Chapter Text
"At next year’s Archduke Conference, I intend to receive approval for Letizia to be recognized as the next Aub."
At the Archduke Conference reporting session, Mother narrowed her moon-like eyes gently and spoke with a serene smile.
"Despite it being a royal decree, we have been so focused on the reconstruction of Alexandria that time has slipped away and the matter has been delayed. It is about time we see it through. At the recent Archduke Conference, I spoke privately with Zent Eglantine regarding this matter."
Beside Mother, Father also wore a calm smile, but I felt a ripple of unrest stir among the nobles attending the session.
Naturally, my own heart was in deep turmoil.
"M-More than I..."
My squeezed-out voice trembled.
"Should you not choose the next Aub from among your and Father’s own children? You would only need to wait a few more years. Both you and Father are still young, and in terms of mana, your children are far more excellent than I."
"Oh, but Letizia, are you not sufficiently excellent yourself? Besides, we cannot exactly go about breaking a royal decree, can we?"
Mother rested a hand against her cheek and tilted her head. She spoke of a 'royal decree' with such elegant gestures, yet that decree was issued nearly twenty years ago, before I had even finished my baptism. Furthermore, Lord Trauerqual, who issued that command to Father, is no longer even the Zent, and Ahrensbach—the duchy specified in the decree—is a land that no longer exists. What "royal decree" could possibly still apply at this late stage?
"Letizia, I believe you should accept."
——————— ◆ —————————
Whether he truly didn't notice the agitation of myself and my retainers—or was simply pretending not to—it was my husband, Hildebrand, who interjected with a voice so bright it felt entirely out of place.
"It is a royal decree, after all. You became the adopted daughter of the Aub of Ahrensbach and married me specifically to become the Aub, did you not?"
I caught my breath with a sharp, involuntary hiss. What on earth is this man saying?
"I’m sure it will be fine. You’ve performed admirably as the Acting Aub during the Archduke Conference every year. Of course, I will do my absolute best to assist you."
Are you truly serious?
The blunt question, utterly unbecoming of a formal meeting, rose all the way to the back of my throat. Does this man not understand the sheer weight of succeeding Mother and Father as the Aub of Alexandria?
"First, the two of you should discuss this thoroughly. We are merely seeking approval next year; we are not demanding an immediate inauguration," Father said, his smile still fixed in place.
"Naturally, the Aub and I do not intend to withdraw from all administrative duties, and we shall continue to supply mana to the Foundation. Furthermore, Lady Rozemyne will remain in charge of library management and commercial affairs—including the printing industry—while I will continue to oversee the research institutes."
Though Father’s lips were curved into an elegant smile, I felt his pale gold eyes watching us as if appraising our worth. Having been raised under Father’s strict tutelage since childhood, I knew well that his smiles came in many varieties, each carrying a different meaning.
"First, Letizia and Hildebrand must have a good talk together. Of course, we will be available for consultation... Now then, since this topic is one that takes time, let us set it aside for now. Next, the report on commercial transactions."
Mother spoke briskly, moving the agenda to the next item.
After that, reports on commerce and diplomacy with other duchies proceeded as they did every year. Alexandria’s ranking remained unchanged at fourth place.
However, the talk of the Aub’s succession clung to my mind and would not let go; the other topics passed right through my ears. I tried to switch my focus, telling myself I mustn't be like this, but it was no use. It is pathetic, but I will have to rely on the civil officials' records to review everything later...
——————— ◆ —————————
Finishing the reporting session in a daze, I headed toward the detached building assigned to Hildebrand and me.
Along the way, however, Hildebrand claimed he had various errands to attend to and turned down a corridor in a different direction with a few of his retainers.
"Please do not be too late in returning."
I saw him off with the smile of an understanding wife, yet a sigh escaped me the moment he was gone.
I know exactly where he is going. Hildebrand has headed to the quarters of his concubine.
Hildebrand likely intends to keep it a secret... or perhaps he thinks I am in no position to say anything, but I am well aware of her existence and what kind of woman she is. He is likely going to report to her and her relatives that the proposal for my inauguration as Aub has been made.
Dragging a heavy heart, feeling as if I were being weighed down from all directions, I continued toward the detached building... when suddenly.
"...Oh?"
As if waiting for the exact moment Hildebrand disappeared, a white bird flew toward me and perched upon my shoulder.
The little bird chirped in the soft voice of a young boy—one that was just beginning to change, sounding slightly raspy yet gentle.
『I am returning to the Temple tomorrow morning and plan to stay until the Baptismal Ceremony. If you intend to visit the Temple to offer your prayers soon, Dear Sister, I would be delighted if you could drop by, even if only for a moment.』
It was an Ordonnanz from Meinhart, the eldest son of the Archducal couple.
Meinhart had just finished his second year at the Royal Academy. Although he had not yet obtained his schtappe, the Academy had begun instructing students on how to create Ordonnanzes using magic circles and magic tools.
I tapped the Ordonnanz, which had reverted into a feystone, with my schtappe.
"Thank you. I would like to visit for prayers the day after tomorrow at the fifth bell. If you have duties scheduled, Meinhart, please do not hesitate to prioritize them."
The Ordonnanz flew off toward the North Wing and returned almost immediately, before I had even reached my own building.
『I have a meeting with some merchants in the afternoon, but it should be finished by half-past the fifth bell. If you come after taking your time with your prayers, Dear Sister, I believe we could enjoy some tea together, if only for a short while.』
Replying that such a plan would be fine, I let out a long, weary breath.
"...It is a relief that you will be able to speak with Lord Meinhart so soon," my attendant, Verlese, said in a quiet voice. She is an attendant who has served me since my apprenticeship around the time of my baptism. She had stepped away from work for marriage and childbirth, but she returned to service last year, and I find her presence very encouraging.
"Yes, truly."
Naturally, Meinhart had been present at the earlier meeting as well. However, unless the topic concerned the Royal Academy, he would not speak unless prompted. He had simply watched the adults' debate quietly, his eyes sparkling with a youthful light of curiosity.
How had Meinhart heard that discussion... the proposal to formally register me as the next Aub?
As the Archduke's biological child—the eldest son and an archduke candidate—Meinhart is naturally a leading candidate to succeed as the next Aub.
While the parties involved... or at least I, personally... have no such intention, outsiders view Meinhart and me as rivals competing for the seat of Aub. And many of the high-ranking vassals likely wish for Meinhart to become the Aub.
And yet, I feel a sense of relief knowing I can meet Meinhart the day after tomorrow and speak with him from the heart.
Through the corridor windows, I could see a portion of the North Wing. The light leaking from the windows looked warm. The North Wing is currently the base of operations for the Archducal couple’s three oldest children, and rooms are being prepared for a fourth. Including Meinhart, the three oldest who have finished their baptisms also perform duties at the Temple; with four children in total, I hear the North Wing is very lively.
Until my marriage, that was my primary residence as well.
Due to the Archducal couple’s educational policy, I—an adopted daughter—was allowed to interact with the children even before their baptisms. To me, every one of them is a precious younger brother or sister.
I want to go back there—
The North Wing looked so nostalgic that my chest tightened with a faint ache.
——————— ◆ —————————
Since it was immediately following the Archduke Conference, my duties as an archduke candidate were quite hectic. However, on that day, I shortened my lunch break to make time and headed to the Temple as planned.
From the time of the Aub’s pregnancy and childbirth until Meinhart’s baptism—a period of about eight years—I served as the High Bishop. I was also the one who spent a year teaching Meinhart the duties of the High Bishop.
Therefore, the Temple feels as familiar to me as a second home; I know its workings well. Naturally, I also know exactly where the statues of each subordinate god are located.
"O Chaosfliehe, God of Protection, I pray that you remove the hardships from the path I walk."
Starting with Chaosfliehe, the God of Protection, I moved on to Verdrenna, the Goddess of Thunder; Gebordnung, the Goddess of Order; Anhaltung, the Goddess of Advice; Unheilschneide, the Goddess of Purification; Erwachlehren, the God of Guidance; Dregarnuhr, the Goddess of Time; and Glucklitat, the God of Trials...
I prayed to the feystones embedded in the divine statues, circulating through the temple to offer my mana.
I visited as many gods as I felt I needed strength from, and since I stopped to exchange greetings with familiar priests and shrine maidens I encountered in the halls and prayer rooms, it took quite a bit of time.
Thinking that Meinhart’s business meeting might be over, I sent an Ordonnanz.
『I am currently rushing to prepare the tea, so please walk slowly on your way here.』
The reply came back sounding a bit frantic, so I slowed my pace as instructed and headed toward the High Bishop’s chambers.
"Big Sister Letizia, thank you for coming despite your busy schedule."
After exchanging the lengthy seasonal greetings with Meinhart—who welcomed me in the High Bishop’s white robes—we shortened them slightly, as we were within the Temple. I noticed that Meinhart had grown considerably taller when he stood up. Since Hildebrand is usually the one to escort me, it had been a while since I stood close enough to Meinhart to compare our heights. I was startled by how quickly he was growing; he has likely entered his growth spurt, and it seems he will overtake me by next year or the year after.
Taking my hand, Meinhart turned his moon-like eyes—inherited from Mother—toward the door of the hidden room.
"Today, I assume that room would be preferable?"
When I nodded, saying I would appreciate that, the gray priest attendants (who had clearly prepared for this) began pushing a wagon laden with tea and sweets toward the hidden room.
Meinhart touched the red feystone to open the door. Following us into the hidden room were one guard knight for each of us and one attendant each. The attendants included Fran, the gray priest who came from Ehrenfest with Mother and has served in the High Bishop’s chambers for many years. Since the guard knights were also from Ehrenfest and Drewanchel factions respectively, they were familiar faces I could trust even when discussing sensitive matters.
Fran quietly poured the tea and arranged the sweets. It was a confection I had never seen before.
"It is cacao cream sandwiched between two layers of puff pastry," Meinhart explained.
Meinhart took a bite of the tea and sweets first to show they were safe.
"It has a different kind of deliciousness compared to when it's sandwiched between cookies, and since mass production is possible, I thought of it as a prototype for the Interduchy Tournament. However, it is difficult to eat elegantly. It might be fine here in the Temple, but it could be unsightly at the Royal Academy or a tea party for noblewomen."
Meinhart said cheerfully that he wanted my opinion.
In the past, cacao was something we relied almost entirely on imports for, but it was improved through selective breeding at the plant research institute led by Father and is now cultivated in the southern part of our duchy. Since about seven years ago, mass production has been successful. It is now processed as a specialty product of Alexandria—into cacao powder and chocolate—and trade with other duchies has begun.
Led by Mother, noblewomen and even commoner chefs are working hard to create a trend using cacao, and new recipes are being produced one after another.
When I pressed my cutlery into the thin pastry, which was lightly dusted with powdered sugar, it cracked with a crisp, promising texture. From the cross-section, two layers of melt-in-the-mouth brown cream peeked out.
As I took a bite, I felt the crunch of the pastry and the aroma of butter; as I chewed, the sweetness of the cream spread through my mouth, and the fragrant scent of cacao wafted through my nose.
The cream was quite sweet, but the pastry used no sugar—it actually had a hint of salt that brought out the flavor of the cream. The cream was chilled, and I was touched by the thoughtfulness of keeping it in the icehouse until my arrival.
"It isn't too sweet, yet it's rich and very delicious... but indeed, it is a bit difficult to eat beautifully."
"Exactly," Meinhart agreed.
Fragments of the pastry had scattered across the plate.
"Do you have any suggestions for improvement, Dear Sister?"
"Let's see... how about having the chef bake the pastry into bite-sized pieces from the start? That way, guests can scoop them up with a fork and eat them in one bite."
"Ah, I see. It scatters because we have to use a knife."
"The detail work might become finer, which may be more troublesome for the chefs..."
"I'll consult with them. Since the dough is rolled out and then cut before baking, it shouldn't be too much trouble. Sandwiching the cream might be the hard part... no, if we use a piping bag and carefully select the diameter of the nozzle..."
I was surprised by the words Meinhart muttered to himself as he pondered. Does this child actually know how to make sweets?
"Do you even know how to make puff pastry?"
"I wouldn't be able to suggest new products or improvements if I didn't know how they were made, would I?"
Meinhart tilted his head in wonder, as if saying, 'Isn't that obvious?'
"I have read through all the published recipes, and for the parts I couldn't understand just by reading, I ask the chefs or have them show me the actual work process in the kitchen."
"My... an archduke candidate frequenting the kitchens?"
Meinhart gave a small shrug.
"Naturally, I can't do that at the castle. It’s only in the Temple kitchen. Even you, Dear Sister, frequently went to the orphanage workshop to observe the work while you were the High Bishop, did you not? It is the same thing."
The same... is it? As an archduke candidate, I felt inclined to tilt my head at such behavior, and yet...
"I heard you are also putting together a textbook for Gewinnen. You are truly working hard on so many things."
As an older sister, I am happy to see my younger brother's growth and effort.
"What I did was first organize the rules to make them easier to understand. Then, based on the Gewinnen records of Father and my uncles, I played several matches against archduke candidates from other dormitories at the Royal Academy. From that experience, I selected the moves I felt were fundamental and important. The ones performing the final transcription to compile it into a book are the civil official apprentices."
Even so, I think his ability to plan, combined with the comprehension and memory required to understand and memorize every single move while competing, is marvelous.
Meinhart let out a soft chuckle.
"Being the child of the Incarnation of the Goddess and the Demon King is quite an ordeal."
"...That, I understand. Deeply."
Even as an adopted daughter, the pressure was considerable. Especially during my years at the Royal Academy, it was truly difficult being expected to achieve grades that matched the legendary excellence of the Archducal couple.
In my case, thanks to Father’s education, I was able to manage the written exams with high marks, but there were several practical lessons that I struggled with, and I ended up never being able to claim the spot of top student.
Meinhart, however, took the top spot for two consecutive years with a completely nonchalant air.
I know he is receiving the same strict education from Father as I did, so I am sure it is by no means easy for him, yet he makes it look that way.
"What is required of us isn't just grades at the Royal Academy, after all."
The management of the Temple and the performance of rituals, the launching of new trends, participation in industries, the academic improvement and unity of the younger siblings, and so on—archduke candidates of Alexandria are given many tasks from the moment they are baptized.
There are numerous documents seemingly under review in the letter boxes on the desk in the High Bishop’s office, as well as on the desk in this hidden room. There is no doubt that Meinhart is also extremely busy.
Yet, Meinhart spoke lightheartedly.
"Since I want to take the Knight and Scholarc courses in addition to the Archduke Candidate course starting next year, I would appreciate it if I didn't have to return for the Dedication Ritual. But well, I suppose that will be impossible until my younger siblings grow a bit older."
"You are taking three courses!?"
"As an archduke candidate, there is no such thing as having too much knowledge. Both Father and Mother have said they will help me with my preparations. Since both of them were top students—though the lecture content has changed since their time—I imagine I can make it work somehow?"
The terrifying thing about this boy... is the feeling that he really will make it work somehow.
I was the one who educated Meinhart for his role as High Bishop immediately following his baptism, and his memory and comprehension never ceased to amaze me. Part of it may be thanks to his habits before baptism—familiarizing himself with the Temple's picture books and karuta with the orphanage children and offering daily prayers alongside his parents—but even the ritual prayers that I had struggled so mightily to memorize, he made his own and mastered in an instant.
The ancient language he studied during that process is something he can now read and write fluently. Of course, Meinhart also possesses the mana capacity to match such knowledge. I heard that during this year’s Spring Prayer, he was able to make the rounds for his assigned portion of the Giebe-governed lands without using a single feystone for replenishment.
Ever since he was an infant, his mana was so abundant that child-sized magic tools would overflow; his parents even had to borrow divine instruments from the Temple for him to offer his mana to. Since learning compression at the Royal Academy, his capacity seems to have increased even more rapidly.
"Father and Mother’s genius-level grades are spoken of as grand legends at the Royal Academy, are they not?"
"Ugh, tell me about it. The expectations the professors heap upon me are simply terrifying."
Meinhart lowered his brows in a look of total exasperation.
"I understand that all too well..."
"Honestly, I’m tempted to secretly take the Attendant course as well, just to show up Father and the professors."
"Regardless of the Knight or Scholar courses, I don't believe an archduke candidate is permitted to become an attendant."
I spoke from the bottom of my heart.
"You truly are brimming with curiosity, and you possess the intellect, the drive, and the mana to match it..."
This child truly is the son of the Incarnation of the Goddess and the Demon King.
"I believe that you are the one who should become the next Aub of the Library City, Alexandria."