Preparations to Become a Noble

“Dirk, Maynard, today I bring you these magic tools for children from my father, Aub Ehrenfest,” said Lord Melchior, as he arrived at the orphanage the afternoon after our interview with Lord Hartmut. He wasn’t alone, of course. There were several gray priests, noble retainers, and attendants from the temple, including Fran and Monica from the High Bishop’s chambers, and Lady Rozemyne’s retainers, Lady Philine and Lord Damuel. I felt a bit disappointed that Lady Rozemyne and Lord Hartmut weren’t there.

…So, the magic tools are in those boxes.

I stepped forward to look at the large wooden boxes held by two of the attendants, but Delia, with a worried expression, pulled me back.

“Dirk…”

Deep down, Delia might still be opposed to it. However, I had made a promise to Konrad. I was going to receive the magic tools and become a noble who could protect the temple. I had heard that Delia couldn’t leave the orphanage because she was protecting me. So, I intended to protect Delia’s life as well.

“They called for me, so I’m going.”

This afternoon, Lord Melchior had sent word to gather the children who hadn’t had their baptismal ceremony yet. The adults were in the workshop, but the children were in the dining hall. I removed Delia’s hand, stepped forward with the three-year-old Maynard, and stood before the other children with Wilma. After greeting Lord Melchior, everyone continued to watch us from a distance. I could hear someone mutter, “Even though he’s just a commoner.”

“You will choose from these,” Lord Melchior said as one of the tables in the dining hall had a wooden box placed on it and opened. Maynard, held by Wilma, peered inside the box, but I couldn’t see its contents from my height. I climbed onto a chair and looked inside.

There were many magic tools, such as bracelets and containers made of decorative metal and glass. They were the same as the ones the noble children at the orphanage had. Garrick had said that without these, even those with noble blood couldn’t become nobles. Garrick had been rejected during Lord Hartmut’s interview due to having insufficient mana and was still really angry about it.

“Are these the magic tools for becoming a noble?”

”…To be precise, these are magic tools for storing excess mana. For children who cannot handle their mana well, these bracelets can draw excess mana into the feystones embedded in them and transfer it to the empty feystones here to prevent any life-threatening situations,” replied Lord Kazmiar, Lord Melchior’s retainer. He had light orange hair and gentle brown eyes. Destined to become the next High Priest after Lord Hartmut, Lord Kazmiar spoke and carried himself in a manner similar to Lord Hartmut, exuding a very kind noble demeanor. However, his words were quite difficult.

“If someone is good at handling mana, can they become a noble without these? Can Garrick become a noble without magic tools?”

“That would be rather difficult. Mana control is taught at the Royal Academy. Moreover, one cannot attend the Royal Academy without having been baptized as a noble. Additionally, the Academy’s classes frequently require feystones dyed with one’s own mana. It’s very challenging for a child who doesn’t know how to handle mana to prepare feystones by extracting miscellaneous mana and dyeing them with their own,” Lord Kazmiar explained.

…Okay, so I understood that it was complicated.

After Lord Hartmut’s interview, Garrick kept making snide comments, and I wished there was something that could help him, but it seemed impossible for him to become a noble.

“Kazmiar, please select a magic tool suitable for Dirk from these,” Lord Melchior said.

When I looked up, Maynard was already holding one of the bracelets. One of Lord Melchior’s retainers, who was wearing a glove on one hand, was watching him closely. Upon closer inspection, Lord Kazmiar was also wearing a glove on one hand. “It’s to prevent my mana from interfering,” Kazmiar said, lightly waving his gloved hand.

“Are there differences between these magical tools?”

“There is the matter of compatibility. If the magic tool isn’t compatible with the innate mana a person has from birth, the mana doesn’t transfer very well from the bracelet to the feystone within, leading to leakage. …Please grip these tightly and count to ten.”

Though I didn’t fully understand, I knew how to count to ten. I responded energetically with a “Yes,” and followed the order, gripping the feystone part of the bracelets tightly and counting to ten. Lord Kazmiar compared the bracelets with a serious expression, but I couldn’t tell what he was looking for.

“Do nobles use these magical tools from the time they are babies? It seems difficult to get a baby to hold onto them properly.”

“No. Usually, the magic tools are prepared by their parents or relatives, so compatibility issues are rare. These tools, however, were provided by the Sovereignty.”

”…If parents or relatives prepare the magic tools, why don’t Garrick and the others have any?” I waited for an answer, but Lord Kazmiar did not respond.

“Being able to choose your magic tools this time is special. Dirk and Maynard don’t have much time. To become nobles, Dirk needs to accumulate in three and a half years the amount of mana noble children gather in ten years. Maynard has six and a half years. That’s why you’re being allowed to choose now.”

…Three and a half years to do what usually takes ten!?

My surprise made my worries about Garrick and the others vanish instantly. I realized I had much less time than I thought. Could I manage this?

“If you can’t prepare about seventy percent of the required mana by the Baptism Ceremony, you won’t be able to finish the preparations by the time you go to the Royal Academy. Lady Rozemyne will provide the feystones and rejuvenation potions, but even with such potions, it’s a strenuous task. You can’t afford to waste any of your mana. That is why compatibility with your magic tool is crucial. You should be grateful for Lord Melchior’s kindness.”

“Yes. I am deeply grateful,” I said, instinctively using the words taught in the orphanage. Never defy a noble—that’s the most important lesson taught in the orphanage.

“Maynard seems to have the best compatibility with this magical tool. Kazmiar, what about Dirk?” asked Lord Melchior.

Lord Kazmiar, while looking at several bracelets lined up, said, “It is very rare, but Dirk seems to have no issue with any of them.” At that moment, Lord Melchior and the noble retainers looked at me with both surprise and curiosity.

“Is it true that you are compatible with all the magical tools? Why is that?”

“Uh, maybe because I’m a commoner orphan? Is it bad that I’m compatible with all of them?”

“No, it’s rather unusual, but not a problem. Dirk, please use this magic tool,” Lord Kazmiar replied, handing me the selected tool.

I didn’t mind as long as I received something. “Thank you very much, Lord Melchior,” I said politely as I took the magical tool from Kazmiar.

“We’re going to register your mana now. Nobles do this right after birth, so I’m not familiar with the process. Kazmiar, what should we do? You have children, right?”

Smiling, Lord Kazmiar nodded at Lord Melchior and explained the registration process for the bracelet.

“Hold this red feystone tightly until the magic stone glows faintly. Once the registration is complete, place the bracelet on your arm. It can be on your wrist or upper arm. Noble children usually wear it on their wrist so it can be easily monitored by their parents, but here it seems to be common to wear it on the upper arm.”

In the orphanage, we do cleaning, laundry, gathering, and help in the workshop, so wearing it on the upper arm would be less of a hindrance and keeps it cleaner. Bertram and the others had previously mentioned that. So I placed the bracelet on my upper arm. In the next moment, it had shrunk to fit my arm perfectly.

Maynard also registered his mana and had his bracelet placed on his upper arm. Wilma and Lily would check it while changing his clothes.

“Good for you, Maynard.”

“Uuh, Wilma…”

Maynard seemed on the verge of fussing in front of the nobles. That was bad. When children are upset, nobles inexplicably seem to get upset too.

“Lord Melchior, may I take Maynard away before he causes any offense to everyone?”

“Ah, that’s fine. He must be tired.”

Lord Melchior nodded, and Maynard was taken to another room by Lily. Then Lord Melchior turned to me.

“Dirk, you have been given a child’s magic tool for now. However, if you do not pass the Aub’s interview, you will not be able to participate in the noble’s Baptism Ceremony. If the ceremony is to be held this winter, the Aub’s interview will be in the fall. Your efforts, behavior, and loyalty to the Aub will be evaluated. If it is determined that you are not suitable for the Aub’s sponsorship, the magic tool will be reclaimed at that time.”

…Lord Melchior knows so many difficult words, even though he is still a child.

He spoke rapidly using words that adults use. I nodded several times, thinking, “I’ll secretly ask Lady Philine later.”

“Please prepare for the Baptism Ceremony and debut with Philine and the others. Based on your progress, you can decide whether to take the interview with the Aub. If there’s truly not enough preparation time, Father said that your Baptism Ceremony can be postponed for a year.”

“Um, the Baptism Ceremony is normally at age seven, right? I’ll be eight next year…”

“If we need to extend your preparation period, Dirk, you will remain seven years old next year as well.”

…Remain seven next year? Is that even possible? The Archduke truly is amazing.

To be able to halt age, the Aub truly is incredible. Just as I was about to express my utmost gratitude to the Aub, I heard a hateful voice behind me. It was Garrick’s voice.

“A commoner orphan becoming a noble? As if. Give up already, it won’t change even if you postpone it for a year.”

Bertram and the other children with magic tools agreed with Garrick. Just as Lord Melchior began to speak, Lord Kazmiar stepped forward with a smile and spoke first.

“This is not just about others. Even noble children, if they have no relatives willing to take them in and cannot receive the Aub’s sponsorship, cannot become nobles. In such cases, the children’s magic tools would be reclaimed as unnecessary for the orphanage, and they would become regular gray apprentices.”

The noble children looked stunned, not understanding what had just been said. Then, they all turned pale and clutched their bracelets.

“No way…! This was given to me by my parents.”

“It would be outrageous to take it away!”

“This is all that remains from my family.”

…Everyone’s reactions show they truly are nobles, daring to contradict Lord Kazmiar.

In the orphanage, we are taught, with real examples of incidents from the temple, that “arguing with nobles could get you killed, and you couldn’t complain.” Pleas from orphans won’t change decisions made by nobles.

“The Aub has only exceptionally permitted this to increase future nobles. Normally, when orphans enter the orphanage, their possessions become the High Bishop’s. These magic tools that were reclaimed from the estates of purged criminals therefore belong to the Aub.”

The magic tools cherished by the noble children were not theirs but the Aub’s property. Items brought to the orphanage become communal or are reclaimed. If one cannot become a noble, it’s only natural for the magic tools to be reclaimed.

…So, it’s like how the cloth I was wrapped in when I entered the orphanage became shared diapers and rags. Got it.

I was more worried about whether or not Lord Kazmiar would get angry, whether Bertram and the others would be punished, and if we would have got caught up in it as well, rather than the fate of the magic tools. Watching anxiously, I saw that Kazmiar didn’t get angry; instead, he smiled.

“If you don’t want your magic tools to be reclaimed, then pass the Aub’s interview and become a noble. If you become a noble, you can continue to use them.”

…Lord Kazmiar really is a good person, not getting angry even when contradicted.

I felt relieved. The noble children also seemed relieved, hearing that they just needed to become nobles. The voices of dissent stopped immediately. After observing everyone’s reactions, Lord Kazmiar took a step back and gently pushed Lord Melchior forward.

“As a member of the Ehrenfest archducal family, I believe it’s beneficial to have as many nobles as possible. Those with magic tools, please make every effort to achieve that. This year’s Baptism Ceremony and debut preparations will be led by my sister Rozemyne and her retainers. Philine, Damuel, I leave the rest to you.”

After entrusting Lady Philine and Lord Damuel with the rest, Lord Melchior returned to his room, as he seemed to be busy with the handover.

When Lord Melchior and his attendants left, everyone started moving around. Some went to help in the workshop, others took out their Karuta, and some began practicing their instruments. Delia and Konrad were watching us from a distance, probably trying not to interfere.

Wilma called out to Bertram, “Shouldn’t you listen to Lord Damuel and the others with Dirk?” Bertram however declined, saying, “As a mednoble, I know better than laynobles what needs to be done for the Baptism Ceremony and debut .”

“Bertram is also an orphan, yet he talks like that…”

“It doesn’t matter.”

I was angry at his rude attitude, but Lord Damuel didn’t seem bothered at all. He waved his hand dismissively.

“He was raised as a noble’s child. He’s different from you Dirk, who lacks everything. Considering the timeline until winter, you have very little time. If we don’t need to get involved with him, it’s honestly a relief.”

“Why until winter? Lord Melchior said it could be a year later…”

When I tilted my head, wondering about the Aub’s promise to stop time, Lord Damuel looked at me with a serious expression.

“I think it’s better not to postpone the ceremony to next year. Consider this winter your only chance.”

“What do you mean?”

“Many other nobles think it’s unnecessary or wasteful to give magic tools to orphans. These tools were obtained through Lady Rozemyne’s negotiations, and it’s only because of her efforts that some were allocated to the orphanage. If she leaves and a year passes, there’s a possibility the tools will be taken back under some pretext.”

Lord Damuel sighed softly. With only laynobles like himself and Lady Philine remaining, they wouldn’t be able to oppose it if other nobles raised complaints and the Aub’s family changed their stance.

“Even now, not everyone around you is cooperative. Some might resent that a commoner orphan received magic tools that they themselves didn’t get.”

Lord Damuel must have heard Garrick’s spiteful comments. I nodded in agreement.

“When Lady Rozemyne and Hartmut leave the temple, things will no longer be the same. The director of the orphanage will change, as will the High Bishop and High Priest. When that happens, even small mistakes in the orphanage could be exaggerated, lowering your evaluation.”

“That’s… a bit much.”

“Even though they are young, they are noble children. They know how to maneuver cunningly. Don’t think with a commoner’s logic. You are resented much more than you realize.”

I suddenly became afraid of Garrick and the others who, despite having noble blood, didn’t possess the children’s magic tools. It was frightening not knowing what they might plot.

“Delaying for a year would make preparation much easier. But can you predict how much the situation will change in that year? Consider how much has changed within the temple in just the past year. A year ago, Lord Ferdinand was still the High Priest.”

Lord Damuel’s words struck me. That’s right. In just one year, the High Priest changed from Lord Ferdinand to Lord Hartmut, and the arrival of noble children at the orphanage made me realize how dangerous ordinary nobles could be. Lady Rozemyne’s relocation was decided, and I, an orphan, found myself in a position where I might become a noble. Given these changes, it wouldn’t be surprising if the situation drastically changed again in another year after Lady Rozemyne leaves.

“If you are serious about becoming a noble, this winter is your only chance. No matter how tough it is, don’t give up. Etch it in your heart that now is the time.”

Lady Philine, who had been silently listening, blinked in surprise. “Damuel, you seem to have a strong attachment to Dirk.”

“Yes, I have known Dirk since he came to the temple. I was involved in the incident that determined Delia would spend her life in the orphanage, while serving as Lady Rozemyne’s guard knight. Moreover, the growth of a noble who can uphold the temple and orphanage as established by Lady Rozemyne is at stake. I will do everything I can to help.”

Lord Damuel had frequently visited the orphanage as Lady Rozemyne’s guard knight, but unlike Lord Hartmut, he rarely spoke to us directly. He didn’t have siblings in the orphanage like Lady Philine or Lord Laurenz, so I hadn’t felt a particular closeness to him. Despite that, he had apparently been watching over me since I was a baby. Realizing this for the first time filled me with warmth.

…I felt like crying.

“I understand, Lord Damuel. I will definitely complete the Baptism Ceremony this winter and become a noble.”

“Well said. The interview with the Aub will be in autumn, and the Baptism Ceremony and debut will take place at the castle during winter when the nobles gather. Let’s confirm what you need to do by then.”

Lord Damuel looked at Lady Philine, who nodded and began to speak.

“In the autumn interview, loyalty to the Aub and your resolve to become a noble will be the thing most questioned. Dirk, you should be just fine. Just convey what you said during the interview with Hartmut.”

Her kind smile reassured me. But then her expression turned serious.

“The issue is with noble etiquette and manners. At the Baptism Ceremony, you will need to perform the noble greetings with your ring, and at the debut, you must dedicate a performance on the harspiel to the gods. You need to have a level of skill that won’t embarrass the Aub.”

“Harspiel…”

Until Wilma told me I might become a noble, I hadn’t practiced seriously. Compared to Bertram, who practiced diligently in the hopes of returning to noble society, I was very poor at it.

”…Do you think I can manage?”

“With your current skills, it will be difficult, Dirk. You will likely just embarrass yourself during your debut. A skill level appropriate for a mednoble is required.”

As Lady Philine glanced at Bertram practicing the harspiel, I felt a wave of despair at the thought of having to reach his level.

“Calm down, both of you. For now, focus on perfecting just one piece for the debut. If you can do that, you’ll manage to get through it.”

“What?”

“Damuel, if you practiced like that, didn’t you have a hard time at the Royal Academy?” Lady Philine furrowed her brows, and Lord Damuel, looking a bit troubled, shook his head.

“It wasn’t me. I heard Lady Rozemyne give that advice to someone else. That person managed to get through the debut with just one season of practice. I’ll ask Lady Rozemyne to arrange for you to receive similar training from her personal musician, Rosina.”

If I could just get through the debut, I’d have time until entering the Royal Academy to practice more. With Lord Damuel’s reassurance, saying, “You’ll be fine if you put in the effort,” I felt like I could really manage.

“Greetings are also important. I struggled to learn them myself. Additionally, you must learn etiquette since you’ll be interacting with nobles.”

“Considering his mana capacity, Dirk might become a mednoble, but being under the Aub’s guardianship, he will be seen on the same level as a criminal’s child. Even when dealing with laynobles, it’s better to show respect. Acting as if you’re in a stronger position could lead to serious consequences.”

Even a mednoble with no relatives might be less favorable than a laynoble with many family connections. “Unless Dirk is entirely blameless, it will be difficult for the Aub to openly protect him, even as a guardian,” he said.

…Isn’t that just the same as it is now.

In the orphanage, we often talked about the arrogance of nobles, so it wasn’t that surprising. The language might change, but showing respect as the lowest-ranked person was the same as always.

“Um, Lord Damuel, isn’t it also necessary to practice giving blessings?”

“Yes, you’re right. You need to quickly learn the winter greetings. There will be initial greetings in the children’s room. Kneel like this and follow my lead. ‘may I pray for a blessing in appreciation of this serendipitous meeting, ordained by the harsh judgment of Ewigeliebe the God of Life?’”

“May I pray for a blessing in appreciation of this serendipitous meeting, ordained by the harsh judgment of Ewigeliebe the God of Life?”

I could remember the names of the gods from playing karuta and reading picture books, but the other words were difficult. It seemed hard to memorize. However, it appeared that the words used in ceremonial blessings were similar.

“After the greeting, you’ll give a blessing by releasing mana. You’ll need to practice several times, won’t you? It would be best to ask Lady Rozemyne to prepare a practice ring.”

Apparently, Lady Philine and the others also practiced at home several times before their baptismal ceremonies to ensure they wouldn’t be seen as nobles who couldn’t even give proper greetings properly by noble society.

“Hartmut measured your mana capacity during the interview, so that’s not an issue. The blessing and greeting require memorizing the words and actual practice. You’ll start Harspiel practice with Rosina tomorrow. The most crucial part is accumulating mana. With that, you can manage to get through the Baptism Ceremony and the winter debut.”

…Even with all that, it’s just the bare minimum.

There was so much to do. I started to feel a bit anxious about whether I could actually do it all.

“Noble children have been using these magic tools since birth, so Dirk is the only one who has to forcibly accumulate mana using rejuvenation potions. This will cause your healthy body to overflow with mana forcibly. It will be very painful and it’s honestly not good for your body. Are you still willing to do it?”

Lord Damuel asked, as if for a final confirmation. I nodded immediately.

“If that’s what it takes to become a noble, I will do it.”

Upon hearing my answer, Lady Philine took out a glass tube encased in metal from her waist pouch.

“Dirk, Please drink this. I made this rejuvenation potion under Lady Rozemyne’s orders. Press the feystone part to open the lid.”

I took the rejuvenation potion that Lady Philine had made. I opened the lid and drank the light green liquid.

…Ugh, it tastes awful.

“It tastes like poorly brewed, strange tea,” I said, wiping my mouth and looking at the now empty glass tube. Lady Philine chuckled as she took it from me and closed the lid.

“Compared to the recovery potion Lady Rozemyne uses, this is quite palatable. Those who have tried hers say it tastes truly terrible. Lady Rozemyne and Lord Hartmut drink such potions while conducting rituals for the duchy, filling it with mana.”

“So, I’ll be drinking those potions when I grow up too,” I said resolutely. Lady Philine smiled a bit awkwardly, explaining that only those with a lot of mana use such potions. I wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or to wish for that much mana.

…Wait, I feel hot?

Suddenly, my body started to feel hot. I felt short of breath. As my breathing grew shallow, I began to sweat, a cold, clammy sweat that contrasted sharply with the internal heat.

“Oh, the potion is taking effect.”

A wave of heat began to spread from deep within, causing my body to weaken. My fingertips felt cold and started to tingle. The sensation spread slowly from my fingers to my wrists and from my toes to my ankles. Unable to stand, I crouched down on the spot.

“Dirk!”

I could hear Konrad and Delia’s voices approaching. I tried to reassure them with a bright “I’m okay,” but my voice wouldn’t come out properly, making them even more worried.

“What’s happening to Dirk?”

“This is necessary to accumulate mana. Dirk decided to do this, and since Lady Rozemyne entrusted his education to me, neither I nor anyone else can stop it.”

Lord Damuel instructed me to sit down as I struggled to breathe. Gratefully, I collapsed onto the floor.

“Dirk, try to breathe slowly. Inhale slowly… yes, now exhale slowly…”

Kneeling beside me, Lord Damuel gently rubbed my back. I followed his voice, inhaling and exhaling slowly, telling myself to go slowly, slowly.

I didn’t know how much time had passed. I could somewhat feel the heat generated in my body as it flowed into the bracelet. As the potion’s effect wore off, the internal heat subsided, and my body temperature returned to normal.

“Is it over? Then check the bracelet.”

One of the feystones in the bracelet had slightly changed color, but the difference wasn’t significant. Lord Damuel frowned slightly as he peered at it.

“Normally, you’d transfer the mana from the bracelet once it’s accumulated, but it’s hardly filled at all. Would you like to drink another dose?”

The thought of repeating that painful experience made me hesitate. Seeing this, Konrad quickly raised his hand.

“Lord Damuel, I know how to transfer mana! I can teach him the timing and method.”

“Ah, is that so? Very well, Konrad, I’ll leave it to you.”

Lord Damuel stood up and instructed Lady Philine to hand me three more rejuvenation potions. Lady Philine looked worriedly at both Konrad and me before placing the potions in my hand. The pale green liquid inside the glass vials swayed slightly.

“You need to accumulate mana like this at least twice a day. You also have tasks in the orphanage and Harspiel practice. It’s up to you to decide when to take the potion each day.”

“Yes,” I replied, nodding slowly while holding the heavy-feeling rejuvenation potion. Seeing my hesitation, Lord Damuel gave a wry smile.

“I’ll come back tomorrow. For now, rest and think carefully about whether you really want to become a noble.”

His eyes seemed to see through my doubts. I felt like he was telling me that, despite my words, I lacked the resolve. I felt a wave of embarrassment.

After Lady Philine and Lord Damuel left, Delia, on the verge of tears, said, “Dirk, stop this already. It’s obviously not good for your body.” Konrad looked at me with concern as well.

“Hmph, isn’t it impossible no matter how you think about it?”

“You’re just a commoner orphan, unlike us. There’s no need to push yourself so hard,” came the mocking voices from Garrick and the others, mixed with pity.

I clenched the rejuvenation potion tightly. No matter what they said, I wasn’t going to give up. A commoner orphan becoming a noble was never going to be easy. I should have known that much.

That night, I prepared my bedding so I could lie down at any time and took the rejuvenation potion in my hand.

“Dirk, are you going to drink it now?”

“Yes, I think it’s best before bed.”

Taking a deep breath, I opened the potion and drank it all in one go. After sealing the empty glass vial and placing it in the basket with my clothes, the heat began to surge from within. The unbearable pain of the heat spreading inside me made me groan.

“Dirk, are you okay?”

“N-No, I’m not okay… So, cheer me on. Like Lord Damuel did.”

“Okay… Breathe in slowly… Breathe out slowly…”

Konrad, sounding like he might cry, repeated these words while gently rubbing my back. I matched my breathing to his voice, clutching the bracelet and desperately channeling the heat surging inside me into it.

…I will definitely become a noble.