began to read.

The moment his eyes scanned the contents, a strangled “Ngh!” escaped him, followed quickly by a horrified, “Hah!?”

“Aub Alexandria… what is this?”

“As I said,” she replied with a smile that did not waver in the slightest, “it is the content of a book we are preparing to write in Alexandria.”

“…Is this not… rather outrageous?” Aub Ehrenfest’s face drained of all color as he clutched his stomach.

“If Ehrenfest would prefer this story never be written, then you may simply purchase it,” Rozemyne offered sweetly.

“…Then I would… like to purchase it.”

“My, how flattering. And… how much do you believe this manuscript is worth?”

At that, the Ehrenfest delegation froze, eyes widening in alarm.

“…One large silver coin.”

“Oh, but with that price I would profit far more by publishing in Alexandria and selling it widely,” Rozemyne dismissed him with a single, merciless sentence.

“…Three small gold coins.”

She laughed lightly, as if indulging a child. “My, such jesting. Have I not already presented reports on how much profit a single Ehrenfest book has generated?”

The pointed reminder stabbed into them like a knife: they had left everything to Rozemyne’s management and, in truth, had no idea how the businesses actually functioned.

“…Then how much?” Aub Ehrenfest finally ground out.

“At the very least, a large gold coin.”

“A large gold coin!?” He could not hide his shock.

“…One large gold and five small. That is my limit,” he tried to bargain.

Rozemyne’s eyes narrowed in amusement. “Adoptive Father, as a man, as an Aub, and as my father… is that truly the limit you can place upon this manuscript?”

The pressure was unbearable.

“…Two large gold coins! I will pay no more!” Aub Ehrenfest finally shouted, slamming down his resolve.

“Please be at ease,” Rozemyne said with a merciful smile. “Half of that sum may be paid in foodstuffs—wheat, potatoes, whatever you can spare.”

“…Truly?”

“Of course. Was Ehrenfest not blessed with another bountiful harvest this year?”

Ehrenfest, who had been bracing for complete financial strangulation, all but leapt at the offer, overflowing with gratitude.

And so, Alexandria secured a near-future supply of food.

The retainers of Alexandria watched with awe—no, with something bordering on reverence—for their Aub Alexandria, who declared and achieved exactly what she promised.

To call it respect would be an understatement. What they felt was nothing less than worship.

Perfect, this is Rozemyne at her most terrifyingly angelic—cornering even Dunkelfelger with her innocent smile. I’ll translate it, polish the narrative, and adapt it into a light novel-style Ascendance of a Bookworm scene, with the right pacing and LN tone.

Socializing with Dunkelfelger

“Aub Dunkelfelger, Lady Sieglinde… here is the manuscript for a book we are preparing to publish in Alexandria.”

“Oh…?”

“My, is it truly permissible for us to see it?” Sieglinde asked, tilting her head.

“But of course. It is only the summary, after all…”

Rozemyne—Aub Alexandria—smiled sweetly as she handed over a single sheet of paper. Aub Dunkelfelger accepted it with good cheer, while Sieglinde received it with an expression that seemed to be measuring Rozemyne’s intent.

“…And should Dunkelfelger wish to purchase this content, I would be open to selling it instead.”

The words were delivered with her trademark innocent grin.

As the couple began reading, their faces immediately darkened.

“Aub Alexandria… what is this?”

“As I said, it is the content of a book we are preparing to write in Alexandria.”

“…Is this not rather excessive?”

“…I had thought Dunkelfelger was considered a friendly ally to Alexandria,” Aub Dunkelfelger said, his sharp gaze meeting hers.

Sieglinde’s eyes blazed as well, but Rozemyne’s bright smile did not falter in the least.

“If Dunkelfelger would prefer this story never be written, then you may simply purchase it.”

“…Aub Alexandria. Is this not altogether too outrageous?” Sieglinde pressed.

“Oh my! Does something in particular come to mind?”

The silence that followed only deepened the implication.

“To glare at me so fiercely, it is almost as if this manuscript truly pertains to Dunkelfelger…!”

“…Hmph.”

“As I recall, did you not once say that Dunkelfelger has no history it feels the need to conceal?”

“…Of course.”

“Then, as I thought, this has nothing whatsoever to do with you. I simply wished to confirm, just in case.”

The air sparked with the fierce glares exchanged between Aub Dunkelfelger, Lady Sieglinde, and Aub Alexandria. Meanwhile, Aub Alexandria’s fiancé stood to the side, silently observing. He knew all too well that this kind of negotiation was Rozemyne’s specialty—there was nothing Ferdinand could, or would, do to intervene.

“…We will purchase it.”

“My, how flattering. And… how much value do you believe it has, Aub Dunkelfelger?”

At her question, the Dunkelfelger delegation stiffened.

“…One large gold coin.”

“Oh my. But with that price, I would profit far more by publishing this in Alexandria and selling it widely.”

Rozemyne noted, at least, that Dunkelfelger had begun with a gold coin—better than Ehrenfest had managed.

“…Three large gold coins.”

She pressed a hand to her cheek with a musical laugh. “My! At that rate, the translation of Dunkelfelger’s own history book that I produced back in my second year of the Academy would be valued higher than this manuscript. Surely you do not mean to imply that Dunkelfelger is less than a second-year student?”

The words cut deep. And though the truth was undeniable, no one in Dunkelfelger could allow it to stand.

After a moment of bitter silence, Aub Dunkelfelger finally ground out his answer. “…Six large gold coins.”

“My, thank you ever so much. Please rest assured—this method will only be employed this once. My restraint is… temporarily sealed, you see, and I have yet to grow accustomed to it.”

Rozemyne gave a gentle, merciful smile.

But even as she promised, Aub Dunkelfelger and Lady Sieglinde exchanged doubtful glances. With her self-restraint sealed indefinitely, could anyone truly believe this would be the last time?

Even Ehrenfest, watching nearby, could not conceal their astonishment.

And so, Alexandria successfully extracted funds—not only from Ehrenfest and Dunkelfelger, but also from Drewanchel, Klassenburg, Corrintzdam, and Blumefeldt.

Or, in Rozemyne’s words, she had simply persuaded them to “purchase a single sheet of forin paper.”

The Paper Presented to Ehrenfest

A child was born at last — a long-awaited son to the ruling couple of a middling domain, already blessed with two daughters. He was smothered in love and doted upon endlessly.

When he entered the Royal Academy, he fell for a young lady: the elder sister of his older sister’s fiancé, and daughter of an influential higher-ranking duchy. He pursued her relentlessly, blocking her suitors one after another. Unable to advance her betrothal talks due to this persistent nuisance from a mere minor duchy, the lady was forced into resignation.

In the end, she compromised, agreeing to wed the beloved son of a backwater duchy as his first wife. Somewhere within her, she still harbored the faint hope that the man who had pursued her so ardently would at least treasure her once they were wed.

That fragile hope was shattered quickly. Despite all his past fervor, her husband was utterly devoted to his mother’s will. To his wife he would only say, “It is best to leave everything to my kind mother.” Even when she was insulted before his very eyes, he did not defend her. Even when she was poisoned at tea parties, he did not investigate.

The future Aub found himself perfectly content: a gentle mother to guide him, the wife he had so coveted always at hand, and a talented half-brother to shoulder much of his work. What bliss, he thought. What peace.

But then came the turning point: the descent of the Saint. Overflowing with mana, brimming with compassion, and above all, a genius who birthed new creations with every thought.

She was far too precious a jewel for such a paltry duchy. Enthralled by novelty, the young Aub flaunted her inventions one after another, thoughtlessly riding the tide of fashion. Meanwhile, his first wife, worn down by years of neglect and maltreatment, failed to properly fulfill her duties.

And so the Saint returned to the realm of the gods.

Deprived of her radiance, the middle duchy faded once more into obscurity, no more than a countryside domain with nothing to offer.

The Papers Presented to Dunkelfelger (Part I)

A tale from a land famed for its martial pride — one that possesses, from the founding of the country, a sword once blessed by the Zent.

In this land, there lingered a dreadful custom. When a bride was brought in, should her family resist or deny the union, they were slaughtered to the last. Such women, stripped of all kin, were brought in as “trophy wives.”

Yet these so-called trophies were not cherished. With their relatives gone, they had no protection, no power, no backing. Some were treated as mere ornaments for display, while others were subjected to violence, or used in rituals akin to sacrificial offerings.

Few survived long. Traumatized by watching their families massacred, then abused and isolated, their lives burned out quickly.

But the people of that land never questioned it. For them, such cruelty was tradition, culture, the natural way of things. To them, only the weak suffered. And if one perished, it was their own fault for lacking strength.

And thus, upon the suffering of countless women, the culture endured.

The Papers Presented to Dunkelfelger (Part II)

A tale of a candidate for lordship in a great martial duchy.

He was meant to be born of the second wife. But due to a political upheaval, circumstances shifted — and he was thrust into the position of the first wife’s son, destined to be the next Aub.

His mother, a high noblewoman of fearsome pride, together with his grandparents, oversaw his education. Yet their arrogance poisoned him. He grew confusing bluster with dignity, arrogance with authority.

Even in childhood he ran rampant. Though he received the proper lessons, at his core he was overbearing.

Upon entering the Royal Academy, he mistook his duchy’s high ranking for his own personal ability. This delusion only amplified his tyranny. The accomplishments of his parents, grandparents, and forebears he claimed as his own strength.

In an academy still tense from the recent civil war, he goaded others into armed conflicts. Worse than that — he formed gangs to launch one-sided attacks, an unthinkable outrage.

He even declared that overturning a Zent’s decree of betrothal approval would be a mere trifle for his duchy. He then arranged a bride-stealing ditter, secretly altering the rules, concealing terms from the opposing side, and deceiving both his superiors and his dormitory supervisors with falsified reports.

But in the end, the duchy’s treasured Black Shield was reduced to gold dust by their opponents, and they lost.

He placed the blame upon his younger sister.

By the time he inherited the title of Aub, his credibility was already in tatters. Distrusted and despised, his duchy could no longer stand among the ranks of the greater domains.

The Paper Presented to Blumenfeld (R15)

A tale already forgotten — a truth that will never again come to light.

There was once a man, a teacher in the Royal Academy, tasked with instructing lord candidate courses. His students were isolated, barred from the company of their retainers.

One day, a female archduke candidate lingered after class, claiming to have a question. When he asked what it was, she suddenly swept his legs, sending him crashing to the floor.

Before he could process what had happened, his clothes were torn away.

“I am a princess of the duchy that bears the Zent’s sword!” she declared — and in that moment, he realized with horror that his divine sword of Ewigeliebe had been consumed.

Unable to resist, he was forced to his end.

When he next awoke, a magical device fashioned after the god’s sword had been implanted within him.

From that transgression, the woman bore a child blessed by Entrindüge. At the baptism, the child’s precocious growth could not be hidden.

As for the man — scarred by that day, his divine sword of Ewigeliebe never functioned again.

Thus ended a tragedy best left buried.

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Comments

BumponyRalsei on Chapter 1 Fri 15 Aug 2025 09:15AM UTC

"seals away her self-restraint"
Myne didn't have any brakes anyway, now they took away her handbrake too?)

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shadow417 on Chapter 1 Fri 15 Aug 2025 10:27AM UTC

While reading this I lost my shelf constraint

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Kiyotakavidc on Chapter 1 Sun 17 Aug 2025 01:35AM UTC

Jaja Rozemyne sin contenerse les dice todas sus verdades

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Leprechaun_____MAR on Chapter 2 Fri 15 Aug 2025 04:45PM UTC

Is Aldophine going to become Ekardt’s first wife? Will Angelica still marry him. I like that pairing.

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1. OmniVargas on Chapter 2 Sat 16 Aug 2025 11:32AM UTC
  
  Adolphine: I'll do the thinking, you just have to do as I and your Lady command, and everything will be fine.
  Angelica: *Nods with a Happy face*
  Eckhart: *facepalms*
  
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2. 1. PK (Guest) on Chapter 2 Sat 23 Aug 2025 05:38PM UTC
    
    Angelica: Will you think for me and Eckhart?
    Adolphine: Yes
    Angelica: May I marry you instead?
    Eckhart: *facepalms*
    Rozemyne: Oh! (yuri)!
    
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Sigtyr on Chapter 3 Fri 15 Aug 2025 01:46PM UTC

'100% maximum no chill'

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Sigtyr on Chapter 4 Fri 15 Aug 2025 05:17PM UTC

I want to see her visit her family and be completely normal. 😂

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Kiyotakavidc on Chapter 5 Sun 17 Aug 2025 04:32AM UTC

Jaja que bueno Judit y Brumilde también puedan ser felices

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Sigtyr on Chapter 6 Sun 17 Aug 2025 12:53AM UTC

Blumenfeld...Holy sh*t wonder if that one was Ferdinand's doing... 😂

Last Edited Sun 17 Aug 2025 12:53AM UTC

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Kiyotakavidc on Chapter 6 Sun 17 Aug 2025 05:01AM UTC

Uff,con esas historias de sus verdades como no querrían ocultarlas lo más que puedan

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DittoSama on Chapter 6 Sun 24 Aug 2025 02:49AM UTC

This fic is hilarious I adore it

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