Crossroads

“Lord Ferdinand, let us conclude our business swiftly.”

On the day following the Royal Academy’s graduation ceremony, I stood at the rear of the second-floor reading room in the library, my purpose directed toward the statue of the Goddess of Wisdom.

Communications with Rozemyne had abruptly ceased, so I had hoped to learn the reason during the Interduchy Tournament. However, my efforts led nowhere, as Ehrenfest had insisted that she was merely bedridden.

The fey paper had arrived as requested, but the delivery was devoid of the thoughtful meals or brewing ingredients, indicating a break in the usual routine. Clearly something was amiss.

I was unable to glean any information from Ehrenfest regarding Rozemyne, but Professor Hirschur seemed privy to something.

She had sought my assistance with brewing during the Interduchy Tournament. Intriguingly asking if I would be interested in Anhaltung’s grace. Anhaltung, the Goddess of Advice aideds those in distress or disarray, and wasis known for helping uncover that which was concealed by Verbergen, the God of Concealment. Professor Hirschur was hinting at an exchange; she would provide me with the information I sought in return for my help with her brewing.

Now with the maximal quality fey paper in hand, my plan can progress.

Rozemyne hads grown far too close with the royal family. Having something that would allow me to bargain with them could make all the difference.

I suppose I should finish my work here first.

As I began to examine the statue of the Goddess of Wisdom, I realized it would be my first time using this entrance. The last time I attempted to use it, I had been was turned away, prompting me to enter from above instead. As soon as I touched the feystones embedded in the Book of Mestionora, my mana started flowing out of me, and a magic circle arose in my mind. The sensation of teleportation briefly enveloped me, depositing me in a library with a spiral staircase—a sight that would have undoubtedly prompted Rozemyne to utter a blessing in gratitude.

Am I supposed to go down these stairs?

As soon as I started moving towards the staircase, I was halted by the sudden appearance of a golden shumil. “You may not pass at this time. Return later,” it declared, sending me back to where I was, in front of the statue. I was turned away yet again, but the explanation it gave me was different than last time. The shumil had said ‘Return later’, but I was not in a position where I could freely enter and leave the Royal Academy whenever I wished.

After a brief pause, I muttered to myself, “So, I have been denied? it’s impossible. Now then, what should I do about this? If possible, I would’d like to avoid using that method again.""I have been denied? What do I do about this? I would rather avoid my previous method.”

Erwaermen had criticized my previous unconventional entry as insolent. Yet with the standard route currently inaccessible, I once again considered the idea of soaring in from above.

In the middle of that thought, the door to the reading room creaked open, prompting me to turn instinctively. Both Eckhart and Justus, also on alert, mirrored my surprise. I had not expected anyone to be visiting here so soon after the graduation ceremony.

“Who would come here at this time of year?” I wondered aloud.

“Perhaps it is a student returning an overdue book?” Justus speculated.

The sound of footsteps echoed, and soon Prince Sigiswald graced the second-floor reading room with his presence. While a visit to the underground archive might have been expected, the appearance of royalty in the reading room on the day following the graduation ceremony was quite unusual.

Don’t tell me, has Prince Sigiswald finished circling the shrines and becoame capable of obtaining the Book of Mestionora?

If that were the case, then the item that I had planned to craft would lose its value as a bargaining chip. Maintaining a cordial demeanor, I greeted him and inquired about the purpose of his visit. “Truly… Might I ask what brings you here?”

“The same as you, I would imagine—I came to inspect the magic tool Rozemyne was supplying at the time. I could not come before when there were so many students around.”

Prince Sigiswald revealed to me that Rozemyne had disappeared in the second-floor reading room while inspecting a magic tool. Under the assumption that I was already aware of the situation, he unwittingly provided the missing piece to the puzzle.

That fool!

Despite my repeated warnings to steer clear of the royal family, it appeared Rozemyne had circled the shrines and ventured into the Garden of Beginnings, the place where the wisdom of the gods flowed into one as a beam of radiant light. It seemed that multiple individuals were unable to undergo the process simultaneously, and I surmised that the refusal of my entry was due to Rozemyne already being inside.

“What magic tools are present on the second floor, I wonder?” Prince Sigiswald said.

“The second floor of the library houses several magic tools. You are likely familiar with the one that signals when it is time to stopcease reading, I assume? Additionally, the magic tool by the window prevents sunlight from damaging the books and documents, while the one below itneath is employed to preserve documents and shield them from aging. This particular magic tool here is designed to dampen loud noises.”

“You seem to be well-versed in all of these,” Prince Sigiswald remarked.

“The ongoing joint research between Ehrenfest and Ahrensbach revolves around the library’s magic tools.” I went on to explain., “My retainer Raimund, with the assistance of Professor Hortensia, has thoroughly examined all the magic tools in the library.”

I gestured toward each magic tool on the second floor, excluding the goddess statue, and detailed their functions. After listening to my explanations Prince Sigiswald left the reading room, apparently satisfied with the insights I provided.

“Rozemyne, you always find a way to ruin my plans.” After a brief pause, I muttered under my breath, “I will need to reconsider my options.”

Learning about Rozemyne’s whereabouts was not something I had expected when I came to the library. However, her actions went so far beyond my expectations that this new knowledge brought me no peace of mind. If I had to be truthful, I would have preferred to remain ignorant.

At the very least, I anticipate being unable to gain entry to the Garden of Beginnings until Rozemyne returns.

Now that my plans in the library had fallen apart, I moved to Hirschur’s lLaboratory and started brewing. I had already found the information that I wanted regarding Rozemyne, so there was nothing to be learned from Professor Hirschur in return, but it would serve as a much better way to keep my mind occupied than simply staying in the dormitory.

However, I could not remain immersed in my brewing for long. As I was in the middle of noting possible points for improvement and things to watch out for during the brewing process for the magic tool I had just created, Sergius burst into the laboratory. He came running because he had a message he had deemed too sensitive for an ordonnanz. Handing me a sound-blocking magic tool, he spoke,. “It seems that ships from Lanzenave have arrived. In order to open the border gate, Lady Detlinde hurried back to Ahrensbach.”

Isn’t it blindingly obvious that letting her leave would plunge us into a nightmare like the one we endured last year?! Are they truly that incompetent?!

Having recalled Detlinde’s disgraceful behavior from last year, I felt a headache coming on. However, there might be a chance to stop her from opening the border gate if I returned promptly. I turned to Justus and Eckhart, who were expressing their dissatisfaction to Sergius, and said, “There is no point in discussing this here. Let us return at once.”

After instructing Raimund to stay at the Royal Academy, I entrusted Professor Hirschur with our research results, which she would then deliver to Ehrenfest, and hurried back to Ahrensbach.

However, I was too late. Detlinde had strategically left people behind in the dormitory and in front of the teleportation circle to delay us, knowing that I would oppose the entry of those from Lanzenave.

As a result, the border gate had been opened, and we found ourselves hosting envoys from Lanzenave much earlier than usual.

◆

Upon my return to Ahrensbach, I found myself plunged into a situation reminiscent of last year, albeit even more distasteful. Detlinde greeted Leonzio of Lanzenave with an enthusiasm one might reserve for a long-lost lover. Exploiting my position as her Zent-appointed fiancé, she conveniently pushed upon me the entirety of the bothersome administrative tasks.

“Now that those from Lanzenave are already here, there is little we can do. However, it would be prudent to convey that they are not permitted to venture beyond their estate without our consent and for us to swiftly conclude our winter socializing.”

We made our return from the Royal Academy shortly after the graduation ceremony, so winter socializing had yet to conclude. The giebes from the countryside, unaware of Detlinde’s disgraceful conduct last year, were about to witness it firsthand. It would be unwise to let Detlinde put her foolishness on full display.

However, Detlinde had no intention to listen. After a single frown, she twisted her crimson lips into a mocking smile and said, “Lord Ferdinand, are you not aware that the giebes have requested permission to socialize with Lord Leonzio and the Lanzenave envoys? It would be such a shame to disallow it, considering their visits rarely coincide.”

“Lady Detlinde, I cannot permit those from Lanzenave to participate in winter socializing and forge connections with our nobles. Consider Ahrensbach’s best interests and your own reputation.”

“Oh my! Acting like Ewigeliebe before our Starbinding is rather unsightly.”

Detlinde dismissed my concerns with a condescending giggle before leaving the room. I exchanged glances with my retainers, who shared my frustration. Among nobles, my previous statement to the next archduchess would already be considered brazen, but Detlinde seemed to remain oblivious.

“Do I need to be even more direct with her?”

“No. Any further, and you would likely have crossed the line…”

The nobles present appeared utterly at a loss. How were we to make Detlinde understand that her enthusiastic welcome to those from Lanzenave would only serve to tarnish her own image?

As usual, my counsel fell on deaf ears. If only there was a potion capable of remedying such impulsive behavior…

Detlinde accepted the requests of a select few nobles to extend winter socializing, proceeding to act as a mediator between them and Lanzenave’s envoys. She let them venture freely beyond their quarters, hosting numerous tea parties for them with the nobles who sang her praises.

While such behavior might be tolerable if it served the duchy’s interests, in reality, all she did was succumb to Leonzio’s honeyed words. Under the pretense of compassion, she lavished generosity upon them, claiming, “My heart aches for those from Lanzenave.” Yet, it was clear that this was merely for her own self-gratification.

I view this as nothing short of Lanzenave growing increasingly audacious, likely emboldened by the lenient trade terms of the previous year.

Though Detlinde awaited the Zent’s acknowledgment at the Archduke Conference, she had already secured her position as the next archduchess. Despite this, she placed unwavering trust in Leonzio, forfeiting her own judgment. Oblivious to Lanzenave’s opportunism, she had unwittingly become their pawn.

Despite my status as her fiancé, I was still considered an Ehrenfest noble—that fact diminished the weight of any advice I offered in favor of Ahrensbach’s interests. Regardless of Detlinde’s actions, she faced only the slightest of punishments. Scholars who worked with me implored me despairingly to rein her in, while nobles working at the castle questioned why I, her fiancé, failed to restrain her unruly conduct.

How nonsensical. I am tempted to ask them in turn why they had neglected to educate or discipline the future archduchess of their own duchy.

As an archduke candidate from a different duchy, I was expected to show deference to Detlinde to maintain her image as the next archduchess, while on the other hand, I was expected to admonish her as her fiancé. It reached a point where maintaining a composed demeanor while deflecting their comments became increasingly challenging. If they truly intended to stop her rampages, they would merely have to tie her up and confine her to her quarters until she learned how to conduct herself as a proper archduchess. I would have preferred rather themy to stop complaining to me if they had no intention of stopping her themselves. I dido not want them holding me, a noble from Ehrenfest, responsible for the inadequacies in the education they had provided to for her over a decade or more.

“There has been a recent surge in the number of nobles associating with Lady Detlinde.”

Justus, who diligently kept track of the nobles’ social engagements alongside his official duties, shared this observation with me, accompanied by a subtle sigh. In any other year, the spring feast would have concluded by now. With Georgine announcing her retirement and Detlinde indulging in socializing as a way to shirk her duties, my workload increased significantly with an incessant stream of documents and wooden boards that required my attention.

“It seems that many seek an archduchess susceptible to their flattery, yet I cannot shake the feeling that Georgine may have had a hand in this. Could you investigate, Justus?” I asked.

“She is already wary of my past actions,” Justus answered. “It might prove challenging.”

Certain nobles harbored reservations about the impending formalization of administrative duties once the Starbinding took place. Consequently, they sought Detlinde’s support. Those with vested interests in commerce started to curry favor with Detlinde, hoping to expand their influence.

In response to the giebes’ increased interference in trade affairs, I proposed either sending Lanzenave’s envoys back or curtailing winter socializing. However, she continued to ignore my advice. Ahrensbach nobles had learned that my role as a Zent-appointed fiancé carried little sway, so they disdainfully scoffed at my advice. It was a disheartening cycle.

“Lord Ferdinand,” Sergius said. “You have barely touched your meal.”

“I have had my fill. My appetite seems to have dwindled as of late.”

Perhaps due to the even more intensive stares I was drawing, I simply wasn’t inclined lacked the inclination to indulge in spice-laden cookinguisine. The spices interfered with poison detection, which was particularly crucial given that my fatigue had also weakened my resistance to toxins. Moreover, the absence of brewing ingredients from Rozemyne made preparingcrafting fresh antidotes more challenging. In light of these factors, I was relying on the rejuvenation potions I had brewed myself rather than ingesting unfamiliar dishes.

“We cannot have you skipping meals, especially at this time. You need to eat to maintain your strength,” Sergius insisted, casting a pleading glance at Justus for support. “Justus, please say something to him as well. This will impact Lord Ferdinand’s health.”

“I have already consumed a potion, so I will be fine.”

Despite Sergius’ earnest attempts to coax me into eating, Justus sighed and slumped his shoulders, knowing my aversion to spicy food when fatigued. There were no more meals from Rozemyne that we could use to replace the spicy food either. We had assumed that more would be sent to us during the Interduchy Tournament, but our expectations were unmet. It dawned on me just how dependent I had become on Rozemyne treating me like family, and the realization was like a splash of cold water. I should have known that another’s goodwill could not continue forever, so why had I ever entertained the notion that it would?

◆

“I shall make my way to the Royal Academy today. I still need to mentor Raimund, and finish assisting Professor Hirschur with her brewing. Given that winter socializing shows no signs of ending, I am inclined to revert to the original plan.”

“There’s no predicting Lady Detlinde’s reaction…”

“Lady Detlinde was the one who told Professor Hirschur I would assist her. Surely she wouldn’t prevent me from fulfilling a duty she herself assigned to me,” I asserted, aiming to stop any further objections from my retainers as I readied myself to depart for the Royal Academy.

“Regarding administrative duties, there is no point in lingering here while we await Lady Detlinde’s approval. None of you possess sufficient brewing skills to justify being taken away from your tasks. Therefore, you can stay and manage the work brought in by the scholars amongst yourselves. Justus and Eckhart will accompany me to the Royal Academy. With Raimund already present there, the assistance of additional scholars will beis unnecessary.”

Those unfamiliar with research were advised to avoid Hirschur’s lLaboratory whenever possible. More bluntly put, the laboratory was already in disarray, and anyone impeding our brewing efforts risked being swiftly removedexpelled from the premises. Since Justus and Eckhart had been my companions since my student days, they had earned their place. Others would not fare as well.

“I shall return by sixth bell.”

With my retainers in tow, I headed toward the teleportation hall. Upon arrival, I presented my permit to the knights responsible for guarding the room and attempted to travel to the Royal Academy. However, the knights stoppedhalted me, insisting on Detlinde’s permission and questioning the validity of my old permit due to the foundation having been dyed recently.

“I understand,” I said. “With the change in foundation ownership, we also will also need new brooches. Your request to confirm the permit’s validity is quite sensible.”

I dispatched an ordonnanz to Detlinde, summoning her to the teleportation hall. Upon her arrival, she glared at the guards, clearly annoyed by the abrupt summons, and said, “I am very busy at the moment. What could you possibly need?”

“I request your authorization for me and my retainers to teleport to the Royal Academy. I momentarily suspended my brewing to return to Ahrensbach upon learning of your intent to open the border gate. If you recall, you made a commitment to Professor Hirschur. While I lack specifics, would it not be troublesome if she were to spread certain rumors?”

The truth was that Professor Hirschur had come to Detlinde’s aid when she despaired over her poor grades, fearing she might never graduate. Detlinde would not want such gossip reaching the ears of nobles from other duchies before she formally assumed her role as the next aub.

Detlinde had paled in response and screeched, “I was not informed of any suspensions in your brewing! Return to the Royal Academy at once!”

“I anticipate the need for multiple visits to the laboratory in the near future. Must I summon you each time for your permission?”

“You already possess a valid permit, so further summons are unnecessary. Please spare me such trivial matters.”

Declaring her task completed, Detlinde departed. After seeing her off, I exchanged glances with the knights overseeing the teleportation hall, and we shared a collective shrug.

“While we appreciate your diligence, you have witnessed Lady Detlinde’s attitude. I would be grateful if you allowed us to use this permit to teleport to the Royal Academy in the future.”

“Of course. Thank you for providing confirmation. We will inform the other guards.”

It seemed using the teleportation hall in the future would pose no challenges. Relieved, I took back the permit from the knight and entrusted it to Justus for safekeeping. Encouraged by the knights to proceed, we positioned ourselves atop the teleportation circle and made our way to the Royal Academy.

Now then, what excuse shall I use this time to go to the library?

While the research certainly held its importance, my main purpose for visiting the Royal Academy this time was to meet with Erwaermen. While following Professor Hirschur’s brewing instructions, I provided various directions to Raimund. Given the significant difference in our mana capacities, instructing him directlydirect instruction proved challenging. My role was limited to offering advice on modifying magic circles to make them more mana efficient. Consequently, this interaction conveniently provided me with an excuse reason to visit the library.

“Raimund, there appear to be gaps in your knowledge. Take advantage of this time, with all the books returned, to make more effective use of the library now that all the books have been returned.”

Upon entering the library and exchanging greetings with Professor Solange, we proceeded to the reading room on the second floor. There, I listed several reference materials for Raimund to study. While Justus and Eckhart began their search for said reference materials, I eyed them closely as I separated from them to approach the goddess statue.

Now, I wonder if Rozemyne is still with Erwaermen.

I thought this as I reached out to touch the statue of the Goddess of Wisdom.

◆

Experiencing the sensation of teleportation once more, I found myself plunged into co0mplete darkness, a stark contrast to my previous visit. Swiftly, I drew my schtappe and assumed a defensive stance. In the next moment, my mana began to flow of its own accord, revealing a scene before my eyes. The familiar spiral staircase remained, but instead of the library that would have delighted Rozemyne, various magic tools and brewing implements adorned the shelves.

Could these be the magic tools I have created in the past?

Carefully, I advanced. The golden shumil appeared once again, causing me to wonder if I would be forcefully returned to the library. However, it simply inquired, “Art thou one who seeketh knowledge?”

“Indeed. I have come in search of Mestionora’s wisdom.”

The golden shumil descended the spiral staircase. Since I was allowed passage this time, I was convinced that Rozemyne had already acquired Mestionora’s wisdom and had returned to Ehrenfest. Even though my knowledge of her whereabouts was indirect, I felt a little relieveda measure of relief. Now that Rozemyne’s absence was no longer an issue, Ehrenfest would surely open up communications and Sylvester would accept a request for a meeting in order to exchange information.

“Touch the door,” the shumil said. “If you are qualified, it will open.”

Reaching the door at the bottom of the staircase, I discovered it was adorned with seven feystones and a faintly etched teleportation circle. I channeled mana into the feystones, which opened the door, allowing me to proceed further. After passing through an iridescent film, I found myself in a place that was familiar to me.

“So, this is how one is supposed to reach the Garden of Beginnings.”

At the end of the cave I found myself in was an ivory spiral staircase. Ascending, I emerged in the Garden of Beginnings where I had received my Divine Will. The large tree at its center transformed into the figure of a person—Erwaermen.

“What brings you here, Myne? Did you forget something… No, that’s not it. I understand now. Your size is different from before. You must be Quinta. How troublesome.”

Rozemyne had undoubtedly visited this place. Erwaermen regarded me with closed eyes, muttering to himself. His demeanor differed significantly from the last time I entered from the skies.

Don’t tell me, did Rozemyne go on a rampage here as well?

“I am Ferdinand, not Quinta. I have come to receive the remaining wisdom.”

“It seems you have acquired some manners, but you are too late. Myne has already absorbed the remaining knowledge. The two of you now share the wisdom of Mestionora between yourselves.”

I found that perplexing; how had we ended up in such a situation? While ancient documents mentioned the existence of several Zent candidates simultaneously, nowhere did they allude to the wisdom being divided among multiple candidates.

“Is this a normal occurrence?”

“As far as I am aware, this is the first time ever.”

This has never happened in Yurgenschmidt before?! Rozemyne, what on earth?!

“I urgently require the wisdom that Rozemyne absorbed. Is there a way to obtain it?”

“So, you seek the wisdom that you have lost… In that case, kill your counterpart and extract the knowledge from her feystone.”

Erwaermen spoke with such nonchalance that it took a moment for his words to sink in. I never expected a god to propose a deadly confrontation for the sake of knowledge.

“Is there any other method aside from obtaining it from her feystone?”

“You may return here after your counterpart perishes. I shall then bestow upon you the knowledge that would have returned to Mestionora upon her death.”

Apparently, one of us needed to die for the other to receive the remaining wisdom. Erwaermen offered no other options. Moreover, it was likely that a fragmented, incomplete version of the Book of Mestionora would be of little use. My own Book of Mestionora was riddled with gaps, rendering it entirely unusable. There were several magic circles I could utilize since I could fill in the gaps, but there were far too many gaps for it to be useful to a Zent.

“The time of ruin is nigh. Those who seek knowledge, hasten to complete your book of wisdom… The knowledge you possess is comparatively meager. It would be more efficient for you to meet your demise posthaste.”

Having spoken those words, Erwaermen once again transformed back into a great tree, and an exit different from the one through which I entered appeared. Stepping through it, I found myself atop the shrine in the Farthest Hall, and a sigh escaped my lips. Only royalty had the ability to open the doors to this room.

“If he wished for me to depart the Garden of Beginnings, I would have preferred if he at least returned me to my beginning location.”

Rozemyne, too, must have been transferred to this very spot. If, in her foolishness, she had sought assistance from the royal family to leave, they would likely have inferred that she had acquired the Book of Mestionora.

In that case, I anticipate a significant change during the Archduke Conference. Time is of the essence.

After forming my schtappe, I sighed once more, chanted “Stylo,” and began to draw a magic circle in the air. Unlike the teleportation circles created by aubs who utilized their duchy’s foundation, this teleportation circle could only be utilized by Zent candidates in possession of a Book of Mestionora. Although the locations to which one could teleport using this circle were limited, leaving this room posed no challenges.

“Kehrschluessel. Ersterde.”

◆

Upon my return to the library from where I teleported to, I found myself subjected to a scolding from the teary-eyed Eckhart for my unannounced disappearance.

“Lord Ferdinand, you should have informed me before leaving the library! Even though the Royal Academy currently lacks students, one can never be too cautious. What purpose do I serve as your guard knight if not to ensure your safety?!”

“Surely it is permissible for me to act independently on occasion.”

Eckhart voiced the same grievances as he had during our student days, leading me to respond with a wistful smile, echoing the same reply I had given him then. Justus, overhearing our exchange, turned to me with glistening eyes glistening and said, “Have you still not moved past your student days?”

It appeared that Justus had also been frantically searching for me. Reflecting on it, I recalled him wearing a similar expression when I had ventured out alone to circle the shrines while still a student. The familiar scene brought me a sense of nostalgia.

“I am aware that my obligations have grown more burdensome since those days. Let us return.”

With that, I resumed my brewing and instruction of Raimund as per our original plan, returning to Ahrensbach at sixth bell.

◆

I dined in my chambers while receiving reports from the retainers left behind in the castle. As usual, the spice-laden food failed to stimulate my appetite. I consumed little enough to avoid issues in case of poisoning. After dismissing the concerns Sergius had about my lowmeager intake, I gazed out of the window at the moon.

“Lord Ferdinand, is something amiss?”

“Nothing of great importance. I merely observed that the moon appears particularly large tonight.”

“Ah. The Goddess of Light must be beckoning the God of Darkness…” Sergius said as I stepped onto the balcony.

The moonlit country gate and the expansive dark sea stretched before me. The sight reminded me of the events that had unfolded today—the mana-made scenery emerging from the darkness, the Garden of Beginnings, and Erwaermen’s words.

Would I kill Rozemyne? Or would she be the one to end my life?

As Yurgenschmidt was fast approaching ruin, an unexpected decision loomed over me. I had never anticipated facing such a dilemma at such a dire time.

In the past, I had once resolved myself to kill Rozemyne if the need arose. If it turned out that she posed a threat to Ehrenfest, I had intended to take responsibility as the one who forced her into those roles—first as a blue shrine maiden, and then as a member of the archducal family—and end her life myself.

However, a royal decree led me to leave Ehrenfest, and said obligation had seemingly concluded.

I had no desire for the Grutrissheit, yet a god decreed that I must engage in a deadly confrontation over it. Rozemyne must have received the same mandate. With an incomplete Book of Mestionora in hand, what was she contemplating considerations were filling her mind, and which path would she choose?

More people would celebrate my demise over Rozemyne’s. Erwaermen, at the very least, desires so; that much is clear.

Did I feel this way because I had stopped receiving information from Ehrenfest? Or perhaps it was the fact that all my attempts to make contact had beenwere refused? Could it be Erwaermen, the core of Yurgenschmidt, instructing me to meet my ‘demise ‘as soon as possible’? I could not help but to feel likethat the world itself was rejecting me, rendering me utterly worthless.

I was at a loss as to what I should do next. Even if I were to live on, I would be compelled to follow through with the Starbinding with Detlinde as per the royal decree and live out the remainder of my days in Ahrensbach. The prospect sounded incredibly burdensome, and I couldn’t fathom deriving any joy from such a life.

Perhaps ending myself sooner rather than later would be for the best.

As soon as this thought flickered through my mind, I was unexpectedly reminded of Rozemyne’s past words, “Promise me you won’t give up on everything and submit to a life of suffering for the sake of your father. Promise me you’ll call for help if you’re ever truly in pain. I’ll come save you right away.”

The circumstances had changed considerably since then. I wondered if she would echo the same sentiments now. It was surprising that I still remembered her words, which at the time had felt like an empty promise. I didn’t expect to think about them now, especially with Erwaermen’s order for one to end the other.

What awaited us at our next meeting? What manner of expression would she have on her face when she saw me, the one she had once regarded as ‘like family’?

Please tell me your Geduldh. Am I still part of your Geduldh?

Arms crossed, I gazed up at the moon.

The moon, golden as Rozemyne’s eyes, remained silent, holding no answers for me.