Ascendance of a Bookworm (LN) - Volume 5.3 - Chapter SS

Resolve at the Interduchy Tournament

“Lady Lueuradi. I am told you received the divine protection of a subordinate god. Of all the third-years who participated in the Dedication Ritual, you are the only one who achieved this. Congratulations.”

“I thank you. Bluanfah the Goddess of Sprouts deemed me worthy. I hope to continue praying before my graduation and obtain more divine protections as well.”

As a result of praying to Bluanfah the Goddess of Sprouts and Liebeskhilfe the Goddess of Binding until right before my final exams, I had managed to obtain Bluanfah’s divine protection. My aim was to obtain Liebeskhilfe’s as well after my graduation, since there was going to be a repeat of the protections ritual.

After I joyfully reported my situation to Lady Muriella and did more to support Ehrenfest’s joint research with Dunkelfelger, she was able to lend me the new volume of Royal Academy Love Stories.

This truly is Bluanfah’s guidance!

I delved straight into the new volume, having told my elder sister it was essential reading for Ehrenfest’s joint research. The duchy’s reputation was soaring now that it had demonstrated it could get the royal family involved in research among students. Aub Jossbrenner had advised us to cooperate with Ehrenfest while we still could, so I was putting my absolute all into our collaboration with them.

Just as Lady Muriella had said, this new volume contained the most wonderful scene. In the Goddess of Time’s gazebo, the God of Darkness spread his cape to shield the Goddess of Light. If a man ever did something like that for me, I would end up so embarrassed that I might just run away.

“Lady Muriella, I am here to see your presentation.”

It was the start of the Interduchy Tournament, and my first course of action was to see what Ehrenfest had discovered through its research. Our initial plan had been for Aub Jossbrenner to greet Aub Ehrenfest so that he could express our thanks for the divine protections and strengthen the bond between our duchies—but then we saw the platoon of blue-capes marching toward him and realized we were out of our depth.

My elder sister had slumped her shoulders and suggested that we check again toward the end of the morning. So here I was, viewing the other duchies’ research as an apprentice archscholar.

“Good day, Lady Lueuradi. Please have a look. This part of the presentation covers the same information that Dunkelfelger has on display, while this here is Ehrenfest’s original research into the Dedication Ritual. The names of the duchies and students who participated are listed over here.”

Wait... I’m mentioned in the same breath as members of the royal family!

These new “graafs” they were using were surprising enough, but seeing my name mentioned alongside the royal family? Such an honor was surely unprecedented in Jossbrenner’s long history.

“Is it truly that surprising...?” Lady Muriella asked with a giggle. “Lady Rozemyne made it clear that participants would receive a mention, did she not?”

All of a sudden, Lady Muriella gasped. Her eyes were locked on something behind me, so I instinctively turned around. Approaching was Lady Detlinde of Ahrensbach, and with her was a man wearing an Ehrenfest cape. He had an attractive face and resembled the man who had appeared out of nowhere during last year’s awards ceremony and defeated a ternisbefallen.

“Who is that man with Lady Detlinde?” I asked. “I am sure I have seen him before, but I do not know his name.”

“That is Lord Ferdinand, Aub Ehrenfest’s paternal half-brother. He served as Lady Rozemyne’s guardian, helping her adjust to noble society after she was raised in the temple, then moved to Ahrensbach at the end of autumn when his engagement to Lady Detlinde was decided.”

I wasn’t in a position to receive reports on the Archduke Conference, so I didn’t know any of the details, but I did recall my elder sister mentioning that Lady Detlinde of Ahrensbach was getting married as the result of a royal decree.

Lady Detlinde began greeting Dunkelfelger, while Lord Ferdinand went to greet Ehrenfest. The moment Lady Rozemyne saw him, she stood up with sparkling eyes.

“Ah!”

“Oh my!”

Lord Ferdinand reached out and touched Lady Rozemyne’s cheek, seemingly caressing her. Lady Rozemyne then covered her face with her hands, doubtless trying to hide her flushed cheeks, and gazed up at him with teary eyes.

There can be no mistaking it. Bluanfah has graced us with her presence.

They were both engaged and in such close proximity to their respective partners, but they were still daring to make physical contact. Deep down, they surely loved each other so very much.

“Lady Muriella,” I said, “that was...”

“It seems Lady Rozemyne uttered something deserving of a pinch.”

“Lady Philine?!”

I received a response not from Lady Muriella but from Lady Philine. Watching the pair with a heartwarming smile, she added, “This is an occasional occurrence in the temple. I expect a lecture from Lord Ferdinand to follow. Or... one would, were this not a public setting.”

“I see,” I replied with a nod, then exchanged a look with Lady Muriella. Her eyes were sparkling as much as my own.

“Oh, right,” Lady Muriella said. “Lady Lueuradi, do have a look at our joint research with Ahrensbach. I can say with all certainty that you will adore it.” She turned her attention to where Ahrensbach was giving its presentation, then started leading the way. I followed alongside her, wondering what she wanted to show me.

“Ahrensbach is presenting a sound-recording magic tool,” she continued, “but to make it clear that Lady Rozemyne was involved, we placed it inside a plush shumil. We also filled it with quotes I selected from Royal Academy Love Stories.”

Hold on a moment! Romantic phrases handpicked from Royal Academy Love Stories?!

The very thought made my heart begin to race. Putting such lovely words into a magic tool presented at the Interduchy Tournament... Ehrenfest was the only duchy that would ever have such an idea.

“The lines are spoken by one of Lady Rozemyne’s male retainers,” Lady Muriella continued. “Several were recorded, so please listen to them all.”

I wonder which lines were chosen...

As one of Lady Rozemyne’s retainers, Lady Muriella could not be away from Ehrenfest’s presentation spot for long. She soon hurried off, leaving me to peruse the lower-ranking duchies’ areas on my way to Ahrensbach’s. I could scarcely contain my excitement as I tried to guess which quotes were selected.

That must be the shumil.

I recognized the plush at once. It stood out quite a bit given its unique color and the way it was positioned among several more standard-looking magic tools.

Fraularm was busy addressing some of those interested in Ahrensbach’s presentation. “This research was done by our very own Lord Ferdinand and his disciple Raimund. Please observe.” She was completely omitting Ehrenfest’s role in their joint research, but that wasn’t particularly rare.

The Interduchy Tournament was held within a circular arena. Spots were given out based on rank, with the topmost duchies receiving the best views of the grounds below. In this case, Klassenberg and Dunkelfelger were situated opposite one another, both with front-row seats.

Odd-numbered duchies were often put on one side of the arena and even-numbered duchies on the other, but placements were sometimes changed when it was determined too risky to position two particular duchies together. This year, it seemed that Drewanchel the Third was being kept away from Gaussbuttel the Seventh, and Hauchletzte the Fifth away from Kirschnereit the Ninth, all because of arguments over who stole whose research. This had resulted in Jossbrenner being next to Hauchletzte.

Greater duchies steal credit for joint research projects as readily as they breathe.

“Professor Fraularm, as I said, this research was done with Ehren—”

“Raimund, it seems that our visitors wish to know how much more efficiently these tools use mana.”

Raimund, a scholar who was likely a mednoble or laynoble, was trying to give Ehrenfest the recognition it deserved. Unfortunately, his efforts to convince Professor Fraularm fell on deaf ears.

“So, we believe research into minimizing mana usage and maximizing efficiency will play a crucial role in our mana-deprived world.”

Watching the apprentice scholars respond to the other visitors’ questions out of the corner of my eye, I picked up the shumil. Then, I touched its feystone and poured some of my mana into it, exactly as Lady Muriella had taught me.

“O my subordinate, may all that is be enveloped in ice and snow. Through mine efforts I shall entomb Geduldh, so do thine utmost to distance Flutrane.”

Oh, how wondrous!

The first phrase the shumil repeated was from a story about a couple at the Royal Academy who could only meet ever so briefly in the winter. Still, they were able to make the most of even the most fleeting encounters. Hearing it read aloud made it feel as though the boy from the tale were speaking to me instead.

“What was that?” someone asked.

Immediately I replied, “A passage chosen specially from Royal Academy Love Stories. Hearing it spoken by a man provides such a unique experience compared to simply reading the book.” I pressed my hands against my cheeks, trying my best to hide the goofy smile that was playing on my lips, then channeled more mana into the tool to hear the next line. It was agony having to maintain my composure while such a kind, soothing voice was speaking words deemed wondrous enough to have been included.

Aah, I wish to discuss this with Lady Muriella at once!

As I stood in a daze, playing one romantic line after another, a crowd of very curious women started to gather around me.

“Our very own novel series, Royal Academy Love Stories, contains many more romantic quotes for women who wish to feel their heart race and men searching for the right words to captivate the girl of their dreams. Get a copy of your own in Ehrenfest this summer. We will also be selling nail-biters like A Ditter Story, Knight Stories, and The History of Dunkelfelger. Priceless stories at reasonable prices!”

The last message was spoken not by the same man but by Lady Rozemyne, and she repeated not words of love but an advertisement for Ehrenfest’s books. Everyone stared at the shumil, taken aback, then a few of the women began to giggle.

“Romantic quotes and an advertisement for books, hm? Ehrenfest finds such interesting ways to use magic tools.”

“If all those tender words were from an Ehrenfest book, I must admit, I am very eager to read it.”

I agreed with them both from the bottom of my heart. My desire to read Ehrenfest books was so extreme that I could barely contain it. Oh, how it pained me to think that Jossbrenner wouldn’t be selected as a trade partner until the distant future.

It’s almost too much to bear. I must find some way to marry an Ehrenfest archnoble.

My name and reputation were quickly rising in status and renown because of the divine protection I obtained through Ehrenfest’s joint research. I couldn’t let this opportunity escape me; I was bound to be lost among the crowd once the other students started getting extra protections too.

I shall consult Lady Muriella.

The messages had drawn a lot of attention. Now, there were plenty of people wanting to touch the shumil or observe its magic tool in isolation.

“Oh my!” Professor Fraularm declared, then marched off somewhere in a huff. Seeing her only credit Ahrensbach had made me worry that Ehrenfest was being taken advantage of, but I saw now that there was nothing to fret about.

Satisfied with having heard all of the romantic quotes, I started making my way to Dunkelfelger’s spot. I was curious to see how they were presenting their joint research with Ehrenfest.

All of a sudden, I saw an ordonnanz swish through the air. It landed where the representatives of Dunkelfelger, Ahrensbach, and Ehrenfest were all engaged in conversation, then Professor Fraularm’s high-pitched voice rang out. I was too far away to hear what was being said, but her screeching was unmistakable. I certainly didn’t envy those standing closer.

I wonder what happened...

As I continued to observe, a group wearing light-violet capes began to move. Perhaps it was some urgent business for Lady Detlinde. Her fiancé Lord Ferdinand stood as well, then gave Lady Rozemyne a gentle smile and placed an affectionate hand on her head.

Aah, Bluanfah the Goddess of Sprouts!

It was clear to me now—I really had obtained Bluanfah’s divine protection. Her lively dance was happening right before my eyes.

I needed someone with whom I could share my enthusiasm, so I made my way to the group of Ehrenfest scholars. “Lady Muriella, may I borrow you for a moment? I have the most important news.” She was the only one who would understand this passion burning in my heart.

“Did you see?” I asked.

“After that ordonnanz from Professor Fraularm, how could I not have?” Lady Muriella didn’t even need to ask what I was referring to. She looked around cautiously, a bright sparkle in her green eyes, then continued in a low voice, “Back when she was raised in the temple, Lady Rozemyne could only ever be vulnerable around her guardian Lord Ferdinand. She has no doubt failed to notice Bluanfah’s visit and is instead clinging to the spear of Erwachlehren the God of Guidance.”

“Oh my. Then the rafel grew large in its wait for Efflorelume the Goddess of Flowers. Only when Forsernte the Goddess of Harvests or Jugereise the Goddess of Separation began her fateful whirl was it finally noticed.”

Lady Rozemyne’s hair, as dark as the blessings of the God of Darkness, had surely trembled in the wind, cold and wet, while she endured such a ruthless attack from Schneeahst the God of Ice. It was so heart-wrenching that just imagining the scene brought tears to my eyes.

“According to Lady Rozemyne’s other retainers,” Lady Muriella said, “the feelings between her and Lord Ferdinand are separate from love. Still, can you not feel the threads of Liebeskhilfe the Goddess of Binding? And does your heart not tremble as the ordonnanz spreads its wings so wide?”

“Oh, it trembles! I sincerely felt Bluanfah’s presence!”

“In our imaginations, we can be free...” Lady Muriella said with a smile. I agreed completely. There was nothing I wanted more than to read a book about Lady Rozemyne’s tragic love story.

“Do you think Lady Elantura will turn this romance into a story?”

“It seems she has a rule not to write about students still attending the Royal Academy.”

That was a shame. If the book wasn’t published before Lady Muriella’s or Lady Philine’s graduation, it would be years before it reached my hands.

“You know, Lady Lueuradi... perhaps you could try writing it yourself. You are not aware of our duchy’s internal politics or the situation in our dormitory, and you will surely be able to fill the gaps with the most wonderfully imaginative details. Being able to take more creative liberties will also make it harder to tell whom the story is actually based on, which should make it safe to distribute while the student is still attending. Plus, once it has been released, we could give you Ehrenfest books in lieu of payment.”

The offer was so tempting that my heart raced. I would receive new books earlier than others as payment for my manuscript. In other words, I wouldn’t need to wait for Ehrenfest and Jossbrenner to start trading.

“Th-That is quite an appealing offer,” I said, “but I am an archnoble. Mother and Father would scold me for doing the work of a laynoble or a poor mednoble.”

“Oh? We may be seeking the assistance of other duchies for future volumes of Royal Academy Love Stories, but the first release you loved so dearly was written collectively in Ehrenfest by a group of archnoble housewives.”

My heart throbbed. Archnobles were taking the lead, writing new books to spread their duchy’s printing industry. “It might be best for me to seek an Ehrenfest husband after all.”

“Once spring comes and things have settled down, perhaps I could ask for you,” Lady Muriella suggested. She was unable to introduce me to anyone herself, but she was at least willing to ask her lady. “We may not be able to find anyone among our duchy’s archnobles, though.”

My future was opening up... and a path to Ehrenfest was right before me.

I placed a hand on my cheek. “If you really can make good on your offer, I may have a reason to write.”

“We always provide fair compensation for any manuscript we receive. You seem to be worried about working for money, but could you not use those funds and any additional royalties to aid your dormitory and give loans to struggling laynobles? Your parents would accept that, surely.”

My eyes widened at the novel idea. Meanwhile, Lady Muriella glanced over at Ehrenfest’s aub and attending archduke candidates.

“Lady Rozemyne lent money to the students who lost their parents,” she continued, her respect for her lady clear in her voice. “They were told that they need only repay her when they graduate.”

Just how much was Lady Rozemyne doing? We were the same age, but she was so much more accomplished. It was hard to believe she was human, even.

That reminds me... Lady Eglantine compared Lady Rozemyne to the Goddess of Wisdom, didn’t she?

As I recalled those words from the Dedication Ritual, I struck on an idea—I could frame Lady Rozemyne’s moving love story as a tale of a goddess. Nobody would think to compare its characters to real people then.

“Lady Muriella... I shall do it,” I declared. “I shall write an emotional love story about Mestionora.”

“I am eager to see what you create. Please allow Ehrenfest to purchase it from you when it is ready.”

It was mostly in fun that I compared Lady Rozemyne to a goddess, but my words were truer than I realized. Around the time my manuscript was printed as a book, she would be widely accepted as the Divine Avatar of Mestionora.